Tides Of Protomis XXVIII

It was but a few minutes after the destruction of the Kingston fortress. Arriving above Kingston were the tides, Bijan, and Liang. The damages to the city were made evident as they got closer. Rubble lined the streets, with many of the buildings that lie in the city’s center demolished. Some were “Lucky” Enough to only have the top halves taken off. But, the same could not be said for those inside, or on the streets. Rescue Aircraft streaked across the rubble, moving it around, picking up who they could. Though it paled in comparison to Niopolis, considering how the battle went, that wasn’t saying much. Arctaius’ eyes darted around as he took in the destruction, before swiveling, facing his allies.

“That’s a lot of damage.”

“We don’t have time to look… We need to get moving if we’re to find Koeda.” Alarick stated.

“No need, I sensed you all already.” Their eyes darted toward the source, And there they saw him. Tsumotsu’s suit flowed in the wind, as he flew toward them. Stopping but a few feet away.

“Let’s cut to the chase- Koeda… The kaemerge have given us the advantage with this attack… If they wouldn’t believe us before, then they will now. This massively adds to our proof of their existence. I need to speak with President Green…”

Tsumotsu was silent for a moment, mulling over the youths' words.

“...Fine then. I have no doubt that he’ll be looking for an explanation, this is much too close to the Shima Inferno and your battle in Santa Maria… That’ll help you out a bit.”

With this- Koeda takes a holo-phone out of his suit pocket and taps the side bringing up a pale blue display. As he tapped through it, he selected a contact, Abram Green, President, North American Federation. It rang for a bit before a fair-skinned man with white hair that had since receded past his forehead appeared on the display. His face covered in wrinkles, a direct result of his age. Like one would expect of someone with his position, he was dressed in a black suit and tie. He began to frantically run through display after display across his desk, trying to address the current situation.

“Tsumotsu Koeda… Try to make this brief, as you know- we’ve just had an attack, and we need to begin investigating.”

“If that’s the case. I have someone of Interest…”

Green stopped in his tracks, deciding to fixate on the screen.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I have Corde here with me- and he’s gotten some information about those very attacks.”

Tsumotsu held the device out to Arctaius. The youth floated over, taking it in the palm of his hand, and holding it in front of him. Green’s eyes widened in surprise. A boy who was that young managed to survive one of the biggest battles in the war? He knew of his strength. But the fact remained that there was a lot of proto-humans high on the totem pole there… But, after some moments, he regained his composure. After all, he was the leader of a nation now, he didn’t have time to reminisce, especially in a time of crisis.

“Corde the Agium… I thought you were gone. We hadn’t seen you ever since Moscow. You look well.”

“You as well, Green...But let us get to the point. Me and my associates have been following the group responsible for the Shima Inferno and the Battle of Niopolis… They call themselves the Kaemerge Empire. They have bases all over the world as of right now. We find that it’s probable they’ll attack again.”

Green put his elbows on the table, intertwining his fingers… He went silent, beginning to incorporate the information he just gained, with that from his subordinates, direct and indirect… This wasn’t a decision he could rush, not in the least. While he was reluctant… The agium had never given him any incorrect information. He nodded, as he came to a conclusion.

“Kaemerge Empire? That sounds… A bit far-fetched, to say the least. But- we have no other leads to go on. What more can you tell me about them?” Green questioned.

Hearing these words, Alarick floated behind Arctaius, coming into the view of the camera.

“ Despite being a secret for the most part- their forces are quite large. They have a large number of proto-humans, though their strength varies… These injuries you see here were dealt to us by one of their leaders. He and one of their human experiments caused most of the damage in Niopolis…” He stated.

“It’s not just limited to proto-humans... Their bases are well defended. They not only have HAU’s but battleships as well- I'd guess that they have a fleet somewhere, if not multiple… The damage to Kingston earlier was due to its main gun firing.” Arctaius continued.

Green leaned back into his chair as he looked to the ceiling, beginning to absorb the information… As he did, a certain thought came to mind. Something didn’t sit right with him. How were they able to gain all this power by themselves, how were they able to move around undetected? No matter how he looked at it, it didn’t make any sense.

“...This is an issue indeed. Do you know where these bases are?”

Arctaius nodded at the president's query.

“Watanabe found a list of locations in the database, from their fortress in Niopolis… It’s just the general area, but it should do something for you.”

“Send it over, I really do appreciate your contributions, all of you. We know who our opponents are, and now- where they’ve situated themselves. I’ll make sure that you’re all rewarded… Green, Out.”

Now, the transmission ended, with the video closing out. Leaving nothing but the blank display. Soon, Arctaius handed the device back to Tsumotsu, who placed it back into his pocket. Moments afterward, they landed on the street. With nothing more to say, it was quiet between them. They simply stood there. This was until, the sound of clamoring shoes against the concrete, as well as huffs and puffs, filled their eardrums. Something that made Arctaius look into the distance, stepping past Koeda, as, coming into his view, was a familiar girl bolting toward them.

“Corde!!”

“That voice…Can I never win?” Arctaius mumbled.

Part B

At breakneck speeds- Asami continued speeding toward Arctaius… A fire in her eyes, a clear sign of her anger. Even so, he stood there unfazed.

“You Idiot!!!” Asami threw her fist forward, which smashed into Arctaius chest… Though, he stood there, casually looking down at her, unaffected by the punch. For a few moments, neither moved, until Asami recoiled, holding her hand in her other.

“Ow, Ow, Ow!! What are you made of?!”

Arctaius simply continues staring at her.

“Yet, somehow- I'M the idiot here…”

Now, she let go of her hand, stepping toward the Youth.

“You are an idiot!! What are you doing running to a fight with those injuries of yours? In Fact- I could say that for the rest of you as well!!!”

Alairck shrugged.

“What must be done, will be done…All there is to say, really.”

Arctaius nodded in agreement.

“We’re clearly fine, you should be much more worried about Shinto, Akashi, and Yudei…” He began to trail off, Looking away from Asami.

“Should probably check on Kurt too…” he mumbled.

Though Asami looked at him with a raised eyebrow, never having heard of this “Kurt” before. She didn’t act on it. Either way, something else caught Arctaius’ attention, as Liang turned his back on them, looking off into the street.

“Speaking of worrying… I have my own issues, we’re essentially finished here. So It’s about time that I start looking for Cuifen.”

Bijan nodded.

“That said, I'm gonna be going with Liang.”

Going with who?! A frown found its way onto the Youth’s face, as he looked over his shoulder, glaring at the source of the speech.

“Like hell you are…”

“I don’t know about you- but I wouldn't want to risk dying and leaving MY sister in the hands of the Kaemerge.”

Liang sighed, as he turned his head forward once more. While he certainly didn’t enjoy having someone tag along… His points weren’t exactly wrong. He’d just be going in blind, and who knew what type of guys the imperial government had stationed around.

“Fine then… I’ll go look for a ship, we’re leaving right after we find one, I don’t plan on lingering here.”

Liang levitated off of the ground, Glancing at Zhao, Liang nodded. Zhao nodded back in response, with the silent exchange over, Liang flew away, leaving the five on the ground.

“Well, looks like this is where we go our separate ways... With luck, we’ll get to see each other again, but, before that…”

Bijan launched a card of paper at Alarick, which he proceeded to catch between his fingers. He flipped it over, revealing the numerals printed onto the card.

“My Phone number. Let’s keep in contact.” He continued. It was only then that he waved goodbye, before rushing off to follow Liang. Jirou took a few steps forward, putting his hand on Arctaius’ shoulder, as if to catch his attention, something that worked, given that he looked at him.

“I'm guessing we can take off too- once we find those friends of yours. Wanna be back there in case something happens.”

As Jirou spoke, Arctaius nodded, as he began to slowly walk off. With the others watching him all the while.

“Yeah… Let’s get moving. “

His stroll continued, until, leaping in front of him, was Asami, her face still in a scowl.

“I know what you’re trying to do, and it won’t work!! Did you really think that I wouldn't notice you trying to escape the conversation? We’ve been over this before- I know you!”

Now, Arctaius went stiff, and silent as she spoke. Looks like plan A had failed. It was time for the backup plan. Small arcs of electricity surrounded Arctaius. Before, without a word, he simply disappeared, with some electricity scattering across the street. Asami stood there for a few seconds, trying to process what just took place. Before, she looked to her left, right, and then behind her, before she returned her gaze forward.

“Huh…” She started quietly.

‘HUH?! Hold on a minute, what was that!!” She yelled.

From this, the five watched with blank expressions covering their faces. Once more, less than impressed by the display.

“They argue like that, and then expect us to believe they’re not an item…” Jirou mumbled.

“I don’t think they realize that they aren’t fooling anybody…” Alarick responded.

Now, Asami’s attention was redirected, as her gaze shot over to the two.

“W- We aren’t trying to!! There’s-”

“Nothing between us…” The group finished, cutting her off.

Asami’s face was painted crimson once again, and she began to briskly walk in the opposite direction. Until, she finally turned a street corner, facepalming.

“Why do I keep saying things like that?! Now they even know what I'm going to say… How embarrassing!!” She yelled internally.

Unbeknownst to her, Arctaius looked down upon Asami from the roof of a building. Though he took note of the blush, and the subsequent facepalm, he didn’t dwell on it, instead, his thoughts were on wholly different things.

“Looks like we’ll be returning to Yamato after this. Though- my operations are not finished yet, I'll be working to destroy the Kaemerge regardless, ready or not, I’m coming…”

To Be Continued

New Orleans, Juno District, North American Federation.

Nestled deep within the swamps around New Orleans, was a small, wooden cabin, constructed on stilts. It looked old, anyone who lived there likely left years ago. But, it was not the cabin that was the point of interest, rather, it was the map within, thankfully left over, that taught a certain group of men where to go.

Three days after the battle, Abram Green and the Federal Assembly decided it was time to make their move. And to that end, Four men wearing black armor went through a darkened room, lit only by the flashlights on their rifles. The NAF’s Special Ops squad, the Blackhawks, had arrived on the scene. They begin to point their weapons around, checking their surroundings for traps, enemies, clues, anything that they might encounter. The walls were lined with rebar, only revealed as the lights went across them. Those on the ceiling have since been turned off, likely along with the electricity. They continued their search, until they took note of a doorway at the end of the hall, already open. The member in the front, waved his hand, a signal for his allies to enter, and fan out. He tightened his grip on his rifle, as he stepped through the doorway, soon followed by his men doing the same. Once more, nobody was there. But, aside from clearing the place out, they had another job to take care of. The room looked to have been an office, but, aside from the few papers, there was nearly nothing left for them to go out of. The commander grabbed one of the papers, his eyes moving across it. A process that continued with the others, hushed voices talking about the information. Or, rather, the lack thereof. He sighed as he dropped the paper, grabbing his communicator, and looking at the display.

“It’s no use, Mr.President… It’s been completely cleaned out. There are only a few documents left- and the only thing legible on these ones is that they’ve begun moving operations. Data is either wiped clean or heavily encrypted with a system we haven't seen before…”

Green sat within the Executive office, his eyes closed, listening to the officer’s words. Though physically, he was the only one there, The leaders of the World Treaty Organization were on holographic displayers, Leaning in to hear every word. Green opened his eyes as he spoke.

“Is that so…”

Elsewhere, within Yamato's Imperial Palace, a traditional castle in southern Tokyo, Emperor Shin sat within his office. He tapped a button on his communicator, turning the microphone on.

“It’s the same situation here… We’ve had similar results. “

Now, another man, with a short head of Auburn hair, who looked notably younger than all the others there, sat within Londinium’s Parliament building, which, as one could take note, was noticeably emptier than normal. Oliver Thompson, The Prime Minister of Londinium was the next to speak.

“Unfortunately- we’ve also come up blank…. They’ve covered their tracks well.”

Sitting within the Delmenford Capital Of Heinzburg, was a man dressed in a suit. With blonde hair, that touched his shoulders, and emerald-colored orbs. Lorenz Schmidt, the high Senator of Delmenforde. He brushed his hair away from his face as he spoke.

“Then it seems as if all of our operations have been ineffective… Premier Okoye, what about you?”

Within the West African Federation’s capital of Yantza, a city on the Niger delta, existing for over a thousand years, sat the seat of power for the nation, Odeguni keep, a relic from the old monarchy. Sitting on a plush, wood-framed chair, was Premier Asagi Okoye. A dark-skinned man with a bald head that shined with the overhead lights.

“I’ll have to agree with Schmidt, it was cleaned out.”

Now, the silence returned. Thoughts began to rush through his head as he attempted to make heads and tails of the situation, until, five minutes later, it finally came to him.

“Not completely… Now we just know something else. Information control, cover-ups, ways to keep news of their movements from getting to the wider nation... They shouldn’t have been able to move all of their forces without going unnoticed, unless- of course…” Green trailed off.

Silence...

“They had support from somebody else, likely within our governments.” Emperor Shin proclaimed, breaking the silence once more… But, even so, the heads of state had very little to say.