14/05/2013

Thank you to Shakko Arashi for beta-ing this chapter. Hopefully it flows a bit smoother because of it.

I apologise for the delay as well and with a bit of luck Chapter 40 will be out faster. Enjoy

The Conquered
By Jade Tatsu
Chapter XXIX – Duplicity

Merrimu was meant to be a safe planet. We'd deal with the attacking Zoalords fast enough but Imakarum had opened the way for others to attack.

I think on some level we knew this attack would happen. It's not like Shō had never told us what the Tekki Leader's plans were. It's just that… Well, I'm not really sure what it was. With everything else that happened I just don't think we were ready to consider facing another enemy. We should have. We knew what the Tekki wanted, and he'd told us flat out that in the future we would disagree with him.

We disagreed with him now but as we were to discover we weren't in any position to fight. Guyver Lords, regardless of type, are equal. Their Units can pull the same power from their hosts. Differences come between species and between the knowledge of the host. As good a warriors as many of us are, against centuries of experience it all seemed for naught. The Tekki was in control of his forces and he was skilled himself.

We fought, but the outcome was pretty much determined. History was on his side.

Kgosi didn't like Merrimu. Oh, he liked it a whole lot better than staying on Earth and being made into an Advent slave but Merrimu was cold! Earth was warm, full of sun, dust, open spaces and the smell of dry grass. Merrimu was cold, cramped, damp and always smelled of wet wool. It didn't even have that nice smell you got just before rain. That would have been an okay wet smell.

Still, it was a haven and Kgosi's entire family was happy to be here, no matter how cold they were.

There were rumours going around that they would not be here much longer. Word was that the Advents were almost gone and that Earth was free again. The details were a bit scarce on how but the Rebellion, and the Emperor, supposedly had something to do with it. As did some Guyvers who were loyal to something called the Tekki.

Kgosi knew nothing about the Tekki but he knew all about the Guyvers. All children of the Empire did. The Emperor was one which made the Rebellion all the more stupid. How do you kill an immortal?

They seemed to think they knew but they'd never really given much information about how. Kgosi guessed that made sense, sort of. The Rebellion obviously didn't want His Majesty countering whatever method they had but at the same time, you'd think they would have wanted everyone trying. There were a lot of people who would have liked to claim they killed an immortal.

Eh, it didn't matter in the end. No one quite knew what happened in the days before the Advents came but all the news vids had shown the Emperor with the Rebellion's Leaders, apparently all happy. He remembered that because he remembered that one of the Rebellion's Warriors, Aptom, was never far from someone no one had seen before, yet it was someone who everyone, even the Zoalords seemed to know. That sort of detail had been lost when the Advents came but Kgosi remembered because it was so odd.

It was the same sort of odd now. The scopes he had to monitor were showing Guyvers. That was okay. There were somehow now several human Guyvers and a couple of the Rebellion Leaders who had remained on Merrimu were Guyvers but the ones he was detecting were definitely not human.

Not when one had two sets of arms and another walked like a great cat. Kgosi stared, fascinated as the foreign Guyvers looked around. They seemed both purposeful and lost, as if they knew what they had to do but they could not find where they were meant to be. Maybe one of the human Guyvers had invited them. If these were Tekki Guyvers then they had helped destroy the Advents so they couldn't be all bad.

At least, that's what Kgosi thought until his scope focused on another Guyver. This one was inky black all over. Where most of the Guyvers Kgosi had seen had some contrasting colour this one was pure and somehow seemed to suck the light from the area around them. It was a moment before Kgosi realised that effect was because this Guyver seemed extended. Little pieces of it were lifting away from the body so that the Guyver merged with the darkness it created.

Kgosi thought the Guyver was male. If they were human then it was definitely a male but it could just be a bipedal alien so he wasn't sure. He was fairly sure that they had to be the Tekki because all the filtered, random reports back to Merrimu were clear on that Guyver's colouring and even through his scope he could feel the press of power. It was like the one time he'd been too close to an Advent ship. The weight of oppressive power had overwhelmed him then as if something had been calling to him below his hearing and Kgosi and everyone else had obeyed. It was only because Rebel troops had attacked that he'd escaped but he'd never forgotten that sense of being in thrall, of being completely powerless.

It was like that now. The black Guyver just exuded a sense of confidence, of power and all thoughts to resist him, to question him just vanished. Mesmerised Kgosi stared at the monitoring screens, watching as the black Guyver directed his followers. They moved then with sure, sharp motions. And it was those actions which broke the fascination Kgosi felt.

Alarms blared in half a dozen settlements as their daily routine was interrupted by attack. They had been on alert with the Tallahassee fire and so the first counter attacks were sloppy but swift. Retaliation quickly gained focus until full battles were raging. Calls for aide raced around Merrimu and beyond and Zoanoids formed ranks against Guyvers in a battle that would have gladdened Alkanphel's heart had it been on Earth against Guyver I or III.

It wasn't though, which was why the Zoanoids weren't being slaughtered with causal ease. Some were dying but they were fighting somewhat equally against the alien Guyvers. None of the Hyper Zoanoid commanders had given the order to attack the black Guyver who appeared to be in charge. They weren't sure why, only that it seemed prudent.

Though the battle didn't seem as hopeless as one against the human Guyvers might have been, it was still unbalanced and the Zoanoids knew that without reinforcements they would eventually be destroyed.

"Where's the bloody Emperor?" Kgosi's supervisor snarled.

"On his way," came a reply from someone who was in contact with several settlements.

There was a contemptuous snort which held no forgiveness before another question. "What about Aptom?"

"Fighting the one who attacked Tallahassee."

Their supervisor was a little more forgiving this time. Aptom might be a Rebel but he was doing something active about the alarms. It was odd though, to ask first about the Emperor and then a Rebel to be helping them. It went against the teachings of the Empire but they had adapted and accepted that. "Where the hell are Toshiyaki and Taga?"

At that question there was silence for a few moments. The two were Rebels but they had been on Merrimu since the beginning. They should be co-ordinating the retaliation strikes. Yet they were absent. The silence stretched before someone answered. "They might have been taken out with Tallahassee." The words were reluctant.

"What the hell was attacking Tallahassee?"

"Zoalords." This time the reply was instant. That much had definitely been known and while Toshiyaki and Taga were both Rebel Officers and thus used to dodging the Zoalords of the Empire, on Merrimu there were not as many places to hide.

The supervisor's eyes narrowed dangerously as she thought. "Do you mean to tell me we have two forces attacking Merrimu? Simultaneously?" The question was serious and the answer obvious. It definitely looked that way though the Zoalords might have been connected with the Tekki. No one was sure.

For a moment their supervisor closed her eyes as she continued to think. When she opened them, the brown orbs were clear and hard like two agates glittering with determination. "Evacuation protocol," she announced, ignoring the gasps the words brought from the monitoring crew. "Send this transmission out as a SOS: 'Merrimu is under hostile attack from unknown forces, possibly co-ordinating. Evacuation protocols have been announced. All possible reinforcement is requested though survival is the primary objective.'" As the words left her mouth the supervisor took a large breath, sighing hugely before turning her attention back to the present.

"Sir, look!" The voice was almost awed.

Each monitoring station had a screen, usually several to allow them to work efficiently. The small station screen was flicked to the main view screen so that they could all see. The enemy Guyvers had spread out but three settlements they had been fighting in were now shielded and a fourth, while not shielded, showed another Guyver fighting the aliens.

"What about Tallahassee?" Having some settlements safe was good but not everywhere was protected.

The main screen flicked again to a new image showing Tallahassee. The fires were still burning but they could see Zoanoids and humans combating the flames. They almost looked like black silhouettes, dark against the bright yellow and orange of the fire. Overhead there seemed to be a shimmering in the air and the monitoring crew realised it was another shield. It flickered occasionally with energy but unlike the others they couldn't see anyone generating it.

"That's Mizuki's," a calm voice announced as a fresh lot of troops marched into the monitoring control room. Kgosi was surprised to see Rodriguez. The man was a Rebel but he was known because he led from the front. He was one of the Rebellions most honourable warriors.

"Find me Fukamachi," the Hyper Zoanoid instructed. After a few moments of confusion, as his troops settled into the room, another screen flickered on to the main one. Kgosi was confused when he saw a Guyver fighting Peace. Rodriguez sighed. "Imakarum would pick now to attack."

'Mirabilis was the enemy?' Kgosi thought suddenly. That made no sense if he was fighting a Guyver. It was the Guyvers who were attacking…

"Fukamachi at least seems to have him contained," the Rebel Commander continued. "And they are out of range. All right! Listen up! We only got one chance to spring this trap so I want it done right."

'Trap? We have a trap to spring?' Kgosi thought about everything that had happened but he couldn't see any trap. Belatedly he remembered to listen to Rodriguez.

"They've timed this attack well. The Emperor is currently occupied and Aptom and Fukamachi are fighting enemies we don't dare let escape. The rest of our Guyvers are shielding or healing as is their speciality which means we are on our own. But defenceless, we ain't. I want Zoanoids to get to our friendly Guyvers now to let them know what is happening. And I want Zoanoids in every settlement that's being attacked. They are to remain hidden and safe. Their time will come. Get me Milne on the line, now!"

There were a few moments of confusion as the communications and monitoring crews scrambled to meet the Rebel Leader's instructions. The view screen split up to show each battle; Aptom versus Zektoll, Tetsuro, Shizu and an unknown Guyver shielding and the other unknown fighting. Mizuki's shield was shown as was the odd battle between Fukamachi and Imakarum. Another screen showed the black Guyver who for the moment seemed content to wait. No doubt he was directing his forces. A couple of minutes later the leader of Milne Settlement appeared.

"Commander Rodriguez!" The woman didn't salute but you could hear it in her voice.

"Is it ready?"

A wicked smirk appeared on the woman's features as she nodded. "It is. Is anyone in range?"

"A few but our side is being warned now."

"We'll be ready when you give the word."

Rodriguez nodded before he turned back to the communications crew. "Show me where our people are."

"Our people?"

"Our Guyvers," the Rebel Leader snapped. "Even some of the aliens are ours so they need to be warned."

"Warned about what?" Whoever was asking the questions had obviously not been listening.

"Warned about our little surprise for hostile Guyvers."

The woman from Milne snickered evilly. "There is always gain from pain," she muttered softly and belatedly Kgosi recalled that Milne had been attacked before by some unknown race. Had they learned something then?

A map appeared on the screen before he could consider anything further. It showed five settlements which formed a pentagram that contained most of the other settlements on Merrimu. Ksogi's eyes widened as he realised they had specifically drawn it to contain most of the population of the planet. The red dots representing the attackers were within it as well though two were outside and fast moving. He knew those two were the opponents of Aptom and Fukamachi by the small green dots that were moving with them and suddenly it all fell into place. Fukamachi was that man who suddenly appeared, the one everyone seemed to know on pre-Advent Earth. He had to be the man the Rebellion had pinned their hopes upon, the man they wanted to kill the Emperor. And now he was fighting one of the Empire's Officers. It made no sense yet it made complete sense. No one else seemed concerned though. They were calm, accepting the battle as something that had to happen. What did they know that he didn't?

"They've all been warned," a report finally came through. "Except for Fukamachi and Aptom." No one could warn them, they were moving too fast.

"That's good enough," Rodriguez said. "Are the troops in place?"

There was a chorus of assent from a number of the settlements. A few of the images reporting in had Guyver's standing beside them with Zoanoid troops massed in the back ground. The attackers, who were still outside the shields, didn't seem concerned. Instead they kept sniping at the shields.

"Are we ready?" Rodriguez asked Milne's Leader.

"All settlements are ready," she confirmed.

"Activate," the Rebel Leader gave the order firmly.

Ksogi wasn't sure what he was expecting. The settlements and the Rebel Leader obviously thought they had the upper hand but how they achieved that, they hadn't even hinted at. It came therefore not as an explosion or dramatic event but merely as a waver on the view screen. For a moment it did nothing, then unbelievably the Guyver Unit's faltered and sputtered and failed, pulling back to wherever they went when not in use. He understood now why Rodriguez had bothered to warn the human friendly Guyvers as no doubt the shock was incredible.

The shields cracked and disappeared but they were no longer necessary because the attacking Guyvers were also affected and for the first time Ksogi saw the faces of the attacking aliens. At that point in time Ksogi rather imagined that surprise was universal. They had had no warning and most of the attackers were in mid-air. They fell but Merrimu was not so merciful as to let them die. Zoanoids flew upwards, snatching them out of the air, then swarming them under. Ten seconds after the Guyver Unit's disappeared, every attacking hostile Guyver was contained.

There was a cheer in the communications room but not everyone was jubilant. Rodriguez watched with hooded eyes. For a moment Ksogi wondered what could be wrong. And then he saw it.

Whatever device they had activated in the pentagram settlements seemed perfect. The Guyver Unit's had been forced to pull back from their Hosts which meant that their own forces needed warning but humans had an advantage there. Where another race might rely on their Guyvers, Zoanoids were more than capable of fighting. Terrans could fight with specialised fighters where another race would suffer massive losses. But there was something wrong.

Around Tallahassee the barrier still shimmered and Ksogi's eyes widened when he realised that that meant that at least one Guyver was still active.

The enemy Guyver's were captured. None had fallen to their deaths because the waiting Zoanoids had snatched them, sometimes none to gently from the air and Ksogi looked back at the screen. He wasn't the only one to gasp. The black Guyver remained. All the others had fallen but he remained, the pearl plates of his eyes glowing softly under the harsh white light coming from his control medallion.

A Guyver's expression always remained neutral. That's what everyone said. It was a lie. While the facial armour did not move, there was a myriad of ways to read their intentions.

The black Guyver was surprised but there was no hint of panic in his movements. He was sure and maybe it was wishful thinking but Ksogi thought he detected the slightest hint of respect. The black Guyver was obviously the leader and while he had been expecting Zoanoids and the other Guyvers, he had obviously not given much thought to the ability of the unenhanced Terrans. And they had just proven to be resourceful.

Ksogi felt a stir of pride that was very quickly crushed when the black Guyver raised one hand and darkness flowed around him. It crackled almost like black lighting before it vanished, consumed by the wave of darkness that emanated from him.

The wave didn't expend far before it snapped and broke apart, each bit forming into its own dark leaf like shape and racing towards a captured guyver. Rodriguez was shouting orders and the Zoanoids were reacting but Ksogi knew it was already too late. Whatever those little bits of darkness were, they slapped aside the Zoanoids as if they were nothing before wrapping around the formerly captured Guyvers and lifting them away.

"Is the barrier still up?" Rodriguez demanded of the woman from Milne in an intense tone.

The reply was sharp. "Of course it is," but you could hear in her voice a note of doubt.

"Then it is confirmed. That Guyver is the Tekki."

"Of course I am, little humans."

A new voice broke into the conversation and it took a moment for everyone to realise it was coming over the speakers. "You have some nice encryption on your systems so it took me a while to break in. I assume that was Tetsuro's work? No matter.

"My forces and I are not here to attack you, though I admit it looks that way."

"What are you here for?" the Rebel commander asked the obvious question.

"I need to borrow a few people for a while. There is a job I need to do and their help is essential."

"Borrow?" Ksogi thought the Rebels were meant to be pretty unemotional but the amount of scorn in Rodriguez's voice was impressive.

"Fukamachi has no doubt reported on my plans, so you know what I aim to do."

Ksogi frowned. That unknown Guyver knew the Tekki? If he'd reported on plans then that was way above Ksogi's pay grade.

"I know those plans most likely kill one of those you are trying to capture," Rodriguez retorted.

"You are very well informed and I see if you know that much I will not be able to talk you into lowering your most unexpected and very efficient barrier. Very well then, I give you a choice, little humans; lower the barrier within thirty seconds or I lower it for you."

The threat hung in the air and to Rodriguez's credit he didn't look affronted by the demand. He took it in his stride and his eyes hardened. "Let our people know what is happening," he gave the command in a tight voice.

"Sir, the barrier?" one of the communications staff asked, his face nervous.

"I do not bargain with lives," Rodriguez said. "Nor treat with those who threaten."

Ksogi wondered if that line was one from the Rebellion. It could have been. It sounded like the same embrace of freedom they would adhere too.

"Very good Commander." Ksogi wasn't the only one to recognise that voice. The Emperor. And on the main view screen a new 'dot' appeared to herald his arrival. His Majesty appeared to be waiting and was well away from the two battles that had continued unabated, oblivious to the drama unfolding below them. "Let's see if he can actually do it."

"Oh, I assure you Makishima, I never make threats I cannot carry out. The offer of thirty seconds was merely an acknowledgement of my respect. Ten seconds remaining."

"We do not bow to threats." You could hear the royal plural.

There was a laugh. "It's alright Makishima," the black Guyver's voice was calm. "I will be happy to force you to your knees. And after I've killed the Guyver's mistake, you can spend the rest of your life trying to kill me if it makes you happy."

"You misunderstand, Tekki," Rodriguez interrupted before the Emperor could retort. "We do not bow to threats," the Rebel Leader repeated the Emperor's words encompassing humanity in his statement.

As the Zoalord continued his assault Shō tried not to see his friend in the white form but he couldn't help it. Despite everything that had happened and everything that was happening, he could not see Imakarum, he saw Murakami. He was not deceiving himself. He knew exactly who had eviscerated him on Earth to clear the way for Agito to rise as Emperor and who had fought the Rebellion but he could not bring himself to give up on his friend who had fought against Chronos with him.

It was in the little things. The way the Zoalord held his head, a particular way he paused before throwing a punch. Shō could not look passed those little gestures and so he continued to dodge, aware that every move he made was frustrating the white Zoalord. Fukamachi knew they needed help on the planet, but he also knew that Murakami would follow him.

"I know you are still there," Shō said conversationally, ignoring the mounting anger he could feel from his friend. "I can see it. You don't though do you?"

"Because there is nothing to see," the white Zoalord retorted with a growl.

"There is everything to see," Shō objected. "In your human form, you are still Masaki."

The Zoalord spat. "You know as well as I do, that the body is only a shell."

"I know," Shō agreed, blocking a particularly nasty kick from his opponent before dancing backwards, flicking through the air gracefully. "The body is a shell for the soul, and your soul has not changed, Murakami."

There was a long suffering sigh but no break in the unrelenting assault. "If you are not going to fight me, Fukamachi, stand still so I can end this."

"You can end this any time you want," the teal Guyver replied.

"I already told you Shō, this ends when those of you who could wield the power die."

"Or it ends Murakami when you realise you were never meant to be Alkanphel's slave. When you remember what your goal was."

"I've never forgotten but desires change Sho. You seem to be the only one holding on to the past, the one who forgets that."

"Or perhaps I'm the only one who sees the truth?" the brown haired young man offered the alternative with a smile that was hidden behind his armour.

Imakarum paused to examine his foe. He could feel Alkanphel's friend on the planet below and wondered if the black Guyver was moving because of his attack or if this was merely poor timing. It did mean though that his battle would not be finished today. Fukamachi was his first target, but to be sure, Agito and Aptom had to be destroyed. Not the millions of Aptom clones that now infested the universe, the original, the one who possessed a Guyver Unit.

It was doubtful that Zektoll would be able to do it, but the former Hyper Zoanoid would keep the other Guyver occupied while Imakarum dealt with Fukamachi. For all Aptom's proclaimed desire to kill Shō, he was remarkably fierce in his protection of the young man: a young man who was currently hovering opposite, watching him with a sickeningly hopeful expression. There had to be some way of forcing him to see the truth but somehow Imakarum didn't think that showing Shō a parade of those he'd killed, those he'd hunted would work, nor would attacking the planet below… It had to be something else, most likely something less graphic but just as hard hitting, something that said without any shadow of a doubt that he would carry out Lord Alkanphel's final order no matter how much Shō might tout that he had another belief.

He remembered the man he had been. A weak individual who thought that fighting would be the solution, who thought that somehow, just because he was a proto-Lord that it would work out, one who had believed, truly believed, that the Guyvers were enough to stem the tide. He'd been so naïve. And perhaps he would have remained that way if Alkanphel had simply made him a Zoalord. But the Supreme Zoalord had shown him the truth, had shown him the weight of history, the Advents and all they stood for. The Supreme Zoalord had not merely made him into another slave Lord but had made him into his friend. Of all the Chronos made Zoalords, Imakarum had seen the most, knew the most of the inner most workings of their Leader's mind.

He'd seen how Masaki's fight was futile. How it was really merely his desire for revenge, to hurt those who had hurt him, how ultimately it was self-serving. He'd see how he could achieve so much more at Alkanphel's Right Hand and in that instant, the selfish child Murakami Masaki had died, having achieved his revenge on Guyot and the man Imakarum was born. Chronos could not be stopped by a proto-Lord and some teenagers. Far better to work with them, to mould their goals so that the outcome was the best. He'd served Alkanphel from then, working to help them achieve their goals but he retained some of his beliefs, some of his desires. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes keeping the bloodshed down, making sure that Chronos was humane. Only the smartest had realised that, and only the wisest had seen that Alkanphel approved.

The Supreme Zoalord was not afraid of violence. He could be as ruthless as necessary and could kill without mercy but he also saw that unnecessary killing merely made one coarse, made one forget the value of life in the pursuit of the goal at all cost. He appreciated Imakarum's efforts and he supported them which gave him all the more reason to work with Chronos, to see that the blood of innocents was not spilt without cause.

Fukamachi had never had that. He'd never had to face the truth that sometimes there was no easy way, that sometimes the path to the future was going to be covered in blood no matter which side won, and that it was therefore best to work with the power that represented the least blood. At heart, Fukamachi was still the idealistic teenager who had taken up arms against Chronos. They all were. Makishima was as well to some extent because in the end the man had always gotten what he wanted but Shō was the worst. The fact that he'd never seen the years of Rebellion, had never had to make those difficult choices that Mizuki, Tetsuro, Rodriguez and all the Rebel Leaders had on a daily basis meant that the teal coloured Guyver was still naïve.

If he was still Masaki, it would have been endearing, to know that the battle could be won without the loss of innocence, because Fukamachi of all of them, should have lost his innocence fighting Alkanphel. But he was not Murakami, so it was merely frustrating, and the Zoalord realised that the only way for Guyver I to believe the truth would be to show him. A mental link would have been best, but far too dangerous. Imakarum didn't trust that Alkanphel's friend would not take advantage of the semi-comatose state that would require. So where did that leave him? How could he show the boy that he really was only Mirabilis now and no amount of whining or wishful thinking would change that?

There really was only one act which would do that. Threatening Merrimu would just result in Shō believing him brainwashed, as would any act of destruction. The same applied to Mizuki or the others. Fukamachi had matured enough that way and while Gigantic Guyver would fight to protect his friends, he was aware enough that they needed his help now and would doubt Imakarum's ability to fight them with the Tekki already there. Ironic. One of the battles he was trying to prevent had possibly been caused by his actions here. The white Zoalord knew what Tsuyosa wanted, and he knew that the black Guyver had been getting close. Any opportunity to collect the Terrans would have been seized upon and he'd made the perfect chance.

Imakarum consoled himself that at least he would be taking out the most dangerous Guyver. Even if he couldn't get the others after that and Tsuyosa progressed with his plan, the black Guyver Lord Warrior would be left wondering why his opponent never came. The sheer irony caused Mirabilis' lips to twitch.

That didn't solve his problem though. Fukamachi was still being reluctant and Imakarum sighed again. The only way Shō would see the truth would be to kill him, and Mirabilis would have already done that if the boy would just stay still!

The Zoalord snorted. He was being foolish. This was why he had spent so long gathering Zoacrystals. He had the means to make the boy stay still, just he had not been ready to make that move. If Imakarum was honest with himself he was not ready but he would be.

"There is no real way to make you see the truth, Fukamachi," he growled, not liking that this boy had to force his hand. He should have expected it, frustrating authority was what Shō did best, but he did not have to like it. "So you will see the truth when I kill you."

The boy titled his head in that odd way he did and Imakarum got the impression of a smile and it annoyed him. Shō obviously did not believe him. He would… soon. It would take him a little time to be ready to force the boy to stillness, but he would. He just needed to merge the crystals together and Fukamachi would help him there. With another growl, Imakarum jumped forward again, not letting Shō reply as he reached within himself, pulling on the powers of the Zoacrytals he had collected and blending them together.

Imakarum wasn't ready yet, but he would be.

Beneath his armour Tsuyosa smiled. He'd been separated from other humans for centuries but it was nice to see that they were still courageous. Even if it was pointless.

His followers watched as he raised one hand and brought it down sharply extending his power. The barrier shuddered but held and silently Tsuyosa gave his respect to the human engineers who had worked out how to produce such a powerful shield. It was giving him a rather odd feeling, a combination between tickling and itching but his Unit had remained with him because he was one with it. Very few others shared such a close relationship with what was essentially an alien parasite on their body but he had noticed that the first Lord, the Lady Fukamachi had also kept her Unit in this plane of existence.

In the end it made no difference that the human's shield withstood one attempt to dislodge it. He would reduce it to nothing in the next barrage. Tsuyosa raised his hand again, making sure that all anyone could feel from him was confidence before he attacked the shield again. This time it shattered and there was a chaotic moment of activity as several Guyver Unit's materialised now that they were free to. As expected, an instant later the shields that had been in place of the Terran settlements reappeared.

"It was a valiant attempt humans," Tsuyosa congratulated them with no hint of scorn colouring his tone. "And while you might believe we are once again stalemated, we are not. We are back into the situation where I win."

"Are you so sure of that?" Agito asked, transporting himself to a position across from the Tekki Leader.

The Guyvers which had accompanied Tsuyosa dispersed again, careful to give Makishima a wide birth at their Master's instruction.

"Of course I am," Tsuyosa replied to Agito's question, as he continued to channel his voice into the communications array for the benefit of the watching humans. "You aren't at my level yet Makishima and Fukamachi isn't here to back you up. Where is he anyway?"

"Otherwise occupied," Agito growled, falling into a combat ready stance.

"Ah, your solution to everything Makishima is so charmingly direct," The Tekki Leader grinned as he fell into his own stance. "I suppose I can amuse myself with you while your fellows are collected. After all, I do need everyone."

"I don't know what you are trying to do. Nor do I care," Agito snarled. "You attacked without warning, you attacked without reason and the universe will be better off without you." There was no further time for talk as Agito threw himself forward, opening his attack with the slash of vibroblades.

Tsuyosa met Agito blow for blow, the two black Guyvers almost dancing with each other. Unlike the last time they fought, Agito wasn't overwhelmed immediately but he was left with several cuts. Makishima was pleased to see that the Tekki Leader was not unscathed.

"You have improved," came the grudging rumble from the jet Guyver Lord Warrior. "But you aren't good enough yet."

"Oh?" Agito was almost amused.

"Not yet, Makishima, not yet, though one day you will be," Tsuyosa murmured as he disappeared, reappearing behind the other black Guyver, striking hard.

Agito staggered under the blow but was quick to turn, only to slash through empty space. The Emperor of Earth was fast enough to dodge the follow up blow but was caught in the side by another. Wildly Agito slashed and was pleased when he felt his blade connect. But as he attacked so did Tsuyosa, the eldest Guyver Lord Warrior anticipating Makishima's movement and twisting to hammer one fist into Agito's neck.

To those watching in the communications room it was a dazzling display of power and agility. Their cameras couldn't catch everything but the flickering motion was enough for them to know that the battle was fierce. The other battles were being waged and they could do nothing but watch.

Mizuki's shield was holding, though she still had not been seen. Several of the settlements had reported she was in the medical bay attending to the injured. While she had been warned of their defence mechanism the Rebellion's Healer had not been concerned. When the investigation was written up later, it would be known to all the disruption field had not affected her Unit or shield, just the same way as it had not fazed the attacking black Guyver.

The others were holding up well though their positions were mostly defensive. The plan was simple. If the anti-Guyver defence did not work then they had to wait for Guyvers loyal to humanity to deal with the situation. But currently all combat Guyvers were occupied. The situation was now one of waiting. Tetsuro had relayed that to the others while holding his own shield and while it was logical he was not happy about it. No matter how good their defence, a good defence did not win skirmishes such as this. They could hold out for a while but eventually they would need the combat Guyvers to interfere. It cost them energy to maintain the shield and if the Tekki's followers had any sense, they'd merely pull back and wait for them to collapse of exhaustion. They might be able to raise and lower the shields to match attacks but that was not certain and it cost energy each time the shields were re-established.

More was riding on Makishima's battle than just the Emperor's pride and Tetsuro felt sick just thinking about it. The Tekki was not after Merrimu. Even if they fell the Planet would be safe but something was screaming at him that they could not be taken. He had no idea what that instinct was but he would hold out for as long as he could.

The battle between Agito and Tsuyosa continued with the two of them fighting predominantly with vibroblades. There was the occasional splash of laser or sound waves but both black Guyver Lord Warriors were conscious of the collateral damage they could cause and for the moment seemed content to limit that. It was an interesting battle to watch. The black whips of their blades lashed the air and it almost looked even, to writhing masses of ribbon tangling with each other until one saw that every now and then one of the Tekki's black highlights would lift itself off and block Agito's blades, tying them up to allow Tsuyosa to strike. The black highlight was destroyed by Makishima's attack but the damage was done and the Terran Emperor was left bleeding, sporting quite a few extra wounds that his Unit was healing.

"You have come a long way, Agito," the Tekki leader complimented his foe conversationally. "Further than I expected given the time frame, but I can play no longer. I will give you one last chance. Will you submit and come with me?"

If Shō had of been around, if any of the other human Guyvers or even ranking Rebel members had of been present they would have told the Tekki Leader that that was the wrong question to ask. 'Will you come with me?' would have gotten a different response, one where Agito asked why but the first qualification on the question that was asked ensured that there was no chance of negotiation. Tsuyosa didn't particularly care. He knew what he was doing and why but others might have preferred to see a different answer, even if only to know the possibility existed.

It was not to be and after a moment of almost contemplative silence Agito launched a new attack, all his weaponry extended to destroy the Guyver Lord Warrior before him. The Tekki Leader was taken aback by the savagery of Guyver III's attack but he quickly matched it and then surpassed it, initially landing blow for blow, then three for every two then two to one.

Makishima valiantly tried to keep up and his anger sustained him but with the gap in their ability so large that not even he could sustain this battle forever. The Terran Emperor was reminded uncomfortably about his clashes with Alkanphel, of how each time the Supreme Zoalord just rose above him, summoning more energy, more speed and technique to counter him when they met. It was not a feeling he liked and while Agito did his best to rise to the occasion and could even feel dormant potential within himself, he could not summon it to fight the other black Guyver Lord before him. He screamed his frustration, focusing on attempting to summon that Unit that had appeared to help him fight the Senelzar but the Tekki Leader seemed to anticipate that and moved decisively, landing precise blows on Makishima's body that left his mind afire with pain and drove away all thought.

Though in mid-air, Agito stumbled, clawing ineffectually at a foe that was already out of reach as he struggled to draw breath. His vision was spotty with stars dancing in front of him and his limbs were lethargic, weighed down by gravity that seemed multiplied.

"Well Makishima, you should feel proud. You've given me more of a work out than anyone has for a very long time but I have to attend to the others. Your wife is beating Heborae and if I don't deal with Mizuki, that shield will never come down. Be proud Emperor, your honour is intact." With those words Tsuyosa formed an odd energy ball. It looked like a simple gravity globe but Agito's senses were screaming that it was dangerous. As the Tekki Leader moved with torturous slowness, making as if to throw the energy at him, Makishima tried to raise a shield though his efforts spluttered and flickered ineffectually. His mind raged that all the time, the other black Guyver Lord Warrior had been playing with him, splitting his attention between his followers and Agito's attempts to combat him. It was not a good thought for the Terran Emperor but even that anger could not give him the energy to resist.

This would not kill him, Agito knew that but he also knew he did not want to be hit by it. He couldn't even run. He didn't have enough energy left to teleport and he could tell that the others were still occupied. The Tekki Leader may have had attention to spare, no one else did. Even if they did know what was happening here, there was nothing they could do. He would be the first to fall to the Tekki's attack.

"No!"

The voice was familiar and groggily Agito looked up. His eyes widened and his already shortened breath hitched.

Shizu.

Rage gave him strength where anger had not. Grief for her loaned him power where self-pity had raised nothing and Agito didn't fight his emotions. He embraced them, fuelling everything with the love he felt for her. He rarely showed it but she knew. Somehow she had always known and she was always willing to put aside her desires for him. No longer. This time, he'd fight for her!

Agito snarled, not even recognizing his own voice as he carefully lunged over Shizu's body, slashing once more at the black Guyver Lord. The Tekki was fast to dodge back but Makishima followed him, his purple filigree highlights rising as he unconsciously directed them. They slammed into the Tekki's black and for a moment Agito thought they would get through, but the sharp purple blades were driven back, just as his vibroblades were.

The Terran Emperor was not finished though, and beneath his armour his eyes were opened wide and unblinking so that he did not miss anything. Energy formed in his hands, though Agito did not consciously summon it and he recognized that as a function of his Guyver Lord armour as he closed once again with the Tekki Leader.

The two of them engaged in a fast battle. Their head beams flashed, and gravity globes flew back and forth, hitting and missing as they swung around wildly. Agito seemed determined to close with the Tekki Leader and soon both of them forsook energy blasts in favour of physical blows. One might think here that this would favour Agito, but while Makishima had had the benefit of the best training in modern martial arts and had honed those skills on the battlefield, the other black Guyver Lord had the experience of centuries, had been created by the Advents and had been trained by fighting Alkanphel. What he lacked in modern knowledge, he made up for in speed and endurance. The two of them fought equally.

Even as Agito felt his blows connect, he knew he needed more. He had to be faster, he had to be stronger because at the moment he was merely matching the Tekki Leader. He cast around for strength and felt the echo in Shizu but he refused to take anything further from her. She always protected him just as he always protected her in so far as he was able to but the exchange never seemed equal to him. She gave so much which he could never repay but he would somehow. In the future he'd find a way to make it up to her. But not now, now he had to fight.

Backing up slightly Agito took a deep breath, narrowing his focus. He had one task at the moment and he could think about nothing else. When his black eyes opened again he examined the Tekki Leader. The other black Guyver was watching him. They both radiated power but Makishima recognized that there was a causal ease to the way the Tekki stood. He was comfortable in his power. Just as Agito wore the mantle of Emperor of Earth like a well-worn jacket, the other Guyver Lord wore his armour with a causal ease and reluctantly Makishima realized it suited him. He had more backing though and Agito grinned tightly. The Tekki Leader had followers, those who agreed with his philosophy but he did not have their backing. They were feeding him no energy and so he stood alone. On the other hand Agito had the backing of the rest of the Terrans, even if they were too busy to supply him with energy their thoughts were there, and while it was an intangible benefit, it could not be underestimated.

:I do not need others approval,: Tsuyosa murmured, as if listening to Agito's thoughts.

:Nore do I,: agreed the Emperor of Earth, :though it is nice to know that their support is there.:

The Tekki Leader nodded and for once Agito felt nothing mocking in the gesture. :I admit to a certain curiosity about it, but such is not my way.:

:Alone you will stand,: Agito said, :and alone you will fall. Much like Alkanphel.:

:I will not fall,: Tsuyosa replied with a tight smile, recognizing Agito's attempt to rile him even as he dismissed the words. He fell into a battle stance as the other black Guyver Lord Warrior did, his unit making tiny adjustments around him so that they could fight more efficiently. There was something in the way Makishima held himself that said this would be his last move, that he would gamble everything on what happened next.

With a cry Agito charged, closing with the other Guyver Lord to fight hand to hand. A kick there, duck here and spin there to avoid the crushing back hand that would have met him. Punch high, low and sweep for his legs. The motion was fast and furious and as he moved Agito was charging his mega-smasher. The glow of energy carefully hidden. He leapt over a kick and spun himself around one of Tsuyosa's punches, firing his head beam at the other Guyver. The Tekki Leader responded with gravity globes and still Agito moved, punching and kicking and dispersing all the attacking globes with tiny discharges of energy. They moved rapidly through the air, the atmosphere burning around them.

Agito didn't even back off to fire his mega-smasher. Instead he reached for the focusing plates that had formed against his chest, pulling at them as he spun to target the Guyver Lord. Less than an instant later a blinding beam of energy lanced through the air, burning everything in its path and Makishima grinned at the cry of pain he felt from Tsuyosa. The black Guyver Lord had not been expecting that!

His joy was short lived and Agito didn't even feel the blade that slipped into his back, severing his spinal column high on his neck. He felt nothing but he watched as his limbs slackened and the energy blast faded as his Unit turned all its attention to healing him. He gasped, his mouth working but no air being drawn into his lungs and the tiny noises showed signs of panic. His Unit is all that saved him. His mind was conscious but his body could not move. It took over locomotive functions, interpreting what his brain wanted and moving itself so that he moved. Yet he couldn't fight like that. Agito knew that instantly and he could feel the black shadow that was the Tekki Leader hovering behind him, ready to strike again if he was stupid enough to continue to try.

Not even Shizu could help him now and Agito forced himself to look around. She was still unconscious and hung in space not far from him. It was a supreme effort but he commanded his Unit to take him to her and even though it was his arms that reached out to hold her close, he could not feel the soft curve of her body against his. His grief was gone, replaced by a languid melancholy and Agito felt a soft sad smile form as he looked down at Shizu. She had done what she always did and had protected him. But unlike the last time she had stood against the Tekki Leader she had not had time to shield and her slender body had taken the full force of the other warrior's blow. It should have been him.

It was him now because he couldn't even use the opportunity she had given him to take down her attacker. She was content though, Agito could sense that. As always she thought nothing for herself if it meant he was safe or his plan succeeded.

Except this time he couldn't even give her that. One crystal tear escaped when Makishima realised even now she wouldn't blame him. If she was conscious she would be giving him that soft gentle smile she sometimes wore, the one that shone with her love and her eyes would sparkle, just for him. And somehow everything would be back to the way it was.

"Shizu," Agito whispered her name, bowing his head over her, allowing their two control medallions to touch. They pulsed and Agito didn't look back as the Tekki formed another one of the energy globes that had taken out Shizu and pushed it almost gently towards the Terran Emperor. As he lost consciousness, the black consuming his pain and grief Agito smiled at Shizu, his eyes soft. She was with him, so this wasn't so bad.

Tsuyosa looked around, making sure the humans had not approached before he looked back down towards the two Guyver Lords before him. For Heborae his tendrils had acted as they should have, scooping the third Guyver Lord Warrior out of the air before disappearing. Capture by the enemy was not an option and although he was sure he had put Merrimu's main Guyver defence out of commission for a while, the black Guyver Lord was equally sure that the humans would have a few smaller ones stashed away somewhere so they could safely contain prisoners. It was an elegant solution to the problem and one he almost wished he could have employed but it was not to be.

The Tekki Leader directed his tendrils to gently untangle the Agito from Shizu. He really should have expected Shizu's interference yet he was not displeased. Heborae may have fallen but she was one Guyver Lord, and only a Ysaen at that. Two Terran Guyver Lords were down now. The battle was not won. It was not like the other Terrans would give up but it was a significant portion of their forces and it would affect morale. Tsuyosa grinned as his tendrils transported the Terran Emperor and Empress to his stronghold. 'Nyataran would know what to do now and he had at least one more Guyver Lord to deal with. One who was confident in her ability and who would be more than content to wait him out. Something he could not afford.

:Agito and Shizu are down,: Tetsuro reported for the benefit of everyone. He got some acknowledgement but most were too busy fighting.

Iythra was fighting her sister Iythry and the elder Segawa could feel her pain. Theirs was an odd battle, Engineer against Warrior and despite their differences, neither truly wished to harm the other. But while Iythra would have gladly walked away, Iythry was too devoted to the ideals of the black Guyver Lord Warrior who lead the Tekki.

Tetsuro vaguely knew what the Guyver Lord wanted. Shō had explained as much as he could but it didn't make much sense to him. It wasn't that Shō's explanation was bad, though it had lacked some details, it was just that Tetsuro could not see anything wrong with the concept of The One. It depended a bit on who it was of course and what their philosophy was but the squat Guyver Engineer had no details on that. He could not share the Tekki's belief that the Guyver's had made a mistake without proof. After all, even the worst foe usually had some good points. He didn't like Chronos for example but their economic, environmental and health policies had been progressive and of great benefit to the world. Surely The One had something to offer the universe? Even if they didn't, Tetsuro could not simply take it on faith that they had to be destroyed. Not when the Tekki Leader was this forceful. It made him suspicious of the jet Guyver Lord Warriors plans.

The silica coloured Guyver flicked one hand out, modulating the energy frequency of his shield as the attacking Guyver Lord Healer finally figured out the first frequency. Shō had told him that human guyvers were so much more powerful than other species and he had seen the evidence for himself with Iythra, Alkard and Tarnsi. He had just not quite believed it.

Despite years of work there was no conclusive way of measuring bioenergy the Zoanoid transformation and the Guyver parasite worked on. There was some thought that metabolism played a part but nothing definitive and with the advent of Guyvers on so many different species, the answer had become even more complex.

:There is only one answer that matters right now, Brother,: Mizuki's voice came to him sharply, breaking through his rather abstract thoughts. :And if you have any answers, now would be a really good time to share them.:

Despite the danger Tetsuro grinned. Mizuki was cute when she was demanding. Her mental presence was all sharp and shiny with her focus. :The Tekki doesn't really seem interested in Terrans, just in Guyvers,: Tetsuro began, outlining the few conclusions he'd reached. :I think we have to conclude it was bad timing or an opportunistic attack which caused both Zoalords and Guyvers to be attacking Merrimu at the same time.: Tetsuro looked up, allowing his Unit to adjust his vision so that he could see the other battles.

Aptom and Zektoll were both bleeding but the two Zoaforms were still indicating absolute hatred for each other. There was only one outcome for that battle and no matter what the Advents had done to Zektoll, the elder Segawa could not see Aptom losing, not when he had so many more advantages. Still, Zektoll was a canny fighter, and vindictive when it came to Aptom. The Advent made Zoalord could do a lot of damage.

Shō was fighting Imakarum. At least Tetsuro thought it was Imakarum. The Zoalord looked different and for a moment the Guyver Engineer's mind shrank back from the implications. Even so, Shō was matching up well though there was reluctance in his moves which bespoke his desire not to hurt the other man but his brother -in-law was fast enough. That battle could go either way and despite the worry that realisation made him feel, Tetsuro was confident Shō would win. He had too much to live for to allow any other outcome.

:So it was bad timing. That doesn't offer any solutions.:

:It offers a few,: Tetsuro objected. :Since the Zoalords are occupied and the Tekki forces seem only to want Guyvers we could run. That should allow some of us to escape since I doubt anyone but the Tekki Leader himself could track us all that effectively across the galaxy. So one of us at least should be able to escape.:

:To do what? One of us alone can't effectively fight.:

:I realise that,: Tetsuro countered. :But the Tekki's plan seems to rely on having us all. So if one was missing and refused to be found, the others who were captured might be able to escape. And that leaves him unable to fulfil any plan that he has.:

:A very astute observation, Tetsuro-kun.:

:Run!: Mizuki screamed at her brother, recognising the voice before he did.

Tetsuro wasn't entirely sure what happened next. He knew he had tried dodging but something came crashing down upon him and no matter what he did, he couldn't squirm away.

:Hold still, Segawa, you'll hurt yourself.: The voice of the Tekki Leader did not do much to calm Tetsuro.

Instead he struggled harder though to no avail. As he felt consciousness leaving him, Tetsuro tried a new tact, funnelling sound through his oscillators. The grip on him loosened for a moment but he was too weak to take advantage of it and one thought chased him down into the dark. He had to do something, anything to buy more time. Tetsuro never even got to wonder what that was for.

Aptom looked over at Zektoll. Both were panting and sporting nicks and cuts but neither had managed to fatally wound the other. It was as if they were partners in an elaborate dance. All their moves were known by the other and only the most imaginative combinations scored a hit. Yet inside he was grinning. It was exhilarating! And while he had been pushed, the Advent made Zoalord had yet to take him to the extremes of his ability. This was a comfortable fight and while some might be bored, Aptom was still excited because he fully intended to gut Zektoll before dealing with the issues they appeared to be having on Merrimu. He'd pushed the chatter from the planet to the back of his mind as he'd waited a long time to face Zektoll and the former Lost Number was not about to be rushed.

"Shouldn't you be going to help them?" the Zoalord asked.

Aptom didn't know or care how Zektoll knew about the problems below. "Getting tired?" he quipped. "You'll be taking a long enough break soon enough."

"Oh no... Just I was wondering how much will be left by the time I kill you. The way it's going I won't have much to play with. Aren't you supposed to protect them?"

The chameleonic Zoanoid laughed. "Me? Protect them?" he gestured vaguely towards the planet. "You must be joking."

"Ah... of course, because you did such a good job of protecting your friends... I guess what they say is true. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. What would Dyme and Solume think of how pathetic you've become?"

Aptom felt a moment of ire but two could play that game. "Shall I ask Elegen, Darzelb and Gaster what they think of you?" Aptom countered, shifting his form slightly to fire one of Gaster's liquid missiles at the former Hyper Zoanoid. "All these upgrades, all these attempts but you've yet to kill me, while Fukamachi trusts me, fights with me, lets me guard his back, knowing all along there will come a day when I stab it."

"You never will," Zektoll replied, dodging neatly as he sent a lash of power towards his enemy.

Aptom didn't bother to reply. There was no point in verbal jesting since they knew each other's sore points and while it was tempting to rage at the Zoalord there was little point in snapping at a dead man. But the former Hyper Zoanoid would not shut up. "I seem to remember that you wanted to complete the set. The whole Hyper-Zoanoid Team Five united within you except Makishima ruined that plan. But you can still get me." Zektoll spoke almost as a salesman would when extolling the virtues of their product.

The former Lost Number blinked. What was Zektoll playing at? Had the various enhancements and the defeat of the Advents finally sent him insane? Was he trying to be absorbed? The thought made the Guyver Zoanoid pause. Did the Zoalord think that he had forgotten what happened last time he tried to eat an Advent Zoalord? The searing pain, that unassailable barrier in his mind that was the Advents, the burning blackened flash touched by the kiss of Kiara's defences… Oh he remembered... He remembered everything that caused him pain but perhaps he should show the Zoalord why he no longer feared him or the little ability the Advents had given their Zoalords.

"You know Zektoll, that actually sounds like a good idea. I may not have you all but I can fake Thancrus' blades convincingly enough and this will re-unite you with what's left of your team. I'm sure it will comfort them to know you all fell to me." He said the last with a grin, jumping forwards with one palm extended.

Despite what it might have looked like to the untrained eye Aptom did not approach unprotected. He expected betrayal and deceit. He expected Zektoll to dodge or attempt to cut off his arm, a wound which while not lethal would require some of his attention to repair. The Zoanoid Guyver was therefore surprised when the palm of his hand hit the cold carapace of Zektoll's armour and sank in, almost without resistance.

"Got you!" Zektoll crowed, slamming both arms into Aptom as if he were embracing the other Zoanoid.

Aptom hissed as if in pain and struggled, lifting one leg to kick at the Zoalord. The attack was blocked and the chameleonic Hyper Zoanoid pulled back harder, as if desperate to escape. He formed his free hand into claws and raked them lightly over the Zoalord's armour scoring marks into the bioflesh but not drawing blood. Even as he struggled he let himself sink deeper and deeper into Zektoll, that part of his mind which took over another questing deep into Hyper Zoanoid Team Fives Leader's mentality.

"There is no escape, Aptom. I have you," the Zoalord laughed.

"Or is it I who have you?" Aptom asked, raising his head to allow his eyes to bore into Zektoll's.

For a moment the Zoalord looked surprised but then the smug mask settled back over his features. Apparently he thought there was nothing wrong and Aptom grinned, shifting the battle to their internal mental landscape.

"I must thank you for the invitation," Aptom said, confronting the surprised Zektoll. "I was just going to kill you but this seems so much more appropriate. Thank you for reminding me that it was an option."

"Do you think you can contain me?" Zektoll scoffed. "I was made to resist you and even without the Advent's supporting me, that resistance is a part of what I am now." The Zoalord was confident and his smile was proud as he gestured to encompass the whole landscape.

Aptom allowed himself a tiny smile and a long moment of silence before he replied. The former Hyper Zoanoid was so predictable. He reacted but that was all and that was why he would fall now. He'd had too much time unchallenged at the top and he'd forgotten that things change. Things always change. Perhaps it was not completely Zektoll's fault. Chronos didn't want its warriors thinking. They wanted them to be sure of their strength. Arrogance was almost genetically included in stronger Zoaforms but thought, logic, planning? Those qualities were limited to the Zoalords or the human over seers.

The Guyver Zoanoid felt his Unit. It had been hanging back but the sense of its presence was a comfort to him. By itself it was not that large but behind it was the weight of all the Units and their force was unassailable. "I'm aware of your abilities Zektoll. I remember the pain you caused me on Earth. I remember what Kiara was designed to do but you seem to have forgotten my abilities. I am a chameleon. I change to suit my environment. I grow to face the challenge, adapting to overcome every obstacle. I do not like those things that cause me pain and I always find ways to defeat them."

At the word chameleon Zektoll had gone pale and as Aptom had continued his pallor had grown. He made to move but Aptom exerted his presence, holding the Zoalord in place with a nasty smile. "Impossible," Zektoll hissed, a note of panic entering his tone.

Aptom chuckled, summoning his Guyver Unit so that Zektoll could see what he really was. It crept over him, tendril by tendril, sliding into place as a fully manifested Gigantic Unit, though his Unit was careful not to dislodge his connection to the other Zoanoid. As it settled comfortably around him, a soft warm permeated him and Aptom allowed himself to feel Zektoll's panic for the first time. It was a heady wine and he savoured it, rolling the feeling through his mind to make sure he captured all the subtle nuances.

"I am a chameleon Zektoll, and I am merged with the most powerful parasite ever created. There is nothing I can't do." It might have been arrogance to say that but against Zektoll, it was nothing less than the truth.

"The Advents…" the Zoalord gasped.

"Nice beings," Aptom drawled. "But not invincible," he added with a smirk because really that's all that needed to be said. Did Zektoll really believe that he, Aptom would not adapt to something the Advents had made specifically against him? Did he think that the chameleonic Hyper Zoanoid would just remain still, would not evolve? How silly, and how like one of Chronos' Soldiers. It was times like this that Aptom was actually glad to have been a Lost Number. He had had to think, to fight every day for his survival. Zektoll had had that handed to him.

As Zektoll's mental presence faded, in space where their two bodies were, Aptom's Guyver Unit seemed to regress to the tentacle like state that they resided in when not joined with a Host. The majority of them remained with Aptom, but some rose, slamming into Zektoll's body with shocking harshness. The flesh of the Zoalord was consumed and the bio-armour fell away, drifting in space. The tendrils that were his Unit pulled back leaving nothing where the Zoalord had been except for the crystal.

Aptom took a deep breath as his Unit reformed around him, consuming the excess flesh and penetrating back into his body as it smoothed out. His black eyes were closed and he let himself hang in space, relaxed, his mind submerging Zektoll deep with him. It was usually automatic, but sometimes he liked to feel their last struggle for survival. It was futile but he knew the feeling well having struggled most of his life for survival, just for him, he always won.

He released the breath, letting his body fall limp in space as he opened his eyes. Reaching out Aptom took the crystal. Once he would have killed for one but as he'd told Makishima it really would give him more trouble that it was worth. With Alkanphel dead there was no-one he'd have to bow to but he didn't want it anymore.

:I'll take it,: his Unit murmured sleepily, almost as if it was sated.

:You?:

:Well… we,: his Unit corrected surprisingly clearly. Usually Aptom had problems hearing his Unit, even it admitted that, intercepting him that time on his way to Kyheen but something must have changed. :There are times when you will be able to hear me clearly. One of those is in the moments when you take in another, you are more open to me.:

:Ah,: Aptom understood. :What is happening on the Planet?: He asked, shifting slightly so that he looked down.

The fight with Zektoll had not been particularly taxing and while he had enjoyed it, he wasn't sure he wanted another battle that was merely for the sake of fighting today.

:The Tekki is attacking,: his Unit replied.

:Oh.: Fukamachi had explained what the Tekki was up to but Aptom really didn't care. Still… He looked down towards the planet, extending his senses. There were gaps in his perception. People were missing. Makishima, Shizu, Tetsuro… Where were they?

:The Tekki took them.:

Black eyes narrowed at the words and Aptom focused himself. Mizuki was still on the planet, so was Alkard and Iythra. Fukamachi was above the planet but was completely pre-occupied with his fight. There was something not right with Fukamachi's battle and Aptom turned to watch. Then he shuddered back. That was not Imakarum but before he could consider further, events on the planet called for his attention.

For all that Shō wanted to help with the battle below, he forced his mind away from it. Makishima had fallen, so had Shizu and Tetsuro and he knew that left Mizuki fighting with Aptom to support her. Mizuki, as much as he loved her, was not a warrior. Alkard and Iythra were there as well but he was a realist. If the Tekki could take out Makishima without hassle, those two Gigantics, loyal as they were, did not have a chance.

But if he let his attention wander, then it would be he who needed rescuing. He might proclaim that the Zoalord was still his friend, but he recognised enough to know that the last of Alkanphel's Circle was trying to kill him.

Fukamachi might not be showing it, but he was becoming frustrated. Zoalords were strong, that was true and they should be able to fight against his Gigantic form but after the battle had lasted as long as it had, Masaki should have been exhausted already. That had been Shō's tentative plan but it appeared it would not work.

He had the feeling that he needed to come up with some other plan. Murakami's Zoalord form was changing as they continued to spar. The crystals that had been embedded in his arms and legs were vanishing, one by one. Fukamachi had wondered if that was the cause of Masaki's endurance. He could be fuelling his energy from consumption of the Zoacrystals but if that was the case, the white Zoalord was being remarkably calm about it. Usually when one was using a finite energy supply, there was at least a little bit of angst, of panic that things were not going to plan and while Murakami was a superlative actor, in combat he was not that good. Besides, something didn't add up. The last of Alkanphel's Circle had not been using any of his more exotic abilities. If he'd been using the micro-black hole or other energy based abilities, then Shō could understand the supposed consumption of the zoacrystals, but Masaki was not. The two of them had limited their battle to physical and Shō knew that Masaki's Zoalord form did not use that much energy.

So the disappearing zoacrystals had to be caused by something else, something the white Zoalord had planned. Brown eyes narrowed as Shō tried to work out what could possibly be happening. It didn't make sense and with a frown Shō closed with Murakami as he attempted to gather better data.

It was a vicious exchange, energy claws against vibroblades and they both came away sporting minor nicks and cuts. Shō's unit healed him, reforming as if the damage had never been done, and while Masaki's healing factor worked as effectively as it could, he was left with few hazy red patches where his blood had smeared over his bioarmour. And another zoacrystal disappeared. It was a temptation not to ask what and Shō allowed himself to close with Murakami again. This time though he altered his attack, not just going for slashes, but attempting to grasp at one of the crystals.

The white Zoalord seemed to anticipate that and pulled back sharply, looking at Fukamachi through narrowed eyes. "I can't allow you to do that Shō," he murmured, a grudging note of respect in his voice. Shō was not known for his perception in battle, the teal Guyver having been profiled by Chronos as relying more on his overwhelming strength in combat. He knew the boy could be cunning, but cunning was different from perception.

"Do what?" Fukamachi asked.

"You will not be allowed to take one of my crystals," Masaki said firmly.

Beneath his armour, Shō smiled. So taking one of the crystals would interrupt whatever it was Murakami was planning. The Zoalord seemed to realize the slant his thoughts were taking because the white form danced back. Guyver sensors tracked the movement automatically but they could not detect a pattern. He could teleport to where Murakami was to grab a crystal before the Zoalord even knew he was there, but not if he could not predict where the white form would be. "So what happens when they are all gone?" Shō asked, playing for time.

"Then this battle is over," Masaki replied and Shō shook his head before driving himself forward. Murakami might be his friend, but Guyver I knew better than to allow a Zoalord to complete his plan.

The white Zoalord was expecting it and skipped back, careful to keep his movements random and to keep a sizeable distance between himself and the teal coloured Gigantic Guyver. Fukamachi's highlights reached out, twisting around the boy, trying to trick him into one direction or another so that they could grasp at the crystals but he kept his distance, dodging left and right and up and down because they were aloft and all directions were valid. He was assimilating the Zoacrystals as fast as he could and with each one that disappeared he could feel his power growing. His whole body felt alive with energy and Imakarum was slightly surprised that he wasn't glowing. The tang of energy flowing through him was intoxicating and he felt the seductive call of power. It was something he answered without thought, embracing it as it embraced him and he could feel the focusing points on his body charging themselves without his conscious decision. He tingled but it was a good feeling and when the last foreign crystal disappeared, pouring its energy into his zoacrystal that was embedded in his forehead, Imakarum felt a moment of such peace that he thought it was almost holy.

He thrummed with power and had to conclude that this is what the Lord Alkanphel felt all the time. But it was energy that was fighting to get out. It needed direction.

Shō had backed off because as the last crystal had disappeared, he had begun to glow and the focusing points for his mini-blackhole were almost burning with their incandesce.

Imakarum closed his eyes, confident that Fukamachi would not attack him just yet. He reached inside mentally, grabbing at the power flows and forcing them through his body. He was a Zoalord, that meant he had one transformation hard coded into his DNA but what he wanted this time was to alter that transformation. Zoanoids were genetically obliged to obey him. Guyvers did not have that programmed into them but a Guyver, unless their Host's will was like iron, would feel obligated to obey a superior Guyver form and that's what Mirabilis was going to take advantage of. He was already white, so the change he was willing within himself was rather minimal but it was quite profound and almost sluggishly he felt his body respond. His bioarmour smoothed out becoming more streamlined and most of the glowing focusing points for his mini-blackhole, stretched out, forming almost ornate patterns over his body. One moved to his forehead, changing colour, another to his waist. His eyes lost that white blue look, glowing a gentler, softer pink and the spikes on his head merged together to form a single crest.

"My god…" Shō's voice was almost reverent.

Mirabilis smiled, radiating power as he opened his eyes again. Fukamachi was still hovering near him but the Gigantic Guyver appeared to have taken a few steps back in mid-air and surprise was pouring off Guyver I in waves. "Bow to me Fukamachi and I will make this quick." The offer was the only bit of mercy Imakarum felt compelled to offer Shō.

"You can't be…" Guyver I denied what he was seeing.

Imakarum cocked his head, as if asking his own question and Shō backed up further, shaking his head as he considered what he saw. His friend, Murakami Masaki was no longer a Zoalord, but was instead The One. The form was perfect; white armour, golden highlights and a sense of contained presence that almost defied description. All of Shō's senses were screaming that the form before him was the real thing. It was beautiful. Sleek and well proportioned. The power inherent in the form not just contained but harnessed and flowing with such subtle movements that many would never be able to see the grace it had.

Shō gulped, and all unaware his posture relaxed as he took in the form of perfection. This was The One. He was meant to obey and this was power he felt safe obeying. Beneath his armour Fukamachi smiled and watched as the white form came towards him, his only thoughts were about how beautiful it looked.

Agito, Shizu and my brother were down. And Zektoll had been killed. It was not a fair exchange. And if we had of an inkling of what was to come, we would have fought … maybe not fought, but would have run.

Idiots pronounce that it's better to go down fighting. That's because they see only illusions of personal glory, they do not see the whole picture. It's far better to run to fight another day. Going down fighting means you have already lost. Running means you can try again. Running means you deny your enemy the ability to complete their victory. You only go down fighting if there truly is no other choice.

If we'd have known what was to come, I mean really known what the Tekki Leader was about to do… I think we'd have been a lot more brutal with Merrimu. The Guyver Lord Warrior held the lives on Merrimu over our heads and we responded in the way he expected us to. If we had of known then that the lives of the galaxy rested on this, we would have run. Scattered to the six corners of the compass and hidden until we had some other plan.

It's a time honoured tradition of Earth after all. The Resistance and the Rebellion had both embraced the concept of running to fight another day. I don't know if it would have worked, but it may have altered things. I'll never know and I'll never have the courage to ask my Brother, not when it was me who put him through that much pain.

But that part of the story is to come. What came now was a fight against the future and a fight against the past. Zektoll was dead but Imakarum remained, as did the Tekki's forces and while our resolve never wavered, we were the ones going down. It seemed history conspired against us. It didn't. I know that but I cannot help what I felt at the time. The desperation and the sheer will. We were at the end of choices.

And so, we showed the galaxy what it meant when humans went down fighting. It was the stupid thing to do, but the alternative was to go along quietly and no one accepted that.

So Zektoll is finally dead but the Tekki is moving on with his plans and Imakarum just got serious in his fight! More to come next chapter! Though lovely e-cookies await those who review so please :D

Cheers,

Jade