Chapter 9 Vibrations

My head was in total disarray seeing Terra on the monitor. There was no way that she would want to defect to anything! Questions started to loom over my head but it wasn't the time for that! I needed to get moving to start things. We've overstayed our welcome on this planet. I finally had a clue on what to do for our prime directives. Nex removed his bandages from his body and then concealed his kunai. Seemed like he rested enough to finally start putting our foot through the door. As we were about to leave the hexagon office, she called out to us. Her face was filled with worry. I was worried too except I don't have the luxury to show it to anyone. Maybe this was the difference in power between us humans. She walked up to us at a slow pace then placed her hand on my shoulder.

Eliza: Come back safe okay? I know we just met but I still can't help worry. At least take Able with you.

Arc: I'm sorry, Able is a high priority to keep. If any event we might just send him to the platform just to complete the mission. We'll be fine. Nex has teleportation magic just in case things go south.

Eliza: I still worry. Losing people isn't something that I enjoy. I don't think anyone does. I'll be watching from the cameras. I wish I could help out more but my thoughts are all I can give. Despite being a woman of science, there's nothing I have to help.

Arc: Maybe there is a way. What can you tell us about the Talos? Anything important up there?

Eliza: Well mostly the factories. All the commands happen near the central hub. However, if you cut off the production of the artificial Foxphite then maybe it'll stop things or at most slow things down. Though with how efficient golems are, I'm not sure how long it would take for them to fix the issues.

Arc: Actually that might work! Though I'll do it for a different reason.

Nex: You're going to try to flush her out aren't you?

Arc: I want my answers. Terra would never defect.

Eliza: I'm so sorry for the trouble. I'll prepare the schematics by the time you return. Despite it being half, I think it's enough to give your scientists an idea on what to do. The rest of it is with Peter.

Arc: We're going to get both. I can't return without the whole thing.

Eliza: I'll prepare a data transfer device then. If you ever see the rest of the schematics. Upload it to any dock around the city. I'll be able to retrieve them from here.

Nex: Hey… are we really doing this alone?

Arc: We don't have a choice.

A couple minutes of frantic scrambling, Eliza had produced a small metallic insertion port. So all I have to do is insert this thing on the command port? Their technology really has come a long way without magic! Eliza rushed back to her computer port then gave us a thumbs up. Looks like we're finally ready to leave. Nex added a seal on the ground of the hexagonal office then we made our way out. I was determined to finally look for our teammates. Maybe we just took too long to try and find them. As we kept moving out the dark tunnel, I started creating an air seal on our clothes to filter out the incoming infected air. This way we could prepare have some proper air filtration. I've never noticed this before but the direction of the tunnel was going upwards. The tortoise plates must have started moving again. Our destination was the factories that were near the other side of Talos. If we could somehow disrupt the production then Terra might show up to stop us. Though the real problem was starting to cast its shadow on me. Was I really going to have to fight Terra? My feet started to feel the cold from my anxiety. However, that's just part of the job. I've never fought against another magic born in real combat before so this was going to be a tough challenge. As much as possible, I didn't want to.

We finally made it out of the dark tunnel into the dirty subway system. I looked over my watch to see the patrols were finally looking around the area as we jumped over the barricades. It was only a matter of time that they were going to look for us near here. The patrols were even greater in numbers per party. This meant that going to fight one batch of security was going to be harder. Talo's warm and humid atmosphere finally touched my face. Nothing about this place made me want to go back up to see the Talos. My sweat was already starting to drip down on my forehead but we needed to make our way out. I added an air mod to our boots again then used air mine to boost us up to the building roofs. Upon reaching a high elevation, we saw the clear view of the mechanical giant. Slowly but surely the guardians were constructing themselves around the brass beast. Next to the construction were the Foxphite factories. Their smoke spewed out more than usual than when we were above days ago. This was industrialization? I hope we never have to experience this kind of thing on the platform. The inhabitants were only going to perish. Nex pointed towards the next building to leap on then made our way.

Building to building, avoiding detection, gliding through the air. This only reminded me that this was my job. I hope that when we go to Earth they still accept us. Though what do earthlings even do? I'll be sure to ask Eliza next time. Nex landed on to a high rise building and I followed. This rooftop was a perfect blindside to surrounding previous patrols. As we reached a vantage point to look through the area, I could spot a good spot to infiltrate the factories. My watch didn't seem to find any patrols so this must be all work zones. The only real threat at the moment was the giant golem being constructed nearby. Its threatening aura is starting to affect me. That wasn't something that I wanted to deal with. Nex jumped out into a free fall as did I. We were going to land right through the factory's 2nd floor windows. I shot a bolt of energy to create a wind mine to stop our landing. As we touched down there wasn't any noise or alarms raised. Another soft landing! Not as good as Nitra's but it'll do. Entering the area, it was hot and sticky. Though it wouldn't matter because the workers below were just golems. What separated us from the area below was the metal railings. We walked around the vicinity to see if there was something that we could learn. Though the one thing that really stood out was the giant amount of metal tubs. It was filled with different materials and substances to create artificial Foxphite. I wasn't sure what they were. The factory insides looked like any other material factory on other planets. High heated finances pumping stationed across each other, strong odors, chains with hooks that needed golems to operate, and high metal platforms near the ceiling for workers to move in. The golems in the factory didn't seem to care if we were around. They were too busy producing artificial Foxphite to even look at us for a second. Nex walked slowly over the area until he saw something below. It seemed to be the main funnel that was needed to mix the elements together. We'd have to go down there to actually do some damage. Though is it okay to leave Nex on the second floor alone?

Arc: I think you should stay here. Just in case.

Nex: But! I trained for this.

Arc: I know but… Damn it. Fine!

Nex: You're getting soft Arc. The old Arc would've put more of a fight than that.

Arc: Shut it. You coming or what?

I jumped ahead and with a smile Nex followed. The drop was smooth but the smell got worse. This wasn't the usual smell of Foxphite. In fact, the more I look at what's being generated by these large metal tubs the more they looked different. Foxphite would usually be colored red or bright scarlet. I guess this is what they get when it was made from artificial means. It was dark gray and looked like complete mush. There were several containers nearby so I gave some air seals to Nex to place on some. The rest I would shoot on seals myself. These things were going to blow up so we made our way out right after. This should attract them!

I planted an air spike on the ground then boosted both of us back onto the original vantage point. My hands were starting to feel a bit nervous. There is only one thing that can come from this. Nex caught my attention with his worried face.

Nex: Y'know what's going to happen when you do that right? Are you really going to take this one right on the horns?

Arc: Do I have a choice in this?

Nex: We can still find them and maybe talk to them.

Arc: We can talk to Terra when she shows up.

Nex: I hope this goes exactly how you see it in your head.

Arc: Right when we were talking about her too.

Nex: It's going to be quite a rematch.

Arc: This one is going to be different than those times.

My eyes started to glow a bright blue. Energy surging through my body, I activated my air mines. A giant explosion was casted right in front of us, it's sound was a bit too destructive for my taste. Hot air was pushed to us as the dust started to settle. The factory's walls started to crumble, windows completely shattered, and Foxphite starting to ooze through the rubble. It wasn't enough to crumble the entire structure but it was enough to send the workers coming. Mindless golems already starting to weld some parts of the factory.

Nex: Here comes the worker golems. How long do you think?

Arc: A couple of days.

Nex: Hey, you saw these things fix a skyscraper in three hours.

Arc: I know.

Another burst of energy flowed through me as I activated the second set of seals on the explosion site! Another giant airburst had erupted on the factory, this time critically injuring the building. Metal pieces were now starting to fly through the air. Those construction golems were now on the ground spasming tryin to complete their directives. Hot winds pushed my hair back while Nex tried to hold on the edge of the roof we were on.

Nex: Smart.

Arc: I do it to impress afterall.

Nex: Well you're going to impress them harder.

Right as he said that another batch golems came to rescue the construction golems. Seemed like they wanted to make sure all those parts were recyclable. Though it didn't matter to me! My power surged once more! A third and even more destructive explosions echoed! Completely destroying the factory. All that was left were some foundation structures and a fire. Even Nex wasn't safe from the impending scrap metals being hurled everywhere. Now even the golems collecting the pieces would be needed to remade. This should dent production for a bit.

Nex: A bit too much on that last one.

Arc: You did say that I needed to impress them. Now look.

I pointed towards the loud noise approaching us. Security golems were now hot on our tails. Nex eyes widened, he must be panicking on the inside. Nex grabbed my shirt getting ready to teleport us but I signaled him not yet. There was weird silence between those moments that can be felt. A couple of seconds later, the security golems stopped on their tracks confusing Nex. However, moments later someone landed right in front of them. A muscular woman with a face that looked ready to kill. She was already cracking her knuckles readying herself to fight. I let go of Nex's hand from my shirt then hopped over the roofs, making my way towards her. My instinct told me that if I run forward then I was just going to die. Somehow it felt nostalgic looking at Terra. Her pony tail flowing from the wind right behind her. Her whole aura had changed from the last time I've seen her. I smiled…

Arc: Why don't you tell me first before we start this?

Terra: I never expected this from you.

Arc: I could say the very same thing. What would you think the platform would say if they saw this?

Terra: Then they would say that I learned the truth.

Arc: The truth?

Terra: The doctor showed me the truth.

Arc: You're not just brainwashed are you? You must be under something to betray the platform like that.

Terra: No, I'm furious. You will too once you know the truth.

Arc: What are you talking about!?

Terra: Join us Arc. Be a part of Talos. Together we'll invade the platform and set our kin free.

Arc: I don't know what you're talking about! Tell me what's happening with you Terra!

Terra: They lied to us. There's much more to this than we know. So this is my test to you Arc. A test of faith! Join us and you'll learn the truth with us.

Nex: You can't be serious Terra!

Terra: I'm sorry but I cannot listen to the false children of Adam.

False children?! What the hell is she talking about? She's completely changed! This class had just become even deadlier! I dropped down to the lower building roofs mentally preparing myself. She walked over slowly like I was the enemy. As quickly as it did, her eyes started to glow and jumped to do a giant haymaker punch! As she threw it at my direction, a strong force push shot my way! I managed to dodge it right at the last minute but the destruction it left on its path was deadly. That was meant to kill! My eyes started to sharpen on my target that was now running towards me at extreme speeds. I surged in my power then generated some heat with my hands. I went into the full offensive because Terra's power is meant to break defenses. If I stay blocking then I'll surely die from the pressure. Blue hot flames spurred out of my hand then spreading to my entire arms. We both jumped off the gapped roofs getting ready to deliver another power haymaker. Our fists clashed creating a giant explosion tossing debri everywhere! I could see the change Terra eyes. She then switched over to deliver a roundhouse kick but I managed to block it in time. However, blocking was still not the right choice! The vibrations added to the power of the kick, it tossed me to the wall of a building slamming me hard against it. Terra didn't stop there. The moment I recovered myself, she was right in front of me about to deliver another haymaker. Her eyes glowed blue for the kill. Just as if my instincts finally kicked in, I shot an enormous flame burst right on the center of her stomach. The force from a direct hit pushed her off me and onto the ground below. Terra as if it was just an inconvenience just got up and dusted off then jumped back onto the roofs. Not wasting any time again, her eyes glowed again. This time using the vibrations to pull me in towards her. The strength of the pull wasn't something I could fight. My body was flung towards her! She was naive if she thought I hadn't seen her use that on her enemies. Terra reeled in for a strong right hook. As she threw it, I grabbed it then used it to swing around her back evading the push for a microsecond. I jumped out of her distance, touching the roofs again. This time I turned off my flames and thought of a different strategy.

Arc: This isn't going to get us anywhere Terra!

Terra: I think you're the one misunderstanding who's actually winning the fight.

Arc: I'm still standing aren't I?

Terra: You piss me off, you know that. I've always wondered that. But now I remembered why.

She started charging again at me with extreme force. This time she was going in for a tackle. My eyes glowed with another surge to mod my boots. As she came closing, I instantly changed directions forcing her to stop her charge and change directions. Her body was now like a train that destroyed anything in its path. Though she might be a power house of strength, I still had something up. With each charge, I've only just been evading and touching the metal roof floorings to get better footing. Terra just didn't stop her relentless destruction of the rooftops. This seemed to anger her even more. I know the one thing that Terra disliked the most was when enemies were evasive. She stopped in her tracks, her eyes started to surge with energy again. She let out a strong battle cry then punched the roof below her! All of a sudden a dome of vibration shot out knocking me off another roof! The dome hit me like an Artuskan's headbutt! My body isn't going to last if it meant that I took hits like those. As I looked above, Terra was ready to slam her fists on me as she was landing. Quickly as I could, I used an air tunnel to push me out of the way. However, that didn't stop the force of the punch to knock me into a side of a building. My body was already pushing its limits with how many times I could take her vibration pushes. More close calls and I was going to have to give in. I looked to see that Terra's punch had already leveled a building. She jumped back on to the roofs with full strength again. It didn't seem like she wanted me to catch my breath. Another punch directly at me, again the residual force pushing me hard into another rooftop. So this was her way of adapting to the fight. She was just going to keep blasting the surrounding area to make sure I got hit at least. Just a little bit more. My breathing started to become more and more coarse. These hits aren't getting easier to evade. If only there were some rocks or terrain. I would've had a better offensive. Fire wasn't not the type of magic to fight other magicians with. The only thing I could rely on now was my air modifications. I jumped up back to the center of the fight. Terra this time slowed her approach. She was probably getting drained from using this much surge magic. Normally the fight would end before that would happen but I knew that. Her face now beginning to get frustrated. I kept my feet firm on the roofs despite them in pain from the constant mini tremors of the metal around. This environment was not in my favor. I prepped my arms up like a fist fight. This seemed to please Terra because she started to make another mad dash to me. Her body was now getting closer and closer but I wasn't planning to move off this roof. My eyes surged once more now modifying my arms to create air cannons. Terra giving it her all she got delivered another nasty jab punch that I narrowly dodged by just moving my body slightly. A big burst of vibrations were casted right next to my face and body. It was like the world looked fuzzier looking through it. The destruction destroyed some of the buildings behind me and some security golems watching. Right after it was happening, I quickly retaliated at the same time with a strong straight punch that she too doged narrowly. With a loud bang, a hurricane tunnel came out of my hand. The power of the hurricane I had unleashed was strong enough to destroy some metal structures too. Her face and body just inches away from being torn apart too. Terra let out sick grin.

Terra: FINALLY!

I gave a displeased look because she knew that I didn't want to fight to kill. This was the fight that she wanted me to take seriously. She raised her fists for another punch but I dropped down and punched her stomach again. The hurricane blow managed to get some distance off of me. It was a clean hit making her clench her stomach as she was blown away. But that grin still didn't drop. That push didn't knock her far. She rushed back to me with an array of combination strikes. With each punch I would narrowly dodge, her punches kept ringing in my ears because they'd always be filled with vibrations. It slowly started to make me feel deaf! After her retaliation was over, she swung with a hard punch to my center! I was waiting for this one! I turned my body away from the blow to throw a hurricane reverse hook kick! It landed perfectly on Terra's chin then moments later a hurricane explosion tossed her out into the sky. I saw Terra's body flying but she still managed to recover mid air. Her face grinning from pleasure. She shot out a force out of her boots towards me. Exhaustion was starting to hit us hard but we didn't want to back down. As she landed close, I pushed my body towards her again. This time she was ready to block and counter attack. I grabbed some sharp debri from the ground, sealed them as I rushed to her then chucked it her way. Her face said it all when she saw them coming. She jumped out of the way but I had activated them already causing an explosion. I was sure she didn't have a clear visual of me anymore. To my surprise, she came out of the smoke ready to throw a haymaker right at me. I didn't have time to dodge anymore! I felt her fists land hard on my arms. The pressure was unlike I've ever felt from earlier! Just mere seconds and I could already feel my bones starting to crack! The punch pushed us hard to the edge of the roofs. Terra's punch ended but she was ready to throw another! This fight was going nowhere! The only thing that I was doing was feeding her sick pleasure of wanting to fight someone! Time for the big guns. She threw a high punch so I dipped under her to escape the radius. Once again, a giant crashing sound happened behind me. Though my ears were pretty messed up to notice how loud it was. I made it back to the middle of the arena where the fight started. Terra was already running to me like a mad dog. This was going to be one of my last resorts because I didn't have a lot of surge magic left. Quickly as I could, I produced a single blue flame to appear in front of me. She must've noticed this because she prepared something of her own too. Her hands ready to throw her vibration cannon! She knew me too well. Energy surging in my veins again, this was my last one! I jumped backwards then shot out another strong hurricane out of my arms into the fire. A giant flamethrower shot out devouring everything only for it slam into something. On the opposite site, a force push to stop the enormous flames. She knew that this was going to kill her if she didn't take it seriously. We held out our power despite running out of surge! If anyone of us stopped now then the other was clearly going to die. This was our last surge. The blue flames fighting the pushing force was like some kind display. If only it didn't have the strength to level a small town to rubble. I was desperately trying to hold on. My legs were starting to slowly being pushed backwards. My hands were holding onto dear life trying to shoot a flame hurricane.

Nex: Stop! Let's just leave! Don't kill yourselves!

Arc: I'm sorry Nex… I'm not going to!

Our power output was getting stronger and stronger as each passing second. There wasn't going to be a good end to this. But before my body was about to give in, we were back to the hexagonal office. The sudden change of environment made my body recoil. The sight of the bright lights of the library started to burn. My body was also severely beaten so it fell the moment it sensed everything was safe. My body hit the ground of the office with a hard thud. Nex! He teleported us back! Able went over to me to prop me up. The only thing I could see now was the monitor screen filled with mass destruction. Flames and debri were shown on the large monitor. Eliza was on her chair sweating bullets. Her face filled with a terrified expression from what she watched. My body was completely limp to move a single muscle. Our eyes were attached to the screen. Terra was screaming like she was robbed of something. She was in a state of complete rage. Now lashing out on the other buildings and golems around her. Well too bad for her, I had a final gift for her. With all my might, I raised my hand. Another surge went through my body. Just like a hand detonator, I pressed my thumb down.

Arc: Bang…

The monitors cut off. That must've been a lot bigger than I thought it would be. Though I'm quite positive that was nowhere near enough to kill Terra. She definitely a tough person to take down. Nex looked away, his expression filled with disbelief. Eliza just fell back into her seat. She wasn't close to realizing how dangerous magic can be. All she could do was place her hands on her chest.

Eliza: Is that normal? Is this usually how a fight goes? I… I… I… I can't understand it. I just can't!

Nex: Magic borns fighting isn't normal. It's bad enough that we're close to extinction.

Eliza: Extinction!?

Nex: Some battles usually go much differently. With one dying…

Arc: That wasn't enough to kill her... I know her well enough that was probably just like a punch to her...

Eliza: You blew up an entire factory segment four times!

Arc: And I'd do it again if the platform ordered me to! Argh… Everything hurts right now… I need some rest…

Eliza: What is this platform?!