Chapter 5: Mission

The next day. Sen, Dain, Yerah, Shera, Makota, Zarnem, Fex, Ira, and Virem sat quietly in a private room, waiting. Moments later, the door opened and in walked Esren, the Prime Minister of Clyden.

Esren: Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for your time and patience.

Virem: Prime Minister Esren. Thank you for being here today. I have here Captain Zarnem. He has information regarding yesterday’s attack on our base.

Esren looks to Zarnem as Zarnem steps forward.

Zarnem: Good afternoon, Prime Minster Esren, and thank you for seeing us today. I am here to let you know some details I found during my battles yesterday. Aside from the Zagons, there were two individuals that had carried out orders to attack Clyden’s base. According to Sen, their names were Aetrem and Lilan, and both of their bodies have been taken in for an autopsy for further investigation. They were killed by one of their own, Zan. However, Zan is not the main threat here.

Zarnem pauses and looks away.

Zarnem: The real threat is Penim.

Esren: Who is Penim?

Zarnem thinks to himself for a little.

Zarnem: Penim is a captain that I used to work closely with in Krutone. We were allies and carried out many missions together before climbing the ranks in the Krutone Military. Penim was a powerful warrior with a unique ability that will be trouble for us all to handle.

Esren: And what is that ability?

Zarnem: Gravity.

Everyone in the room became interested.

Zarnem: Penim can change the direction of gravity. Up, down, left, right. Of course, with Intergy, you can resist him, but that’s assuming you are strong enough. Penim has been able to carry out missions easily on his own because of this ability.

Virem: And what makes his ability so much of a threat?

Zarnem: It’s that he can push gravity in multiple directions simultaneously. So, what I mean is he can crush anyone and anything without the need to lay a hand on them, just using gravitational push and pull. With gravity, he’s also been able to split his opponents apart by pulling them in different directions. The only way to resist him is with enough Intergy.

Virem: So then, resist him. How much Intergy is even needed?

Zarnem: But there’s more to him that makes him an even bigger threat. It’s his other unique ability, Rift.

Virem: Explain?

Zarnem: I don’t know how he does it. He can’t even explain it himself. Someway, somehow, he was blessed with two unique abilities during his mutation. His Rift allows him to absorb incoming attacks and send it right back. But that’s not the full thing. He can save it as storage and release it anytime later. Who knows what he has saved up in his Rift. He’s been able to use lightning, fire and earth abilities because he has them saved in his Rift.

Esren: Two unique abilities, huh?

Zarnem: And I hate to tell more bad news, but I believe he may be the one behind all the Zagons.

Virem: How so?

Zarnem pauses, trying to recollect his thoughts and memories.

Zarnem: Back when I was working with him, he would always ask about the Zagons. He kept mentioning this thing about The Orb and how if Krutone got a hold of it, they could just destroy all their enemies and war wouldn’t be a thing anymore. Places like Revano could be completely turned to dust with The Orb, and we would no longer have to fight. Over and over would he bring up this idea. And now that there are actual Zagons, I’m thinking he might be behind. If there’s one person who would be capable of it, it’d be him.

Fex: Right, but didn’t Penim die long ago? That’s why you left Krutone? You even requested to make a gravestone for him here.

Zarnem looks to Fex then back to the ground.

Zarnem: Penim died in a mission that we carried out together… or at least I thought he died. We all thought he died. We were up against some of Revano’s most powerful soldiers, and Penim was running out of Intergy. We managed to win the fight, defeating their general, but in doing so, Penim lost his life. Many soldiers died that day, and Penim was one of them.

A moment of silence in the room.

Virem: But, something still doesn’t line up. Why would Penim be causing all this destruction everywhere? He was one of Krutone’s best soldiers, right? Why attack Krutone, Eztan, and even here, Clyden?

Zarnem pauses and thinks.

Zarnem: That part I don’t know. That is why I need to find him. Maybe, I can talk to him. What I do know is that he is working with other dangerous people.

Esren: Which people?

Zarnem: So far, just Zan and Sicrus.

Esren: Zan is a high value criminal.

Zarnem: And I’m trying to understand why Penim would work with the likes of them. Penim was not a bad guy. He fought bravely for Krutone.

Virem: And it’s to my understanding you encountered Zan, yes?

Zarnem: Yes. And that’s when Zan mentioned working with Penim.

Esren: I see… Well, it looks like we need to notify Krutone right away.

Zarnem: That is also why I asked to see you, Prime Minister.

Esren: Ok, go on.

Zarnem: I’d like resources to go to Krutone. A large cart and two horses. Food, water, clothing. And permission to enter Krutone.

Esren: You want to go back to Krutone?

Zarnem: Yes.

Esren: And you think they’ll accept you back?

Zarnem thinks for a little.

Zarnem: I do have something to offer President Kyto.

Esren looks at Zarnem with concern.

Esren: And I take it that the group behind you are the ones you plan on bringing with you?

Zarnem: Yes. I’ve already spoken to them before coming here this morning. They’ve all agreed to this. I explained to Sen that in Krutone, they can help him hone his light abilities as they have more resources. Dain can learn from Krutone’s best fire users. Yerah can find opportunities for a better life. Makota and Shera can build a life together there. Ira and Fex may want to start a new life there as well.

Esren takes a moment to look at the group Zarnem put together.

Esren: I mean, you were once a captain at Krutone. So, who am I to question your judgement? We’ll supply you with what you need.

Zarnem: Thank you, Prime Minister.

Esren: Which path do you plan on taking?

Zarnem pauses.

Zarnem: The same way I got here to Clyden.

Esren: You dare pass Revano?

Zarnem: It’s the fastest way.

Esren: Then you’ll need at least two large carts and four horses.

Zarnem looks up to Esren.

Zarnem: Is there that kind of money here for us to do so?

Esren: I can always make things work.

Zarnem: Thank you, Prime Minister Esren. I’m truly grateful.

Esren: While you get to Krutone, say a warm hello to President Kyto for me, will you?

Zarnem: Yes. Thank you again.

The meeting is finished, and the room is emptied overtime. Sen and Dain went their own way and were followed by Zarnem from behind.

Zarnem: Sen, Dain. Wait a moment.

Sen and Dain turn around.

Sen: Yeah?

Zarnem: I wanted to ask you if you heard possibly anything else from Zan?

Sen: I told you everything.

Zarnem: Are you absolutely sure? He didn’t mention anything more about Penim?

Sen: He never mentioned that name to me at all. Just you.

Zarnem: I see. And Zan didn’t harm you at all?

Sen: Not at all. Not a single scratch.

Zarnem: Ok. Tomorrow afternoon we leave for Krutone.

Sen: Yeah, I know.

Zarnem: That is all.

Sen: Well, wait. I have some questions.

Zarnem: Yes?

Sen: Why are they interested in me?

Zarnem: Hm?

Sen: Dain and I were talking about everything last night. Some things aren’t making that much sense.

Zarnem: Like what?

Sen: Why didn’t Zan kill me? He could’ve. Easily.

Zarnem: That part I don’t know.

Sen: But more importantly, this Penim guy. If Zan was just following orders, possibly under Penim, what would Penim want with me?

Zarnem begins to think about it.

Sen: I never met him. I didn’t know who this Penim person was until yesterday. All of a sudden, I find out he’s interested in me.

Dain: Also, you said something about a note making a threat to President Kyto that Sicrus left behind?

Sen: With Penim, Sicrus and Zan in the same group, are they after the president of Krutone? Why? And how do I play a role in something like that?

Dain: After all, you were Penim’s closest friend, or that’s what it seemed like. Did Penim mention anything about President Kyto? Did something happen in Krutone that we don’t know about?

Sen: How am I important to this when I’m just now finding out about it?

Zarnem listens and registers all their questions, finding a way to answer everything.

Zarnem: Those are all good questions to ask. As far as why Penim might want you, Sen, I don’t know. I really don’t. Because you are right, Zan could’ve killed you if he wanted to.

Dain: And what about the Sicrus guy?

Zarnem: All I know about him is that he’s extremely powerful. Apparently, he only uses Intergy to fight. Nothing else. This is another reason why I want to get to Krutone now. Krutone has the best soldiers.

Dain: And Penim never said anything to you about getting revenge on President Kyto when you both worked together?

Zarnem: Not at all. If anything, we were happy to carry out missions for Krutone. It’s what we lived for.

Dain: So then, it’s just Sicrus who wants vengeance?

Zarnem: That’s what it would seem like.

Sen: But even then, there’s a hole there. That doesn’t quite line up.

Zarnem: What do you mean?

Sen: You and Penim worked with Krutone’s military and with President Kyto, right?

Zarnem: Yes, that’s correct.

Sen: And you never crossed paths with Sicrus, the man who wants to take out President Kyto? You never saw Kyto in a deep conflict with another person while working close to him?

Zarnem: I did not. That’s all the more reason why we must head there soon. We might be able to piece things together.

Sen: And then I just thought of something else right now.

Dain: What’s that?

Sen: Penim, Zan and Sicrus are working together, we know that much. But there was also Aetrem and Lilan. Are there any other important people we should be afraid of too? Who’s to say we can even get to Krutone safely?

Zarnem: I’ll be sure we all make it safely.

Sen: How can you assure that?

Zarnem stops.

Zarnem: Well, I can’t fully guarantee it, but with who we have, I’m almost positive everything will work out fine.

Sen: And why bring Yerah, Makota and Shera? They have nothing to do with this.

Zarnem: I need as many strong fighters, and they agreed to it.

Dain: I guess… I mean… never mind…

Zarnem: Anything else from you two?

Sen: I still have some questions, but we can save that for later.

Dain: Yeah, we need to get rested for tomorrow.

Zarnem: Ok. Get some sleep you two.

Sen and Dain walk away. They go into their dorm, Dain immediately taking the top bunk bed. Sen turns off the light and goes to the bottom bunk bed.

Sen: You know Dain, you don’t have to go.

Dain: I do though.

Sen: Why?

Dain: Because I already agreed to it.

Sen: You actually have a family to be with. For the rest of us, I can kind of see why—

Dain: Can we not?

Sen: Hm?

Dain: Not right now. The sad pity talk. Things are actually serious now.

Sen: Ok…

Dain turns to the wall, resting the side of his head on his pillow.

Dain: Every time we spar, we hold back. Now, I get it we’re not trying to rip each other apart when we’re practicing, but you still tend to hold back. Even against Zarnem when he was challenging us.

Sen: I don’t always hold back.

Dain: You mostly do.

Sen doesn’t rebuttal.

Dain: From this point on, the both of us are really going to have to truly fight. This is life and death now… just like with the Zagon we first killed.

Sen thinks about the incident with the first Zagon they saw.

Dain: Not to mention, Yerah will be with us.

Sen: Why are you bringing her up?

Dain: I don’t know. I guess because her life is on the line too?

Sen: I mean, yeah.

Dain: You do know her life is at stake here too, right?

Sen: Yeah, I’m aware. Same with everyone else.

A quiet moment.

Dain: You said Zan can turn into acid?

Sen: Yeah, that’s what Zarnem said… and that’s what I saw.

Dain: So, how do you kill him?

Sen can’t answer.

Sen: I don’t know.

Dain: If you attack him from a distance, his body just blows into acid, and even then he can just regenerate from there. That’s what you saw, right?

Sen: From what I saw, yes.

Dain: If those are our threats, I don’t know what to think of Penim or Sicrus.

Sen: And those are the only other two we know of.

Dain: Exactly. So, from this point on, Sen, you need to not hold back.

Sen thinks about it.

Sen: Yeah… Yeah, you’re right…

Dain: But anyways. I’m clocking out. Night, bro.

Sen: Night.

In the distance, the land of Yumitra burns. Zagons roam the charred remains, hunting for any signs of resistance. Fear grips the citizens, who sit helplessly, too terrified to fight back. Deeper within the ruined city, Sicrus and Zan stand in a dimly lit room. An older man, bound to a chair by chains of Intergy, is drenched in sweat, his mouth sealed shut with layers of tape, breathing heavily through his nose. Sicrus leans casually against a table in the corner, while Zan prowls menacingly, circling the man.

Zan: Can I start now, Sicrus?

Sicrus: Just wait for Mayzen.

Zan: Mayzen is going to take a long time to get his stuff done. Just let me do it so we can get out of here faster. Trust me, I have my methods.

Zan looks to Sicrus for approval. Sicrus sighs and looks away.

Sicrus: If Mayzen gets here and you aren’t done yet, we’re doing it the normal way.

Zan: Sure, sure!

Zan turns to the older man.

Zan: Ohh, Prime Minster of Yumitra, Amalo.

Zan transforms his pinky into corrosive acid and burns away a strip of tape from Amalo's mouth, singeing his face in the process. Amalo lets out a muffled yelp, still unable to speak. Zan pulls the tape off, and Amalo gasps for air frantically.

Amalo: Please!!! Please, please, please!!! Let me go!

Zan: No begging allowed here! Just work with me so we can speed this process.

Amalo: What do you want? Please! I can get you money! I can get you anything. Please, please let me go! Please!

Amalo starts to cry.

Zan: I just want answers. That’s it. And maybe a little bit of fun.

Amalo: What is it? What do you want to know?

Zan: When’s the meeting?

Amalo: Meeting? What? What are you talking about?

Zan liquefies the tip of his index finger, letting a single drop of acid fall onto Amalo's bound arm, searing his skin.

Amalo: Ahhhh! Stop!!! What meeting? Please!

Zan: What other meeting would we be asking for, dumbass?

Amalo: Wait. Are you from Revano? Why?

Zan drops another drip of acid, burning Amalo’s skin on the same spot.

Amalo: Arrghhh! Stop!!! I’m begging you!!!

Zan: I said no begging allowed.

Zan lets another drop of acid fall onto the same spot. Amalo's arm begins to bleed, the blood mixing with the corrosive burn.

Zan: The meeting…

Amalo: If you’re talking about the summit, it’s going to be in Krutone.

Zan: Obviously. I asked for when. I never asked for where.

Amalo: Wait, why? Who are you both?

Zan lets more acid drip onto Amalo's arm, causing a deep dent to form in his flesh.

Amalo: Stop!!! Please!!!

Zan: When?

Amalo: It’s supposed to happen in a few months. We haven’t decided on a date yet! Please, stop!!!

Amalo cries as he looks at Zan then at his burning arm. Zan drops more acid.

Amalo: Ahhhh! Ahhhhhhhh! Arghhhh!

Zan: Give me a date.

Amalo: I seriously don’t know. Please!!!

Zan: Who’s all going to be there?

Amalo: Leaders of Krutone, Luria, Eztan, Revano! Please, stop!!

Zan: Clyden and Troita too?

Amalo: Yes! Yes! All of them.

Zan: What’s the meeting for?

Amalo: I don’t know! I think it has something to do with the Zagons.

Zan drops more acid.

Amalo: Stop!! Please! I answered you!

Zan: I know. That one was just for fun!

Amalo: Let me go. Please!

Zan drops more acid, causing Amalo to scream in immense pain.

Zan: I said no begging. Please follow the rules.

Amalo: What else do you want? Just tell me!

Zan: How do you get through Krutone’s new security?

Amalo: I— I don’t know!

Zan drops the acid again, but something catches his eye. The acid hits the floor instead of Amalo’s arm, and Zan realizes with a twist of amusement that he’s burned a hole straight through it. He looks down through the wound, intrigued by the damage he’s caused.

Zan: Oops! You have a hole in your arm. Didn’t realize how concentrated my acid was. Wanna see a cool trick?

Zan liquefies a small section of his own arm, creating a hole to mimic Amalo’s wound. He peeks through the opening in his own flesh, his gaze fixed on Amalo, tears streaking down his face.

Zan: Peek a boo! I have a hole in my arm too! Now we’re twins!

Amalo is shaking in fear. Zan solidifies himself.

Zan: Let us know how to get through Krutone’s security.

Amalo: I really don’t know! Please don’t hurt me. Lessa does it all!

Zan liquefies his finger and holds it up for Amalo to see.

Zan: Maybe you’ll talk if I shove this up your ass.

Amalo: NO!!! PLEASE STOP!!!

Amalo begins to shake violently, still bound to the chair.

Amalo: PLEASE NO!!!

Zan: Let’s hope you can open wide down there!

Amalo: PLEASE!!! I’M BEGGING YOU!!! PLEASE-

In an instant, five holes pierced through Amalo's neck, blood spilling from the wounds. Zan turned, his gaze meeting Sicrus, who stood behind him, Intergy glowing in his hand.

Sicrus: You need to cut your fuckery, now.

Zan glances at Amalo, watching blood pour from his neck as he struggles to breathe.

Zan: Awe man! Why’d you kill him? Imagine him crying while taking the biggest shit ever. Would’ve been epic!

Before Zan could react further, Sicrus fired, and Zan’s head exploded in a burst of force, acid splattering onto the ground. His body remained standing, and the liquid from his head began to flow back together, slowly reforming his face.

Zan: Geez, always so serious, you.

Zan looks to Amalo who is now dead.

Zan: Welp, we at least got answers out of him.

A portal materializes, and a man with long black hair, dressed in the same attire as Sicrus and Zan, steps through. As he walks forward, the portal closes behind him, vanishing without a trace.

Zan: Took you long enough to show up!

Sicrus: Anything, Mayzen?

Mayzen: No intel.

Mayzen looks at Amalo’s dead body.

Mayzen: Is this him?

Sicrus: Yeah. Do your thing.

Zan steps aside as Mayzen approaches Amalo’s lifeless body, still bound to the chair. Mayzen raises a finger to Amalo’s limp head, and a vein extends from his finger, burrowing into Amalo’s skull. After a few seconds, Mayzen retracts the vein back into his finger.

Sicrus: So?

Mayzen: Closer. Still not what we need.

Zan: Did I get everything?

Mayzen: The meeting is in Krutone for sure. They know about The Orb and Penim being alive. Penim made too big of a scene back in Luria when looking for The Orb. Krutone doesn’t believe it’s Penim behind it all.

Sicrus: You’re saying they know?

Mayzen: Yes, they believe it could be Aku, but they aren’t sure. The meeting is supposed to be about the evidence they found and how to move forward with the Zagons.

Sicrus: Why are they taking so long for this? A few months from now?

Mayzen: They don’t need everyone at this moment. Right now, Krutone, Luria and Clyden are managing everything.

Zan: Then let’s get Clyden. We were just there. Esren would be an easy target.

Mayzen ignores Zan.

Mayzen: Not much new information here. I think we still wait until they all meet to avoid any speculation of us. Although, let’s report what we have so far.

Sicrus: Sure.

Mayzen turns to Zan.

Mayzen: I saw what you did. Repulsive as always.

Zan shrugs with a smile as Mayzen opens a portal. Without a word, the three step through, leaving Amalo's lifeless body slumped in the chair.