Bio-Booster Armor Guyver is Copyrighted to Yoshiki Takaya and Tokuma Shoten Publishing Co in Japan and is trade marked to VIZ Communications Inc.. I am using the characters and ideas without permission but am not making any money from this. This fictional work does belong to me.
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The Conquered
By Jade Tatsu
Chapter XVIII - Ishiikawa Toki
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The pursuit of Ishiikawa Toki was more one continuous running battle than a chase. Aptom, Alkard and Agito took turns at destroying the endless waves of Zoanoids while Shizu, Tetsuro and I took shifts shielding Mirai and Eternity . I was worried about Sho the entire time and while we would have appreciated his help during the pursuit, we were so busy we couldn't dwell on his absence.
I learnt later that Sho spent the time we were chasing Toki recuperating from the Senalzar attack and when I got to look at him later, I was pleased enough with 'Nyataran's competence. Perhaps it is a natural reaction but even though I know the other Healers are competent, until I have examined my beloved, I feel a knawing worry. For Sho though, the time he spent with the Tekki Leader was educational. His openness served him well here and he managed to form a strong bond with the jet GuyLord, a bond that I know to this day he regrets he was not able to maintain.
It is the choices we make that define us and while Sho regrets, he does equally understand that the Tekki Leader had made his choices and that for him, there was no turning back from the path he'd chosen.
Makishima's gifted ability for the GuyEmperor's armor was not as developed as he may have liked but it was accurate. Tetsuro was confused as to the means by which Agito was able to see time, since the Emperor could not give a suitably technical explanation but in the end, my brother was able to give some advice that Agito could use and from that point on we were able to dog Toki's movements closely. We managed to interrupt him several times, midway through setting up ambushes which was a fact I am thankful for.
It took a week. At least, I think it did. It seemed to be a week but since we were dealing with a Time Zoalord I will admit to the possibility of error. Eventually though, through sheer persistence we drove Toki to the limits of his patience and endurance.
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Sho smiled as he looked up. After a week or so of rest and - well, maybe not brilliant food but food palatable to a human - he was feeling much better. The exhausted tingle in his muscles was almost absent. 'Nyataran had been impressed with his recovery but the Artamon had taken it in his stride and had used he opportunity to examine his enemy's ultimate creation's base form. Sho didn't mind. The Artamon kept his tests subtle and was careful to explain what he was doing. It was actually quite interesting hearing the thoughts of another who had fought the Advents, even if he was the source of those thoughts. He liked the marron GigaGuyver but he didn't like all of Tsuyosa's followers. After the first cold gaze he'd gotten from Xeo'm he'd made sure that the Vad'm Guyver was absent when he spoke to Bithrinyataran. There was something disturbingly unbalanced with the rust coloured Healer and he did not want to find out what.
Even so, there were some things he hadn't mentioned to his host. The Artamon was not present at the moment, leaving him alone with Tsuyosa who had proven to be remarkably personable. It was rather surprising to find that the almost friendly mocking tone that Tsuyosa exuded in battle translated into his usual demeanour. Of course there were hints of an ice warrior, someone so dedicated to their battle that all else was superfluous but he kept that under control well however it was always there. When Sho had commented on it, his question had been met with a shrug and an off handed comment about having no masks. Despite everything though, Sho found that he rather liked Tsuyosa, even if he didn't understand half the implications the jet GuyLord Warrior spoke of. And that was how he found himself sitting across a Go board from potentially the most powerful individual in the universe.
"What would you have been doing now?" He asked suddenly. Tetsuro was going to grill him about the physics of the situation as soon as he got back and he needed something to distract the far too technologically minded Guyver with. Hopefully the paradoxes and duality of history could do it, at least for a few minutes.
"If my other self wasn't here?"
Sho nodded.
Tsuyosa laughed, a quick burst of amusement, and Fukamachi wasn't sure which one it came from. "This," the GuyLord finally answered.
"Really? You knew, even now the path you want to take?"
"Yes, for me there was never any choice. Such power should not, cannot rest in the hands of one being."
Sho smiled wanly. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea. He didn't really know which power Tsuyosa kept referring to but it was something the jet GuyLord was passionate about. "I'm impressed." There was no use trying to hide that fact.
Tsuyosa shrugged. "I'd be doing this but I wouldn't have been doing quite so well."
"What, so you didn't beat up Makishima in the original past?"
The jet GuyLord laughed again. "It's not quite that simple," he answered, placing a black piece down. "I'll admit though I remember that fight as being different."
"I still can't get used to that," Sho shook his head. "You remember . Tetsuro would be fascinated." He placed his white piece down on the far side of the board in an obvious challenge.
"Yes, I know. I used to have problems with it as well but..." He shrugged again. "There is no help for it. I gather Makishima was annoyed?" Tsuyosa asked shrewdly, countering Fukamachi's challenge with his own.
Sho grinned, looking at the board carefully. He'd taught the jet GuyLord how to play Go. Although he personally preferred Shougi , the simple black and white stones needed for Go were easier to find in outer space than were the marked tiles of Shougi . The GuyLord had picked up the game easily but Sho was still better mostly due to his previous familiarity with the particulars of the game and the past months of playing, and getting beaten by Tetsuro. He was enjoying the fact that he was winning but was wise enough to know that Tsuyosa was quickly catching up. The GuyLord's natural tactical ability was adapting. "You could say that." He laid a white stone down in the diagonally opposite corner than his feint and began removing black pieces.
"Ah," Tsuyosa said and Sho wasn't sure if it was in relation to his move or his words. The Lord dropped the black stone he had been about to place as he examined the board with narrowed eyes. He hadn't been expecting to have his attention diverted so simply. "If you think it will help, you can tell him that it was much closer. It's only because I have my future self here that I could access my full power." His eyes burnt as he placed his stone, rescuing further pieces from being captured. The jet GuyLord didn't miss the momentary flash of chagrin in the GigaGuyver's eyes at his move. If he hadn't of placed that piece there, right then, Sho would have captured about half his pieces in two hands.
"I could tell him but he probably won't be interested." Sho placed his next piece down in a relatively empty part of the board. "He should have calmed down by now."
"Now what are you doing?" Tsuyosa murmured under his breath before he looked back up. "Calmed down? Or regained control?"
"It's a bit of both."
"I see," he said, placing his stone adjacent to Sho's .
The younger Guyver laughed. "Tetsuro wouldn't be able to watch us play," he said happily. "And I don't even want to know what Natsuki would think. They'd probably both claim it was too painful to watch." He copied Tsuyosa's move.
"I think I'd like to play him though," the GuyLord said, looking a Sho's white stone suspiciously. There was something about how easily it had been placed that bothered him.
"You might like the first few times," Sho said "but when you can never win... It gets slightly boring after a while."
"Perhaps. But it would give us the excuse to talk and he has shown some very interesting insights." Nothing ventured, nothing gained, he thought to himself as he placed his stone right next to Sho's again. He was almost immediately put on guard as a slow smile spread on the other Guyver's face, his brown eyes glowing.
"So what else is different?" Fukamachi asked as he placed another stone down, abandoning the pattern they had been forming.
"Not a lot," Tsuyosa admitted. "At least I don't think so but I'm sure for some the differences are significant. Although things do seem to be moving faster." He smiled depreciatingly. "My..." He paused, knowing that the other Guyver had issues with aspects of servitude.
"Those that agree with me," he began again, "have joined my cause faster, although I think that's partially because I know who they were and how to attract them." He placed another stone down, continuing the pattern Sho had abandoned. If the other Guyver didn't pay attention he might be able to link several groups of his pieces together.
Sho ducked his head. "I want to ask," he admitted, "but I'm not going to."
"Good because I'm not going to tell you. I came back to change the future but I only wish to change two specific things... One actually since the destruction of the Advents is not as time sensitive as the battle against the One."
"I know, but while I'm not going to ask, I'm still going to be curious," Fukamachi replied, placing his stone softly on the board. He had to place two more pieces before he could decimate Tsuyosa's position. He hoped the GuyLord didn't notice his ploy.
"I'd be worried if you weren't curious," the jet GuyLord said carefully. Sho was leading him into something... but he couldn't see what. "If I'd be bored playing Tetsuro or Natsuki , what do you think I'd feel if I played Makishima?" He placed his stone, continuing to link up his pieces.
Sho blinked, apparently seeing his ploy. "Makishima?" He questioned. "Apart from the fact I don't think he'd play you, if he did, providing that you both agreed to no physical contact, I think you still experience pain playing against him." He made his move. One more piece to go.
"Pain?"
"Makishima knows how to play but he doesn't know how to play."
"He can play but he doesn't play?" The black stone was placed.
Sho blinked as there was no need to seem too eager with this move since he estimated it would still take Tsuyosa three or four further moves to notice that he was trapped although he had to admit this had been one of their better games. "No Makishima plays, mostly against Tetsuro, Shizu or Aptom but he doesn't know how to have fun when he plays. Every game is serious." He laid his stone down, and picked up two black ones.
"Ah... I didn't see that," the GuyLord complemented his move as he examined the board to determine if he should adjust his plan. Not just yet, he decided. He'd lose a few more pieces but the pay off from connecting his main sections on the board should compensate. "He's not going to change much," he murmured, smiling slightly. That could be considered knowledge of the future although it was something that could be easily guessed at.
Sho laughed as he placed another stone and picked up one more black piece. "I should have known."
"Such seriousness will stand him in good stead with several races," Tsuyosa added before his voice changed. "Stop whittling away at my pieces!" He mockingly complained.
"Fine, fine," the GigaGuyver agreed as he placed his piece back on the pattern he had begun earlier. "How's that?"
"Better," came the murmured response as black eyes scanned the board. Something wasn't right. "I..." That particular stone combination was odd, "You..." Black eyes opened wide, and he looked again at the board. "What?!"
" Hm ?"
"When did you place them?" The GuyLord asked.
Fukamachi grinned. "Place what?" He asked innocently.
"Place them!" Tsuyosa growled, pointing to the offending stones. They had obviously been skilfully placed and would hinder his entire progress on the board. No, more, they would block everything!
"A while ago."
"I... I resign," the Tekki Leader sighed. "I don't need to know pain playing against Tetsuro or Makishima. I just have to play you! Thank you for the game."
"Thank you for the game," Sho repeated. "It was closer than it looks," he added soothingly.
"Perhaps," the black GuyLord said.
Sho picked up on the tone change immediately. "Is something wrong?"
"No, just remembering."
"The past or the future?"
"The future," the question didn't faze him. "I will tell you this much Fukamachi, because I guess somewhere, somehow I do want someone to know why. I said to your Unit that I liked you because you were the free power. I meant it too. 'Play but does not play' can apply to you as well."
"I don't understand."
A soft smile graced Tsuyosa's face. "You will. The first time I saw you Sho, you were fighting the One. I never did find out what it you were fighting over but you were pushing him. I know that surprised him. It surprised us all but you stood your ground, you tried not to fight, to work it out through talk but that didn't work but when it came time to fight, you did. It was honest, which is more than I can say for the One. I don't know which of you won but at that point in time 'play but does not play' applied to you as well. It applies to us all when suitably motivated. It was though, as you said, a good game."
Sho narrowed his eyes. He wasn't sure what he could say to that.
"Say nothing," Tsuyosa seemed to read his thoughts. "It's just something you should know."
"It was a good game," Sho nodded. "Play again?" He asked, placing the stone containers on the board in preparation to nigiri [ 1]. "Or should you get back to work?" If there was one thing he'd learnt the last few days, it was that running a war gave you no peace. Not even if you weren't actively fighting the entire time. It was something he had always known but now he knew it.
From what he could tell the war against the Advents was sporadic. It seemed laughable but it came down to the fact that space was so vast that both sides spent most of their time trying to find the other. When either side found each other in the vastness of space they fought viciously but for the most part the conflict was fought on and around planets since they were the focal points and meeting places. They were the resources required to fight; food, air, raw materials, energy. They were what a planet provided. It really did come down to a question of how many you controlled and how rich they were. The more you had and the richer they were, the better you could fight. Even for the Tekki's self formed shadow leaf troops, this was at least in part true and Sho knew the GuyLord had dominance over at least twenty systems. Compared to the Advents though, it was still an uphill battle, one the Tekki could maintain because of the sheer superiority and numbers of his soldiers. For Terran's to fight the Advents they were going to have to be yet another step above the Tekki forces to make up for the differences in resources. Sho hoped they could do it.
"Unfortunately I need to get back to work, and you should go se..." Tsuyosa paused as a scream reverberated across both their senses.
" Yeow !" Sho cried before he frowned. "Mi... Mizuki?" He questioned aloud.
"Indeed," Tsuyosa confirmed his guess.
"I didn't know she could call that loudly," Sho murmured before he threw his head back, arms spread in supplication as he instinctively called his armor, ignoring the mess the Go board and stones made as they were flung away from him. His control medallion glowed as he answered her call. :Mizuki ?:
:Sho !:
:What's wrong?:
:Sho , come back! We need you.: With her response she sent him images, not caring that she was still broad sending throughout the universe.
The images showed Toki trapped, surrounded by Zoanoids, fighting off the GuyLord Makishima and the GigaGuyvers Aptom and Alkard. Tetsuro was holding a shield over Eternity and Mirai and Shizu was doing her best to reinforce it as well as holding shifting barriers around the Warriors. All through them splintered waves of time rippled so it looked like they were fighting in a condensed nebula.
:I'll be there soon,: Sho sent, turning to look at Tsuyosa.
The GuyLord had watched the images seriously, noting a few things the younger Guyver had not.
"Will you help?" Sho asked. "The loss of their Time Zoalord will hit the Advents hard."
"I know," he smiled. "You don't even have to ask. The loss of Toki will be a large blow... Wait!" The black GuyLord said sharply when he sensed Fukamachi was about to teleport. "Let me summon the others. There is no need to take risks."
Sho bowed to him. "Thank you," he said as he moved to the side.
"This is what I want, remember?" Black eyes narrowed as he looked at Sho's blue armor critically. It was too obvious and since he had been careful that neither Tallowa nor Heborae find out about Fukamachi, he wasn't about to let that care slip now. "Summon a Giga Unit," he instructed the other Guyver, calling his own armor. "Anyone's but make sure your colour changes."
Fukamachi blinked at the sudden new presence with him, his mind shuddering away from contact with the now manifested GuyLord, before he reached out, almost automatically obeying the instruction that had been issued from a superior Guyver form. Black armor with sky blue lining and highlights surrounded him as his eyes narrowed. It was easy to obey a superior Guyver form but the absolute compulsion that Aptom and Hayami had described between a Zoanoid and Zoalord appeared to be absent between a Guyver and a GuyLord. He knew some how that a GuyLord could force his compliance if their will was strong enough but he was not genetically bound to obey. Sho sighed softly. It was an important difference.
"That's good," Tsuyosa said settling back into his chair as his inky soldiers, those detachments from himself appeared. "Now, no matter what I say, or what I imply, say nothing. What my forces believe is their own choice. Have you locked on to Mizuki?"
"Yes."
"Good, we'll follow you then, just as soon as I give them some instruction." Tsuyosa mentally summoned his followers. :My warriors, attend me!:
Sho watched silently as various aliens and Guyvers entered the chamber. Most gave him a measuring glance before they turned their attention towards the Tekki Leader. He recognised Tallowa easily, the purple colouring and two arm sets that had fought equally against Aptom was distinctive. And he easily recognised Heborae, although he noted that the quadruped's raw power was now more liquid. She had obviously been training and the results were showing. His Unit identified Iythry , Makishima's ill fated opponent and Sho suppressed a smile as he realised Tsuyosa had quite a little harem, except he certainly wasn't interested in any of them beyond their ability to fight for his goals. There were other males there, a few he didn't recognise, Guyver's only, who bowed loyally with the others. Finally 'Nyataran slipped in. The marron Guyver was not a Warrior but Sho had discovered that Tsuyosa trusted his Artamon GigaGuyver Healer above all others in his forces. GuyLord Healer Xeo'm might have his allegiance but she did not have his trust.
"I'm sure you all heard," Tsuyosa started.
"The bitch is only human, we don't have to help her," Heborae snarled, completely missing the clenched fists of the black and blue GigaGuyver. Tsuyosa didn't.
"I would watch your words, Heborae, or you may find yourself losing more than you did last time."
"I'd like to see her mate try," the Y'saen GuyLord did not back down and Fukamachi forced himself to breath deeply to instil a sense of calm. He didn't know why he was so angry at the insult, but he was and he needed Tsuyosa to order his forces to help here, so he couldn't attack her, no matter how much he wanted. Several of the more astute Guyvers shifted restlessly, clearing the way between him and the dark green GuyLord.
"Careful what you wish for, Heborae," the Tekki Leader cautioned. "But we are going to help because this is the best and perhaps only time to deal with Ishiikawa Toki. I want the destruction of the Advents as much as I want the destruction of the One. The Terrans have done much of the work this time. They have driven him to the limits of his energy and have pushed him into a corner but they are tired themselves so we will finish this for them. Do you all understand?"
There was a chorus of agreement.
"Tallowa?"
"All right," she grudgingly admitted.
"Heborae?"
The question was met with silence.
Pearl plate eyes flashed dangerously. "You will comply and you will not attack either the GuyLord Segawa Mizuki or the GigaGuyver Fukamachi Sho, or any of the other Terrans , or I will grant my new friend leave to give you another practical demonstration of the virtues of a GigaGuyver over that of a GuyLord such as yourself. Do you understand?"
Heborae looked over at Sho and while he was loath to do it he stepped forward, generating his most menacing air as the sky blue highlights on his armor began to swirl. Heborae stood transfixed and several other Guyvers took a step back. He heard Tsuyosa in the back of his mind laughing. As he cocked his head measuring the Y'saen GuyLord she looked back towards the placid Tekki Leader.
"I..." she trembled, "I understand, my Lord." She crouched down in the equivalent of a quadruped bow.
"I'm so glad," Tsuyosa murmured before he looked back towards the others. "Do not expect to see him often, if ever again," he gestured towards the now calm Fukamachi. "But know that I consider him an ally and acknowledge him as a Guyver."
"My Lord!" Bithrinyataran was shocked while the others looked slightly confused. Whatever their Master said had been important but they did not understand its true significance.
Tsuyosa turned towards the Artamon. "No, 'Nyataran, he is worthy."
Sho blinked as his Unit... hummed. It wasn't audible but he could feel it in his bones, reverberating throughout his body. Something important and irrevocable had just happened. He stepped forward unconsciously and with as much grace and presence as he could muster he bowed to the jet GuyLord, one arm across his chest. When he rose he nodded again and vanished, teleporting to where he could feel Mizuki and the others. Whatever had happened there was nothing he could say.
"Go," Tsuyosa ordered after a moment of stillness. "He has gone to aide the Terrans ."
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Sho materialised next to Mizuki, allowing his armor to flow back into its natural colours of blue and silver as he brushed his mind against her reassuringly. :Help will be coming soon,: he broad sent and before he could be questioned about the meaning of that statement, three new Guyvers joined the fray against Ishiikawa and several more appeared as back up.
"Sho!" Mizuki said happily the sound transmitted through the hand she placed on his shoulder. "Thank goodness."
:Is everyone all right?: He asked flashing her a mental smile.
:For the moment,: she said, :but we need to get Toki quickly. We can't take much more.:
Just then there was the now unmistakeable pulse of darkness that signalled the arrival of the Tekki Leader. Mizuki tensed, and Sho could feel the concealed but still present worry from the others.
:It's okay,: he sent, unable to completely hold back the happy tone. :Remember , he wants the destruction of the Advents just as much as we do, so in this endeavour we will be allies.:
He felt assent from Aptom and Alkard but sensed that the Zoanoid Guyver would still keep a wary eye on the jet GuyLord. Both Makishima's continued to fight but from Agito there was a slight sense of acceptance, for now. He may not have liked the Tekki Leader and if he had a choice, he probably would never have worked with him but right now, they didn't have a choice. Strangely though it was Tetsuro who still had doubts.
:What about Mirai and Eternity? Sho, they're Advents, remember.:
:For now,: Sho recognised the broad sent voice as Tsuyosa's, :I am not concerned with two outcast Advents who serve Terrans but I would advise that you continue to hold the shield against the Zoalord. Him, I'm not too sure about.:
Tetsuro nodded towards the Tekki Leader as he suppressed a sigh. Right now, that was the best he could hope for.
:Let me go talk to Tetsuro ,: Sho said easily to Mizuki. :Make sure everyone's okay?:
:Of course.:
:Just watch for that one,: he added, pointing out Heborae. :She might try something but I doubt it.:
:I'll be careful,: Mizuki promised. She was a Healer, true, she did desire to help everyone but the first thing Healers learnt, and the only way she had survived for so long in the Resistance and Rebellion was to follow one golden rule: ' Do not become the victim. ' Do not let yourself go somewhere where you might be injured because if you as the aid giver is injured, who is going to aid you? She had further translated that, to always control your patient. Being a human working on Zoanoids was a dangerous job, especially if they were injured and swung out without thought. She had always been attended by several other Hyper Zoanoids and she had never been shy in ordering them to hold down her patient. Not pretty, not always completely humane but it saved lives. Right now, she didn't have the escort, but her armor would protect her against another Guyver and the GuyHealers had specific defences against other Guyvers that not even a GuyLord Warrior would want to come up against.
Sho nodded :Tetsuro , let me through in a sec, please?: he asked, before vanishing upon receiving the older Segawa's permission, to appear beside silica GuyEngineer . :You holding okay?:
:Ah ,: Tetsuro responded, looking up and down his oldest friend carefully. :Are you okay?:
:Yeah , still a bit tired, though.:
:It's to be expected,: he said with a smile, before he become serious. :You didn't come over here for inquiries over health, though, did you?:
Fukamachi looked at the squat GuyEngineer before he turned back towards the battle. He breathed deeply as Tallowa and Heborae closed with Ishiikawa, only to be thrown back by the Zoalord. :We need a plan,: he said quickly, :but I'm sure Makishima and the Tekki Leader will work that out,: Sho said. He didn't feel right telling them Tsuyosa's name. :What I want to know is how Toki manipulates time.:
:And you thought I'd know. I'm honoured.:
:Well , I knew you'd know and you're also the only person who's explanation I'm even vaguely likely to understand.:
Tetsuro laughed. :It's really quite simple, I meant it's amazingly simple...:
:Wait , wait, wait... Open your mind to me. It's quicker and more importantly my Unit will understand, and if I know it, it might be able to do something against him.:
:My mistake,: Tetsuro apologised, opening his surface mind completely, allowing Sho to see his explanation. :I never thought the Advents were into mysticism but they are. He's got six crystals around a seventh. Six crystals; mind, body, soul, width, breadth and height, the three dimensions of conscious life and the three dimensions of the Universe. Combine them into one with the seventh crystal and you can control time. His back spines are what dictates the amount of time he manipulates over what area but the key to the whole thing is those crystals.:
:So how do I stop him?:
:I haven't worked that bit out yet. If you interrupt one of the six dimensions, then it should work.:
:Fukamachi !:
Sho recognised Tsuyosa's voice. :Use this rhyme 'I exist in all places and times'.:
Tetsuro frowned before he nodded. :I should have expected a time traveller to know that,: he projected before turning back to Sho. :If you get close enough with that it should work.:
:Just the rhyme?:
:Just the rhyme,: Tetsuro confirmed. :Your Unit will understand.:
:Okay ,: Sho said, gathering himself. Iythry was attacking Ishiikawa but he knew that wasn't going to last. Play but do not play , he thought to himself, eyes narrowing. He nodded to Tetsuro as his Unit sent him a pulse of acknowledgement and then vanished, dodging out of the way as Iythry was sent flying backwards. "I exist in all places and times," he whispered, sonic blades flashing as he closed with the Zoalord.
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It was almost an incongruous sight and considering the events of the past months it was one many either thought would never happen, or would have laughed at the irony of. As it was, no one had time to consider such things, the situation, which had been bad, was disintegrating further and so this was a matter of necessity.
Makishima approached the Tekki Leader carefully, aware that the other GuyLord was monitoring both him and the battle. :Fukamachi said you could help,: he stated bluntly as he stopped a short distance away.
The black on black GuyLord Warrior turned to him. :I said I would,: came the quiet reply.
As Sho teleported through Tetsuro's barrier, Agito felt his eyes narrow is slight frustration but he cautioned himself to patience. :How do we kill him?:
:You can't,: the GuyLord sniffed and this time Makishima knew he was being provoked but he held his peace as the explanation followed. :It's impossible to kill him. Even at my level of power I can't do it .:
:Anything can die,: Agito stated firmly.
:Yes , anything can die, but not everything can be killed.:
:So how would he survive?: Despite the arrogance in the Tekki Leader's voice, the other GuyLord was interested in the explanation.
:It has to do with his power,: the jet GuyLord said easily, almost as if he was a teacher, but for once there was no tone of arrogance or condescendence. :To manipulate time he breaks it apart. Consider a second, and then break it, but do not break it into two equal parts, break it into one microsecond and the rest. He would survive, not consciously, but because his power will seek to protect itself and will allow him to live in the smaller part of time, in the microsecond it has torn asunder from the rest of the second.:
:Not much of a survival,: Agito shuddered as various images accompanied the explanation.
:Pitiful but survival never the less,: the other GuyLord agreed.
Black eyes narrowed and Makishima looked back to see the Oranmeira he had defeated earlier thrown back into Fukamachi's path. The blue and silver GigaGuyver dodged easily and closed with the Zoalord with more fluid skill than he remembered the brown haired boy possessed. :So how do we contain him?: He asked finally.
:You can't,: the same initial answer was returned to him but there was an odd smile in the jet GuyLord's voice. :I can, although in time, you will develop the skills to do it.:
:I'm still new,: Agito translated with surprising candour.
:Yes .:
:So what do we do?:
:You help me form the barrier that will confine him to one point in time.:
:But if you trap him in a singular point,: Tetsuro broke in on the conversation, :Ishiikawa will be able to break out. His power will allow that.:
:Ah ,: the Tekki Leader agreed. :But we are going to trap him in the singular point of time known as the present.:
:The singular but shifting point we all exist in,: the short GuyEngineer nodded. With what he knew of the Zoalords power, he could not be trapped in a static point. That was nearly the entire focus of his ability, and if you trapped him in a static point he would very easily be able to break free. It would almost as if they had done his work for him. He would break free what would for them be the past and instantaneously before they had any hope or any ability to stop it, and before they had even any knowledge of it, the past would be changed. But by trapping him the singular point of time that was the present, time would always be shifting around him. There would be nothing he could latch on to to break.
:You understood?: Agito sent to Tetsuro privately.
:Yes ... Mostly.:
:Once he's trapped in the present, can we kill him?:
The silica Guyver Engineer considered it quickly. That wouldn't be quite the same as trapping him in a static point but it would ... :No ,: he said reluctantly. :If you kill him once he's trapped, his power would still protect him and he'd exist in the smaller part of time, but would still be trapped, except that in this case, he'd be trapped in the same part of time forever. He wouldn't be living in time with the rest of us, since to live in the present you have to live in whole time.:
:That would be good though. He'd be permanently within one point in time !:
:Nothing can exist in one point in time,: Tetsuro said flatly. :It would create an anomaly that would eventually rip the universe apart. The universe is expanding, Makishima. Time is expanding and not even a single point can remain the same forever.:
:I'd just like to know that we never had to bother with him again.:
:We won't. If we trap him in the present, he becomes nothing more than a really powerful Zoanoid, just one we can't kill.:
:I will contain him. I've got a couple of places I can put him that he will never escape from.:
:Thank you,: Tetsuro said. :Maxwell will appreciate it.:
:Maxwell ?:
Tetsuro laughed. :Someone on Earth.:
As they'd been talking, Aptom had joined Sho in fighting Ishiikawa, the two of them taking it in turns to keep the Zoalord fighting so hard that he could not concentrate to manipulate time. The Tekki's forces were gathered around them all, watching for an opening to attack.
:Well ,: the Tekki Leader said, after looking over at the new situation and noting that Fukamachi had benefited from his week of rest, :we'd better do something before those two get tired again. I need this arrangement, so that we can trap him.:
Tsuyosa broad sent the image to all Guyvers present. It was a simple design, involving the most powerful six Guyver Warriors fighting. They would array themselves at the six meridian points surrounding the Zoalord, and from then the Tekki shadow leaf troops would complete a sphere that would close in and trap the Zoalord so that the jet GuyLord could activate his power to alter the streams of time using the energy provided from the other five.
:What about us?: Tetsuro asked, indicating towards Mizuki and Shizu.
:Reinforce the shields on your ships. With this much energy, you are going to need it ,: the Tekki Leader replied shortly.
:So what about Sho?: Mizuki asked as she added her strength to her brothers. The shields shimmered, iridescent light defining them for a moment before they settled back into transparent energy. The only proof of its existence, besides the almost continual wash from the multicoloured time waves, was a slight distortion in the angles of light filtering through from the stars behind the shield.
:Your mate will be safe. My healer would make my life hell if I allowed something to injure your mate after all the work he did over the past week ,: the jet GuyLord quipped although he did not miss the gleam in the GuyLord Healers eyes. The first Lord was very protective of her mate. He knew that, no matter what time he was in.
:Fukamachi ,: Tsuyosa called.
:Hmm ?:
:Can you handle him for a little while by yourself?:
:I will, somehow,: Sho responded.
:Good , when I give you the signal though, retreat. Do not hesitate ,: the Tekki Leader warned, his voice cold.
:I understand.:
:All right, Aptom, please withdraw then,: the jet GuyLord instructed. :You need to take the east point ,: he continued, sending an image with Aptom's positioning marked. In space, the meridian points were arbitrary but they could work around that. :Makishima , please take my opposing point, Tallowa, face Aptom. Alkard and Heborae, take the other two.:
:Master ...: Both Tallowa and Heborae murmured as they moved into position.
Aptom had paused for a moment, watching critically as Sho closed with Toki. The young Guyvers movements were different from the previous battle he had examined. They were more skilled with less wasted movement. They weren't perfect but they had definitely improved. Providing the Tekki Leader acted fast, Fukamachi would be okay.
:North , south, east, west, backward and forward,: the jet GuyLord intoned as the warriors moved into position. :Mind , body, soul, longitude, latitude and depth; the six points that make up time. We have to become all six so that we can trap the seventh, time.:
Shadow leaf forms gathered around them and then moved forward, creating a perfect sphere around the still struggling Zoalord. Ishiikawa noted it but could not move to combat his enemy's new ploy because the blue and silver form of Fukamachi was keeping him occupied. Zektoll had never said anything about the boy being this skilled. He'd always warned about the Guyver Zoanoid Aptom or the Emperor Makishima, never the boy Fukamachi.
He is a fool , Toki cursed his absent Zoalord counterpart as he continued to block the GigaGuyvers attacks while he waited for an opening. There! He struck desperately, knowing that whatever the Tekki Leader was doing, it was bound to be devastating. His Masters didn't worry over the man for nothing and it would be wise if he could put some distance between the two of them before whatever it was the jet GuyLord was doing took full effect.
Much to Ishiikawa's chagrin Fukamachi dodged, receiving only a glancing blow to his waist. It was enough to draw blood but for a Guyver it was a wound that was barely worth mentioning. It was not enough to break the blue and silver GigaGuyver Warriors momentum and almost as soon as he was struck, Sho's purple lining had bunched up and sealed the wound.
Ishiikawa jumped back a few feet, glancing around. They were surrounded. "You're trapped," he said to the Guyver.
"So are you," Sho returned, unconcerned, even though he could feel the power rising around them. It was going to be close. He could no longer see even the slightest crack in the formation of Tsuyosa's extensions. The only light in the sphere came from the slight glow from his control medallion and pearl plate eyes, and the crystals embedded in Ishiikawa's chest. The ends of his spines glowed faintly but did not provide enough illumination to cast even the faintest shadow and did not give away their Master's position.
The barrier closed around them and he resisted the urge to flinch. Even in the almost total pitch his sensors feed him information about the energy rising within this space and Sho felt an odd shift in his perceptions. :Sound waves,: his Unit murmured to him. :Tsuyosa has filled this pocket with atmosphere, so we can see that way.:
He looked around. The barrier was enclosing a substantial amount of space so there was lots of room to manoeuvre. But snaking over it, he could now see several lines that connected at various points. It almost looked like the barrier was composed of plates, fitted together until they formed a whole. They were the weakest points though and if Toki had enzymic blood it wouldn't have been difficult for the Zoalord to escape. In that case, it was best to keep him busy!
Fukamachi clicked his tongue, letting his Unit amplify the sound and send out the waves, before he jumped forward again, focused on the now extremely visible Zoalord. He too was trapped in this barrier, but he knew how to get out, at least he thought he did, and right now he had a job to do.
Play, but do not play.
Outside the black barrier the Tekki Leader had created, the non combatant Guyvers, those Healers, Engineers and Warriors who had not been chosen to stand at the meridian points gathered behind the shields protecting Mirai and Eternity . They gathered in two small groups; Terran and Tekki forces, although this time there was no antagonism between them.
:It's not a brilliant barrier,: Mizuki remarked clinically to Tetsuro.
:No , it's not, but I think it will get the job done.:
:It's strong enough temporally but...:
:I know, I know,: the GuyEngineer agreed with her. :It's got some of the most remarkable structural weaknesses I've ever seen.:
:Has that got to do with its functionality with controlling time?:
Tetsuro tilted his head as his sensors re-examined the sphere the Tekki Leader had created. :I think so,: he said slowly. :It's really quite ingenious,: he added as his sensors fed him information.
:How so?:
:I don't know for sure but I'd say it's bigger on the inside than what it looks from here. If we want to trap Toki within the present then it has to be able to adjust to the shifting dimensions of the universe. Which means, the inside of that, at least has to get bigger and since the Tekki Leader's shrinking the sphere at the moment, that's the only way I can think of to do it .:
Mizuki blinked, looking at the sphere more carefully. She could vaguely, ever so vaguely and only when she strained, see the outlines of Ishiikawa and Sho within it. They were still fighting but there was no impression of being trapped or confined.
Tetsuro sensed what she was looking at. :He's doing okay, isn't he?: He asked.
Mizuki nodded and her brother chuckled. :He's not as weak as everyone seems to think he is,: Tetsuro said. :He never has been weak.:
:I know,: Mizuki murmured. :I know.:
Tsuyosa growled slightly as he continued to reduce the size of the barrier. His Unit was straining with him and he could feel the power streams from the other Guyver's adding to his barrier. Even with no distractions they were barely holding it and he was thankful that Fukamachi was doing his job. If Ishiikawa had of been pounding it from the inside there would have been no way to hold it, not without getting the others involved and he wasn't sure he wanted either Segawa near him. They could both see too much, even without knowing what to look for, they could both see too much.
It was nearly complete though - one more burst of power and it would be finished and self sustaining, feeding off the radiant energy of the Zoalord and reinforcing itself with every attempt he made to shift time - which meant it was time to get Fukamachi out. He spared a glance for the Terran's Advents and got the impression of them looking back at him before he focused on the two GuyLords and one Guyver that were holding the shield in place. If he didn't make sure Sho could get out, he doubted he'd fare much better than the Senalzar had in his future. Shizu wouldn't care but the other two would. He looked down to the black and red Zoanoid Guyver... He would care as well, and while this would exhaust him, Tsuyosa was almost certain the Zoanoid would share his combat experience with the Segawa's so they could bring him down.
Beneath his armor he smiled. Fukamachi was lucky.
But he was someone who appreciated his luck.
:Ready to run?: He sent to the silver and blue GigaGuyver.
:Say the word.:
:We're nearly there. When I tell you though, come straight out and head towards me just in case Ishiikawa tries something.:
Sho didn't answer but Tsuyosa got the impression of agreement. :Be ready,: he sent to the others before he removed his hands from the sphere as a single black highlight detached itself from his armor, liquefying and coming to rest in his hands, forming a perfect replica of the larger sphere he had created. He flexed his fingers around the smaller sphere, driving his hands together, using the smaller sphere as the control model for the larger.
:Fukamachi , now!: He called as he pushed Ishiikawa's cage to a diameter of six feet.
Inside the sphere Sho paused, his eyes flashing as his Unit automatically locked on to Tsuyosa's position. He didn't know how it did it in this not-space but he wasn't about to question it now. With a hard kick towards the Zoalord he pushed off, rising fast. "You're trapped!" He exclaimed to a surprised Ishiikawa.
"Never!" Zoalord screamed, his eyes widening in a sudden fear. He'd obviously noticed his abilities did not work here despite how hard Fukamachi had been driving him. With a burst of speed he followed the GigaGuyver.
Sho felt his gut clench with fear as his back hit the barrier and it didn't give so much as a millimetre. Beneath his armor his eyes opened wide as he continued straining backwards but to no avail. This wasn't meant to be happening. He slammed one elbow into the wall but all that gave him was a bad shudder through his arm as the vibroblade tip was halted. The wall was only Guyver Armor, he should be able to cut it... and Ishiikawa was getting closer.
No! Sho screamed mentally, clawing at the wall.
:Master , let me,: his Unit said soothingly to him, flicking him an image of what it intended to do.
He didn't even question it, he just screamed the summons, " GigaGuyver! "
Although he was already using a Giga Unit, his summons was still answered and while it took no more than an instant it was confusing as his blue and silver armor retracted only to be instantly replaced by an inky black armor. As soon as the armor was in place though, Sho could feel himself sinking into Tsuyosa's barrier as it recognised him as a part of itself.
"It's over," he said to the infuriated Zoalord, as he measured the distance. :You're going to have incoming after me,: he sent to the Tekki Leader as he tried to push himself faster through the barrier.
In normal space the sphere still had a diameter of six feet as Tsuyosa waited for Sho to emerge. There was a slight bulging on his side and as the GigaGuyver surfaced the inky darkness melted from him in waves, almost like ribbons as he ripped himself free, the black armor he had summoned vanishing with the ribbons before it was seen, to leave him in his usual Guyver form. With a final burst of energy Fukamachi pulled free ducking under Tsuyosa's raised arm and shooting off into normal space.
The jet GuyLord looked down at the rent in his barrier, a vicious smirk on his face as he punched downwards, hitting Ishiikawa as the Zoalord attempted to follow Fukamachi. The time Zoalord fell back into the cage and the tear closed itself smoothly. Now, you belong to me, he whispered in the silence of his own mind, returning his hand to the smaller sphere as he brought his fingers together, condensing the cage to a fraction of its original size.
The energy required to maintain the barrier faded as the sphere reached the size of a basket ball, and it locked itself into a self perpetuating loop that maintained its cohesion without the need for further energy inputs. The six GuyWarriors sighed heavily, veering away from each other as they gathered their strength. While it is always silent in space there was a certain stillness now that the danger had passed.
Tetsuro and Mizuki were the first to move, dropping the energy shield protecting Mirai and Eternity as the rippling time sheets disappeared and space returned to normal. It was almost hard to believe that the pursuit was over, that Ishiikawa Toki, the Zoalord that had caused Maxwell and themselves so much frustration was gone, trapped within a small sphere of bioboosted armor held by the Tekki Leader. They weren't the only ones affected, as was evidenced by the peeling back of Giga and Lord Guyver armor.
:Everyone ,: the Tekki Leader's deep voice reached out to them all. He like Agito and Mizuki had not shed his streamlined GuyLord armor. :Well done.:
Mizuki nodded slowly as several of her sensors retracted having completed their analysis of the sphere in her fellow Lord's hands. It was whole and self sustaining and though it was cruel it would contain the Zoalord until the end of time without the need to provide any further life support mechanisms. Sho, who had come over during her examination of the sphere, touched her arm briefly as if to give comfort. She turned to him, smiling wanly. :This is something I must do myself,: she sent to him privately. She had called out to every Guyver for assistance and it had been given so now she had to deal with the permanent results.
The Tekki's forces had gathered around him and were slowly beginning to withdraw now that their Master had dealt with the threat. A few stayed though, curious to see if they would now be ordered into combat against the Advents who were present and their Terran defenders. It would be a battle no one, except possibly Heborae, would enjoy but they would join it if so ordered.
Tsuyosa narrowed his eyes as he sensed a new tension building before he shook his head, bemused. His forces had yet to learn that just like there were Guyvers and Guyvers, so were there Advents and Advents. His battle was not as indiscriminate as it seemed. He approached Mizuki, aware that the apricot GuyLord Healer who had summoned them was slightly unsure how to proceed given that the last time he had appeared before her it had been as an enemy.
:My Lady, first Lord of us all,: he greeted her with a slight bow, aware of the way Heborae tensed. The Y'saen GuyLord had yet to learn that curtesy cost nothing and was not demeaning. She would, in time.
:My Lord Warrior,: Mizuki returned his greeting, bowing her head regally as she became accustomed to the situation and the new formalities it involved. :I thank you for answering my call for aide.:
:It is a warrior's honour to answer a Healer's call.:
:Never -the-less, I thank you. He was a most vexing foe.:
:I will remember him with honour then.:
:I thank you also for the care you have given my mate.:
At this Tsuyosa paused, examining the female Segawa carefully. He had not expected her to bring that up and wondered if she was playing some deeper game. No, he decided after a moment, she means it. :My duty,: he returned, his voice showing none of his calculation, :one Guyver to another, that is all.:
Mizuki nodded again. :Please convey my regards to your Healer,: she said finally as a way of letting the matter drop.
:I shall but for now I must take my leave, my Ladies,: he bowed slightly towards both Shizu and Mizuki, :and my Lord,: he added, turning to Agito. :I will keep Ishiikawa contained for all time,: Tsuyosa said. :You may convey to your operatives that his threat is no more.:
:We shall.:
:Well then, until next time...: With a final nod, the Tekki's remaining forces vanished, leaving their master to take one last look at them all before he took his own leave so that the Terran Guyvers were alone in now silent deep space.
:Sho !: Mizuki called happily as she embraced him tightly. The others were less demonstrative but still pleased at his return.
:About time you got back,: Tetsuro said in a voice that promised further questions.
Sho ducked his head submissively. :Sorry to worry you all,: he said as they approached Mirai and Eternity , intent on shedding their armor so that they could discuss recent developments more comfortably.
Aptom held back after sharing a long glance with Makishima. The other warrior had turned away with a shrug that clearly stated that he thought this was the Zoanoid's sole concern.
A weakness amongst us is of concern for us all, Agito, Aptom finally thought to himself, wondering when the Emperor would understand that, before he looked back at the object of his concern.
Fukamachi was different.
The time he had spent with the black GuyLord had changed something . It wasn't his loyalty, the Zoanoid Guyver could still feel that, it was something else. The Zoanoid's eyes narrowed. As he continued looking at Fukamachi he could sense something now... the boy was... content. There was about him a sense of competence. It had been there throughout the battle with the Zoalord and now that he could sense it, it was blatant.
What had the Tekki Leader done to affect Sho so much? Aptom questioned himself before he came to another conclusion.
I need to see him fight, he realised. That would be the easiest way to see what the full effect had been. And it couldn't be in a battle that was urgent, as the one against Toki had been, it had to be a battle they initiated.
"All right," Tetsuro said finally. "We're getting no where at the moment, and since we've been on the run, as it were, for the last few days, I'd suggest that we go rest now."
There was a general murmur of consent as everyone was tired. They all retired to sleep, some resummoning their armor as they drifted across the short haul of space to the other Advent.
( line break)
Mirai and Eternity cruised silently through space. It was something they hadn't done for centuries, eons, but they were enjoying the feel of the chill vacuum of space against their hulls. Being grounded was comfortable there was a freedom that only the vastness of space could provide.
The humans and one Wesodin were sleeping at the moment, not that either of them had a problem with that since it had been a strenuous time. They'd just had to keep up with the Zoalord, their passengers had had to fight.
It had been an interesting battle but it was the conclusion of the battle that they were interested in.
:We have a problem,: Mirai ventured.
Eternity glared back in the human equivalent of annoyed exasperation. :Problem is such a mild term.:
:True ,: Mirai flew on quietly. :Any suggestions?: The Advent asked after a while.
:None that I'm finding attractive,: Eternity replied. :This is why I didn't want to ally with the humans.:
:Yet you know as well as I do that was our only choice.:
:Just because it was the only choice doesn't mean it was a good choice. And now we are left in this situation.:
:Do you think he recognised us?:
It was Eternity's turn to be silent as the ship considered the question. :Probably , although what that is going to mean is anyone's guess.:
:It does answer many questions though.:
:But raises just as many.:
:What are we going to do?:
: That is our question.:
The two Advents both flew on in silence as they considered the quandary.
Eternity finally broke the silence. :I never wanted to be loyal to the humans,: the ship said acidically .
:That isn't the issue,: Mirai objected. :I never wanted to be in this situation but we are. The fact that we are loyal to humans isn't a huge problem. It's what we had a hand in creating that is the problem. We know how to fight Zoanoids, we have not really been in any danger. They don't have that advantage.:
:I think that's obvious. He's already killed too many.:
Mirai sighed. :I think our path is set then.:
:Oh ?:
:But there is one problem.:
:There's always a problem.:
:While I stand by our decision, I do not wish to see our race destroyed. Not by our own creation. We owe them at least the chance to defend themselves.:
Eternity laughed. :A chance?: they questioned. :That's all it's going to be. We sought perfection and we came closer than they did.:
:True ,: there was a note of pride in Mirai's voice. :But I would be ashamed if our creation lead to our complete destruction.:
:So where is your problem?:
Mirai seemed to sigh again. :It will take both of us to get through to the Council, you know that, but we can't leave the Terrans . They cannot travel in their Guyver forms and there are no spare ships either on Merrimu or Earth.:
This time Eternity sighed. :We've got time,: the Advent sniggered in a rare display of amusement. :Our fellows have held out for this long, they can hold out for a bit longer while we find alternative transport for them.:
Mirai nodded mentally. :We warn them what they are dealing with, give them some methods of defence and then return,: the ship summarised. :I don't think they will accept anything else.:
:Probably not,: Eternity agreed reluctantly, not really wanting to contemplate returning but wise enough to know that as before there would be no other choice. :What do you think of him?: they asked suddenly.
Mirai snorted. :We designed far better than we knew. I'm more interested in his new goal. He wants to destroy us for, or them for Alkanphel but the One is obviously something new.:
:It is something to do with the Guyver's themselves. We did their initial design but they have evolved themselves into something more.:
:It seems like they followed the Zoaform rankings - Zoanoid, Hyper-Zoanoid, Zoalord, Alkanphel - Guyver, GigaGuyver, GuyLord, GuyEmperor . The power structures are similar.:
:The power levels are not.:
:True . A basic Guyver is more powerful but the upper forms do have closer levels of power.:
:Toki certainly did but I get the impression from both the Terrans and our creation that the One would have killed Toki in seconds.:
:I wish we could have seen him!:
:So do I. It was not complete, even Makishima admits that but I would still like to have seen what the ultimate form is.:
:Then , I think, all we need do to see it is to remain with the Terrans ,: Mirai said easily. :Our creation does not seem interested in killing us at least but nor do I think he would tolerate us for long, so that leaves us with the Terrans .:
:True . After we warn the others. I doubt there will be any further option. It's just a pity one of us can't go alone.:
:Neither of us would get through on our own,: Mirai said remorsely .
:Both of us could take control.:
:No !: Mirai said. :That is no longer a choice.:
:Perhaps ,: Eternity said before falling silent.
( line break)
Tsuyosa looked around carefully. The chamber was sealed and he was alone, the sphere that contained Ishiikawa Toki was hovering before him. There was an amused smile on his face. He wasn't sure what to do with the Zoalord. In his past, he had needed Toki. The time Zoalord had been his key to the past. It had killed Ishiikawa but by the time the GuyLord had finished with the Zoalord, Toki had sought his own death. Now though the Zoalord was trapped before him.
"I don't need you," Tsuyosa murmured as he thought about the differences between now and then. "I can keep you but I have already come to the past so you cannot kill yourself for me again, and if I fail now, there is no turning back."
He sighed, this was a one shot plan. If he failed there would be no second chance, no second trip in time because he rather imagined that the One would do their best to wipe him completely from existence. He wasn't sure if that was possible but it was something he didn't particularly want to find out about. He looked back at the sphere. "I think for the moment, I'll let you be. That is a fact you should be thankful for, Ishiikawa. Although..." he had promised Fukamachi that he would contain the Zoalord.
Tsuyosa flicked a little power towards the sphere. 'You are a part of my paradox, Zoalord," he snarled. "If I am destroyed so too will you be destroyed.
( line break)
While we didn't find out about the Tekki Leader's plan and actions until later, at the time, his offer to take Toki was like a gift from the gods. Of all of us, only Makishima had to ability to contain him but he lacked the knowledge. Tetsuro had the knowledge but not the strength and the rest of us would have come close but in this game, close enough is not good enough.
There was no choice.
As I've said before though only the end results count. Ishiikawa Toki was contained. Maxwell was happy with the news when it was reported to him but with the ever-shifting problems on Earth his attention was quickly diverted to other, less pleasurable news.
Eternity and Mirai also gave us their news and then refused to elaborate passed the need for them to leave once alternative transportation had been found. Earth could obviously not spare us any ships and Merrimu while they were advancing and developing industries with every further shipload of refugees they could only create short range vessels. Light, quick escape craft. Well, it's not that they couldn't make a long range vessel, it's just that the resources necessary to build such a ship were better used constructing escape craft to be used in the event that the Advents, Tekki or other enemy found and attacked Merrimu . Those vessels would serve as both evacuation and attack craft. Besides both our Advents said that they would wait until we were ready.
They didn't have to tarry too long.
With Ishiikawa gone, the Advents instructed their forces to attack any that might be loyal to us. But they were not stupid, and did not attack indiscriminately. No, that would have caused all the alien races to band together against them. What they did instead was hit and run attacks on any alien vessel outside of their proclaimed and agreed territory. Any ship could travel securely within their own space but should they leave it, the Advents had given their children free range to attack.
We couldn't save all of them, but we could save some and tried to save all that we could.
In the end, that was enough for us. That had to be enough for us.
( line break)
To be continued...
Forgive all time mumbo jumbo here. I was making it up as I went along. I hope it made sense. Ishiikawa Toki existed for one very specific reason and I didn't expect him to have quite such a large role.
[1] Nigiri - There are two sides in Go - white and black and black always starts the game. To decide who gets to play which colour there is a little ritual called nigiri where one player picks up some stones, and the other player will guess if the player holding the stones has an even or odd number of stones in their hand by placing stones on the board. An even number of stones on the board means an even number in their hand, and odd means odd. If the guessing player wins, they get to play first.
You win a game by a certain number of moku - which is stones or territory so theoretically it should be possible to draw but to avoid that there is a handicap placed on the player who goes first - the player playing black and that is that 6.5 moku or points gets added to the white players score. So this means that you can't draw. This is done because the player who goes first has an advantage. (The amount of Moku varies from place to place and has been changed historically but in Japan I believe it is currently 6.5 moku .)
The question of if Sho and the Tekki were playing with this handicap is moot since Tsuyosa resigned, meaning he conceded to Sho.
Next Chapter: Interlude VII - Agito, Tsuyosa and Mirabilis reflect on what has happened and what they are going to do to gain the future they want.
Snippet from next chapter:
'Mirabilis sat as he watched the settlement. The former Resistance Leaders were doing well keeping everything contained. There were problems, as to be expected with anything of this sort but they were dealing with them swiftly, logically and compassionately. Everything was running as smoothly as could be expected.
For them... and that meant things were not working out for him.
When Lord Alkanphel had called to him it had been more than a desperate cry. The Zoalord of Zoalords had given him orders, had instructed him in the way of the Universe, had shown him the power Tsuyosa feared, and had transferred as much power and knowledge as he could into his servant.'
Jade Tatsu