The Crystal Fortress

Chapter 8

The Crystal Fortress

Auroa and Kabuki return to find the command room trashed up. Havok lies on the floor unconscious with Umbrella master tending to him.

"What the heck happened here? Where is our army" Kabuki asked?

"It was the Card Generals. They've taken control of the army while you were both away. Havok attempted to stop them, but they overpowered him. Our army is now heading for an all-out attack on Capital City."

Auroa looked out the window.

"Those fools! Just when I was hoping to cook up another plan. It looks like we'll have to improvise. No doubt Alistor and his team will be there. With the Card Generals taking action, maybe we could use this opportunity to our advantage."

The Wind Ruler begins planning the next move as Havok regains consciousness.

Past after midnight, somewhere at an inn with Alistor. Katty was asleep in his bed as Maigashi leaned silently by the doors. A familiar voice suddenly calls out to Alistor. Rena's charm begins acting up. He goes out to check from a balcony. Winds swept past his hair as an image of Rena's spirit appeared before him.

"Tomorrow's the day we'll be storming the Vortex base. We'll be facing Auroa."

"Your friend is not the only one you should worry about. Rare is no doubt up to something."

"Well, no matter what happens, he is still our friend. So maybe there's a way I can reach through him."

"Be careful, my love… Don't be reckless like I was."

"I'll come back in one piece with the first crystal. Then when I have all three, we can be together."

Rena gives a cheerful smile.

"Good night. I'll be waiting for you."

With a wave smile, Rena's spirit swept away from the gust of winds passing by. Then, taking a look at the stars, he could only imagine the final battle to commence.

The scene shifts back to the enemy fortress. Havok finally regains consciousness.

"Good to see you finally back. Had a good snooze?" Kabuki poked.

"Very funny." He sarcastically uttered. "They've taken..."

"We know…Things are escalating faster than we expected. So Havok, give us some details of what went down between you and Spades?" Auroa said.

"Argh! Well, I hate to admit defeat. I would have killed Spades if I had the chance. Though I detest him very much, he's a solid fighter."

A flashback from Havok occurs to the moment he witnesses Darcus's death on screen. He rushes out from the control room to rally up the remaining army for the meeting. Instead, a loud uprising goes down at the grand hall. He finds General Spades speaking out to the monstrous crowd. Spades turn around.

"Ah, General! Just the one I was looking for. Now that you're here. It would be lovely you join by our initial invasion. It's now or never!" Spade said.

The general was not pleased with Spade's proposition. He draws out his sword, pointing to Spade's chin.

"How dare you."

"You close-minded fool. Can't you see it's our best chance to strike now? We can hit Capital City with everything we got. And by tomorrow, it will be all ours for the taking." Spade further pressed.

"If you want to attack, then lead your individual units. We're not taking the risk on an all-out mindless assault without Auroa's approval."

Spades take a few steps back to draw out two blades.

"Auroa is no longer in charge. Rare has given us power and authority to overrule you all. It's a risk I'm willing to take. Our patience has grown thin from your failures. The Crystal Vortex needs new leadership. A far better and superior one best for the job. Darcus has had his time in the spotlight, and now it's our turn."

"I'd never like you anyway." Havok spat.

The crowd full of monsters begins falling back to give the two generals space.

"Very well. Suppose you're not with us. Then you're against us. Have at it!"

Spades and Havok begin clashing at the center of a big arena, jumping off from the stands. A room full of monsters watched as two powers exchanged blows. First, General Spades matched up to Havok's speed and power. Spades then fire a heavy energy blast as Havok countered back with his own. Unfortunately, both beams diminished at the moment, colliding.

"It seems we're evenly matched, general."

"Don't even count on it. You've seen nothing yet." Havok pestered.

Havok begins building up for more power. Spades didn't hesitate to give him a chance to build up. Havok quickly pulls off a sweep kick, nearly hitting Spade. Havok's next attack was powerful than the last as he pressures the general to a corner. Spades twin blades clasped tight against Havok's weapon.

"Impressive! You've improved since the last battle." Spade complimented.

"Leave now before I change my mind." Havok threatened.

"That's a negative. You think I would get off that easy?"

Spade quickly breaks free from the clash.

A chain suddenly catches Havok by surprise, wrapping across his arm. Spades jumped back to gain some grounds as General Clubs and Hearts jumped in to interfere.

"The Vortex army is ours." Clubs shouted.

He slices through Havok's front side inflicting damage as General Hearts kept a tight hold of his arm with his chain.

"Don't you see? You're nothing but a washed-up leader past his prime." Hearts Pestered.

"Funny how you put it. None of you can even fight me one on one?" Havok pointed.

More power begins surging out from Havok while Hearts start to lose his hold. Clubs attempts to swing his ax down, but Havok catches it with his bare metal hands.

"What!?"

Havok breaks commander Club's weapon in half as he pulled commander Hearts towards to deliver a punch. Commander Hearts and Clubs get knocked back to a wall as Spades jumped back into the scene. The two are at a standoff clashed between blades. Havok was now behind the walls.

"I was always best suited to command over the Vortex, and you know it." Spade spat back.

"In your dreams!"

At the very moment, the walls behind explode with ice sending Havok rolling across the floor.

"Ah, General Diamonds! About time you showed up."

"Let's show him our true power." Diamonds said.

The two generals charged in at Havok, ready for a combination attack. Havok gets back up on one knee to swing at Diamonds but misses. Then, ice-cold crystals begin raining down as fire in the shape of a spade erupts at Havok's feet.

"Curse you Diamonds. Cowards!"

Smoke was in the air. General Havok was severely damaged. Refusing to stand down, he kept his blade grasp tight in his hands. The smoke clears away as twin blades slashed through the general from both sides. General Diamonds and Spades overwhelm him. Havok's sword drops out of his hands as he falls flat to the floor.

"A pity to see a fine general goes to waste. If you had seen things my way, it could have been different." Spade chuckled.

General Clubs and Hearts join the other two to the scene. Havok struggled to get back up, but Diamonds kept him down.

"Goodbye, Havok. We won't be missing you."

Umbrella master suddenly jumps into intercepts the four generals from finishing Havok off. The four gets bounced back from the barrage of umbrellas shielding Havok from further harm.

"How dare you stop us? A low-ranked commander? You want to join him?" Diamonds pestered.

Umbrella master dropped a smoke bomb-making his escape. He carries Havok across his shoulders. The Card generals simply stood their ground.

"We don't have time to waste with them." Spade snapped. "Let us depart. Tomorrow is a brand new day."

The generals take their leave with the monsters. A mass fleet of ships and arsenal leaves the fortress. Umbrella Master witnesses the fleet leaving from the window. Havok tries to stand but loses consciousness.

The general's memory ends from there, returning to the present time.

"And that was how it played out. A shame I couldn't hold off the fort."

"It's ok; you did your best. If Commander Spades think he can do better, then so be it? Kabuki! The time has come. Position the fortress to Capital City." Auroa ordered. "We'll bring the battle to them then."

The Crystal Fortress begins setting course towards Capital City.

The following morning…The sound of multiple explosions set off as Alistor, and the rest are awakened with a huge welcome.

"Damn! It looks like they're already back on track. This time early. Come on! We got to report to the station. Maigashi said.

They rush out to get a view of the scene. Spades forces are seen attacking from above. Armies of Vortex troopers soon overran Capital City.

"They're everywhere!" Katty said.

They quickly meet with Claws and his crew down by the station. But, unfortunately, they were forced to make decisions abruptly.

"Looks like they plan to bring the battle to us," Alistor said.

Alistor and party take a glance at the Crystal Fortress descending close to the city.

"Auroa's is waiting…." Sarah said. "I'll be sure to beat him this time."

"Just leave it to me. I know the base from the inside and out. We'll likely draw less attention if we split into small groups." Maigashi said.

"We're counting on you to lead the way," Alistor said.

Maigashi leads Alistor and Katty in group one. Sarah led group two with Winoa, Claws, and Mira to hold the front lines. Bow and Blade remained in the hospital.

Alistor and Katty arrive inside a bunker behind the station. Maigashi turns the lights on to reveal a ship. They were slightly astonished for the moment.

"This will take us to the base. Straight out of the Baronia fortress. This modified gear ship will take us to the Vortex base."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get on." Katty said.

The ship quickly takes leave undetected from the fires of battle below. The gear ship kept its distance, maneuvering its way through the skies. The massive enemy fortress was within reach as they couldn't believe their eyes. A crystal castle overshadows the city.

"It's been a while since we stepped inside a fortress this big," Katty added. "Brings back memories, huh?"

"Yeah…it sure does," Alistor said.

They slipped by unnoticed. The defense mechanisms across didn't operate. Nevertheless, the ship successfully breached inside from the back. They take their first steps out, arriving in a massive bunker room.

"They probably know we're here. I'm surprised the Vortex Army didn't retaliate back?" Maigashi said. "Hm? No one seems to be around?"

"It's so quiet. No one's around. The bunker room, it's so empty." Katty said.

"They must have left with everything they got. We should be finding our way to their command station. Auroa has to be waiting there."

The both of them began following Maigashi through the base. Down below, Commander Spades and Diamond are seen giving out orders. Commanding the fleet as various monsters spread across streets. The two generals slowly make their way towards the castle gate.

Auroa watches the invasion from above meanwhile as Sarah's team engages with General Hearts and Clubs army. First, Claws and Mira push the two generals to their limits, knocking them across with solid teamwork. Then, Winoa casts an explosive spell combined with Sarah's fire sending a wave of enemies back.

"We got this fight in the bag." Winoa snapped.

"These guys don't stand a chance with us," Mira said.

Claws and his reinforcements begin to push forward. The incoming enemy's moved to make way for another foe. The sound of a loud footstep suddenly shakes the battlefield.

"Something's coming! It's huge!" Claws said.

"What the heck is that?" Mira wondered.

Winoa stopped what she was doing for the moment.

"I don't even know. Sarah, come take a look."

Sarah turns around to spot a massive drill titan marching towards the distance. Hearts and Clubs fall back behind the titan as it comes to a halt.

"The demolition team has finally arrived, haha. Now you're in for it." Clubs laughed. "Feast your eyes on our finest creation. Fresh straight out from the Vortex Fortress. I present you Drillbit."

The monster swings a great hammer demolishing a building within the site. A loud threatening roar intimidates the team. General Hearts and Clubs jumps on top of the titan to get a nice view of the scene. The two laugh away, mocking Sarah's team.

"HA! There's nothing you can do now!" Hearts laughed. "You may as well run."

The titan continues its march towards them through the blazing smoke. It overshadows the battle.

Back with team one, Alistor continues following Maigashi through corridors and passages. First, they advanced through a boiler room and then found themselves in the backroom of a kitchen.

"I got the layout of this base in the back of my head. The grand hall is just straight ahead." Maigashi said.

The three make a run for the stairs. From above, they notice a luminous glow. Checkered-filled stairs spiraled across the room. Various art pieces float in the display.

"What is this place? It's so…out of this world." Katty said.

From glass spheres to floating cubes, portraits of monsters they previously vanquished rest on the display walls.

"It's like a timeline of our battles, almost," Maigashi added. Baronia, Vilevelious, Taishae, and even Moon. Auroa had quite the free time on hand.

They took a moment to contemplate their history.

"Let's continue on our way," Alistor said.

"The doors just right there." Maigashi pointed.

Through the door, they arrive outside by a balcony. Cold air rushes through as Alistor and his friends make their way towards a great bridge. The beautiful view of the stars sits in place among the sky.

In the command room, Auroa finishes a piece he was working on. Kabuki reports Alistor and the group's presence drawing near.

"Alistor and his team are drawing close. What shall we do?" Umbrella master said.

"Get ready to deploy down for the final attack. Go and assist Spades forces if necessary."

"Are you sure? I can stay to fight."

Auroa proceeds to the final plan.

"I leave our remaining forces in your hands. We'll catch up later. I have one last monster I wish to try out on them."

"Very well."

As the Umbrella master takes leave, Havok and Kabuki prepare the welcome for their guests.

Alistor's team arrives in the next room. A mysterious object sits on display by the corner, captivating their eyes.

"What is that thing?" Katty wondered. It's so…."

"I never saw something like this," Alistor muttered.

They take a close gander towards the object. Four geometric shapes hover around an upside-down pyramid resting at the base. Engraved with letters on a pedestal, it reads "Neon Prism."