*** Part Six ***
East McClendon was transformed into Toronto’s most prestigious neighborhoods during the last century. Marked by dozens of high rise towers, the upper-crust and elite called this area home. Old train terminals had long been removed to preserve the pristine architecture, as these residents had no need for mass transit. The One Hundred Block housed the city’s most wealthy and influential families and normally wouldn’t be suspect in an operation of this nature. However, times being what they were, no neighborhoods were entirely safe. Or even more accurate, when one reached a certain level of affluence, one paid even less attention to those around you, allowing terrorists to filter through the minute cracks of society’s gates.
Abeu tracked the lead to apartment 2-2-0, one of only two residences that occupied the second of three hundred floors in the high-rise complex. Coordinating with Robert and Gary, the Tactical Team parked their hover truck in a small alcove around the corner. The sleek vehicle offered much more interior space than was apparent from viewing their exterior. The cab section was relatively small and only able to hold a driver and navigator, but the domed trailer had been hollowed to make room for a dozen Strike Solders and tactical monitoring equipment. Inside Sergeant Quann sat at the monitoring console, double checking the tactical feeds from his men. Streams of biometric data and images danced on the screens before his eyes as he prepared to send his men into battle. Twelve NASO Strike Soldiers stood ready and wore black body armor and holstered a blaster. Activating his Com-link, Quann informed Gary and Robert, “Alpha Team, we are in position.â€Â
Quann waited for the reply and toggled the ready light inside the truck. The men saw the red light flash and dropped their protective visors and powered their side arms. Sergeant Quann could feel the level of anxiousness rise behind him and hoped the mission would begin quickly. A second later a green light flashed on the main monitor. “Prepare to deploy,†he said. The comment brought a round of muffled grunts behind him as the man on point readied the trucks hatch to open. In only a matter of minutes, they would rush the suspected terrorist den.
***
Inside apartment 2-2-0 sat four men in their mid-30s. Normally thoughts of terrorists conjure up images of radicals bent on destroying the world. While the latter is true in this case, these four men come from very well educated regions of the Earth and are dressed accordingly. All have the latest suits and sip the most expensive liquors. It’s easy to see why the neighbors failed to realize the foxes that had invaded their henhouse. Each rested comfortably on sofas and recliners situated around the apartment’s den watching the latest movie release from the major studios. Mikel, the group’s leader, gently sipped a tall glass of chilled tequila and grunted in disgust at the film they were watching. “Each year it seems they put out more and more crap. These Americans have such little class and their youth suffers for it,†he noted. Turning to his left, Mikel saw that his observation went unnoticed on Rico, his second and the man with the key to the city’s destruction. “Rico,†he paused, waiting to be acknowledged, “is everything set?†Mikel asked.
His partner turned to him with a sheepish grin, “Yeah. She’s all primed and ready to blow if they don’t pay up. All I have to do is flip the switch.â€Â
Assured that all was ready, Mikel eased back into his chair and relaxed. “I can’t believe they aren’t going to transfer the funds. It’s a shame to waste the lives of so many innocents,†he thought. “Oh well. I never understood the mindset of these idiots.â€Â
***
No one could see Gary Staal standing in the hall outside apartment 2-2-0. With his armor set to Stealth Mode, the nanobots that made up his protective shell refracted around his body, making him nearly invisible. Unless he moved or someone bumped into him he could stand and observe until needed. Using the internal command prompts, Gary, set his imaging sensors to THERMAL. The embedded sensors related with data directly into the screen on the inner layer of Gary’s visor. The advanced imaging sensors easily penetrated the apartment’s walls, allowing Gary to track each of its inhabitants. “I pick up six signatures,†Gary whispered into his Com-link.
“Copy that. I’ve got four in the main room and two next to the device,†his partner confirmed. “On the count of three, let’s take them. I’ve got the quartet. You take the twins,†Robert radioed.
“Roger,†Gary acknowledged.
“Three… Two…,†Robert announced over the Com-link, “One!†Gary pushed off with his legs, signaling the armor to boost his strength. The power boosted him forward and propelled him through the apartment’s front door. As Gary passed through the door, Robert flew through the apartment’s window, sending glass in everywhere. Mikel and the other three terrorists in the room were caught completely off guard by the two sweeping black figures entering the room with speed and agility of jungle cats. With their targets momentarily stunned, Robert and Gary separated to complete their individual objectives.
Mikel quickly recovered from his sense of shock and threw his glass onto the floor. Quickly rising to his feet, Mikel was bound and determined not to lose his hold on the city. Before he could even order his companions in the adjoining room to set off the nuclear device, Robert spun around and landed a spinning side thrust squarely into the his chest. The combined power of Robert’s cybernetic legs and enhanced strength of the Stealth Armor shattered Mikel’s ribs and caved in his chest. The sheer power lifted him off his feet and flung him through the air, over his seat, and into the rear wall of the apartment. His body dented into sheet rock and stuck for nearly a second before Mikel’s unconscious body fell to the floor.
Gary knew Robert could easily handle the remaining three terrorists and wasted no time rushing down the hall to stop the two guarding the bomb. When he turned the corner and entered the room, Gary instantly locked his eyes onto his targets. The two men each held blasters and stood on either side of the fusion bomb. Raising their weapons, they prepared to open fire at Gary.
The two men pulled their triggers in unison and hot blasts of plasma erupted from their barrels. Gary leapt over the bomb and landed between the two terrorists. Dropping first to one knee and then shifting his weight forward onto his hands, he tiger-tailed swept the two terrorists and sent them onto their backs.
After completing his sweep, Gary sprung into the air and landed straddling the terrorist on his left. Combining the force of his downward fall with a powerful cross-block, he focused all his strength to deliver a blow to the man’s solar plexus. Gary’s blow ruptured the visceral linings inside the terrorist’s chest and shook his organs causing massive internal bleeding. Not wanting to take any chanced that the man beneath him could somehow recover and cause later problems Gary connected twice with his jaw and shattered it, rendering the man unconscious.
The remaining terrorist was a bit nimbler than his partner and kip-upped to his feet while retrieving his pistol. Squeezing off a round of red-hot plasma, he tried to close the distance to Gary. The red beams pierced the wall behind Gary and cut through the sheet rock leaving behind marks of destruction. Knowing that all may be lost in a matter of seconds, the last remaining terrorist lunged toward the fusion bomb and slapped his hand on the count-down timer. The clock flashed on and began ticking down from its three minute mark.
Another blast flew over Gary’s head as he dove to the floor. Looking up he tried to figure out the best way to attack his target, but was fearful that any action he took may cause the bomb to go off. While he was now out of direct sight of the terrorist and his laser, he had to continuously revolve around the device in order to avoid being spotted or shot. That didn’t keep the terrorist from stop firing and blowing apart what little of the room’s walls remained. But Gary’s plan changed once he crawled around to the device’s front panel and saw the count-down timer clicking away. He instantly knew that the time for finesse had past and that immediate action was called for. Propping himself up to one knee and pressing his body close to the fusion bomb, Gary activated his Com-link and shouted, “Get the kid up here, now!†and launched towards the terrorist.
***
Outside the apartment building, the NAOS Strike Soldiers quickly began running towards the building from their parked station. The thud from their boots on the hard asphalt reverberated against the tall skyscrapers in the dead of night as the NASO operatives split into two attack groups. The first group entered the building through the main lobby, surprising the night bell man while the second activated the small jump jets housed in their armor’s backpack and rocketed towards the second floor.
Still seated in the armored transport, Sergeant Quann closed the Com-link with Gary, “Seth,†he spoke, “I just got word. The bomb’s ticking. Get the genius up there straight away. He’s our only chance.â€Â
A wave of fear washed over Abeu, as his greatest fear had been realized – they were too late. Seth patted Abeu on the shoulder as a means of offering nonverbal support and also a way of letting him know it was time to earn his keep. The two quickly make their way down the truck’s rear ramp and ran towards the hotel leaving Quann alone in the truck with his monitors. Quann hated being mission coordinator and resented taking the promotion a year earlier. Everything in his body told him he needed to be with his soldiers rather than staring at a wall of monitors tracking their progress, but that would not be. Carefully, he studied the incoming data and tried to provide as much information as possible from the sidelines.
***
Robert quickly jumped into the air and unleashed two snap kicks before landing again. Both connected with a single terrorist and sent him flying through the drywall into another room, bones crushed. Now the only person standing before Robert was Rico. The terrorist shook from fear and knew that Robert was going to inflict a great deal of pain before the night was done. Normally, liked a little sport, giving his opponents a small fighting chance, but hearing Gary’s call that the fusion bomb had been activated, he decided to make things short and sweet. Raising his right arm, Robert locked the internal targeting sensors on Rico and muttered into his helmet, “Good night.†The subtle squeeze in his arm fired an electrical charge from his hand that struck Rico in the torso and rendered him unconscious.
With Robert’s final terrorist unconscious, the two teams of NASO Strike Soldiers entered from the front apartment door and window in unison. Seeing that they had the apartment secured, Robert ran to help Gary. “Hold your positions people,†the lead trooper shouted as the Strike Soldiers started roving through the apartment.
***
Gary deactivated his armor and huddled over the fusion bomb. Scanning the control interface, he quickly tried to decipher the detonation mechanism. His eyes darted back and forth before they came to rest on a small series of letters in the lower right hand corner of the panel. “Damn!†he shouted in frustration.
Robert and quickly keyed in the sequence on his armor to deactivate. When the nanobots had successfully been recollected, he took his place by Gary’s side. “What did you find?†he asked.
“Oh these boys did a good job, Rob. The bomb is armed with a biometric protein lock. Once they activated the bomb, cell’s proteins forced a genetic mutation within the cell. Any mechanical breech would instantly set off the device,†Gary said.
“Great,†Robert said sarcastically. “Can the kid force the reversal?†he wondered aloud as Seth and Abeu entered.
“We’ll have to see,†Gary answered.
“What’s the situation?†Seth asked as he and Abeu rushed to the control panel.
“The device has a…†Gary started.
“A protein inhibited locking mechanism,†Abeu finished, “I can see the stamp.â€Â
“Okay, concentrate,†the handler told his protégé. Seth handed Robert the data cable that would allow the youth to enter the computer system and hopefully save their lives. The NASO operative quickly connected his end to the data port on the bomb as Seth readied his end for Abeu’s mind.
“No problem, chief,†the child responded, trying to hid his nervousness. He’d been through countless simulations before, but this was his first field op and the fate of millions was in his had and the seconds continued to tick away. Abeu wiped away the sweat from forehead as he got the thumbs-up from Seth. “Starting download,†he announced. Abeu closed his eyes to block out the surrounding light and enable his mind to focus more clearly on the data streaming in from the bomb. After a few seconds his thoughts were completely merged with the device’s biochemical and genetic computer systems.
Gary, Robert, and Seth stood back to give Abeu enough room to work. Each was amazed at the speed at which he was able to delve past the computer’s firewalls and enter the matrix of chromosomes controlling the cease-fire mechanism. Gary glanced at the timer and then back to Abeu’s eyes, which were darting about, back and forth, trying to end the protein connections and deactivate the bomb. Each second seemed like an eternity to them. Tick… Tock… seconds passed. One minute… Thirty seconds… Ten…. Nine… Eight…
Abeu finally opened his eyes and shouted, “Got it!†and the timer stopped.
Seth let out a deep sigh of relief and placed his hands on Abeu’s shoulders, “Good job.†As an analyst, he’d been out of the field for a long time and this was as much as a first mission for him as it was for Abeu – and he was glad it was finally over.
Robert walked up behind Abeu and jostled his shoulders. “Great job. You’re going to have a long and fruitful career. Glad to have you as part of the team,†he said with a smile. Activating his Com-link, Robert called NASO HQ, “Mission complete. Request clean-up crew.â€Â
Seth smiled down on his young ward and unplugged the cable from Abeu’s interface. “Let’s get you to debriefing, Ace.â€Â
***
The morning light broke over the horizon. Hours had since passed since Robert and his team saved the unsuspecting people of Toronto from certain doom. That only marked the beginning of the night for Seth and Abeu, who subsequently spent the ensuing hours being debriefed by NASO HQ. With their eyes bloodshot and bodies weary, the pair finally made their way out of the secure facility and toward the parking structure on campus. Abeu was ready to collapse and Seth wasn’t far behind.
“Let’s get you home and to bed, mister,†Seth noted, keeping a watchful eye on the youth.
Abeu welcomed the worlds, as he was more than ready to snuggle in his bed for the next day or so. “I still can’t we came that close. The simulations were never like that,†Abeu said wearily.
“Real life scenarios seldom are. Regardless, you’re the youngest trainee to be promoted to field ops and performed like a seasoned veteran,†Seth responded.
Abeu nodded, “I hope the missions aren’t all this hectic. But I suppose it beats driving a terminal all day.â€Â
Seth laughed as the pair neared his car and rustled Abeu’s hair, “Let’s get you home for some shut-eye.†Pressing his palm on the door scanner, the car’s computer checked his DNA. Approving the molecular sequences, the internal computer unlocked the side doors. Seth and Abeu slid into the car and noticed something different. The car had been locked since they arrived at NASO HQ for the previous day’s mission and with the DNA locks, there was no possible way for someone to gain access to the car; however, two golden medallions rested on the dashboard before them.
“A gift from Rob?†Abeu asked.
“It really isn’t his style,†Seth answered.
Seth and Abeu reached forward and took hold of the medallions. As they did, the pair became consumed in a vortex of blue and white energy.
***
Swirling energy abounded across all eternity in the Astral Plane. This union of Yin, Yang, and all phases of energy was the setting where Seth and Abeu were to face their destiny. No longer in the garage, the two friends appeared before Masters Tanaka and Woo, the last of the original Defenders to select replacements. While Seth stood stunned, Abeu eagerly took in his surroundings as if it were some new level in a video game.
“Seth Goldman,†Master Woo began, “your passion and bravery has not gone unnoticed. A higher calling awaits you as my time has passed. You are the Warrior of Water.â€Â
“And young Abeu,†Master Tanaka said, “your soul has aged you far beyond your flesh. It is because of your skills I choose you as the Warrior of Metal.â€Â
Seth and Abeu’s minds tried to process the information. Not in wither of their wildest dreams could they have imagined such a fantastic tale or calling. However, even as fantastic as the words spoken to them seemed, their hearts knew them to be true.
“Go now,†the Masters spoke in unison as they faded out of existence, “the others need you.†Clenching their medallions in their hands tightly, Seth and Abeu each glanced at one another. Sharing a new, unspoken bond, the pair nodded and closed their eyes, accepting the mantle of power presented to them. Each was now ready for the task at hand.
***
Master Li continued his advance towards the X Bot, leaving a trail of dismembered Copy Bots in his wake. An energy bolt ripped across the hot desert floor as Master Li sliced through another robot, but the aged warrior caught the beam in his peripheral vision. Extending his arms behind him, the elderly warrior sprang into a back flip, letting the energy pass under his arched back. When his spry feet rooted again into the sandy earth, Master Li drew his blade close and readied for his next attack.
Three Copy Bots focused their attack on Master Li and rushed the venerable Defender from behind while four additional robots attacked him head on. Two Copy Bots let loose energy bolts aimed at Master Li, but the elder Defender cart wheeled to the left, allowing the energy beams to bypass him and destroy an oncoming Copy Bot. The blast tore through the robot’s torso, leaving a gaping hole as the metallic creature fell into the sand.
Master Li crouched in the sand, targeting his opponents. Cradling his straight sword in one hand, he manifested four fire shurricans in the other. Under the glimmering Saharan sun the flaming throwing starts flew quickly into three Copy Bots, igniting their bodies in fiery explosions. One Copy Bot released a series of energy bolts that honed in on the flying instruments of death until they destroyed the flaming shurricans in a blinding ball of fire. Master Li protected his eyes from the blast and darted to his right, slicing the legs of the nearest Copy Bot. The creature fell to the sand, where Master Li impaled the robot’s chest with his blade, ending its so called life.
The final three attacking Copy Bots surrounded Master Li. Pausing just a moment, to allow them to get closer, Master Li exploded upwards and leapt onto the shoulders of the center Copy Bot. The Copy Bot to Master Li’s right fired an energy bolt, incinerating the center Copy Bot, but not before jumping off the robots shoulders and somersaulting forward. In the air, Master Li replaced his sword with a pair of flaming sais. Spinning the blades behind him, Master Li curled his fingers around the gripped the hilts and pressed the blades firmly against his forearms. Fiery contrails followed the blades as Master Li dropped into the sand on one knee and threw ancient blades behind him as he arched back. Each burning blade easily found its mark. The Copy Bots instantly exploded as the fiery metal tore through their exoskeletons sending debris past Master Li.
***
Qual’och stood atop a rolling dun under the seething Saharan sun. Flanked by his compatriots, the wizard watched the ensuing confrontation with great displeasure. “Isn’t there anyway to stop him?†he shouted seeing that five thousand years hadn’t tarnished Master Li’s abilities.
Kor’digh snarled. He was a warrior, trained by the best to serve out his Lord on the field of battle, not to be left on the sidelines while mindless machines did his job for him – and poorly at that. His eyes narrowed when they locked with Master Li’s, who began charging their position. Taking a deep breath, the mighty warrior decided that he had had enough of the waiting game. In an effortless and fluid motion, his right hand crossed his body and freed the sword from his left scabbard. The metal blade sung past the sheath’s lip.
Before Kor’digh even took one step toward Master Li, Qual’och slammed one of his many arms against his chest. Grinning, the wizard looked onward toward Master Li, never even turning to gaze and the warrior at his side, “Wait,†the wizard said.
Kor’digh huffed with displeasure, but did as he was ordered. Forcefully he slammed his blade home while his eyes burned with fury at having to sit on the sidelines longer.
Smiling, Qual’och turned to the X-Bot, “More. Make more,†he ordered.
Not even signaling a response, the giant X on the robot’s chest illuminated and in a matter of seconds countless new Copy Bots manifested in the desert. As soon as these creations sank into the hot soil, they received a signal to attack the Defenders. Step by step, the endless sea of robot creations marched off to destroy Bruch’oda’s enemies.
***
Three Copy Bots came slamming down on LuÃÂs Mendoza, Defender of Earth, forcing him into the soft sand. Try as he might, the weight from the three robots was simply too much for the Mexican. Feeling his chest compress fell to the ground under the pressure of three Copy Bots, he tried to free himself once more, but succumbed to the power of the robots. LuÃÂs was a proud man, never wanting to impose on anyone, but he knew he couldn’t do this on his own any longer and shouted to his new friends, “A little help here!â€Â
Jayde looked over her shoulder towards LuÃÂs’ call as she dispatched another Copy Bot with her sword. Racing to her new friend’s aid, Leslie joined her a moment later and the two women destroyed the robots.
“On three,†Leslie shouted as the women each took hold of the metallic rubble. “One… Two… Three!†and the two Defenders lifted the lifeless hulks off LuÃÂs.
“Thanks,†LuÃÂs sighed under his armor, but before the trio could regroup, energy blasts rained down, exploding all around. The fireballs threw the young Defenders in separate directions. Each landed with a loud thud, knocking the wind out of their lungs. Leslie tried to get up, but the force of the explosion was too much. When she finally managed to get to her hands and knees, she collapsed down again. “We can’t give up. We’ve got to keep going,†she pleaded.
Pain electrified their bodies as fatigue ravaged not only their muscles, but minds as well. Pushing aside their discomfort, the Defenders came to their feet. What they saw through their visors failed to yield any meaningful form of expression. Descending on their position were sixty Copy Bots where there had previously been none. Somehow Jayde managed to sum up the situation with one succinct word, “****.â€Â
“Yeah,†the LuÃÂs added, but was thinking of even a more colorful metaphor of his own.
Leslie could feel Jayde and LuÃÂs’ fear flow over her body as they faced the onslaught before them; however, Master Li installed within each of them the importance of this battle. She took a deep breath and was more determined than ever not to fail. “Don’t forget what we’re here for,†Leslie said. Looking directly at LuÃÂs, Leslie made it known that she wasn’t about to lay down her arms and let Bruch’oda have the Earth. “LuÃÂs, stay and protect the door. Jayde and I’ll fend off as many as we can.â€Â
“But,†LuÃÂs began, but was quickly caught off by Leslie.
“We have no choice,†Leslie blurted out, “Unless Master Li can stop the X-Bot; you’re our last chance to keep the door closed.â€Â
LuÃÂs Mendoza’s body felt as if it weighed a ton at that moment. He realized that Leslie was right and that it was his responsibility alone to ensure that no one got passed him. With a heavy heart, his sighed an unsure, “I know.†He hadn’t known the two women before him for long, but already he’d developed strong protective feelings for them. Tightening his fists, he committed to doing everything in his power not to let any of the Copy bots past him and protect his new friends. He vowed not to fail. He was the strongest of the three and their best chance at Earth’s survival. Begrudgingly, LuÃÂs ran at full speed for the Mystic Door while the ladies drew their swords and dug into the sand for their next confrontation.
Incoming blasts from the Copy Bots exploded around LuÃÂs as he continued his sprint for the Door. Instinctively, his body shifted from side to side, allowing the powerful energy beams to harmlessly impact the sand. With the Mystic Door in sight, LuÃÂs’ mind drifted back to his youth and the games he played – weaving in and out of defenders as he raced down the football field. LuÃÂs’ mind was still racing from the harrowing journey he just undertook, so he had no idea how he actually made it to the stone edifice, but was glad that he did. Standing tall, the Earth Defender channeled his energy into his right hand and commanded a broadsword to materialize. LuÃÂs dug his feet into the sand beneath him and lowered his stance. As the Earth Defender readied for battle, his blade shimmered in golden light.
Several of the Copy Bots’ energy blasts fell short of LuÃÂs’ position. This wasn’t by accident, as their explosions cast walls of sand into the air and obstructed his vision. The desert wind then quickly took hold of the fine grains and carried them forward, further blinding him from the advancing army. When the sand finally blew past him, LuÃÂs sensed something strange. He couldn’t place a finger on it, but it gnawed at him. He knew he was in danger, but nothing he saw matched what he felt. “What is it?†he thought to himself, but then he realized what his heightened senses were attempting to convey.
A borage of energy bolts laid into him, sending a fireball into the sky as the force knocked LuÃÂs backwards against the Mystic Door. His helmet rapped several times against the stone cover as the b last continued to elevate him off the ground. When the flames finally died down, a battered LuÃÂs fell like a rag doll into sand beneath his feet. Shaking his head, LuÃÂs regained his focus and saw several Copy Bots flanking around Leslie and Jayde’s position and heading straight for him. “This is it,†LuÃÂs told himself. Reabsorbing his broadsword, LuÃÂs focused all this thought and power to erect a giant energy shield around the Mystic Door. “I hope I can hold this long enough,†he wondered.
***
The Wood Defender wielded her sword like a seasoned master. Despite being surrounded by immeasurable combatants, Jayde’s head was remarkably clear. Her previous training in advanced meditations allowed her the focus on the moment and let her senses guide her actions, much in the same manner the Zen Warriors known as Samurais did ages ago. Jayde effortlessly evaded a series of punches and kicks from surrounding Copy Bots and battled back, countering with her fist and sword. In a bust of speed, the young Wood Defender slipped mast a series of Copy bots and swiped her blade around in a large crescent arc, destroying four robots in a single pass. Jayde drew the blade close to her body and crouched near the sand, trying to decide her next move when an energy blast impaled her back, sending her body reeling.
Jayde stumbled for a few feet before crashing into the sand face-first. The force from the impact dislodged her grip on the sword and it flew several feet away. Pain traveled through her bones, muscles, and ligaments, causing her to coil into the fetal position. Never in her life has she experienced such a focused blow. All she could think about was how thankful her armor held.
The Copy Bot artificial intelligence program knew better than to leave any one of the Defenders down for long and quickly joined others moving in for the kill. In all, six of the robotic warriors marched in on the Wood Defender’s position, preparing to fire.
Jayde quickly put aside her pain and scanned her surroundings. Seeing the dozen silver feet approaching, she took a deep breath, trying not to wince at the penetrating pain emanating in her thoracic cage. One of the approaching Copy Bots charged for her, but Jayde rolled aside and used the robot’s kinetic energy to throw it aside. Not lying still, the Wood Defender moved again to shorten the firing distance before the other Copy Bot could compensate and adjust their energy beams to strike her. The resulting blasts harmlessly fell into the hot sand rather than her. Rising to her feet, Jayde swept the sand around her, catching the hilt of her sword under her toes and flung it into the air. Spinning her body around, Jayde whipped her boot across the head of one of the Copy Bots, ripping it off before catching her blade in her hand. Slashing her blade further, Jayde managed to slice through the remaining robots causing them to explode.
***
For the first time in her life, Leslie felt important. The endless hours teaching had little impact on others, she thought, but this, fighting for the Earth, was a grand endeavor and worth any sacrifice. The sense of pride filled her young body and erupted in a smile beneath her helmet. Despite being in the center of a fierce battle, Leslie couldn’t believe how peaceful she was - how the burden of saving the world sat so comfortably on her shoulders. Her moment of personal thought quickly abated as she saw several Copy Bots closing in on her position.
“This is almost fun,†ran through Leslie’s mind and she took off running towards the group of Copy Bots. As the Leslie neared them, she leapt into the air twisting her body. Courage flowed through her body and the heart and small intestine meridians. As their energy circulated, it permeated through her skin until she burst into flames. She continued spinning until the flames formed a giant tornado and thrust her sword in front. Leslie flew straight for the Copy Bots, who were completely caught unprepared for such a devastating attack. One by one, Leslie pierced thought the metallic bodies of her enemies until none remained. Landing, she knelt in the sand and placed her sword by her side as the platoon of robots exploded behind her.
***
Kor’digh tightened his fists and grew restless standing aside, watching the robotic warriors suffer at the hands of the humans. “It should be me out there,†he thought. “These robots are no warriors. They have no skill!†Kor’digh stepped forward, but was quickly met with a strong arm against his chest from Qual’och.
“Wizard, let me do my duty!†he snarled.
Qual’och calmly looked at the distinguished warrior. “Not yet. Once they’ve been worn down,†the wizard stated. “This should speed things up,†he said with an evil grin. Qual’och’s eyes turned a cold blue light in the bright sun as his arms rose into the air.
Looking into the distance, Kor’digh saw what the wizard had done as each of the Copy Bots en route to the Mystic Door took flight. “Excellent,†he thought, “this will be interesting to watch.â€Â
***
LuÃÂs stood behind the shield he erected and saw the Copy Bots ascend into the air. Once free of their Earthly confines, they began firing energy blasts. The white beams of destruction rained down from above as he muttered, “You have got to be kidding.†Each strike weakened the barrier he supported and drove LuÃÂs further into the sand. Time after time, the explosions on the shield pushed him deeper in the sand until his boots sunk beneath the surface. The sheer power of the robots’ blast was even causing his arms to buckle under pressure. It had only been a matter of seconds, but LuÃÂs didn’t know how much longer he’d be able to sustain the shield around the door. Taking a deep breath, LuÃÂs tried to focus his mind and enhance his concentration at holding the shield.
Leslie and Jayde sensed that the attack on LuÃÂs’ position had taken a turn for the worse and saw him being crushed under the power attacks of the Copy bots. Deciding to forego their current plan of attack, both Defenders decided to race for the Mystic door and help their teammate. Their trek to the Door did not go unnoticed by the legions of Copy Bots and the two women soon came under fire. Each used their swords to deflect the oncoming blasts either into the sand or back into the air. The ricocheted energy beams found their targets and soon robots fell from the sky in a downpour of fire and metal.
When Leslie and Jayde arrived at the shield, they turned around and saw ever increasing number of Copy Bots approaching their position. Both knew that if things kept at their current pace, they would be overwhelmed soon and the door fall under the forces of evil. “How are you holding up?†Jayde asked LuÃÂs.
Between explosions, the Earth Defender responded, “Hanging in there, but I need to get these robots off me.â€Â
“We’ll take care of them, LuÃÂs,†Leslie answered back.
Their only hope was that Master Li could accomplish his mission in time. Their sense of urgency increased as another wave of twenty… thirty… sixty… Copy Bots appeared began their assault. The power coursing their meridians flowed into their swords transforming them into powerful new weapons. Jayde’s sword transformed into a double bladed battle axe while Leslie’s power continued evolving in her blade, causing it burst into flames.
“Don’t they ever stop?†Jayde asked Leslie.
The Fire Defender looked at Jayde through her visor, “Not until we get the original out of the way. Master Li’s trying but he has problems of his own,†Leslie said, pointing her free hand at their mentor. “In any case, it’s time to put the hurt on.†Jayde nodded and the two women began running toward the oncoming army, hoping to buy some time for LuÃÂs.
Leslie was the first to meet the forthcoming wall of metal and there was no love lost between this batch of robots and the humans. The Fire Defender summoned her inner fire, causing her flaming sword to grow even stronger. Billowing flames streaked into the air as Leslie wielded her blade.
Four groups of Copy Bots changed their attack vector from the main assault force and headed straight for her. Two moved directly for the women, while the remaining squads flanked their position and headed towards the Mystic Door. Leslie and Jayde saw the diverting groups and shifted their strategy and tried to attack two groups each. While this tactic was the only option to them, the Copy Bots’ mission was clear: divide and conquer. Increasing their speed, the outside groups quickly circumnavigated the oncoming Defenders and slipped behind the hill of fallen Copy Bots. “Go back and help LuÃÂs,†Leslie instructed, but as Jayde turned to retreat, the two groups directly ahead opened fire on them.
The resulting explosions threw the women into the dunes. With the wind knocked out of them, the pair barely regained their footing before the Copy Bots surrounded them. Jayde knew she had to get back to LuÃÂs, no matter the cost. Every second that passed, she could hear the pounding the shield he erected was taking. She didn’t know how long he could hold it up, so she gripped her battle axe and let her fingers meld with the leather grips. Jayde pressed hard into the sand and pushed off into the air.
The Copy Bots tracked her arc and opened fire. The beams of electricity flew past her, but passed close enough to her body that she could sense their intense heat. Jayde began tumbling, tucking her body tightly, so that there was less of a target to hit. The Wood Defender focused her thoughts on her battle axe and filled it with energy. Jayde rotated her body to orient her for the attack and gripped her battle axe with both hands, splitting the weapon into two single bladed axes. A foot off the ground, Jayde took the axes and swung her arms wide. When she made contact with the hot Saharan sand, she threw her twin axes towards the Copy Bots. The shining green blade quickly tore through the metal flesh of Copy Bots, leaving a path of destruction. Those not hit by the axes didn’t hesitate to attack on the lone, green warrior and fired energy blasts as they crept in on her position.
Jayde dove to her left to avoid contact with the deadly energy attacks; however it was not enough. Several blasts found their target and collided with the Defender’s armor. The resulting explosions forced her backwards and buried Jayde into the sand. Winded, she looked up and saw two Copy Bots standing over her. Before they could fire, the twin axe blades returned form their sortie and passed through the center torso of each metallic death machine and imbedded themselves into the ground next to her. “Lucky me,†she thought to herself and brought herself up to her feet. When she finally stood upright, Jayde saw that her attack was more effective than she had thought. Smoking bodies of Copy Bots littered the sand around her. Not wanting to loose the momentum she’d collected, the Jayde headed back into battle.
***
Qual’och stomped his foot in the sand and grunted with disgust. He could have expected such a fight from the original Defenders, but he was surprised that these new humans were able to combat his forces with such ease. Taking a deep breath, the hot air flowed past his nostrils and deep into his lungs, singeing the reptilian flesh along the way. Taking a small step forward, the wizard blurted out his order to the X-Bot, “More.†The order was barely audible because it came from deep in his quivering voice and under his breath, the subsequent utterances grew in “More… More… More…,†he chanted to the X-Bot, which heeded his call and created an endless supply or robotic warriors. With the new warriors present, Qual’och managed to calm down just a bit and elevate his hopes that the numerous robots would save their defenses and grant him victory.
***
The first wave of Copy Bots approached LuÃÂs’ energy barrier. Rather than firing one at a time, the robots moved strategically around the Mystic Door. The Earth Defender saw this and knew that only one thing could be coming… a massive volley of power. He swallowed hard and dug deeper into the sand, trying to gather more strength to reinforce the shield, but his body was almost at its limit and there was little else to give. Now in position the battalion of Copy Bots opened fire in unison with enough power to melt a skyscraper. LuÃÂs struggled against the onslaught, but it was simply too much for its lone defender.
The powerful energy beams repeatedly clashed with the Earth chi LuÃÂs erected around the Mystic Door. Every muscle in his body ached and sweat poured off his head as he struggled to maintain the protective barrier. He hoped that the others would succeed in their tasks, but deep down he understood that it was too late as he dropped to one knee. Even as Leslie and Jayde returned to his aid, the constant bombardment from the Copy Bots was too much and LuÃÂs collapsed causing the shield to shimmer in the bright sun before fading out of existence. “No! I must find…,†LuÃÂs tried to say, but was too drained - even the mundane task of breathing was a chore at this moment. If LuÃÂs didn’t know better he’d say his body weighed a thousand tons and that the air around him was on fire. Every movement hurt and burned his body.
The Jayde and Leslie rushed to his aid and cried out, “LuÃÂs!†while trying to pick up their partner.
“Need….. help…,†LuÃÂs panted through gasping breaths.
Jayde and Leslie stood beside the Earth Defender, looking at the army of Copy Bots ready to open the final Mystic Door. “We need a miracle,†Leslies said somberly.
***
Master Li continued to battle towards the master X-Bot, slicing and destroying an unfathomable amount of robotic carnage, but his thoughts were drawn elsewhere. Something in him told Master Li that something wasn’t right. In fact, it told him that something was wrong. Turning his head slightly so that his peripheral vision caught the Mystic Door, Master Li saw that the shield LuÃÂs had previously erected had fallen. More to his dismay was that he also saw an army of Copy Bots about to kill his protégés.
Master Li tore the cores out of two Copy Bots with his flaming sais and raced to out flank his attackers. In pursuit were several robots, but they couldn’t keep pace with the elder warrior. As he raced towards the X-Bot, Master Li saw that each of his young comrades were continuously being blasted by the Copy Bots and had fallen under their power. Any moment now, he realized, LuÃÂs, Leslie, and Jayde would be killed. From deep within his core, Master Li’s inner fire boiled over at the thought of losing them and the Earth. Summoning every bit of his fire chi, Master Li planed to end this assault now. Between his hands formed a small energy sphere and it swarmed with molten fire as hot as the sun. First the size of a baseball, then a basketball, the sphere continued to gain mass. The burning light from the fireball illuminated the sand and started melting the silicone within. “Kiya!!!!†Master Li screamed as the sphere approached critical mass. His cry was so loud that LuÃÂs, Jayde, and Leslie looked up from their impending deaths and stared at Master Li.
Qual’och and Kor’digh also saw Master Li’s display of power and the wizard was only able to think of one thing. “Kizxa,†he muttered.
Master Li fueled additional energy into the sphere. He struggled to maintain control, screaming louder in agony each second as it grew. At the Mystic Door, the three Defenders received a simple message from Master Li, “Move.â€Â
The three Defenders weren’t sure how Master Li was able to communicate with them telepathically, but when they focused their attention on Master Li and saw the molten ball of fire released, they instantly understood his instruction in perfect detail.
The enormous energy sphere, filled with pure fire chi, flew over the desert consuming the army of Copy Bots. Their bodies instantly exploded, adding to the sphere’s power and speed until it destroyed every last robot between Master Li and the Mystic Door. Master Li fell to his knees after releasing the sphere, weakened by the task of creating such a weapon. Breathing heavily, he propped himself up and witnessed the wake of his power, viewing the caramelized path of destruction now before him.
The Earth, Fire, and Wood Defenders leapt out of the way of Master Li’s energy sphere with only a moment to spare. The resulting collision of the powerful blast and Mystic Door sent the three humans flying into the desert as a mushroom cloud filled the sky and a thunderous roar erupted on the quiet dune.
Struggling to get up from the dune, LuÃÂs felt a strange pulse of energy rush over his body. Unsure of what was happening; LuÃÂs thought to himself, “Somehow, the energy remnants from the blast must be recharging me.†In seconds he became fully charged and felt ready to retake his place on the battlefield. The Earth Defender propped himself up to one knee, but before he could lift himself up the rest of the way, LuÃÂs saw something he wasn’t prepared for: two armored hands extending towards him, ready to help him up. While he knew that Leslie and Jayde were near, the colors of the arms before him were blue and white.
The Metal and Water Defenders stood with their backs to sun wearing armor similar to the others’ with a halo cast upon them. Abeu donned the Metal Defender battle armor and Seth wore the mantle of Water.
“Come on, let us help you up,†Abeu said as he and Seth pulled LuÃÂs to his feet.
“Who are…?†LuÃÂs attempted to say, but cut himself off as he realized the final two Defenders had arrived. Even though he tried, the Mexican couldn’t fight back the feeling of joy or the smile that swelled beneath his helmet. The trio was joined by Leslie and Jayde and the five Defenders stood facing one another for the first time. “Looks like the gang’s all here,†the Jayde commented, putting her hands on Abeu’s shoulders.
“Yes, but introductions will have to wait. We’ve got a job to do,†Leslie summarized.
The five Defenders nodded and in unison and set out to guard the final Mystic Door from evil.
***
Qual’och’s blood boiled at the defeat he continued to suffer. All thoughts of strategy temporarily left him and he stood mouth agape wanting to scream in desperation. Never before had he seen such a display of destructive power from one of the Defenders. Deep within he knew there was nothing more he could do to turn the tide of this battle. Kor’digh and X-Bot turned to their “leader†and awaited further instructions. Seconds ticked by and nothing was uttered by the robe-clad sorcerer, whose gaze was still transfixed on the fading mushroom cloud.
“Enough!†Kor’digh yelled, stepping forward.
Qual’och knew that he must abdicate to the Dark Warrior and stepped back, accepting Kor’digh’s leadership. He just hoped it wasn’t too late and that their mission on Earth could still succeed and open the doorway to the Shadow Realm.
“I’ve got Li,†Kor’digh billowed, “You two deal with the others. Don’t worry about killing them. Just see to it that the door is opened. Rush the door, sacrificing anything in your way and use everything at your disposal – above and below ground,†the general ordered. Seeing that Qual’och and the AI circuits in the X-Bot comprehended his orders, the General leapt into the air.
The X-Bot wasted no time and began making copies again. After each set materialized, they marched straight towards the Mystic Door.
Qual’och took Kor’digh’s suggestion to heart and raised his arms. Chanting an ancient spell, the marching Copy Bots split into three groups. One remained on the ground, charging through the sea of melted glass. The second group took to the air and the third burrowed underground. “Annihilate them,†Qual’och said to X-Bot.
***
Master Li looked up from his position and saw Kor’digh streaking towards him and readied himself for battle. Standing firm and digging his feet into the sand, Master Li gripped his twin sais, his perspiration mixing with the weapon’s leather grips. He knew this was the final confrontation and to the winner went victory. Master Li squinted in the bright African sun, tracking his target as it streaked through the air. The last original Defender channeled chi into his legs and pushed off to meet Kor’digh. He slammed the hilts of the sais together and reformed his mighty straight sword, drawing it close to his chest as he approached Kor’digh.
The Dark Warlord smiled at his mortal enemy. It had been far too long since he battled and nothing would give the ancient Dark Warrior more pleasure than sending Master Li to his grave. Pulling his feet forward, Kor’digh assumed a vertical position in the air. The Defenders weren’t the only ones that had mastered the ability to control chi. Summoning dark chi, Kor’digh sent two energy blasts towards Master Li.
Master Li arched his back to dodge the oncoming attack and started tumbling. The first energy wave floated floating under his legs, but the next hit him squarely in the torso. The resulting explosion sent shards of armor and chi into the sky above and sand below. The blast flung Master Li rocketing towards the sandy dunes and he landed with a resounding thud. The blow briefly knocked the wind out of him and loosened his grip on his sword. Master Li was quickly reminded of his situation as his ears heard the familiar sound of metal slipping past the lips of a scabbard. Opening his eyes, he saw Kor’digh approaching from above with his swords drawn.
Kor’digh plunged into the sandy dune where Master Li laid; however, the skilled Defender managed to roll out of the way as the Dark Warrior landed. Kor’digh couldn’t compensate for Li’s movement and thrust his swords into the hot sand as Master Li took hold of his sword and sprung to his feet.
Seeing Kor’digh still hunched over, trying to retrieve his swords from the sand, Master Li jumped and connected a powerful roundhouse kick to Kor’digh’s midsection. The strike sent the evil warrior into the sand, but he rolled out of the fall and came to rest on one knee. “You’re going to have to do better than that, Li,†he taunted and rushed towards his enemy. Calling upon his dark power, Kor’digh fired two dark chi strikes at Master Li.
Master Li leapt backwards, avoiding the powerful energy blasts. In doing so, he allowed Kor’digh free access to his weapons. The Dark Warrior managed to retrieve one sword by the time Master Li set foot on the sand once more and immediately attempted to finish him by swinging his blade at the elderly Defender. Even in his weakened state, the venerable Defender had enough power in him to counter Kor’digh’s attack and locked blades. “Likewise,†Master Li responded.
Kor’digh took the opening and fell backwards, pulling on Master Li’s gi, taking the Defender with him. As the pair moved in unison, Kor’digh kicked Master Li off when his back hit the hot sand. Master Li easily spun his body around and regained his footing.
Master Li quickly summoned three fire shurricans and threw them towards Kor’digh. The flaming stars soared over the hot desert floor, but the Dark Warrior kip-upped and slashed his mighty blade at the oncoming stars, easily deflecting them. “This toying must come to an end,†he thought and rushed Master Li.
The two eternal warriors of good and evil clashed in the desert. With each thrust and parry, their swords and armor shot electrical sparks into the sky. No matter what either tried, the other had a capable counter that deprived a final victory.
***
Atop the Earth Mystic Door, Abeu stood poised with his Bow taking aim at the flying Copy Bots. Pulling back from the weapon’s frame, he called forth powerful metallic energy and let fly white energy bolts streaking towards the flying robots… and one by one they exploded and came crashing into the ground. “This isn’t too hard,†he thought to himself. From the corner of his eye, Abeu saw a blue disk streak across his position. Abeu tracked the weapon with his eyes and followed it as it impacted another flying Copy Bot – one that would have gotten the better of him.
The arcing disk swept down and returned to its owner – the Water Defender. “Look sharp, kiddo. They’re going to be smarter than a video game,†Seth yelled over the endless amount of explosions surrounding them.
“Right!†Abeu yelled back, knowing that he had been careless. After vowing to be more vigilant, he resumed picking off Copy Bots from his perch.
Seth curled his fingers around the disk and transformed the weapon converted it into a long and nimble straight sword. Spying two Copy Bots approaching the door, he sped over the sand, crisscrossing his path to confuse the firing mechanisms within the metal beasts. Two meters in front of the oncoming attackers, Seth jumped into the air and landed between the Copy Bots. When they locked onto him and fired, he dropped effortlessly into the splits and avoided the twin pairs of energy blasts. The sources of those charges weren’t as fortunate and each Copy Bot took the full force of the energy beams and exploded.
***
LuÃÂs Mendoza ran over the hot sand. Each step he increased his speed towards an oncoming group of Copy Bots. The lead metallic warrior took aim and fired energy bolts from its claws. The beams flew through the air towards the approaching yellow streak, but before the energy blasts could hit him, LuÃÂs jumped into the air. Spreading his arms like a swan, he gained altitude. The pursuing Copy Bots circled and begin firing up at the Defender. He flipped back and began diving towards arth. The Copy Bots again took aim and fired several blasts at the descending warrior. Shifting his weight ever-so-slightly, he was able to glide between the oncoming shots.
LuÃÂs continued falling faster and faster. Drawing his earth chi to his right fist, his glove glowed bright yellow. Completing his descent, the Earth Defender thrust his fist into the sand, sending a powerful wave into the Earth. The impact sent sand into the air and a rippling undulation along Sahara’s surface. The energy in the waves pummeled the Copy Bots into oblivion as thunder rang in the heavens.
LuÃÂs looked up and smiled. But before he could stand to tackle another division of Copy Bots, he heard a powerful rumbling coming from somewhere else. “The wave can’t still be going on, can it?†he thought. “Where is that coming from?â€Â
LuÃÂs isn’t the only one wondering where the subterranean rumbles originated. The other Defenders also heard the trembling noises and tried to determine its source. It was then that the team saw sand sifting away from the area in front of the Mystic Door. Rising from below the hot sand was an army of Copy Bots. This group had effectively circumnavigated the Defenders and was positioned between them and the final Mystic Door.
“Yes!†Qual’och jubilantly yelled. “Open the door!†he shouted.
“Stop them!†Leslie yelled as she began racing towards the Mystic Door leaving a trail of dismembered Copy Bots in her wake. The others did the same, but were now faced with an army of robots in front and behind them. Each Defender sped towards the Earth Mystic Door, but the outer layer of Copy Bots set up a perimeter and kept them at bay. Lining up beside one another, the Copy Bots launched a series of energy volleys towards the Defenders, who constantly had to dodge the blasts. This greatly impeded their progress and allowed the inner row of Copy Bots to take position directly in front of the stone tablet sealing the Mystic Door.
The lead robot energized its emitter as the Defenders were met by the opposing wall of Copy Bots. No matter how hard they tried, Leslie and the others couldn’t get through the barrier before the robot unleashed its energy wave into the Mystic Door. Yellow energy filled the stone door, sending bolts of lightening from its core.
***
Master Li and Kor’digh stood atop their dune, swords crossed and looking deeply into the other’s eyes. “It’s done Li. You’ve failed,†Kor’digh hissed. Master Li looked at the Mystic Door and saw what Kor’digh spoke was true. His heart sunk knowing that the Earth will now feel the wrath of Bruch’oda once more. With his attention diverted, Kor’digh easily shoved the elderly warrior aside. The oldest Defender stumbled backwards a few steps before settling his footing. “Until we meet again Li,†Kor’digh shouted and vanished in a cloud of darkness. Qual’och, X-Bot, and the Copy Bots joined him and disappeared in plumes of smoke.
With the battle over and their hearts broken, the five new Defenders raced to meet Master Li in the center of the battlefield. Out of breath and barely able to stand, Leslie was the first to speak, “We’re sorry,†she said between heaving breaths.
“It’s my fault,†LuÃÂs managed to get out between gasps.
Master Li extended his arm to the Earth Defender and placed it comfortingly on his shoulder. “No. It was an honorable battle with an unfortunate outcome. However, the war is not lost,†he said.
The six Defenders looked up as dark luminous clouds rolled into the stratosphere, electrifying the sky with thundering bolts of lightening.
***
Sitting atop his throne, Bruch’oda absolutely beamed with joy. His eyes glowed bright red as he stood from his perch and shot his fist into the air yelling, “Let chaos reign!â€Â
***