Chapter 8: Mannihilate
“How do you know my name Vader? This question has been in my mind for a while now.” Jaden asked as she nudged the VX Synthetic’s metallic shoulder.
“I was tasked by my master to watch over you. My mission began when you were five years, ten months, twenty-one days, five hours, thirty minutes and five seconds old. I do not know my master’s intention, but days before we met, he ordered me to find you and to protect you. The rest of the details are confidential. I was not permitted to tell you or Reed.”
“Who is your master Vader?” she queried. She had no immediate guesses however; she knew no one outside Qurrentine. Vader remained silent for a while before he answered, “My master’s identity is confidential. I cannot reveal his identity yet.”
“Ok you two. If you’re done talking, perhaps I should tell you both that we are approaching the Mannihilator’s home planet, Mannihilate.” Reed said from the cockpit. Jaden and Vader trudged to the cockpit to see a massive planet right outside the windscreen. It resembled a huge green orb, with patches of white and blue all around it, representing the clouds and seas respectively. “Ah, it’s been a while since I last visited this forest-infested planet. Mannhilator’s really love nature do they, or so I heard.” Reed commented.
“Is there anything I should know about this planet?” Jaden asked. Vader answered, “Mannihilate: A stationary planet unaffected by gravitational orbit of…”
“Vader, must you be so thorough? Let me answer her. I am much more knowledgeable of this planet than your metallic ass.” Reed turned to Jaden, cleared his throat and continued, “Mannihilate is a planet which does not orbit around a sun or spin around like most planets. It is stationary and does not move at all. Because of that, one half of the planet is always day time while the other half has eternal nighttime. One side is tropical while the other is snowy. Plants, which you probably never seen before, live on the tropical side of the planet, while the snowy side is full of cold wonders. The Mannihilators usually resides on the tropical side of the planet, though a select few live on the snowy side. Chances are we will visit both if we need full Mannihilator support.”
“So, which side are we going first?”
“Why don’t you choose Jaden?”
“Why me? You know this planet better than I am.”
“Yeah but it is your idea to get the Mannihilator’s help. It is your mission and I am just here to help. After all, I am not a good leader.”
“Alright. We’ll land in the tropical side first.”
Reed nodded and turned his chair around to face the windscreen. Upon pressing a few buttons, the ship, which Reed nicknamed the Crimson Spinner, accelerated towards the planet. Reed was careful not to increase the ship’s speed way too much as the air resistance will burn the ship to crisp. As they neared the planet, Jaden could see a massive forest which stretched nearly the whole planet and looking at how dense it was, she could only predict hours of searching. Reed scanned the planet for an open area and eventually found an opening in the forest. He landed the Crimson Spinner into the opening, the ship’s engine scaring animals away and creating a haze of dust around the ship. He then stopped the ship and said, “We have landed. I hope you enjoy the ride people…and robot.”
“OK, let’s head out.” Jaden said. She turned to leave the ship but was stopped by Reed.
“Jaden, wait. Why so anxious? We can’t leave just yet.”
“Why not?”
“This forest is thick and we might get lost. A bit of supplies might help. Not to mention Vader. The Mannihilators will shoot him on sight.”
“That will not be a problem Reed.” Vader said. Suddenly, Vader glowed with a bright brilliant blue, illuminating Reed who was right next to him. The glow intensified, eventually appearing white before it slowly faded away. As the glow vanished, Reed and Jaden could see Vader dressed in a grey hooded sweatshirt, the hood covering his face. Under his shirt seemed to be skin, seemingly replacing his metallic exterior. Reed sighed and commented, “Right. I forgot that VX Synthetics can create holographic disguises to keep themselves hidden.”
Instead of feeling impressed, considering how that was the first time she saw such a thing, Jaden stared at Vader with suspicion. She could not help but notice how similar Vader’s disguise is to Dark Viper’s appearance. Brief, traumatic memories of her last encounter with Dark Viper flashed into her mind, especially the memory of her mother being killed by Viper right in front of her eyes. She was lost in her thoughts, until Reed asked, “Jaden. Jaden. Are you alright?”
Jaden shook her head and replied, “Yeah…I’m…fine. Why did you ask?” “Your eye glow. It is bright enough to penetrate your blindfold. And you look…disturbed.” Reed answered. She replied, “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
“Vader, is this your only disguise?”
“I’m afraid so Jaden. This is the only disguise provided by my master.”
“Alright then. Let’s get ready to venture out there.”
* * *
The docking ramp angled down towards the ground and the sweet scent of the forest entered the ship. “This place smells better than urban planets, which smells like wet dogs.” Reed commented. With his rifle reloaded with the supplies he found from the ship’s supply room, he walked down the ramp with Jaden and Vader tailing him. Surrounding the landing site was nothing but trees and Jaden, unused to the sight, could not help but feel a sense of paranoia overwhelming her. She unsheathed her katana, summoned its blue glow and said, “I have a bad feeling about this.”
“Jaden, I’m starting to worry about you.” Reed said, “Are you sure you’re alright? You’ve been easily distracted lately.”
“Reed, I appreciate your concern but I’m fine.”
“You know you can rely on me if you need help. We’re in this together after all.”
“Thanks.”
“So Vader, do you know which direction we should go from here?”
“My sensors indicate that a large number of movements are happening east from here. I suggest we start there Jaden.”
“Very well. Let’s go guys and keep your eyes and ears open.”
“Yeah yeah. I’ll watch your back Jaden…literally.”
The party trudged into the forest, pushing bushes aside and cutting away obstructing branches. Light erupting through the tall trees barely lit the area and occasionally, Jaden had to rely on her eye glow to see. The eerie silence made Jaden rather fearful of the forest but the idea of her not being alone kept her optimistic. Vader and Reed tailed her, though unlike her, they were not as hesitant.
Suddenly, Jaden heard movement coming from a nearby bush. With a single gesture, she halted Reed and Vader. Reed questioned her actions but Jaden placed a finger on his lip. She whispered to him to remain silent and he complied. Intending to find out what was making that noise; Jaden closed her eyes and entered a meditation trance whilst standing. The world around her were blocked off from her senses and with the intense calm that she felt, she was able to hear subtle heartbeats coming from the bushes around her. She then heard murmurs coming from a person’s mind, “She’s no Mannihilator.”
“Reed, we’re not alone here.” Jaden said upon leaving her trance. Reed sighed and replied, “I knew it.”
“Ok guys. You can come out now! We know you’re all here!” Reed exclaimed while waving his hands about. Startled, Jaden shoved Reed and asked, “What in Ariel’s name are you doing?”
Suddenly, armed Warriors began to jump out of the bushes. They pointed their swords at Jaden and her party while one of them bellowed, “You trespass Mannihilator territory, Magic user!” In retaliation, Jaden entered her Reverse Grip stance while Vader aimed his personal rifle at them. Reed, unlike Jaden and Vader, was barely affected by the Warriors’ presence. Instead, he continued his previous exclaiming, “Oh hey guys. Nice forest you got here.” Jaden nudged Reed and said, “Reed, this is not the time!”
“Reed? I know that name.” a feminine voice said, coming from behind the group of Warriors. A humanoid figure left a bush behind the group and walked towards the party. As the figure entered the light, the figure was revealed to be a woman clad in heavy armor with an unknown insignia on it. Unlike most armor she seen or heard, the woman’s armor had a skirt with an elaborate design. It covered her legs, which she assumed was clad in armor too. The woman ordered, “Stand down men. These people are not our enemies.”
“But Ser, one of them is a Magic user. I saw her entering a meditative trance.”
“And so is Reed and he is our ally. We have enough enemies already. Stand down.”
With reluctance, the Warriors complied and lowered their swords. “Reed, you’re a Magic user?” Jaden asked. Reed sighed and replied, “I was. Trust me Jaden…it was a long story and I hate to dwell on the past.”
“And, you know this woman?”
“For a long time, yes. She’s an Ohmni Knight. I somehow knew she was nearby.”
“Greetings Reed. It’s been a while since I last saw your snide attitude.” the woman said as she sheathed her sword. Reed waved and replied, “Good to see you too Nora. You’re as serious as ever.”
“What brings you back here Reed?” she questioned.
“That’s a little complicated. You see, my friend here happens to be another victim of Dark Viper’s attack.”
“Oh dear. Not again. What’s with Dark Viper attacking innocent people these days?”
“You ask me. Though, perhaps I should mention that this woman is attempting to hunt him down and…”
“Reed, I believe I can speak for myself.”
“As you wish, my lady.”
“Dark Viper murdered my whole family. I was the only survivor.”
“Survivor? Dark Viper never leaves survivors behind.”
“Believe me Nora. I dueled with Viper and I survived. I saw how he fought. He uses the Reverse Grip fighting style and he likes casting Dark Lightning and Dark Vines. I survived his spells and know well enough the pain it does. I understood the agony that people went through whenever he is around. He can bring your bad dreams to life and end the life of your loved ones in a second. I was lucky to have been able to survive him and I do not want to let the same fate befall to other people. I need help. I need your people’s help.”
Nora remained silent while a startled Reed asked, “Jaden, you dueled with Viper and survived? Why didn’t you tell me this?” “It has the same reasons as you not telling me about you using Magical Energies once.” Jaden replied. “Alright then. My lips are sealed.” He answered.
“Jaden, we Mannihilators have been attacked by Viper’s men for many years now ever since Iblisan has defeated the Salvagers and assumed control of Dissidia. We suffered many losses and I understand your pain well enough. We have been waiting for someone to take a stand, and I must say that I never expected a young lady to be doing it.”
“I just believe that enough is enough. Iblisan and Dark Viper must fall. Ariel took a stand against Iblisan millions of years ago; I plan on doing the same.”
“So, you admire Ariel too? I never thought that non-Mannihilators would revere the Heartless Champion of the Light. Perhaps you would want to speak to our leader. He will be interested to hear that someone survived a duel with Dark Viper.”
Jaden nodded and the party followed Nora back to the Mannihilator home.
“And Jaden, you can tell your VX Synthetic friend to turn off his disguise. I know a disguise when I see one, though it is fortunate that it is a friend of Reed. Otherwise, it will be scrap metal by now.”
“Very well human. I trust your words.”
“Vader, you are one lucky son of a bitch.”
“Thank you Reed.”
“That was not a compliment.”
“I know.”
“Tell me that you don’t understand sarcasm.”
“I do.”
As the party continues to trudge through the forest, Jaden ran to Nora’s side and asked, “Your people truly revered Ariel Silver?” Nora nodded with a smile. She replied, “We do. She saved the human race from extinction and we believe it right to revere her as a role model. We Mannihilators swore never to use Iblisan’s gift, Magical Energies, as it feels like a betrayal to Ariel.”
“But, Ariel herself used Magical Energies, Holy Energies.”
“True, but the Holy Spirit rejected Iblisan’s idea of war against the humans. The Holy Spirit was a benevolent being unlike its other counterparts and Ariel is the only known mortal to receive its blessings. I have a wonder, if you will indulge me. What is your affiliation and how did you know of Ariel?”
“I am a Qurrentine, though my parents were Salvagers. My mother often told me stories of Ariel and it became my main inspiration in becoming an Energy Bladesman.”
“A Salvager revering Ariel? My, my. The world has changed a lot. Ironic how you chose to use Magical Energies instead of avoiding them.”
“I take it that your people are openly hostile to Magic user.”
“In the past, yes. We attack Magic users on sight. In recent times, however, as Iblisan and Dark Viper pose a huge threat to our survival, we began to accept help from our former enemies, though many are still trapped by old hatred. Now, we are alone yet again, fighting hard to survive. Many say that they revere Ariel, but what they did not learn from her is the importance of unity. This is why I am taking the initiative to accept help from Reed and you. Believe me; you will be attacked if a different Ohmni Knight discovered you.”
“Well thank you then. I am glad to see one Mannihilator who believes in unity.”
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Many of us waited for one person to stand up against Dark Viper and Iblisan. Never thought that it will be one so young.”
“Why didn’t any of you people form a rebellion then? Take a stand.”
“Many of us were…afraid. No one survives an encounter with Dark Viper and the thought of become Dark Viper’s next target is very traumatizing. Now that we have one who survived, you could boast our people’s morale.”
“But…I’m no leader.”
“You don’t have to be. You just need to let our leader know that it is possible to defeat Iblisan and Dark Viper.”
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