Let’s get Ready To Crumble! (Continued from Fallen Angel) Author Psykorabbit2000 Scene 1 Toad Mother ship EMERALD slowly opens her eyes and finds herself laying in a prison cell. She slowly sits up and feels her mouth is dry. She looks around and sees the armored being known as AWIK who caught her, watching through energy bars. Emerald (groggily) ”Where am I?” Awik (chuckling) ”You recovered faster than I thought you would. (with an exaggerated bow) Welcome to Hotel De Prisone! You shall be our guest, until you either manage to escape or I tire of your presence and kill you. If you have any request, don’t bother asking, because we really don’t care.” Emerald glares at his arrogance and sighs. Emerald (glaring) ”Why did you attack Aldebaran?!” Awik (sneering) ”You were hiding that traitor Cobra! That and I was bored.” Emerald (confused) ”Cobra is a traitor?” Awik (nodding) ”He was built to be a killing machine! He has some of the best technology our world had to offer and look how he repays them! He runs away! He owes his entire existence to them!” Emerald (snapping back) ”He doesn’t owe them anything! He was a human before they worked on him!” Awik (mock drama) ”Oh, and how do you know this?” Emerald (anger quickly building) ”He told me himself!” Awik (scoffing) ”And that is the other thing, he refused to let the entire program go as needed and that includes removal of his memory! Doctor Ochra was to damn soft hearted!” Emerald (glaring) ”And what would have removing his memory made him like?” Awik (smiling) ”Just like me, a killing machine who enjoys his job!” Emerald (sneering) ”In that case, I would say he already made the right choice! His emotions allow him to make proper judgments!” Awik (laughing) ”Oh this is rich! You talk as if he is on a pedestal to you! Ha, ha, ha, ha! If I didn’t know better, I would swear he has stolen your heart!” (quickly becomes serious) ”His emotions allow him to be manipulated to easily! And as for you, I noticed he seemed concerned about you. That made you my preferred bait for him! How does it feel to be a little bird in a cage?” With that, Awik turns and walks down the hall, his armor clanking as he walks. Emerald (thinking) She turns and sits back down on her bed. Scene 2 The Aldebaran Royal Palace lading pad ALLURA and ANDREW step out of their shuttle and see a Royal Guard approaching them. Royal Guard (firmly) ”This way. Her Majesty is waiting for you in the Throne Room.” They fall in step behind the guard, as she walks towards the castle. In the Throne Room QUEEN KATRINA looks up as Allura and Andrew step through the door. She sets aside some paper work and nods to them. Allura (calmly) ”You said you needed some help, your Majesty?” Queen Katrina looks at the guard and nods. Queen Katrina (firmly) ”Bring him here.” The guard nods and walks out the doors. Queen Katrina turns to Allura and Andrew. Queen Katrina (gently) ”It is good to see you two again. I am glad to see you respect your dad’s loyalties as well, Allura.” Allura (nodding) ”My dad’s faith isn’t given very often, so I stand by those that receive it. What is the problem?” Queen Katrian (standing and walking forward) ”We were invaded a day before I called on you. During that invasion, the representative from Juno’s Assassin group was taken as a prisoner. The individual who grabbed her was of amazing fighting skill. None of the Royal Guards could stand up to his fighting skill. At the same time another of the attacker’s race was here. They fought and caused the damage you saw to the castle.” Andrew (stunned) ”That was two fighters?! What were they fighting with , Maser Cannons?!” Queen Katrina (shaking her head) ”No, they were fighting with their bodies and what was attached to their bodies. The one who was here was under the watch of the Representative and he feels it is his duty to rescue her. I told him I would like to send some people to help him and so I called on Allura and you two came here.” Allura (nodding) ”Very well, where is this mammal we are suppose to help?” They all turn as Cobra walks through the door. Andrew and Allura’s jaws drop in shock. Andrew (shocked) ”A hairless baboon?” Cobra stops and looks at the two new comers. Queen Katrina (shaking her head) ”He isn’t a baboon. He is called a human. To my knowledge he is the third human to arrive in the Aniverse.” (she turns to Cobra) ”Cobra, these are the two I said I would call for to help you. This is Allura and Andrew. Allura is a daughter of a legendary fighter named Kinjite. Andrew is a practitioner of Geomancy. Andrew, Allura, this is Cobra. He is the one who fought the other one.” Andrew (stunned) “He caused some of the damage? With what?” Cobra (gently, while raising his hands) “With these.” Allura sees all the guards tense, until Cobra lowers his hands. Allura (looking at Cobra) ”The Queen says the attacker took the Representative. Can you tell us anything about the attacker?” Cobra (quietly) ”His name is Awik. He is a built killing machine like me. He carries heavy assault weapons attacked to his body and greatly enjoys killing. He is a sick and sadistic person who should have been killed by now!” Andrew (nodding) ”Do you think you can beat him?” Cobra (shrugging) ”Hard to say. His body is covered with a thin alloy for armor. It is extremely strong and durable. He is a prototype of what I am and they made a few changes.” (holds up hands again) ”He still has his claws, I don’t.” Just then, a female walks through the doors, reading a chart and nodding. Female (having heard the end of the statement) ”We might be able to give you claws again. Our study of your technology shows that it is extremely compatible with mammal technology.” (she looks at Cobra) ”In exchange for servitude to the Throne, we can *improve* you.” Cobra raises an eyebrow and opens his mouth to say something, but stops when Awik’s metal face appears on the comm. station screen. Awik (laughing) ”Hello Cobra and furballs! I figured I would just stick my lovely face in your business to let you know something. (an image of Emerald in the cell appears on the screen) ”She is alive still and for the time being, unharmed. That can change on a moments notice!” Suddenly Emerald jumps into the air as an arc of electricity shocks her tail. Awik appears on the screen again, chuckling. Awik (smiling) ”Reminds me of how my first cat died.” Cobra (stepping forward) ”What do you want, Awik!? If you so much as even harm her…!” Awik (cutting in) ”If I harm her, it will be due to the fact that *you* are taking to long, Cobra! We have unfinished business! You will come in one ship and bring as many furballs as you want! It just means more for me to kill! Here are the coordinates. Oh by the way Cobra, you must have made an impression on her. She is defending your quite fiercely. Wouldn’t want to damage the little pedestal she has placed you on!” The image disappears and several numbers scroll across it. Everyone looks at Cobra. He is standing there, his eyes closed and his hands clenched into fists. Cobra (quietly) ”I have to get her away from him!” Allura (nodding) ”And we are going to help you accomplish that.” Cobra (shaking his head) ”He will tear you apart! He enjoys killing.” Andrew (playing with a hair on his forehead) ”Well, from my understanding, you are suppose to be a fair match for him. If you keep him busy, he really can’t go after us, now can he?” Cobra opens his eyes and looks at the bat Cobra (thinking) Cobra nods and looks at the Female with the chart. Cobra (gently) ”Let’s look at those upgrades.” The female nods and they walk out of the Throne room. Scene 3 Medical Facility Cobra looks around as he follows the female in. Allura and Andrew follow behind him. The Female walks over and pulls back a small cover. There are several varying things laying on the table surface. Cobra and Allura walk over and look at them. Andrew begins looking around the varying items around the room. The Female picks up a pair of gauntlets, holding them up to Cobra. Female (patiently) ”These will give you back your claws you were talking about.” Cobra takes the gauntlets and looks at them. They are regular gauntlets made from a flexible metallic substance Cobra (raising an eyebrow) “How?” The female takes a gauntlet from him and pulls out a small wire. It has a needle like end that she holds up. Female ”This needle was a design we have had around for awhile. With a few minor tests, we found it could tap into your power network with no damage to it. It would draw the energy from you as you say your weapons do. The energy is focused into the fingers and produces claws made from solid energy. It is along the same lines as a light saber. It isn’t fully tested to full capabilities yet, but we are almost positive it will not harm you to tap into them.” Allura (surprised) ”Almost?” Female (nodding) ”Yes, we haven’t had the chance to really test the idea before, but it works perfectly in the simulations. We just never had a being to test it with.” (looks over and sees Andrew holding up a metal container, studying it) ”Put that down and don’t touch anything!” Andrew jumps and drops the container. It clangs on the counter and rolls across it. He quickly grabs it and sets it down. He then backs away and looks at the ground sheepishly. The Female looks at Allura with a glint of anger in her eyes. Female (growling) ”If he breaks anything, you will be held responsible!” Allura nods and gently pulls Andrew next to her. The Female nods and calms down. She turns to Cobra. Cobra (nodding) ”So it hasn’t been tested, but all test simulations say it works?” (the Female nods) ”Plug it in then.” The female nods and sets the gauntlet down. She walks over and pulls out a pair of gloves. She walks over to a scanner and table. She motions Cobra over and for him to bring the gauntlets with him. When he gets there, she takes the gauntlets. Female (pointing to a chair) ”Sit there and place both arms on the table.” Cobra does as she says and x-ray images of his arms appear on the screen, as well as the wiring. The Female slides the gauntlets onto his arms. She then takes the needles and, while watching the screen, slides them into his arms. On the screen, the needles slide through his flesh and into the wiring. She wipes the blood from his arms and nods as she notices the wounds are already sealed. She turns his arms over and sets them down. Female (pointing to a button on each gauntlet) ”This will activate them. When I get the time, I will study your system more and find a way to set it up for metal activation. This will have to do for now. You push either button and they will both turn on.” Cobra nods and quickly studies them. He stands up and nods to the Female again. He turns to the others. Cobra (firmly) ”It is time to go.” Female (clearing her throat) ”There are other items we can hook to you to help out.” Cobra (looking at her) ”Hold onto them for now. My mission is to rescue Emerald. My next mission will be to kill Awik. We will have more time before the second mission.” She nods and he walks out the door. Allura and Andrew quickly follow. Scene 4 Toad Mother Ship Awik is walking down the hall. His armor is clanking loudly as he moves. Several toads watch him walk and shake their heads at the noise. He walks into a control room and stops in front of the Bridge Leader. Bridge Leader (nodding) ”What can I do for you?” Awik (studying his clawed finger tips) ”How many ways into the mother ship?” Bridge Leader (pulling up a map) ”There are varying airlocks one each level, but the primary entrance is the hangar bay doors.” Awik (nodding as he studies his fingers) ”So what is the most likely way he will enter?” Bridge Leader (after a second) ”If I understand what you have told me about him, he will probably try the direct approach and come through the hangar bay doors. If you want, we can shoot him down before he gets in.” Awik (shaking his head and looking at the Bridge Leader) ”No, I want him for myself.” Bridge Leader (nervous) ”If he is as good as you say, it would be best if he is killed before he gets the chance to respond.” Awik (after a second) ”Is that you opinion?” Bridge Leader (nodding) ”Yes, and it is a sound str-!” He is suddenly cut off as Awik’s clawed fingers rip through his throat. He falls to the ground gagging and spitting up blood. He quickly grows motionless and blood forms a circle around him. Awik (nodding as he licks his claws) ”Your opinion has been noted.” (looks at a nearby toad) ”You are now Bridge Leader. Any suggestions?” Toad (nervously) ”How would you like to handle your opponent, sir?” Awik (smiling) ”Good toad. I want the bay doors open and his shuttle to be pulled in. Seal the bay doors behind it. I do not know if he is bringing help with him. He is good, but not stupid. He is mine. Understood?” Toad (nodding quickly) ”Yes, sir!” Awik (smiling) ”Good.” (looks at the dead toad body) ”Get someone up here to clean up the mess and inform KOMPLEX I had to kill a toad for questioning my orders.” With that Awik turns and walks from the bridge. The toad looks down at the dead body of his former boss and gulps. In the Prison Cell Emerald looks up as she hears a coughing sound. In the cell across from her is an elderly female squirrel. Emerald (quietly) ”Are you alright?” The squirrel looks up and smiles at her. Squirrel (coughing) ”I’ve been in this cell to long. My old lungs can’t deal with it as good as they use to. I heard you talking with that monster. Who is this Cobra you are talking about?” Emerald (smiling) ”He is an alien called a human. He was on Aldebaran when that monster attacked Aldebaran. They fought. Cobra seems capable of many things in combat.” Squirrel (smiling) ”He seems like a truly amazing fighter if he can keep up with that monster.” Emerald (thoughtfully) ”He is an amazing fighter, but his skills aren’t what stands out the most about him. I have to say it is his eyes and voice. I am told he is a killing machine, built with one purpose, but his eyes and voice are so gentle. He hates being that fighter he was built to be.” Squirrel (smiling still) ”You speak as if he has stolen your heart, young Aldebaran.” Emerald starts at this and stops. She sits there thinking about what the squirrel said. Emerald (after a few seconds) ”Maybe he has. I honestly don’t know. After Juno broke it off with me, I figured I would just continue my practice and not worry about emotional involvement. That I would find peace in my training.” Squirrel (shaking her head) ”It isn’t like that, young one. Your heart won’t allow that to happen. You will always feel alone, even among friends, if you take that path. I don’t know who this Juno is, but he messed up leaving you. If this alien is having an affect on your heart, don’t be afraid to act on it. Strong differences strike good sparks and you need good sparks to build a fire.” Emerald looks at her and nods. Suddenly two storm toads walk in and open the squirrel’s cell. They grab her and pull her out. Emerald lunges forward and is shocked by the bars. Emerald (yelling) ”Leave her alone! What are you going to do with her?!” Toad #1 (sneering) ”She is of no use, there for we are getting rid of her!” Squirrel (sighing gently) ”Don’t worry, child. Just don’t forget what I said.” Emerald stands there watching the toads lead the squirrel off and she feels her eyes tearing up. She turns and returns to her bunk. Suddenly a maser rifle shot is heard and Emerald buries her face in her paws, sobbing. Scene 5 Toad Mother ship, a few hours later Several toads are running around. Awik runs onto the bridge and up to the new Bridge Leader. Awik (quickly) ”Is it him?” Bridge Leader (nodding) ”The life scans match yours. There are two others in the shuttle as well.” Awik (nodding) ”Good, do as planned. I am heading to the Hangar!” Awik turns and rushes out the door. In the Shuttle Cobra is sitting in a seat behind the pilot seat. Allura is in the pilot seat and Andrew is in the co-pilot seat. Cobra (gently) ”Now stick to the mission as planned. Leave Awik to me. Your priority is getting Emerald and getting back to the shuttle.” Allura (nodding) ”Remember, do as much damage to the mother ship as possible. They will pull us in by tractor beam. You need to do enough damage to take the tractor beam off line or they will just grab us again as we try to leave.” Cobra nods and looks at the enormous mother ship they are approaching. Cobra (muttering) ”Shouldn’t be to hard. More than enough running room in that thing.” Andrew looks over at Allura. She is wearing her armor and has her sword strapped to her back. He is wearing his armor as well, with two small fighting knives on his side. He reaches over and gently squeezes her arm for comfort. She looks at him and smiles. Everyone feels the shuttle shake as the tractor beam grabs them. Andrew (quietly) ”Here we go.” Scene 6 Hangar Bay The shuttle is pulled in and set in the middle of the hangar. The entire hangar is black, except a spot light on the shuttle. Everything is silent for a few seconds. Then, a clanking sound is heard and Awik appears on the edge of the light. His hands opening and closing while he waits. Inside the shuttle Andrew and Allura both look at the armored being standing outside. Allura (awed) ”Is that him?” Cobra (standing up) ”Yes. Is the secondary cockpit activated?” Andrew quickly nods. Allura (standing up) ”Let’s do this!” Cobra nods and lunges for the cockpit window. Outside the shuttle Awik is standing there nervously waiting. Suddenly the cockpit window explodes outward in a shower of glass shards and a figure streaks through it. The figure slams into Awik and they both tumble into the darkness. The lights suddenly come on, as Allura and Andrew scurry out the window. Awik rolls to his feet and finds Cobra standing before him. Cobra spins around and the lasers in his pinkies open fire, but not at Awik. The laser streaks strike the light fixtures, knocking out several and plunging the bay into near darkness. Awik (laughing) ”A wasted effort!” Cobra (leaping at him) ”Perhaps and perhaps not!” Meanwhile, Allura stops as the darkness drops back into the Hangar. Her eyes are out of focus, but Andrew grabs her arm. Andrew (quickly ) ”This way!” He pulls her to the side as Awik flies past them. They run down the hangar and through a door. Allura stumbles a little, but keeps up with him. Andrew (as the door shuts and lights come on) ”Apparently he forgot bats see in the dark!’ Allura smiles and they dart down the hall. In the Hangar Cobra dives to the side as a small missile streaks toward him. He rolls across the ground and bounces into the air. His gauntlets crackle with energy and the claws form. He sinks them into the wall and quickly scales up the side. Awik looks around in infra-red and spots him on the wall. He raises his gattling gun and opens fire, tearing several holes in the walls. Cobra quickly begins leaping from wall to wall, dodging the fire. He flips up and comes down towards Awik, his anti-armor lasers firing rapidly. Awik quickly dives to the side as the blast tear into the floor. Cobra slams into the floor and tears through it, into the lower levels. Awik springs to his feet and leaps into the hole, following Cobra. Scene 7 In a different hall Andrew and Allura are racing down the hall. They quickly run into a large open room. Andrew (looking around) ”Where the frell is the damn prison at?” Voice (coldly) ”This way, through me.” They both spin around and see Creelevard step out of a doorway. He pulls his sword from his back and steps towards them. Allura’s eyes narrow as she watches him. Allura (hissing) ”You’re the one dad told me about! The one who killed his friend Alissa!” Creelevard (nodding) ”I see. So you are the oldest daughter of the black furred male. You should have your dad’s skill then.” He raises his sword and Allura grabs her sword, drawing it out. Allura (quietly) ”Andrew, that hall must lead to the prison! Go and I will hold him here!” Andrew nods and darts towards the door, taking to the air. Creelevard moves in to block him, but Allura lunges at the toad, sword swinging. Creelevard blocks the swing and leaps to the side. Andrew darts through the door and Allura leaps in front of the door, barring Creelevard. Allura (hissing) ”Just you and me, toad!” They both lunge at each other, swords swinging at each other. Lower Levels Cobra is bouncing down the hall, ricocheting off the walls as gatling fire rips the walls up around him. He is returning fire with his arsenal as he goes. He flips, bounces off a corner and down a side hall. He slides across the floor and flips over a surprised toad storm trooper. The toad turns to open fire, but Awik cuts him down with his gatling gun as he fires at Cobra. Awik fires a blast from his wrist box and a small missile flies through the air. Cobra flips upward and the missile streaks under him, blowing a chunk of wall out. Cobra lands and looks behind him, seeing the hole. He quickly dives into it and finds himself into a free fall down a long chamber. Awik runs up to the hole and looks down. Awik (leaping in) ”You can’t run forever, Cobra! You will run out of places to run!” Cobra (thinking) ” Cobra quickly flips and slams into the steel on his feet. He dives aside as Awik smashes into the steel as well. Cobra dives as Awik fires again, blowing a chunk of wall out. Cobra fires off his anti- personnel laser and the front of Awik’s gatling gun explodes. The explosion throws Awik against the wall. He stands up and looks at the gun, seeing it is unusable. It swings around and locks into position and he pulls out a shorter barrel weapon that he opening is about four inch diameter. Cobra’s eyes open and he quickly dives through the wall as Awik fires. The wall explodes as a concentrated ball of plasma slams into it. Cobra (running down the hall) ”Awik, you are a fool to be using an Accelerator in such a small area!” Awik steps out into the hall, laughing. Awik (aiming down the hall) ”What was that? My ears are ringing!” He fires down the hall and Cobra dives into a side passage as the ball slams into the wall ahead of him. The shockwave tears through the area and flings Cobra down the hall. He slams into the wall and tears through it. He can feel shards of steel tearing through his flesh as he gets up. He hears Awik stomping down the hall. He shoves aside the rubble and stands up. He looks around and darts down a nearby passage, following the blue print display he has up in his right eye. Elsewhere Allura flips aside as Creelevard slashes at her. She spins around and her sword whistles through the air as she swipes at him. Creelevard leaps back, barely avoiding the sword cut. He lands on the other side of the area and looks at the female Atlantean looking back at him. Creelevard (nodding) ”You’re good, cat.” (Spins his sword around into position by his right shoulder, point to her) “But are you good enough?” Allura (hissing) ”You talk a lot for a dead toad!” She lunges forward and their swords collide with sparks again. She leaps back and throws her sword at him. Creelevard quickly steps aside as the sword slices past him and sticks into the wall. He turns and sees Allura leap over him. He quickly turns and sees her land feet first on the sword handle and leap again. She arcs above him. Suddenly to his amazement, the sword rips out of the wall and spins through the air. It flashes past him and up to her paw. She grabs it and comes slicing downward towards him. Creelevard dives aside and Allura lands in a crouched position, watching him. Creelevard feels a piece of his uniform slide and looks at it. He sees a perfectly smooth cut in his shoulder piece and a thin line of blood appears on it. He flexes his fingers and moves his arm, testing it. Creelevard (smiling) ”You are good.” Allura (growling) ”Damn, I missed!” They both lunge at each other again, swords swinging. Scene 8 Prison Blockade Emerald looks up as the door explodes inward. A tall being of energy steps in, with blue spark electricity arcing all over it. It walks in and looks around. It turns to the door and Andrew walks in behind it. Andrew looks over and sees Emerald in the cell. He turns to the being. Andrew (commanding) ”Tear the bars out and free her!” The being walks over and wraps its large hand around the bars of energy. Energy begins shooting all over it and it pulls against the bars. After a few seconds, the bars short out and vanish. The being steps back and Emerald steps out of the cell looking at the creature. Emerald (stepping by Andrew) ”What is that thing?!” Andrew (calmly) ”Ixion, elemental of lightning. I figured he would be useful in this situation.” (looks at Emerald) ”Are you alright?” Emerald (quietly) ”Yes, just mentally tired.” Andrew (nodding) ”Good, Cobra will love to here that.” Emerald quickly looks up at the mention of Cobra. Emerald (stunned) ”He’s here?” Andrew (nodding) ”Yeah, and tearing the place up with that metal freak chasing him! Come on, I am supposed to get you to the shuttle to get out of here!” Emerald nods and turns to the door. Elsewhere Allura blocks the sword with her armored forearm and lands a savage kick into Creelevard’s stomach, knocking the two of them apart. They stand panting and staring at each other. Suddenly, the mother ship shutters and Allura smiles. Creelevard (glaring) ”What are you smiling about?” Allura (standing up all the way) ”That would be my friend Cobra reaching the Magma tank room with that trigger happy moron Awik chasing him.” Creelevard stands up and sheaths his sword. Creelevard (sneering) ”We will finish this battle another day, mammal!” He turns and darts down a hall. Allura shakes her heads and wipes some blood from her face. She quickly spins around with her sword in hand as she hears footsteps coming down a hall quickly. Andrew and Emerald come through the door. Andrew stops suddenly at the sight of Allura, covered in blood and cuts. Andrew (worried, as he approaches her) ”Are you alright? Where is Creelevard?” Allura (tiredly) ”He ran off a few seconds ago.” (looks at Emerald) ”Good, you found her. Let’s get to the shuttle and hope Cobra is pulling his part of the mission.” They turn and run towards the shuttle. Several levels below the Hangar Cobra smashes through a door and tumbles out onto a catwalk. He rolls to his feet as he turns to the door. Awik comes through with the Accelerator out still. Awik looks around the room and sees all the electronics and power sources around. Cobra (smiling) ”You fire in here and the entire mother ship will explode and even you can’t survive the vacuum of space!” Awik (nodding) ”Clever move, coward! I guess we do this like we were made to.” The weapon slides around and locks into position and Awik raises his hands into a fighting position. Cobra (still smiling) ”You forgot one thing.” Awik (advancing) ”What is that?!” He throws a quick strike to Cobra’s throat. In a fluid motion, Cobra blocks the strike and completely stops the blow. In his eye read out more writing appears. Readout “System is now at one hundred percent optimum running capacity. Do you wish to engage secondary system?” (yes is highlighted) ”Very well. System is now running at one hundred and twenty percent. All equipment and secondary enhancements are activated.” Cobra (eyes shimmering with power) ”I was trained from birth and they added to it!” With that, he spins around and lands a powerful kick into Awik’s chest. Awik shoots across the room and tears through a pair of tesla coils, in a shower of sparks. Cobra leaps off the catwalk and follows Awik. They slam into the ground below them and face each other. Awik lunges at Cobra and they meet in a loud clang. They begin ripping into each other. The surrounding area is quickly covered in blood from the two combatants as they rip into each other. Awik staggers back, feeling a sticky warmness on his body. He looks down and sees several holes in his armor and his blood flowing from several wounds in his flesh. Awik (anger in his voice) ”How?!” He looks at the bloodied Cobra standing before him in a fighting pose. He saw several tears and rips in his flesh as well. He saw the blood flowing from his wounds as well, but that wasn’t what caught his eyes. The glowing white claws on the tips of Cobra’s fingers is what caught his eyes. Awik (wiping blood from his face) ”Got yourself a new set of claws? Let’s see how tough they are!” They lunge at each other again as the wires around them spray out a shower of sparks. In the Hangar Andrew looks around as they enter the Hangar. He sees several guards standing around. He pulls back in and looks at Emerald and his injured love. Andrew (quietly) ”They have the shuttle fully surrounded. We are going to have to fight to it.” Suddenly the mother ship shakes again. Allura (Weakly, due to blood loss) “We need to get to the shuttle. This mother ship sounds like it is starting to come apart. Apparently, Cobra and Awik need a larger area to fight in.” (she looks at Andrew) ”I know you don’t like to do this, but might have to.” Andrew glances downward and shuts his eyes. Emerald looks back and forth between the two of them. Emerald (confused) ”What? What are you talking about?” Allura (stepping up beside Andrew) ”I know when the last time you fed was. We need the power.” (she gently puts a paw on his shoulder) ”I won’t force you to do it, but we might need it.” Andrew (quietly) ”Who then? Your not in good enough shape and you are the only one I trust. I can’t and won’t do it.” Allura (nodding, understand) ”Then lets hope you don’t have to.” They step out into the clearing and the toads turn to face them, with maser rifles drawn. Scene 9 Down Below the Hangar Cobra flips over backward and comes crashing down on the computer console. Awik leaps into the air and spins around, bringing his heel crashing downward. Cobra rolls aside and the foot rips through the console. Cobra rolls up to his feet and lunges forward, slamming a fist into Awik’s stomach and grabbing the back of his head. He slams Awik’s head forward and smashes his face down into the console. Awik twists his body around and lands a solid punch against Cobra, launching him across the room. Cobra slides to a stop by a busted Tesla coil and stand sup. Awik rips his foot free of the console and turns to Cobra. The room is thoroughly destroyed There are busted terminals all around the room and wires hanging down, with sparks showering around. In the far corner is a large door marked Magma Tanks. Sitting in front of them is the last remaining terminal. It is marked Tractor beam control. Cobra smiles at the irony of it. Awik staggers a little and straightens up. Awik (gruffly) ”What is so funny?” Cobra grabs the busted Tesla coil and hefts if up like a javelin. Cobra (drawing his arm back) ”Two kills with one shot!” He flings his arm forward and the impromptu javelin streaks through the air. Awik dives out of the way. The javelin rips through the terminal and tears through the door. Awik stands up and sees Cobra running for the door. Awik (yelling) ”Where the hell are you going?! We’re not finished here!” Suddenly a computer’s voice comes over the intercom. Computer “Attention! Attention! There is a leak in the Magma Tanks! Detonation will occur in three minutes! Evacuate immediately!” Awik spins around and sees the hole in the door. Awik (grumbling) ”Crap!” He turns and darts out the door as well. Upstairs Emerald ducks under a maser blast and slugs the toad, taking him down. Suddenly the computer’s voice sounds over the intercom. The toads turn to run. As one of them turns to the mammals and fires one last time. It is a wild shot that hits a support cable. Suddenly, several crates of fuel cells fall. Allura looks up and tries to dive to the side. The crates end up landing right on her, pinning her to the ground. Emerald spins around and sees it at the same time Andrew does. Andrew (yelling, as he runs there) ”Allura!” He slides to a stop beside her paw, sticking out form under a crate. He grabs it and feels a pulse. The paw grips around his tightly. Emerald grabs the crate and tries to lift it. She steps back. Emerald (gasping) ”Its to heavy! We need Cobra to lift it!” Suddenly Allura’s paw quickly signaled something and Andrew shook his head. Andrew (tears forming) ”We’re not leaving you!” Emerald kneels down beside him and touches his arm. He looks at her. Emerald (quietly) ”She said something about some kind of power. What was it?” Andrew (hoarsely) ”The Hunger, but I need blood for it!” Suddenly the paw signaled something else and Andrew shook his head again. Andrew (shouting) ”That is not an option! You’re wounded already!” Emerald (quickly) ”How much do you need?” Andrew (looking down) ”I won’t feed on you either!” Emerald pulls back her sleeve. She punches Andrew in the side of the head. He turns to yell at her and as his mouth opens, Emerald shoves her wrist into his mouth and punches his jaw upward. His fangs pierce her skin and the blood squirts into his mouth. Involuntarily, he swallows. Then the Hunger kicks in. He begins drinks fiercely. Emerald grits her teeth as he feeds. After a few seconds, she pulls away, clamping her paw around the bite wound. Emerald (ordering) ”Get her out!” Andrew turns to the crates and his body swells in size as the Hunger powers him. He grabs the crates and begins lifting. They rise upward. Emerald slides under and grabs Allura’s shoulders. She pulls her out and Andrew drops the crates, his body shrinking again. He quickly scoops Allura up in his arms and they run to the shuttle. He sets her down in the medical section. Emerald (quickly) ”Go prep the shuttle! I’m sure Cobra is on the way!” Andrew nods and runs to the secondary cockpit. He begins flipping buttons and switches. The shuttle is shaken by a large explosion. Allura (over intercom) ”I don’t want to give this order Andrew, but we need to finish the mission! Take off now!” Andrew bites his lower lip and grabs the flight controls. The shuttle rises into the air and rotates to the bay doors. Two small missiles fire from it and blow a hole in the bay doors. The air begins being sucked out. The shuttle begins moving forward. Suddenly Cobra leaps up through the hole in the floor and begins chasing after the shuttle. Emerald glances out the back and sees him. She runs to the back of the shuttle and opens an airlock. Emerald (leaning out the door) ”Come on!” Cobra runs faster and begins catching up with the shuttle. He leaps and Emerald grabs his hand, pulling him in and shutting the door, before the shuttle shoots out the hole. It streaks off into space and the Mother ship explodes behind them. In the shuttle Andrew runs into the medical section and finds Allura still on the bed. Emerald and Cobra and lying against the door by the air lock. Emerald has her arms wrapped around Cobra, who is bleeding severely from several wounds. Andrew moves over and takes one of his arms and drapes it around his shoulders. He lifts Cobra up and sets him on the other bed. With Emerald’s help, Andrew quickly wraps up Cobra’s injuries. During this, Allura sits up slowly and carefully. Allura (leaning back on an elbow that doesn’t hurt) ”Stars!! If this is your idea of a rescue mission, remind me not to go on a seek and destroy mission with you, Cobra! Don’t you ever follow or make plans all the way through?” Cobra chuckles weakly as Emerald wraps a bandage around his head. Cobra (smiling at Emerald) ”I wasn’t made to plan. I was made to improvise.” Emerald (stroking his hair gently) ”If we are going to be around each other, that is going to change.” Andrew sits by Allura and puts an arm around her, gently. They watch the other two, as Cobra sits up slowly and Emerald sits beside him. They look at each other and then at the other group. Andrew coughs gently and stands up. Andrew (quietly) ”I think I should check on the autopilot.” He gently pulls Allura to her feet and they walk out of the medical section. Emerald continues to sit beside Cobra, rubbing his arm as she leans against him. Emerald (quietly) ”Why did you risk your life like that?” Cobra (quietly) ”I am not sure, but something about you made me do it. I have felt this strange pull to you since we met.” Emerald (looking at him) ”Even though I am a feline and you’re a human?” Cobra (nodding) ”Strong differences strike good sparks and you need good sparks to build a fire.” Emerald (smiling) ”I am glad I found out what that means.” Cobra (looking at her) ”Really? What does it mean then?” Emerald leans forward and kisses him deeply. When she pulls back he smiles. Cobra (smiling) ”Good answer.” The wrap their arms around each other and just sit there holding each other. Scene 10 Toad Home world KOMPLEX is on a screen beside Toadborg, watching some toad medical crews working on Awik. Toadborg (flatly) ”He has an amazing healing capability. I saw the footage form the fight. His weaponry, though primitive is powerful. He seems capable of taking large amounts of damage as well.” KIMPLEX (sinisterly) ”True, Toadborg. I believe he will make a fine addition to the Toad Empire. At least until, the other one and that cyber wolf are destroyed. I want his weaponry to be improved to our level of technology.” They continue to watch as the medical crew works on the still Awik. On Atlantis several days later Allura is laying in her bed, wearing a nightgown. Andrew is beside her, with his arms around her. Allura looks out the window at the moon. Allura (thinking) (she looks at Andrew’s sleeping form) She gently strokes his hair and he mutters something and scoots up beside her. Allura smiles at the sight and kisses him on the forehead. Allura (thinking) On Aldebaran Emerald is sitting on a bench in the Palace flower gardens. She looks up as she hears footsteps and sees JUNO walking up to her. He sits by her and puts an arm around her shoulders. Juno (friendly) ”Heard you had a tussle with the toads and some alien came to your rescue.” Emerald (nodding gently) ”Yeah. He tore apart a mother ship to complete a plan to rescue me.” Juno (nodding) ”Sounds pretty amazing. What’s his name?” Emerald (looking at a necklace hanging around her neck) ”He has several names apparently. He said I could call him by his real name,” (picks up the necklace) ”..He said everyone else is to call him by this.” Sitting in her paw is a small golden cobra snake in a coiled and raised position. It looks like it is ready to strike. Its eyes are a cobalt blue and it is hooked to a gold chain. Juno (whistling softly) ”Nice. What does this gift mean though?” Emerald (smiling) ”It is the purest gold the Aldebarans have. He said it is as pure as his love is.” Juno nods and carefully studies the statue. Juno (quietly) ”You know it is synthetic gold, right?” Emerald (nodding) ”Yes, that is the only way to have one hundred percent pure gold.” Juno (letting go of the necklace) ”His love seems pretty hard to match.” Emerald (nodding) ”It is, but don’t ever think you can test it and walk away either.” Juno (looking around) ”So where is he at?” Emerald (quietly) ”He is out learning about the Anivers, his new home.” Juno nods and they sit there watch the clouds move cross the sky. On a different planet A baboon walks into a bar and heads to the counter. There is a hood figure sitting there, with a mug in front of it. The baboon sits down and shoves the figure aside. Baboon (roughly) ”Move it. This is my seat, unless you want to fight for it.” The figure doesn’t’ move and takes a drink. It sets the mug down on the table and turns to the Baboon. Figure (gently and quietly) ”Are you trying to make me mad?” Baboon (sneering) ”What if I am?” The Figure reaches up and pulls back its cloak, revealing Cobra. He simply reaches over and grabs the Baboon around the neck and lifts him up easily. Cobra (gently) ”You don’t want to make me mad. You *won’t* like me when I’m mad.” In a smooth motion, he throws the Baboon across the bar and out the door. As he turns to sit down, the light glints off of a golden cobra hanging around his neck from a chain. It matches Emerald’s exactly. Cobra (thinking) (takes a drink) He pulls his hood back up and returns to his drink. No one in the room even bothers watching him. The End