ILLUSION CITY - THE STORY PART 1 DARK AWAKENING.... RADIO MESSAGE OF SIVA TRANSPORT SHUTTLE TO SIVA MAIN OFFICE: "SIVA Shuttle to base: we're on our way to the SIVA-summit in Hongkong. We've had a short delay because of the terrible weather conditions. The storm, that has been hanging over Hongkong for weeks now, is still raging. The vision up here is limited, very dense clouds. Severe squalls, down-pour and lightning makes this very dangerous flying weather. But I think we'll manage to make it through. We're preparing to land. Shuttle over and out." SIVA-NETWORK HISTORICAL ARCHIVE SUBJECT: GREAT DISASTER OF HONGKONG, THE RATING:PUBLIC In 200X, Hongkong was struck by one of the greatest catastrophes in human history. By an unknown cause, the earth's crust under this city collapsed, and a great part of the city subsided, tens of metres down. The number of casualties and material damage were gigantic. The Chinese government contacted SIVA to restore the chaos the city had become and to find out what had caused the disaster. In the next twenty years, SIVA managed to rebuild the city in a remarkable way. An artificial foundation plate was constructed, that would serve as a foundation for the new Hong Kong, that was built on top of the old city. Nowadays, it has become clear, that Hongkongs restoration has been a complete succes. The city is SIVA's capital facility heart, and the majority of the citizens has become a SIVA employee or works for one of SIVA's subsidiary companies. Hongkong has become a technological paradise, in which all citizens can live a prosperous and happy life. For more info, see HONGKONG and SIVA. END OF FILE =========== SIVA-NETWORK DATABASE SUBJECT: SIVA RATING: PUBLIC SIVA is the largest information/communication agency in the world. The company has gone through a remarkable growth after the Great Disaster of Hongkong, after which a number of new top-executives were appointed. Before the employment of the supercomputer that would run the information network, the company was called IVA. SIVA's nervous system is the world wide SIVA-network, a public data-network in which a vast multitude of information can be found, current information as well as human history. SIVA's heart is "Siva Tower", the Network Centre, in which the SIVA-supercomputer that hosts the network, is seated. Both SIVA-Tower and the SIVA main office are in Hongkong's centre. Other SIVA industries are: weapon- and steelmanufacturing, biological and chemical research and genetic engineering. END OF FILE =========== SIVA-NETWORK DATABANK SUBJECT: DEMON-RELIGION RATING: PUBLIC This group has grown rapidly from an unimportant religious cult into one of the city's most important religions. It is regarded as a good omen in Hongkong, and the number of followers is still growing every day. Frequently, meetings are organized in the temples that have been built throughout the entire city. A remarkable fact is, that this young religious group is based on sacred writing that are thousands of years old. To respect the independance of the demon-religion, SIVA will not provide any further information about this subject here. For more info, apply to your local demon-temple. END OF FILE =========== SIVA-NETWORK DATABANK SUBJECT: D.I.V.E.R. RATING: PUBLIC De position of "DIVER" (Demon Intercept Vital Erase Runner) was established after the Great Disaster of Hongkong. After this event, the Outer, the formerly distressed area, now the residential area for Hongkong's factory workers, was increasingly threatened by mysterious, as yet unknown beings. These "monsters" are hostile towards humans, and many of them feed on human blood. They formed an increasing danger for the Outer-population (strangely enough, these creatures stayed away from the Inner, the rebuilt Hongkong on the surface. Here, the Blackblades, the SIVA police force, maintain public peace and order) Because this problems went beyond the abilities of the Inner Police, citizes were appealed to. To citizens with extraordinary physical and mental capabilities, a special police-training was given, thus forming a small team that could hunt monsters in the Outer to protect the citizens. The project was quite succesful. The Diver-system utilizes a computer-controlled bounty-payment system, which works fast and accurate. END OF FILE =========== SIVA-NETWORK CITIZEN INFO SUBJECT: PERSONAL FILE TIENLLEN RATING: CONFIDENTIAL NAME : TIENLLEN (FULL NAME UNKNOWN) GENDER : MALE OCCUPATION : DIVER RESIDENCE : OUTER, DOWNTOWN DATE OF BIRTH : UNKNOWN Nothing is known about Tienllen's origin.He was raised in the Outer by Shue Wang, who also trained him. Developed considerable psychic powers at a young age and learned how to handle weapons excellently. Small arms are his specialty. At the moment, he's one of the best Divers in the team. END OF FILE =========== SIVA-NETWORK CITIZEN INFO SUBJECT : PERSONAL FILE MEIPHEN RATING: CONFIDENTIAL NAME : MEIPHEN (FULL NAME UNKNOWN) GENDER : FEMALE OCCUPATION : COMMANDER OUTER-POLICE FORCE RESIDENCE : OUTER,DOWNTOWN DATE OF BIRTH : UNKNOWN Just like Tienllen, Meiphen has unknown natural parents. She was also raised by Shue. Tienllen was like a brother to her. Developed great skill in martial arts and her specialty is the "Deathlash", a kind of thin, metal whip. She also knows how to handle heavy calibre guns. Her current occupation is leader of the Outer Police Force. END OF FILE =========== Darkness. Tienllen is surrounded by a pitch-black darkness. He can't remember how he got here, let alone how to get out of this place. Suddenly, an ominous, but at the same time strangely familiar voice sounds, like a rumbling thunderstorm in the distance... "TIENLLEN!!" Tienllen looks up, surprised, looking for the origin of the voice. "TIENLLEN! YOU MUST RECONQUER YOUR POWER! THE EIGHT MAGIC STATUES ARE THE KEY TO THE POWER OF THE GODS!" "What?!" "YOU MUST RELEASE THE DARSAS!" "Darsas ?" "IF YOU CAN RELEASE THEM,YOUR OWN POWERS WILL BE REVIVED. YOUR POWERS, AS WELL AS MINE. AND THE DIVINE POWERS ARE LIMITLESS..." "Divine powers? But who..." Tienllens words are cut off by a loud beeping in the distance. It appears to grow louder and louder. The Darkness dissolves into a grey mist... Slowly, Tienllen regains consciousness. It was only a dream! The familiar look of the interior of his own appartment quickly bring him back into reality. He'd had quite a hangover from last night's party, and he'd fallen asleep on the couch. Tienllen struggles up and decides to put an end to the beeping, which still fills the room. "Shut up, Freddy! What's up?" Freddy, the home computer, immediately cuts off is warning signal. "There are two people in front of the door,master. One of them is miss Meiphen, the other one I cannot identify." "Put them on screen, Freddy." "Yes, master." While Freddy follows the order, Tienllen lights a cigarette. On Freddy's viewscreen, the familiar face of Tienllens friend Meiphen appears. "Thank God,you're awake, Tienllen. Open up,quickly!" "Let them in, Freddy." "Miss Meiphen is armed,master. Do you want me to remove her equipment?" "No, it's okay." "Yes, master. Welcome, miss Meiphen." With a hiss, the door opens, and Meiphen enters. On her back, she carries someone. A child, it seems. "Hi, Freddy. Make sure you monitor the outside door carefully!" "Yes, miss Meiphen." Meiphen carries the kid, who appears to be wounded, into the bedroom. "This poor girl will borrow your bedroom for a while. You don't seem to be needing it, anyway..." A moment later, Meiphen joins Tienllen in the living room, and slumps down in a couch. "Sorry I'm dropping in so unexpectedly." "What's the reason of your visit?" "Well, it's about that girl. I found her on the street when I returned from work. She seemed to be running from something or someone. I decided to take her with me, and after that, my MINI was followed by a black car. I don't think they were after me. They wanted the girl, I'm certain of that. Those pursueers seemed pretty relentless. It took me twenty minutes to shake them off. After that, I went to your place straight away." "You know anything about her?" "She's not wounded, just in shock. I found her on the ruined highway in the vicinity. Anyway, she doesn't have a citizen ID pass. But, judging from her clothes, she's no Inner citizen... But I think she's awake now!" Meiphen disappears into the bedroom, where she heard some noises. Then she calls Tienllen. When Tienllen enters the room, the girl in the bed seems frightened. Meiphen tells her not to worry. "It's okay, Homei. He's a friend." Homei is silent, still not comfortable. "You know who she is now?" "She's an Outer citizen and used to live in the Tonglong-quarter." Homei continues her story: "Both my parents died in an accident when I was still very young. Me and my twin sister Shawmei used to live on our own. We weren't rich, but we were happy there, until..." Meiphen continues: "...until last night, when they where attacked by a group of monsters, accompanied by some men in black suits. Doesn't that sound like the Blackblades to you, the SIVA security force? Besides, her twin sister was kidnapped by a guy who introduced himself as 'Lee'. I think SIVA is finally showing its true face..." "What's that supposed to mean?" "Don't you think it's odd that Blackblades co-operate with monsters? Anyway, Blackblades aren't supposed to have any business in the Outer. And isn't there a member of that group of SIVA top-executives, the "Octavirate",as they call themselves, who is called Lee?" "Right....Lee Wong, he's nicknamed the 'Southern Demonlord', for some reason..." "Tienllen...Let's visit Shue. He knows more about things like this." Meanwhile, Homei has left the bed. "Can I come with you,please?" "Don't you think you'd better stay in bed?" "No! I'm fine!" "Mmm....leaving her here all alone could be dangerous. Perhaps Shue can keep an eye on her..." "What?!" "Okay... Let's go,Tienllen" Tienllen gets his gun and holster-belt and orders Freddy to guard his apartment carefully during their absence. The three of them get in the elevator, and a few moments later they're in the middle of the noises of the awakening streets of Hongkong... PART 2 - ACQUAINTANCES SIVA NETWORK CITIZEN DATA SUBJECT: PERSONAL FILE SHUE RATING: CONFINDENTIAL NAME : SHUE WANG GENDER : MALE AGE : UNKNOWN OCCUPATION : NONE RESIDENCE : OUTER, DOWNTOWN Shue is an old man, living a hermit's life in the outer. Very little data is available on him. It is known that he has raised Tienllen and Meiphen. It is rumoured that he possesses great magic powers. He's very skillful with the bo, the long fighting rod. END OF FILE =========== HONGKONG, DOWNTOWN, EARLY IN THE MORNING. "Tienllen!" Meiphen is calling her friend, who is walking away with a determined look on his face. "You're going the wrong way! Shue's house is over there..." Don't tell me you're going over to the Shangri-la bar again! Are you listening to me? Damn egoist!" Suddenly, Tienllen halts. He has the feeling there's trouble coming up... "What's the matter?" "Troubles....." All of a sudden, a group of black-clad people appear. Without saying a word, they surround the terrified Tienllen, Meiphen and Homei... "Shit! That's what you get for not listening to me..." "Oh, shut up...." The black-clad persons have completely surrounded the trio and one of them, apparently their leader, steps forward. "Hand over that girl, or..." "Or what?", Tienllen wants to know. "..or we'll have to use violence!" "Boy, am i scared..." Before he's even finished the sentence, Tienllen has already drawn his gun. "Homei, get down! This is dangerous!" De Blackblades are well trained however, and draw their own weapons simultaneously. After a brief but bloody skirmish, the 6 Blackblades turn out to be no match for Tienllen's gun and Meiphen's metal whip. The ground is now covered with 6 black-clad bodies. "This is gonna be an expensive job...", Tienllen mutters. "Oh, try not to think of money for once... Come on, we were about to pay Shue a visit, remember?" The trio walks past some building blocks, and reaches the humble residence of Tienllen's and Meiphen's mentor; the old Shue. Shue seems to be in a deep meditation in front of the fire, that always burns in the middle of his living room. As soon as the trio enters however, he jumps up. "Meiphen! And if that isn't Tienllen! Long time no see!" "Long enough for me...", Tienllen whispers to Meiphen. "Meiphen...my, you've grown. And you're still as well-bodied as always..." - SQUEEZE - "IEK!" - WHACK! - "Horny old fart! You're pretty virile for someone your age..." "Naturally. Seeing you makes an old man like me feel young again..." "Old fool..." "Let me guess... You're probably here to ask me about SIVA's activities?" "You guessed right." "Very well, sit down." "But don't you dare touching me again!" "Harharhar...". Shue turns to Homei: "So you are Homei?" "Eh..yes." "I can assure you, that your sister is safe." "Really?!" "De leaders of the demon-faith will use your sister for their rituals. She's very important to them and I think they'll make her a shrine maiden. Still, it's very important that you find her as soon as possible." "What can you tell us about SIVA?" Tienllen wants to know. "What I am sure of, is that they'll have to do something about the pitiful situation in the Outer, or things will soon come to an outbreak. Great changes are at hand, my children... But as for that demon-faith, it's obvious that SIVA is behind that. All those believers don't seem to have any idea of that. But the human mind is easily fooled... What's more important at this moment, is that you know about the "Demon Octavirate". This is a group of eight persons, all mighty sorcerers. They all have a leading position within SIVA. I foresee you'll see quite a lot of them in the future. Their combined power is gigantic, and you'd be better off avoiding them. Your only chance is destroying them one by one. "Are you certain that Shawmei is safe?" "Absolutely. She'll participate in the rituals of the Demon- creed as a shrine maiden. They say these rituals are performed to cause the "Resurrection of the Divine Powers"... Anyway, shrine maidens are treated extremely well. "What's all this got to do with this Lee?" "I can't tell you anything about Lee, I'm afraid..." Shue gets up. "Tienllen. The "Demon Octavirate" possesses 8 magic statues, the "Darsas", which the members carry with them inside their bodies. It's of mayor importance that you get those statues. They hold enormous powers you will doublessly need. "But how can we find out where to find the members of that group?", Tienllen likes to know. "Go to Iren, in the Shangri-la club. She's got the right connections and should be able to tell you all you want to know. But I'll give you guys some company..." Shue claps his hands, and with a loud creaking noise, a yellow battle robot shuffles into the room. "What?! That heap of junk?" "Haha.. Isac will prove very useful, especially now that Homei's powers haven't awakened yet..." "What powers?" "Later. Tienllen, I'll watch over the girl. Isac will join you two." The four of them walk outside. "And be careful. Many monsters will cross your path!" -SQUEEZE- "IEKS!" -WHACK!- "Old pervert!" "Very well, now you are prepared to go..." "Tienllen! You really think it's a good idea to leave Homei with this old fart?" "hehehe... Fear not. This child is in good hands with me..." "I'm not a kid anymore!!" After they've said goodbye to Shue and Homei, the two leave Shue's house, followed by their new mechanical partner. - INTERLUDE : A FRUIT OF PARADISE - THAT SAME TIME, ILLUSION CITADEL, LEE'S QUARTERS The Southern Demonlord, Lee Wong, is silently looking down upon the result of last night's raid: the girl called Shawmei, still sleeping. Because of his ponderings, he doesn't notice his servant Erfas entering the room. "Master Lee, you called me?" "What about the order I gave you?" "What do you mean, sir?" "The other girl. Has she been found yet?" "No sir, we haven't located her twin-sister yet. But our police and spies are still on the lookout..." "You haven't told the others about this investigation,yet?" "No,but..." "Then abandon it. We have no reason to continue our search any longer." "Very well, master." Erfas disappears. Lee watches Shawmei's face. The girl is still fast asleep. "This girl is so beautiful.... The incarnation of Paradise... But where do these feelings come from? Is she enchanting me with some kind of magic? Shawmei..." - INTERLUDE : DARK CONSTELLATION - A WHILE LATER, ILLUSION CITADEL Lee strides forward between the lane of guards. Humanoid juggernauts they are, all armed with heavy rifles, presenting arms as Lee walks by. Though he's been here before, the place gets to his nerves every time again. He enters the centre of the dark Citadel... It's a dark place, where the very walls seem to radiate evil... The ghastly atmosphere is even intensified by the blueish light of the candles on the walls. They cast weird shadows over the ancient reliefs on the high walls. The eight persons, standing on the eight platforms in the middle of the hall, four men and four women, seem strangely in place here somehow... The eight figures kneel down simultaneousley. The tense silence seems to grow even heavier. It's as if the darkness near the invisible ceiling of the vault is clotting together to form something blacker than the surrounding darkness. Suddenly, there is a bright flash of light and a crackling like an electrical discharge. Where where there was darkness a moment ago, a cloaked appearance is now floating. A rumbling voice resounds through the hall. "I SALUTE YOU, MY SERVANTS!" A bright ray of light pierces the darkness and illuminates Lee's shape. "LEE, REPORT!" "I followed your orders, my lord. The kidnapped girl now serves us as a shrine maiden." "VERY GOOD. CONTINUE THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE RITUAL." "Yes, my lord, but..." "YES?" "Oh, never mind..." The ray of light shifts from Lee to the shape on the platform in front of Lee. "MESHMER, NORTHERN DEMONLORD. HOW IS YOUR WORK PROGRESSING?" "I've just initialized Phase 2, lord." "HMMM...I'LL WITNESS THE FINAL PHASE PERSONALLY." "You'll have to be patient a while longer for that,lord." Another shape is illuminated. "DAI, EASTERN DEMONLORD...." "I haven't had an opportunity to use my power yet!" "YOUR TIME WILL COME... BE PATIENT...." "Hah, good..." Once more, the light shifts. "FAY, WESTEREN DEMONLORD. HOW'S THE SITUATION AMONG THE CITIZENS?" "All citizens, rich and poor, are very easy to fool. The number of faithfuls is growing day by day..." "VERY GOOD." The light disappears. "THE FINAL PREPARATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE. OUR EARTHLY PARADISE, "AGARTHA", IS ABOUT TO BECOME REALITY!" The eight people start a triumphant roar. After a bright flash, the floating shape vanishes. All eight leave the vault. Lee is the last one to leave. He doesn't notice Meshmer is lingering deliberately until the others besides Lee have left. "Lee. Leaving already? Are you in a hurry?" "No." "The others have left. Now we can talk openly... Listen,Lee, let me give you some advise... We all know that you're the Master's favorite. If I were you, I'd start using that power for my own benefit. Just think about it... But I won't keep you any longer. You must have more important things to do." Meshmer disappears. Lee exits silently as well. The Hall of Darkness is filled with silence once more. PART 3 - THE WIND OF CHANGES SIVA NETWORK SIVA PERSONNEL DATA SUBJECT: FAY'S PERSONAL DATA RATING: CONFIDENTIAL NAME : FAY OKAZE ALIAS : 'WESTERN DEMONLORD' GENDER : M AGE : UNKNOWN OCCUPATION : COMPANY PRESIDENT SIVA ENTERPRISES INC. WHEREABOUTS : INNER, OFFICE QUARTERS, SIVA HEAD-OFFICE REMARKS : From SIVA Head-Office Building in Hongkong, Fay serves with SIVA's financial and political interests. His position would make him the official leader of SIVA, but in reality, his authority is limited. As a drug-addict, he has an unstable and weak personality. His lover and most loyal servant is Ryukei, head of SIVA's medical research staff. She is a very gifted scientist and runs a medical laboratory in the SIVA Head-Office. Fay is said to be a mighty sorcerer, master of the Powers of Wind. END OF FILE =========== OUTER DOWNTOWN, EARLY IN THE MORNING, SHANGRI-LA CLUB. The Shangri-la bar/disco has the reputation of being the biggest recreational opportunity in the entire Outer, which isn't such a big deal, regarding that it's also the only one. Certain is however, that the place is crowded any time of the day or night. You can rest assured that the skilled bartender Flamenco will always surprise you with one of his new cocktails... "Tienllen, Meiphen! How'r ya doin'?" "Great Flamenco, thanks for asking..." "Wanna drink? Ever tried this "brainfucker"? You'll never know what hit ya..." "No,thanks. Actually, we're here to see the boss..." "Iren? Sure, ma'am. I'll give her a call." After a brief intercom conversation, Flamenco returns to Tienllen and Meiphen. "She's waiting for you in the VIP-room, ma'am. Have a nice day..." After having passed some grim-looking guards, Tienllen and Meiphen enter a luxurious room where Iren, manager of Shangri-la, is waiting for them. "Hi! Long time no see! Grab a seat...." The three of them sit down. "Say, Meiphen, why don't you introduce me to that handsome companion of yours?" "You mean Tienllen?! But..." "Ah, so THAT's Tienllen... Too bad, I thought..." "Hey, don't think we're involved or anything..." "Too bad. I think you'd make a perfect couple... But what did you want to see me about?" "For starters, what do you know about SIVA and the Demon-Religion?" "About SIVA, I can't tell you any more than the general public knows through SIVA-Net... The only thing I know about the Demon-Religion is, that the number of followers is growing by the day, and that they use drugs during their meetings." "What about the 'Demon Ocavirate'?" "About them, there are several weird rumors. Some say they are 8 top-executives of SIVA with supernatural powers. It's even rumoured they'd have some connection to a 3000 year old Chinese legend... Imagine that! In this age of progress and technology! But they do remain a mystery..." "Can you tell us about Lee's whereabouts at this moment?" "Lee's territory is the Southern section of the city. But at this moment, his car has been spotted in the Western city section, near the SIVA Company HQ." "Fine, then that's where we're going..." "As I know that you are poor citizens, I won't charge you for this information." Tienllen and Meiphen get up, and intend to leave the room. "Leaving already? Wait a second..." "Thanks Iren, but we're in kind of a hurry." "Wait! Don't you want to get to the Wester city Section? Without a proper ID-pass, you guys will never get through the Inner border-checkpoints... There is a Danger Zone in Kowloon. There, you'll find an elevator that is out of use, but still operative. It will take you to the Inner office quarters above Kowloon. But the terminal in this elevator will require an Inner ID pass. Here, I'll give you this... Iren provides them the ID pass, and Tienllen and Meiphen leave. "Take good care. And Tienllen, be a little nicer to Meiphen for a change..." The two leave the disco. "You know, Tienllen... Iren's right. Perhaps I SHOULD leave you. Wait! Really, you're getting more arrogant and conceited every day... I said wait! But... are you listening at all?! Tienllen!!" INTERLUDE - RITUAL INNER, SAIKUNG-QUARTERS, DEMON-RELIGION SHRINE The temple of the Demon-religion is chock-full of people. An excited murmur passes through the crowd, when a litter bearing a young girl is carried in through the entrance doors. A gong-stroke resounds through the hall, silencing the crowd. The murmur has died away when the litter is taken slowly to the altar in front and the girl is gently put down on it. The high priest speaks. "Brothers, sisters... today our prayers have been answered at last. De Demonlords have heard them. Tonight, we will begin the final ritual. This girl will be inaugurated as a shrine maiden, like the 7 others in the other shrines. This one will serve the power of Fire... Let us pray for the coming of Agartha, the Earthly Paradise!!" After some gestures of the priest, Shawmei's body suddenly starts floating upwards. Her body turns into an upright position, facing the crowd. At this very moment, she opens her eyes, and watches the amazed crowd of worshippers. All of a sudden, her body starts radiating a bright light, illuminating the dimly lit temple. The crowd goes into an extacy... OUTER DOWNTOWN, EV-STATION Tienllen, Meiphen and Isac are in the underground station, waiting for the next EV, or Electric Vehice, a form of private citizen transportation set up by SIVA. "Why did you have to take that MINI of yours to the garage for maintancance NOW, of all times? Now, this thing will even cost me money!" "Oh, shut up Tienllen..." The anti-G vehicle slides to a halt before them, hardly making any sound. After the three have entered the car, it rushes away towards its destination... INTERLUDE - LOVERS 1 INNER OFFICE QUARTERS, SIVA MAIN-OFFICE, FAY'S BEDROOM Fay and Ryukei are in a tight embrace, exhaused but satisfied after their lovemaking. "Well, Ryukei, what do you think?" "Fay...." "Wasn't it a mistake to join the Octavirate? Everything I did the past 20 years seems so...pointless..." "Fay, you shouldn't be worrying about these things..." "I know, I know..." "If our mission succeeds, paradise will be within our reach, of that I'm sure." "I'm glad to have an associate like you, Ryukei..." "And I'm glad to have a master like you, Fay..." "Ryukei..." OUTER, KOWLOON Kowloon is one of the areas that suffered most by the Disaster. Great areas of this previous centre of Hongkong are still unaccessible and the population is very poor. Quite some areas have been marked DANGER ZONES, which are not safe to enter for the public due to the presence of various carnivorous creatures. It is one of these Danger Zones that Tienllen, Meiphen and Isac have to cross to get to the elevator. The area is roamed by winged KEE TUA's, bat-like creatures and ZU VA's, squidlike bloodsuckers. Despite their combat experience, Tienlen and Meiphen are fortunate to have Isac on their side. Shue's combat robot is a fearsome opponent with his machineguns and Micro Black Hole Cannon. After a long journey through the desolate Danger Zone, they manage to reach the elevator. Their ID-pass is accepted by the elevator's control system. It takes them up to the "upper class" Hongkong on the earth's surface, the Inner... The SIVA Head-Office is impossible to miss... SIVA MAIN OFFICE, LOBBY One of the elevator doors slides open and Lee, Fay and Ryukei get out. "Well Lee, I guess we'll meet again soon..." Have your secretary contact me as soon as you can find some time" Fay sighs, "This is starting to tire me... I could use some sleep, after all these meetings and appointments..." "I understand, Fay. All these appointments wear me out, too. But I really have to leave now, see you soon." Lee wants to leave, but then he notices three persons barring his way. "Lee!" Lee watches the uninvited visitors, surprised. "What have you done to Shawmei? Let her go!" "Do you know who you are talking to?" "We certainly do!" "I have nothing to say to you..." Lee moves his hands in a swift gesture, and suddenly a huge firebolt smashes into Tienllen and Meiphen, knocking them down. "Hmm...you're pretty persistent..." A second firebolt hits Tienllen and Meiphen. Both of them lose consciousness. At the same time, some guards hurry to the location of the fight. Isac starts buzzing like mad, and stretches out his mechanic arms to protect his masters, at the same time loosening a barrage from his guns at Lee. Lee however, radiates an intense heathn and the bullets explode at a safe distance without doing any damage. Fay now joins his associate. "My, isn't he the brave..." After some quick hand-motions by Fay, an invisible sword appears to cut off both arms of the unfortunate robot. Isac's body floats upwards and explodes after a few seconds. Fay crushes some of the smaller remains of the droid under his foot. "They don't make droids like they used to nowadays..." "But who are these two?", Lee wonders. "No ordinary human being should be able to survive ONE of my fire attacks, let alone two. Looks like they're just unconscious. They may pose a threat to us, so I think we better finish them off right now..." Ryukei steps forward. "Mr. Lee sir, wait a second. Don't kill them yet, please! I could give them a thorough medical scan in order to find out what it is, that protects them." "Sure, you go ahead." "Thank you, sir." Lee leaves, and Tienllen and Meiphen are dragged away by the guards. SIVA MAIN-OFFICE, RYUKEI'S MEDICAL LAB Meiphen's body lies motionless in the medical pod which is scanning her continuously. On the various computer screens in the room, the results of the probes are made visible. Fay enters. "Well?" "We'll examine the man later. I found out that this woman is radiating some sort of protective power. The probe registers some sort of force-field. But I've got no clue whatsoever about the cause. Perhaps we'll have a better image right away..." "Hurry, Ryukei! I want to see results!" "Yes, Fay." Suddenly, one of the viewscreens starts flashing. The gauges show an abnormally high readout. "We've got something!" "What?" "Look! But that's..." SIVA MAIN OFFICE, CELL BLOCK Tienllen slowly regains consciousness in his cell. He rubs his aching head. "Tienllen, wake up!" "I was hit harder than I thought... I'm hearing voices..." "Stop kidding!" "Who is that?" "Move away from the door!" Tienllen steps away from the door of his cell. It's a good thing he does, because a few seconds later, the door is blast away. Through the doorway, a strange-looking man enters. His long robe and long white hare give him a priest-like appearance. "You have to get away from here, Tienllen!" "Did Shue send you?" "Send me? Nobody sent me..." "But who ARE you, then?" "My name is Kai." "I've been following you since downtown. I have cleared all obstacles on this floor for you. Escaping should be easy." "What about Meiphen?" "She is of no concern to me." "Then it's up to me to find her..." Kai faces Tienllen pensively. "Very well, do whatever you wish." In the middle of the small room, a metal case appears out of thin air. "This is your equipment. Now, I must leave." Before Tienllen gets the chance to do anything, Kai has left the room already. A couple of minutes later, Tienllen is fully equipped again, scouting the hall of the cell block. On his way to the exit, he meets several dead guards, victims of his unexpected ally. Suddenly, he hears someone approaching around a corner. He draws his gun and... "Tienllen, at last!" "Shue?! How did you get here?" "Iren told me they'd imprisoned you... Where is Meiphen?" "Eeehmm..." "I see. It's up to us to find her! We'll succeed if we stick together..." But Tienllen and Shue find out that it's far from easy. The enormous SIVA-office is a true labyrinth and guarded by great numbers of security robots. To avoid unwelcome attention, they decide to use the air ducts of the building even though these are crawling with aggressive Harmeruns and Le Va's. After a while, they find an air vent leading to an office. Here they meet a busy executive that hasn't noticed them. "I'm sorry to disturb you sir, but could you tell me where to find the company president's office?" "Anice! EVERYBODY knows that! Don't boher me!", the man growls without looking up. "I'm sorry... But I'm not Anice..." "Who the..." Only now, the man turns around, and faces the muzzle of Tienllen's gun. "Are you in a hurry to die?" "Wait! Don't hurt me!" "That's better. Now let's see if we can find anything here we can use..." "I..." "Tie him up, Shue" A little later, the executive has been tied up and gagged. "Tienllen, open that drawer over there." "Shue, aren't we intruding on anyone's privacy here?" "What are you talking about? I'm not interested in sex scandals or somthing like that..." Tienllen finds a VIP-pass in one of the drawers. "Excellent. This is for using the VIP-elevator... I bet that will get us to Fay's office!" And indeed, they soon find an elevator bearing the SIVA-emblem, asking for a VIP-pass. The elevator goes up all the way to the top floor. The two enter a sparsely furnished office. One of its walls is almost entirely taken up by a giant window, showing a magnificent view over the Hongkong-metropolis. In front of the big desk in the middle of the room, is Ryukei next to a chair bearing a drugged Meiphen. Behind the desk is Fay, facing the visitors with a wicked smile on his face. "Shue Wang... I should have known it was you who was behind all this..." "Long time no see, Fay." "Yes, it's been many years..." "Time hasn't been kind to you, Fay. But now, release Meiphen!" Shue walks towards Meiphen, but Ryukei blocks his way. "Let him go, Ryukei!" "But Fay..." "They are no match to us..." "I'd hate to use violence, Shue tells the young woman. Ryukei steps back reluctantly. "Say, Shue, have you met my associate yet?" "What?!" Fay makes a strange gesture. Suddenly, the room is darkened by a gigantic shape, appearing in front of the window. Two enormous arms break through the window and crush the desk. The chair in which Meiphen is seated slides aside, out of danger. "I have summoned this Wind-Giant. Now we'll see who's laughing last..." "Tienllen, attack!" "Ah, his name is Tienllen. I wonder..." "Don't talk, Fay! Fight!" "As you wish..." A heated battle unfolds. The wind giant protects Fay and Ryukai, using his deadly Death-Breath on Shue and Tienllen. And Fay isn't helpless, either. He proves that he is truly the Master of Wind. Tornados and wind-spirits are constantluy attacking the two. But Shue is a mighty enchanter as well. Thanks to his spells, he and Tienllen manage to defeat the Wind-giant and rob Fay of his last strength. Before he's defeated, Fay uses his last power to bring his beloved Ryukei into safety. The young scientist has vanished into thin air... Fay is on the ground, dying. "S-Shue... t-this girl..." "You mean Meiphen?" "The g-girl... I d-discovered her o-origins..." "What?!" "I w-wish you all the luck..." Fay's body appears to shrivel up and eventually, only his skeleton is left. And then, even this is reduced to ash in an instant. Meanwhile, Meiphen has regained consciousness. "W-where am I?" "Are you okay?" "Y-yes, Shue... Where am I?" "You're safe now, that's the most important right now. Hey,look!" Shue has discovered a shiny object in Fay's remains. "This is the Darsa-statue... Tienllen, touch it. By doing that, you will break the Power Seal." "Power Seal?" Tienllen bends over and picks up the small statue. A second later, it dissolves completely in his hand. At the same moment, he feels a strange sensation rippling through his body... "What happened?" "There are eight of these statues. You have to find them all, and destroy them. At the same time, they will transfer their power to you. That means you will have to defeat all the Demon Lords..." "The Demon Lords..." Tienllen walks towards the broken window, looking out over Hongkong bay. Somewhere in this metropolis, there were 7 more of these superhuman beings... And next time, he would be expected. Despite the determined look on his face Tienllen knows that this was only the beginning... PART 4 - THE GARDEN OF EVIL SIVA NETWORK SIVA PERSONNEL FILES SUBJECT: PERSONAL FILE VARLA RATING: CONFIDENTIAL NAME : VARLA ???? ALIAS : "SAIKUNG-EMPRESS" OCCUPATION : HEAD OF SIVA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT GENDER : F AGE : UNKNOWN Varla is a mysterious personality, like most of the other SIVA-CEOs. After the reconstruction of Hongkong, she was assigned to supervise the city's protected greenbelt area. She has hardly ever shown up outside this area ever since. It is known that she shows a great concern for the nature and wildlife on earth. She's said to be a powerful sorceress, gifted with the power of the Trees. Her servant is Deyulan, a man of American native blood. It is rumoured that he's a shapeshifter. END OF FILE =========== OUTER DOWNTOWN, SHUE'S PLACE "Old-timer! You're back..." Tienllen, Meiphen en Shue, back from their mission in the SIVA main office, are surprised with the presence of a stranger in Shue's living room. He appears to be an acquaintance of Sheu. "Kashu! If that isn't Kashu!" "Old-timer..." "Stop calling me old-timer for once!" "Hahahaha...Oh, and you must be Tienllen and Meiphen?" "Ah, you remember them..." "I'm Kashu, an old friend of the old-timer. Wasn't he the one who raised and trained you since you were kids?" "They sure have grown, haven't they?" Kashu,a menacing appearance who has survived more than some mere streetfights, judging from his biomech body enhancements, looks at Tienllen and Meiphen approvingly. "I talked to Tao Ho. He needs Tienllen's help." "Tao Ho? Have you joined the resistance?" "I owe him one, you know that... By the way old-timer, I'd start looking for a better hiding place for the key to your front door, if I were you..." "Dammit! Cut the old-timer bit, will you?" "You have to admit you're starting to show your age, old man..." "Tienllen, Meiphen, tell him to stop!" "Well...it hasn't affected his sex-drives, that's for sure", Meiphen giggles. "Harharhar...Still the same old lecher, eh?" "Allright, that does it!! Go and make yourself useful! Why don't you go and help those two with their mission?" maar!" "Fine with me..." MEANWHILE, ILLUSION CITADEL Shawmei and her two servants cross one of the citadel's corridors. Suddenly, Shawmei notices a crying winged shape lying on the floor. "What's the matter with her?" "Shrine maiden...you really shouldn't concern yourself with such humble affairs..." "Why shouldn't I help somebody who is obviously in trouble? Aren't all humans equal?" Shawmei kneels down in front of the strange-looking winged girl. "She looks so strange...Why are you crying? Don't you know that the Earthly Paradise will soon be a reality? Come... I'll carry you on my shoulder..." "I..." "My name is Shawmei. Who are you?" "...I-I'm Noi." "Allright, Noi, I'll take you to my room..." "T-Thank you..." Shawmei leaves for her room carrying Noi on her shoulder, followed by the astonished servants... SHUE'S HOUSE When Shue sits down at his usual spot near the fire, he notices something on the floor. "Look, a note..." "What's it say?" "Here. Read it yourself." Meiphen examines the piece of paper. "Oh,no! That girl, Homei, she went to the Saikung area on her own! She left to find her sister!" "Where's the Saikung area?" "It's the place where the demon-religion performs its rituals!" "That's why she went there... She knows her sister takes part in those rituals!" "Tienllen, let's head for the Saikung area. I could use a little warming up", Kashu growls aggressively... LATER, SHANGRI-LA CLUB "Welcome." Iren has expected the threesome. "You are Kashu, right? Member of the special multinational inspection team sent a few years after the Disaster. You fought as a mercenary soldier in several places all over the world. The Third Gulf War, several racial riots, the Refugee Wars... In many countries you are known as a true war-hero. And you don't fight for money." "You certainly did your homework..." "Let's say I've got an excellent source that knows all about you." "Apparently." "So you guys want to go to the Saikung Quarter?" "How do you know?" "Easy...Homei went there as well, to study the demon rituals,right?" "Yeah, but how do you know that?" "It's my job to know...But frankly, I think that girl is a bit too rash, if you ask me. Saikung is a dangerous place for a girl on her own. I'll help you get there." "For free?" "What? Oh, you mean an I.D. pass for Saikung. Ofcourse,for free!" "Thank you very much!" "Anything else you'd like to know?" "Yeah, like what business has SIVA in the Saikung Quarter?" "Officially, Saikung is a protected greenbelt area. But actually, it is the habitat for the failed results of SIVA's biological experiments. The forest provides an excellent camouflage." "Any news on the demon religion?" "Since they've appointed that girl as the new shrine maiden, the number of followers is really booming. They're still having meetings in Saikung." "How about SIVA itself?" "Fay's death doesn't appear to have any effect on them. Meshmer has taken over the company president's duties. His office is in the Northern area. Meshmer is a member of the Octavirate as well. I don't think Fay's death will pose you any difficulties. Ryukei, Fay's former servant, is under accusation for Fay's murder and has been arrested by the Blackblades. The SIVA main office has been closed down and everyone working there has been sent home" "I think that's all we need to know for now." "Very well. Here's your ID pass. For free, ofcourse." The threesome says goodbye to Iren and leaves for the Saikung Quarters. MEANWHILE, ILLUSION CITADEL Lee, who has just come to see Shawmei, is about to leave. "I really have to go." "Will I ever see you again, Lee?" "Very soon, rest assured..." "So we will meet again?" "Ofcourse." "I don't know why, but I feel that something troubles you,Lee." "Me?! I'm not..." "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up..." Lee walks to the door of Shawmei's room, then turns around. "I'll protect you, Shawmei. My only concern is for you. Are you strong enough to cope with all of this? Anyway, I'll protect you from all your enemies. For you, I'll fight anyone! That is all I wanted to tell you..." Before Shawmei can say something back, Lee has left. LATER, SAKUNG-QUARTERS, VARLA'S PLACE In the middle of the green ocean of trees formed by the Hongkong Greenbelt Area, two naked, sweaty bodies are lying down on a giant outgrowth of the jungle below. Varla and her servant Deyulan are recovering from their common "effort" just a moment ago. Suddenly, the phone rings. Varla answers it. There's a man's voice on the other side. "I hope I haven't woken you up, ma'am?" "Forget it. What's the matter?" "I think we found the sister of the new shrine maiden. We found her scurrying around in the forest." "Very well. Keep her in my office. I'll be right there." "Very well." Varla puts the phone down. "Problems, Varla?" "Nothing you should worry about, dear." "Good. Varla...you're so beautiful..." "Ah, and you're so strong..." "Varla...." SAIKUNG-QUARTERS, VARLA'S OFFICE Varla watches two Blackblade-officers dragging in a strugglig girl. "Where's my sister?!" "Hah, a spirited girl. Don't worry... She's a shrine maiden in our rituals now. Perhaps we can replace your sister with you... But that's no longer neccessary. All the rituals have been performed. The final one has just been completed." "No more rituals?" "Not as far as I know." "Hmpf! Auntie Meiphen will come to my rescue, you'll see!" "Ah yes, your friends. I'll deal with them...permanently! Hahahaha!" Homei is dragged away. "Dammit! Let go of me, you bastards!" "Varla, now what? Won't she give us any troubles?" "I don't think so, Deyulan...We have nothing to be afraid of!" LATER, SAIKUNG-QUARTERS Iren's ID pass works perfectly, and by EV, the threesome arrives in the Saikung area. Because they find nothing in the demon religion temple, Tienllen, Meiphen and Kashu head for the forest. It appears that Iren was right - it's like nature has gone completely insane in the humid forest. And it's inhabitants aren't very friendly, either. Solids, Hammers and Whips are frightening opponents, and Kashu's heavy weaponry and bionic powers come in extremely handy here. Soon, they discover an abandoned building, where they see the shape of a black panther fleeing inside. In the building, there are other, stronger opponents like the deadly Colonies and Headhunters. But in the end, they manage to reach the rooftop of the building. There isn't much time to enjoy the view. On the rooftop they find a cuffed Homei, guarded by a giant, dangerous-looking black panther! "Homei!" When Meiphen attempts to get closer, the panther starts growling, and prepares to attack. "I hope he's not hungry..." "I just hope this won't get us into any troubles with the SPCA.", Kashu says. "This is not the time for jokes! Attack!" The three of them attack the panther, who resists furiously. In the end, he flees from his three opponents. He jumps off the rooftop, wounded. "He's getting away!" "Homei!" Meiphen runs towards Homei and uncuffs her. "Thanks, miss Meiphen..." "Thank God your allright. We'll take you back home." "I'm okay..." "And don't you dare running away again!" "S-sorry..." "This is no time for apologies, let's go..." De threesome leave the abandoned building. LATER, ILLUSION CITADEL Lee, Shawmei en her servants walk through the corridors of the Citadel. Suddeny, Lee stops. He has a strange premonition... "What's the matter, Lee?" Suddenly, a shape shoots towards them and hits one of the servants. A loud scream, and the body of the unfortunate girl falls down on the floow, cleft in half. Before them, a familiar winged shape appears. "Noi?! Is that you, Noi?!" "Stay behing me!", Lee hisses. "No! Don't kill her! Noi, why..." Noi hovers before them, growling menacingly. "Noi, it's me... have you forgotten about me?" "G-..." "You recognize me?" "S-shawmei..." Noi appears to calm down, and wants to flie towards them, but suddenly, she shrieks in agony. Her body glows up like a hot coal and an instant later, her charred remains are on the floor. Behind them, Lee hears a familiar voice. "What's all this fuss about, Lee?" A gorgeous-looking woman in a long white robe walks towards them. "What?! Did you kill her?" "I just cleaned up the results of a failed experiment, that's all. She wasn't supposed to live, anyway." "That girl was a friend of mine, not an enemy!" "An experiment, that's all..." "But...she was a living being!" "Lee...I hope that being with this girl isn't making you soft..." Lee is silent. "Earthly Paradise! If this is your idea of a paradise, you can keep it!!" "Shawmei! To your room!!", Lee explodes. "Lee..." "Come, shrine maiden..." One of the servants takes the crying Shawmei back to her room. "You've got absolutely no tact at all, have you Yama?" "I'm just making sure that you don't neglect your duties, that's all, Lee..." Yama leaves a pensive Lee behind. OUTER DOWNTOWN, SHUE'S PLACE. Meiphen, Tienllen, Kashu and Homei have returned from the Saikung Quarter. "Here we are...and this time, you'll stay put, Homei!" "But miss Meiphen, I wanna come with you!" "One-man operations on a battlefield are always dangerous. It's better to fight as a team. Especially in a guerrilla-war like this one!" "Kashu..." "Enough talking! Go and chase that black panther, now that the trail is still fresh!", Shue hisses. "I saw there is a secret entrance to the jungle behind the shrine. You can follow the trail from there", Homei tells them. "Go for it, guys....I'll keep an eye on Homei." "That's exactly what worries me", Meiphen sighs. "What?!" "Never mind, Shue. Let's go!" There's a secret entrance behind the temple leading to the forest, just as Homei told them. It doesn't take them long to spot the blood-trail the wounded panther has left behind. Following it is easy and after a short walk, they meet... "Varla...." "You guys have some nerve dropping in here like this. Why this rudeness?" "Huh?" "You have violated the laws of nature!" "Nonsense!", Kashu shouts. "You people violate the laws of nature all the time. Have you ever thought of that? It's only right that nature is now showing its fangs to protect her own territory... What brings you here?" "W-we just want to...." "Don't let that witch trick you, Meiphen..." "Hahaha! You'll die, all three of you! Your bodies will rot away here. Your remains will be utterly destroyed!" Varla en Deyulan attack. It appears that Deyulan is not the only shapeshifter around. Varla is able to assume a plant-shape, one that can cause great damage. And Deyulan in his Panther-shape is still a tough match as well. But in the end, both of them are defeated by the joined forces of Kashu, Tienllen and Meiphen. De bodies of the young woman and the panther are reduced to dust, leaving only the Darsa-statue... "Sad that it has to end this way for them..." "Was it right to kill them?" "You know we had to, Meiphen..." Tienllen picks up the precious statue. The seal is broken, and the power of Trees flows through Tienllen's body, before the statue is reduced to ash as well.... "Let's go. There's no reason for us to stay here any longer." The threesome leaves and the jungle is silent once more. ILLUSION CITY - THE STORY PART 5 - RESISTANCE WORKERS SIVA-NETWORK DATABASE SUBJECT: HEI TAO (BLACKBLADES) RATING: PUBLIC The Blackblades (or Inner Police) were called into being after Hongkong's disaster by SIVA. Goal of the project was the maintenance of public peace and order. Only individuals specially selected by SIVA were allowed to join them. Because of the limited number of Blackblades, the working area of the Blackblades is limited to Hongkong's Inner area. The Outer has its own police force. Current commander-in-chief of the Blackblade police force is SIVA executive Dai Jishin. Location of the Blackblade HQ is the eastern Inner city quarters. END OF FILE =========== - INTERLUDE : FAREWELL SHAWMEI - ILLUSION CITADEL In the great bedroom, only faintly illuminated by the torches on the walls, Lee the Southern Demonlord kneels down by the bed Shawmei is lying in. The girl appears lifeless, and she's obviously in a weakened condition. "Why won't you eat anything, Shawmei? You're getting weaker and weaker..." The girl shows no response. "Why don't you open your mouth? You can trust me. You MUST live!" Shawmei slowly opens her eyes. "You've been very nice to me Lee, really..." "Shawmei..." "I will live on...but not in this world. I can no longer bear all this..." "You don't want to live anymore?! But I need you!" "Lee... thank you for all you have done..." "Shawmei!" "My sister Homei...you must...trust...her...." Her head slumps back, and with a smile on her face, she passes away peacefully... "Shawmei! This can't be! Your soul can't have left this world!!" Lee turns around, and notices that his two servants, Erfas and Macgregor, are behind him. "Erfas, MacGregor! What are you doing here?" "Your whish is our command, master Lee..." "Yes, is there anything we can do for you?" "Do for me...hah! You can't undo death, can you? Not even I can do that...My powers are useless!! What is happening to me... This world, these people, it's all so confusing..." His eyes filled with tears, Lee leaves the room... OUTER DOWNTOWN, SHUE'S HOUSE Shue, Tienllen and Meiphen are in the living room, when Homei enters suddenly, from the bedroom. "Homei..." "I'm hearing my sister's voice... I'm here, sister!" In the room, a floating translucent shape appears. It approaches Homei. "Homei!" "Sister!" "Homei, you must unite with me. Lee needs your help...." "Sister!" De shape appears to merge with Homei. Her body starts glowing strangely. "Thank you all, for helping my sister...." Homei speaks, but with a different voic... "Who's talking? Homei?" "She has been possessed. Shawmei's spirit was transferred to Homei's body..." "Is that you, Shawmei?" "That's hard to tell now..." Homei/Shawmei talks to them again. "I don't know what the Demon-King is up to, but his power has to be stopped! For centuries, an ancient power has been dormant in our family. Now, it is about to awaken. When it does, I will join you in combat. I will prove to be a valuable ally. But an even more important ally you will find among the ranks of the Octavirate..." Then, the spell seems broken. The glow dies out and Homei is just a little, vulnerable girl once more. With a moan, she collapses. "Homei!" Shue examines her. "She's gone comatose. But if what she said is true, we don't have to worry." "An ally...In the Octavirate..." "What do you think, Tienllen?" SAME TIME, DOWNTOWN, DOC'S WEAPON STORE There are people, for which the turn of events after the Hongkong-disaster didn't mean poverty or sorrow, but profit. Doc is one of these persons. Next to alcoholics and drugs, weapons are not just hot items in the Outer slums...they are a vital need. But as he himself puts it, profit isn't the reason why he set up his weapon store in Outer Downtown...he just enjoys rigging up all kinds of "deadly stuff". Some people admire him for this. Others just think he's a creep, and keep away from his shop (the mayority by far). But then again, Doc (nobody knows his real name) isn't the type of person you'd trust at first sight. No-one knows if he's had a great part of his body "rebuilt" with mecha-parts because of injuries and mutilations, or that he just thought it looked cooler. kan niemand het ook echt iets schelen.... "I've almost finished. Just making some slight modifications..." Doc is busy in his workshop after the store. Kashu, one of his best customers, is lying helplessly on one of the benches. His limbs are on another one... "I hope you know what you're doing, Doc..." "Soon, you'll be as good as...no better than new. Trust me..." "Ofcourse I trust you..." "Really? Well, you don't seem to have much choice at the moment, right? Heheheheh..." Doc's steel face-mask doesn't show any emotion, but for Kashu, it seems to be grinning, when Doc reaches into his toolbox, and grabs a vicious-looking laser-cutter and slowly approaches him... "H-hey...." "Oh? You're not getting scared, are you?" "N-no...I know you wouldn't hurt me..." "Yes ofcourse. I just wanted to test if you are a coward... Hahaha...apparently you are...." LATER, SHUE'S HOUSE "Kashu, where were you?" "At Doc's, for some little improvements..." "Something weird happend to Homei. But that can wait. Iren called. She needs you at Shangri-la, as soon as possible!" The trio leaves Shue's hous. Kashu is the last one to leave. "Kashu... be careful!" "Sure old-timer, why are you so concerned, all of a sudden?" "Kashu...I have a premonition...I foresee your death!" "My death?! Hah, old-timer... I'm afraid I have to disappoint you. I have no intention of dying yet!" Kashu leaves. A LITTLE LATER, SHANRI-LA CLUB, VIP-ROOM When the three of them have taken a seat, Iren explains: "I want you to help me with a mission. For free, naturally." "What's it about?" "We need to rescue a prisoner from the Blackblade-HQ in the eastern part of the city. Alive, ofcourse." "The Blackblade-HQ? But we don't want to get into any trouble with the police.." "The things you've done so far, weren't exactly legal either, remember?" "Who is this prisoner?" "His name is Dave Holland. You know him?" "Yes... Brave fellow", Kashu says. "Go to the resistance hideout in the Saikung-area. They'll give you a full briefing there." "The resistance? Iren, are you involved with them?" "Who did you think provides the resistance with information? I'm one of Tao Ho's most important allies...." "I see..." "The Blackblade commander is the Eastern Demonlord, Dai. But my informant tells me this is the best time to make a move. Dai isn't in the HQ right now. The Blackblades have been pretty busy lately. The Diuchang-area, where the HQ is located, has been cut off completely from the rest of the city. But I believe there is another route to get there." "Have they found out that we killed Varla yet?" "Her death has been recorded as a suicide...The Saikung-area has been partially closed to the public." "Did you find out anything more about Lee?" "It seems as if he's been relieved from his duties. It is rumoured that he's been put on house arrest after the shrine maiden's death." Iren gets up. "But we talked long enough. Go to the garage in the Saikung-area. The man over there will ask you: 'Don't you know that time is money?'. Your answer should be 'Burton, let me see someone else..." "A password?" "Yes, that's still the easiest and safest way. But now, you must go. I hope you'll succeed!" A while later, Tienllen, Kashu and Meiphen leave the club. The EV takes them to Saikung in now time, where they find the person they're looking for. The password is correct, and he let's them pass. Inside, they meet an old man, sitting on a futon among some heavily-armed resistance soldier. Kashu approaches the old man. "Welcome..." "Master Tao Ho, I'm glad you're still in good health." "Thanks. I haven't had more bad luck than usual, lately. Hahaha..." "Tienllen, Meiphen, this is..." "Ah, these are Shue's pupils. I hope I can trust them. I am Tao Ho, leader of the resistance..." "He used to be the prinicipal of Kowloon University", Kashu adds. "That has been quite a while..." "Mr. Tao. Iren said you could give us information on our mission." "Good. I'll tell you what I know. As you already know, our organization was set up to oppose SIVA systematically. We frequently have conflicts with the Blackblades. Your mission will be to release one of our memeber, who has been arrested by them." "Holland, isn't it?" "Right. According to our info, they're keeping him imprisoned in the Blackblade-HQ in the eastern part of the city. You should go to the underlying Outer area, Tiuchang. My associates there will tell you how to get inside that building." "Why is Holland so important to you?" "Let's just say that he's in possession of important information about our group, which could be very dangerous for us, would the police find out. He has to be released as soon as possible." Tao gestures to one of his men, and a wall slides away. "That passage leads to an underground passageway to the Tiuchang-area. Use these special goggles. We marked the right way with a special kind of paint, which can only be seen through those goggles. And watch out. Those tunnels haven't been used for quite a while, and I've heard there are strange creatures hunting down there..." "Thanks for the warning..." "Good luck!" The underground sewer passages are far from safe indeed. Though the arrows indicate the proper directions, they meet several monster species. cunning Informers and deadly Murderers. After a hellish journey through the sewers, they reach an other resistance hideout. A little boy approaches them..." "Mummy,mummy! "Huh?!" "I didn't realize you and Tienllen had gotten that close already, Meiphen..." "Shut up, Kashu!" One of the resistance people calls the boy back. "Come here, Pilon.That woman isn't your mother...So you have finally arrived..." "Are you in charge here?" "Yes, my name is Lao." "How can we get in the Blackblade-HQ?" "You're pretty to the point,aren't you? I'll explain.... You will fly to the HQ in your own private Spinner. To enable this, we prepared you some Blackblade-disguises. There is a slight problem, however: we only have two suits..." "Meiphen, you stay here..." "Wait a sec, Kashu!" "I'm afraid that you're the one to be staying here, Kashu. We couldn't find a Blackblade-uniform your size..." "Time for a diet, Kashu?" "Shut up, Meiphen!" "First, you'll have to get past the guards at the Spinner relay station. I hope you'll return Holland safely. Good luck! When Tienllen and Meiphen have changed their clothes, they leave for the Spinner relay station. Tienllen fools the guards into believing that he's a colonel on a special secret mission. The guards buy it and Tienllen and Meiphen take a Spinner and fly straight to the Blackblade-HQ... PART 6 - THE DEMONIC LABYRINTH SIVA-NETWORK SIVA PERSONNEL DATA SUBJECT: PERSONAL FILE DAI RATING: CONFIDENTIAL NAME : DAI JISHIN ALIAS : "EASTERN DEMONLORD" GENDER : MALE OCCUPATION : COMMANDER BLACKBLADE-POLICEFORCE AGE : UNKNOWN WHEREABOUTS : UNKNOWN Dai is very mysterious personality. He shies publicity, has no close associates and is seldom found in his office in the Blackblade HQ, though he does command this police force. Most of the Blackbladeofficers are trained by him personal- ly. He is exceptionally strong and can handle a sword very well. It is said that he possesses magic abilities and mas- ters the powers of the Earth. END OF FILE =========== INNER, EASTERN CITY QUARTERS, BLACKBLADE-HQ "Halt!" The harsh voice of the guard, positioned on the rooftop of the Blackblade-HQ, makes Meiphen stop immediately. Though she's wearing a Blackblade uniform, covering her face as well, she starts feeling a little nervous. "Papers, please?" At that moment, Tienllen approaches, after having locked up their Spinner craft. "What seems to be the problem?" "Colonel! This man is acting extremely insolent to me!" "I just need to see your ID for a moment..." "Lieutenant...You shouldn't spend so much attention to women. Especially not to this woman. You wouldn't be able to tame her anyway...hahaha!" "Colonel!" "Oh,man...Very well,proceed." After a brief search through the building,Meiphen and Tien- llen find the prison complex of the Blackblade-HQ. Unfortu- nately, there is a problem; all cells, including Holland's cell, are secured with impenetrable laser-gates. Soon they find out that these gates,like the cameras, are con- trolled from a single central control room. Tienllen and Meiphen enter this control room, where they face two sol- diers. Tienllen decides to bluff his way out of this... "What?! Are you telling me that you still haven't executed my order?!" "I beg your pardon, sir?" "The cell-deactivation order!" "Are you certain this isn't a misunderstanding,sir? We didn't receive any command of that kind, colonel..." "It's been delayed?! When I get my hands on that damn liaision officer... Open Holland's gate, right now! I take full responsibility!" "Er...sorry colonel, but we're not allowed to do that." "Don't you see the colonel is in a hurry? He's on a special mission!" "Well...allright then. You, open that cell!" "Done! I deactivated the laser-gate." "Thank you for your help, lieutenant. You did the right thing. But next time, try to follow your orders without hesitation." "Thanks for the warning,sir..." Tienllen and Meiphen leave for the cell, where Holland can finally be rescued. However, there's something very odd about him: he seems to talk nothing but utter nonsense... Apparently he has been drugged. Because they don't have time for a fingerprint ID-check to see this is really Holland, they decide to go for it. Unfortunately, they can't get far without being discovered. A guard notices Holland, and Tienllen and Meiphen have to fight their way out of the building.In the nick of time, they manage to reach their Spinner and escape... Holland is dropped off at the resistance hideout and after that, Tienllen and Meiphen can finally return home... - INTERLUDE : LOVERS (3) - THAT NIGHT, INNER CENTRE, SIVA TOWER The Hongkong-metropoles stretches out like a sea of lights. SIVA Tower is the highest building in Hongkong, and the view one has from within the peak of the Tower is truly impressive... Dai and Yama stand cuddled together, watching this ocean of light, in the luxurious office in the tower summit. "Dai... I'm worried..." "Don't worry, you can leave everything to me." "As members of the Octavirate we have so little time for each other. We hardly ever spend time together..." "When our plan has been carried out, this will change,darling. Then, we will be happy together..." "Oh Dai, you are so reliable and strong... Dai, let me give you this pendant. As long as you wear it, we'll always be in touch. When you're in danger, no matter when, I will know..." "Thank you..." "Dai..." "Yama..." - INTERLUDE : LEE'S CHOICE - A LITTLE LATER, ILLUSION CITADEL The Citadel's Sanctuary is, as usual, filled with silence. Suddenly, the sound of rapid, approaching footsteps is audible. Lee enters the dark vault. "Demon-king! Demon-king!" The dark appearance takes shape. "EASY NOW, LEE... WHAT IS THE MATTER?" "Demon-King. Tell me, what's this Paradise on Earth you're always talking about, like? Why do the people keep resisting it?! Why did Shawmei have to die?!" "WHY ARE YOU SO EXCITED, LEE? HAVE YOU LOST YOUR CONFIDENCE IN ME? REALLY, THE DEATH OF A MERE MORTAL GIRL IS NO REASON FOR YOU TO BE SHOCKED, IS IT?" "A mere girl?! Demon-king! I-I..." "I UNDERSTAND. SO THAT'S HOW IT IS... LEE, I CANNOT AFFORD YOU MAKING A BLUNDER AT THIS PIVOTAL MOMENT! I WILL LET YAMA TAKE OVER YOUR DUTIES!" "What?! Demon-king! You're right, I did make a blunder... By accepting you as my king! You are no longer my master!!" Lee makes some gestures and a firebolt sizzles away towards the Demon-king...and falls apart without doing any damage. "THAT WAS A VERY UNWISE THING TO DO..." "B-but how..." "SO YOU DARE TO TURN AGAINST ME, LEE...THEN LISTEN TO THIS... 'LET THE GATE OF SWEETNESS BE OPENED! HEAR ME! LET THE PAST BE FORGOTTEN! YOUR TRUE SHAPE IS THE BLUE LOTUS!!'" These words appear to have a strange effect on Lee's body. It starts moving beyond his control. "W-what's happening to my body?!" "THE ANCIENT ONES WHO CREATED YOU FORESAW THE POSSIBILITY OF A SITUATION LIKE THIS. THEY ENGINEERED IN YOU A "FORCE-COMMAND"-ABILITY, WHICH ABLES THE ONE WHO PRONOUNCES THESE WORDS TO LET YOUR BODY DO ANYTHING HE PLEASES. I CONTROL YOU UTTERLY. I WILL MAKE SURE THAT THIS WAS YOUR LAST MISTAKE!" "I didn't make any mistake! You may control my body, but you will never possess my spirit!" "AS YOU LIKE IT... BUT NOW, ALLOW ME TO TAKE BACK THAT WHICH IS MINE..." The Demon-king raises his arm and something is ripped away from Lee's anguished body: the Darsa-statue slowly floats towards the Demon-king. "YOUR DARSA...BY TAKING IT, I HAVE HALVED YOUR POWER. AND NOW, THE DIMENSIONAL CELL IS WAITING FOR YOU..." After a gesture of the Demon-king, Lee vanishes. "WELL, THAT'S ANOTHER PROBLEM TAKEN CARE OF..." EARLY IN THE MORNING, OUTER DOWNTOWN, SHANGRI-LA CLUB Iren has called Tienllen, Meiphen and Kashu. She seems rather excited. "Come! Hurry up! You have done something very stupid!" "What? But we..." "Sit down, please. It will be clear to you in a moment." When the trio has taken a seat, Iren pushes a switch. The great viewscreen on the wall is activated and a moment later, the picture focuses. The face of Dai appears on the screen. "Ladies and gentlemen... My name is Dai, memeber of the Demon-octavirate. I know that you've gone through an awful lot of trouble for nothing. Coming all that way to my HQ, while I wasn't even present to welcome you... Why don't we arrange a new meeting? You can find me in the resistance hideout in Tiuchang. The place is a little deserted right now, I'm afraid..." The image flickers and fades out. "Wow!" "After I received this message, all radio contact with the Tiuchang-hideout was somehow cut off. We didn't receive a single message from them anymore." "But if Dai knows the location of that hideout..." "I know what you're thingking. That Holland we released, was an impostor!" "Boy, is my face red!" "No time for excuses now! We gotta do something! Someone has to go over there and find out what happened. I hope they haven't all been busted by the Blackblades..." "But what if it's a trap?" "That's a risk you'll have to take..." Tienllen, Meiphen and Kashu leave the bar. A LITTLE LATER, RESISTANCE HQ IN SAIKUNG "You probably heard what happened already. The Tiuchang-hideout has been competely destroyed and everyone has been slaughtered. Mortimer went over with an investigation team." "It's obvious they were attacked by monsters, but I'm certain that SIVA was behind it. Oh, and they left this note." Mortimer gives the piece of paper to Tienllen. "'I hereby invite you to my underground labyrinth. I am looking forward to a good fight. Signed: Dai Eastern Demonlord'" "There was a big hole in a wall there. That could be the entrance to that labyrinth. Sad, that this had to happen..." "Indeed... We still have to bury all the victims... Are you going?" "Yes, let's go, Tienllen! There's an underground maze we have to visit..." "Be careful!"" After having been throught the sewers again, our team arrives at a totally demolished resistance hideout. The huge crack in one of the walls is hard to miss... Behind it, as expected, is a vast maze, inhabiting not only dangerous Torturers and Betrayeers, but also hiding bewitched items. The teleporters they encounter throughout the place don't make matters easier. But in the end, our threesome enters what appears to be the centre of the maze. A great, temple-like hall with monsterous statues on both sides of the central aisle. A tall shape approaches to meet them... "Dai..." "I am,indeed." Kashu steps forward. "You haven't changed much since that day...20 years ago." "Who are you?" "Have you forgotten me? Recall the day of the Disaster..." "Yes...I remember a warrior with your face..." "Now we can finally finish what we started 20 years ago!" "Hah! But why are your 2 friends so shy? Let them come a little closer..." "Tienllen, Meiphen, watch out! He's very powerful!" "Ah, you do remember. Now, it's time for some entertainment!" In one fluent movement, Dai throws aside his cloak. A long, shiny object emerges from the ground before him and jumps into his hand: Destroyer, his fearsome Sword of the Earth... Kashu was right: Dai is a dangerous opponent indeed. Not only does he use dangerous flame-spells, but he's also able to transform into a tiger and increase his offensive power even more. Destroyer seems to have a life of its own and attacks the trio with deadly whirling attacks... Only Tienllen's newly acquired spells and Kashu's heavy weapons are finally able to get the better of Dai. "Y-Yama! Your pendant can release its effect now..." Suddenly, a woman's voice sounds. "Hahaha...poor Dai... The power of my pendant will come into effect now, indeed. Hi,everyone! I am Yama, member of the demon-Octavirate. I'm sorry I cannot meet you in person. The time has come to deal with your for good. Farewell!" An ominous, pulsating light seems to fill the pendant in Dai's hand. "You must survive this!" "Kashu?" Kashu grabs the pendant without hesitation. "Farewell,friends!" "Kashu! No!!" Kashu runs to the room behind the hall, with the pendant, where they lose sight of him. One second later, the hall is shaken by an enormous explosion. The ceiling in the hindmost part of the hall gives way, and great chunks of debris crash down, blocking the entrance through which Kashu disappeared...for good. Tienllen and Meiphen are overcome with grief, but life goes on... Meanwhile, Dai's body has dissolved. Only his body armor is left now. Quickly, Tienllen takes the Darsa of Earth. After that, they leave this place of death as soon as they can... PART 7 - METAL AREA SIVA NETWORK SIVA PERSONNEL FILES SUBJECT: PERSONAL DATA METALQUEEN RATING: CONFIDENT NAME : UNKNOWN ALIAS : "METALQUEEN" GENDER : F AGE : UNKNOWN OCCUPATION : PRESIDENT "FAST LANE"-STEELWORKS WHERABOUTS : INNER INDUSTRIAL AREA The Steelqueen is without any doubt the most mysterious member of the Demon Octavirate. Her true name, origins or other personal data are unknown. Few have ever seen her face, for she has the odd habit of using metal face-masks, covering her face entirely. Known is, that she cares little about other people. She's obsessed with machines, smooth metal surfaces and robots. Among her servants are 3 battle- robots which mean a great deal to her. She considers Raiden, Sumeragi and Kurogane her best friends. END OF FILE =========== SIVA NETWORK SIVA PERSONNEL FILES SUBJECT: PERSONAL DATA ARK RATING: CONFIDENTIAL NAME : ARK LIGHTNING ALIAS : "THUNDER-EMPRESS" GENDER : F AGE : UNKNOWN OCCUPATION : CHIEF "FAST LANE" POWER SUPPLY WHERABOUTS : INNER INDUSTRIAL AREA Apart from her fiery temper, little is known about this punk-girl. Recently, she started co-operating closely with the Metalqueen. She really earns her nickname, won't ever hesitate to use her destructive lightning-powers. END OF FILE =========== - INTERLUDE : AN UNCERTAIN PARTNERSHIP - INNER INDUSTRIAL AREA, METALQUEEN'S PRIVATE CHAMBERS The illustrious Metalqueen is trying on her new bodysuit with matching facemask, aided by some of her servants. Ark Lightning is watching. "A new mask, again?" "Don't try to be funny! This is serious! I've just talked to Meshmer. We're probably the next targets!" "So what? We've got nothing to fear from a bunch of rebels. There's only three of them..." "Still,I think it's about time we put Kurogane and the other robots into action. Important events are about to happen, children..." "Yeah,yeah,sure... That suit suits you, milady." "Thank you for the compliment. Now I must go. I can't keep Kurogane waiting..." The Metalqueen exits the room. "Yuck! Why do I have to put up with her, of all people? Conceited brat! That damn Meshmer...", Ark mutters. The Metalqueen looks back. "Did you say something?" "Oh, nothing..." They both leave the room. SAME TIME, OUTER DOWNTOWN, SHUE'S RESIDENCE Shue is at his usual spot when Tienllen and Meiphen enter. "Shue..." "Yes, I know. He's dead..." All three of them are silent for a moment, to commemorate their brave friend who has just been killed....Suddenly, Homei enters the room. "Homei!" "I...I gotta go...Lee's whereabouts..." Before Tienllen, Meiphen and Shue can do a thing, they see Homei change into a big white wolf and disappearing in an instance. "It finally awakened...The ancestral power in her blood..." "But where did she go?" "You think she went straight to Lee?" "I don't think so. I still sense her presence in the vici- nity. Though she didn't take a regular route..." "She went to the Shangri-la bar?" "That would be a way to find out something about Lee's whereabouts, wouldn't it?" "Let's go,Tienllen!" "Wait up! I'm coming with you. I'm better at seeing through that girl's power than you are..." LATER, SHANRI-LA BAR It's unusually quiet in the disco. The band has left, just like all the regular guests, who could usually be found here day and night. Iren and Flamenco are at the bar. "You want a drink?" "Did you see Homei lately?" "She asked me about Lee's whereabouts..." "You know where she is now?" "Naturally. That's my job. Flamenco..." The bartender gives Tienllen another ID-pass. "This is an 'Fast Lane'-worker's license." "She went to the Fast Lane truck stop in Saikung." "Fast Lane? What's she doing in an industrial area?" "She asked me where Lee could be. The industrial area is very important to SIVA, and it may very well be that a VIP like Lee will show up there." "What? That's the best you could come up with? I wouldn't call that reliable information..." "Well...Since Dai's death, the Blackblade-police force is slowly desintegrating. As it was one of my most important sources of information..." "Iren...did you hear about Kashu?" "Yes. But you can't get too emotionally involved in this kind of business, so..." "Let's leave, Tienllen!" LATER ON, OUTER SAIKUNG-AREA, TRUCK-STOP The underground Fast Lane truck-stop smells of gasoline fumes and cigarette smoke. When Tienllen, Meiphen and Shue arrive at the spot, a familiar person awaits them. "Homei!" "Miss Meiphen!" "This is the last time you leave on your own in such a reckless way! No matter what powers you have..." "Sorry. But I thought you'd understand. I gotta go and help Lee." "You want to help the Southern Demonlord? "Why?" "I don't know. I just have the feeling that it is important to help Lee..." "Shawmei told us we'd find a powerful ally among the Octavirate. Could it be Lee?" "Lee, a rebel?" "Why not? According to Iren's information, he was put into house-arrest, right?" "Yeah,but is it reliable? That Lee..." "Actually, Lee is a very gentle person." "Did Shawmei tell you that?" "Well,I hope she's right. Tienllen, take Homei with you. She will be a powerful ally. I will return home now. Be careful!" Shue leaves. "Now what?" "Iren said it was nearly impossible for normal citizens to enter the industril area. Fortunately, I met this guy..." Tienllen and Meiphen notice a man, who has been waiting in the distance. It's a sturdy guy, wearing an Fast Lane worker's suit. He drops a cigarette stump and grinds it under his boot. "Who are you? Can you get us past the security control?" "The young lady is right. Citizens aren't allowed there. But let me look at your faces..." "Well?" "I know you... Aren't you those terrorists, who are butchering all SIVA-executives one by one?" "Err,yes we are..." "Tienllen!" "Hah, I knew it... But you can trust me. But only for a favor! I want you to destroy Sumeragi!" "Who's that?" "Sumeragi is one of the Metalqueen's robots. That dirty monster has killed someone very dear to me..." "Your girlfriend?" "Yes! I'll never see her again..." "Okay, it's a deal. You take us inside the industrial area, and we'll avenge you." "Really?! Thanks! Oh yeah...my name is Tetsu. I'll take us to our destination..." A giant Fast Lane monster-truck comes rumbling along. They all enter, and Tetsu manages to get Tienllen, Meiphen and Homei past the security check of the Chenglong industrial area. At the entrance of the underground steelworks, he halts. He'll wait there until the three of them have accomplished their mission. They enter the dark factory... As expected, they meet plenty of resistance inside, of various aggressive robot types attacking them. They manage to fight their way to a great storehouse, crammed with crates and boxes. In the distance, they hear the pounding of heavy machinery... Eventually, they find a door which leads them to a frightening scene. A giant battle-android is grasping a man, who is bleeding from several wounds, with its metal claws. The man is still alive however - the battle-robot hasn't finished its cruel duty yet. Next to the robot, a young woman is watching with a sadistic smile on her face. "Look Raiden, we've got visitors!" The robot, who is called Raiden apparently, flings away its hapless victim. "That man! It's one of Lee's servants!" The wounded man tries to rise up and speaks with a faint voice. "I-I'm the demon nobleman Macgregor... I-I must f-find f-find...Erfas..." "Don't worry... I've already taken care of Erfas!" "You witch! D-Don't think you can get away with this! I'll get you!" "Easy, Macgregor", Tienllen says, "Don't waste your precious breath...Be quiet, and you'll live longer..." "N-no...please!" Ark steps forward, little charges of electricity shooting from her fingertips. "You haven't got a chance against me! I am superior!" Ark does appear to outclass Tienllen, Meiphen and Homei. Her lightning bolts are truly destructive, but Raiden is also a very tough match. Fortunately, Tienllen now has powerful Earth-magic at his disposal, also very destructive. And Homei is now with them. In her wolf-shape, she delivers fast and deadly blows. After a sparkling battle, Ark is defeated. Quickly, Homei kneels down at the badly wounded Macgregor's side. "Girl...you must trust Lee...He needs help..." "I know! But where is he?" "Down...M-metal....queen...." "Please, don't die..." "I-I cannot...die...go down...find...Lee..." "It's no use, he's beyond help." Tienllen has absorbed the Thunder Darsa in the mean time. "Tienllen...." "Yes, we lost him. A pity..." "We need to find the Metalqueen. She'll know where Lee is..." They leave Macgregor's body behind and use an industrial elevator to descend into the deeper levels of the factory. Ofcourse, they encounter more and deadlier robots here, as well as running conveyer belts, which drive them totally nuts. But after closer exemination, they manage to reach the metal footbridge, taking them to the hindmost part of the factory. Suddenly, a steel gate opens, and a shape steps forward. Human, but they can only tell thid from its movements. The shape is clad in a long cloak, with two large metal shoulder-patches. The head is covered by a metal robot-mask, revealing no facial expression whatsoever. Behind this shape, two giant shadows loom up...two battle-droids! "Are you the Metalqueen?" "You! You killed Raiden!" "Lee, where is Lee?!" "Raiden...you'll pay for his death! Kurogane, Sumeragi, attack!" The two steel juggernauts step forward... The two battle-robots make Raiden look like a kid's toy. The black Kurogane wields his giant sword as skillful as a samurai and the apelike Sumeragi uses his long arms to strike out devastatingly. The Metalqueen herself doesn't join the battle, she's protected by the robots. Every now and then, she replenishes the powerpacks of the robots. After a long fight, both the battle machines have been turned into sparkling heaps of scrapmetal. The Metalqueen kneels down besides the remains of her steel companions. "Now I am all alone... Kurogane! Sumeragi!" Something seems to move in the heap of scrap. The robots are still functioning. Slowly, a metal arm is lifted up. "What's she doing?!" "Sumeragi..." Suddenly, there's a roaring noise in the factory hall. One of the heavy bulldozers that was parked there, is now moving straight for the remnants of the robots... "T-Tetsu?" Homei steps back. "Back! Danger!" With a loud grinding noise, the buldozer crushes the heap of metal. The Metalqueen's robots are gone forever. The bulldozer drives away with the driver - Tetsu - laughing hysterically. Tienllen recovers quickly and tries walks towards the Metalqueen. To their surprise, her metal face-mask has dropped on the floor, revealing the face of a young, handsome girl... Tienllen takes her roughly by the arm. "Lemme go, you bastard! You killed my best friends!!" Homei speaks up. "Tienllen, don't be too hard on her. She's still a kid! What's your name?" "M-my name is Arya. I-I'm sorry my robots caused so much deaths... They just tried to protect me - and I..." Arya breaks out in tears. Suddenly, Tienllen spots something among the debris of the robots. A small statue that looks very familiar... "A Darsa! But that means...Arya wasn't the real keeper of the power of Steel!" Tienllen takes up the statue, and his body absorbs the power of another one of the eight Elements. "We're done here. We better leave." Arya's sobs have stopped. She looks determined again now. "If you want to leave, you better take my Wadatsumi. It's parked very nearby." "Why don't you come with us, Arya." Arya agrees, and leads them to the Wadatsumi, the name of her private spinner craft. In it, they leave the now lifeless factory... PART 8 - RED LOTUS SIVA NETWORK BLACKBLADE POLICE ARCHIVES SUBJECT: TRANSFER-ORDER RYUKEI RATING: TOP-SECRET EMPLOYER : MESHMER AKIM FOR : HOMICIDE DEPT. LEADING OFFICER IN MURDER CASE FAY PRIORITY : A CONTENTS : "PLEASE EXECUTE FOLLOWING ORDERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE: - CLOSING OF FAY'S MURDER CASE. - ISSUE OFFICIAL DEATH CERTIFICATE RYUKEI. - (SECRET) TRANSFER OF RYUKEI TO SUBMARINE BASE. - DISPOSE OF ALL DATA CONCERNING THIS CASE." ORDERS EXECUTED SUCCESFULLY. END OF FILE =========== SIVA-NETWORK DATABASE SUBJECT: MANDALA-PROJECT CLASS: TOP-SECRET The Mandala-project is part of the great SIVA-Network project concerning the research for dimensional transfer. Chief researcher is Meshmer Akim. Location: SIVA submarine base. Aim of the project is the research of the possibilities of Virtual-Reality applications, new Human-Computer interfaces and Bio-Digitizing. For this purpose, a new super-"Host" computer was developed: the VISHNU-01 (on a neural-network basis). Project still running. END OF FILE =========== SIVA-NETWORK SIVA PERSONNEL FILES SUBJECT: PERSONAL DATA MESHMER RATING: CONFIDENTIAL NAME : MESHMER AKIM ALIAS : "NORTHERN DEMONLORD" GENDER : M AGE : UNKNOWN OCCUPATION : PRESENT PRESIDENT SIVA ENTERPRISES CHIEF SPECIAL NETWORK-PROJECTS WHEREABOUTS : SUBMARINE BASE, NEW CENTRAL QUARTERS After Fay's death, Meshmer has taken over his position as president of SIVA, but his residence remained the SIVA submarine base in Hongkong. Before Fay died, he had already been entrusted with the supervision of the Special Network Projects, research of the full possibilities of SIVA- Network. The Submarine base was crammed with state-of-the-art computer technology and built just for this research. Meshmer hardly ever leaves his base, and indulges in the incredible wealth his new position offers. Meshmer is an ambitious egoist, only interested in how to improve his own position. He is said to master the powers of Water. END OF FILE =========== - INTERLUDE : RYUKEI'S FATE - NEW MAIN QUARTERS, MESHMER'S ROOMS At this moment Meshmer, sitting in his room, resembles an oriental prince. The entire room is decorated with expensive carpets and he himself is resting against a pile of soft pillows, served by beautiful maids. Bored, he watches the dazzling dance his girls perform before him. He has seen this performance too often to really enjoy it any more... Though he's completely satisfied, physically, he's still hungry...for power. But that will soon change... A young woman, one of Meshmer's servants, enters the room. "Master, we've got Fay's servant, Ryukei." "Good. Did she give you the cancellation code?" "No. We administered large amounts of drugs, but it hasn't had the slightest effect yet." "I see. Follow me." Mesher pushes a curtain aside and enters a small, less luxurious room. There, sitting on a chair, is Ryukei, Fay's former aide. Though few would recognize her anymore now. The past days have been a hell of continual interrogation and they left their traces. Judging from her glassy stare, she's totally shrunk into herself... "So, you're still trying to resist us, Ryukei..." She remains silent, and her face shows no expression whatsoever. "My girls didn't get you to talk yet. I'll explain you one more time: what I need is Fay's personal Cancelling code to get rid of the Network blockade, which came into effect after his death. I need acces to SIVA Network! And therefore, I must have that code!" Ryukei still shows no response. "So you still refuse to talk? Don't you trust me?" Meshmer is starting to lose his patience. He hits Ryukei hard in the face several times. It's having no effect. "This is not the way... The drugs make her insensitive to pain, and she got accustomed to the drugs themselves, so they won't help either. But this will make you talk... This is a new type of experimental drug I developed myself. It'd even make a dead body talk! I would hate to use this on you, because the pro- cess is quite painful. Ryukei, who are you trying to protect here? Your lover is dead, don't you realize that?" Apparently, Ryukei doesn't realize anything, for she remains silent. "Very well,give it to her..." "Yes,but..." "Do it!" "Okay..." The girl prepares a hypodermic, filled with a transparent liquid, she skillfully injects in Ryukei's arm... The effect soon shows. The body of Ryukei, tied to the chair, goes into heavy spasms, like she's being electrocuted. She starts panting like in an asthmatic fit. Meshmer watches, amused... "Well? Isn't this the ultimate trip? This sure beats usual drugs, doesn't it? In a few moments, you'll tell me EVERYTHING I want to know..." After some seconds, Ryukei's spasms stop, and she falls back into the chair gasping for breath.... "Finished? I hope you're feeling well. Now, will you finally tell me what I want to know?" Ryukei starts stammering with a hoarse voice... "C-Cancellation..code..is....6,A.....9,2,3...7...2" "Good. I'll take care of her. You may leave." Meshmer's aide leaves the room. When Meshmer walks towards Ryukei, she starts talking again. "T-The girl...Mei..phen...Red...Lotus..." "Mmmm...Very interesting. I can use that info to my advantage. Now, let me give you your reward, Ryukei." He puts a gentle hand on her shoulder, and releases his power, only for a second. Ryukei's body briefly convulses and then stiffens for good. "This is my reward. You won't have to worry about anything any more...never again!" LATER, MESHMER'S BEDROOM Yama enters the room. "Yama, you have arrived. I've got great news: I have the cancellation code. We can get the Network fully online again at last." "Yeah, finally." "And I also have some another, interesting piece of informati- on for you." "What kind of information?" "You want me to tell you?" "Of course." "Perhaps I'll only give it to you if you offer something in return..." "Is it really that valuable?" "I believe so..." "Then tell me!" "Fine, but after we..." His kiss surprizes her, but she swiftly recovers. "Hahaha...so that was the reward you had in mind, silly boy... Why didn't you tell me right away?" "Yama..." With a giggle, Yama lowers her dress... THAT NIGHT, SHUE'S HOUSE It's been a rough day. After our threesome have left Arya with Doc, they decided to hit the sack early. Tienllen went back to his appartment, Homei and Meiphen are staying at Shue's and sleep in the same room. Meiphen seems to be unable to get to sleep... "Are you asleep yet, Homei?" Homei shakes her head in response. "I can't get to sleep. We've got a great battle ahead of us and somehow I have a bad feeling about it." "Or is it because you're thinking about Mr. Tienllen?" "Why would I think about HIM?!" "Cuz you're in love with him, obviously!" "I'M NOT! Him and I are like brother and sister, that's all there is to it!" "Then why are you blushing?" "Oh... Go to sleep!" Minutes later, Homei is sound asleep - unlike Meiphen. Suddenly, she hears a faint voice, calling inside her head. "Red Lotus..." "What?! Who's that?!" "I've been waiting for you, Meiphen. Now, you will come to me..." "W-WHo IS this?!" "Listen to this! Let the gate of sweetness be opened! Hear me! Let the past be forgotten! Your true self is the RED LOTUS!!" After hearing these words, Meiphen is suddenly unable to move. She tries calling for help, but it's as if some unknown force is stopping her... Seconds later, a strange gelatinous substance appears on both sides of Meiphens bed. It moves as if it's alive. In the blink of an eye, the substance has covered the bed and Meiphen. For a second, the spell put on Meiphen is gone, and she manages a scream. Then, she vanishes without a trace, along with the slimy creature. Homei wakes up after Meiphen's final scream. "Miss Meiphen?! Anything wrong?! Miss Meiphen? Where are you?!" THAT SAME TIME, TIENLLEN'S APPARTMENT Tienllen once again floats through the empty Void he's visited so often in his dreams. And as before, he hears a voice. But this time, it's different. THIS voice, he knows for sure - it's Meiphen's! "Tienllen! Help me!!" "Meiphen? Where are you? What's the matter?" "Help me!! It's Meshmer, the Northern Demonlord! Help me!!" Her voice trails off. "Meiphen? Meiphen!!" An electronic chiming wakes him up, like last time. "It was just another dream...What's up , Freddy?" "Shue Wang on the phone, master." "Okay, I'll take his call..." "Yes, master." On the screen, Shue's worried face appears. "Tienllen! Meiphen has vanished! Without a trace!" "She probably went home for her make-up..." "Don't be foolish, get over here, right away!" "Was it Meshmer, the Northern Demonlord?" "What?!" "Never mind, I'm coming." Tienllen prepares his equipment in a jiffy and leaves for Shue's house. Meiphen gone... He's afraid to think of what might have happened to her. He tries to repress frightened thoughts. He will find her back...And he'll make Meshmer pay! PART 9 - NETWORK OUTER DOWNTOWN, SHUE'S HOUSE Tienllen enters. "Tienllen!" "Meiphen, she's been..." "Homei heard her voice. She was calling for help." "It's my fault...I should have woken up to help her..." "No,it was my fault, Tienllen. I was off when it happened. I shouldn't have left the house unguarded." "Don't you guys thing we'd better go looking for her instead of talking?" "Help her,yes...the name of Meshmer, the Northern Demonlord." "You heard that name,too? I heard it in a dream..." "What do you think, Shue?" "It could be a trap..." "But we don't have any choice!" "Very well,let's go see Iren first." LATER, SHANGRI-LA BAR The disco is still quiet, except for Iren and Flamenco. "Welcome. What do you want?" "It's Meiphen. She vanished!" "And how can I help you?" "We need to know Meshmer's wherabouts." "Meshmer? That's not easy. His base is the underwater city in the New Main Quarters. Flamenco, give me the passes for that area." Flamenco gives them the passes. "But these won't get you in the submarine base." "Isn't there some way to get in?" "There is.The unmanned SFT robot-trucks drive from and to the submarine base to transport fish landed there. The Tolo- harbour is in the New Main Quarters. There you'll find the Tailong-bridge crossing the truck-highway. Jump down from that bridge at the right moment, and you catch a free ride to the submarine base.!" "Okay,we'll do that. By the way, did you close your disco down?" "Yes. We're quitting. Hongkong is getting to dangerous for us. SIVA is getting more and more unstable. Now that the Blackblades have lost their power, they can no longer con- trol the citizens. There's a revolt at hand... Te Demon Faith has cancelled all its activities. And SIVA-Network has been completely secluded for everyone. A special password is required to input information. By the way, all sorts of strange data is being uploaded on the Net lately. It doesn't make any sense to me. I'm sure something is about to happen, and I have a bad feeling about it!" A WHILE LATER, TOLO-HARBOUR The Wadatsumi has taken Tienllen, Homei and Shue to their destination in a jiffy. The Tolo-harbour is an entire floa- ting city with shops and even hotels which have been built on the boats. But they're more interested in the Tailong- bridge, under which the robot-trucks are passing with roa- ring engines." "Do we really have to jump down here?" "I'm afraid so. Watch your timing. If you've watched the previous truck closely, you'd have seen that it speeded down from 300 km/h to 80 km/h under this bridge." "Still, quite a speed..." "It's not as if we have a choice or anything. Watch it, there's the next one!" Fortunately, the trucks are rather long, so there is a slight error margin for jumping. The three of them manage to land at the right place, and the robot-controlled vehicle takes them to the underwater base, which appears to be totally desolate. Soon they discover an abandoned office, leading to a great elevator. It takes them down...to the ocean floor. - INTERLUDE : CYBERDIVE - THAT SAME MOMENT, SUBMARINE BASE Meshmer is in the middle of the Interface-centre of the giant Neural Computer VISHNU. At last, the time of his triumph is at hand. He designed this Mandala-system personally and now that he has the code to enter SIVA-network, he can finally find out what the Demon-King is doing there. He's almost certain that this information will be the key to incredible power. In the network, he will find the Way to Heaven, as he's often heard the Demon-King mention. Meshmer holds up his knife, and cuts across the palm of his own hand. His blood starts dripping onto the metal platform. The system seems to come to life. VISHNU's thundering voice echoes through the room. "NEURAL INTERFACE CONNECTED.DNA-VERIFICATION IN PROGRESS... DNA VERIFIED. SUBJECT IS MESHMER AKIM." The computersystem starts operating completely now. Giant connectors move and shift. Meshmer is visible no more by the sophisticated machinery. "BIO-DIGITIZING IN PROGRESS... SWITCHING OVER TO HOST-MODE. DIGITIZING LEVEL: 60-70-80-90-100 PERCENT. DIGITIZING COMPLETE. HOST-SUPERVISION OF ENTIRE SIVA NETWORK ENABLED. LIFE-SUPPORT OF SUBJECT ENABLED." Static discharges occur all around the equipment. "SIVA NETWORK IS FULLY OPERATIONAL. SCANNING FOR NETWORK VIRUSES AND HACKERS.... WARNING: ANOMALY IN SYSTEM DISCOVERED! PREPARING FOR NETWORK DIVE..." UNDERWATER BASE... Meanwhile, the threesome has discovered that the base is a lot larger than they'd expected... After using various elevators, they arrive at a number of basins, which are used by SIVA to give life to new underwater-creatures. Several of those creatures are stalking around here, and Tienllen, Homei, Shue have to fight off carnivorous giant jellyfish, starfish and other beasts. They advance into the base and, in the end, approach the computer centre... MEANWHILE, SIVA NETWORK, MANDALA-SYSTEM The inside of the Mandala-system is a giant black emptiness, where the information stored in SIVA-net is visible as shimmering white globes, floating in the darkness. Taking shape here, Meshmer feels all-powerful...and for a good reason. All information of every user across the entire world on SIVA-network is literally within his grasp now; business transactions, bank accounts, medical files - they can all be viewed, erased or changed at his whim. In this world of information, he truly is a god... But Meshmer is not interested in all that, not now. His attention is focused on one particular information-globe he is approaching now; one with a darker shade than the others. Floating above this globe, he orders VISHNU to let him access this globe. Once inside, even he is struck with awe...he never expected anything like this! The inside of the globe resembles an entire city! Almost an exact copy of Hongkong, only the building blocks and streets are formed by electronic circuits and computer chips. The sky here has a ghastly blue color, with swirling cloud formations. But Meshmer isn't here to admire the view... Still floating, he approaches the centre of the computer-city, the electronic mirror image of SIVA Tower. The top of the 'tower' is formed by something resembling a power conduit. "The power of Heaven is within my grasp now..." He's ready for it. He grabs the tower summit in order to access the data it leads to. To his surprise, he finds that he's unable to... Something is blocking his access. He curses, and suddenly hears a familiar voice..." "PROBLEMS, MESHMER?" "Demon-King! How did you get here?" "I TOLD YOU I WOULD WITNESS THE FINAL PHASE MYSELF, DIDN'T I?" "Shit!" "HAHAHA! I CONTROL THIS ENTIRE SYSTEM, INCLUDING YOUR MANDALA SYSTEM! AFTER THE SHRINE MAIDEN'S DEATH, I HAVE ESTABLISHED MY OWN PRIVATE CONNECTION. AND I'VE MADE SURE THAT YOU WON'T FIND THE WAY TO HEAVEN IN THIS INFO-GLOBE..." "Bastard!" Meshmer strikes out at the Demon-King with a wave of his water-power. It doesn't have the slightest effect. "DID YOU REALLY THINK YOUR PUNY POWER IS A MATCH FOR MINE?" Meshmer tries again, to no avail. After that, he vanishes. "THE COWARD RAN AWAY." VISHNU's voice resounds again throughout the system. "PROTECTION ROUTINE IN PROGRESS. REMOVAL OF HARMFUL FACTOR FROM NETWORK. PERSONAL NETWORK ACCOUNT OF TARGET WILL BE REVOKED." "NOW, GET ME OUT OF HERE AS WELL. THE TIME FOR FINAL BATTLE IS DRAWING NEAR..." The Demon-King vanishes from the network. UNDERWATER BASE Mesher rematerialised in the "real world". "Hahah! Stupid bastard! He didn't expect me to get away so fast..." Suddenly, he notices three unknown people entering the network centre. "Meshmer!" "Who the hell are you? Did Yama send you?" "We want Meiphen back!" "Meiphen? I gave her to Yama as a present. Why are you looking for her here?" "Yama!" "Yes! She's in her power now. But before you leave, I will show you MY power!" Although Meshmer was surprised by Tienllen's arrival, he knows very well how to defend himself. He uses his water-power offensively as well as defensively. But unlike the other Demon-lords, Meshmer doesn't have any aides. Outnumbered, he is beaten by Shue, Tienllen and Homei. He drops down on the floor, dying. After this, Tienllen takes over the Water-Darsa. Suddenly, something strange happens. Out of thin air, an object appears, and falls right into Tienllen's hands. It's a metal rod with a knob in the shape of a dragon's head on one end. "Shue, what's this?" "It..It's the holy Dragon-staff!" "The holy Dragon-staff?" "No doubt about it...the holy Dragon-staff, the Demon-sword and the sacred mirror. The three sacred artifacts of Darsa-ensealment. The power of the Darsa's is dependent on them. It is rumored, that the three artifacts combined form the key to the ultimate ensealment of the power of the Darsa's. They were separated a long time ago..." "The three sacred artifacts..." "Tienllen, perhaps this artifact was given to you because you just released the 6th Darsa-power. When the three treasures are united, the Heavenly power will be in your grasp. Don't lose that staff!" "That's all very nice, but after all this, we still haven't found Meiphen..." "I think it's time to pay Yama a visit!" "Why did Meshmer hand her over to Yama?" "Haven't got a clue, really..." They leave Meshmer's underwater base. PART 10 - MA-TEN SIVA NETWORK DATABASE SUBJECT: MA-TEN PROJECT RATING: top-secret A top-secret project executed by the company that would be the predecessor of SIVA inc. It was considered a major breakthrough in genetic research by the participants. Final aim was the creation of a number of individuals with genetically enhanced ESP (Extra-Sensory Perception) and EPM (Extra-Physical Manipulation) abilities. Experiments covered a wide range of psionic skills. Eight of the test-subjects reached foetal state and were born healthy and without any difficulties. PROJECT CLOSED SUCCESFULLY, FURTHER DATA NO LONGER EXISTENT. END OF FILE =========== SIVA NETWORK PERSONNEL FILES SUBJECT: PERSONAL FILE YAMA RATING: CONFIDENTIAL NAME : YAMA GETSUMEI ALIAS : "MISTRESS OF THE MOON-LYRE" GENDER : F AGE : UNKNOWN OCCUPATION : SUPERVISOR SIVA GENETIC RESEARCH LAB. WHEREABOUTS : INNER,MEDICAL QUARTERS, GENETIC LAB Her beauty and skill in seducing men are only rivaled by the treacherousness of her character. She loves ensnaring men and deceiving them later in a mean way. Even her fellow Demonlords aren't safe for her machinations. She's had brief relationships with Dai and Meshmer. Furthermore, she's a very skillful scientist in the area of genetic manipulation. It's been rumoured that she performs experiments on innocent citizens, but this hasn't been proved yet. The genetic research lab is heavily guarded and off-limits for unauthorized persons. Apart from the powers of the Moon, which able her to seduce whoever she likes, she has no further special offensive abilities. END OF FILE =========== OUTER DOWNTOWN, SHANGRI-LA BAR "Welcome. You guys found Meiphen yet?" "No, we didn't" "Iren, what do you know about Yama?" "She's the supervisor of the medical laboratory in the western part of town. And yes, I did receive information which confirms that Meiphen is kept somewhere in that place." "Let's go there!" "What about your information network? Are you going to quit your job?" "Of course not!" "Just checking... There's a lot of rumors going round, you know...hahaha!" "Flamenco, give them their passes..." "What about SIVA?" "It appears that Meshmers death was the final blow for SIVA. It's losing control entirely now. The old escape routes of Hongkong, which were closed after the rebuilding, have been reopened. Lots of people are leaving town. And that may be the safest thing to do right now..." Only minutes later, the Wadatsumi flies off in the direction of SIVA's genetic laboratory. MEANWHILE, INNER MEDICAL AREA, GENETIC LAB, YAMA'S BATHROOM One of Yama's favorite pastimes is taking a blood-bath. Nothing's better for a soft and beatiful skin as human blood... "Foolish men...They're all the same. Dai...Meshmer...Stupid fools, all of them!" Suddenly, the air above the giant bath starts shimmering, and the black shape of the Demon King appears." "Salutations, Yama." "Demon King....What brings you here?" "The completion of my masterplan is drawing near. The only problem left, is Tienllen and his companions. We can't have them interfere in this crucial stage!" "Don't worry mylord, all has been taken care of..." "Excellent work, Yama." "Thank you..." The Black Lord makes an upward motion with his richt arm, and Yama's dripping body floats upwards out of the bath, towards him. Even a creature like him has physical needs... INNER, MEDICAL AREA The passes Flamenco gave them work perfectly, as always. An elevator takes them straight to the genetic lab, which seems deserted and silent. They find a back door, which isn't locked. Inside, a surprise is waiting for them: an old friend... "Look! Miss Meiphen?! Miss Meiphen, you're allright!" "Wait! She's acting kinda strange." Homei notices Meiphen's glassy eyes... She starts walking towards her. "Miss....Meiphen?" The attack that follows is quick as lightning, and very deadly. Only Tienllen's Diver-reflexes let him react fast enough to block the blow of Meiphen's killer whip, meant for Homei, with his own arm. Blood is gushing out... "Mr. Tienllen!" "It's just a fleshwound, nothing serious..." "Miss Meiphen!! Why?!" "It's no good. She can't hear you." Suddenly Meiphen speaks, with a voice that is not her own, but a familiar one nontheless... "I hear you, old fool. Did you really think your puny powers were a match for a member of the former Octavirate?" "Yama, Mistress of the Moon-lyre..." "What?! Isn't this Miss Meiphen?" Instead of answering the question, Shue fires a bolt of magic at what he thinks is only a copy of the real Meiphen. The attack dissolves harmlessly in the air before reaching Meiphen. "What?! She neutralized my spell!!" "Hahahaha! Sorry to disappoint you, but my magic is much more powerful than yours!" "Wait a minute...Did you use the Force Command?" "I did indeed. I'm surprised to hear you know anything about that. This girl was one of the early test subjects, sort of a prototype. I have to say I'm very satisfied with the result. But now, are you finally prepared to die?" "What's happening, Shue?!" "I'll explain later. Tienllen, Homei! I need you help! Meiphen's mind is under Yama's control!" "Her....mind?!" "Yes! Hurry, I must focus my own mind to hers. You do the same! Quick!" "Eh..okay.." Shue fires off another magic bolt. Again without any effect, but it seems as if his magic came just a little closer to Meiphen than before this time... "Not good enough yet. My magic still doesn't have any effect. But her resistance is weakening. Try harder..." Shue keeps attacking Meiphen with his magic. Each time, his magic gets a little closer to the intended target. But his efforts are plainly exhausting him. In the end, his final attack succeeds - Meiphen collapses, unconscious. But Shue seems to be close to exhaustion as wel... "Shue! Are you allright?" "I..I'll manage. But you better check if Meiphen's okay. I hope I'll never have to do something like this again, Tienllen... We better take her back to my house." LATER, SHUE'S HOME "Homei, how is she doing?" "Still fast asleep." "Good. I need to tell you something about Meiphen. She is actually the result of a genetic experiment..." "A-An experiment?!" "Yes...Long ago, those in search for power conducted terrible experiments with living beings. The result were eight individuals with superhuman powers." "De Octavirate..." "Yes...But due to these experiments, chaos broke out. During the confusion of Hong Kons's disaster, the Demon King saw an opportunity, and made them his slaves...They became the "Demon Lords". He used them to serve his dark ambitions. 20 years ago I found Meiphen as a baby. She was a result of those same experiments as well...although she was forgotten by the others..." "Shue...I...Am I too a result of those experiments?" "What?!" "Well, Shue?" "No, you're not. Your fate is linked with the powers of Heaven, who were displeased with the diabolical experiments, and caused the Disaster. Perhaps you...But that's not the point right now. The scientists conducting the experiments, foresaw the possibility that their own creations could rise against them. Therefore, through genetic programming, they planted a 'Force Command' option in each of the subjects. By pronouncing a certain string of words, the subjects would become willess puppets and execute any given command. Yama has found out that Meiphen can also be controlled in this manner..." "But she's safe now, isn't she?" "I'm afraid not. Her mind is still under Yama's power. Yama's has taken it from her, and as long as it's still under her control, it's impossible for her spirit to return to her body. Even killing Yama won't change that. The only way to do it, is by removing the Force Command." "How?" "The only way to do it, is pronouncing the key words, just like the Force Command. We have to activate the 'Remove Command', which will rid her from the force command for good. Unfortunately, Yama is the only person who knows the key words." "But she won't ever tell us willingly!" "We'll get her to talk..." "No. There is another way. If I can touch her freshly dead body, I could get the information I need directly from her mind, and via me, Meiphen's spirit could return to her own body. But we'll have to act very fast..." "Let's go!" LATER, BACK IN THE GENETIC LAB In the vast laboratory building, Tienllen, Shue and Homei have to fight off the flying devils, results of genetic experiments. Unfortunately, they discover that many of the doors are locked electronically. When they enter one of the rooms, someone suddenly takes shape before them...It's Kai. Shue is clearly surprised. "Now what?" "Long time no see..." "No...not since the case of the Red Wolf." "That's been a loooong time ago... I'd almost forgotten about it..." "Remember the Blue Dragon? Those were the days..." "They were, indeed..." "Shue, what's happened to this world? Will it ever be like it used to be again?" "I'm afraid not, Kai." "Too bad..." "But you're not here to catch up on old stories with me, right?" "No. I'm still looking for Lee's hiding place. But I'll see you around. And watch out Shue, I sense a great danger on your path..." Kai vanishes just as sudden as he appeared. A little later, the threesome discovers the control room of the laboratory. Via the computer terminal, they unlock the doors. Eventually they reach the security area, which can only be crossed by means of a number of pits inhabited by incredibly powerful guardian robots. They manage to get past them by sheer luck. After unlocking several steel trap doors barring their way, they enter a Demon Shrine. A back door leads them to the sanctuary, where they find Yama waiting for them, in front of a big crystal globe. She addresses the globe. "Demonn King! Hear me! Reveal your true divine power now! "It's useless Yama, there's no escape for you now!" Suddenly, the globe flashes up with a bright light... In the air above it, a very familiar black shape appears. "Master..." "Demon King?! No, this must be a hologram..." "Well, Shue. I see you still haven't had the sense to die?" "When I do, I will take you along with me. But I guess you're too big a coward for a face-to-face battle with me..." "Hahaha...Yama. You called me. Your power is now linked directly to mine. Are you ready to receive it?" "Yes, master." "Very well, my beloved Yama. I will grant you a very special power." "A special power? I-I...Noooo!!" Yama's body becomes a radiant mass of white light. The light appears to expand and pulsate, constantly shifting shape. Then, the shape solidifies... Yama has been changed into a grotesque monstrous being... "I hope you like your new body. Hahahah! Well, Shue. You wanted a battle, you'll get one. Hahahah!" With a booming laugh, the hologram of the dark king flashes out. "I'm sorry for you, Yama. We were friends once, but now I have no choice but to destroy you..." Shue, Homei en Tienllen attack the creature before them. In this shape however, she's far from defenseless, and she has several deadly attacks she can use. But Shue's magic and Tienllen's Darsa-power are too much to handle for her. Soon the final member of the Octavirate has been slayn. Shue kneels down at the fallen body. "Now I must hurry..." He puts his hand on the body, and concentrates. The tension is almost tangible. Then, he finds what he was looking for... "I've got it! Let the Gate of Sweetness be closed. Hear me. Let the past be returned! Your true spirit is the Red Lotus!!" After pronouncing these words, Shue collapses. "Shue!" "I've sent the Remove Command to Meiphen. She's safe now..." "Shue..." Tienllen kneels down with his friend and mentor. "Shue..what's wrong?" "T-The burden of Meiphen's young mind was too much for this old body to bear. It has finally collaped.." "Tienllen, use your healing power, quick!!" "It's useless...my life is over..." "No! Don't die!" "I have lived for many years. But now, it ends at last. Nothing lasts forever..." "Shue..." "Listen, Tienllen...This is a turning point. You have collected nearly all Darsa powers. You no longer need me. But remember...whatever you do...do not abuse that power...ever! Now....farewell, friends...have faith in...Homei...and...Meiphen..." Shue's eyes close. The old sorcerer is dead. Tienllen is filled with grief...but at the same time, he is determined to destroy the one responsible for this...he will not rest before he has defeated the Demon King!! PART 11 - SIVA TOWER OUTER DOWNTOWN, SHUE'S HOUSE Homei leaves the bedroom. "Well?" "She's still asleep. But she's not as pale as she was before. I think she'll pull through." "Let's not wake her up yet..." Suddenly, someone materializes in the room. Kai. "I salute you." "Kai..." "I finally found out where they're keeping Lee. Shall we go there?" "Lee?!" "Where is he?" "In the only place in the city you haven't been yet...SIVA Tower!" "So he's still alive!" "Will you accompany me, Tienllen?" "It's pointless anyway...Kai...Shue is dead..." "He's not dead. His spirit just left this world for another one. Perhaps you'll meet him again some day. He was a brave man. He'd have wanted you to join me, Tienllen." "Thanks,Kai...Okay, I'll come along." "Let's go." LATER, INNER CENTRE, SIVA TOWER Like a needle, the slender metal peak of SIVA Tower rises up from the glittering metropolis of Hongkong. It is symbolic of the invulnerability of this bussines organization. Even now, with all SIVA chief executives dead, the tower seems to radiate an aura of authority and solidity. This nocturnal Hongkong is a sea of lights, which can be overseen entirely from the top of the tower. Whoever looks down here feels unassailable, all-powerful and uninvolved in the earthly matters below. Though SIVA-tower is SIVA's heart, hardly any people have been employed in the building. In fact, it's one giant housing for the true heart of SIVA-Network...the gigantic data-bases, gargantuan power generators and, most important, the super-computer that was built 10 years ago and has supervised and managed the network ever since: BRAHMA. According to Iren, SIVA-Network is still leading its own life, although all of SIVA's leaders are dead. The computers managing the system are fully autonomous and need no human being to tell them how to do their job. Or is it something else? Tienllen, Homei and Kai, who carefully land Wadatsumi on SIVA-tower's landing platform, have no knowledge of all this. They're just interested in how to get inside the steel stronghold....something which appears to be almost impossible! "A 70mm bomb-proof door, made of Neo-adamantium, with a T2-electromagnetic lock..." "And I've heard that the entire tower is protected by a powerful magic-deflecting forcefield. It'd take an army to get in!" "Kai, can't you do something?" With a disdainful look on his face, Kai examines the metal gate. "Nothing can bar my way!" Without any visible effort from Kai, the metal door slides open silently. The security alert remains silent. "We can move on..." Although SIVA-Tower is unmanned, it isn't unguarded. Dangerous monsters are lurking about here. Kai's magic spells come in very handy now. After a long exploration of the giant tower, the threesome arrives in a strange room. It's been constructed as a number of onion-wise layers. In the innermost layer, within a strange mark painted on the floor with odd torches at the corners, is a man... "Lee." Homei wants to run towards him right away, but Tienllen stops her. "Wait. That sign on the floor. I don't think we can just cross it like that." "You...impossible! I have killed you..at least, that's what I thought..." "Killed? If that were the case, I wouldn't be here now, would I?" "But why have you come? To mock me?" "Lee, the Southern Demonlord...." "Not quite. Lee is no longer the Southern Demonlord, but a mere human being." "Hah...a mere human being..." "Lee...we need you. You must fight along with us. It was my sister's wish." "Shawmei?" "Lee...you helped my sister...Shawmei and I have now become one. She wants you to join us." "Shawmei..." "Is it okay, Tienllen?" "That's a decision Lee has to make for himself." "You want to destroy the Demon-King?" "Yes." "Fine, count me in,then." "Hmm...interesting..." Kai examines the sign on the floor, which appears to keep Lee entrapped. Then, without any effort, he crosses it. He blows softly and, one by ond, the magic torches at the corners, fade out. "What! You crossed the magic Octagonal barrier without difficulties?! That's an incredibly powerful incantation... You must have superhuman powers..." "Nothing can bar my way..." Lee walks over to Homei. "So you're Homei." "Yes." "Shawmei...you're her perfect mirror image..." "Naturally! We're twins, remember!" "Hmm...I think you're too important to get involved in this any further. Wouldn't it be better to transfer you to a safer place?" "Can you send her home?" "Shawmei's death was my fault. I don't want to make the same mistake twice and be responsible for your death as well. Tienllen, is it okay with you if I teleport her home?" "Fine with me." "No, wait, I want to come with you!" "What do you think, Kai?" "That decision is not mine to make." "Very well, I'll send her home." "No, I don't want to!" Lee puts a gentle hand on Homei's shoulder, and in the blink of an eye, she vanishes. "Can we go now? We need to get to the Demon-King's hiding place." "Yes." "The only way to get there, is through the dimensional gate." "The Demon-King...soon, we'll meet." Lee leads them to an apparently dead-ended footbridge in the tower. By means of a hidden switch, Lee activates the extendable bridge and opens the way to what appears to be a demon-temple. This temple however, has something the other temples lacked. In the hindmost wall of the temple, is an oval-shaped gate, the mouth of the demon sculptured around it. From the opening of the gate, a ghastly light shines. The curtains flanking the gate seem to vibrate with life, like the slow pounding of a giant heart. "This gate will lead us to Illusion Citadel, in the world of Maya, the Power of Illusion. This dimensional gate is the only way to get there." "Are you prepeared, Tienllen? From this point, there will be no return. If you'd decide to go back, this is the right moment." "Why would I want to go back?! Why don't YOU go back?" "Haha." "Let's go!" The threesome enter the blindening light, leading to another world... ILLUSION CITADEL, CENTRE The Demon-King materializes without any sound. Through the dimensional link, he receives BRAHMA's emotionless voice. "NETWORKDIVE, FINAL PHASE. MATERIALIZATION OF NETWORK-DIVER ACCOMPLISHED. MANDALA-SYSTEM AND SIVA NETWORK FULLY OPERATIONAL. ALL SYSTEMS NOMINAL. INITIALIZING FINAL PHASE. INITIATING DIMENSIONAL TRANSFER OF ILLUSION CITADEL." The Demonking chuckles. He recalls the facets of his plan. They're perfect, like the facets of a perfectly polished diamond. SIVA was history...that was good...he didn't need them anymore. The "Octavirate" had been useful, for a while. But in the end, they had turned out to be nothing more than human beings after all. And therefore, they'd had human weaknesses. Fay's drug addicition, Meshmer's betrayal, Lee's futile love for Shawmei, all things that had led to their own doom. The Demon-King had soon realized, that magic was no longer a major power in this world. The force that had once ruled the planet, had been reduced to a faint reflection of its former self. The Darsas had been its last remnant. However, there was another power, that had taken the place of magic: technology! The Demon-King had studied the principles of computers, and seen their giant potential right away. Back then, his plan had formed. Using the confusion following the Hongkong Disaster...seducing eight persons that would become his servants...it had been so easy to persuade them with his visions of power and wealth... Under their able leadership, SIVA had grown into an all-powerful organization, controlling life in Hongkong entirely. The next step had been the establishment of the demon-religion. That had also been ridiculously easy. By offering the worshippers empty dreams of everything they most wanted, they had been easy to control. Fools...they thought they would inherit the "Paradise on Earth". According to the "Holy Writings", Judgment Day was at hand. And then, the Demon-King would decide the fate of mankind... The prediction was correct up to that point...but he'd treat the followers of the demon-faith exactly the same as all the others. They'd all be his slaves...or die. The established faith had been useful to keep the citizens satisfied. But the real plan of the Demon-King had been realized on an entirely different level. SIVA's scientific research-branch had researched the concept of interdimensional transportation for years. It turned out to be possible, theoretically, as the Demon-King had known already. They abandoned the project however, because a dimensional transfer would require an incredible amount of power and to control the process, a computer would be needed with a memory capacity so large, that it was useless to consider this possibility. But the Demon-King knew better than that. He had all the power he needed. And SIVA-Network had expanded the past years across the entire world. It was now a gigantic network, as complex as the human nervous system. And it was under his total control now... What had been a theoretic possibility, he had made reality. The installment of the Mandala-system had been the final completion. The command had been given. Nothing could stop him now. Not even Tienllen... HONGKONG CITY The storm is still raging in the sky above Hongkong. Pitch-black clouds are whirling around in an almost unnatural way. One can feel a strange tension above the sea of lights below. Something is about to happen... Suddenly, all the lights dim at the same time, like someone pulled out one giant plug. Within SIVA-Tower, giant generators and accumulators are activated. Millions of computer-users across the entire world suddenly witness total gibberish scrolling across their screens. From the middle of the now dark city, from the tip of the glimmering peak of SIVA-Tower a bright, needle-thin ray of incredibly concentrated power bursts into the sky, piecing the dense clouds. For a moment, nothing seems to happen....but then, a rent appears in the clouds. A rent in the fibre of the universe, through which a strange, pulsating red light is visible. The cleft broadens and becomes a hole. Larger and larger it grows, until it fills the entire sky above Hongkong. Then, the opening stops expanding. It seems as if the world below is holding its breath. The lights in Hongkong flash on again and everything appears to be normal once more. But from the opened dimensional portal above Hongkong, a dark shadow is suddenly cast. A shadow even greater than the city itself... A shape of gigantic size looms up from behind the clouds, and slowly descends towards Hongkong. Soon, it's total shape is visible clearly; a giant floating island, a harbinger of death and destruction for the world it just entered. On this island, the black shape of a giant stronghold can be seen...Illusion Citadel. From the descending island, which seems intended to crush Hongkong like the foot of a giant, bright blue lightning bolts bear down upon the city below, wreaking havoc everywhere. For the first time in many, many millenia, a demon fortress has appeared on earth again. Armageddon seems inevitable now... PART 12 - ILLUSION CITADEL ILLUSION CITADEL A crescent-shaped gate in a temple wall suddenly opens up to reveal three visitors that are quite out of place here. "Here we are. We've entered the Citadel." The threesome ventures further into the temple, and have just found an exit when they hear a familiar voice behind them. Meiphen arrives, coming from the same direction they just came from. "Tienllen!" "Meiphen? How dit you get here?" "Oh, it's just that girl..." Kai says with a sigh of relief. "Sorry if this is a bad moment for me showing up...but Homei told me everything. About Shue..." "Homei?! Wait a sec, that's impossible! We just sent her back home a few minutes ago. It can't be that you..." "I know, Tienllen," Lee says. "The interdimensional gate causes a time distortion for whoever passes through it. For us, it only SEEMED minutes. But I reckon a little more time has passed in the outside world..." "Terrible things are happening in the city at the moment," Meiphen says grimply. "I dropped Homei off at the house of some friends of mine. She's safe. But this situation has to end!" "The only way to end this is defeating the Demon-King. But it's something we have to do alone, Meiphen." "Tienllen, you're not saying you want to leave me out, do you?! I want to join you!" "You have to get back, while it's still possible!" "Never! I don't want to sit back and watch! Like I did when Shue died!" "With the powers I've gathered by now, I may be able to defeat the Demon-King..." "I KNOW you can defeat him, Tienllen," Meiphen assures him. "Well then, let's be quick about it and leave!" Meiphen suspiciously eyes the handsome stranger. "So, you must be Lee?" "So I am." "Were you the one who teleported Homei to safety?" "Yes, I..." Kai interrupts. "We don't have time for idle chatting! I will wait for you here. This will be a test of your powers, not of mine." "Kai, we..." "Get inside, and defeat the Demon-King. Then return here. We will still be able to use the gate to escape, if we're quick about it. I will wait for you until then." "Very well..." Kai remains, and Tienllen, Meiphen en Lee move on, through an enormous gate. It is flanked by sculpted golden serpents, encrusted with priceless gemstones. "This is the entrance to the inner sanctum of the Citadel. I've been here before. Tienllen, to be honest, I'm not en- tirely sure even your powers will suffice to defeat the Demon-King. I know of a place in this citadel that harbors one of the Sacred Treasures: The Demonic Blade. If we could just get our hands on that..." Illusion Citadel is not a safe place to say the least. Titanic beasts - lethal Wans and cunning Pokerfaces are frightening opponents here. The Demonic fortress is a storehouse for many ancient magic treasures that can be found for the alert adventurer. Soon, the threesome enters a high altar, where they discover a sacred room. The square-shaped space contains four stone platforms, one on each side. Above these platforms, strange ghostlike shapes are shimmering. In the exact middle of the room is another platform, one with a metal hatch at the top. "This is it! The room I was talking about," Lee says with excitement in his voice. "The seal of the Demonic Blade. One has to draw it from the Lifeblood of Heaven. But first the seal has to be broken... I think now, after many many years, we have at last someone powerful enough to have collected nearly all the Darsa's, and even powerful enough to wield this Godlike blade to fight for a good cause... For this, you must conquer the four elemental powers: To the North, Water To the South, Fire To the East, Earth To the West, Wind And in the Middle lies the power of Heaven. The Demonic Blade, a sword forged in the Heavens, is floating on the ocean of Maya, the Power of Illusion." "You sure know your stuff..." "This is just what's written in the Holy Scriptures of the Demonic Religion. Of course, the religion was a fake, but the scriptures it was based on dates back to the dawn of mankind, and the predictions it speaks of have been done by our far, far ancestors... The Demon-King has made a fatal error by not breaking this seal. Perhaps he thought it unimportant, or perhaps he wasn't able to break it for some reason. But I know YOU will be able to, Tienllen." But it's not easy to break the four-fold seal of the sword. Each part of the seal is guarded by an elemental monster, and only by opposing the elements the monsters are based on, Tienllen achieves victory; the four seals have been broken. Tienllen slowly strides to the middle platform. Lee explains, "Now, your back should face the north seal, while you look out straight to the Heaven's Gate." Tienllen moves into position in front of the metal hatch. "The next thing you do, is sacrifice one of the Sacred Treasures to the Gods. I don't think the Demon-King possessed any of those treasure, so he wasn't able to complete this step..." Tienllen removes the Sacred Dragon Staff from his backpack, and raises it up above his head. The holy object glows faintly, then vanishes without a trace. The same moment, the metal hatch moves and its two doors burst open with a thundering sound. Looking through the gate, Tienllen sees a strange sea of light, and a sudden urge has him put his hand in the passing flow of light. He feels a solid object, and draws his hand back. In his hand is a shimmering black blade that radiates power... Tienllen finally has a weapon he can use against the Demon- King! Now it is time to visit the Dark Lord himself... A staircase from the great altar leads towards a bridge to another temple-like space. Here they meet the Demon-King's last line of defence: Gigantic nightmarish creatures which can only be destroyed by relying on Lee's fire magic, the Demonic Blade and the Formula-gun a new super-firearm constructed by Doc. But even if they can keep the monsters at bay, the last door leading to the Demon-King remains out of reach. The way is barred by stone barriers rising from the ground. The only clue seems to be the four revolving statues in the corners of the room. Each of them is inscribed with a meaningless phrase. In the end, they find out: by putting the statues in a specific position, the complete sentence becomes readable, and at the same time, a giant bridge appears, leading to the final door. At last, the three heroes find themselves in the final room of the Citadel; the sanctuary of the Demon-King... "Demon-King!" Three bright beams of light illuminate them, and from the darkness above a familiar shape appears. No hologram this time! "SO, THERE YOU ARE, MY CHILDREN. YOU ARE LATE..." "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time, Demon- King. But now we finally meet. We will finish this once and for all!" 'HAHAHAHAH! DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH! YOU THINK YOU POSSESS THE TRUE HEAVENLY POWER... OH, BUT I SEE YOU BROUGHT TWO FRIENDS. HOW VERY UNWISE OF YOU..." "Oh really?! The three of us will put and end to you, Demon-King!" "HAH. YOU WILL SOON SEE THAT THE LAST LAUGH IS MINE. NOW, LET THE GATE OF SWEETNESS BE OPENED! HEAR ME! FORGET THE PAST. YOUR TRUE SHAPE IS THE BLUE LOTUS!" "It's that accursed spell again!" Lee's body is spasming beyond control, like before... Then, Meiphen intervenes. "The Gate of Sweetness is closed! Hear me! Let the past return. Your true spirit is the Red Lotus! What do you think of that, Demon-King?" Lee instantly gains back control over his body. "INTERESTING...THE REMOVE COMMAND. SO SHUE DID FIND IT IN YAMA'S DYING MIND. TOO BAD HE HAD TO DIE FOR IT..." "Shue sacrificed his body to save me. The Force Command is now useless. We aren't puppets for you to control!" "HAVE IT YOUR WAY. I WILL DEAL WITH YOU PERSONALLY. THE HEAVENLY POWERS ARE WITIN MY GRASP!" "The Heavenly Powers are strong enough to destroy us all, Demon-King, including you..." "NONSENSE! WHOEVER POSSESSES THAT POWER, WILL BE A GOD HIMSELF! MANKIND IS NOT WORTHY OF HAVING SUCH A POWER. THAT'S WHY I WILL CRUSH THEM ALL...LIKE INSECTS!" Tienllen remains silent. "SPEECHLESS? PERHAPS YOU DESIRE THAT POWER FOR YOURSELF? HAHAHAHA....FOR A WHILE, I THOUGHT YOU WERE A SERIOUS THREAT. BUT YOU'RE A HUMAN, LIKE ALL THE OTHERS. WE'VE WASTED ENOUGH TIME - I'M GOING TO EXTERMINATE YOU VERMIN! DIE!!" At last, Tienllen, Meiphen and Lee can face their archenemy face to face. The Demon-king has serveral deadly magic attacks at his disposal, and his two slave-globes replenish his health and attack power constantly. Resisting the fire-attacks, lightning bolts, comets and whiplashes of the Demon-King seems impossible. But Tienllen too, is now a formidable opponent. Not only because of the Demonic Blade, but also because of the powers of seven Darsa's that are combined in his body. Only the Eight' Darsha is missing, for the Demon-King has the power of Fire still in his possession. After a long and exhausting battle, the score has finally been settled. The King of Darkness is defeated, his body desintegrates entirely... "It's over..." "Yes..." But then, something odd occurs. With a frightening sound, an object takes shape above them. It seems like a giant, gem- encrusted mirror, but instead of reflecting their images, only oily blackness is visible in it... Slowly, the object floats down, in front of them. "What, but that's..." "A mirror?!" Tienllen feels a strange sort of power drawing him closer to the mirror. Before he realized, he has walked towards it. "Tienllen!" Meiphen wants to stop her lifelong friend, but Lee holds her back. "Don't! It's dangerous!" But Tienllen seems oblivious to the cries of his friends. He faces his own reflection int he mirror. The darkness of the smooth surface beckons him... Raising one hand, he touches the polished face of the mirror. To his surprise, his hand passes straight through it, as if he's just dipped his hand in an icy pool of water. There's no escape now, Tienllen is drawn further into the mirror, leaving Meiphen and Lee in shock... HONGKONG CITY The once proud 21st century Hongkong has changed into an outpost of hell. The lightning bolts raining down from the huge flying fortress have destroyed houses, caused fires and at some places, they have even penetrated the artificial foundation plate, causing carnage in the city below. People desperately run for shelter, finding none. Supernatural appearances, frightening illusions appear everywhere, chasing and killing people. All hope seems lost... But then, something happens. The giant floating island in the sky shivers and rocks, causing a deadly rain of rocks falling down. With chilling screams, the ghostlike shapes in the streets vanish. Slowly but irresistably, the island rises up to the clouds again, to the still-open dimensional portal. Without the evil will of the Demon-King guiding it, the island falls prey to the immense drawing forces between the two dimensions, like a ship out of control in a vortex. The dimensional portal itself, created and sustained by the energy of SIVA Tower, now a heap of rubble, is closing slowly. Only minutes later, both the island and the dimensional hole have vanished completely, leaving the city below in chaos. ELSEWHERE It is an enchanting place, and somehow, it looks familiar to Tienllen. A world of light, ice and crystal... somehow he knows for sure, that this can only be Heaven, home of the Gods themselves. Yet, there is no tranquil or peaceful atmosphere here... Rather, there's a tension in the air, as if something of major importance is about to happen. From thin air, Tienllen hears a voice. "SO, AFTER ALL, THE DEMON-LORDS WERE MERELY A WEAK REFLECTION OF THE TRUE POWER OF HEAVEN. THE HEAVENLY POWERS DECIDED TO DESTROY THIS ABOMINATION. AND YOU, OUR AVATAR, HAVE COMPETED YOUR MISSION NOW." "Where am I? And who am I talking to?!" "TIENLLEN! AT LAST, YOU HAVE REGAINED YOUR COMPLETE POWER. YOU NOW CONTROL THE POWER OF THE EIGHT MAGIC DARSA'S... THE DIVINE POWER." "That voice...who are you?" Suddenly, he remembers where and when he heard this voice before...it's the voice from his dreams! "CALL ME 'TEN' IF YOU WISH. TIENLLEN, YOU MUST RELEASE THE POWER OF THE DARSA'S YOU POSSESS HERE." "Show yourself first!" A sound of lightning striking. And suddenly, at a previously empty place in fron of him, a man has appeared, facing him. Someone who looks very familiar to Tienllen - he looks like an exact double of Tienllen! "HERE I AM." "But...you..." "WHY BE SO SURPRISED? ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN. I AM 'TEN', THE MESSENGER OF HEAVEN. YOU ARE PART OF ME, MY HUMAN REPRESEN- TATIVE SO TO SPEAK, YOU ARE 'TIENLLEN'. OUR FATE IS LINKED..." "You're not fooling me..." "I AM NOT LYING. I HAVE CHOSEN YOU, YOU ANSWERED MY PRAYERS. NOW, YOU MUST RELINQUISH THE POWER OF THE DARSA'S, SO THAT I MAY ACCEPT IT..." "And what if I refuse?" "IF YOU REFUSE? ARE YOU SAYING YOU BROKE THE DARSA-SEALS AGAINST YOUR OWN WILL? DID YOU THINK I ONLY WANTED THE DARSA'S AND THE SACRED TREASURES TO SATISFY MY HUNGER FOR POWER? THAT I ALLOWED YOU TO SHARE SOME OF MY POWER, TO DESTROY THE DEMONLORDS, ONLY FOR MY OWN GOOD?" Tienllen remains silent and thoughtful. "TIENLLEN! I HAVE TO RECEIVE THIS POWER! WE CAN RELIVE THE HEAVEN ON EARTH! WITH THE DIVINE POWER, WE CAN RELIVE THE HUMAN WORLD. THERE WILL BE MAGIC AGAIN! EVERYTHING WILL BECOME AS IT USED TO BE!" "The Divine Power... what about the Gods, do they agree with your plans? Where are they?" "THAT IS IRRELEVANT." "They've gone, haven't they?" "PERHAPS." "What role do the humans have in your grand plans?" "HUMANS... TIENLLEN, WHY CONTINUE TO WORRY ABOUT THEM? THEY ARE INFERIOR, UNWORTHY. IT IS THE DESTINY OF HEAVEN TO RULE EARTH AND TO USE PEOPLE FOR ITS OWN PURPOSE..." "What kind of heaven is this? What kind of God would you be, finding people useless and inferior! If that is really how you feel, you are a threat to us! You have to be destroyed! Destroy yourself, or be destroyed!" "STOP! I REFUSE! TIENLLEN, GIVE ME YOUR POWER!" "If you don't want to do it yourself, I will!" "SO BE IT. YOU WILL KNOW MY POWER..." Instead of sharing his power with the mysterious Ten, Tienllen decides to destroy the keeper of Heaven, finding him too great a threat for mankind. But it is not easy. Tens powers are equal to those Tienllen possesses. And in this world, there is only magic. It is the only way the two can fight it out: magic versus magic... An explosive battle! Tienllens Darsa powers clash with Ten's heavenly magic. Soon, he drops his disguise, and takes on his true royal shape. Tienllen faces the ultimate threat! In the end, Ten uses his final powers to summon up his enormous monstrous steed, making him almost undefeatable. Heaven itself trembles with the titanic forces that are used in the fight. But in the end, the best man wins... "WHAT AM I? HEAVEN? A GOD? MY VOICE MUST BE HEARD... MY GUIDING VOICE...MY WILL IS..." Slowly, the voice of the hapless Ten fades away. Was he a fallen god? Someone left by the gods to take care of things during their absence? Or something else? We will never know... But the threat to mankind is gone... NEXT DAY, HONGKONG CITY The sunlight illuminates the desolate rubble of Hongkong. The dark clouds have finally passed. A lone Spinner floats above the devastated city centre. "Spinner 305 to ground control. The centre section has been utterly destroyed. We've got uncontrolled fires in several places. Number of survivors is uncertain. Urgent requist for extinguisher-units in this area. Take the open route through city block 652, Northern section." Elsewhere in the city, a black EV is parked on the ground, a lone policewoman next to it. She carefully surveys the rubble around her. She contacts her base of operations. "Use all Spinners we can spare for the evacuation of the remaining citizens in the area. Damage and losses are substantial, but our first priority are the citizens. Thank god we can use SIVA's resources for the rescue operations. The new company president, Lee, has promised his full cooperation. He's overlooking the rescue operations himself." "What about Mr. Tienllen?" Homei asks from inside the car. "Lee is looking for him right now. I'm sure they'll find him... I just know!" Elsewhere in town, two people examine the remains of something that used to be a famous bar..." 'We've lost everything," Flamenco sighs, "it's all gone... but for some reason, I don't really mind. We can make a new start, eh boss?" "Sure," Iren says, "let's toast on that...on the house!" Not very far from that, two other persons are salvaging a devastated weapon shop. "Cough, cough.. Your new invention looks pretty impressive, Arya," Doc says, facing the enormous robot next to him. "Too bad my shop broke down... The new Isac model was crushed underneath..." "It's okay...we have Neoticus now, right?" She proudly looks up to her new mechanical friend. Meanwhile, Lee's Spinner craft discovered some new survivers. Two of them have been picked up from between the ruins. "Erfas, Macgregor, I never thought I'd see you guys again..." "Sorry we're late. Resurrection takes time, you know. But we kept our former bodies, we knew you'd like that..." "We knew you'd find us, Master Lee." "I'm glad to have you back." "For you, Master Lee, we'd come back from the dead a thousand times if neccesary!" "Listen, my friends. I'm looking for that Diver, Tienllen. If you see a sign of him on the scanner, let me know!" "Your wish is our command!" LATER... "Master Lee, heath source at 10 o clock. Definitely human, now within visual range..." "It's Tienllen! No doubt about it!" It is indeed Tienllen, walking through the ruins below. He hears the sound of the Spinner's engine and looks up. "So, they finally found me. I hope they have some ciggies to spare...I'd give my last 1000 dollars for that!" A little later, Tienllen is dropped of with Meiphen and Homei. "Tienllen...You're okay, I knew it!" "Huh? You're not using abusive language to me as usual?" "Silly...I don't feel like talking right now..come here..." That same day R. Mortimer, former resistance member, and part of Hongkong's new provisional government sends out a radio message for the whole world to hear: THE CITY OF ILLUSIONS IS NO LONGER... IT IS NOW BUT A BAD DREAM FROM THE PAST... And years later, when the inhabitants of twice-rebuilt Hongkong walk the streets late at night, they aren't afraid of whatever is lurking in the dark. They know there is a Diver guarding them... FIN Cid