Heroes of Mavia: A Soldiers Trust

Phoenixfire083 — BOGG

Where to Begin? The question seemed simple, but Mira and Diamond Hand stood dumbfounded in front of the map of Mavia. Awaking early to discuss possibilities only to emerge from the HQ long after the sun had set. Their Ruby infusion didn’t stop their minds from feeling drained, or sooth their temperaments, which caused arguments over the littlest details. Who would they offer an alliance? Who would they raid? They still needed to upgrade the base. Mira found the answer when she dove into the data retrieved from the Mad Engineer’s lab. They found his schematics on the retrofitted lab equipment in his research facility. Specifically, a specialized exhaust tube used to expel the waste safely. They sent out drones to scout the multitude of bases to identify which facilities had the exhaust, and that would illuminate those allied with the Big Hammer King. While they waited for the data, they focused their efforts on their base’s upgrades. Strengthening their ground and air turrets, adding flamethrowers to choke points, along with mines. They built new walls within the base to help protect their resources. Upgrading their HQ unlocked more schematics to upgrade their vehicles capabilities, while also adding suicide cars, and whale blimps to their inventory.

When the scouting data came in, they watched with anticipation as the map updated. Red dots lit up in bright clusters on the map, once used to indicate bases too strong to attack, they now revealed the bases allied with the Big Hammer King. Tendrils of red snaked their way over the island display like a virus, and the scope of his influence became apparent. However, hope raised as they saw that most bases remained neutral, and now they knew who to focus their raids on.

The first steps were taken, but who would they approach first? DH opting for a more direct approach. Mira wanting to send out mass invitations. Would anyone believe them? Or would it paint a bigger target on their backs? The days became so stressful that they trained under the cover of the night, to alleviate the tension. It became so much fun that Mira would actively aggravate DH throughout the day to ensure he wouldn’t hold up.

They chose an empty hangar so to not draw attention, and when the massive bay doors clattered shut behind them, it was on. Mira shook her body to prepare, while DH cracked his knuckles, which pulsed with a dull red light with each pop. They learned more about each other fighting. Becoming more aware of what limitations they could exceed. Circling each other slowly with respectful apprehension. Mira was always the impatient one, they both knew it. Using her speed to strike, Mira lashed out quickly. Bounding forward with large steps before jumping. Diamond Hands anchored his feet, bent low, and reached out to grab her out of the air. Time slowed for Mira as her body twisted through the air. Doing a front handspring off his lower forearm and landing on his shoulders. Locking her ankles, she twisted and fell behind him. Sticking one of her stun grenades to the center of his back. Then landing on her hands and flipping away, just as his hands grabbed air. DH stumbled into a forward roll expecting an attack that didn’t come. Turning to face her, he nodded in appreciation. Mira smiled in return and tried to stifle a laugh. The stun grenade popped off sending arcs of blue energy around his massive frame, causing him to shake briefly.

Shaking his head vigorously, DH charged forward. Punching out with calculated ferocity. Jabs, and mighty swings left blurred trails of crimson light. Mira fell into a series of back handsprings, twisting her body mid air to barely avoid each attack. Ending in a backflip and landing with her back against the main bay door. Ducking at the last moment, DH’s hand punctured the door with a dull thud. They both stopped and grimaced at metal folded outward like paper. Mira pointed towards DH to blame him. Taking advantage of the distraction DH grabbed Mira by the waist. Her face turned into a frown as she cocked her head to the side, as if asking “really?”, then using his strength to throw her into the center of the hangar. Mira’s catlike reflexes helped her to land safely and spring back to her feet. Quickly facing her opponent, Mira looked in surprise as she realized DH was already pressing his attack. Tackling her to the ground. They both rolled, before DH found himself on top, pinning her shoulders to the ground, a victorious smile on his face.

“I win,” he stated through panted breaths, until he heard the familiar hum of her sword’s energy edge activate. Looking downwards he saw the tip of her sword hovering precariously close to his privates.

“How about a draw?” she suggested, “or do I make a banana split?” she snickered. DH nodded and got up off her, helping her up with an outreached arm.

“Starting to play a bit dirty I see,” Diamond Hands stated as he brushed off the dirt off his body.

“The Big Hammer King isn’t going to play fair, so why should we?” She countered coldly as she sheathed her sword.

“Indeed,” DH answered with a disconcerting tone, “but don’t forget, Mira. You can’t take back a choice once you act irrationally.”

“So, you always like to remind me,” Mira sighed with a roll of her eyes as she brushed a strand of purple hair behind her left ear. DH shook his head as he turned away to walk out of the hangar. “Okay, I’ll bite. Tell me what happened,” Mira asked with irritation as she ran to catch up to him. DH gave great advice, but he always gave it under the vague whisper of something from his past.

“C’mon DH,” Mira scoffed with annoyance causing him to stop to face her. “You always preach honor, and to do the right thing,” she added with a friendly mocking of his voice, “yet, you bottle up your pain. Talk to me. I thought we trusted each other?”

“I do trust you Mira,” DH answered quickly, “but there is a line that you cannot come back from once you cross it.”

“Is that what you tell yourself? That you can’t atone for your sins?” Mira challenged.

“It’s not that you can’t atone, Mira,” he paused staring up at the black sky, struggling to find the words to say. “It just becomes easier to justify making more wrong choices. Before you realize it, you can never wash the blood from your hands.”

“I’m sure whatever you did in the past has been paid for,” she reassured, “with what you have done for your people here on Mavia.”

“My people want nothing to do with me, Mira,” he growled suddenly through clenched teeth.

“I thought they chose you to be their king?” Mira asked with a confused stare, trying to understand the pain that permeated out of his tired gaze.

Diamond Hand’s eyes quivered as he remembered the events. “When the war appeared above the jungles of my homeland. We watched in horror as forces battled overhead. We were powerless to stop the fires that fell upon our settlements.” He caught his voice cracked in the weight of his hidden despair, but he continued.

“Our king died trying to save his people. When the chaos ended, we had no leaders. We were all lost, angry, and covered in the ash of the fallen. I was full of so much rage. I fed off the pain and turned myself into a weapon. The world didn’t take my people seriously, so they used our land as a battlefield. So, I enacted my own sense of justice. The worst part, was that my people saw my actions as the light in their darkened time.”

“You did what you had to do to protect your people,” Mira reassured, trying to justify the anguish of her friend.

“Yea, a people not equipped to fight this war. It was forced upon us because the greed of other nations who didn’t think we mattered. I changed that. I took those who were just as angry into the forest to get retribution for those we had lost. We were merciless, striking from the shadows and leaving only carnage in our wake. We didn’t care who we found, if they weren’t our people, we killed them without question, took no prisoners, displayed their bodies as warnings at our borders. We lost all sense of who we were, and in the end, it worked, the war left our borders. My people saw me as a hero and chose me as their next king. But I was no King, just a vengeful executioner.”

“War is horrible, DH. Makes us do heinous things that we know in our heart is wrong. But you shouldn’t blame yourself,” Mira flashed a sympathetic smile. “If you didn’t act the way you did, how many more of your people would have suffered?”

“Maybe,” DH shrugged as he considered her statement, “but after my people started to see reason again, the elders saw the real damage of my actions, and how the path of my people had changed. The younger generations didn’t care about our traditions, and only wanted to fight. It didn’t take long for our traditions to strain under the pressure of naïve abandonment. Yes, I came to Mavia to get Ruby to my people so they could use the energy to rebuild a future that was abundant in resources, and devoid of anger, and suffering. I hope that the future my people build will help close the door and forget about the violence of our past.”

Mira’s heart ached as DH told his story, absorbing the solemn memories, but something within her hit her with a sobering realization. “You came to Mavia to die, didn’t you?” she gasped in shock. His eyes confirming the accusation with a look of devastation. The truth laid bare as she realized the pain he lived with everyday.

“That’s why I plead to you Mira, don’t allow your emotions to lead you on a path that you will regret. Promise me.” DH said sternly.

“Sure, DH,” she smiled with an empathic gaze, “I promise I won’t do anything rash. And I promise that when everything is over, we will still have our honor.”

Diamond Hands smiled at her response, placing a diamond hand on her shoulder, “I appreciate it Mira,” he paused, “but don’t make promises you cannot keep.”

His response hit her harder than any punch she had ever received. So taken aback by his answer she was speechless. Mira watched him walk away and fade into the darkness of the night to find what solace he could from the nightmares of his past.

The next morning, Mira stood a solitary figure in front of the map of Mavia. Her eyes shifting impatiently from the display to the entrance. When Diamond Hands finally arrived, he greeted everyone in the room with a firm salute, which they matched with eager reciprocity. Relieved as she was to see him, she saw easily he wore a smile on his face. Knowing now the weight of guilt that he held over his massive shoulders was now prevalent to her, even as he masked it from everyone. It made sense now why he always seemed so overprotective of her, because he didn’t want her to make the same mistakes he did. She was determined not to let him down.

In war a leader always had to weigh the options of loss and gain. Every attack they planned, they had to find the right angle of approach. The best way to send forces forward to disable defenses and breach the outer walls. Learning from mistakes made future attacks more efficient. As was with their defeat at the Marshland base. The initial attack was flawless, but the counterattack was something they didn’t plan. It was as if the Big Hammer King baited them with a ripe base to attack and had a counter punch waiting for them as soon as they nibbled on the hook. Then it hit her.

“Close your mouth, you are going to catch a fly,” Diamond Hands greeted as he approached the map.

“It just came to me actually,” she replied with a grin, “whether or not it will be something we can act on, I don’t know,” Mira responded, her voice trailed off as her attention fell into the display.

Taking control of the map, she used motion controls to focus on the Marshland base. Opening a menu to display a series of scouting reports that they had accumulated. Selecting the last entry, a dotted line appeared to move away from the base. It was the trajectory of their raid forces that left before Mira and DH had arrived. Lifting an eyebrow, DH watched as the line led to a lone base in the thick woods near the edge of the Snowy Mountains.

“We were wondering where to start,” Mira said with a triumphant smile, “why not help those in need?”

“It’s worth a try,” DH replied with a subtle nod, “but, I’m going alone.”

“Excuse me?” Mira scoffed with narrowed eyes.

“Don’t look at me like that. You know it is better for one of us to stay here and not leave the base leaderless. I have training in negotiations and diplomacy remember?” DH countered calmly.

Mira’s cheeks clenched as she stood with crossed arms. Finally agreeing with her mentor and knowing that it was the logical action. Diamond Hand’s left the HQ, retrieved supplies, and left through the north gate. Mira watched from the top of the control tower as her mentor and friend crested the first hill. Mira knew she was where she had to be. She wouldn’t lie to herself either, she was jealous.

“Be careful my friend,” she whispered, hoping the wind carried her words to Diamond Hands.

Diamond Hand’s sighed with contentment as the green hills rolled in endless waves before him. The silence around him was shocking, as he realized how long it had been since he wasn’t around others. Staring up into the cloud strewn sky, framed with pockets of sapphire blue, he felt grateful for this moment of peace. Then he saw a faint black spec barely visible against the tapestry of the sky, and he knew it was a drone. Mira was keeping an eye on him. Shaking his head, he left his frustration behind as he knew it was a legit concern. Regaining his focus on the task at hand, he looked towards the towering Ruby protruding over horizon to the northeast, a landmark necessary to travel these lands. A reminder as well of the sinister threats of the Big Hammer King.

The towering Snowy Mountains stood as sentinels; bands of clouds clung desperately to their frigid peaks as he moved northward. The hills became blanketed with lush forests. The earthy aromas of the forest overwhelmed him. The air was cooler as he walked in the shade of the trees, past vibrant ferns, and the root strewn underbrush. It was interesting to him how comforting the forest felt to him. Yet, it didn’t match the majesty of the jungles of his homeland. In war it would all burn the same, he thought grimly.

The days molded together like wet clay, and when the sun started its decent on the third day, DH finally saw the break in the forest edge. Taking cover behind a thick trunk of a tree, he peered out to see thick gray stone walls. The base cleared the vegetation around the base to give the defenses a better vantage of approaching forces. Happy to have arrived, he meandered his way through the cover of the forest to the main gate. Laborers and soldiers of the base working feverishly to repair the damages of the last raid. Black scars marred the ground outside, and one full section of wall had collapsed to rubble. DH knew that the base would be on edge and how foolish it was not to have sent word first. Taking a deep breath, he left the cover with raised hands to show he wasn’t a threat. As he walked closer, defenders stopped and stared in awe, one soldier dropping a pile of stone. After the awkward moment, screams echoed through the base.

Diamond Hands stopped as soon as the first defender drew their gun. More soldiers soon moved into a defensive formation around the breach. DH saw the desperation in their eyes, yet he stayed calm.

“That’s far enough,” A gruff voice warned from out of view.

“I’m here to talk to whoever is in charge,” Diamond Hands announced loudly, his thunderous voice carried over the unsettled silence.

The front line of soldiers stepped aside to reveal a man. The man was short. His hair buzzed short, a thick caterpillar like moustache on his upper lip. He chewed on the end of a large cigar, which smoldered with a soft orange ember. He had a wide frame, muscular shoulders, and thick arms that held a double-barreled shot gun. A cross bandolier of shells wrapped around each shoulder, and his belt filled with grenades.

“I’m in charge,” the man growled unimpressed as he approached DH, “and you have five seconds to explain why Betty here shouldn’t fill you with buckshot.” He paused lifting the barrel towards DH’s face, “Five.”

Diamond Hands looked down at him, felt the eyes of every soldier as they took aim. Calmly, DH lowered his arms as the man counted from four down to three.

“If you are quite done, I’m here to talk about an alliance,” Diamond Hands answered just as the soldier reached one, then silence. The soldiers grumbled inaudibly as he chewed on his cigar.

“An alliance?” the man said loudly, nearly choking on cigar smoke. Coughing turned into a chuckle, before he finally burst into laughter. “Look troops, this ape thinks he can come here and ask us to swear fealty to him.”

“It looks like you need all the help you can get,” Diamond Hands said pointing towards the breached wall, “if my calculations are correct, you should have had these repairs completed days ago. Unless, you don’t have the resources?”

“Listen here, we held our own and will be just fine without you.” Angrily pumping the shotgun, “Now, if you are done wasting our time, I think you should leave,” the soldier warned.

“If you don’t hear me out, you only bring more misfortune to you and your base,” Diamond Hands countered loudly for everyone to hear. “I know we think the war is over, but the Big Hammer King is here on Mavia.”

Diamond Hands watched as the gruff soldier’s eyes shifted from suspicion to curiosity, as he breathed in another gout of cigar smoke. The man signaled to the soldiers to lower their weapons as he exhaled two thick plumbs out of his nose. The man’s head barely reached DH’s chest, but he stood confidently in front of him.

“Alright buttercup,” the leader mocked, “Amuse me.”

“Well, I’m King Diamond Hands, of the Jungle Kingdom,” DH introduced himself proudly, offering his hand to shake.

The soldier eyed him suspiciously, eyes darting between the outreached arm and DH’s face, “Axel,” he answered with a snort, but left the arm untouched.

“Alright Axel,” DH continued, “I came to you because we attacked the base that attacked you.”

“I see,” Axel responded unimpressed, “so, you’re here for thanks? Should we just drop to our knees in thanks? Oh, great ape, our hero,” Axel finished loudly, with an overexaggerated bow of reverence, followed by the laughs of his soldiers.

“I know you have no reason to trust me, Axel. I, like all of you came to Mavia because we couldn’t find our place in society when the war ended. We fight to make the world better, not to be meat in another war,” DH paused as he looked at the lines of soldiers. We all heard the whispers but ignored them. When we attacked that base, we found irrefutable proof that the Big Hammer King is on Mavia.”

Inaudible whispers arose in waves from the soldiers. Axel chuckled in disbelief as he shook his head. “A powerful Doge warrior infused with the power of Ruby led the forces that overwhelmed us. I barely escaped, but because I was able to infuse with Ruby as well. The Big Hammer King has figured out how to become more powerful.”

“Listen to yourself,” Axel countered, “you got your butt kicked, and figure you can lie to lure us into a false sense of security. A tactic used during the war. Disinformation, and fear. But we are not a stupid lot.”

“The Big Hammer King is on Mavia,” Diamond Hand’s proclaimed loudly and clearly for everyone to hear.

“The Big Hammer King is just a myth,” Axel growled with annoyance as the conversation continued. “Infusing Ruby with someone? Impossible,” Axel spat as he signaled his soldiers to raise their guns, “You have overstayed your welcome ape.”

Diamond Hands felt his body tense as the weight of every barrel aimed at him. A pit formed in his stomach as he cursed himself for failing to convince this man, he had to think fast.

“Let me show you,” DH proclaimed, causing Axel to turn to look at him.

DH caught the sight of a large moss-covered boulder sunken deeply into the earth nearby. DH straddled it and pressed both hands against the cold stone surface. With a bend of his knees, he focused on the Ruby energy building within. His hands started to glimmer with shades of red as the power flowed to his fingertips. Soldiers gasped as Diamond Hands growled in defiance as his muscles strained, the earth groaning in protest. DH pulled the boulder out of the ground, tearing the earth around it. Grass roots dangled helplessly beneath as he lifted it over his head. Holding it there momentarily to the awe stricken looks of Axel and his soldiers. Grinning, DH screamed angrily as he squeezed with all his strength. Cracks splintered like lightning across the stones surface before it exploded into pebbles and dust that fell to the ground around him.

“Well then,” Axel replied suddenly with an impressed smirk on his face, “Now I thought I had seen everything.”

Axel led Diamond Hands through the main lane of the base on the winds of whispers and shocked gazes. It was interesting for DH to walk through a base that wasn’t his own that wasn’t on fire. Yet, there was always a familiarity with the RHDI supplied buildings that were standard throughout all the bases in Mavia. The impressive Snowy Mountains jutted out from above the stone walls, fringed with the peaks of coniferous trees, making him appreciate the beauty and diversity of the island. When they reached the headquarters, DH told Axel the tale of his and Mira’s adventures. From her accidental Ruby infusion, and their defeat at the marshland base. How the Ruby increased both their endurance, strength, and reflexes. How the Doge warrior Chad admitted that the Big Hammer King was real, and his warning to stay out of his way.

“That is quite the tale,” Axel said with an air of disbelief as he started to light a new cigar, “I still don’t want to believe it, but after seeing you rip a boulder from the ground, who am I to question anything. What do you want from me and my soldiers?”

“We are building an alliance to fight the Big Hammer King. To raid his bases, take his resources, cripple his operation, and force him out of the shadows. The RHDI refuses to believe us, so we need to prove he is a threat. If we don’t do something soon, I fear that the world will be plunged back into another horrible war,” DH explained with calm intensity, “We don’t attack each other. We support each other to help strengthen our bases so when we finally find this jerk, we show him who the real heroes of Mavia are.”

“And I will also be receiving this refined Ruby you speak of?” Axel asked with a curious look puffing on his cigar.

“If we find more, we can talk about it,” DH answered which caused Axel to furrow his brow, “We are still learning about the process, our engineers are learning what equipment is required to build the equipment required to infuse Ruby properly for harvesting,” DH continued trying to be as transparent as possible, “all we have so far, we got from the bases we raided. So, yes, you will get Ruby. How much and when will depend on circumstances we can’t plan for.”

“Well wishes leave a bitter taste, Ape,” Axel growled as he shook his head, “As noble as your cause sounds, I don’t know if what you are saying is enough to convince me. I just don’t have the resources to give. We need to keep our heads low, and not draw attention to us. I came to lead by not being reckless.”

“I understand,” Diamond Hands agreed, “I’m asking a lot out of the blue. However, I do know the best way to earn a soldier’s trust is to fight next to him.”

“What are you suggesting?” Axel replied as he leaned forward with interest.

“You need resources, right?” DH asked, “why don’t I help you raid a base. Fight next to you. Show you how my infusion can be helpful and get you back on track faster.” DH leaned back watching the intrigue on Axel’s face as he considered the offer. “Worst case, you get the resources you need, and I go on my way.”

“Worst case, we fail, and I’m left with less resources, and am more exposed to future attacks,” Axel countered honestly.

“How about this,” Diamond Hands paused for dramatic effect, “If we lose, which we won’t, but if… I will send you whatever resources to make up for the losses.”

Axel stared at him in silence, his cigar shifting angles as he continued to masticate on its end. A faint chuckle rumbled out from his stocky frame, before erupting into a more boisterous laugh. Diamond Hands smiled awkwardly, unsure what was so funny.

“You must have a massive set of coconuts, Ape,” Axel finally said with a shake of his head, before conceding to DH and hearing his plan.

Diamond Hands knew that Axel was taking a risk. He saw the uncertainty in the gruff soldier as he nervously chewed on the cigars he smoked. However, DH knew that Axel would do anything for his soldiers, and in desperate times a leader had to gamble. He himself had been there more times than he would have liked to admit. DH had Mira transfer him the data they had accumulated from their scouting reports and uploaded them into Axel’s system. Explaining to him how they had discerned the modifications on the research facilities to locate them. Axel coughed and choked as the map lit up with red dots showing the multitude of bases allied with the enemy.

Axel was impressed with the information shared, and to show goodwill and growing trust, he allowed DH to see the official status of his base. The strength of his forces, and resources in storage. DH started to compare the numbers with those of the bases on their list, and he found one that he felt was the best chance for them to win and get the resources Axel needed. It was deeper in the forest to their east, and DH was grateful that he got to Axel before the Big Hammer King.

Axel focused his forces primarily as a ground attack group. Tanks, soldiers, snipers, and even a unit of barbarian troops. His philosophy was to breach the walls and create a wedge for his forces to pierce into the base to destroy defenses and get to resources. DH saw the benefit of the tactic but knew that most bases defenses were to repel ground incursions. The need for aerial support was important to get to out of reach defenses so the ground troops weren’t decimated. But DH agreed this was Axel’s fight, and he was here to follow his orders to evaluate Axel in combat.

When Axel saw that it was just a waiting game before the base mobilized and moved out, he told DH that he had a personal matter to address. DH felt suspicious at first, but when he saw the mix of concern in the soldier’s eyes, the worry washed away. This gave DH time to walk the base to inspect how effective Axel’s troops were. When Axel appeared later, he looked determined, and focused on the battle at hand. DH didn’t ask or push for what Axel went to take care of, and he knew in the end that it would strengthen the trust growing between the two leaders. So, when the group marched out of the base, a cloud of apprehension and hope hung in the air like the soft clouds clinging to the peaks of the snow-capped mountains.

Axel marched at the head of the column, the smoke of his cigar leading the way. Diamond Hands walked next to him, breathing in the forest air. DH had to remind himself that this was not his force to lead and had to control the urge to speak up when Axel issued orders. Spirits were high, as they marched on, and DH found himself appreciating Axel and his soldiers more. Like so many others who fought in the great war, they all came to Mavia to find purpose.

Night descended its black shroud over the forest, covering it in a thick darkness. When the faint splotch of light penetrated the dark mass of trees, the group stopped. DH and Axel used the long shadows of trees to approach the forest edge. When the base came into view, they saw thick concrete walls, and twin barrel turrets which whirled calmly as they scanned for enemies.

“So how do you want to approach?” DH whispered as he carefully peered around a tree.

“Their snipers, and turrets give them a good field of cover over the south and eastern sides of the base. Thinking that we use the bulk of the forces to direct their attention to the east but send a small group of tanks and soldiers to breach the west wall to flank and take out the defenses. When the defenses are gone, we breach from the east,” Axel explained calmly, “or do you object?”

Diamond Hands reviewed the scouted base layout from his tablet and replayed Axel’s attack in his mind. If nothing went wrong, the attack would work, and he just hoped that there was nothing that he missed in his assessment.

“Well, this is your rodeo,” DH answered, Axel gave a curt nod.

Axel relayed the strategy and signaled the attack to commence. Out of the shadows, the low rumble of engines roared to life, followed by the first volley of tank fire. The bases alarms blared with shrilled ferocity. Shells exploded against the walls sending chunks of cement into the air. The defenses turned to meet them sending out tracers of bullets into the dark forest. The sounds of trees groaning as their trunks blasted part by turret fire, followed by their crashes as they toppled over. The menacing whistle of a mortar shot filled the dark sky, as defenders took cover. A ball of fire erupted suddenly lighting up the forest in a bright flash. It hit on the west side of the base, and a sinking feeling filled DH’s stomach. Axel screamed to press the attack, just as another mortar shell landed, this time hitting a tank close to DH. It blew apart more trees and left a massive dent in the chassis of a tank. They wouldn’t last long if the defenders got the upper hand.

“Sir, we cannot breach the wall,” A voice frantically called out over the comms, “the tanks triggered a mine field and cannot move.”

“I am not in the mood for excuses,” Axel growled in response, “If you don’t breach that wall soon, we won’t last long against these defenses.”

Diamonds Hands caught Axel’s angry glare and could hear the desperation over the comms.

“I’ll take care of it,” Diamond Hands volunteered as he started to turn away.

“What do you think you are going to do?” Axel yelled after him, “If you leave us here, consider our alliance over.” He added as the shadows swallowed DH.

The few tanks with the western group were ablaze. Red tracers rained down towards soldiers who lay prone behind the flaming wreckages and trees. Panicked soldiers quickly drew their guns and pointed them at DH as soon as he materialized out of the trees.

“Report?” Diamond Hands ordered. Confusion quickly turned to relief when they saw him arrive.

“It was a trap,” a soldier spat in anger, “as soon as the tanks got close, they triggered mines which disabled their treads. We hoped to use their main guns for support, but their mortars ended them,” he finished as the tree he was by absorbed more gun fire.

The tanks were essential for breaching the thick cement wall. If they couldn’t breach and destroy the defenses within, the turrets would destroy Axel’s eastern forces, effectively ending their alliance. DH eyes darted around as he figured out what to do next. They had nothing to breach the wall, so he had to trust his abilities.

“Cover me,” DH ordered to the shocked look of the soldiers.

“Are you crazy?” the soldier replied, “you are going to get yourself killed.”

“Trust me,” Diamond Hands said calmly, putting his hand on the soldier’s shoulder.

DH ran from cover with a defiant roar. Bullets rained down around him, kicking up of dirt and grass. The soldiers gave him covering fire, as he focused within to harness the Ruby energy. His limbs tingled as his hands pulsed with crimson light, slowly growing more intense with each step. With the momentum, he punched with all his might. The impact cracked through the night like thunder, the wall shuttered, and a spider web of cracks appeared where he punched. Punching again, both fists impacting against the wall leaving a large indent, while chunks of cement fell to his feet. DH winded up one final time, putting all the power he could within his punch. A concussive blast emanated from his fist, rupturing the wall, and blasting the debris inward. Cheers arose behind him as the soldiers, and barbarians burst from cover. Defenders looked in shock as the massive frame of DH materialized through the dust before them. Before they could react, DH picked a soldier up and threw him over a building.

Diamond Hands led the small force through the base. He and the few barbarians were better suited for close combat, easily dispatching soldiers trying to slow them down. Soldiers planted explosives on the defenses. Columns of fire erupted throughout the base as the defenses fell before their might. DH and his forces found the main lane of the base, and soon felt the power of the remaining defenses that turned their focus on them. The plan worked, and the east wall crumbled under the force of tank fire. DH watched as Axel’s forces flooded through the dust filled opening. Axel ran like a man possessed, Betty decimating anything that came across its path. He was like a raged filled berserker, throwing grenades into defensive positions, and leaving a trail of devastation in his wake. The two met in the center of the base, bathed in the light of blazing fire.

“Well Ape, I’m sorry I doubted you yet again,” Axel greeted him resting Betty on his shoulder.

“Diamond Hands,” DH corrected, “But my friends call me DH.” Axel smirked, but nodded his appreciation

“Aye,” Axel nodded, “Shall we finish this DH?” Axel replied, reaching out his hand to shake. Diamond Hands shook the hand before him and gave him a stern nod. Axel turned away and led his forces through the base to complete the raid.

When the chaos subsided, Axel followed DH as they approached the familiar looking research facility. Finding their way into the main terminal in the centre of the circular room, the display was a stream of data. Hunching over the main console, Diamond Hands pulled out his tablet to follow instructions he received from Mira on how to hack the system. A code appeared, and he carefully typed it in with one finger.

A familiar door appeared on the far wall, outlined in white light. Sliding open with a hiss to reveal a brightly lit room. Axel gasped as they entered the room to find equipment that Axel had never seen before. An empty crate sat at the base of a table at the end. A soft hum radiated from a black compartment, where tubes jutted out, a soft crimson mist disappearing into the wall. Data streamed on a lone monitor, and a timer slowly trickled from twenty-seven minutes towards zero. Time seemed to slow down as they waited, but soon a hissing noise filled the room, and more crimson gas vented from the black box through the walls.

“So, this is what all the trouble is about?” Axel asked as he walked up next to Diamond Hands as something unlatched, Dh went to open it, “Uh, should we be concerned?”

“No,” DH reassured, with a light chuckle, “it isn’t a bomb.”

“So, this machine is doing what with Ruby again?” Axel asked, his face filled with confusion.

“The RHDI tech that we have help harness hidden energy within the Ruby, so it can be broken down and infused with the non-biological material that we use for upgrading our bases. Or they use for power sources throughout the world for free energy, and whatnot, you get the idea.” Axel nodded in understanding.

“But this tech uses a different vibrational frequency to collect more concentrated nodes of energy within the Ruby. We have retrieved data and research, but we still don’t quite understand it. However, when the power is unleashed, it gets absorbed into your being.” DH added.

“That’s how you were able to punch down a solid concrete wall with your fists,” Axel gasped with a shake of his head, “I thought my soldiers were just exaggerating tales from the heat of battle.”

“I still don’t believe it most days,” Diamond Hands sighed honestly.

DH opened the compartment to reveal the prize within. The room was bathed in a familiar crimson aura, and before them were four perfectly cut rubies, resting on four pronged holders. Axel’s hands trembled as he reached out with a hypnotic stare. Diamond Hands quickly reached over and slapped his hand like a child trying to reach into a cookie jar.

“What’s that all about?” Axel stammered angrily as Diamond Hands between Axel and the Ruby.

“Our alliance is important to me Axel,” DH answered calmly as he held aloft a Ruby, its soft light saturating through his hands, “But, I have to warn you, once you see what capabilities this has, there is no turning back.” He paused and saw Axel eye him with skepticism.

“You think me some child, Ape?” Axel growled as his eyes narrowed in a challenging stare.

“The power that these unlock will change everything for you. You will see once you infuse with it how important it is that we stop the Big Hammer King. He is building an army of malicious units of destruction. There is temptation with this, one I hope you don’t succumb to.” DH finished and saw the tension ebbing within Axel.

“Will you join us?” DH asked, holding up the Ruby closer to Axel with an invitation to take it.

Axel’s eyes shifted between Diamond Hand’s gaze and the gem, biting his lower lip as he fought the inner dialogue within. “Aye, you can count on me,” Axel answered, Diamond Hand smiled as he nodded towards Axel to take the Ruby.

The soldier took it in his hand with an eager grin, losing himself in its intricate facets as he turned the gem over, inspecting every side. Then confusion spread across his face.

“So…” Axel paused, “what do I do?”

Diamond Hand picked up another Ruby, resting it on the palm of his hand before squeezing it tightly. The shattered like glass as shards clattered to the floor before crumbling to crimson dust. Red energy wrapped around his arm, as he grimaced with gritted teeth. The feeling nearly overwhelmed him, and it took all his strength not to fall to his knees. Then nothing, it ended, and he felt normal.

Axel watched in horror as DH contorted and strained to control the released energy. Sighing in relief when he saw that his ally was okay, then he grinned mischievously. Leaning his face away cautiously as he crushed the Ruby in his hand. His body collapsed to the floor, arcs of crimson energy coiled around his body as he contorted and twisted in agony. It ended with him laying prone on the floor. Panting heavily, eyes open in shock, he laid there, arms and legs spread out like a star.

“Well, that was intense,” Axel howled with excitement as he suddenly sprang up to his feet. His gaze quickly focused on the two remaining Rubies, and his arm trembled as he hesitated to grab another gem.

“The temptation is palpable, I know,” Diamond Hands acknowledged as he placed last two rubies into the empty crate.

“We are just starting to unlock the mysteries of how this infusion works. So, for now, we don’t want to waste them. The Doge warrior I fought far stronger than anyone I had ever encountered. I feel I only lived because he underestimated me.” DH explained as slid the lid in place, snuffing out the ruby light.

Axel didn’t protest when DH explained that he wanted to bring back the Ruby to his base for more research. He promised Axel when the day arrived when they found out how to replicate the process, he would notify him immediately. They destroyed the lab, knowing it would be one less lab supplying the Big Hammer King. Would it matter in the end, who knew? but for now it would suffice.

The two arrived back at Axel’s base to the sound of celebration. Even though they had sustained significant losses to their tanks, the raid had been a success. Axel didn’t waste any time in distributing the resources to repair their base and begin upgrading their defenses. Axel beamed with pride as he lit a new cigar, offering one to DH who graciously declined. When the stars spread across the night sky, celebrations were abundant as soldiers danced around bonfires. Honoring those who didn’t make it.

Morning arrived swiftly, and Diamond Hands was eager to head home. A cooling breeze washed down from the frigid mountain peaks. DH stood at the main gate checking to make sure he had everything he needed for the journey. Soldiers who fought with DH arrived to see him off, Axel with them, chewing on the remains of the previous night’s cigar.

“It was fun DH,” Axel said through gritted teeth, “but I can’t wait to see what other fun we will have.”

“Thank you, Axel,” Diamond Hands replied with a friendly smile, “once I’m home, I will organize some reinforcements to send your way to help defend your base until you are back on your feet.”

“I appreciate it,” Axel acknowledged with a thick plumb of rank cigar smoke.

“We will update you on targets. When the time is right, we will unleash fury on the Big Hammer King’s forces, but until then, lay low,” DH asked, but as more of an order than a suggestion.

“Sir,” A soldier barked suddenly from behind, causing Axel to spin around.

“What is it?” he asked, annoyed at the interruption.

“It’s Boomie sir, he is up,” The soldier reported with a smile.

Diamond Hands was relieved to hear that Axel’s friend had finally recovered from their injuries. Before he could ask, a high-pitched sound filled the air, from around a corner drifted a small green vehicle, a smile on its display. His eyes lit up as he realized it was a Suicide Car racing towards them.

“BOOMIE!!!,” Axel screamed as he ran forward, barreling through the line of troops. The car screeched to a halt. The antenna wagged like a happy puppy, and the display showed nothing but a smile of happiness as the gruff veteran bent over and embraced the car.

“I didn’t realize you were friends with a…” DH started to speak, but he trailed off, hesitant to judge his new ally.

“Boomie and I go back to when we first arrived on Mavia,” Axel explained, Boomie revved his engine when he heard his name. “We were under attack, and the enemy sent a swarm of these little buggers at us.”

“When the dust settled, I found him trapped under some rubble. I would have destroyed him, but he was too darn cute. So, I repaired him, and we have been thick as thieves since, haven’t we Boomie.” The suicide car’s antenna wagged vigorously in excitement.

“He was damaged during the last attack, and I couldn’t lose him.” Axel paused, “to be honest. The materials we got with your help, allowed us to fix him fully.”

The car cautiously moved up to Diamond Hands feet, a curious look on its display looking upward at him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Boomie,” DH greeted it awkwardly. It quickly backed away and drove behind Axel’s legs, timidly peaking out.

“Ah, Boomie, he won’t hurt you,” Axel laughed.

“Oh, before you go. We wanted to give you this to enjoy on your journey,” Axel stated as he signaled for a soldier to approach carrying a large thermos.

Diamond Hands eyed the gift with eagerness as Axel handed it to him, signaling with a nod to let him know to drink it now. Opening the lid, he lifted the top to his lips, suddenly fighting the urge to wretch.

“I know that your people are huge with bananas, and I thought you would enjoy a reminder of home while you trekked back to your base. Who doesn’t like a banana milkshake?” Axel smiled in self admiration.

“Thanks,” DH replied, stifling the urge to vomit, “I will enjoy this on the road.” He closed it tight.

Diamond Hands left the base, and he drank in the musty scent of the forest. Once he realized the clamor of the base had disappeared in the din of the song of the forest, he dumped the contents of the thermos. Again, nearly throwing up.

“Always with Banana’s” DH balked as the contents spilled onto the ground, “why couldn’t it be strawberry pineapple.” He appreciated the sentiment but would have to say something to avoid it in the future.