*Note: Expect that there are typos and wrong grammars here*
-:-
The members of the D.G.A are starting to prepare themselves for their first mission that will take place later. They are wearing a cream jumper and a white tshirt with the logo again of D.G.A in the upper right corner of the shirt.
Habang nag-aayos sila ay hindi mapigilan ni Raiden na tignan si Lyon. He is still worried for him, mas lalo na at ngayon na ang kanilang mission. He is afraid that Lyon might got harmed with his dark power. Pero napapansin din ni Lyon ang pagsulyap sakaniya ni Raiden, hindi na lamang niya iyon pinapahalata. They didn't open the topic anymore since they were exposed in public, at ayaw na rin naman nang pag-usapan ni Lyon iyon.
"Raiden." Napalingon si Raiden sa kaniyang likod nang tawagin siya ni Elora. He smiled immediately when he saw her as if he forgets his problems. "Don't pass out later, ah. Makakaya mo naman, diba?" Elora's voice were full of concern.
Mas lalo namang napangiti si Raiden nang marinig niya iyon. He felt the care and concern from Elora, at masaya na siya na ganoon ang naging reaksyon ng dalaga.
"I'll be fine, Elora. Don't worry about me, you should think of yourself dahil kakalabanin mo pa yung mga mystique creatures. Be safe, Elora." The side of Elora's lips rose as she felt how her heart skipped because of happiness. Dahan-dahan siyang tumango sakaniya, hindi pa rin nawawala ang ngiti sakaniyang mga labi.
"Tara na, mamaya muna ang pag-ibig."
Natatawang sabi ni Jackson nang dumaan siya kayna Raiden. He keeps shaking his head while smirking as he marched down.
Nagkatinginan naman sina Raiden at natawa sila dahil sa sinabi ni Jackson.
"Let's go." Sabi ni Raiden at kinuha ang kamay ni Elora at sabay silang bumaba. Sumunod naman sakaniya sina Harem at Lyon. Nahuli sa pagbaba si Trovis.
"Is everyone ready?" Tanong ni Professor Benedict nang makababa na silang lahat. He roamed his eyes to the members of the D.G.A as if he was scanning them.
"Yes, Professor Benedict." They all answered in chorus.
"Magnifico. The spaceship is waiting for us at the field of our school. We will land in the Maledin Kingdom after an hour. Let's go."
It's already seven in the evening, and they chose this time so that the other students won't able to see them travel. They quietly stormed out the D.G.A room. Hindi sila nag-usap habang naglalakad sila palabas para pumunta sa field ng school dahil iyon ang inutos ni Professor Benedict. Para hindi na rin maingayan ang mga ibang archimages.
Pero habang naglalakad sila ay biglang nakaramdam ng kaba si Raiden. Alam niya na dahil iyon sa mga mangyayari mamaya. Ito ang unang pagkakataon na makakasali siya sa ganitong grupo, kaya hindi rin niya maiwasan ang kabahan mas lalo na at siya ang pinaka-sentri ng misyong ito. It's his first mission in his dream school, and when he thought, he felt a little excitement too.
Naramdaman ni Elora ang panlalamig ng kamay ni Raiden kaya napatingin siya kay Raiden. Nag-aalala rin siya para kay Raiden dahil alam niya na hindi biro ang gumawa ng isang malakas at malaking barrier. But she hopes that everything will be fine.
They already arrived in the field and they saw Victor standing right in front of the huge spaceship. Sinilip muna ito ni Raiden at hindi niya maiwasang mamangha sa laki niyo.
"Professor Benedict."
"Headmaster."
"Are they all ready for this mission?" Tanong ni Victor habang ginagala niya ang kaniyang tingin sa mga miyembro ng D.G.A. Ngumiti siya nang dumako ang kaniyang tingin kay Lyon, sinuklian naman iyon ni Lyon ng isang matipid na ngiti.
"Yes, headmaster. We are now ready for the mission."
"Good. The royal guards are also in their way with the king." Napataas ang kilay ni Lyon nang marinig niya iyon. Hindi niya alam kung magiging masaya ba siya o hindi dahil sa narinig niya. He's happy to see his father but at the same time he felt nervous, because of the possible things that may happen. Baka kasi magpakita ang kaniyang kapangyarihan.
"Yes, headmaster."
"Be safe and goodluck for this mission." These were the last words of the headmaster before the D.G.A members together with Professor Benedict went inside the spaceship. The members were surprised as they scanned their eyes inside. Napadako ang tingin nila sa harapan at nakita nila na may tatlong upuan doon. It was facing the controls of the spaceships. May naka-upo an sa dalawang upuan and it looks like they are the pilots of the spaceships. Naglakad naman papunta doon si Professor Benedict at humarap sakanila.
"This ship is provided by the C.H.A.I.N for us." Napakunot ang ulo ni Raiden nang marinig niya iyon. Pakiramdam tuloy niya ay mayaman ang may-ari ng C.H.A.I.N dahil sa mga binibigay nila para sa school. "This ship is called as the A3007. They gave this to us so that we can use this for our missions. The two pilots here also came from the C.H.A.I.N. Just suit yourselves inside. Sleep if you want."
Professor Benedict instructed them. Pagkatapos ay umupo na siya sa gitnang upuan at sinamahan ang dalawang pilots sa paggalaw ng mga controls. Napahanga naman sila Raiden dahil hindi nila inaasahan na marunong pala magpalipad ng ship si Professor Benedict.
"Begin for takeoff."
Sambit nung isang piloto at dahan-dahan namang sumarado ang malaking pintuan ng spaceship. It emitted some smoke at nakikita pa rin nila ang headmaster mula sa loob. Nang maisara na ang pinto ay naramdaman na rin nila ang dahan-dahang paglipad ng ship. Napahawak sila sa lamesa na nasa gitna para hindi sila matumba. It was a pleasant takeoff.
"We aren't going to die in this mission, right?" Kabadong tanong ni Jackson sakanila. They are now sitting in the metal benches were attached to the walls of the ship.
"Natatakot ka noh?" Harem teased Jackson.
"Siyempre naman! It's our first mission, my first mission. Hindi ko naman inaasahan kasi na magiging ganito ang buhay ko."
"Just stay calm, Luckovic. Everything will be fine. Andoon din naman ang mga royal guards para tulungan tayo, pati na rin yung King. Kaya mabubuhay tayo." Lorie tried to lift Jackson's mood up para hindi ito matakot sa kanilang misyon.
"Your father will be there, are you going to be okay?" Bulong ni Raiden kay Lyon. Magkatabi kasi sila ngayon. He just whispered so that Elora won't hear it na ngayon ay katabi rin ni Raiden.
"I think so."
Bumalak na naman ang pangambang nararamdaman ni Raiden para kay Lyon. He just hopes that Lyon's other Mystique won't show up or else all of them will be in danger.
It really took one hour for them to arrive at the Meladin Kingdom. They were just quiet for the whole ride, saving their energy for their mission later. They stood and prepared themselves when the pilot said that they are now ready for landing. Raiden looked at Elora and gave her a genuine smile as he squeezed Elora's hand.
Nang maka-land na ang ship ay dahan-dahan nang bumukas ang pintuan nito. It was also the same, it emitted some smoke kaya hindi nila masyadong makita ang labas nito.
Professor Benedict stood once he was already done controlling the manuals. He signalled the members to follow him with his index finger.
Lumabas na si Professor Benedict at nasa likod naman niya ang mga members ng D.G.A. They were all line up as they walked outside, they immediately saw the royal guards that were waiting for them in front of the ship. Their forehead creased when they saw unfamiliar people standing beside the royal guards while wearing lab coats. Pero nagulat si Raiden nang makita niya si Reiko na nakatayo roon habang suot-suot ang lab coat, and it hit him, he realized that they were the C.H.A.I.N. Napataas din ang kilay ni Reiko nang makita niya ng kaniyang kapatid.
"Professor Benedict Peterfotch."
General George Hilton greeted the Professor with a hand shake which he also received. Gumalaw ang mga mata ni George sa likod ni Professor Benedict at palihim siyang napangiti nang makita niya sina Lyon at Raiden. It was nice seeing the both of them.
"Have you already told them about the plans?" George added.
"Yes, General. They are now ready for this mission."
"Great. I also have my teams. These men who is in my right are responsible for taking the archimages to the evacuation area while the men in my left are responsible for defeating those creatures."
"Trovis Feliciano and Lorie Sapphire will be the one who will help your royal guards to accompany those archimages in the evacuation area. While, Elora Delton, Jackson Luckovic and Prince Lyon Aberforth Hambridge will help to take those creatures down and finally, Raiden McPhall will create the barrier."
Tumango naman si George sa sinabi ni Professor Benedict. He turned around to meet his royal guards and commanded them to do their mission right now.
"Follow the royal guards." Professor Benedict also commanded the members of the D.G.A. Naglakad naman na sina Trovis at Lorie papunta sa mga royal guards na tutulong sakanila. Elora and Raiden looked to each other and they just shared a small smile. Pinakawalan na ni Raidena ng pagkakahawak niya sa kamay ni Elora at naglakad na rin ito papunta sa royal guards na nasa kaliwa. Tinapik naman ni Raiden ang balikat nina Jackson at Lyon. He even whispered 'be safe' to them. Naglakad naman na sila paalis sa open field ng Meladin Kingdom.
"Harem needs to go to the Power Plant."
Professor Benedict whispered to them nang sila na lang ang natira. Tumango naman si Harem at naglakad na sila kasama si George Hilton papalapit sa mga miyembro ng C.H.A.I.N.
Nakita agad ni Raiden ang malaking ngisi sa labi ni Reiko nang sila makalapit na sila. Nginitian na lamang ito ni Raiden dahil alam niya na hindi na sila puwedeng mag-usap ngayon. But deep inside, he really missed his sister.
"Harem Johanne, come with us." The black man told to Harem when they were already in front of the C.H.A.I.N members.
"Right." Sagot ni Harem at sumama na sa limang C.H.A.I.N members at kasali roon si Reiko. They headed for the truck, at pupunta sila ngayon sa Power Plant ng Maledin Kingdom.
"Where's the King, General?" Professor Benedict asked George. Tinuro naman niya ang spaceship na katabi lamang ng ship ng mga D.G.A.
"He is now watching all of us."
"Raiden McPhall come with us."
Napatingin si Raiden sa isang babaeng matangkad nang tawagin siya. Tumango ito sakaniya bilang sagot kaya naglakad na sila papunta sa isang building.
"Sir Elorus Finland. The force field generator is here already."
The tall lady said again when they were already inside the building. It was just a small building but it was surrounded with different machines that were unfamiliar to Raiden.
Tumayo ang isang matandang lalaki mula sa pagkaka-upo at lumapit kayna Raiden. His brows shot up when he saw the word Head in the silver name tag of his lab coat.
"Great. We need to finish this mess that is happening right now in this kingdom. General, is it okay if you'll accompany Raiden later in front of the Dark Woods?"
"No problem."
"Great. Lucy, can you give me those cuff bracelets." Utos nito sa babaeng matangkad kanina. Tumango naman ito at tumalikod upang kunin ang pinapakuha ni Sir Elorus Finland.
The eyes of Raiden started to roamed inside the building. Naningkit ang kaniyang tingin nang makita niya ang mga televisions na nasa harapan, may mga controls din dito. Pero ang hindi maintindihan ni Raiden ay nung nakita niya sa gitna ang isang madilim na lugar.
His eyes went back to Sir Finland nang narinig niya ang pagbalik ng matangkad na babae. She was holding a transparent box and inside it lies the cuff bracelets. Kinuha iyon ni Sir Finland at pinakita kay Raiden.
"This will help you to create a stronger force field for the Dark Woods. " Sir Finland instructed as he raised the bracelet that was in his right hand. "And this will help us to check if your vital signs are good." Dugtong niya habang tinutukoy naman ang bracelet na nasa kaliwang kamay niya. "You need to wear these cuff bracelets for your safety too."
Raiden nodded as he stared those cuff bracelets. It was in the color silver there were swirls that carved in it as a design. Sir Finland helped Raiden to put those cuff bracelets in his wrists and he felt really something strange when it was already in his wrists. He felt strong.
"Do you feel good?"
"Yes."
Samantalang, nasa sentro na ng Maledin Kingdom ang grupo nina Lyon at Trovis. Nagulat sila nang makita ang kabuuan ng city. The homes were already destroyed because of the wrath of the creatures. But this isn't the perfect time for them to feel pity. Nagsimula naman na silang maghiwa-hiwalay.
As the group of Lyon started to run, may nakita agad silang isang hyena na kinakain ang isang archimage. Their eyes widened when they saw the brutal killing, pero agad tumunog ang isang baril mula sa isang royal guards. The bullet immediately hit the hyena's body. They were really surrounded with houses that were already destroyed and they could hear some noises of archimages from afar.
Kikilos na sana ulit sila nang may bigla na lang lumitaw sa kanilang harapan na werewolf. It was nit just an ordinary werewolf, it was really huge and fat. Its eyes were bloodshot while the tongue was sticking out from the werewolf's lips. Then, suddenly the werewolf howled loudly which made them terrified. Kikilos na sana ang isang royal guard pero napatigil din siya nang makarinig sila ng maraming ungol na nanggagaling sa loob ng kingdom.
Suddenly, they were surprised when they saw thousands of wolves running towards them. Hindi lang iyon dahil may nakita rin silang mga hyenas, demogorgons, bears and other wild creatures coming to them. It seems like the werewolf called them all.
"Ang dami nila!" Jackson exclaimed as he felt shivers down to his spine. Kinakabahan na siya nang makita niya ang kanilang magiging kalaban.
"We don't have time to be coward. Royal guards, you know what to do, right?" Lyon turned to them and commanded the royal guards like he was a king.
"Yes your highness."
"Then let's set Maledin Kingdom on fire." Bulong ni Lyon. He doesn't care anymore is his dark magic will show right now. Nang makita niya kasi ang archimage na kinakain kanina ng hyena, he suddenly felt the urge to protect and save this kingdom. He really looks like a king.
"Lyon's right. All the archimages are counting on us."
Napabuntong hininga na lamang si Jackson nang sabihin iyon nina Elora at Lyon.
'They're right' He said inside his mind.
The huge wolf that was in the center started to howl again and as if it was a cue for the royal guards to shoot those creatures with their explosion guns. Jackson also started to transform himself as a huge wolf also. It's technique called animal morphing that Professor Benedict taught him. He started to run and attack on those hyenas. While Elora just stood there but she started to use her mind abilities to control the minds of the animals. She already mastered this technique with the help of Professor Benedict. However, Lyon levitated his self with the help of his heaven power to also have advantage from the creatures.
They all started to attack the wild creatures. Marami na ring napatay si Jackson na hyenas dahil sa bilis nitong umatake, he's really skillful with a hand to hand combat kaya medyo madali na lamang ito para sakaniya.
Nang makita naman ni Elora ang isang demogorgon na aatake sa isang royal guard ay agad naman niyang kinontrol ang utak ng demogorgon. The creature didn't have the chance to attack the royal guard because Elora was controlling it. Lyon noticed it that's why he released a heaven ball explosion towards the demogorgon. The demogorgon was hit at nagkaroon naman ng kaunting pagsabog kaya natamaan din ang ilang demogorgons.
However, Trovis and the royal guards were having a hard time to accompany all the archimages who are inside and outside of their homes because of the creatures that are blocking them. Buti na lamang at mabilis ang naging pagtakbo ni Trovis to the point that the time stopped from moving again, and because of this lahat din ng mga archimages sa Maledin Kingdom ay tumigil sa paggalaw. Trovis grabbed this opportunity to move all the archimages to the evacuation area. Bawat takbo niya ay dalawa ang dinadala niya papunta sa evacuation area, pero dahil sa sobrang bilis niyang tumakbo ay marami siyang nadadala papunta sa area.
But the time suddenly started to move again and all the actions of the archimages resumed.
As they were battling and fighting in the center of the Maledin Kingdom, the houses and streetlights were suddenly lit up to its brightest light. Harem started to operate the power plant and controlled all the electricity with her mystique. Tinutulungan naman siya nina Reiko para mas maging malakas iyon. The eyes of Harem was covered with white light, while her arms were surrounded with a mixture of purple and white lights. Dahil dito, bigla na lang nasaktan ang mga creatures dahil sa sobrang liwanag ng Maledin Kingdom. Lyon, Elora, Jackson, and Trovis took this chance to do what they needed to do.
Inside the evacuation area, Lorie was using his mystique in full force to heal all the injured archimages. Big beads of sweats were dropping from Lorie's forehead. She doesn't need to approach each Archimage to cure them. She was just standing in the middle while her arms were raised. A white light was also coming out from her hands and it directly went to the injured archimages.
"Are you ready?"
Tanong ni Sir Finland kay Raiden mula sa isang room na pinalilibutan ng salamin. Raiden and George were inside of the other room that was also in front of the monitoring room where Sir Finland, Professor Benedict and the other members can be found.
Raiden slowly nodded but he can feel the loud heartbeat from his chest. Pumunta na sina Raiden kasama si George sa isang glass elevator na nasa loob ng malawak na kuwarto. They were wearing protective suits. George patted Raiden's shoulder as the elevator went down. They are going to the underworld of the Dark Woods to create a strong shield for it.
"How are you McPhall boy?" Tanong ni George sakaniya. Napangiti si Raiden dahil na-miss niya si George. Hindi niya kasi ito nakita ng ilang linggo.
"I'm a little but nervous for this George. This is my first time doing this kind of missions." Raiden confessed his feelings honestly.
"Don't worry McPhall boy, I'm just here for you." George said again with a smile. Natigilan lang sila nang tumigil na rin ang elevator sa pagbaba. The glass doors of the elevator immigration opened. Nahigit naman ni Raiden ang kaniyang hininga nang makita niya ang underworld ng Dark Woods. The place was really dark except for the orange light that was coming out .
"Raiden, can you hear us?"
He heard the voice of Sir Finland from the earpiece.
"Yes, sir I can hear you."
Napalunok si Raiden habang pinagmamasadan ang lugar. Sa totoo lang ay natatakot siya rito dahil wala siyang nakikita bukod sa ilaw na nanggagaling sa woods. Naramdaman niya ang paglapat ng kamay ni George sa kaniyang balikat kaya napatingin siya rito.
"Now start creating your force field and we will help you to strengthen it with our machines, okay? We'll also monitor your vital signs."
Raiden heaved a heavy sigh and started to collect all of his courage to do this mission successfully. Alam niya kasi na sakaniya nakasalalay ang misyong ito. If he fails, then everything will be doomed. He stared to stare at the orange light intently as if he was gaining his strength and power to project a strong field. George was just looking at Raiden with nervous eyes, but he was hoping deep inside that Raiden will be safe.
Raiden swallowed and raised his both arms in front of him. Suddenly, a blue light was coming out from both of his hands. He spread out his arms widely and the blue light became wider, starting to cover the dark woods. He gritted his teeth as he added a more force to his mystique.
"How is his vital signs?"
He heard the voice of Sir Finland from the earpiece, pero hindi niya iyon pinansin at mas lalo lamang nag pokus sa kaniyang ginagawa.
"Sir, his vital signs are good for now."
The girl with a brunette hair reported to Sir Finland. Her eyes were focused to the screen of the computer where the vital signs of Raiden can be seen.
"How about the force field?"
"Sir, it's getting stronger but it's not enough to cover the whole Dark Woods."
The boy reported who was responsible for checking the intensity of the force field.
"Level up to three."
"Okay, sir."
Raiden was groaning as he put all of his force in strengthening his force field. The shield was continuously growing as it defeats the orange light from the Dark Woods.
Nahihirapan naman si George na pagmasdan si Raiden dahil parang siya ang nahihirapan para sakaniya.
"How is he?"
"Vitals are dropping."
Naningkit ang mga mata ni Professor Benedict habang pinagmamasdan sa television si Raiden.
"Sir, I think you need to increase it to level ten." Sambit nito. Sir Finland immediately looked at him with surprise eyes.
"He will die if we will do it!" Sir Finland exclaimed. Halata na rin ang takot at kaba sa mga mata ni Sir Finland dahil sa mga posibleng mangyari kay Raiden.
"No, sir! If we will prolong the hardship of Raiden then he'll die. Raiden will going to make it, I believe in him. He's strong, so increase it to level ten."
Pagmamatigas ni Professor Benedict. He sounded so sure with it. Pero kahit ganoon ay parang hindi naniniwala si Sir Finland.
"Just do it, sir." Sir Finland shut his eyes frustratedly.
"Paolo, increase it to level ten."
"Yes, sir." Paolo answered and moved the button to number ten.
"Arghhhhhh." Raiden continued to groaned as he let out all of his strength just to create a strong force field. He was already levitate his self dahil na rin sa lakas ng kapangyarihan na pinapalabas niya.
Dahil tinaas na rin nila ang level ng force field ni Raiden, unti-unti nang nawawala ang orange light na nanggagaling sa loob ng Dark Woods. But Raiden could felt that his body is starting to get weak. Nanghihina na siya pero hindi pa rin siya tumigil.
With one last groan, the underworld of Dark Woods was covered with blue white. George even covered his eyes with his palms because the lights were already blinding.
And with that, all of the wild creatures in the center of the Meladin Kingdom slowly vanished like a puff of smoke. Nagulat sina Lyon dahil doon pero nagkatinginan din sila sa isa't isa. Jackson slowly transformed his self back to human.
And the mission was successful...
-:-
Thank you for reading!
ecyela