En route to the Nihilist

Their ship, camouflaged to look like a small cargo vessel, approaches and lands on Cohibere.

An elevated conveyor is taking them from the spaceport where their ship just landed to a crowded Arrivals Hall. Looking out through the conveyor’s glass enclosure, they see pristine manicured parks, towering conical metal and glass buildings, uniform processions of hover cars, and people going about their business on the footpaths below.

Parvul: “Is it my imagination or is everyone wearing the same black clothes? When I zoom in, I can see that even their heights and weights are similar.”

Potesta: “That’s an astute observation. Cohibere strives for uniformity. I’m actually somewhat of an embarrassment to my parents since I deviate from the norm.”

Hiro: “What does the rest of Cohibere look like?”

Potesta: “The same. It all looks the same. Even the trees are identical. The obvious exception is the central control tower, but only because it’s the largest structure on this planet.”

Terridus: “How many seasons are there?”

Potesta: “The atmosphere is climate controlled, so there is no weather.”

Terridus: “How sad.”

Artifice, as they step off the conveyor into the crowded Arrivals Hall: “What’s the mood like within the populace?”

Potesta: “See for yourself—the inhabitants are largely expressionless. Emotions, both positive and negative, are suppressed. Anyone who stands out can be imprisoned for proliferating disorder.”

Acies: “Not my idea of a fun vacation spot.”

As the image on the overhead holographic information screen changes, Parvul is the first to take note of something alarming.

Parvul: “Guys, looks like we’re royally beeped.”

Following her gaze, her friends look up to see their likenesses displayed on the holo screen, with the words ‘Terrorist organization members / Armed and dangerous / Report sightings immediately to the Order Alliance Authority’.

Potesta: “Heads down, let’s go. We can still make it to the safe house I’ve arranged. We need to gain intel on the Nihilist before he finds us.”

As they’re making their way to the building’s main exit, Artifice glances around them at the now empty space.

Artifice: “Why are we the only ones in here all of a sudden?”

Potesta: “Look up ahead, we have company. It appears those two Order Alliance Officers blocking the exit are here to greet us.”

Indeed, up ahead of them are two individuals dressed all in black with military style hat, stand-collar jacket, flare pants, and boots.

Parvul: “Ack. So much for not being noticed”

Hiro’s childhood friends, Relicta and Aemulor are standing some distance off in front of them.

Aemulor: “I will direct our subordinates to apprehend the criminals.”

Relicta: “Stand down. Be mindful of your place, underling.”

A scowl briefly crosses his face, but then he closed right-fist bumps his heart in salute, standing expressionless at attention.

Upon seeing them both, Hiro’s expression changes to one of uncertainty.

Hiro: “I never expected …”

Artifice: “Hiro, what is it? It looks like you recognize them.”

Hiro, somewhat stunned: “They’re … I grew up with them, they’re old friends of mine. I’m just surprised to see them here, and they look like Order Alliance officers now. I’ll go talk to them, maybe we can work something out.”

Potesta: “Keep in mind Hiro, as close as you may have been with them once, they are now Order Alliance officers, so that’s where their primary allegiance resides.”

Hiro walks out to a midpoint between them, and Relicta follows his lead, leaving Aemulor behind.

Relicta, neutral tone: “We’re far enough away from everyone that no one can hear us. You’ve gotten taller and more attractive since I saw you last. And you have a new group of friends, including some pretty girls.”

Hiro, uneasy: “You look healthy and stronger, but your hair and eye color is black now. What are you and Aemulor doing here looking like Order Alliance officers?”

Relicta, with a curt laugh: “Healthy and stronger. Why are we here looking like Order Alliance officers? Is that all you have to say? Is it so hard to believe it’s because we are Order Alliance officers?”

Relicta, anger flashing across her face: “Here’s a question for you—why did you leave without a word? And why are you here in the company of a terrorist organization?”

Hiro: “It’s complicated, and we’re not terrorists—we haven’t hurt anyone.”

Relicta: “Not a very satisfying answer, but once you and your friends are confined to our dungeon, you’ll be more than eager to reveal all your darkest secrets.”

Hiro, agitated: “Leave my friends out of it! You can’t lock us up—we have a critical mission to complete.”

Relicta, sarcastically: “Wow, a mission, you’re such an important person now, aren’t you? Everything is about Hiro, isn’t it? You think you can just walk out of here? So naïve.”

Relicta turns to face Hiro directly, looking him in the eyes, but Hiro looks down and away uncomfortably.

Relicta, angrily with tears in her eyes: “How many hints did I have to drop? You couldn’t have been so clueless that you were unaware of how I felt about you! Didn’t you have even the slightest feelings for me? How could you just disappear without a word?”

Relicta, after a pause with no response: “Stupid idiot!”

Relicta rushes at Hiro, shoving him backwards off his feet so that she lands on top of him. She then unleashes her fury on him, with a continuous barrage of left right blows to his face. Hiro doesn’t fight back or even try to defend himself, only closing his eyes as he absorbs her wrath without complaint.

Looking on at what’s just unfolded, Hiro’s circle of friends is alarmed and move to intervene.

Terridus, shouting: “Hiro!”

Parvul: “No one’s allowed to clobber him except me!”

Artifice: “Wait. They obviously have some history together and he’s not defending himself. We need to let this play out so they can resolve it on their own.”

Acies: “Whew, that’s one hot-blooded woman. I don’t think Hiro can survive her ministrations for much longer.”

Aemulor however, shows no trace of concern, relishing Hiro’s thrashing with a vindictive smile.

Relicta’s blows slow and then halt altogether as exhaustion overtakes her. Relicta looks down, shocked to see Hiro’s face bloodied and bruised.

Relicta, wailing sobs: “Why didn’t you defend yourself? How can I hate you when you won’t even fight back?!”

In response, Hiro manages to sit up, putting his arms around Relicta in an embrace.

Hiro: “I’m truly sorry. Everything will work out, I’m sure of it.”

Relicta leans her head back with a timid smile, a single tear coursing down her cheek.

Relicta: “Same old optimistic Hiro.”

Relicta, activating her Order Alliance black aura: “Heal.”

All the damage she’s inflicted upon Hiro replays in reverse until all evidence of injury is erased. Relicta leans forward to whisper something in Hiro’s ear.

Aemulor, activating his wrist communicator: “This is Lieutenant Aemulor, Commander Relicta has betrayed us, so I am assuming command. A through D squadrons, move into position.”

As ordered, the four 20-individual squadrons enter into the building, each blocking an exit. Unlike the other three squadrons, the squadron blocking the exit behind Hiro’s friends isn’t wearing Order Alliance uniforms, but instead are clothed in hooded black cowls, trimmed in a blood-red border.

Parvul: “Umm, yeah, we’re dead meat. Not only did they surround us, those guys in the black and red cowls are members of the Torturer’s Guild.”

Sloth: “Don’t give up hope quite yet. There’s still a chance to extricate ourselves from this morass.”

Parvul: “Oh great, Mr. Optimism finally decided to wake up.”

Potesta, undaunted: “‘Aut viam inveniam aut faciam’—I will either find a way or make one. I won’t lose to this rabble.”

Artifice, shouting: “Hiro, get back here!”

Hiro, to Relicta: “This isn’t who you are. Come join me and my friends.”

Relicta, resolutely: “No, I outrank him. I can still stop this.”

Relicta does an about face, walking back to Aemulor. As he returns to his friends, Hiro looks on with concern at the retreating form of Relicta.

Relicta, back with Aemulor: “You’ve gone too far this time. I didn’t authorize you to deploy our forces—recall the troops immediately.”

Aemulor: “Using your Order Alliance ability to heal the enemy? That’s a clear violation of our mission, so I’m going to have to disobey your order.”

Relicta: “This is mutiny. You’ll be court marshalled for this.”

Aemulor: “I think you’ll be the one to be court marshalled, while I will be promoted for capturing that criminal, Hiro. Don’t worry though, I will arrange for you to report directly to me, so that I can care for you properly.”

Relicta’s only response is a silent death glare.

Terridus, quivering: “Don’t look now, but one of the Torturers Guild members is walking this way.”

Hiro: “Don’t worry, he’s alone so he probably just wants to talk.”

Artifice: “Unless, he’s planning to spring a surprise attack to take us all out at once.”

Acies: “Oh, I’m keeping an eye on him. I won’t let that happen.”

Hiro’s team tenses, ready to respond, as the Torturer’s guild member stops in front of them.

Torturer: “The odds really aren’t in your favor, you know. It will be easier for you if you just surrender.”

Terridus, outburst: “You just want us in one piece so you can torture us even more!”

Acies: “What she said.”

Hiro: “We’re not surrendering. We won’t give up without a fight.”

Torturer: “I’m happy to see you still have that indomitable fighting spirit, Hiro.”

Hiro: “Why are you talking like you know me? Who are you?”

Torturer: “Very well, see for yourself.”

He pulls his hood back to reveal …

Hiro, stunned: “Saevus! You’re a member of the Torturers Guild? Hmmm, well thinking about it I can’t say I’m surprised you would join them, but why is the Torturer’s Guild even here?”

Hiro, despondently: “Don’t tell me another one of my child friends is here to arrest us.”

Saevus: “I won’t try to convince you of this, but the Torturer’s guild actually does a lot of good. As to why we’re here, the Nihilist invited us to assist him in dealing with you.”

Hiro: “I knew it.”

Saevus: “Hold on, don’t jump to conclusions. The Nihilist always works to stack the odds in his favor, so he had some of his flunkies within the Psychic Alliance try to manipulate us to ensure our obedience. Although the Nihilist has a reputation for being infallible, he definitely miscalculated this time—let’s just say pain is our domain and no one is going to gain the upper hand against us in that arena.”

Hiro: “So why are you here then?”

Saevus: “First, let me ask you this, what is the primary tenet of Nihilism”

Hiro: “That life is meaningless.”

Saevus: “True, but how does this belief tie in with the Nihilist’s end goal? As it happens, being a member of the Torturers Guild allows access to some extremely sensitive intelligence—the Nihilist believes the ultimate evolution of Order is the eradication of all life.”

Hiro, reflexively: “That’s crazy. He can’t destroy all life, no one can.”

Hiro, thinking: “But, by destroying Chaos, hasn’t he already set things in motion?”

Saevus: “I see by the change in your expression that you realize it’s maybe not so impossible after all. Admittedly, the Torturers Guild has a terrible reputation, and it’s actually better that way since it makes our work easier. Even so … the end of all life? Our guild has an obligation to do all we can to oppose him.”

Hiro: “So, you and your guild is on our side then?”

Saevus: “Yes, of course, that’s what I just said.”

Hiro moves forward appearing to want to hug Saevus, but Saevus unexpectedly responds with a right cross, knocking Hiro backward.

Hiro, rubbing his cheek: “Hey, what did you do that for?”

Saevus, smiling: “Keeping up appearances—I’m supposedly here to convince you to surrender, not have an emotional reunion. Besides, I pulled my punch and anyways there were plenty of times in the past where you were so dense that I felt like slugging you.”

Hiro: “How was I dense?”

Saevus: “Are you aware that Aemulor is obsessively jealous of you?”

Hiro, surprised: “Why would he be jealous of me?”

Saevus: “I happened to notice your reunion with Relicta. How did that go?”

Hiro: “What does that have to do with it?”

Saevus: “Still dense, I see.”

Hiro, mouth open: “Wait. Oh. Oh.”

Saevus: “Nice to see the lightbulb finally lighting up.”

Hiro: “You seem to have gotten a lot smarter since the last time I saw you.”

Saevus: “Not really, I just didn’t say very much back then. Still, I was always listening.”

Saevus, turning to walk away: “Well, gotta go, can’t keep everyone waiting. I’ll let Aemulor know that our negotiations failed, although it’s unnecessary—he’s probably still giddy from seeing me punch you.”

Acies, after Saevus has left: “Our odds just improved now that the Torturers Guild is on our side.”

Artifice: “True, but we’re still outnumbered.”

Potesta: “I’m not so sure.”

Artifice: “What do you mean?”

Potesta: “The group of Order Alliance officers closest to Aemulor—they’re standing in the pattern of an icosagon.”

Acies: “An ico what now?”

Parvul: “It’s a 20-sided circular shape.”

Artifice: “Still, I don’t see the significance.”

Potesta: “The other two Order Alliance groups aren’t standing in any discernible pattern.”

Hiro: “And …”

Potesta: “It must be Master Ordo. No one is as fanatical about perfect symmetry as he is.”

Terridus, clapping her hands together: “Yeah, Master Order, we’re saved.”

Artifice, extending her open hand out to Potesta: “I know you want that to be true Potesta, but let’s confirm it.”

Artifice is enveloped in a slight blue aura as Potesta takes her hand and their minds link.

Artifice, thinking: “We’ll venture out together to that Order Alliance squadron to see if we can spot Master Ordo. Ready?”

Potesta, thinking: “Yes.”

Hand in hand, Artifice and Potesta leave their bodies, gliding over to hover above the group suspected of being Master Ordo’s.

Beneath them, one of the officers seems to somehow notice their presence, tilting his head up in their direction, although his face is obscured by his cap.

Potesta: “That’s him. I’m sure of it.”

Artifice: “I hope you’re right. If we psychically reach out to an enemy agent, this will go bad very quickly.”

Potesta’s psychic image stares steadfastly back at Artifice.

Artifice, nodding: “Alright, here goes.”

Artifice and Potesta descend until their clasped hands come into contact with the Order officer’s temple. Immediately they find themselves in a lighted space, empty except for a glowing white orb with an approximately 3-foot diameter.

Potesta, as she and Artifice approach the orb: “Now what?”

A voice from behind them: “You …”

At the first word, Potesta and Artifice spin around defensively.

Ordo: “turn around to greet your instructor, of course.”

Potesta and Artifice: “Master Ordo, it is you!”

Ordo: “Well of course, who else would I be, other than myself?”

Artifice: “But how did you know we’d be here? And how did you insinuate your team into the enemy’s forces?”

Potesta, answering for Master Ordo: “It’s simple, well simple for Master Ordo at least—he saw the patterns and then manipulated events to result in this, his desired outcome.”

Ordo: “Just so. Now, we don’t have time for idle chit chat. The longer you dawdle here, the more it favors our adversaries.”

Artifice: “Wait, there’s something we need to tell you first. The Torturers Guild is on our side.”

Master Ordo and Potesta stare back at her impatiently.

Artifice, putting her hands up: “Ok, sorry for stating the obvious, I guess.”

Ordo: “Once my forces initiate the battle, Aemulor’s troops will initially be shocked and disoriented by our attack from within. This is your cue to depart with your friends and carry on with your mission. Now, return to your bodies.”

Artifice nods. Back in her physical body, her blue aura dissipates as she and Potesta open their eyes.

Artifice: “Potesta was right, we located and communicated with Master Ordo. The odds are even now, plus we have the element of surprise. Master Ordo’s troops are about to engage the enemy forces. The Torturers Guild will follow his lead. He insisted that we take this opportunity to escape and continue on our mission.”

Sloth: “I agree with Master Ordo’s assessment. We need to leave now.”

Terridus: “But the fighting hasn’t even started … aaaahhhh!”

As a stray laser rifle bolt narrowly misses her feet, Terridus shrieks, leaping up to land on Hiro in a straddling position. Their heads turn toward each other, eyes widen as they meet, faces blush a crimson red. Terridus shrieks again, then releases her arm and leg grip on Hiro, falling backward onto the ground.

Terridus, rubbing her bottom: “Ouchie.”

Parvul, irritated, to Hiro: “Stop clowning around you pervert, we need to go.”

Hiro, indignantly: “Me?”

Master Ordo’s troops have activated their anti-gravity boots, levitating to rain laser fire from above down on Aemulor’s troops. Concurrently, torturers are pulling back their arms, as though in preparation to flog someone with a whip. But as their arms swing forward, instead of a whip, electric tendrils are deployed, eliciting howls of agony upon contact with their targets. Once confident in their superior numbers, Aemulor’s remaining two squadrons are now in disarray. Still, the built in shielding mechanisms within Order Alliance uniforms are absorbing the brunt of the attacks. At the same time, stricken soldiers are reflexively activating their Order Alliance auras, healing injuries as they’re inflicted.

Acies: “The enemy is already adapting—it won’t take them long to regroup. We need to leave, now.”

Suddenly, the faces of Master Ordo and Potesta’s Order Alliance rivals, Effrenus and Salax, appear on the Arrivals Hall monitor.

Salax: “Potesta, it’s me, the love of your life, Salax. Come out, come out where ever you are. Master Effrenus and I just arrived in the building, albeit a tad late. We’re about to pay a visit to Master Ordo. As capable as he is, I doubt he can take on the two of us at once.”

Salax waves as the image of Hiro’s friends is restored on the monitor.

Potesta: “I’m staying back to assist Master Ordo.”

Hiro: “But Potesta ...”

Potesta: “Don’t worry, I will catch up to the rest of you later on. This is my Alliance and I have a duty to ensure it’s on the right path.”

Potesta’s friends nod in understanding and she dashes off in Master Ordo’s direction. Potesta’s departure spurs them to depart, weaving through combatants as they make their way to the exit.

Artifice, as they approach the exit: “The exit doors are closed.”

Parvul, seeming to disregard Artifice’s words, increases her pace, running ahead of her friends in a direct line at the exit doors.

Artifice: “Parvul, slow down. They may be locked or even barricaded on the outside.”

Instead, Parvul increases her pace, activating her silver metallic Technology aura. She leaps into the air, her AI enhanced legs transform into a spiked battering ram that pierce through the now shattered metallic doors.

Acies: “She certainly knows how to make a spectacular exit.”

As they escape out of the Arrivals Hall, Hiro looks back with concern to see Relicta fighting Aemulor in what looks like a fusion of acrobatics and hand-to-hand combat.

Hiro, thinking: “Did I just hear Relicta shout ‘Get going’, or am I just imagining things?”

After bursting through the doors, Parvul transforms back into herself. As the rest of them emerge, a hovercraft transport sets down before them.

Parvul, to her friends: “Get in.”

Once inside, the hovercraft rises up, accelerating away.

Parvul: “I’ve programmed the safehouse Potesta set up for us as our destination. We can stay there until we figure out where the Nihilist is.”

Hiro: “I already know where he is.”

Terridus: “But how?”

Hiro: “Relicta told me when I met with her.”

Parvul, sticking her tongue out: “Lover boy’s girlfriend turned out to be useful—that is if we can trust her.”

Hiro, sputtering: “I’m not and she’s not … oh, never mind.”

Parvul: “Well, are you keeping it a secret or are you going to tell us where we’re headed?”

Hiro: “He’s in the largest building on Cohibere—the central control tower.”

Parvul: “Setting new destination.”

Terridus, after a few moments: “ummm, why are we headed straight for that building?”

Parvul: “huh? There’s no building there.”

Acies: “yeah, there is. Just look out the front viewscreen.”

Parvul: “What’s going on? There isn’t supposed to be a building there.”

Hiro, hearing a loud creaking sound of metal gears grinding, looks around: “That’s no building, it looks more like a giant Technology Alliance Mecha, and it’s not the only one—we’re surrounded.”

As their vehicle approaches, what appeared to be a series of buildings in the distance, has resolved into the glinting facades of black metal mechas emblazoned with the silver metallic Technology Alliance icon.

Their vehicle comes to an abrupt halt as Parvul shouts: “Full stop!”

Booming, synchronized voices emanating from the mechas reverberate out: “At the directive of the Order Alliance, you have zero seconds to surrender.”

The eyes of the black mechas glow red, firing a flurry of lasers at the crew. Parvul glows silver metallic, taking on her Alliance aura, simultaneously integrating her AI suit with their ship, significantly boosting its capabilities. Parvul/ship zigzags to evade most of the enemy fire, although the crew is shaken as the occasional beam finds its mark.

Parvul: “We can’t fight all of them. I’m turning back.”

As Parvul/ship reverses course, the Mecha voices boom out again: “Egress denied.”

The laser attack ceases as antennas atop the mechas’ heads project force fields upward and outward, merging into an umbrella figure, which then reaches down all the way to the surface, creating a barrier to prevent their escape.

Parvul: “We’re doomed. Again.”

Hiro: “We can’t give up hope.”

Artifice: “The mechas chests are opening up, and they’re releasing troops.”

Like a bee swarm, jet packs acting as their wings, red haired soldiers dressed in black emblazoned with the red Militant Faith Alliance icon, emerge, hovering around the mechas.

Acies: “Those are Militant Faith mercenaries.”

Parvul: “Now can we give up hope?””

Terridus: “I knew we’d be fighting members of the Order Alliance, but why are these two alliances here?”

Artifice: “The Order Alliance manipulates events, so they control factions within other Alliances to achieve their goals.

Acies: “There’s a floating platform with four figures on it that’s moved out in front of the mechas. Let’s zoom in on the viewscreen.”

Using the mechas’ sound system to amplify their voices, the figures on the platform introduce themselves.

Atlas: “Hey brother, surprised to see me? Master Lucius is here with me. The Order Alliance contracted out our services to apprehend you and your criminal gang.”

Amica: “Hey Parvul shrimp, it’s me Amica. Happy to see me? Get ready, it’s time for some payback for my defeat.”

Master Infinitus: “Really Amica. You should let your elder speak out first.”

Amica, contrite: “Sorry Master Infinitus, I just couldn’t contain myself.”

Master Lucius: “I was hoping the Commander would be here so we could finish what we started. No surprise though that he didn’t man up and face me.”

Parvul, shoulders sagging: “Ugh, this just keeps getting better.”

Terridus: “Ummm, what’s that rumbling sound?”

Bursting through the ground beneath them, 10s of armored drill vehicles emerge. As they surface, their cargo doors unfold, releasing scores of human and anthropomorphic AI occupants. The humans are dressed in white uniforms bearing the Militant Faith logo, while the AIs are comprised of living metal, of human proportion and visage, embossed with the Technology Alliance emblem.

Abruptly, appearing unbidden on the ship’s viewscreen, are the Commander, Acies’ sister Pieta, and Master Ali.

Commander: “I hope you don’t mind, but I used my personal code to tap directly into the ship’s communication system.”

Pieta: “Since you rescued me the last time little bro, I thought it only right to return the favor.”

The crew is instantly ebullient.

Hiro: “Commander!”

Acies: “Sis!”

Terridus literally jumps for joy: “Yeah, we’re saved.”

Parvul, tearful: “Master Ali, I’m so happy to see you.”

Ali: “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”

Parvul: “That’s actually an accurate description of our lives recently.”

The ship’s viewscreen abruptly goes into split screen mode, its left side now displaying the enemy platform.

Master Lucius: “So you finally decided to show yourself Commander.”

Commander: “I make a point of being where I need to be.”

Atlas: “Even if the Commander is here, I’m still going to put the hurt on you little brother.”

Acies: “Bring it. I’m always saddened when I have to fight my Alliance brothers and sisters, but in your case, I’ll make an exception.”

Master Infinitus: “Pity, I see you convinced the humanistic faction of the Technology Alliance to align with you Master Ali.”

Master Ali: “Mine is bigger than yours.”

Master Infinitus, flustered: “Nonsensical impertinence! No one likes a snarky AI, Master Ali”

Parvul, holding her head, embarrassed: “oooooh. I misguidedly thought he was making progress.”

Master Lucius: “We’ll be closing in on your position shortly. Don’t disappoint me Commander, try to stay alive until I can kill, I mean capture you myself.”

The viewscreen returns to full screen mode as the enemy terminates their transmission. Just as Master Lucius indicated, the enemy forces begin their advance.

Commander: “I’ve instructed our troops to move out in order to counter the enemy advance. You won’t be able to leave here on my ship, but you can use this armored drill vehicle to tunnel under their force shield.”

Parvul: “Moving to your location now.”

The Commander, Master Ali, and Pieta are waiting outside of their armored drill vehicle as Parvul sets the ship down. Terridus, Hiro, Artifice, and Sloth walk toward the ship’s exit when they notice that Parvul and Acies aren’t following.

Hiro: “Come on, let’s go. What are you two waiting for?”

Parvul: “I’m not letting these misguided Technology Alliance losers get the upper hand—someone needs to put them in their place.”

Acies: “I can’t just run away from my older brother. If he needs a reminder that I defeated him before, then I’ll just keep on beating him. My days of being intimidated by him are long gone. Hallelujah!”

Artifice, clasping Hiro’s forearm: “Come on, let’s go. We’ll all miss them, but each of us has personal duties to uphold.”

Hiro, to Parvul and Acies: “Join back up with us once you’ve won.”

Parvul: “Of course, you dummy, you don’t need to tell us.”

Acies: “I’ll pray to the Lord to keep you guys safe until we can rejoin you.”

As Terridus, Hiro, Artifice, and Sloth exit the ship, the Commander, Pieta, and Master Ali pass by them on their way to the ship’s entrance.

Commander, to Hiro: “We’ll team up with your class mates aboard my ship. The armored drill vehicle is programmed to follow your commands, just tell it where you want to go. We’ll do our best to rejoin you as soon as possible, but Master Lucius is no push over.”

Hiro: “Thank you Commander.”

Commander, rare smile: “Of course, what kind of uncle would I be if couldn’t help out my own nephew.”

The Commander, Pieta, and Master Ali board the ship, while Hiro’s remaining friends board the armored drill vehicle.

Terridus, amazed: “The Commander is your uncle! Why didn’t you ever mention it?”

Hiro, evasive: “Umm, looks like the fighting is intensifying, let’s get out of here.”

The two opposing forces collide. Airborne and land based Militant Faith soldiers on both sides deploy a hodgepodge of conventional weapons—rifles, machine guns, mortars, and rocket launchers. On the enemy side, giant mechas are firing their proportionately oversized plasma rifles. Opposing them, the armored drill vehicles are acting as artillery canons, firing extracted earth, comprised of gravel embedded with rocks ranging from fist-sized stones up through massive boulders. Individual AI bots become living weapons by transforming their arms and legs into blade shapes. Other AI bots, who are in close proximity to each other, merge together, their collective mass allowing them to take on the larger mechas directly in hand-to-hand combat. As AI bots are struck by enemy fire, their living metal splatters outward, reconstituting from lower force impacts, but occasionally succumbing to higher energy attacks. Maneuvering through this battle field, the Commander’s ship closes in on Master Lucius’s floating platform as Hiro’s armored drill vehicle burrows beneath the surface.

Hiro, Artifice, Sloth and Terridus are strapped into their seats aboard the bridge. A low humming vibration pervades the vehicle as it burrows its way through the earth.

Hiro: “Destination command—take us to the central control tower.”

Drill vehicle: “Acknowledged, estimated travel duration is 2 hours.”

Hiro: “At least we’ll have time to catch our breath and rest on the way.”

Terridus: “I hope our friends are ok.”

Hiro: “They’re extremely capable and our teachers are with them. We just have to believe in them.”

Terridus, resolute: “Right!”

Without warning, the ship’s occupants are jostled about as their vehicle experiences severe turbulence.

Artifice: “Now what?”

There’s an abrupt bang, then a screeching sound. The ship lurches forward, followed by a feeling of weightlessness.

Terridus: “It feels like we’re falling and spinning.”

Artifice: “How can that be? We were burrowing through the earth.”

Hiro: “Maybe we drilled into a chasm. I hope you can fly drill vehicle.”

Drill vehicle: “Negative, this vehicle was not designed for atmospheric travel. Detecting solid surface one mile beneath us—impact imminent.”

Hiro: “Brace yourselves. I don’t know how we’re going to make it out of this one.”

Terridus, tearful: “I’ve been so happy spending time with all of you. I don’t want it to end so soon!”

The crew is tensed up, bracing for impact. Impossibly, the tumbling motion suddenly ceases, their velocity slows, until they come to a gentle landing.

Terridus: “We didn’t crash. Yeah, we made it!”

Hiro: “But how?”

Artifice: “Let’s see who our benefactor is, shall we?”

They unstrap themselves as their vehicle’s hatch opens.

Hiro, looking over at Sloth: “Sloth was able to sleep through that. Why am I not surprised?”

As Hiro, Artifice, Terridus, and Sloth exit the drill vehicle, they are wonderstruck by two things. First, waiting for them outside, parasol in hand, is a smiling Master Laetus. Second, although they are within the interior of planet Cohibere, the vista they behold is of a magical world. Tinged by the pink sun overhead, the landscape is perceived as through a pink imbued glass, light shifted toward the pink wavelength on the visible spectrum. Spectacular, incongruent, multicolored, multipatterned, luminescent flora abounds. What appear to be unicorns graze on cotton candy grasses. Fairies flitter about candy cane trees, bearing candy fruits. In the distance, a rainbow frames a fairy tale castle.

Terridus runs up to Master Laetus, crying joyful tears as she embraces her: “Master, I’m so happy to see you! I thought we were going to die! Thank you so much for saving us!”

Laetus, returning the hug and patting her on the back: “There, now. Everything is going to be alright.”

Hiro, looking around: “Have we been transported to another world?”

Laetus: “No, you’re still on Cohibere.”

Hiro: “How could there be an unknown world beneath the surface? Potesta would probably deny the existence of this place is even possible.”

Laetus: “As I’ve taught you, magic can make the seemingly impossible, possible. Magic is closer to Chaos than Order. When the Order Alliance took control of this world, they made a point of snuffing out any magic they detected. Magical inhabitants who evaded detection were driven underground.”

Artifice: “How did you know to be here at precisely this time in order to rescue us?”

Master Laetus, lifting her shoulders and raising her open palms upward: “Just lucky I guess.”

Hiro: “Really?”

Laetus, laughing: “Of course not, what a silly notion. I used divination to see the future.”

Artifice: “Within the Psychic Alliance some of us are able to use precognition to see the future.”

Laetus: “Just so. The Quantum Alliance also has their own methodology for predicting the future. There are often several ways to reach the same desired outcome.”

Laetus observes that Hiro has his head down.

Laetus, taking a deep breath, revealing more of her ample bosom: “Don’t pout Hiro, I’m sorry for laughing at you—he’s so cute. Come to auntie, let me cheer you up.”

Both Hiro and Terridus’ faces become flushed.

Laetus: “Oh my. I didn’t intend to make you jealous Terridus, my dear.”

Terridus: “Master Laetus, you’re embarrassing me! Can we focus on our mission?!”

Laetus, shaking her head with regret: “Well, that’s no fun, but I suppose we must. Shall we get started then? Master Comminisco, Subdolous—care to show yourselves?”

Master Comminisco materializes a short distance away from them.

Comminisco: “Aaahhh, why am I not surprised? Despite my best efforts at concealment, you still detected our presence. It reminds me of that time I climbed Mount Everest accoutered in only my swim trunks. As I recall they were a particular shade of fuchsia ...”

Master Laetus, glows pink, spins her parasol, and an oversized anvil materializes above Master Comminisco’s head. Master Comminisco, story interrupted, glows pink, twirls his wand, aiming it at the anvil, which vanishes prior to hitting his head. Unexpectedly, Terridus leaps into the air.

Hiro, startled: “Terridus, what are you …?”

Subdolous materializes on all fours, where Terridus’ feet just were. Terridus comes back down, landing with her butt on top of Subdolous’ back, causing Subdolous’ arms and legs to give way, flattening her.

Terridus: “Oh no you don’t. I’ve had enough of your surprises.”

Subdolous: “Ouch. Get off of me, you bully.”

Terridus, surprised but oddly proud, lifts herself off of Subdolous: “Bully? Hmmm, no one’s ever called me that before.”

Laetus: “Are you planning to remove the invisibility spell from your allies, or will I have to do that myself?”

Comminisco, resignedly: “As you wish.”

Comminisco glows pink, waves his wand and an army of Goblins, Ogres, Vampires, Werewolves, and Harpies manifest behind him. Hiro and Artifice take a step back in terror.

Laetus, smiling: “It seems we’re outnumbered.”

Comminisco: “Please don’t belittle me. Your apprentice’s lack of fear shows she has surmised the truth as well. Your allies stand with you as well—it’s your turn to reveal.”

Laetus glows pink, twirls her parasol and the vegetation behind her transforms into an army of unicorns, dragons, dryads (tree nymphs), dwarves, and elves.

Laetus: “Rather than go with invisibility, I went with an illusion spell instead.”

Comminisco, leering: “Delightful spell. Would you consider surrendering or better yet, switching sides?”

Laetus: “I don’t think so.”

Comminisco waves his wand and Laetus twirls her parasol, materializing one yellow and one green chaise lounge. Each reposes on their lounge, materializes a book, and begins to read.

Laetus, glows pink, spinning her parasol: “Lucky”

Comminisco, glows pink, waiving his wand: “Indestructible”

Laetus: “3”

Comminisco: “2”

Laetus: “1”

Comminisco: “Go”

Their magical armies surge forward, engaging each other. At the same time, Subdolous and Terridus launch themselves at each other, casting spells.

Subdolous, glowing pink: “Simulacrum—fire demon.”

Terridus, glowing pink: “Simulacrum—ice demon.”

As they grapple, Subdolous and Terridus transform into the demon forms they’ve invoked. A hissing steam cloud explodes outward from the two young magicians, obscuring them from view.

As battle rages around Laetus and her allies, combatants miraculously remain outside of a fixed perimeter around her. Meanwhile, combatants who collide into Comminisco harmlessly bounce off of him.

Laetus: “Hiro, Artifice, Sloth—prepare yourselves. I’m going to apparate the three of you to the surface now, so you can continue on with your mission.”

Laetus glows pink, twirls her parasol, then frowns when nothing happens.

Comminisco, casually: “Apparition spells from this location to anywhere on the planet won’t work, since I’ve blocked them—can’t have your friends escaping now, can we?”

Sloth, mumbling in his sleep: “Moonbase.”

Laetus, glowing pink and twirling her parasol: “Thank you Sloth.”

Hiro, just before Laetus’ spell is complete: “Terridus, I know you’ll be ok given how strong you are, but all the same, stay safe!”

Comminisco, as they vanish: “Oh bother.”

Hiro, Artifice, and Sloth materialize in a glass domed park within the Order Alliance base on Cohibere’s moon. Looking out, they have a spectacular view of planet Cohibere in space.

Artifice, looking up: “The Order Alliance leaves nothing to chance, even the planet’s continents are round and symmetrically distributed within the ocean.”

Hiro, upset, changing subject: “We had to leave another friend behind.”

Artifice: “Each one of them chose to remain to help their comrades, and in so doing, help us.”

Hiro, brow furrowed: “Still, I don’t like it.”

Artifice: “I know, but we’re doing what has to be done. There weren’t any better alternatives.”

Hiro suddenly looks to his right where two individuals dressed in white are standing: “Who are you? You weren’t there a second ago. Why are you here?”

Ilaria: “Master Tranquillus says, ‘silly questions from a silly child’.”

Hiro: “Huh? Wait. You look kind of familiar.”

On cue, the air next to Hiro seems to blur and wobble, as a purple aura imbued Master Chao phases into reality beside him. Chao immediately attempts to karate chop Sloth on top of his head, but his hand passes through Sloth as Sloth fades out of and back into physical form.

Chao, irritated: “You’re sleeping your life away. Wake up already.”

Sloth, eyes blinking open: “I’ve been building up and storing energy—preparing for just this moment.”

Ilaria: “Master says, ‘now that the pervert has finally arrived, we can take all of you into custody’.”

Sloth looks up at her, and Ilaria blushes deeply, recalling her quantum battle experience as Sloth’s bride.

Master Tranquillus grasps Ilaria’s hand, and together they glow purple while uttering the words: “Time dilation.”

Simultaneously, Chao and Sloth, enshrouded by their purple auras, shout: “Rewind.”

Master Tranquillus and Ilaria, seem to disappear and then reappear, Tranquillus next to Chao, and Ilaria next to Sloth. They are about to place what appear to be glowing hand cuffs on Chao and Sloth’s wrists. Suddenly, they are back where they started from.

Master Tranquillus grasps Ilaria’s hand, and together they glow purple while uttering the words: “Time dilation.”

Simultaneously, Chao and Sloth, enshrouded by purple auras, shout: “Rewind.”

This same scenario repeatedly plays out as if on a loop.

Hiro: “What do we do?”

Artifice: “Trying to interfere physically with the quantum loop they inadvertently established would be dangerous.”

Hiro: “We have to do something.”

Artifice: “We can try to connect with Sloth’s mind. However, this seems reckless—I’m afraid we may get caught up in the time loop with them. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. OK, grab my hand.”

Artifice, when Hiro hesitates: “This is no time to be shy Hiro.”

Hiro nods, taking her hand. Artifice glows blue, and she and Hiro’s non-corporeal selves appear in the blue monochrome psychic realm, floating above their motionless physical bodies. From this new perspective, Master Chao and Sloth’s psychic essence appear fuzzy and blurred.

Artifice: “This isn’t good. I’ve never seen someone’s psychic essence look so unstable. I’ll try to connect with Sloth.”

As Artifice’s hand touches the edge of Sloth’s essence, the image of a nearby building, followed by the image of space-jump suits within a launch pad slam into their minds eye.

Sloth: “Go! Now!”

Artifice and Hiro are buffeted back into their physical bodies, where they shake their heads, coming back to awareness.

Artifice: “The building in the image Sloth just projected at us is a short walk from here. Let’s go.”

As Hiro and Artifice depart, Hiro looks back, grimacing at the Quantum battle Chao and Sloth are engaged in.

Hiro, resentfully: “So I guess you’ll be next to leave.”

Artifice: “We don’t know that.”

Hiro, resignedly: “Of course we do. We seem to be following the Nihilist’s script. Even if I’m able to confront him, I don’t even know what I can say or do that will make any difference in the end.”

Artifice, concerned: “This isn’t like you Hiro. You’re usually the most optimistic one among us.”

Hiro: “That’s just it. It’s easy to be optimistic when I’m with all of you, but now it seems like you’re all being taken from me.”

Artifice: “Believe me, I know how much it hurts to have loved ones taken away from you. Still, even if it appears like that at this moment, no one has been taken away from you. The best way to ensure we’ll all see each other again is to keep the faith and remain strong.”

Artifice, a sly smile crossing her face: “You know Hiro, we’re finally alone together. Perhaps a kiss would cheer you up?”

Hiro tries to say something in response, but only manages to sputter. Artifice’s laughter rings out as gently as wind chimes.

Artifice, smiling: “In all seriousness, from what I’ve seen, things work out well for everyone because you give it your all, in your typical selfless fashion. Just keep doing what you always do.”

Hiro: “Thanks for the pep talk, Artifice—I needed it. Sorry I got down like that.”

Artifice: “It happens to all of us—it’s part of being human.”

Hiro, with a renewed sense of purpose breaks into a sprint: “Let’s go.”

Hiro and Artifice, in form fitting grey space suits, are standing on a balcony inside the lunar spaceport. After putting on their helmets, they look down at the launch bay—a large, open cylindrical device, with a grooved internal track spiraling up to its apex, which terminates in an upward-angled, open-ended metal tube. A space capsule, sitting at the base of the launch pad, most closely resembles a 2-person bobsled.

Hiro: “The launch pad acts as a centrifuge, accelerating the space capsule around its perimeter, angling up as it gains velocity. Once the capsule has sufficient escape velocity, it’s fired outward on an intercept course with Cohibere.”

Artifice: “This moon’s orbit and the trajectory needed to land at the central tower places us within the launch window—the timing is perfect. What are the odds of that?”

Hiro: “I don’t think the Nihilist leaves anything to chance. Let’s go.”

Hiro and Artifice descend through an internal stairwell. The capsule’s bubble-top opens as they arrive. Artifice sits in the front seat, and Hiro sits behind her, his legs straddling around her.

Artifice, flirtatiously: “This feels nice being so close to you in such cozy quarters.”

Within his helmet, Hiro blushes.

Artifice, laughing: “I bet your blushing right now.”

Hiro: “Am not.”

Artifice, coyly: “Liar.”

The capsule top closes and the com system announces: “Launch-bay atmospheric force shield off. Launch in 3 … 2 … 1 … initiate.”

Artifice, as they accelerate round and round: “weeeeeeeeee!”

Hiro moans in response.

Artifice, teasing Hiro: “What’s that? I can’t hear you.”

Hiro’s stomach makes a loud gurgling sound in response.

The capsule becomes a blur until it is ejected out at the top. The moon is quickly left behind as Cohibere looks increasingly larger.

Com system: “Activating air brakes”

Com system: “Deploying parachute”

As they decelerate, another, smaller parachute comes into view.

Hiro: “Looks like we have company.”

Artifice: “I think I see someone waving at us. Wait, black leather body suit? That has to be Master Dulcia!”

Hiro: “We’re about to land on the central tower’s roof.”

The space capsule touches down with a light thud, followed by a hiss of air as its’s bubble top opens. They find themselves in a roof-top garden setting, with outdoor furnishings set atop a wooden deck flooring. As they make their way out of the capsule, Master Dulcia disengages her parachute as her landing momentum carries her over to them. Artifice steps up, hugging her master.

Dulcia: “Clairvoyance.”

Hiro: “What?”

Dulcia: “You were about to ask how I knew you’d be here. I used clairvoyance to look into the future.”

Just then, the doors to the building entrance burst open, coinciding with the opening notes of an ominous, overly dramatic organ fugue music. Toting machine guns, Master Virosus and Adulatio emerge onto the stage.

Dulcia, singing: “Guns!? How crude!”

Virosus, singing: “You gave me the idea yourself, when you threatened to physically assault me. We’d be at a stalemate with our psychic abilities alone. So why not use a mechanical device to tip the scales?”

Virosus aims and fires a stream of bullets at Dulcia.

Dulcia, singing, glowing blue: “Telekinesis.”

The bullets appear to hit an invisible field, stopping abruptly, then harmlessly drop to the ground.

Adulatio, singing: “Poor Artifice, did you ever develop telekinetic powers?”

Artifice looks down.

Adulatio, singing: “I didn’t think so.”

Again, Virosus points his weapon at Dulcia, joined this time by Adulatio pointing his weapon at Artifice.

Dulcia, singing: “No! I can’t protect her.”

Hiro, singing, dashes in front of Artifice: “I will protect her.”

Artifice, singing: “No Hiro. Not again!”

Virosus and Adulatio fire simultaneously. With a fierce expression, Artifice glows radiant blue. Driven by the extreme need of the moment, she pushes past her limits, gaining the power of telekinesis. Rather than piercing Hiro, the shower of bullets stops in midair, just as those fired at Dulcia do. Virosus and Adulatio, momentarily stunned by Artifice’s new found ability, cease firing. Seizing the opportunity, Dulcia and Artifice leap up, delivering spinning kicks, propelling the enemies’ machine guns out over the roof-top.

Dulcia, to Artifice: “Well done, I’m so proud of you.”

Artifice: “Thank you master.”

Hiro: “That was amazing Artifice.”

Artifice: “Well, I couldn’t have you take another bullet on my behalf now, could I?”

Adulatio: “Hmmpf. You still can’t overcome Master Virosus and I.”

Artifice: “‘Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful’—Mary Shelley, Frankenstein.”

Virosus and Adulatio both cringe backward in fear.

Dulcia: “Besides, we don’t need to defeat you, we just need to keep you occupied while Hiro enters the building.”

Artifice looks over at Hiro, and nods. Hiro nods in response, then sprints toward the building’s entrance.

Virosus and Adulatio turn toward Hiro, but Dulcia and Artifice, using telekinesis, force them to turn around to face them.

Looking back, Hiro sees this transpire as he passes through the building’s entrance.