Autumn Infernos 4, page 5
part #4 of Space Seasons Series
I could see he needed to get this out, and I let him.
“Her personality was way off. We argued. She tried to get me to join her and Saskia, bring down HopeCity and more. They wanted Tolsa for themselves. I couldn’t let her. I tried to fight her, to do the right thing, but I faltered. I couldn’t, and she got away.”
I wasn’t going to tell him she’d come for me and Tyto, with Saskia. That she’d almost won and that we’d flushed her—and myself—out the air lock.
“As long as we’re okay. You can trust me?”
He nodded, but there was still a ton of emotion crossing his face. “I know Rytin and Dylan think a lot of you. Tyto’s built his reputation up, and General Trix, it would be an honour to serve with him. So if you’re leading it, this…I trust you, because of them.”
That was all I needed, really, but I couldn’t just leave it at that. “I will do everything I can for you and these people here in my care. Follow their orders and mine when the time comes, and we’ll all get through this.”
“I will, Kyle. Thank you for trusting me. It can’t be easy.”
“Rytin does. We’re all working with mutual trust.”
A whistle drew our attention, Rytin and Tyto waiting on us. I held out my hand for Reece, and he took it. We shook hard and long. Then walked back to the others. I felt better, but not okay. The memories of my first few months still haunted me. The confusion, the system. Hiroto dealing with everything, Xirob…It had been more than a whirlwind of life, missions, statistics, and moving forwards, ever forwards. Now looking at the two guys I’d never thought would get on, I knew things were vastly different. We were all different. We’d grown in many ways.
The door down into the Razor was palm controlled now. I had access, and with a little more programming and a scan of Rytin’s hand, so did he.
“It’s a fair trek under, but I think once you see the sheer size of her you’ll realise why we all might have to leave Tolsa.”
“Big and undermanned,” Tyto said. “As many as the M-Wolves have, they’ve been losing people like we had for many years. They’ve only just discovered respawn capabilities not too long ago, and from what I’ve been told, they didn’t have similar tech or ‘life’ as we do.”
“They have…” Rytin shook his head. “Interesting.”
“I believe they were learning from HopeCity,” Hiroto said. “There’s a connection between some of the people there and a couple of wolves from the area. The information crossed species due to friendships.”
“Yeah, I had known there were a few hanging around. I didn’t know one of ours was talking with them.”
“Don’t be angry with her,” I knew it was Keedo without thinking hard on it. She was a healer; no doubt had come across an injured wolf, and it had grown from there.
DETECTIVE - RANK 7 ACHIEVED
You’re not wrong, Hiroto said. Your detective skills are improving.
That and some of my others, yes, I replied to him.
As we were about to go through the door, the ground rumbled. “We under attack?” Tyto said, looking towards the opposite door.
The howl which then pierced the air was deafening, and the floor shook again.
“That’s one hell of a fight going on,” Reece said.
We all jogged towards the door, and out into the base’s grounds.
More bellows and ground shaking. Others joined in our run to see what was happening.
“What the hell is going on?” But I didn’t need to hear an answer. As we rounded a corner it was clear up ahead a crowd gathered, and above them we could see two M-Wolves going head to head. Tyto looked to me. “Oron?”
I nodded, drawing with the back end of the crowd. “And his father.”
They weren’t evenly matched at all in size, Kahn almost double the size of his son. This wasn’t going to end well. I managed to get to the front and looked to Tyto, whose frown also crossed his face. I was about to step forward and try and stop this, but Rytin grabbed me by the back of my jacket.
“No, they need to sort this out,” Rytin said. “This is the younger male’s right.”
I shivered. “If this goes wrong, we might not have the ship after all.”
“Trust it’s the right time for him,” Rytin said. “He wouldn’t make the challenge if he didn’t.”
It was painful to stand there and do nothing. I’d seen dog fights back on Earth, old videos of what they classed as sport. Something people used to take bets on. They sickened me then, and right now watching these giants go head to head they only had one thing on their mind. Domination.
When Kahn lunged forward, sword in hand. I cringed, back bumping Reece. The power behind Kahn, the force when Oron defended hurt.
Hiroto spoke clear. Turning down our hearing.
They were fast, considering their size, and I could see why even in a mech we’d struggle against their weight, height and skills. They fought for everything they were worth. And it was nasty. Almost as if they weren’t family. Just pure enemies. I clocked the time going in and to the first real hit. They’d been going for an hour; some of the crowd around us had left to get back on with their jobs, but I couldn’t. I needed to see this through. To see who came out the victor.
Rytin leaned in to speak with me. “I’ve never met an M-Wolf except on the battlefield. They really going to be okay with us here?”
“For some of the older ones, no. It’s not going to be an easy transition. You’re two opposites, but the younger ones, the reason this is even here is worth working at.”
“No one likes change,” Tyto said. “But for everyone to move forward, it’s better to do so now, with thought and insight into all our species.”
“I agree. But watching them fight like this is hard.”
“They must have their hierarchy like we do, only we attain rank by actions, not by taking it.”
Oron took a slice to his arm, and blood spurted forward, covering his father—the blow had severed an artery? Most would have buckled at it. But I noticed as he’d taken the hit, he’d also managed to step forward, his own blade piercing his father’s lower armour at a break point. Kahn stumbled forward, and Oron withdrew the blade.
I heard the message that came with it as Kahn fell. “The pack needs to move forward, and they will. But not with you as leader. I will however, not leave you here. You are needed as council for all of us. Will you stay?”
The larger M-Wolf looked up into the eyes of his son, and there was anger, loss, and something else there. “I am proud of you, son. Where you lead, I will follow.”
That wound’s a killer. He doesn’t have a lot of time, Hiroto said.
I rushed forward as the large guy sank further down, and Oron glanced to me. “Help him,” he almost begged. Los and others were surrounding Oron also, covering his wounds. Healing him. I could feel their energy as I harnessed my own.
My kenosi was harnessed in seconds, but I wasn’t going to be strong enough to do this on my own. However, looking back, I then saw Tyto by my side. “We’ve got this,” he said, also sparking the energy inside him.
I then noticed Los beside me, her hand sparked and ready. “We have got this,” she said. “Together.”
It was something else to see that deep emotion and healing energy from another species entirely. I knew Tyto was a close friend; he’d back me up any day. But Los didn’t know me, and relationships here were so new.
This goes a long way to showing all of them working together will save lives, Hiroto said.
He was right.
I knew what it felt like to me. Some others couldn’t see it at all, but Tyto and Los glowed with colours I could only dream to attain. His strength and skill surpassed mine even now, and Los…wow, she was amazing.
Oron lowered his father gently to the ground, and I placed my hands as close to the wound as I could. Tyto did the same. With the two of us aiding and focussing, I sent in most of my nites, and so did he. The wound started to close and heal on the inside. Los focussed on giving him the energy he needed also to heal. As Kahn’s life was saved, our energy depleted quickly.
KYLE RANZ – HEALTH = 14%
I stopped, seeing that Kahn’s eyes were closed, but he was steadily breathing.
I looked at Oron. “Thank you. I wasn’t sure you could save him.”
Tyto panted out, and Los leaned over to steady him. He smiled at her. “Kyle couldn’t, but we could. Be thankful we are all together.”
“I am. For all his faults, he’s got us this far.”
“Get him somewhere to rest.” I said.
Tyto moved to my side. “You need rest too, as do I.”
I wasn’t going to argue with him. “Just a quiet room for an hour or two. I’ll be fine after a bit of sleep.”
“You’re welcome to come back aboard. Quarters are pretty open, but you may share mine for some rest.” He indicated for others to come forward, and while we stepped back, they lifted and moved Kahn away from us. I waved for Rytin.
Oron stared at the newer man, and Los moved in beside him. He gently held her against him. Their love for each other strengthened.
Rytin stared right back. “I’d like you to meet one of my trusted guild council leaders, Rytin Yakovich.”
Rytin didn’t need to stand taller; he was a big man. But Oron dwarfed everyone here. Twice our size. Rytin stepped forward towards the M-Wolf with an outstretched hand, meeting his yellow eyes with a steady gaze. “I recognise you,” he said. “From the battlefield. May we put our differences aside for the betterment of all.”
Oron nodded. “It will not be without incident, Rytin, I am sure. But you all have my allegiance and my pack will follow.” He moved from the fight zone too, and we headed down into the Razor.
I wasn’t expecting grand or luxurious rooms when Oron took us down into the belly of their ship, but where he led us was at least big enough for both Tyto and I to shut our eyes.
Which I did quite easily.
However, my mind wasn’t so tranquil. You can turn yourself off for a while, Hiroto said. Use the sleep setting.
If things were different, I might.
However, I closed my eyes, the last few months whirring around and around. Mostly though, thoughts of what I’d lost, where I was going.
Hiroto kept quiet, but I knew he was still there. In one sense it was comforting, and sad. We’d both been through all of this, grown.
I checked my stats. Learned that I’d gained another level.
When was that?
You’ve been a little distracted, Kyle.
He wasn’t kidding. I did learn while reading. Of course my kenosi was increasing—that always put a smile on my face. And for the two levels’ points I’d gained and not spent yet. I popped all ten of them into Constitution. It did raise my health a little, so I then felt better. At least until I read through to Yun’s name and the status of our connection. That still hurt. I was also a little fed up of seeing and having to read through every stat now.
Just show me what’s changed, is that okay?
Kyle Ranz - Contains -
Name - Hiroto Toshiaki
Level = 37
Name - Kyle Ranz
Human/Denti
Year of Death- 2629
Class = Fighter/Sorcerer
Age 18 + 2
Level = 38
Respawns = 3
Memories = 90%
Health = 89%
Kenosi = Rank 43
Nanites x 115,331
Body Type = Denti
Structural Integrity = Tungsten and Alumi
Internal AI Chip = X Class
Skin Strength = 68
Blood Capacity = 59
Healing Speed = 70
Overall Personal Level = 355
Strength = 98
Dexterity = 16
Constitution = 159
Intelligence = 82
Wisdom = 33
Charisma = 14
Luck = 28
Quick Points = 2
Mech Warrior Operational Level = 93
Battle Mage - Rank 26
Mech Pilot - Rank 22
Nanite Engineer - Rank 41
Nanite Factory – Rank 77
Human/Machine Interface - Rank 44
Mech Merge - Rank 29
Mech Remote Control - Rank 8
Molecular Insight - Rank 30
Molecular Manipulation - Rank 29
Molecular Acceleration/Deceleration - Rank 36
Combustion - Rank 10
Reversion - Rank 7
Vrolsh Coding Learned
CAD Tech - Rank 21
Kiain Language - Rank 6
Emaxyol Language - Rank 1
Shuttle Operator - Rank 17
Freighter Operator - Rank 12
Computer Science - Rank 12
Electronics and Communication - Rank 15
Electrical Engineering - Rank 18
Mechanical Engineering - Rank 21
Information Technology - Rank 24
Foot Soldier - Rank 30
Merc - Rank 21
Sniper - Rank 19
Gun Smith - Rank 16
Shadow Awareness - Maxed Out
Negotiator - Rank 30
Deception - Rank 27
Reconstruction Expertise - Rank 20
Muscle Healing - Rank 24
Viral Fighting - Rank 15
Poison Resistance - Rank 19
Night Sight - Rank 13
Sword Play - Rank 42
Animal Handling - Rank 9
Null Gravity Management – Rank 10
Detective - Rank 7
Space Politics - Rank 6
Special Traits Awarded x 3 – Any extras here do not show on your Stat Sheet Totals.
Healer = Internal AI Chip X Class – Crystalline and Silver metal chip with integrated healer nanites led by Xe.
Intelligence = Internal prototype AI Chip, inserted on 17th birthday, with consciousness of Hiroto.
Shade Brain – One in a million, you managed to not only keep your memories, but you can also hide them. Your character sheet is elusive to even the strongest of will. UPGRADED - No one can penetrate your Shade now!
Spells - Active - Minor Healing = Requires Kenosi of Rank 5
Spells - Active - Medium Healing = Requires Kenosi of Rank 20
Spells - Passive - Intensive Healing = Requires Kenosi of Rank 50
Spell - Active - Lightning Fury – Requires Kenosi of Rank 20 – Damage increased by 50%
Particle projectile cannon
Uses energy direct from mana reserves
Can store within battery compartments to aid when needed
Special attributes – when inside a mech it will enlarge to the size needed by its soul bonded owner
Familiar - Separated - Penalties induced
My health was too low to try anything. To try and reach him. But maybe, maybe when I was healthier, and using the amplifiers, maybe I could reach out to him, speak to him.
If you could what would you tell him?
The only thing I can, I replied. That he needs to hang on. That we are coming for him.
That would be enough to keep anyone of us going.
I know, I said. I know. This is something I need to do, for me and him.
Not worried it will show him how powerful you are?
I’m growing, Hiroto, and he already knows. He’s seen as much of me as you have.
Hiroto’s voice and thoughts quieted down as my own did. I would say eventually I drifted off, but I don’t think I actually ever did.
I know I heard someone moving around the room. When I looked up, Tyto was walking about. “Sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“I wasn’t really sleeping,” I said. “I need to contact Yun, but I need their amplifiers to try it. Will you…”
He stopped to look at me. “You don’t need to ask, of course. I’ll do what I can.”
I stretched out, cracked the bones in my neck, and stood. “I don’t know how far I can reach or even if I can.”
“It’s worth a try, right? We need to know how he’s doing.”
As stiff as I was, walking to find Oron eased all of it out. It was time to ask for the one thing that terrified me the most. With an amplifier and the right people behind it, we were going to see how far kenosi could be pushed.
Chapter Five
Oron was with Los on their bridge, Rytin standing with them both, talking. I was quite shocked to see Oron up and about as well. But I could only presume Los had helped him as well, and that their own healers and magics were phenomenal. I mean, what Tyto and I had done sure was, but to see her use kenosi with that amount of competence. It opened up my thoughts about them. If they had kenosi at that level or higher, I really wanted them on my side.
From what I could see it was clear, they were organising things when we disturbed them. The other people he’d had milling around were doing the best they could. Now, they were joined by some of ours. When I stepped inside with Tyto, it was the first thing we could both see, everyone pulling together.
“Good to see you up and about. Though you don’t really look rested enough.”
“I’ll be okay,” I replied. “There’s a lot going on as long as my health is on the up.” He waved a hand around the bridge and I asked, “How’s she looking?”
“We think with a little more time she can get off the planet. It was something we had thought about when we started the build but seem to have lost somewhere along the way, with the sheer size of the project.”
I can see that, Hiroto said. They started to treat it more like a home than a ship. Denn’s going over the engines and capabilities with his crew. To lift off now, they won’t. But she believes with modifications, and maybe dragging in the Cristanna to help, she might do it.
“Sounds like you’re all moving forward. Good.”
“You look troubled?”
“I am,” I said. “I need to ask if you’ll allow me to use the amplifiers to reach out to my familiar, Yun.”
