The Other Side of Beyond, page 31
part #2 of Mitch Mythic Series
“I see she means a great deal to you, a great deal and I will help her, but more is at stake than her well being,” Mother said as she looked back at Mitch. “I look out across this planet I love so dearly and I feel her pain, feel her agony. It is us, me and my colleagues that caused this suffering, this anguish and the knowledge of this fact tears me apart at every moment, at every breath. And now I hold in my arms the answer, the key. I long to make things right, to make things whole again.”
A tremor shook the tower and more cracks appeared on the stone tiles. Mitch looked down at the fissures forming beneath his feet with trepidation, but he was more concerned with SoHee and what Mother was planning to do with her. Guts knotting up inside him, he watched Mother’s black eyes looked down upon SoHee while she lay across the metallic claws in a catatonic state.
“And at this moment in time, hostile forces swarm around me, around my people and all that I have built. But these forces are not the enemy, not some foreign power here to conquer. No, these forces are the same forces I helped to build and create, they fight for the same cause I shaped and brought to life. Once our cause was united and I seek to unite it again, make it whole again. That is why I invited you here, why I offer you this gift of salvation, this offering of peace that I promised your Commander, Commander Holrathu,” Mother said as she raised SoHee up into the air before the blue skinned woman and the metallic Masters.
Mitch reeled in disbelief at what he was witnessing. The blue skinned woman blew into her horn again and a purple orb encased SoHee. The three masters took up their horns and joined in the chorus and the purple orb grew in strength and intensity around SoHee.
“What have you done?” Mitch shouted as Mother turned to face him.
“She’s betrayed you!” KiGuan shouted from the opposite side of the tower. “And she’s betrayed us all as well.”
“Is that what you think, my dear boy?” Mother said as her snake like neck whipped backed to face her General. SoHee rose into the air above them all and the blue skinned Woman blue into her horn with vigor drawing SoHee towards her.
The black and orange minions of the masters pressed forward as KiGuan’s soldiers raised their staffs once more.
“You’ve sold us out in a vain effort to save yourself,” KiGuan shouted at Mother again.
“Oh KiGuan, you are so brave and yet so foolish,” Mother said as she looked down upon him. “Do you really think that we could survive much longer here? Yes, I made a deal with those that you consider our enemies, but it had to be done, had to be done, to save us all, to save our home.”
“Do you think surrendering to them will save us? I’d rather die fighting than to hand over my weapons to these monsters,” KiGuan said.
“This is not a surrender, KiGuan,”Mother said as she looked upon SoHee with tender eyes. “This young lady is fulfilling her destiny. She alone can bring harmony to the universe. This is a necessary sacrifice.”
Mitch watched helpless as SoHee rose into the air. The blue skinned woman and her metallic cohorts continued to blow into their horns, further entombing SoHee into the purple orb. A flash from his left caught his eye and he looked over to see someone charging forward towards Mother. An orange blade whirled through the air and sliced the metallic neck connected to Mothers head. Her black eyes looked around in astonishment before her head fell lifeless to the stone tiles below. Mitch saw Kate’s smile flash before him as she tugged mothers neck and shot up inside the metal chamber as Mother’s spindly legs spun her torso in search of her attacker. A sudden thud and crash could be heard from within the chamber and then its black spider legs collapse underneath it. The chamber crashed to the ground and Kate burst through the top of the metal surface and looked back at Mitch.
“See, I told you someone was getting sacrificed,” Kate said as she wiped some oil off of her face. “You better get moving, Mitch. Those guys are stealing your girlfriend.”
Mitch was about to charge forward when a deafening blast rocked the tower. He was knocked off of his feet and he looked down at where he had fallen. The fissure that had opened during one of the previous tremors had begun to split the tower in half. He looked around in horror as another explosion shook the tower. Feeling his leg fall away underneath him, he realized the tower was splitting away right below his feet. A hand grabbed him and dragged him back. Turning around he saw Drak grimacing to pull him away from the newly formed ledge. He maintained his grip on Mitch’s arm for a moment until another violent quake shook the tower again and they tumbled over the edge. Mitch felt weightless for a second before began to plummet to the ground. Drak let go of him and crossed his arms over his chest. Mitch followed suit and they were quickly enshrouded in soft blue auras. Debris rained down upon them both and they had to shove out of the way as a large chunk of stone fell past them. They were caught in a thick cloud of carnage and they pushed up and to the left to clear the smoke and falling debris.
Passing through the thick cloud, Mitch looked back and saw half of the tower had broken away as a large plume of lava flowed out of the base of the structure.
“It looks like the lava broke through,” Drak shouted.
“Where is she? Can you see her?” Mitch shouted
“Look up there,” Drak pointed and Mitch could see a tiny purple orb hanging against the dark grey spires of smoke and ash.
“Go to her. I’ll cover you” Drak said.
“I’ve got to save her,” Mitch shouted.
“I know,” Drak answered. “Don’t worry, I won’t let anything get in your way.”
They pushed up toward SoHee and as they did Gerald and the other soldiers joined in.
“I guess we should’ve seen it coming,” Gerald shouted as they rocketed skyward.
“Seen what coming?” Mitch shouted back.
“Absolute chaos,” Gerald said with a straight face. “It’s Robert Chapman’s calling card.”
“We have to stop them. If they take her it’s over,” Mitch shouted.
“I know. You got any plan or are you just gonna wing it?” Davis shouted at Mitch.
“I’m gonna make it up as I go along,” Mitch said as they neared the top of the tower.
“We’ve got your back, but this is gonna be pretty heavy,” Babcock said as she eyed the chaos above the tower. KiGuan and his soldiers were heavily engaged with the Master’s horde. A cloud of black and orange foes inter tangled with the Jarkadian forces around the tower. From a distance it looked like a swarm of insects hovering above the carcass of some dead animal.
“Mitch, you still got that speed you showed us last year?” Davis shouted as they neared the battle.
“I haven’t lost a step,” Mitch shouted back.
“We’re gonna be your lead blockers then,” Davis said. “Stick back and we’ll clear an opening. When you see the gap open take it. Don’t hesitate.”
“Got it, just get me close,” Mitch shouted.
Davis and Babcock joined together and created a shelled wall in front of Mitch. Gerald and the other soldiers joined in and Mitch watched as a shield of blue energy expanded in front of him. Drak was about to join, but a flash of chrome to the right caught his eye. Mitch followed his gaze and he saw Robert Chapman charging towards them with his teeth bared and a blazing orange broadsword in his hand.
“I got this,”Drak said as Robert barreled down upon them. “Don’t look back, just go to her.”
Mitch watched Drak break off from the group as Robert Chapman pulled back his sword to strike.
Drak dodged to the left and rolled underneath Robert’s blow. He pushed up and over Robert’s extended body and brought his fist down upon the older man’s well armored back. Robert stumbled forward, but quickly righted himself and spun around.
“You’ve managed to travel all over the multiverse and you still haven’t learned,” Robert said as he stared off against Drak.
“I learn many things. Learn about ramen and instant noodles and about your plan to dominate the universe,” Drak said as he dodged a blow from Robert.
“Very funny, but you still haven’t learned your place,” Robert said as he lunged forward.
“Know my place very well,” Drak said as he maneuvered away from Robert’s attack and leveled a counter blow of his own.
“Don’t you see how foolish all of this is?” Robert shouted. “For all your effort and all your running around what have you managed to accomplish? Nothing but chaos and disorder. That’s all terrorists like you are good for. It’s funny that you still think you and your pal, Mitch, are the good guys in all of this, but the truth is you’re nothing but criminals standing in the way of progress. I alone am the one shining light in the universe and I will bring order and harmony. You’re on the losing side Drak and now you are going to die.”
“Is that so? Problem is the one thing that can stop you is on our side.” Drak said as he let loose a volley of fire before striking out at Robert again
“Do you really think that little girl can change the course of the universe?” Robert asked as he blocked Drak’s attack.
“Not sure, but your boss sure seems to think so and so did that Metal spider lady,” Drak said. “She sure must be important or they wouldn’t be making such a big deal out of her.”
“Well, you don’t need to worry about her, and that lady isn’t my boss” Robert said as he lashed out at Drak. “We’re just tying up loose ends and taking out you and your buddies is at the top of the list. There are consequences for your actions and I’m here to show you what happens when you mess with the wrong people.”
“It looks like we really got under your skin,” Drak said as he landed a blow of his own. “That’s the problem with any plan to take over the universe: there are so many cracks in the wall, it’s easy for any rebellion to slip on through.”
“You mean terrorists,” Robert said as he countered Drak’s attack. “We’re doing something for the good of the galaxy. Of course a few people are going to get hurt in the process, but sometimes sacrificing a few for the benefit of many is a necessary action. That’s something someone like you could never understand and that’s why you will always be on the losing side of history.”
“History hasn’t been written yet,” Drak said while he whirled past Robert’s relentless attack. “But I’m pretty sure history will show the truth.”
Drak was about to strike back, but a flash of black caught his eye and he looked to his right only to feel a sharp and piercing pain cut through his back. He looked down to see an orange blade jutting out of his guts as blood spilled out of his mouth. Allan pulled his blade out of Drak’s back and kicked him towards Robert.
“That’s the one thing about history that I like best: It’s written by the winners,” Robert said as he grabbed Drak by the hair and pulled him up so that he could look him in the eyes. “Allan over here understands and that is why, in spite of everything that has happened to him, he is sticking with the winners. And because you chose the losers look what happened to you.”
“You won’t win,” Drak said as his aura began to sputter and fade.
“It looks like I already have,” Robert said before he raised Drak’s body over his head and hurled him down towards the river of molten lava flowing beneath them. He watched him fall for a moment and then looked skyward.
“You’re finally starting to show some initiative, Allan. I like it,” Robert said as he pushed upwards. “Come on. Let’s go finish this off.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
MITCH HELD TIGHT behind the shield as Davis had instructed. He could see a furious battle taking place above the crumbling ramparts of the tower. KiGuan’s soldiers had created a front of resistance against the Masters minions. A wall of orange and black stood between them and the fortress. As they rushed towards the fight bursts of fire directed at them were absorbed by their combined shields. From a distance, Mitch saw KiGuan in the thick of the battle, staff blazing before him as he took down several of the orange and black soldiers swarming around him.
Through the thick smoke and battling soldiers Mitch spotted SSoHee and her captors. The purple orb cut a glow through the carnage and Mitch could make out the figures of the Metallic Masters and the blue skinned woman accompanying SoHee with horns in hand directing the orb towards the still open portal in the massive black stone. Only one side of the tower had fallen away and the stone had managed to stay in place.
Mitch knew time was running out. If they made it to the portal all would be lost. “We’ve got to cut right through all of this,” Mitch shouted to Gerald. “There’s no other way.”
“I wish I could disagree with you on that point, but it looks like it’s our only chance,” Gerald shouted back. “Davis, Babcock, get ready to steer us right into the thick of it.”
“Think we could put a couple of big guns out front if we focus our energy together?” Babcock shouted out.
“I don’t see why not,” Davis replied. “I’ll continue to steer. Babcock you man the gun. Let’s take as many of these guys out as we can. We might be able to clear a path. Mitch, you cover the rear and be ready to pounce when we open up a hole for you.”
“Got it,” Mitch said as he turned to focus on the rear. Babcock swung herself forward and manifested two big guns between the collection of shields and begun to fire upon the enemy soldiers. As she unloaded her first volley of fire a loud horn sounded above them and the orange and black soldiers began a fast and methodical retreat. Mitch watched as they pulled back towards the portal and formed a defensive wall in front of SoHee.
“We’ve got to move now. They’re gonna make a run for it,” Gerald shouted from the wing position.
“Let’s step on the gas, everybody. Babcock, give ‘em all you’ve got,” Davis shouted as he steered them directly at the wall of enemy soldiers. Babcock began to fire and the swarm took notice of their approach and sent a firestorm towards them. “Keep firing, Babcock. Everybody else focus on keeping those shields up,” Davis screamed over the heavy din.
Mitch kept his eye on the rear for a moment, but all of the enemy soldiers had retreated to the portal. He scanned the horizon for Drak, but there was no sign of his friend.
“Get ready, Mythic,” Davis shouted. “You’re holes about to open.”
Mitch looked forward and saw that Babcock had managed to cut a hole through the wall of the enemy. She continued to focus her fire as they neared the wall. “Grab my hand,” Davis shouted. “I’ll swing you in as we pass by. They should keep their fire on us giving you enough time to slip in. You’re only get one shot at this so don’t miss.”
“Wasn’t planning on it. Just get me close enough and I’ll make it happen,” Mitch shouted back and grabbed onto Davis’s arm.
“You’re a pretty brave kid, Mythic,” Davis shouted. “Stupid, but brave.”
“Some lovely words of encouragement. Just in time for my suicide shot, thanks Davis,” Mitch said as he narrowed his eyes and prepared to jump.
“Get ready, cause here we go,” Davis shouted as he pulled into a hard turn towards the left. Mitch felt Davis let go of his arm and he shot out away from his companions as they continued to Draw fire from the enemy. Mitch turned and pushed himself towards the opening Babcock had cut through the enemy. He brought up his shield, but he managed to avoid any fire. It seemed the distraction had worked, and he rocketed through the defensive wall. He looked up and he saw SoHee’s orb hovering a few hundred feet above him. The three metallic Masters and the blue skinned woman were continuing to steer SoHee towards the portal. He was badly out gunned, but he knew he had to save her. If they took her through that portal there was no way he would ever get her back. Pushing upwards, he shot towards her hoping they weren’t expecting him and he would at least have the element of surprise.
As he closed in on the portal a flash of blue chrome blindsided him and he felt a flash of pain overcome him. He was sent reeling in the other direction and her heard a familiar voice shriek with delight.
“Surprise, Mitch,” Robert shouted as he bore down upon him. Mitch scrambled to right himself, dodging away just in time as Robert brought down his mighty sword. He whirled around and swung at his old foe only to be backhanded away by Robert’s massive arm.
“How do you like my upgrade, by the way?” Robert said. “You didn’t even compliment me on my new suit.”
“You call that an upgrade? You look like Optimus prime meets Papa Smurf,” Mitch shouted back at him. He could see SoHee nearing the portal. Time was running out.
“Do you really think you can save her, Mitch?” Robert said as he noticed Mitch eyeing the portal. “You and your noble causes. I guess it’s your friend Drak’s fault, teaching you all these foolish notions. But don’t worry, you won’t be seeing him again. I dropped him in a pit of lava just a minute ago and now I’m gonna finish you off once and for all. I told you before you would never defeat me.”
“You’re a liar,” Mitch said.
“Oh yeah, why don’t you go and see for yourself,” Robert said. “After I’m done with you, I’m gonna have a lot of fun playing with your girlfriend. The only problem is I’m not the only one that wants to play with her. It seems like she’s a popular girl. But once again, don’t worry I’ll make sure they take good care of her. I’m pretty sure what they have planned for her won’t hurt too much.”
“Not if I’ve got anything to say about it,” Mitch said as he lashed out at Robert again. Robert countered his blow and kicked him in the chest, sending him reeling backwards again. Mitch winced as he pulled his breath back into his lungs and looked for a way to make it to SoHee. She was almost at the portal and he new it was now or never. He pushed himself up and to the right and he saw Robert watch him move. His monstrous form pushed upwards and slashed at Mitch as he tried to reach the Portal. He dodged to the left and narrowly missed being sliced in half by the massive sword. Pulling himself around again, he could see her face within the purple orb, eyes closed, supine.
He shot towards her knowing this was his only chance. The blue skinned woman saw him approaching and she whirled to face him. The masters swung around as well and pointed their horns at Mitch and blasted out in unison. Four plumes of purple energy shot out of their horns and formed one solid wave, slamming into Mitch as he attempted to reach SoHee. He was smashed backwards and the force sent him reeling head over heels in the opposite direction. The masters sounded their horns once again and the horde of soldiers immediately disengaged from their defensive positions and began to stream back towards the portal forming a flowing column around SoHee as she neared the entrance.
A tremor shook the tower and more cracks appeared on the stone tiles. Mitch looked down at the fissures forming beneath his feet with trepidation, but he was more concerned with SoHee and what Mother was planning to do with her. Guts knotting up inside him, he watched Mother’s black eyes looked down upon SoHee while she lay across the metallic claws in a catatonic state.
“And at this moment in time, hostile forces swarm around me, around my people and all that I have built. But these forces are not the enemy, not some foreign power here to conquer. No, these forces are the same forces I helped to build and create, they fight for the same cause I shaped and brought to life. Once our cause was united and I seek to unite it again, make it whole again. That is why I invited you here, why I offer you this gift of salvation, this offering of peace that I promised your Commander, Commander Holrathu,” Mother said as she raised SoHee up into the air before the blue skinned woman and the metallic Masters.
Mitch reeled in disbelief at what he was witnessing. The blue skinned woman blew into her horn again and a purple orb encased SoHee. The three masters took up their horns and joined in the chorus and the purple orb grew in strength and intensity around SoHee.
“What have you done?” Mitch shouted as Mother turned to face him.
“She’s betrayed you!” KiGuan shouted from the opposite side of the tower. “And she’s betrayed us all as well.”
“Is that what you think, my dear boy?” Mother said as her snake like neck whipped backed to face her General. SoHee rose into the air above them all and the blue skinned Woman blue into her horn with vigor drawing SoHee towards her.
The black and orange minions of the masters pressed forward as KiGuan’s soldiers raised their staffs once more.
“You’ve sold us out in a vain effort to save yourself,” KiGuan shouted at Mother again.
“Oh KiGuan, you are so brave and yet so foolish,” Mother said as she looked down upon him. “Do you really think that we could survive much longer here? Yes, I made a deal with those that you consider our enemies, but it had to be done, had to be done, to save us all, to save our home.”
“Do you think surrendering to them will save us? I’d rather die fighting than to hand over my weapons to these monsters,” KiGuan said.
“This is not a surrender, KiGuan,”Mother said as she looked upon SoHee with tender eyes. “This young lady is fulfilling her destiny. She alone can bring harmony to the universe. This is a necessary sacrifice.”
Mitch watched helpless as SoHee rose into the air. The blue skinned woman and her metallic cohorts continued to blow into their horns, further entombing SoHee into the purple orb. A flash from his left caught his eye and he looked over to see someone charging forward towards Mother. An orange blade whirled through the air and sliced the metallic neck connected to Mothers head. Her black eyes looked around in astonishment before her head fell lifeless to the stone tiles below. Mitch saw Kate’s smile flash before him as she tugged mothers neck and shot up inside the metal chamber as Mother’s spindly legs spun her torso in search of her attacker. A sudden thud and crash could be heard from within the chamber and then its black spider legs collapse underneath it. The chamber crashed to the ground and Kate burst through the top of the metal surface and looked back at Mitch.
“See, I told you someone was getting sacrificed,” Kate said as she wiped some oil off of her face. “You better get moving, Mitch. Those guys are stealing your girlfriend.”
Mitch was about to charge forward when a deafening blast rocked the tower. He was knocked off of his feet and he looked down at where he had fallen. The fissure that had opened during one of the previous tremors had begun to split the tower in half. He looked around in horror as another explosion shook the tower. Feeling his leg fall away underneath him, he realized the tower was splitting away right below his feet. A hand grabbed him and dragged him back. Turning around he saw Drak grimacing to pull him away from the newly formed ledge. He maintained his grip on Mitch’s arm for a moment until another violent quake shook the tower again and they tumbled over the edge. Mitch felt weightless for a second before began to plummet to the ground. Drak let go of him and crossed his arms over his chest. Mitch followed suit and they were quickly enshrouded in soft blue auras. Debris rained down upon them both and they had to shove out of the way as a large chunk of stone fell past them. They were caught in a thick cloud of carnage and they pushed up and to the left to clear the smoke and falling debris.
Passing through the thick cloud, Mitch looked back and saw half of the tower had broken away as a large plume of lava flowed out of the base of the structure.
“It looks like the lava broke through,” Drak shouted.
“Where is she? Can you see her?” Mitch shouted
“Look up there,” Drak pointed and Mitch could see a tiny purple orb hanging against the dark grey spires of smoke and ash.
“Go to her. I’ll cover you” Drak said.
“I’ve got to save her,” Mitch shouted.
“I know,” Drak answered. “Don’t worry, I won’t let anything get in your way.”
They pushed up toward SoHee and as they did Gerald and the other soldiers joined in.
“I guess we should’ve seen it coming,” Gerald shouted as they rocketed skyward.
“Seen what coming?” Mitch shouted back.
“Absolute chaos,” Gerald said with a straight face. “It’s Robert Chapman’s calling card.”
“We have to stop them. If they take her it’s over,” Mitch shouted.
“I know. You got any plan or are you just gonna wing it?” Davis shouted at Mitch.
“I’m gonna make it up as I go along,” Mitch said as they neared the top of the tower.
“We’ve got your back, but this is gonna be pretty heavy,” Babcock said as she eyed the chaos above the tower. KiGuan and his soldiers were heavily engaged with the Master’s horde. A cloud of black and orange foes inter tangled with the Jarkadian forces around the tower. From a distance it looked like a swarm of insects hovering above the carcass of some dead animal.
“Mitch, you still got that speed you showed us last year?” Davis shouted as they neared the battle.
“I haven’t lost a step,” Mitch shouted back.
“We’re gonna be your lead blockers then,” Davis said. “Stick back and we’ll clear an opening. When you see the gap open take it. Don’t hesitate.”
“Got it, just get me close,” Mitch shouted.
Davis and Babcock joined together and created a shelled wall in front of Mitch. Gerald and the other soldiers joined in and Mitch watched as a shield of blue energy expanded in front of him. Drak was about to join, but a flash of chrome to the right caught his eye. Mitch followed his gaze and he saw Robert Chapman charging towards them with his teeth bared and a blazing orange broadsword in his hand.
“I got this,”Drak said as Robert barreled down upon them. “Don’t look back, just go to her.”
Mitch watched Drak break off from the group as Robert Chapman pulled back his sword to strike.
Drak dodged to the left and rolled underneath Robert’s blow. He pushed up and over Robert’s extended body and brought his fist down upon the older man’s well armored back. Robert stumbled forward, but quickly righted himself and spun around.
“You’ve managed to travel all over the multiverse and you still haven’t learned,” Robert said as he stared off against Drak.
“I learn many things. Learn about ramen and instant noodles and about your plan to dominate the universe,” Drak said as he dodged a blow from Robert.
“Very funny, but you still haven’t learned your place,” Robert said as he lunged forward.
“Know my place very well,” Drak said as he maneuvered away from Robert’s attack and leveled a counter blow of his own.
“Don’t you see how foolish all of this is?” Robert shouted. “For all your effort and all your running around what have you managed to accomplish? Nothing but chaos and disorder. That’s all terrorists like you are good for. It’s funny that you still think you and your pal, Mitch, are the good guys in all of this, but the truth is you’re nothing but criminals standing in the way of progress. I alone am the one shining light in the universe and I will bring order and harmony. You’re on the losing side Drak and now you are going to die.”
“Is that so? Problem is the one thing that can stop you is on our side.” Drak said as he let loose a volley of fire before striking out at Robert again
“Do you really think that little girl can change the course of the universe?” Robert asked as he blocked Drak’s attack.
“Not sure, but your boss sure seems to think so and so did that Metal spider lady,” Drak said. “She sure must be important or they wouldn’t be making such a big deal out of her.”
“Well, you don’t need to worry about her, and that lady isn’t my boss” Robert said as he lashed out at Drak. “We’re just tying up loose ends and taking out you and your buddies is at the top of the list. There are consequences for your actions and I’m here to show you what happens when you mess with the wrong people.”
“It looks like we really got under your skin,” Drak said as he landed a blow of his own. “That’s the problem with any plan to take over the universe: there are so many cracks in the wall, it’s easy for any rebellion to slip on through.”
“You mean terrorists,” Robert said as he countered Drak’s attack. “We’re doing something for the good of the galaxy. Of course a few people are going to get hurt in the process, but sometimes sacrificing a few for the benefit of many is a necessary action. That’s something someone like you could never understand and that’s why you will always be on the losing side of history.”
“History hasn’t been written yet,” Drak said while he whirled past Robert’s relentless attack. “But I’m pretty sure history will show the truth.”
Drak was about to strike back, but a flash of black caught his eye and he looked to his right only to feel a sharp and piercing pain cut through his back. He looked down to see an orange blade jutting out of his guts as blood spilled out of his mouth. Allan pulled his blade out of Drak’s back and kicked him towards Robert.
“That’s the one thing about history that I like best: It’s written by the winners,” Robert said as he grabbed Drak by the hair and pulled him up so that he could look him in the eyes. “Allan over here understands and that is why, in spite of everything that has happened to him, he is sticking with the winners. And because you chose the losers look what happened to you.”
“You won’t win,” Drak said as his aura began to sputter and fade.
“It looks like I already have,” Robert said before he raised Drak’s body over his head and hurled him down towards the river of molten lava flowing beneath them. He watched him fall for a moment and then looked skyward.
“You’re finally starting to show some initiative, Allan. I like it,” Robert said as he pushed upwards. “Come on. Let’s go finish this off.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
MITCH HELD TIGHT behind the shield as Davis had instructed. He could see a furious battle taking place above the crumbling ramparts of the tower. KiGuan’s soldiers had created a front of resistance against the Masters minions. A wall of orange and black stood between them and the fortress. As they rushed towards the fight bursts of fire directed at them were absorbed by their combined shields. From a distance, Mitch saw KiGuan in the thick of the battle, staff blazing before him as he took down several of the orange and black soldiers swarming around him.
Through the thick smoke and battling soldiers Mitch spotted SSoHee and her captors. The purple orb cut a glow through the carnage and Mitch could make out the figures of the Metallic Masters and the blue skinned woman accompanying SoHee with horns in hand directing the orb towards the still open portal in the massive black stone. Only one side of the tower had fallen away and the stone had managed to stay in place.
Mitch knew time was running out. If they made it to the portal all would be lost. “We’ve got to cut right through all of this,” Mitch shouted to Gerald. “There’s no other way.”
“I wish I could disagree with you on that point, but it looks like it’s our only chance,” Gerald shouted back. “Davis, Babcock, get ready to steer us right into the thick of it.”
“Think we could put a couple of big guns out front if we focus our energy together?” Babcock shouted out.
“I don’t see why not,” Davis replied. “I’ll continue to steer. Babcock you man the gun. Let’s take as many of these guys out as we can. We might be able to clear a path. Mitch, you cover the rear and be ready to pounce when we open up a hole for you.”
“Got it,” Mitch said as he turned to focus on the rear. Babcock swung herself forward and manifested two big guns between the collection of shields and begun to fire upon the enemy soldiers. As she unloaded her first volley of fire a loud horn sounded above them and the orange and black soldiers began a fast and methodical retreat. Mitch watched as they pulled back towards the portal and formed a defensive wall in front of SoHee.
“We’ve got to move now. They’re gonna make a run for it,” Gerald shouted from the wing position.
“Let’s step on the gas, everybody. Babcock, give ‘em all you’ve got,” Davis shouted as he steered them directly at the wall of enemy soldiers. Babcock began to fire and the swarm took notice of their approach and sent a firestorm towards them. “Keep firing, Babcock. Everybody else focus on keeping those shields up,” Davis screamed over the heavy din.
Mitch kept his eye on the rear for a moment, but all of the enemy soldiers had retreated to the portal. He scanned the horizon for Drak, but there was no sign of his friend.
“Get ready, Mythic,” Davis shouted. “You’re holes about to open.”
Mitch looked forward and saw that Babcock had managed to cut a hole through the wall of the enemy. She continued to focus her fire as they neared the wall. “Grab my hand,” Davis shouted. “I’ll swing you in as we pass by. They should keep their fire on us giving you enough time to slip in. You’re only get one shot at this so don’t miss.”
“Wasn’t planning on it. Just get me close enough and I’ll make it happen,” Mitch shouted back and grabbed onto Davis’s arm.
“You’re a pretty brave kid, Mythic,” Davis shouted. “Stupid, but brave.”
“Some lovely words of encouragement. Just in time for my suicide shot, thanks Davis,” Mitch said as he narrowed his eyes and prepared to jump.
“Get ready, cause here we go,” Davis shouted as he pulled into a hard turn towards the left. Mitch felt Davis let go of his arm and he shot out away from his companions as they continued to Draw fire from the enemy. Mitch turned and pushed himself towards the opening Babcock had cut through the enemy. He brought up his shield, but he managed to avoid any fire. It seemed the distraction had worked, and he rocketed through the defensive wall. He looked up and he saw SoHee’s orb hovering a few hundred feet above him. The three metallic Masters and the blue skinned woman were continuing to steer SoHee towards the portal. He was badly out gunned, but he knew he had to save her. If they took her through that portal there was no way he would ever get her back. Pushing upwards, he shot towards her hoping they weren’t expecting him and he would at least have the element of surprise.
As he closed in on the portal a flash of blue chrome blindsided him and he felt a flash of pain overcome him. He was sent reeling in the other direction and her heard a familiar voice shriek with delight.
“Surprise, Mitch,” Robert shouted as he bore down upon him. Mitch scrambled to right himself, dodging away just in time as Robert brought down his mighty sword. He whirled around and swung at his old foe only to be backhanded away by Robert’s massive arm.
“How do you like my upgrade, by the way?” Robert said. “You didn’t even compliment me on my new suit.”
“You call that an upgrade? You look like Optimus prime meets Papa Smurf,” Mitch shouted back at him. He could see SoHee nearing the portal. Time was running out.
“Do you really think you can save her, Mitch?” Robert said as he noticed Mitch eyeing the portal. “You and your noble causes. I guess it’s your friend Drak’s fault, teaching you all these foolish notions. But don’t worry, you won’t be seeing him again. I dropped him in a pit of lava just a minute ago and now I’m gonna finish you off once and for all. I told you before you would never defeat me.”
“You’re a liar,” Mitch said.
“Oh yeah, why don’t you go and see for yourself,” Robert said. “After I’m done with you, I’m gonna have a lot of fun playing with your girlfriend. The only problem is I’m not the only one that wants to play with her. It seems like she’s a popular girl. But once again, don’t worry I’ll make sure they take good care of her. I’m pretty sure what they have planned for her won’t hurt too much.”
“Not if I’ve got anything to say about it,” Mitch said as he lashed out at Robert again. Robert countered his blow and kicked him in the chest, sending him reeling backwards again. Mitch winced as he pulled his breath back into his lungs and looked for a way to make it to SoHee. She was almost at the portal and he new it was now or never. He pushed himself up and to the right and he saw Robert watch him move. His monstrous form pushed upwards and slashed at Mitch as he tried to reach the Portal. He dodged to the left and narrowly missed being sliced in half by the massive sword. Pulling himself around again, he could see her face within the purple orb, eyes closed, supine.
He shot towards her knowing this was his only chance. The blue skinned woman saw him approaching and she whirled to face him. The masters swung around as well and pointed their horns at Mitch and blasted out in unison. Four plumes of purple energy shot out of their horns and formed one solid wave, slamming into Mitch as he attempted to reach SoHee. He was smashed backwards and the force sent him reeling head over heels in the opposite direction. The masters sounded their horns once again and the horde of soldiers immediately disengaged from their defensive positions and began to stream back towards the portal forming a flowing column around SoHee as she neared the entrance.
