Terran stands before Merlan on the strange ship, the Yagamo. A blank, horrified look crosses his face as he stares silently.

MERLAN

Terran…are you alright?

TERRAN

This…This is impossible…

This is all a dream…

…it…it’s gotta be.

MERLAN

I’m afraid not. This is all VERY real.

TERRAN

No, I don’t believe you!!

You say that I’m a "Lemur"…or whatever the hell it is…?

MERLAN

Lemu.

And yes, you are. Well, at least partially.

TERRAN

Partially?

MERLAN

Genetically, you are 50% Human, 25% Elemenian and 25% Lemuan.

TERRAN

Y-You’re saying that I’m…half ALIEN!?!?

MERLAN

If, by alien, you mean from a race not indigenous to this planet, you are correct.

TERRAN

No…

But…all this time, I…

Terran looks at his hands. The bluish tint of them. When he first took the name, "Terran", his skin started turning this color while he used his power. Now, it remained that way. His own body was mocking him, showing him the truth that he’s been denying all this time.

TERRAN

No…

MERLAN

Terran, you don’t have to be ashamed of this.

In fact, this could lead to a very good thi—

TERRAN
Shut up!! I don’t want to hear any more!!

I-I’m not like you!!!

MERLAN

…

TERRAN

I have to get out…have to go!!!

Terran darts back through the portal and disappears. Merlan watches as he goes and calmly sighs.

MERLAN

Oh, dear.

I thought he might be ready by now.

We don’t have time for him to adjust to this.

Hours pass and nightfall comes to EarthNet Tower. Many parts of the Tower need to be rebuilt from the destruction caused by the Kindred’s assault earlier in the day. Outside the tower, members of the press crowd around, kept back only by Federal soldiers and the local police. Just then, the door of the tower opens and two stretchers appear. One with a body bag holding the dead President Suzukara, and another with a half-dead Christian Beck. The media attempts to crowd around the two stretchers, snapping pictures. Christian Beck’s stretcher is loaded into an ambulance. Then, the ambulance pulls away, heading towards a hospital.

As the ambulance continues on down the street, one of the paramedics leans over to Beck. Pulling down a face mask, this "paramedic" is revealed to be Vanessa.

VANESSA

Lord Zepheron, we are now clear.

Zepheron opens his eyes and sits up.

ZEPHERON
It’s about damned time.

(Zepheron grunts and flexes his muscles and the wounds on his body begin to heal themselves.)

So, how did it go, my dear?

VANESSA
Perfectly.

The official story is that President Suzukara was assaulted by members of the Kindred within the Tower. You were beaten severely and left for dead, and the President was assassinated. All of this was caused by an insider at EarthNet who leaked information to the Kindred. So far, this insider has yet to be named.

ZEPHERON
Good, good.

The police will launch an investigation, and after a difficult case, the evidence will conclude that my own dear brother, Jeffrey Stanz, was behind it all.

Heh. I should win an Oscar for this.

VANESSA

(smiles) Indeed you should, my Lord.

ZEPHERON

This is why I like this planet. Earthlings are stupid, weak, and easy to control.

It’s like having my own planet of gerbils.

Hahaha…

Ahem. Alright, that’s enough of that.

Make sure you get put me through to Vice-President…oops, I mean PRESIDENT Calabrese as soon as we reach our destination.

VANESSA
Yes, Lord Zepheron.

Back on the Yagamo, a blue light on the device Genesis lies in illuminates. The bluish liquid inside the machine starts to drain away, and the glass cover opens. Genesis moans for a bit and starts to awaken. She steps out of the machine and looks around, confused.

GENESIS

Where…where am I?

VOICE

Ah…you are Genesis? Correct?

Genesis turns and sees Merlan.

GENESIS

Uh, yeah. I am.

Who are you?

MERLAN
My name is Merlan. You are my ship, the Yagamo.

GENESIS

Merlan…?

Yagamo…?

Then you’re the ones that…

MERLAN

Yes, Terran already informed us of the incident on the Elemenian ship.

GENESIS

Terran…!?

He’s here?
Where is he…?

MERLAN

He’s not here at the moment. He left in a rather abrupt hurry.

GENESIS

When will he be back?

MERLAN

I don’t know.

GENESIS

He IS coming back, isn’t he?

MERLAN
I don’t know that, either. However, I think it’s a fair assumption.

GENESIS

Oh, no…

(Genesis starts to walk a bit, and stumbles.)

MERLAN

Are you alright?

GENESIS

I’m fine. I just…I have to find Terran…

Miles away, Terran stands at the edge of a cliff, looking out to the sea under the clear, moonlit sky. His thoughts venture towards his parents.

TERRAN

Mom…Dad…

I hope you can hear me…

Ever since you died…my life…it’s gotten totally insane.

So many things I’ve found out within the last two years that you never once…not in all the years we were together…told me about. Why?

Why didn’t you tell me about my brother? Or about my powers? Or about our heritage?

Why?!?

Did you think I couldn’t handle it? That I was too young to know…? Or maybe you just thought that if I knew, I’d do something stupid. That seems right to me…seeing as how everything I’ve done up to this point looks pretty stupid. I let my brother use me…I helped cause war and devastation. All because I was too afraid to accept what I might be.

(tears form in Terran’s eyes)

For the last two years, all I’ve ever wanted was to pay back the people that took you away from me. Those bastards…they murdered you…and they destroyed my entire life. When I got my powers, I thought I could finally avenge you. It was a dream come true…

…but now, all it’s become is a nightmare.

And now, my life has once again been ripped out from under me. My chances of avenging you…of getting the justice I’ve been wanting for all this time…seems to be slipping away. I don’t know what to do. I’ve lost the only friend I thought I had. Everything I once believed in doesn’t make sense any more.

Mom, Dad…I need help. I need you to guide me.

What do I do…?

Please….

…help me…

Terran falls to his knees, distraught. He doesn’t notice Genesis as she walks up behind him. She kneels next to him and puts her hand on his shoulder.

GENESIS

Are…are you gonna be okay?

TERRAN

Huh..? How did you get here?

GENESIS
Well, I’ve had a psychic link with you ever since we first met in Narwal. I can track you just about anywhere now.

TERRAN

Well, that’s just great…

How long have you been here.

GENESIS
Ever since "Those bastards".

Tell me something, though…

TERRAN

What?

GENESIS

When you were talking about getting revenge on "them"?

Who did you mean? Did you mean Elemenians?

TERRAN

….

GENESIS

Now it makes sense.

TERRAN
Oh yeah? What?

GENESIS

Your parents were killed by Elemenians, weren’t they?

That’s why you seem to be so biased against us.

TERRAN

Yeah, that’s right.

Heh. Figured all that out on your own, did you?

GENESIS
Look, Terran…I’m sorry about what happened to your parents…

I really am. But, it isn’t fair to blame an entire RACE for what a few of them did.

TERRAN

…

What do YOU know?

GENESIS

Terran…

TERRAN

Just…go away. Leave me alone.

GENESIS

…

Well, FINE. Act like a big whining sissy. I don’t care.

I’m sorry I ever came here.

Genesis starts to walk away.

TERRAN

….

Wait.

GENESIS
(stops) Yeah…?

Terran looks at her, and tries to say the words, "I’m sorry." But, he just can’t.

GENESIS

Yeah. Whatever.

Genesis takes off into the air and flies away, leaving Terran alone.

Meanwhile, somewhere within the outskirts of the city of New Chicago….

Goddess sits with two people, one man and one woman in a dark corner as the three remain in hiding.

GODDESS

Shadow. Tiburon. Thanks for coming so quickly.

SHADOW

No problem.

TIBURON

Yeah, soon as we heard what happened, we busted our asses to get here.

GODDESS

Thank you.. We’ve got to be absolutely careful now.

Thunder, Cascade and Metalm have been taken into custody by the UN…and Genesis has turned against us. We’re gonna need to break into a Federal Ele Detention area and free our comrades.

SHADOW

Yeah, I know. But I hope you don’t mind me saying that this seems impossible.

GODDESS

Don’t worry. (grins)

I have a plan.

Back in the British manor, Indigo and Genesis sit in the guest room. Genesis sits in a chair, with her head resting on her hand, lost in thought. Indigo sits back on the couch, flipping through channels on the TV.

INDIGO

Damn, British TV kicks ass!

Here, we’ve got a game show in which people have to go through an obstacle course on a snow-capped mountain dressed in nothing but speedoes!

Genesis doesn’t answer.

INDIGO

Yo! Cinderella! You still in this time zone?

GENESIS

Huh? Oh, sorry.

INDIGO

Don’t worry. I’m sure your boyfriend’ll come back.

GENESIS

…He’s NOT my boyfriend.

INDIGO

Oh, my bad.

Well, in that case, I bet he’s already run off with a supermodel or something.

GENESIS

…

Does your mouth EVER wait for your brain?

INDIGO
Now, now…don’t go PMS-ing on me.

VOICE

Better be careful, pal.

She’s about as unpredictable as a rattlesnake.

Genesis and Indigo turn.

GENESIS

T-Terran?!?

You’re back?

TERRAN

Yeah.

I think it’s about time I stopped running from my problems…

…and just deal with what happens.

End of Chapter One

A loud yell is heard throughout the British manor housing Terran and the others. Everyone, each in their own respective quarters, is startled by the noise. Terran, outside, hears the yell and rushes into the manor.

TERRAN

Hey, what’s going on?!?!

Genesis comes out of her room, dressed in an undershirt and underwear.

GENESIS

I don’t know…but it sounded like Indigo.

Terran flies up some steps in the manor and hurries to the room where Indigo spent the night. Getting there, Terran tries the door, but finds it locked. He then kicks it down and bursts into the room. Inside, Indigo is hunched on the floor, breathing deeply.

TERRAN
Hey! What’s going on?

You alright?

INDIGO

(huff puff) I’m…fine. Go…huff…away!!

Genesis enters the room behind Terran. And after her, Merlan and Gladius enter.

GENESIS
What happened?

INDIGO

It’s okay…huff…really. Just…leave me alone. I’ll be fine.

GENESIS
Indigo…?

Terran turns towards the others.

TERRAN

Maybe we should just leave him alone…

Looks like he wants to deal with this alone.

GENESIS
Yeah…guess you’re right.

Everyone exits the room.

GLADIUS

Dammit…people can’t even get a decent night’s sleep anymore.

Oh, well. Now that we’re up. We might as well get started.

TERRAN
Get started with what?

GLADIUS

Your training.

TERRAN and GENESIS
…Training….?!

Outside a government complex, Goddess, Tiburon and Shadow sneak around, ready to begin the first step of their plans.

GODDESS

Alright, guys. This is it.

TIBURON

I’m ready.

SHADOW
Same here. Just feels good not being on "standby" anymore.

GODDESS

Remember, the guards here are probably expecting us. Some of them are probably shielded from psychics, so my powers won’t be of much help.

TIBURON

Don’t worry. Once I’m in position, I’ll guide you.

GODDESS
Good. Shadow, once we’re inside, it’ll be up to you cover me until I can find out where they’re holding the others.

SHADOW

No problem.

GODDESS

Alright, then. Let’s do it.

Tiburon leaps onto the wall of the complex, using scaling claws and spiked boots to climb it. Meanwhile, Goddess and Shadow head towards the front gate of the base. In front of the gate are a few guards who are patrolling back and forth. Goddess walks out in front of one of them, smiling at him.

GODDESS
Hey, there. Nice day, isn’t it!

GUARD

Alright, hold it right there!!

(pulls out radio)

I’ve spotted an intruder!

VOICE

Roger!

Sending a capture unit immediately!

GODDESS

Wow…do you treat ALL your guests like this, handsome? I only wanted to talk.

GUARD
Shut up, you alien whore.

Turn around and raise your hands above your head.

GODDESS

You really shouldn’t call people names like that, you know.

GUARD

Shut up. Keep quiet or I’ll—

Suddenly, the guard’s vision goes dark, and he can’t see a thing.

GUARD
What the hell--!?

I’m blind!!

Taking the opportunity, Goddess runs up to the guard and gives him and elbow strike to the throat. Then, she grabs his arm and flips him to the ground. She signals to Shadow, who comes out of hiding. At that moment, they hear guards approaching.

The capture unit arrives and finds the unconscious guard on the ground.

SOLDIER

We’ve got a man down. No sign of the intruders.

SOLDIER 2

Quickly! You three do a sweep of the perimeter!

SOLDIERS

Yes, sir!!

The three soldiers go off to investigate. However, no one notices as a thick, shadowy mass slowly moves through the entrance, heading into the facility. Inside, the shadowy mass goes to a hidden corner and waits.

GODDESS

Okay, Shadow. You can stop now.

There’s a bright flash, and the darkness disappears to reveal Goddess and Shadow.

SHADOW

I didn’t know if I could hold it much longer.

I’ve never had to absorb light that long before.

GODDESS
You did good.

Tiburon?

TIBURON

Yeah?

GODDESS
Where are we?

TIBURON

From what I can tell, you’re near the lab area. I can’t tell you where the way into the detention area is, exactly. But, from the way the elevator sounds, it seems as though the complex runs about 10 floors down underground.

GODDESS

Any guards in our area.

TIBURON

(sniffs) Yeah. Three. Two in the room outside where you are….(sniffs again) and a third near the elevator.

GODDESS

Thanks, Tiburon.

Keep us informed.

TIBURON

Will do.

Back in England, Terran, Gladius, Genesis and Indigo stand outside in the middle of an open field. Gladius and Terran stand in front of each other, like two sparring partners. Gladius’ is armored up, but his helmet is open, showing his face as he speaks.

GLADIUS

Alright, listen. This is just a simple exercise in basic combat.

Even so, I won’t hold anything back. I will attack you at full force, and I expect you to do the same. I’ll treat you like you’re my worst enemy.

TERRAN

Sounds fun.

But don’t worry, I won’t hold back.

GLADIUS

Good. Oh, and one last thing:

This’ll hurt a LOT.

Gladius’ helmet closes, and he goes into a fighting stance. Terran puts up his hands, ready to begin. Genesis watches the two of them closely, but Indigo sits back and yawns in a bored manner.

GLADIUS

Alright…begin!!

Terran rushes forward at Gladius, attempting to attack him with a flurry of punches. Gladius dodges and blocks his attacks, and then grabs Terran’s arm, twisting it. He then gives Terran a sharp blow with the back of his fist into the chest. Terran groans in pain and is knocked backwards, falling to the ground.

GLADIUS

Pitiful. Can you defend yourself at ALL?

Or do you rely just on offense?

TERRAN

Shut up! You got lucky.

GLADIUS
(chuckles) Riiiiiight.

Terran gets to his feet and gets ready to attack again. Gladius goes into a praying-mantis-like stance, and motions his hand in a way that seems to say, "Come on."

Terran rushes towards Gladius again, once again trying to attack him head on. Mecha again dodges Terrans attacks, but this time, when Gladius attempts to hit Terran, Terran transforms into a liquid and Gladius’s hand goes through. Slipping behind Gladius, Terran kicks him in the back of the head. Gladius rolls with the blow and is right back on his feet in an instant.

Gladius’ chest opens, and he fires energy "missles" at Terran. Terran sees it and leaps into the air, taking flight to avoid them. However, as soon as he does, a cable shoots out from Gladius’ wrist and wraps around Terran’s ankle. A strong electrical current shoots out, and Terran yells in pain. With a strong tug, Gladius pulls Terran to the ground hard. Terran hits the ground so hard, he kicks up dust nearly 20 feet high.

GENESIS

Wow!!

I can’t believe how strong they both are…

INDIGO

(yawns) Yeah, strong.

A real couple of "He-Men" there.

Gladius retracts the cable back into his wrist. He stands over Terran menacingly, waiting for him to get up.

GLADIUS

Come on, boy.

Show me you’ve got some fight.

Growling angrily, Terran charges his fist with power. Before Gladius can react, Terran punches him hard. The power in his fist explodes with impact, knocking Gladius back. Terran gets to his feet, his power surging more.

GLADIUS

Now THAT’S more like it!

Let’s up the stakes a little!

Gladius’ wrist opens up and his dual energy blades appear outside of his forearms. He rushes towards Terran, taking a slash with is blades. Terran dodges the blade and ducks underneath a kick. He then tries a kick of his own. Gladius grabs Terran’s foot. Drawing back his blade, he brings it down swiftly, slicing off Terran’s leg. Terran yells out in pain and drops to the ground.

GENESIS
TERRAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

INDIGO

Whoa…now THAT was cool!

Genesis rushes to Terran, who is still yelling in pain and holding the area where his leg was cut off. Gladius throws the severed leg to the ground, scoffing.

GLADIUS

Hmph. That was PITIFUL.

Genesis turns towards him angrily, her right eye glowing.

GENESIS
You….BASTARD!!!

How would you like it if I cut YOUR leg off, huh!?!?

GLADIUS

Calm down.

(turns to Terran)

Lemuans have the ability to control the cells in their body if they concentrate enough. You can regenerate your leg if you force yourself to.

TERRAN

NGH!!…How the hell am I…UGH…supposed to concentrate when I’m in THIS much pain??!?

GLADIUS

You feel pain because your nerve cells are telling your brain that you do. First, convince yourself that there IS no pain. THEN, concentrate on regenerating your leg.

GENESIS

I’ll help you….

I can use my powers to.

GLADIUS

NO!!

He does this on his OWN!!!

GENESIS
But…

TERRAN

It’s…ngh…it’s okay, Gen. I…I think I can do it.

Terran starts to concentrate…to try and block out the pain. After a few moments, the severed leg dissipates, transforming into tiny particles. Those particles start to reform on Terran’s body. After a moment, they come together to reform Terran’s leg.

TERRAN

I…I did it…

GENESIS

That was…incredible.

GLADIUS
Heh. Maybe there’s hope for you after all.

The moment is interrupted by the sounds of laughter. Off to the side, Indigo has burst into laughter.

INDIGO

Oh, man…that was hilarious.

GLADIUS

Did you find something FUNNY?

INDIGO
Are you kidding? He was all like, "AAAAH!! MY LEG!! MY LEG!!!"

Hahaha!! That was priceless!!

GLADIUS

You and me.
NOW.

INDIGO
(stops laughing)

Pardon?

GLADIUS
You want to laugh? I’ll give you something to laugh about.

INDIGO
Oh, please, Tin Man. Don’t make me embarrass you.

I’ll dish out a worse beating on you than a drunk husband.

GLADIUS

Well, then…what are you waiting for?

I can’t think of a better target right now than that flapping mouth of yours.

INDIGO

(gets to his feet) Okay, then. Fine by me. I DID warn you.

Indigo steps up to the "ring", standing in front of Gladius.

INDIGO

Heh. You ain’t the only one who can use ARMOR, pal.

Indigo flexes and his entire body, save for his face, is covered with a thick armor made of ice.

INDIGO

Oh yeah. Do I kick ass or WHAT?

GLADIUS

Wonderful. All that armor and none of it covers your mouth.

Indigo chuckles and gets into a fighting stance. Gladius does the same. The two stare at each other for a while, and then Gladius charges towards Indigo. Gladius starts to attack Indigo, but Indigo dances around playfully, dodging every one of Gladius’ attacks. Indigo has a huge grin on his face and whistles as continues to anticipate and avoid every one of Gladius’ attacks. As Gladius attempts a straight punch, Indigo dodges it and spins around behind him, kicking him in the back. Gladius falls to the ground, sliding several feet.

INDIGO

Well, that was fun.

But you know, it might actually help if you HIT me sometime.

Gladius gets up shoots out his cable at Indigo. Indigo creates a staff from his ice and pole-vaults over the cable. Flipping into the air, he turns the ice staff into a huge hammer and brings it down hard onto Gladius’ head.

INDIGO

Okay, now this is just embarrassing.

Don’t you think you should just give up already? I promise, it won’t make you look like any less of man.

Well, it wouldn’t if you actually DID look like one.

Gladius gets up a second time and rushes towards Indigo to attack again. He starts to do a kick, and Indigo ducks to avoid it. Quickly, Gladius fakes and increases the size of his fist. Before Indigo can react, Gladius connects with an uppercut that launches Indigo into the air. Indigo flies backwards into a rock, where his ice armor shatters and he falls to the ground.

INDIGO

Ugh…crap!!

How could I…ngh…fall for THAT?!

GLADIUS

Over-confidence and being fancy is a great way to get yourself killed.

I’m impressed, though. You’re one of the best fighters I’ve experienced. But you’ve got no discipline.

INDIGO

Yeah, well, blow me.

Discipline’s for p*ssies.

GLADIUS

Ah, yes…how intelligent.

Just then, Gladius stops and puts his hand on his helmet.

GLADIUS

What was that? Oh, sure, Merlan…we can head back now.

TERRAN
What’s going on?

GLADIUS
Merlan just contacted me. She wants to see you and the girl.

GENESIS
Me?

GLADIUS

Yes, we’re done here for the day. Take a minute to rest and then go see her.

TERRAN
Yeah, okay.

Gladius turns towards Indigo

GLADIUS
And you should spend some time taking a hot bath. Maybe that’ll help relieve some tension.

INDIGO

Oh, shut up.

Back at the government base, Goddess and Shadow have snuck into the detention area. A guard doesn’t notice as a thick shadow creeps up behind him and Goddess steps out from it, striking him in the back of the head and knocking him out cold. She then goes over to one of the steel doors of the cells and calls out.

GODDESS
Psst…Thunder?

Thunder…are you there?

THUNDER’S VOICE

Goddess…is that you?!?

GODDESS
Yes. We’re here to get you out.

THUNDER

Good. I couldn’t stand another minute of this place.

GODDESS
Is Cassie okay?

THUNDER
I don’t know. I woke up in here. I don’t know where the others are.

GODDESS
Alright, then. Just sit tight. We’ll have you out in no time.

Goddess puts her hand on her earpiece, radioing Tiburon.

GODDESS
Tib…are you there?

Hello…?
Tib!?

VOICE

I’m afraid he can’t hear you.

Goddess turns. As she does, she sees Vice-President Calabrese behind her with a squadron of soldiers. Tiburon and Shadow have both already been knocked out.

CALABRESE

Welcome.

We’ve been expecting you.

Meanwhile, Terran and Genesis enter the manor after the training session.

TERRAN

I’m gonna make a phone call real quick.

I’ll meet you downstairs.

GENESIS

Okay. Seeya.

The two go their separate ways and Terran goes into a private room.

TERRAN
Phone. Dial number 1-773-555-6617

PHONE

Dialing…

The phone begins to ring.

TERRAN

Come on, CC…pick up.

There’s the sound of a phone picking up.

TERRAN

Thank you!

MAN’S VOICE
Hello? This is the Stanz residence.

Jeffrey Stanz speaking.

TERRAN
What the hell…!?

"JEFFREY"

Oh, hey. That you, bro?

TERRAN

Chris…!?

CHRIS
Geez, bro. It’s 2 am. CC and I need to get some sleep.

CC

Who is that, Jeff?

CHRIS

Oh, it’s just Chris, baby.

CC

God…it’s too early. Tell him to call back later and come back to bed.

CHRIS

Well, you heard the lady, bro. As you can see, everything’s fine.

Now, if you excuse me, the little lady is calling for me…

TERRAN

You son of a b*tch!!

CHRIS

(whispers) I told you your wife was an animal in bed, bro.

And BOY, did we "make up" after that little fight. Woo.

We were going at it like rabbits.

TERRAN

I’m going to strangle you, you bastard!!!!

CHRIS

Haha…well, you can certainly try, pathetic little mamma’s boy.

Oh, and did I mention that Jeffrey Stanz has been named Suspect #1 as an inside man during the attack on EarthNet Tower the other day?

TERRAN

…..

CHRIS
Yeah, I thought you might want to know that.

Damn shame, really. Can’t trust anybody these days.

TERRAN

YOU…..!!!

CHRIS

Well, bye-bye, bro.

(hangs up)

PHONE
Call disconnected.

TERRAN
Chris!! CHRIS!!!!!

DAMN YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

Terran punches the phone, shattering it.

TERRAN

You won’t get away with this, you bastard!!

I swear to God, I’ll beat your ass to a pulp and feed you to rabid dogs.

End of Chapter Two

A young man with dark hair and blue eyes plays with his younger sister in the yard of a suburban home. The boy and girl toss mud at each other, making themselves extremely dirty and grimy. Just then, their mother appears at the door.

MOTHER

Johnny! Maddie! Stop playing in that mud and come inside.

Your dinner’s ready.

JOHNNY
Okay, ma.

MADDIE

Yeah, okay, mom. We’re coming.

MOTHER

And make sure you clean yourselves off before you come in my kitchen!

BOTH

Okay!!

The mother disappears, leaving the two alone. Johnny gets to his feet and gets ready to walk in the house when a big mudball hits him in the back of the head.

JOHNNY
Hey, you little cheat! I wasn’t playing!

MADDIE

(sticks out her tongue)

Crybaby!

JOHNNY
What?!?!

I’ll SHOW you a crybaby!

Johnny runs towards Maddie. Maddie starts to turn and run, but slips and falls. She then starts to cry.

JOHNNY

Gotcha!!

MADDIE

I-I hurt my leg…

JOHNNY
Ha! Yeah, right. Like I’ll fall for that.

MADDIE

No…(sniff)…it’s true!

JOHNNY

Whoa…you’re serious aren’t you?

MADDIE

PSYCH!!!!

Maddie throws another mudball at Johnny and runs in the house.

JOHNNY

You little SNEAK!!!

This scene fades away in a wash of white. It shifts to Indigo, who is sitting in his private room in the British manor, lost in memory. After a moment, he lets out a loud sigh and gets to his feet, walking out of the room.

Elsewhere on the ship, Gladius, fully-armored, stands guard outside of the entranceway to Merlan’s ship. At that moment, he hears Indigo coming down the stairs leading to the area.

GLADIUS

What are YOU doing here?!

INDIGO

I just wanted to know where Terran is.

GLADIUS

He’s with Merlan and they’re both past here.

INDIGO

Ooookay…so, how about stepping aside so I can see them?

GLADIUS

That’s not going to happen.

INDIGO

(sighs) Man…I’m really not understanding this…

Didn’t I just get through kicking your ass a while ago?

GLADIUS

If you’d like to try again, we could do it right now.

INDIGO

Man, what IS IT with you!?

All I ask is that you move your rusty ass over a couple of steps and let me go past.

What is so HARD about that?

GLADIUS

I won’t let just ANYBODY through here, kid. Least of all YOU.

This is the LAST time I’m gonna tell you, or I’m going to be forced to ram my huge metal foot far up your ass.

Are we clear on this?

INDIGO

…

Alright, fine. Have it your way.

I don’t have time for this.

Just be sure to tell Terran that I wanna see him.

That’s not too hard, is it?

GLADIUS

Nope.

INDIGO

Well, that’s nice for a change.

Indigo darts back up the stairs, leaving the area.

In Manhattan, a huge event is taking place. Thousands have flocked to Madison Square Garden to attend the most anticipated concert of the year. Hot new singing sensation, Caroline Christi, has her biggest concert yet, based on the songs of her latest record-breaking album. The concert is a resounding success, as Caroline performs in front of thousands of pumped, screaming friends. She concludes it after a THIRD encore, and leaves the stage in a standing ovation. Alone in her dressing room, Caroline sinks back in her chair, exhausted.

However, her rest doesn’t last long, as there is a knock on her door.

CAROLINE

Go away!

MANAGER
It’s ME, Caroline.

CAROLINE

Oh….in that case…
….

GO AWAY!!!

MANAGER
It’s important, CC.

Caroline sighs and gets up, moving over to the door.

CAROLINE

What is it?

And this better not be about another gig…

MANAGER

No…it’s about your sponsor.

Caroline’s eyes open wide.

CAROLINE

What about him?

MANAGER

Um…well…he’s here.

CAROLINE

HERE?!? NOW!?!?

MANAGER

Yeah. He wants to meet you in person.

CAROLINE

(sighs) It never ends. Alright. I’ll see him in a minute.

MANAGER

Now remember CC, don’t keep him waiting. And try to keep your blouse a little more open. We wanna WOW him, ya know?

CAROLINE
I’ll "wow" you if you don’t get outta here.

MANAGER
Okay, okay!! Don’t get pissy!!

The manager leaves Caroline alone in the room. She moves over to her chair and sits down again, letting out a loud sigh.

CAROLINE

Oh boy…what a week THIS has been.

Back on Merlan’s ship, Merlan and Terran continue to converse amongst each other, as Merlan shows Terran more of her ship. She leads him to a huge room with a large amount of glowing orbs. The entire room seems to stretch on for miles.

MERLAN

And THIS… is the library.

TERRAN
Library?

MERLAN

Yes…that’s the word in the English language I can find to describe it. Maybe "Archives" would be more accurate, though.

TERRAN

So, this is where you store information?

MERLAN

That is correct.

TERRAN

So…um…how does this work exactly?

MERLAN

When a Lemuan touches one of these orbs, the information contained within it is instantly transferred to their minds.

TERRAN

Wow…that’s…incredible…

MERLAN

(smiles) Try it.

Hesitantly, Terran reaches out towards an orb. He looks over at Merlan, and she nods. Terran grasps the orb and grunts as his mind is overrun with images and data.

<Data-feed>

<End of Data Feed>

Terran snaps back to his senses, totally overwhelmed.

TERRAN
Whoa…

MERLAN

Well…what did you think?

TERRAN
That was…odd. But…..I found it strangely pleasant.

MERLAN
Haha. I thought you would.

You’re a lot like your mother.

TERRAN

Huh? You…knew my parents?

MERLAN

Of course. Your mother was of Lemuan descent. Do you really think that the two of us would be on the same planet and NOT know each other?

TERRAN

What about my father? Was he Lemuan as well?

MERLAN
No…your father was Earthian.

TERRAN

I see…

MERLAN

Truth be told, between your parents, Gladius and I we didn’t get along very well.

TERRAN
What? But…if my parents were enemies of yours, why are you helping me?

MERLAN
Not "enemies". More like competitors.

Both of us sought an end to this war. But we both had different means.

TERRAN

So…what are YOUR means?

MERLAN

Now, now…I can’t give away ALL my secrets now, can I?

No…that will be a conversation for ANOTHER day.

TERRAN

…

MERLAN

So, then…why don’t you take some time to gain more information?

Yagamo will help you with any requests you may have.

TERRAN
Huh? The ship will help me? How is that possible?

MERLAN

(Smiles) Yagamo…will you come here for a moment?

Just then, a circular portal opens. A large white tiger appears through the portal and walks towards Merlan.

TERRAN
What the--?!?!

MERLAN
Don’t be alarmed. This is only Yagamo’s biological incarnate.

TERRAN

Biological incarnate??

MERLAN
Yes. Yagamo is an AI program, you see. However, unlike the artificial intelligence in most computer systems, the AI for Lemuan systems has to have a biological incarnate to function properly.

TERRAN

Uh…I…see.

MERLAN

Say "hello", Yagamo.

Yagamo’s eyes glow a bluish color and a voice is heard.

YAGAMO

Hello, Master Terran. It is so nice to meet you.

TERRAN

Uh…same here, I guess.

MERLAN

(walking towards a circular portal)

Well, then. I’ll leave you two alone.

Goodbye for now.

Back at the concert hall, Caroline’s manager knocks on her door.

MANAGER

CC? Hey, CC, are you in there?!! It’s time to go.

There is no reply.

MANAGER
CC? Come on, sweetie. We have to pack up and clear out.

(knocks again)

Hey, CC? Do you hear me?

The manager turns the knob of her door, and finds it unlocked. As he walks in, he sees Caroline sitting in front of her dresser, with a dazed look on her eyes.

MANAGER

Hey, CC? What’s the matter?

CAROLINE

I—I can’t believe this…

How could he…?

I-I can’t…

MANAGER

CC?!!?

What’s wrong?

CAROLINE

Our sponsor…

MANAGER
Huh? What about our sponsor? What did he say to you?

(gasps)

I’m not FIRED am I? I swear, I didn’t embezzle any money!!

Well…okay…but it wasn’t that much!

CAROLINE

No…it’s not that.

It’s just…he knows my secret.

MANAGER
Uh-oh.

He.…he didn’t cut you off did he?

CAROLINE

No…but what with what he just told to me…

I wish he had.

End of Chapter 3

Cascade and Goddess are in a military van, being sped towards a new location by the federal military. They’re both bound by strong metal cuffs placed behind their backs, and their legs shackled to the floor. In addition, Cascade has a "headband" on her head, which prevents her from focusing to bring out her powers. Goddess has been gagged. In the van, two soldiers gaze at the two beauties, grinning.

CASCADE

What’re YOU two hicks looking at?

SOLDIER 1

Hehehe…

SOLDIER 2

You know…we’ve heard some…interesting stories about you two.

CASCADE

…

SOLDIER 1

So, is it true that you two are, you know…

CASCADE

…

And if we are…?

The two soldiers chuckle like three year olds.

SOLDIER 2

Oh, MAN…How’d we get lucky enough to get THIS assignment?

CASCADE

What the hell do you two pervs want?

SOLDIER 1

Well, we were just wondering if you two could…um…

…kiss.

CASCADE

…Disgusting.

SOLDIER 2

Hey, if you do, we might just find a way to give you two a cell together at the base.

CASCADE

….

SOLDIER 1

C’mon…

Whaddaya say…?

CASCADE

Fine.

The two soldiers let out a triumphant cheer and one of them goes over to Goddess and starts to undo her gag.

SOLDIER 2

Umm…hold up a sec.

SOLDIER 1

What?

SOLDIER 2

Why did they gag HER and not the other one?

SOLDIER 1

Man…who cares? Do you want to see this or not?

SOLDIER 2

Well, yeah…

SOLDIER

Then shut up. What’s taking off the gag going to hurt?

Several minutes later, the military van has crashed and rolled over on its side in a flaming wreck. Goddess and Cascade walk away from the wreck, both armed with pulse rifles.

GODDESS

Hope you enjoyed the show, boys.

…Morons.

CASCADE

Where do we go NOW?

GODDESS

I’m…not sure.

Tell me…what exactly happened during the attack?

CASCADE

Well…Genesis and that Terran guy showed up and started attacking us.

And there was another guy there, too.

GODDESS

Another guy?

CASCADE

Yeah…some teenage boy with ice powers.

Goddess’ eyes open wide and she gasps in disbelief.

GODDESS

It can’t be….

Indigo!?!?

INDIGO
AAAAH-CHOO!

(wipes nose)

Where the hell did THAT come from?

Back in Merlan’s British Manor, Indigo sits around, flipping through channels on the TV.

INDIGO

(yawns)

This is so…..BORING.

Man, I just wish there was something to DO already.

At that moment, there’s a knock on Indigo’s door.

INDIGO

Who is it?

TERRAN

It’s me. You said you wanted to see me?

INDIGO

Oh yeah. So Tin Man actually remembered to tell you?

I’m impressed.

Come in.

Terran walks into the room. As he does, he’s shocked at the messiness of it. All over the floor, Indigo has thrown empty food containers, boxes of miscellaneous merchandise (such as a disc player) and even assorted porn magazines.

TERRAN

Uh…nice place you got here.

INDIGO

Look, man…I need to ask you something.

TERRAN

Oh yeah…that "favor" again.

INDIGO

Right.

Look…I just want to say…if anything happens to me…I want you to find a girl named Maddie.

TERRAN
Huh? Maddie?

INDIGO

Yeah. Her full name is Madelyne. Madelyne Miller.

She’s my…she’s my sister.

TERRAN

Your sister?

INDIGO

Yeah…sorta.

TERRAN

Sorta?

INDIGO

It’s a…it’s a long story.

TERRAN

I see…

But…why do you want me to…?

INDIGO

I-I can’t tell you why right now…

Just promise me that if anything happens to me that you’ll find her, okay?

TERRAN

Um….

Yeah, sure.

INDIGO

(gives a sigh of relief)

Thanks, man. You don’t know what this means to me.

Elsewhere, Genesis stands in the main room of Merlan’s ship. All around her, an odd psychedelic pattern constantly swirls and changes in an endless void. The room is almost like being in a dream world. As she stands there, gazing up at the ever-changing pattern in an almost hypnotic trance, Merlan walks up behind her.

MERLAN

Beautiful, is it not?

Genesis turns around, startled.

GENESIS
Yes…I’ve never seen anything like this before.

It’s almost surreal.

MERLAN

Yagamo’s inner components work on different layers of space. Whenever one of the portals opens to enter a new area of the ship, you’re not just entering a different location…you’re entering a totally different spatial layer. Almost of a semi-dimension, so to speak.

GENESIS

I see.

MERLAN

You don’t sound impressed

GENESIS

Um…no. I guess not.

Sorry. It just doesn’t sound all that surprising to me for some reason.

MERLAN

Is that so…?

GENESIS
Um…

You wanted to see me about something?

MERLAN

Ah, yes. I’d just like for you to tell me more about yourself is all.

GENESIS

Um…myself?

Well…um…there’s not much to tell, really.

MERLAN

Where were you born? Who are your parents?

GENESIS

Er…I don’t know and I don’t know.

Sorry…

I’ve had amnesia since I was 12. I don’t think I’ll be of much help in this area.

MERLAN
I see.

GENESIS

Why all the sudden interest in ME all of a sudden?

I thought you were…interested…in Terran.

MERLAN

(giggles)

My "interest" in Terran is strictly productive. I assure you.

GENESIS

Well…that’s good to hear.

MERLAN

What about YOU? Are you…interested in Terran?

Genesis’ face turns red.

GENESIS
Uh…ummm…

MERLAN

(smiles)

I’ll take that as a "yes".

GENESIS

…

MERLAN

So, have you said anything to him?

GENESIS

Said something? Something like what?

MERLAN

Oh, I don’t know…how you feel?

GENESIS

Well…I haven’t yet…because I don’t know that myself.

I mean, yeah, I LIKE Terran…but I’m not sure how far that goes.

I’m not just willing to throw out the word "LOVE", you know?

MERLAN

I understand.

But, if you DO find yourself interested him, try to dress a bit more appealing. Not that anything is wrong with your way of dress now…but I’m sure you have much more beauty than your clothes give you credit for.

GENESIS

(scratches her head)

Um…if you don’t mind…this is making me REALLY uncomfortable…

MERLAN

Oh, I’m sorry.

Well, you’re free to go.

GENESIS

(sighs in relief) Thank you.

Genesis starts to walk away and Merlan turns around and begins to speak to herself in Lemuan.

*Translated from Lemuan

MERLAN

Love never dies…

Even though the body may cease…

The soul will always search…

GENESIS

…for the one that shares its spirit.

Merlan turns around, surprised. Genesis herself stops…completely in shock.

MERLAN

How…how did you know that…?

And you just spoke…Lemuan?

GENESIS

I…I…

I don’t know HOW I knew that…

MERLAN

…

GENESIS

That’s…odd. I mean, that just suddenly popped in my head from nowhere.

I don’t know where it came from.

MERLAN

I see…

Well…we’ll definitely have to speak again sometime, Miss Genesis.

My interests have no extended into YOU as well.

GENESIS

Uh…gee…that’s….

That’s good to hear…

Genesis leaves the ship, allowing Merlan to remain inside, alone.

Meanwhile, outside, Terran sits at a pond, deep in thought. He throws a rock out into the pond and watches it skip across the water. A second later, and ear-splitting noise occurs. Terran covers his ears, trying to drown the sound out and gets to his feet, groaning in pain.

Inside the manor, Indigo hears the same thing. As does Gladius and Genesis. All three have similar reactions.

TERRAN

What the hell is going on?!?

What is that sound!!?

Just then, Terran hears Caroline’s voice calling out to him.

CAROLINE

Jeffrey…help me!

Please, Jeff! I need your help!

TERRAN

CC…?!

CAROLINE

Please, Jeff….help me!!

And just like that, the sound is gone.

TERRAN

What was that all about…?

Caroline’s words finally hit Terran.

TERRAN

CC!! She’s in trouble!!

Not hestitating for an instant, Terran races off into the sky, headed back to the city.

Back inside the manor, Indigo, Genesis and Gladius converge.

INDIGO

Yo! Did you guys hear that!?

GENESIS

How could you NOT hear that!?

What the hell was that? It was just a bunch of noise.

GLADIUS

No…not just noise.

GENESIS

Huh?

GLADIUS

I picked up a very faint audio signal coded into the frequency. It was a message.

INDIGO

Wha…?
Are you sure? I didn’t hear anything.

GLADIUS

That’s because you don’t have sensors like I do.

INDIGO

Yeah, well…

You don’t have to BRAG about it…

Just then, Merlan comes out from her ship, not aware of what’s going on.

MERLAN

What are you all talking about? What’s happening?

GLADIUS

I think Terran’s in danger.

Genesis perks up.

MERLAN
Why?

GLADIUS

I think he’s walking right into a trap.

Terran zooms over the skyline of the city, heading towards his apartment. When he gets there, he sees that the balcony window has been busted open and that the walls have been cracked with the signs of forced entry. This makes him even more unsettled as he enters the building searching for Caroline.

TERRAN
CC!!!!!

CC…answer me!!!

Terran sees a bright light appear ahead of him.

TERRAN

CC?

A blast of energy comes from the darkness and hits him hard, blasting straight through the wall of the apartment. As Terran recovers, a helmeted Elemenian soldier appears…along with three others.

ELEMENIAN ELITE

Not exactly, honeybuns.

(grins)

TERRAN

Who the hell are you??!

Where’s my wife!!?

ELEMENIAN ELITE

Oh, she’s…around.

TERRAN

Where IS SHE!?!?

ELEMENIAN ELITE

Try and beat it out of us.

TERRAN

Gladly!!!!

Terran rushes at the lead man, but two others (one with wind powers and the other with gravity) attack Terran and hit him with a combined attack…knocking him down onto the roof another building. Some rich socialites are having a party there, and Terran’s sudden intrusion startles everyone there. As Terran starts to recover, the Elemenians attack him again, causing the people to run for cover.

TERRAN

Stop attacking you idiots!
There’s PEOPLE here!!

ELEMENIAN ELITE

Haha. You have GOTTA be kidding me.

The three Elemenian soldiers attack en masse, destroying massive parts of the roof and even blowing away some of the people below. Some of the people are even thrown from the roof and fall to their deaths. Terran, seeing this, starts to build in rage.

TERRAN
Stop it!! STOP IT!!!!!!

Terran charges his hands with a massive energy and strikes two of the soldiers (the wind user and the light wielder) backwards. The third one puts up a gravity shield that protects him. The fourth soldier, who hasn’t made a move the entire time, merely stands and watches.

TERRAN

I’ll show you!! You bastards!!

Terran attacks the gravity-head on, but stops short, as the soldier captures him in a gravity field. Terran finds that he suddenly can’t move.

ELEMENIAN SOLDIER 2

Come on!! Hurry up and finish him!

I can’t hold him forever!!

ELEMENIAN SOLDIER

Gladly.

The light-wielding soldier rushes forward and forms a lance with his powers. He throws the lance at Terran.

ELEMENIAN SOLDIER

Nighty night!!

Just before the lance reaches Terran, a green shield appears and stops it, protecting Terran from harm. The soldiers turn around and see Genesis, Indigo, Gladius and Merlan standing on a roof behind them.

GENESIS

Get. AWAY. From him.

All the soldiers are a bit stunned by this…including the fourth, unmoving one.

MERLAN

Well, then…since you all enjoy unfair odds…would you like to try five against four?

ELEMENIAN SOLDIER

(creating a light blade)

Come on!! Show me what you got, you Earthling freaks!!

INDIGO

Oh, I’ve got THIS guy. I bet my foot is a perfect fit for his ass.

GLADIUS

I’ll take this other guy, then.

MERLAN

I’ll take on the wind-user. That leaves that last one for you, Genesis.

GENESIS

Right.

The others break off to their individual opponents and the battle begins. Genesis moves over to Terran to check on him. She puts her hand on his shoulder and takes his hand.

GENESIS

Terran…are you alright?

TERRAN

(coughs) I’m…fine.

I need a minute, though.

GENESIS

It’s okay. Just leave everything to me, alright?

TERRAN

Always the…(cough) heroine, huh?

GENESIS

Tee-hee.

(kisses him on the cheek)

Just save your strength. This won’t take lo—

Suddenly, the fourth soldier hits Genesis with a powerful sonic blast. Genesis screams as she covers her ears.

TERRAN
GEN!!!!

GENESIS

Oh God…I-I can’t think!!

Make it stop!!! Make it STOP!!!!!

Angrily, Terran turns towards the fourth soldier.

TERRAN

You…!!!

Terran rushes towards the soldier.

ELEMENIAN ELITE 4

No…wait!!!

Terran tackles the soldier down to the ground. And raises his fist to strike.

ELEMENIAN ELITE 4

Jeff…STOP!!!!!

Terran stops short when he hears his name. Then, he recognizes the soldier’s voice.

TERRAN

It…can’t be…

The soldier sits up and quickly removes her helmet.

CAROLINE

Yes, Jeff…it’s ME.

Elsewhere, Indigo and the light-wielding soldier continue to fight. The soldier attempts to cut Indigo with a light blade, but Indigo does a back flip and kicks the soldier in the jaw, knocking him back.

INDIGO

Ha! What’s the matter pal? Missing a few TEETH!?

The soldier wipes his mouth and growls in anger.

ELEMENIAN ELITE

Pull back!! Let’s get outta here!!

The other soldiers acknowledge his request ands start to pull back. All except Caroline.

INDIGO

You wuss!! Stop acting like a punk!! Get back here and FIGHT!!!

GLADIUS

No…let them go. We’ll see them again soon enough.

INDIGO

Hey…how come that one hasn’t left?

Everyone turns towards Terran and Caroline.

TERRAN

Um…look guys…thanks for your help and all…but I’m gonna need to ask you to leave the two of us alone for a minute.

INDIGO
What?!

GENESIS

Um…do you…KNOW this person?

TERRAN
Sorry. I need you guys to do this for me.

PLEASE.

There is silence.

GLADIUS

Alright, fine.

But we’ll be close by…just in case.

TERRAN

Okay.

Genesis looks at Terran…then at Caroline..and then back at Terran.

GENESIS

You sure you know what you’re doing?

TERRAN

Yeah. I’ll be fine.

GENESIS
You better be…or I’ll kick your ass.

Genesis looks at Caroline again, and the two glare at each other. Genesis then goes back towards the other. Gladius then teleports everyone away. Once they’re gone, Terran turns back to Caroline.

TERRAN

So….

…you’re one of THEM.

CAROLINE

Yes…

I-I’m an Ele.

TERRAN
No. I don’t mean that you’re an Elemenian.

I mean that I can add you to the list of people who want to f*ck up my life.

CAROLINE

Jeff….

TERRAN

Don’t call me that.

It’s "Terran" now.

CAROLINE

…

Terran…

Please…listen to me.

TERRAN

Go ahead and talk. Trust me…you don’t want to give me time to think this through.

CAROLINE

I…I just found that the sponsor that I’ve had for all this time…

The one that helped my career take off…

Was your brother…Chris.

TERRAN

…

CAROLINE

He…He told me that if I didn’t do this…

He’d tell everyone my secret. That I’m…that I’m an Ele.

TERRAN

But…HOW…? You never registered on any tests…

CAROLINE

Well, I’m not REALLY an Ele. I’m really an Earthian.

I…I used to be one of the Kindred.

TERRAN

…

WHAT??!!?

CAROLINE

But, I never wanted to be a fighter…even after the others escaped and formed Narwal.

All I wanted was to live my own life. Since I had the ability to control sound, I loved making people feel good with music and my singing.

But…I knew that if anyone ever found out that I was an Ele…my chances would be completely ruined.

TERRAN

….

CAROLINE

I couldn’t tell you. I couldn’t tell ANYONE.

Hell…I’d even denied it to myself all this time.

I-I’m sorry…

TERRAN

…

That doesn’t explain THIS

(points to Elemenian suit)

CAROLINE

Chris set this whole thing up! He said that if I didn’t, he’d ruin me. He’d ruin my life!

I’d lose EVERYTHING! My entire life’s dream…my home…EVERYTHING!!

TERRAN

You still would have had ME.

CAROLINE

….

I-I love you, Je—Terran.

Terran laughs.

CAROLINE

It’s not FUNNY! I do!!

But…you have to understand something else…

TERRAN

?

CAROLINE

It was my sponsor…I didn’t know it was Chris at the time…who told me to marry you.

TERRAN

…

CAROLINE

I never understood why…but he promised to make me a star….just so long as I married you.

TERRAN

…

CAROLINE

I truly do love you…Terran.

But I—I just wanted you to know that.

Terran is silent for a moment.

CAROLINE

Terran! Say something!!

TERRAN

…

CAROLINE

Please!!!

Terran reaches into a compartment on one of his wrist guards. He pulls out his wedding band.

TERRAN
Here.

CAROLINE
Huh?

Terran…!?

But…

TERRAN

Just take it and go.

Before I do something we BOTH regret.

Caroline reaches out and takes the ring. She starts to walk away and glances back at Terran for a moment before she takes off.

End of Chapter Four

TWO WEEKS LATER

Terran hits the ground hard. His nose bleeding. Gladius reaches over and holds out a rag. Terran, annoyedly, yanks the towel out of his hand and wipes his face.

GLADIUS

That was better.

You actually managed to last longer than 30 seconds.

Terran doesn’t answer, but just gets to his feet.

TERRAN
Why the hell do I have to do this?

I mean…what purpose does this serve?

Gladius looks at Terran, being extremely quiet for quite a long time.

GLADIUS

Do you remember those soldiers we fought two weeks ago?

You know…the ones that ambushed you?

TERRAN

Yeah.

GLADIUS
They were the Elemenian Empire’s most elite soldiers.

They were the Trai Digan…aka the Imperial Knights.

TERRAN

And…your point would be…?

We sent them running like scared little girls, remember?

GLADIUS

First of all, if they had REALLY been trying, YOU would have been dead before we ever got there, you moron. Their mission wasn’t to kill you. Of that I’m sure.

TERRAN
Then why attack me?

GLADIUS
How the hell should I know?

Anyway…

Secondly, that wasn’t the entire Trai Digan roster. That was only three of the five members. Your wife definitely isn’t a member.

TERRAN

How did you…?

GLADIUS

I make it my BUSINESS to know.

TERRAN

(sighs)
Alright, nevermind.

GLADIUS

Like I was saying, the Trai Digan is composed of five members. Two of them were missing.

TERRAN

So…who are they?

GLADIUS

According to our information, one of them is a red-haired woman who can use fire.

TERRAN

Her again…

GLADIUS

The second is someone you should know very well.

Your brother.

TERRAN

…

You know, this kind of stuff doesn’t even surprise me anymore.

GLADIUS

Yeah, well, try not to act surprised when they beat the crap out of you next time you see them. They’re efficient and deadly. That pitiful display you saw last time was only a ruse. They’re up to something.

TERRAN

Well, thanks for the advice. I’ll try to be careful.

GLADIUS

You don’t GET IT do you?

Careful does NOT cut it here. You have to be perfect.

TERRAN

You know…my brother said that to me…

The same day he blew me out of a window.

GLADIUS

….

Look, kid. All I’m saying is that you need to improve.

We can’t ALWAYS be there to save your ass.

Inside the manor, Merlan knocks on the door to Genesis’ room.

GENESIS

Who is it…?

MERLAN

It’s me.

GENESIS

Oh. Just a second.

After a few moments, Genesis opens the door.

GENESIS
What’s up, Merlan?

MERLAN

I have something for you.

Merlan reaches out to Genesis with a large box in hand.

GENESIS

For…me?

What…is it my birthday?

MERLAN

(chuckles) No, no. Just a gift from me to you.

A token of friendship.

GENESIS

Wow. I, um, I don’t know what to say…

MERLAN

Just say thank you and take it.

GENESIS

Thank you and take it.

MERLAN
Haha.

You’re such an amusing person.

GENESIS

Well, thanks.

Genesis takes the gift from Merlan and Merlan starts to walk away.

MERLAN

I hope you enjoy it.

(smiles slyly) But I have a feeling Terran will enjoy it more than you will.

Merlan walks off, and Genesis stands at the door with a puzzled look on her face.

As Merlan walks away, Gladius teleports inside the manor.

MERLAN

So…how did it go?

GLADIUS
The same.

He’s improving….but slowly.

He’s still not ready.

MERLAN
I see.

Where is he now?

GLADIUS
Said he wanted to go back to the archives.

MERLAN
(giggles) Ah, yes. A true Lemuan.

His thirst for knowledge is a testament to that.

GLADIUS

So is his crappiness at fighting.

Um…no offense.

MERLAN

Tsk tsk. Be nice.

Inside the ship Yagamo, Terran floats inside the library, amidst the glowing orbs.

TERRAN
Yagamo!

Just then, the tiger form of Yagamo appears.

YAGAMO

Yes, Master Terran…what can I do for you?

TERRAN

What can you tell me about Elemenians?

YAGAMO

Just a moment.

Yagamo’s eyes start to glow and an orb floats towards Terran.

YAGAMO

This is bits of data collected on the Elemenian race.

You should find anything you wish to know from that.

TERRAN
Thank you, Yagamo.

YAGAMO

My pleasure, Master Terran.

And with a flash, Yagamo disappears. Gazing at the orb, Terran reaches out and touches it.

<Data-feed>

<End of Data Feed>

The scene shifts back to Terran, who comes back to his senses after the data feed has ended.

TERRAN

So…that’s what Elemenians are like, eh?

GENESIS
Terran?

Startled, Terran turns.

TERRAN

Gen?

Terran sees Genesis dressed in a purple, glittery dress. The dress is sleeveless and rather low-cut. Also, the dress is backless and as a final touch, cuts off about mid-thigh, so Genesis’ legs and lower thighs are being shown off to their full effect. In addition to this, Genesis wearing matching shoes with 5-inch heels and has her hair done up. As Terran sees all of this, he can’t help but find himself staring.

TERRAN

Uh….G-Gen…you….you…you you….

GENESIS

Do you like it?

TERRAN

(nods) You look GREAT.

GENESIS

(excited) REALLY?! You…you don’t think it makes me look…trashy?

TERRAN

Hell no. It’s stunning. Absolutely stunning.

GENESIS

(giggles) Thanks. I really appreciate that.

TERRAN

So…what’s the occasion?

GENESIS

Well…I was hoping we could take this time to go out and look around.

We’ve been staying here for more than two weeks, and we’ve never gone out into the city.

TERRAN

You want to do that right NOW?

GENESIS

Sure. Why not?

Unless there’s something ELSE you’d rather do.

TERRAN

No…it’s just…

GENESIS

Just what?

TERRAN

….

Nothing.

GENESIS

Come on….it’ll be FUN.

TERRAN

Oh, what the hell. Let’s go.

GENESIS
Alright!!
Come on…let’s go have fun!

Genesis laughs and grabs Terran by the hand, leading him away.

Meanwhile, Merlan is in another area of the ship, doing some sort of complicated task using the ship’s computer and its information files. As she does, Gladius enters through a portal.

GLADIUS

We have a situation.

MERLAN
What do you mean?

GLADIUS

It’s Indigo. He’s gone.

MERLAN
What?

GLADIUS

He’s just left. I can’t find a trace of him anywhere.

MERLAN

How did he get away without us knowing?

GLADIUS
I have NO idea.

That kid always HAS made me uncomfortable. There’s just something…off about him.

MERLAN

This is bad. If he gives us away…

GLADIUS
We’ll have to stop him before that happens.

MERLAN

Where are Terran and Genesis?

GLADIUS
I saw them heading for town. She was dressed in that outfit you asked me to pick up.

MERLAN

Hmm…

GLADIUS
Should I get them?

MERLAN

No. Leave them alone. We can handle this ourselves.

Meanwhile, at EarthNet Tower, Zepheron talks with the newly-instated President Calabrese via a video communications link.

ZEPHERON

So, then…how goes production of the Helix model HUNTER units?

CALABRESE
We’re still on-schedule. The project will be finished in months.

ZEPHERON
Good…good. That’s what I like to hear.

CALABRESE

With the Helix models, we’ll finally be able to put an end to this war once and for all.

ZEPHERON

Yes…that’s a fact.

CALABRESE
Well, then…I’m signing out. Good night.

Calabrese disconnects his signal.

ZEPHERON

Oh yes…this war will be ending alright…

…but I don’t think you’ll be too happy with the results.

Back in England, Genesis and Terran walk around the city arm-in-arm, taking in the lights and sounds of the city. Terran has disguised himself by changing his skin color and giving himself ordinary clothing.

GENESIS
This place is remarkably lively…even at night.

TERRAN

Yeah…no kidding. You’d think these people never heard of sleep.

GENESIS
Ooo! A crowd! They must be watching something! Let’s go see!

Let’s go see!!!

TERRAN

(being pulled) Hey, calm down, will ya?

Genesis and Terran make their way to the crowd to find a group of performers doing individual acts. One man uses wind powers to juggle a group of objects. Another woman dances on top of a tower of spiraling water. Another man levitates several small children from the audience, giving the young ones a thrill.

TERRAN

Wow…these guys can use their powers like this?

In the open?

TOWNSMAN

Ah…we got a coupla Yanks here, do we?

Terran and Genesis turn.

GENESIS
Yes…we’re from America. How did you guess?

TOWNSMAN

I guess the biggest clue would be your accents.

GENESIS

Huh? But I don’t have one.

TOWNSMAN
Suuuure ya don’t.

TERRAN

Sorry, pal. We’re new here.

Mind filling us in?

TOWNSMAN

No problem, mate.

I’d be happy to clue you in.

Well, you see, unlike lots of other countries on Earth, England never passed a law that prohibited the integration of Elemenians and Earthlings.

TERRAN
I see…

GENESIS
How come?

TOWNSMAN

Well, one of the original Elemenian settlers first came to Buckingham Palace to have a talk with His Majesty, then-Prince Alexander. She was a fetching young lass, and His Highness started to court the young lady. After a while, they fell in love.

TERRAN

Ah…I get it. When the two of them were married, that allowed them to permit the integration of the two races.

TOWNSMAN
Right you are.

In fact, Her Majesty, Queen Isabella, is an Earthian by blood.

Over the years, the English have become more tolerant to Elemenians than most other countries.

GENESIS

Wow…that’s so cool.

A true tale of love conquering all.

TOWNSMAN

Yeah, well. Sounds bloody corny if you ask me.

But…you gotta love what it did for us, eh?

TERRAN

Well, thanks a lot, pal.

I appreciate that.

TOWNSMAN

Anytime, mate.

GENESIS
Now I understand why Merlan came here.

TOWNSMAN

Ah…you’re the guests of Lady Merlan, aren’t you?

TERRAN

Uh…yeah, I guess.

TOWNSMAN

In that case, you should come with me. I’ll show you a place that’ll give you a warm welcome.

Elsewhere, Indigo is at an airport, waiting in line to step onto the plane. As he finally boards, he moves to his seat and sits down, looking out of the window.

VOICE

Eh. The view’s not so great now.

But wait until the plane takes off.

Indigo turns and sees Merlan sitting in the chair next to him.

INDIGO
How did you….?

Oh, nevermind.

What are you doing here?

VOICE
We could ask YOU that very question

Indigo turns and looks in the seat behind himself and sees Gladius sitting in that seat, unarmored.

INDIGO

Sh*t!

YOU’RE here, too?

MERLAN
Where are you going, Indigo?

INDIGO

Look…I can’t tell you that. This is personal, alright?

I came here to ask a favor from Terran. Now that I’ve done that, there’s things I have to take care of.

A large woman walks up to Gladius and taps him on his shoulder.

WOMAN

Um…excuse me sir…but you’re in my seat.

GLADIUS

Just a moment. We won’t be here long.

MERLAN
We can’t allow you to just leave, Indigo.

There are too many risks.

INDIGO

Don’t worry. I won’t blab about you and your little manor with the maximum-security basement.

MERLAN

You know I can’t just take your word on that.

INDIGO

Look, I’m not turning back. If you plan on stopping me, then go ahead and try. But this is something I HAVE to do. And I won’t let you stop me.

MERLAN
You’re that serious about leaving?

INDIGO

Hell yes.

The woman standing in front of Gladius grows restless.

WOMAN
Excuse me, sir! But this is MY seat.

And I’d like to sit in it. So would you kindly get off your lazy bum and allow me to do so?

GLADIUS

Lady, you of all people should not be talking about bums. Especially when yours is large enough to show movies on.

WOMAN
Now, see here! Get up or I’ll call security and—

Gladius bangs his fist on the empty seat next to him, busting a hole into it. The woman is shocked by this and remains speechless.

GLADIUS

Now be good and wait before I do the same thing to YOU.

INDIGO

Please, Merlan…

Just let me do this. I PROMISE that nothing will happen.

MERLAN

….

Alright. I’ll give you a chance.

But I’m giving you THIS, too.

Merlan grabs Indigo’s hand. While Indigo is confused, Merlan places a watch on his wrist.

INDIGO

Hey, why did you—

Indigo reaches on the watch and tries to take it off, but recieves a powerful shock.

INDIGO

Ow!! What the hell…?

MERLAN

This watch is equipped with a tracking device. You can’t freeze it off, either. Its made of an alloy that will adjust to whatever temperature you maintain around you. No matter where you go, we can find you.

INDIGO
I get the picture.

If I say or do something you don’t like, you’ll call out the dogs on me.

MERLAN
Something like that.

But there’s another feature, as well. A distress signal. If you’re ever in trouble, we’ll pick it up. And we’ll respond as soon as possible.

INDIGO

Well, that’s mighty neighborly of you.

But, couldn’t you have put a vibrate feature on it for those particularly lonely nights?

MERLAN
(laughs) Sorry. That’s next year’s model.

INDIGO
Well, thanks a lot, Merlan for everything.

MERLAN
No problem.

Merlan stands.

MERLAN
Let’s go, Gladius

Gladius gets to his feet and steps out from the seat. He then motions for the large woman to sit in the seat he was just in. After she’s seated, Gladius and Merlan walk off the plane.

Back in England, Genesis and Terran enter an underground dance club. Inside, there’s lots of young couples dancing and having a good time.

GENESIS
Wow. This place is pretty cool.

TOWNSMAN

Just wait a sec.

The man walks up to the DJ and whispers something to him. He then takes a microphone in hand and stops the music.

TOWNSMAN
Everyone…may I have your attention please?

Everyone in the club stops and turns to him.

TOWNSMAN

That couple by the entrance are Lady Merlan’s guests. They’re the ones that are gonna help us finally get rid of that damn Elemenian Empire AND the UN oppressors! Let’s give them a big hand, shall we?

The people of the club start cheering for Terran and Genesis, who are both confused and embarrassed.

TOWNSMAN

These two young lovers are pretty new here in town, so why don’t we get some slow music going on around here to make them feel more relaxed?

GENESIS

But we’re not….

Before Genesis can finish, the DJ puts on some slow music. Couples throughout the club start to dance to it. The man walks back Terran and Genesis.

TOWNSMAN

Well then, how’s THAT for helping?

GENESIS

Uh…thank you.

TERRAN
You guys know about Merlan?

TOWNSMAN

Of COURSE we do. She formed this town, you know. Lots of us were outcasts in the rest of the world…unaccepted by any other society. But Lady Merlan brought us here so that we could live amongst people that accept us that what we are. So that we could make something of ourselves. And so, lots of us formed the Underground.

TERRAN
The Underground?

TOWNSMAN

We’re Merlan’s personal assistants. We’re her eyes and ears. And we can fill in for some other areas when she needs us to.

TERRAN

So THAT’S how she keeps up with everything that goes on.

TOWNSMAN

Yep. That’d be us, mate. But, Merlan has some sort of method for getting information on her own. But when she can’t do it, we come in.

TERRAN
I see.

TOWNSMAN

Well, what’re you two standing around for? Get out there and shake your bums!

The man pushes Terran and Genesis out to the floor. The two, not wanting to make anyone upset, move in close and put their arms around each other and start to dance to the music.

GENESIS

(laughing) Well then…

Who would have guessed THIS would happen?

TERRAN

(chuckles) Not me, that’s for sure.

GENESIS

I like this place. It’s a lot better than Narwal.

There, all they do is teach you is how to dismantle a HUNTER without getting your arms blown off.

TERRAN

Yeah. It’s a lot better than where I’M from, that’s for sure.

All they do there is teach you how to hate Elemenians.

GENESIS

Is that why…you became that way?

TERRAN

Yeah, I guess.

But a lot of it was my own stupid insecurity.

After my parents were killed, I just thought it would be easier to hate the people responsible than to learn to move on.

I was an idiot.

GENESIS

Well, I don’t agree with that.

I wouldn’t be caught dead dancing with an idiot.

The two continue to dance silently until the music stops.

GENESIS
It’s over? Already?

TERRAN
What do you say we get outta here?

GENESIS
What, you don’t like dancing?

TERRAN

Nah…it’s just that I’d rather go someplace we could be alone and talk.

GENESIS
Oh….

Okay, I guess…

Terran and Genesis start to move towards the door.

TOWNSMAN
What? Leaving so soon?

TERRAN

Yeah. We’re just going somewhere we could be alone.

TOWNSMAN

Ooooooh…(winks)

I see….

GENESIS
No…it’s not like that!!

TOWNSMAN

Riiiiight…

Well, g’night, mates. See you again soon, I hope.

TERRAN

Count on it.

Terran and Genesis start to walk away.

GENESIS

By the way, I’m Genesis and this is Terran.

What’s YOUR name?

TOWNSMAN

Douglas. Douglas Pennington.

GENESIS

Well then, Doug. Guess we’ll see you around.

DOUGLAS

Looking forward to it.

Minutes later, Terran and Genesis walk along the shore back in the direction to Merlan’s manor.

GENESIS

Well…we’re alone.

What did you want to talk about?

TERRAN

I guess…about everything that’s been happening.

I mean, it’s only been two weeks, and here, so much has happened, that it seems like months.

GENESIS

I know what you mean.

Sometimes, I wonder. If I hadn’t seen you in Narwal that day, what would have happened?

TERRAN

Well, thankfully, we’ll never know.

GENESIS
Amen to that.

TERRAN

I’m starting to see things the way they are now, you know?

I mean…I’m not just letting someone else make calls for me.

This is the first time that I’ve truly felt like my own person.

GENESIS
Yeah, me too. Before I met you, the Kindred wouldn’t let me accompany them on any of their assignments. And…I felt so distant from everyone. I felt like I was….waiting.

TERRAN

Waiting…for what?

GENESIS

Well….

Nah…you’ll think this sounds crazy.

TERRAN
No I won’t. Try me.

GENESIS

I felt like I was waiting for…

…

…for YOU.

TERRAN

For me?

GENESIS

See? I told you it was crazy.

TERRAN

No, no, no. It’s just that I’m touched, really.

I didn’t know you felt that way.

Genesis looks away, a sad look watches over her face.

GENESIS

When…when I was taken in by the Kindred, they found me all alone. I was in the wreckage of Old Japan. I don’t know how I got there or why. I don’t even remember much about what happened at that time. All I remember was that I was alone.

Even while I was staying with them in Narwal. I never truly felt like I was one of them. I never stopped feeling lonely. It was something that was eating at me. I couldn’t explain what was causing it. That feeling didn’t go away until…

…until the day I met you.

There was something about you. Something in your eyes. I just felt it. I wanted to be with you…no matter what. I don’t know why…but that’s just how I felt. And it’s how I still do feel. That’s why that day you left and were attacked by those four thugs, I was so upset. If anything happened to you…I don’t know what I would have done.

TERRAN

….

Gen…

Genesis is silent for a moment as a tear rolls down her cheek.

GENESIS
We-We’d better head back.

It’s getting chilly.

TERRAN

Yeah…

The two again start to walk towards Merlan’s manor. Once there, Terran escorts Genesis to her room as she unlocks it and starts to head in.

GENESIS
Terran…thank you.

I-I..

….I had a great time.

Just then, all of a sudden, Genesis breaks down in tears.

TERRAN

Gen? What’s wrong?

GENESIS
No…that’s not what I want to say.

Not at ALL.

TERRAN
Huh?

GENESIS

Why can’t I say it?

Why??!

TERRAN
Say what?

GENESIS

….

….I love you, Terran.

Terran’s eyes widen and he become speechless.

GENESIS

I finally said it…but…

Why couldn’t I just say it right out?

I don’t know what’s wrong with me…

Terran takes Genesis into his arms. Leaning forward, he kisses her. After her initial shock, she starts to kiss him back, putting her hand behind his head to pull him in closer. The two kiss each other passionately for a long while. Genesis’ fingers fumble to undo his shirt, and Terran lifts her up and carries her into her room and closes the door.

Meanwhile, Merlan stands nearby, smiling to herself.

MERLAN

Ah yes…

Everything is going according to plan.

End of "Legacy"