[11th of September, 2740 AD; Tranquil Cardinal Inn, Helm, Ahnlikohn]
Mina arrived with Gale to the hotel and hurried inside where it would be safe from the attackers. There was no telling what could happen next, so they decided to stay inside for the time being. However, Mina walked around the lobby of the hotel as Gale looked out the window.
“I can’t just sit around and do nothing,” Mina said, “Rain and Sorin need my help out there!”
“They’re going to come back soon, okay,” Gale replied. “I think we’ll be fine here, although it looks like there’s an altercation going on outside.”
“What are you talking about?” Mina asked.
“Look out the window,” Gale said.
Mina looked outside of the window with Gale and saw two men ganging up on a couple of civilians. They wore Ameci military uniforms, but looked to be unarmed as the two surrounded the small civilians.
“Why would they be here, though?” Gale asked. “It doesn’t make any sense.”
She turned to her side to see Mina’s reaction, but she was already out the door and confronting the two Ameci soldiers. Both Lance and Erik stepped back in shock as Mina made her grand entrance.
“Stop right there!” Mina exclaimed, her fist pointed at Lance and Erik. “I don’t know who you are, but I’m not going to stand around and watch innocent people get harassed!”
Erik laughed. “Oh, it’s nothing, really,” he said. “Just us two trying to keep the peace as we try and figure out what the hell is happening.”
“Right, right, we’re just making sure people aren’t going around causing trouble,” Lance said. “All in a day’s work, wouldn’t you agree, missie?”
“If that’s true, then why aren’t you trying to stop the terrorists?” Mina asked. “Anybody with a strong sense of justice wouldn’t just let that slide!”
“Oh, there was an attack here, wasn’t there,” Erik said. “Funny how that stuff happens here of all places, right?”
“It’s very suspicious,” Lance said. “Don’t worry, we’re going to handle everything from here.”
“I don’t believe you,” Mina said. “Nobody would go out of their way to bully people who don’t deserve it! Go on, both of you!”
The two civilians rushed off as Erik shrugged. He looked over to Lance, who stared at Mina with wide eyes.
“Okay, I didn’t want to do this, but you leave me no choice,” Lance said.
He lunged at Mina, who did not move an inch as she caught him by his arm. She bent his arm behind his back, which caused him to scream out in pain. Lance could not move from his spot as Mina then turned around and threw him to the ground.
“You idiot!” Erik exclaimed. “Get up!”
Lance tried to get back up to his feet. “I don’t know if I can take her…”
“Let me say this to you so you don’t forget it: my name is Mighty Mina, and I’m every villain’s worst nightmare,” Mina said, “And today you chose the wrong day to mess with this town!”
She rushed ahead and delivered a spinning kick to Lance. Her foot came in contact with his head and knocked him out cold as he dropped to the ground once more. Mina stood still, her focus turned to Erik as she entered her stance.
“Okay, okay, I get it,” Erik said as he knelt by Lance’s unconscious body. “My friend just happened to be fucking idiot, that’s all!”
“You’re just as bad as him,” Mina said.
“I’m not going to pick a fight with you,” Erik replied. “Not while I’m unarmed, anyway. That would be stupid.”
He picked Lance up and carried him away by the shoulder. Mina let down her fists and hurried back inside the hotel where Gale waited.
“That could have gone very badly, you know,” Gale said.
“They’re just a couple of jerks,” Mina replied. “Why would they even go out of their way to do that?”
Gale shook her head. “I don’t know,” she said. “It’s a good thing they didn’t have any guns on them.”
“Oh, I could’ve just taken care of them even if they were armed!” Mina said. “Law taught me how to do that a while ago.”
“He’s just really lucky,” Gale said. “Reckless, too.”
“Well, yeah, that’s why he’s Lucky Law,” Mina replied.
“But you can’t just assume you’d be able to take someone’s weapon away from them like that,” Gale said. “You’re just asking to get shot!”
“You don’t think I can do it?” Mina asked.
“I just want you to think practically,” Gale answered. “You’re the hero of Rezar, after all. It wouldn’t be good for its citizens if something were to happen to their hero, would it?”
“Maybe you’re right,” Mina said. “Oh, maybe I can ask Gavin for some advice! He’d probably be able to teach me a thing or two!”
“That would be a good idea.”
“Well, I’ll definitely try to remember that for when we meet the others again,” Mina said. “But now I’ve got to go help Rain and Sorin out! Just stay here until I get back with them, okay?”
Gale reached out her hand. “Mina, wait!”
Her protest was too late, however, as Mina burst out of the door again. Gale had no idea what was in store for Mina, although all she could do was hope that Mina would be safe. Gale decided to just sit and wait for the others to come back to the hotel, one way or another.
“Just stay safe,” she said. “Please, be safe.”
*****
[11th of September, 2740 AD; Winged Eagle District, Helm, Ahnlikohn]
Sorin went through the rest of the open district while Rain had his back. Noa still resided up on the rooftops as he struggled to keep up. There was no one around, at least not in Sorin’s immediate view. The faint sound of sirens echoed into Sorin’s ears as he kept his guard up.
“Noa, do you see anyone from up there?” Sorin asked.
“It’s been pretty quiet,” Noa replied. “You two really showed those other guys, though!”
Sorin and Rain had dealt with some more members of the Neu Thekohnian Order with swift and precise swordwork while Noa took care of taking down any other immediate threats. Noa, though, only had to deal with two men who had come through, which Sorin was thankful for. He had to think that Noa had to be fortunate that he did not have to do more shooting, given his scared reactions along the way.
“Well, it seems like the Ahnlikohnian officers are getting closer,” Sorin said. “If there’s no one else around, then I think it’s okay to head back to the hotel.”
“Then it’s settled,” Rain said as she withdrew her sword. “Let’s head back and reunite with Mina and Gale.”
Sorin withdrew his blade as well. “Alright, let’s go.”
Both Sorin and Rain were ready to make their back to the hotel, but were stopped thanks in part to Noa’s outburst.
“I see another!” Noa exclaimed. “Oh no, I think she noticed me! She’s running off now!”
“Is she part of the Neu Thekohnian Order?” Sorin asked.
“Y-Yes! She’s wearing dark red like the others,” Noa answered. “She went into an alley close by.”
Sorin had an idea of who it might be. “Just tell us where she went,” he said, “And make sure you back us up!”
“Okay, I’ll do that,” Noa said. “Just so you guys know, she had long, dark hair and was carrying a sword.”
“Got it,” Sorin said.
“Let us go and confront her, then,” Rain said. “If we can manage to catch up to her, then we can prevent her from escaping.”
Sorin nodded. “Good with me.”
“Wait up, guys!”
Before Sorin and Rain could proceed, they turned and saw Mina running towards them. She came to a complete stop in front of the two as she spent a moment to catch her breath. Sorin looked to Rain, then looked to Mina.
“What’s going on?” Sorin asked. “What happened to Gale?”
“Don’t worry,” Mina said, “She’s safe at the hotel. I beat up a guy who was causing trouble and decided to help you out!”
“Thank goodness she’s safe,” Sorin said. “Are you sure about helping us?”
Mina clenched her fists as she stomped her foot into the ground. “Of course I’m sure,” she replied. “I’ve never been more sure about anything in my entire life! What kind of hero… No, what kind of friend would I be if I just sat back and did nothing while you guys fought these villains all alone?”
Rain snickered. “The heroism that you wear on your sleeve does not go unnoticed,” she said. “There’s no use trying to contain it, so I see no problem with you tagging along.”
“Let’s do this, then,” Mina said. “Noa, do you hear me? I’m calling out for you right now! Where did this woman go?”
“Um, she just went inside what looks to be a large building,” Noa replied. “I’m just really glad we’re on the same side…”
Mina thrust her fist forward. “Then let’s not stand by any further!”
Sorin agreed and the three headed off in thanks to Noa’s directions. Down the empty alleyway they could see a closed wooden door framed with steel. Rain attempted to turn the knob, but found the door locked. Meanwhile, Sorin kept an eye to the entrance of the alley to make sure that he could catch any sort of ambush. A man then appeared in the entrance to the alley, which caused Sorin to reach for his sword.
“No, wait!” Noa lowered his rifle as Sorin relaxed his hand. “I just wanted to help from a closer range, so I’ll keep lookout from here.”
“It seems that we’ve reached a blockade, however,” Rain said. “Not much we can do here, if I’m being honest.”
“Allow me,” Mina said as she stepped forward. “I’ve come a long way from punching holes into doors; now’s the time where I break the whole thing down!”
“Careful, Mina,” Rain said. “Who knows what will be behind that door?”
“We won’t know until we find out,” Mina replied. “As I’ve said before: when one door closes, you just have to bust it right open! Step aside, Rain!”
Rain could only step to the side as Mina put her right foot forward and closed her eyes. As she took a deep breath, Mina’s eyes shot open and she charged at the door.
“Here it comes!”
Mina used all of her strength as she thrust her fist into the door. The impact was powerful enough to knock the door clean off its hinges and sent it flying forward. With the locked door no longer an obstacle, Rain and Sorin entered the building alongside Mina.
“I’m learning so much about you,” Rain said. “What else do you have packed away inside you?”
Mina giggled as she flexed her arm. “It’s just tons of training,” she said. “These muscles of mine are pretty strong! You can see for yourself if you want!”
“I would love to, but we’ve got another problem to worry about,” Rain replied. “She’s right over there, Sorin.”
At the other end of the large room stood Jelka, who already had her sword taken out. She then closed her eyes as she pointed her blade at the three. Sorin withdrew his sword, as did Rain, while Mina backed them up.
“I knew that you would come here,” Jelka said. “What a foolish belief you must have. Sorin, was it? I have not forgotten our last duel.”
“You know her?” Mina asked.
“It’s not what I’d call a friendly encounter,” he replied as he turned his sights to Jelka. “I can’t forgive you for what you’ve done here!”
Jelka smirked. “Are you that weak that you called for help? Well, it doesn’t matter to me, because I’m going to crush you all the same.”
“None of us are weak,” Mina said. “We’re all strong! Strong heroes that will take you and your villainous ways down!”
“Let me ask you something,” Rain said. “What was the purpose of attacking this town? Why go through all of the trouble?”
“Clearly you have no idea,” Jelka replied. “I expect as much from a member of the Royal Family of Thekohn. What a pathetic display of this so called ‘heroism’ you have.”
“You’ve spoken quite enough,” Sorin said. “Let’s just get this over with.”
“If it’s a fight you want, then it’s a fight you’ll get,” Jelka said. “I don’t want to waste any time, so I’ve got some of my team heading here as we speak. That doesn’t matter though, because I will defeat all of you, including that sniper back there!”
Sorin and Rain stood ready, swords out and in anticipation of the opening attack as Jelka charged at them. The battle had just begun, but unknownst to any of them, another opponent was fast approaching. Still, Sorin knew they had to deal with the mastermind of the attack, and she was right there, fighting against him, Mina and Rain.
*****
[11th of September, 2740 AD; West Gate Entrance, Helm, Ahnlikohn]
Ayanna and the others had just pulled up into the town of Helm and discovered for themselves what happened. Though most of the chaos was under control thanks to the Ahnlikohnian officers, there was still the presence that an attack had taken place earlier.
“What is going on?” Law asked.
“This can’t be good,” Ayanna said. “Hold on, I’m going to have to ask one of these officers.”
Ayanna parked the car to the side of the curb and got out. She found an officer close by and proceeded to ask him.
“I’m sorry, but the main plaza is on lockdown,” he said.
“What’s happening?” Ayanna asked.
“I can’t exactly reveal that information,” he replied. “Sorry, but I’m going to have to ask you to head to the hotel.”
Law stepped out of the car and walked up to the officer. “Is there some sort of problem?”
“Sir, I can’t have you or her just wandering around while we’re dealing with the Neu Thekohnian Order,” the officer said.
“So it’s that kind of ordeal, is it?” Law asked. “Bro, come over here.”
Gavin sighed as he got out of the car. “What is it?”
“Seems like we’ve got an NTO problem on our hands,” Law said. “Just as I thought. So, officer, we’re here on behalf of the Iiayikohnian military; in fact, she happens to be a member.”
“I can’t let you through,” the officer replied. “It’s not my call, but it is something I will enforce.”
“Are you sure?” Eva asked.
“I don’t care who you are, so long as you’re not with the True Thekohnians, Neu Thekohnian Order, or whatever sort of terrorist organization,” the officer said. “All I’m telling you is to head to the hotel for now, as that is our designated safe zone.”
“What a disappointment,” Law said. “Oh well, it’s not like there’s anything we can do about it whatsoever. Let’s just go, everyone.”
As he walked away from the officer, Ayanna, Eva, and Gavin joined up with him as they headed towards the hotel.
“What are we supposed to do about finding Silvia?” Eva asked.
“I think I’ve got an idea of how we can get around the blockade,” Law said. “Just follow my lead.”
“What the fuck is your lead?” Gavin asked.
“You’ll see,” Law answered.
As they reached the hotel, Law looked around to see any officers around the area. There was one on the other side of the street, though he faced away from the entrance to the hotel. Law motioned over to the other three as he turned into the alleyway by the hotel and made a break for the plaza.
Gavin was bewildered. “What in the hell…?”
“Looks like we’ve got no other choice,” Ayanna said. “Might as well follow him; we might just stumble upon something after all.”
“You’re starting to sound like him,” Gavin said.
“Just go already,” Eva said.
“Fine,” Gavin replied.
They hurried after Law, who led the way to the plaza thanks to the route he took in the alleyways. He had that determination to find Silvia, wherever she may be, because he was not about to let Ayanna down. Law wanted to do his best to ensure that Ayanna would receive the recognition needed to help get her position in the military back. This would be the way to do it, he thought.
To be continued…
The Sunbeam Series 