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d03 · 7 months

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Kion's Journey chapter 3

A wip sci-fi action story about chasing the truth. Read chapter 1 and 2 for full context. Any feedback is appreciated.

Chapter 1

https://www.tumblr.com/d03/722127513704333312/revised-thief-with-azure-skin-an-action-sci-fi?source=share

Chapter 2

https://www.tumblr.com/d03/742101666018492416/kions-journey-a-wip-sci-fi-action-story?source=share

Chapter 3

Kion packed his things. He bought himself a magazine and book to stave of boredom through his long journey. Kion didn’t care for reading, but a book had caught his attention, the self biography of General Zyre. A real war hero who had fought in every conflict that his fledgeling birth nation was involved in and had gotten popular while doing it.

Kion sped through the desert in his jeep. Psynov paid more than Disareta had promised, though the job had cost him something he could never buy back. However it did allow him to live comfortably for a couple of months. Beyond that he was glad to have the jeep through his desert journey, Psynov and his troupe had sold it to him since they were leaving the planet. In short Psynov wanted to know how “Babel” schematics had left his home planet. Kion for his part just wanted to interrogate the crooked man. Though first, he had to have a hazard suit, to protect him against the shredding winds of the hazard zone. His plan was simple, drive to the town of Aregai, buy a hazard suit, and then search for the research station. His plan would likely take several weeks to fulfil, but it was the best path foreward.

When Kion reached Aregai, he found the city silent. The modern, refined streets and buildings seemed to harbour no life. “where is everybody?” Wondered Kion as he drove through the desolate streets.

*Thud* A sudden noise that echoed through the empty streets, Kion looked at his back mirror and was met by the sight of a woman lying limp on the street. She wore a black crop-top and leather pants. Kion rushed out of his jeep. Her crimson skin marked with bruises and wounds. Kion kneeled down and lifted up her up. Her lithe body was modest in size, but you couldn’t mistake her for a young girl due to her defined muscles and battle scars. He placed her on a bench. Shortly after, Kion was horrified when he looked at his hand that had been on the back of her head. It was stained in her red blood.

“Doctor! Doctor! I NEED A DOCTOR” he screamed, his voice ringing through the desolate streets. Kion carried her to a convince store, hoping to find any medical supplies. Kion was shocked when he found every shelf was empty. To make matters worse, a siren blared, which was followed by the shrill voice of a woman delivered through speakers.

“Land-lovers, forfeit yer belongings t' the great pirate xaptain Red or face death!”

The voice blared through the city. Kion docked underneath the counter with the woman. His breathing became heavy with anxiety and his mind raced with questions: Who were these Pirates? Why we're there pirates in the middle of a desert? Why am I so unlucky? Kion’s face went pale, as he heard the automatic door slid open, and the sound of two pairs of clanking boots entered the building.

“I saw him come in here, I spotted him with the spyglass.”

“Yer eyes better nah 'ave betrayed ye. I don’t take kindly t' wastin' me time” It was the same female voice from before, though less distorted. Kion crept further into a corner, hoping against hope that he would disappear or become invisible. The sound of clicking boots came nearer and nearer, until the sight of two gruff looking boots met Kion. “peekaboo!” Said the pirate as he peered under the desk, though he didn’t manage to say much more, since kion punched him. The pirate was sent back, dropping his gun and curved sword. Kion leapt out from under the counter. He would escape! He would save this woman! All those hopeful thoughts disappeared as Kion heard a *click*, someone has turned their safety off.

“Give me one reason I shouldn’t blow your head off”, the voice was shrill, Kion assumed this was the Captain Red. Kion turned around, trying to not alarm the captain.

Catain Red lived up to her name, wearing a long gold lined maroon duster that reached her feet. Out of the jacket poked an imposing scabbard that held a large curved blade. On her head was a oversized tricorn hat, that casted a large shadow on her face, the only visible facial feature was her toothy grin.

“She needs a doctor.”

The pirate didn’t look impressed.

“Do ‘ya expect me to cry”

Her plasmator, an illegal and volatile handgun, was charging up. Kions mind flooded with ways to somehow escape. Tackle her? Run away?

“Iknowwherefloodexists” said Kion, the words leaving his mouth like a freight train. Those jumble of words seem to interest the captain. Captain Reds grin grew wider, she took the intercom fastened to her duster, the cabel hanging limp.

“Listen, scallywags, prepare fer flight. Ive found a clue t' the greatest loot o' all.”

He had been dragged to the pirates ship’s prison cell soon after, Kion was already regretting his confession.

He had recognised the ship from the book about General Zyre, it was a Throne-class air ship which had disappeared several years prior. How did a wannabe pirate manage to steal one of the planets most dangerous air ship?

The holding cell was dingy, it was clear that it wasn’t common for these pirates to take prisoners. Moreover Kion could see out of his bars that a man was entering the room, alongside the clacking of a cane. The man seemed old, his face covered in wrinkles.

“who are you?”

“Don’t worry I’m not some torturer, just an old guard.”

He threw Kions personal belongings into the cell, before slumping down on a chair.

Kion rummaged in the bag with his belongings, trying to find his lockbreaker.

“You won’t find that dohicky, in there, just your books and clothes”

“So how long until I walk the plank?”

“heh, heh, my captain wants to talk to you first, before she makes any fatal decisions. If it gives you any peace of mind, she quite liked the little scene you caused at Fran Arx’s place.”

Kion grabbed the General Zyre memoir, reading it to better his mood, though his mind still wandered about the fate of that women.

“I never caught your name, oldie”

“The name is Veha, I know surprising isn’t it?”

Those words made Kion curious.

“Were you a big-shot in your youth?”

“heh, heh ,you must be newcomer to this planet, heh, heh”

A familiar sound descended into the chamber, high-heeled boots sauntered down the stairs.

Captain Red bend down to be in eye level with Kion, who was sitting down on the cold hard floor. Her face was smeared in a smug, self-satisfied attitude.

““so ready t' tell me about flood or must I go through yer lady-friend?”

Those words sent a bolt through Kion, he sprang up, and gripped onto the metal bars. His face was mere inches from hers, the metal bars inhibiting his violent intent.

“What have you done with her?!”

“calm now, I’ve set her up in a nice galleon in the infirmary”

Kion calmed.

“I jus' needs t' tell me all ye know about flood or else shell stay thar”

“All I know is some cyberhole with a mask has the flood schematics. I also know that hes hiding in the quarantine zone, probably researching how he can recreate flood.”

Her smile broadens, revealing a row of sharp teeth.

“how fortuitous, we be already headin' towards the quarantine zone t' hide. Now jus' t' find that research base, that barnacle bastard be hidin' in. Those schematics will fetch a high price on the black market.”

She turned towards the exit, with an exaggerated swagger that sent her coat swooshing in the air.

“Oh, besides, second mate Vahe, set 'im free, hes part o' the crew now. If 'tis a trap, then he be gonna be trapped wit' us”

Kions eyes went wide, when did he say yes to being part of this madness. Vahe opened the cell door with no care in the world, and handed kion a bandana.

The red bandana had the white silhouette of a laying woman who was holding her head and crossing her legs (mimicking some saucy pose) emblazoned on it. By putting this bandanna he would join this misfit band of mischievous pirates.

“I’m not sure if I can wear something this dirty”

“What, don’t like the appearance of our dear captain?”

Kion blushed as he realised that the white in the silhouette was supposed to be the bare skin of his captor.

“You should worry more about preparing for the raid”

“I can hold my own, I’m a former bodyguard”

“Former?”

“My.. ugh.. client disappeared..”

“Sounds like she needed a better bodyguard, heh, heh, heh”

Vahe lifted himself out of the chair, his limbs creaking as he took off his large poncho. What seemed to be a large metal wristband was fastened on one of his arms. Vahe fingers traced its surface before finding his target, a button. A large serrated blade sprang forth from the wristband, the blade extending out from his arm.

“If you can make it past me, you’ll get a top spot in the cafeteria, where you’ll get all the prime bits. Got it?”

Kion was hesitant, he didn’t want to hurt this frail old man, but the rumbling of his stomach convinced him otherwise. Kion lunged forward, intending to tackle Vahe off his feet. Kion knew he was faster than any strike the geriatric could dish out, so it was all the more surprising when he saw the serrated blade mere inches from his eye.

Kion inched away from Vahe, wondering how this feeble old man had thrusted the blade so fast.

“Heh, heh, heh, still got it. Now I would hate to see your poor body get squashed, so why don’t we train a little?”

Kion nodded yes, still a bit embarrassed from his recent humbling.

“i’ll just get a extra arm-blade from my room, you just stay here”

Kion was left to his own devices, he flipped through a cheap celebrity gossip magazine to calm his nerves. While Kion had bought the magazine for the trip, he hadn’t touched it before now. Kion flipped through it, before reaching “the list of high class disappearances”. It included the usual suspects, but one picture caught Kions attention. She was number 6, the owner of MEK industries. MEK was one of the largest weapons manufacturing companies on the planet, well until she disappeared out of the blue. What intrigued Kion was not the story but picture accompanying it. There was something familiar about the young female CEO, a shocking realisation set in Kion.

“that would certainly explain how she get ahold of a throne-class ship.” Mumbled Kion to himself

Kion put the gossip mag away when he heard Vahe coming down the stairs.

“Well kiddo, are you ready for your training?”

Vahe tossed him a large clunky wrist guard. Though Kion found it primitive and rustic, he had learned from the old man not to judge from appearances. He would accept it, since it would carve his way towards Flood. Kions fingers hovered over the rough scrap metal surface, before finding the button. The wrist guard trembled, kion strikes it, in the hopes it would work faster. The blade sprang forth almost cutting Kions fingers off. Afterwards Kion ran his fingers down the blades surface, it was rough made more for function than form. Kion felt a little awkward since the wrist blade made his arms feel unbalanced. A satisfied smile broaden on Vahe’s face as Kion followed his instructions, moving into the required combat stance with slow precision.

“Ive want you to take a few swings, to get ya used to the weight”

“When are we gonna spare again?”

“Heh, heh, heh, the raid is gonna be your sparing session! So we better start training techniques”

Kion jabbed with the bladed weapon, feeling it cut through the air. Kions arm felt tired because of the burden of the bulky wristguard.

raised off the floor.

“Now kid we will train what I have dubbed the “Blade cyclone” “

Vahe went to the other end of the room, before jumping forward with surprising swiftness. He managed to spin around while in mid air. The tip of his blade made contact with the wall, drilling into the wall. Vahe came to a stop and landed on the ground, he looked up at the crater he had created on the wall.

“Now you try”

“O-okay”

Kion leaped foreward, before falling on his face. The dinner bell rang out in the lower halls before Captain Reds voice broke through the intercom, her voice was latent with false confidence.

“Me mates I can sadly nah join this feast. Plannin' the raid takes priority, but I allow ye t' start the feast without me”

Kion and Vahe made their way to the eating hall, a long table had a basket filled with bread and cutlets. The table was lined up with occupied chairs, though a seat at the end where left empty.

“Kiddo I’m gonna have to leave you to the riffraff since ya lost to me.”

Vahe shuffled to the long end, while Kion had to sit between two massive pirates where he was squished by their impressive bulk.

A large pot filled with soup was placed on the table. Vahe was granted the first pick dipping his ladle deep into the pot, fishing out plenty of meatballs and soup.

“hey! Shouldn’t you leave some for the rest of us?”

One of the large men turned his head towards Kion.

“Thats just how we do things around here, our captain says only the best get the best”

Kions eyes widened as he saw how the other pirates plundered the soup and basket until it was his turn. Nothing more than flavoured water could be found in the pot when it arrived to Kion. The baskets with cutlets and breads, had also been reduced to near nothing. What Kion could scrounge up almost didn’t fill his stomach. Kion left the table, intending to confront the Captain. The sounds of mirthful banter dissipated as Kion moved closer to the Captains quarters. A large plaque above a decorated door read “Great Captain Red!”, Kion had found his target. The door creaked open, Kion letting himself in.

“Knock! I’m only in my underwear!”

Kion covered his eyes, only to realise he didn’t see anything lascivious. What he saw was captain Red in bright red long johns. The captain looked quite different then Kion was used to, her hair had become wild with knots. Furthermore a pair of reading glasses had found themselves on the bridge of her nose. She was getting up from her seat, moving past her desk where the battle plan were strewn across.

“Talk about overreaction”

“Its just this damn raid” She said banging her fist against the hard wood table, making small figurines jump in the air. Kion noticed a half full bottle of liquor next to the desk. Another thing Kion noticed was that she had dropped her pirate accent, speaking now with a delicate dialect.

“Isn’t it simple? Just point the ships weapons at the base and make them give you the schematics”

“No, no, no. I know those bastards, they probably have dozens of escape routes. We gotta hit them hard and fast”. Kions interest was piqued, how did she mean by them? It was time to ask his question, the reason he came in here.

“What did you to the ceo of MEK industries and how do you know about Flood?”

Her hands moved to her waist, seeming to reach for her non existent weapons. Red sighed, looking up at Kion. She went back to her desk, settling in her chair.

“hihihi… I’m only gonna tell you because your already marked for death, since you know about Flood.”

“The ceo, her name Puroji, was once invited to a meeting with some other weapons manufacturing moguls. Thereafter two men came in, one with a crow mask the other with a blank mask. He spoke about creating the war and new war weapons to sell. Puroji couldn’t believe what she was hearing, and how many of her colleagues were agreeing with these mad men. Many were seduced by promises of money, not caring for the death toll, and others just saw it as speeding up the inevitable. Puroji was disgusted by the proposal and rushed out, but she knew they wouldn’t let her live with the knowledge of their plan. To stay safe she would need to disappear, but being powerless wasn’t her style. So she decided to steal one of the Throne-class ships her company was producing. It wasn’t hard t' find outcasts t' hire t' be in me pirate crew.”

“ ”Me”? ”

“excuse me fer spoilin' the twist. Me 'n Puroji are one 'n the same””, Reds grin grew wider.

“So theres no damsel to rescue, just a wannabe pirate. Do you really trust your pirates won’t steal Flood for themselves?”

“Thats where ye come in” said captain Red and fiddled with some of the figurines, so that a red and blue one where in a white circle, “While my crewmates plunder the base, my elite cadre will find the schematics and destroy them. The elite cadre will include those I’m sure wouldn’t steal the schematics for themselves”

“Your gonna do something to that woman, if I decline to be apart of your “elite Cadre” ?”

“HAR, you know it”

“Where might the plans be hidden? Beside what are you gonna do about the fact they can hide in walls?”

Red looked more nervous now and shifted around several figurines.

“well.. that part be still a work in progress”

“Good luck captain, I… trust you.”

“you can just call me Red.”

Kion went out.

Red looked up from her battle plan and figurines with a faint smile, making Kion stop at the doorframe.

“Also I expected you to be taller, even without the boots”

When Kion returned to his cell, he was met by Vahe.

“Took ya long enough, now we will practice blade cyclone again”

Kion went into the combat stance, his right hand lowered to his waist, while his left hand was level with his neck. Kion raised his leg, his toes touching the floor while his heel was raised from the floor. He crashed again, nevertheless He pulled himself back and leapt forwards once again, managing to spin around before crashing to the ground. This sequence repeated 5 five times, Kion only making incremental progress.

“Heh, buddy, Maybe its time to give it a rest?”

“No! If I can’t do this, then how will I save her?”

Kion stood upon shaky legs, Vahe looked solemn noting that this is sixth attempt at the “Blade Cyclone” Kion had made. Kion was bruised from the many falls. For a sixth time, Kion leapt and spun. To Vahe’s surprise Kions blade managed to make contact with the wall, making a small dent before he crashed to the floor. Kions legs had given out, unable to move even an inch. Vahe lifted him to his bed.

“Rest up, tomorrow is show time”

The next day was ushered in with Reds screeching voice echoing through the telecom system, instructing everyone to enter the dinning hall. The hall was filled with the entire crew of the ship.

“Listen up, wimps! We’ll be conductin' a lightin' raid on a base filled wit' eggheads. Our scouts 'ave confirmed camps around the research base, likely containin' some serious muscle. The ship will blast holes into the east, west wing 'n the main body o' the base. Ye will use sky skimmers t' enter inside the wings while me group enter the main body. When ye’ve boarded take any weapons research ye can find 'n get out handsomely.…”

A large hairy hand had raised in the crowd.

“Who will go with you?”

“ I was jus' about t' announce that. Me elite cadre will o' course include first mate Vahe, newly promoted third mate Maka, 'n the scallywag who tipped me off t' this booty Kion!”

Each name was met with roars.. well all except for Kions. Kion wondered who Maka was, he must have done something impressive to be promoted. Maka rose from the crowd, a large bandage stuck to his nose, he lifted his large curved sword. “ooohh, Maka was the guy I punched..that might cause trouble” Thought Kion. The pirates walked to their stations, some staying onboard the ship while others ran through crowded halls to reach their air-skimmer stations, anxious to take off. They all wore their protection suits, all fearing the coarse winds of the quarantine zone.

A tall man in heavy dark armour went to kion, placing his armoured glove on his shoulder. Kion turned around to face the stranger.

“Heh, heh. Don’t recognise your teacher?” Said Vahe

“What?! Why do you get to have super suit?”

“It helps my joints, you don’t need any mobility help”

Kion was led with Reds other companions to where their sky skimmers awaited for them. Kion had never seen a sky skimmer before. They were rudimentary built, there were straps for the riders feet and handle to steer the wiry vehicle. There was small thrusters situated under the glider wings.

“How do you control one of these things?” Asked Kion looking for any way to start the engine.

“Its jus' a bigger version o' the gliders ye played wit' as a sprog” said Red

“As a kid?”

“Yarr, yer nah from this planet. Well don’t worry, its so simple even sprogs can control 'em”

The sky skimmers were a solid metal grey, exempt for Captain Red which had gold handle bars and whose edges were gilded with gold. Kion couldn’t help, but take a quick look Mako’s nose, a feeling of regret welling in him. Makas nose had swelled, the bandage struggling contain his damage.

“Uhm… Sorry about that. No hard feelings?” Said Kion and extended his hand.

“If I hadn’t spotted you and gotten socked in the face, I wouldn’t have gotten this promotion. Heck, I should be thanking you!” Said Maka and shook Kions hand, encasing Kions hand with his own. Red settled into her sky skimmer, before reaching for her telecommunication device.

“Ready up proud beauties, we be descendin' in ten seconds!!!”

Kion rushed to strap himself on the glider, he traced his hands around the handle searching for a throttle.

“KION IF YOU WANT TO TURN IT ON YOU HAVE TO-“ Shouted Vahe before being drowned out by the sound of rushing wind, the hanger door having been opened. Kion fell, holding on to the handle for dear life, his knuckles turning white from the effort. Kion could feel the wind rushing past him as he saw missiles fly towards the research base making their entrance. He was hurtling at the research base in rapid speed, he needn’t to do something now! A panicked Kion pressed every surface on the handle looking for a way to run on the thrusters. The sky skimmer rolled in the air and soon out of control. The heavy winds pushing and shoving the small craft. Kion noticed that Red was leading the charge, right ahead of him. Kion shimmied his feet of the straps and let go of the handle, letting him free fall. Kion dove through the air towards Red like a meteor. Soon Kion crashed into Red’s back with a sudden *thud*. Afterwards Kions arms hooked under the surprised Reds arms, while clinging to her for dear life.

“Shiver me timbers- Someone likes thar cap'n” said Red with a slight blush, Kion for his part was more focused on not plummeting to his death. They landed in the research station, rubble and panicking scientists strewn about. Maka grabbed a scientist with his burly hand.

“Good done, third mate. Now t' begin questionin'.” Red unsheathed her curved blade, which cackled with charged electricity. She pointed the tip at the scientists throat, illuminating his masked face.

“Can ye help be wit' directions t' yer boss?” Asked Red in a sing-song tune

“He’s.. he’s down the stairs, to the left”

“Ya know wha'? Let’s jus' take ye wit' us” a mad grin spread across her face as her cadre of miscreants rushed through hallways and down the steps. The stairs led down to a clear hallway. Their feet tapping against the glass floor as they made their way to the other end. Outside they were met by the sight of what seemed to be a half constructed cannon. Kion thought it looked familiar.

“Sink me! They 'ave already begun construction! They must 'ave been hoardin' materials..”

“At least it can’t cause trouble if its underground.”

“Thats the trick! They’ve likely made a false openin' above ground, so Flood can be lifted or elevated to the outside.”

“Hay, this door won’t budge. It needs a keycard” Maka was banging the door at the end of the hallway. All the pirates turned their gaze towards their hostage.

“I.. I never had clearance, beyond here, I swear!”

“Well looks like I have to give this back.” Said Red and tossed Kion’s lock breaker to him. Kion looked it over, searching for any damage to the device.

“Stand back, I need space to work.”

Kion knelt down, the lock breaker sending radio signals meant to disrupt the doors locking system. What Kion hadn’t noticed was Maka was getting nervous and had decided that whatever Kion was gonna do was gonna taking too long.

“Move aside!” Screamed Maka, as he charged towards the door. Kion was knocked aside by Maka’s impressive bulk, which brought down the thick door. Inside they found an immaculate, clean office space. The crooked masked man was sitting at his desk, which was lined with rows of screens and processors. Thereafter Maka grabbed the crooked man and pinned him against the wall.

“Where is your boss!!” Roared Maka, though the crooked man seemed less than impressed by his attempt at intimidation. Red stepped beside Maka.

“I love your spirit, But let the professionals handle interrogations.” Red pulled out her plasmator, it was already humming with energy.

“Won’t you be nice, and give us the schematics?” She said with a wicked smile.

“Its in my right desk draw, lowest department” said the crooked man, his voice calm as a sea breeze. Kion moved to the desk and opened the drawer where he found a data stick. Anxiousness was seeping into Kion, all of this was too easy.

“Any copies?”

“The encryption prevented us, all we could do was move the digital schematics”

“Heh, we got lucky today.. Kion why are you sweating?”

Kion saw as a red figure crept out from above, sliding off a ceiling panel. Before any noise could escape Kion, a bullet flew out of the figures wrist. The bullet tore through Maka’s neck, his body slumping over, the crooked man slipping out of his now cold limp grip.

Everyone was stunned as two crimson figures crawled out of the ceiling. They were clad in form fitting crimson outfits, their faces obscured by green plexiglass, only the silhouette of their pitiless eyes were visible. The two crimson clad bodyguards jumped on the desk. Standing still, they could be identified as man and a woman and that metallic wings were attached to their backs. The remaining cadre was paralysed in fear.

“I remember MEK made those suits, but they be designed fer extraction nah combat”

A smug laugh left the crooked man.

“Puroji, My bodyguards requested some improvements”

Kion for his part could only stare at Maka’s corpse.

“Snap out of it! If We wanna make it out of here, you’ll have to see two more” snapped Vahe

Much to the surprise of everyone the body guards began to play rock-paper-scissors. The female bodyguard won with the decisive use of scissors.

“HAH I WON, now Angel provide support, while I slaughter them!”

Katars humming with electricity slid out of her wrists. Her metallic wings unfurled as she leapt towards Vahe, aided by the thrusters on her wings. The crimson bodyguard collided into Vahe, but managed only to move him an inch. Cold black steel met electrified blades in an intense struggle. Vahe’s blade sprang from his armoured arm, before he swung it at his opponent. The bodyguard jumped away, leaving with only a scratch on her reinforced chest plate.

“Its really you. The great Vahe, knight of valour, a founder of this very nation. Let it be known that Crimson Valkyrie ripped you into pieces!”

A flurry of blow bound towards Vahe, who deflected them with his arm blade. Each blow deflected heralded another viscous blow. Kion was overwhelmed by the speed of their attacks. Vahe was launched backwards by a burst of shots flying through his hip, launched from Angel. Red and Kion hauled Vahe into the corridor in a hasty retreat.

“Good done Angel, but I reserve the kill”

“Captain, let go of me, you have to escape!”

Kion stepped between the bodyguards and Vahe, his blade springing forth from his arm blade.

“You can kill this one, Angel”

Angel flew forth and launched a barrage of stabs, Kion unprepared to stop any of them. Each strike carved into Kion’s quarantine suit, before cutting away at his bare flesh. Nevertheless Kion’s mind was undeterred by the pain, focusing only on blocking and dodging of Angel’s assault, but many strikes slipped past his defence. Tired out, Angel stepped back, expecting Kion to keel over. On the contrary Kion stood, undaunted by his wounds, almost daring Angel to try again.

“You must admit… Blocking a quarter, ain’t bad for a first try”

“KION RUN NOW” Screamed Red as she chucked her plasmator, the humming sound indicating that it was charging. The sound of scurrying feet was drowned out by a booming explosion as the plasmator overcharged, exploding into pieces. They had only reached halfway up the stairwell before they heard the bodyguards approaching. Blood spilled on the stairs as Vahe stood up, ichor dripping from deep wounds. The once stalwart knight was now standing on shaking legs, fighting against his own weight.

“Heh, heh.. heh, your kindness is too great, but I’m slowing you down. My job is protecting the captain, not surviving.” There was no hint of sadness in his voice, he was unclouded by selfish needs. Red tipped her large pirate hat, her face taking an unusual solemn expression. Meanwhile tears flowed free down Kions face. Kion wanted to say something, anything that would make his teacher come with them, but no words were found. The building was crumbling into pieces, ravishing winds taking apart the sleek and modern architecture. However Kion and Red managed to reach her sky skimmer, KIon hanging on Red as they flew into the air. As Kion and Red flew towards the ship, they witnessed the sky populated with orange hues as missiles struck the airship. The shadowy forms of fighter planes whisked past them, too fast to comprehend.

“What are the military doing here, don’t they have a border to patrol?”

“Our radio scramblers should have cut off any calls of help. Unless this place was always under their protection.”

Kion was horrified when he saw behind himself, Angel and Valkyrie were right on their tails. The bodyguards looked ragged with chunks and pieces missing from their armour. Moreover Valkyrie was dripping with ichor, her katars coated in a thick layer of blood. Furthermore Valkyrie gaining on them. Valkyrie stretched out her hand and managed to dig into Kions helmet, a quick slash from Kion deterred her way, but left a large scar across his cheek. Blades clashed as they flew across tumultuous sky. Kion clung closer to Red as she dove the sky skimmer towards the ground.

“Captain were moving away from the ship!”

“It be suicide to try to fly back, with all those fighter crafts and these guys behind os. Vahe was right if we wish to live, then they have to die.”

Kion had tried to ignore the pain of the whipping winds, but the violent winds was tearing away at his exposed skin. The sky skimmer crashed, sand spraying from their crash site.

The winds were so thick here that it was only possible to see within arm reach.

Even so Kion could make out the silhouettes of Valkyrie and Angel, which were circling them. Before Kion could react, he was knocked away with a crushing drop kick from Angel. However there was still a tingle of strength left in Kions body and despite his body feeling him otherwise, he rose. A scream rung out, Red’s scream as Valkyrie and Angel turned their attention to her. Kion limped foreword on shaky feet, following the sound of battle. His limping turned to running. Kion could now see his targets, they were stomping on Red in a sadistic display of might. Rage welled in Kion, animating his body, letting him leap towards Valkyrie, his body spun with renewed energy. Valkyrie spotted Kions approach, but found herself unable to move, Red using the last of her will to cling to her leg. Then as a last resort Valkyrie pushed Angel into Kions path. Pain seared through Ange as Kions blade punctured Angel, drilling into the bodyguards stomach. Angel fell, life leaving his mangled body, But Kions course kept its speed as he sped towards Valkyrie. Again Kion drove his blade inside his target, dirtying the himself and the ground with her ichor, gore spraying forth. Kion slumped to the ground when he was finished, his eyes wide as he stared in horror at his bloody hands. Afterwards Kion threw away the bloodied arm blade. Kion had never felt so sick, his stomach turning into a swirl of disgust. Meanwhile the last of his energy was leaving him, his eyes felt weary. Red crawled towards him, slumping beside him.

“Why did it have to end this way?”

“Kion don’t regret what happened, its part of your role”

“My role?”

“Your the truth seeker, knew it the second you went to my quarters. You couldn’t help yourself, it was always going to be like this”

“Heh, so you like dying in the middle of nowhere?”

“I’ve taken the role of a pirate captain, I wouldn’t have chosen any other. My only regret is not going down with the ship.”

Kion thought of her words. he had the truth in his grasp and he could now protect those cared for, even if it was just for a moment. Another path wouldn’t have satisfied kion, that he was now sure of now. Though Kion was unsure how longer he could keep his eyes open.

“Don’t worry Kion, my coat has a tracking device, my crew just has to slip past those fighter crafts and retrieve us. They can even save Vahe. Theres no need to worry, really” Kion wasn’t sure if she was trying him or herself, though it also sounded like a plea to a higher power. Kions eyes shut, and he was unsure if it was for the last time.

#artists on tumblr #sci fi #Kion #constructive critism welcome #writers on tumblr

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