Heroes of Mavia: Breaking Through
Phoenixfire083 | BOGG
The morning was still. A soft mist hovered silently in the air as it intermingled through the canopy of the luscious jungle. Bird song echoed triumphantly to prepare to chase the morning sun as it crested the eastern horizon. The central Ruby towered like an imposing giant casting its ominous shadow as the rays of the sun penetrated its solid surface. For the soldiers that dwelled within the bases under its crimson shadow, it was like every other day. Peaceful. The soldiers went about their daily routines and patrols without concern, as no other army was strong or daring enough to attack them. Soldiers living in blissful ignorance within their laser walls, waiting for their next orders to move out and take what is needed without question.
When the first blasts echoed through the early morning sky, the soldiers thought it was the rumbling of a distant storm. Not until the high-pitched whistle of descending tank fire drew their attention to the sky above them. Defiant screams rose from the shadowed depths of the western edge of the jungle. Troops ran into the bases-clearing as defensive turrets shuttered to life, swiveling to meet their charge. Defenders clumsily ran to their positions, not realizing the extent of what was happening until a second force materialized from the cover of the jungle to the south. A third force attacked the base from the north, where it was least defended. Voices cried over the comms of the defenders to fortify every position, calling out to neighboring bases for support and reinforcements. A cacophony of panicked voices echoed throughout the comms chatter, and the defenders realized that multiple bases were being attacked at once.
Mira sat quietly under a makeshift shelter at the center of her forces staging area. A tarp gave her shade from the rising sun, supported by four poles dug deep into the soft earth. Mira watched intently on her tablet as pulsing lights encircled the number of bases that served as the first line of defense for the main central base of the Big Hammer King. Mira’s eyes burned as she stared unblinking as she quickly switched from base to base to see all the different tactics played out before her. Barbarian warriors, diamond hand gorilla’s, Doge rocket troops, Jetpack Troops, Snipers, and soldiers coming together. As Whale blimps, AI Choppers, Healcopters, tanks, and Suicide Cars, all used to push through the heavy defenses. Mira’s leg nervously shook up and down under the table that both elbows rested on. Resting her head in her hands, as she continued to watch what she couldn’t control.
A flock of birds flew from the safety of the trees as a distant explosion sounded, Mira felt a slight vibration as the shockwave hit their position. The forest surrounding the staging area had quieted down, and an eerie silence hung in the air. It was as if the forest knew that those gathered in the area represented death. The creatures hid away from the monsters of war to pass, so they could go about their simple existences. Mira’s thumb rubbed against the earbuds in her ears, waiting for the moment to turn them back on. The sounds of so many voices talking over the radio became overwhelming once the attacks started. It was also so that Mira didn’t try to take over the command of any of the forces, leaving the trust to the commanders of each army. It was frustrating for Mira sitting here while others fought and bled. Knowing her time would come to fight, it still felt odd to sit behind and wait. The discomfort of waiting was easy to push past, because everyone was fighting today to stop the Big Hammer King from gaining ultimate power.
Mira and the alliance organized the final attack into three waves. The first wave of attacks primary purpose was to focus on the outer ring of seven bases. These bases were the closest bases that could send reinforcements to assist the main base. Mira knew that removing the possibility of pincer maneuvers was paramount to the success of this assault. All other bases under the influence of the Big Hammer King were too far away to send troops and were not a threat. Mira knew that if they could cut the head off the snake, the rest of the body would wither and die. The second wave was against a trio of bases that were the gate keepers of the main base. The entirety of the alliance forces needed to get through them to proceed to the central base. After reviewing the power and resources of the fifty bases within her alliance, Mira had ranked them from strongest to weakest. Ensuring the best course of victory, Mira sent a joint force of the weakest armies, paired with a stronger army. This way if a stronger army couldn’t deliver the killing blow, the weaker army could go as reinforcements to help clean up the remaining resistance. Saving the strongest bases within the alliance for the final fight against the last base closest to the base of the giant ruby.
The same giant ruby Mira had spent hours admiring from a safe distance on the air control tower for so many months. Mira looked toward the Ruby and felt a pang of guilt and disgust, mixed with an urge to look away, but refused to allow fear to lead her. The ruby once symbolized hope and purpose to the rebuilding of the world after the great war. But after discovering what the Big Hammer King had created, and what his plans were, it held a different meaning to her now. It symbolized domination, power, and the consequence of ignorance. Mira knew the importance to stop suffering from happening. Mira couldn’t remember the woman she was all that time ago, with her head in the clouds and naïve. Mavia had a way of changing oneself, as the countless battles added up over time, desensitizing one’s aversion to pain and trauma.
The pain of losing Axel was still fresh in everyone’s mind. Mira appreciated Axel’s determination, loyalty, and most of all his friendship towards King Diamond Hand’s. Axel was a hero to those within their alliance, a stout and brave individual who found how to defeat the odds. His death inspired those in the alliance to fight harder, to be more courageous. However, Mira worried about what the loss had done to her friend and Mentor. In all the time Mira had known Diamond Hands, she had never seen him as distraught as he was when he found the remains of his friend. Not even after the devastating loss of their base and she found him aimlessly wondering through the ruins. Mira knew Diamond Hand’s had an anger that he held within him, he hid it well behind his caring eyes.
The flight to the staging area Diamond Hand’s stayed silent. A glint of any hope seemed devoid in his gaze, and only anger seemed to fuel him. Mira knew better than to push her friend for answers on his feelings, so she left him to brew. If there was anything left to salvage, Mira would find a way once the battle was done. Or so she rationalized. War had its cost, and Diamond Hand’s had racked up quite the bill throughout his life. If vengeance was all he wanted, then Mira would point him in the direction and unleash his ire. Mira knew the value Diamond Hand’s brought to the soldiers, but it was hard not to think of him as a piece on the battlefield to be utilized. Mira paused and shook her head.
“Get rid of that thought,” Mira whispered silently to herself as she realized how insensitive it was to think of her friend as a weapon. Diamond Hand’s was grieving, and all his trauma from the great war, and what he had suffered on Mavia had now overflowed to this moment.
Mira sat back and surrendered into the comfort of her chair, gazing up towards the tarp overhead. Small flecks of light appeared through the mesh, enough to get her mind off everything. The sounds of the staging area were a distant din, as her mind picked up the distant sounds of battle. Popping noises, and rumbles of explosions that made her wince with every sound. Until it all stopped. As suddenly as it all had started, an uncomfortable silence filled the air. Mira’s hands started to shake as she peered down at the tablet resting on the table, its screen dark. Brushing her fingers against the smooth surface, the screen lit up, all the bases she was tracking were no longer dotted on the map. White lights pulsed as it waited for data and reports to come in. If Mira breathed, she was unaware of it. Then the first dot of green appeared. Mira’s eyes quivered, as a second dot flickered to life, then a third. Soon, all seven dots appeared green, an indicator that the first wave was successful.
“Boss,” Daphne’s voice excitedly burst as she ran towards where Mira sat.
“I see, Daphne,” Mira answered with a smile followed by a relieved sigh as she turned towards her trusted friend, “Have the Healcopters on standby to help the wounded. I want those still capable of fighting to be rested and ready for the final assault.”
“Done boss,” Daphne replied as she typed in a note, “and what of wave two?” Daphne asked with a hint of anticipation.
“I don’t want the enemy to have the chance to regroup, give the order to attack within the hour,” Mira ordered with determination and ended with a stern nod. Daphne ran off to reiterate Mira’s orders.
Mira stood up from the chair and felt her legs tingle as blood flowed to her muscles. How long had she been sitting, she didn’t know. Time had a funny way of not existing within the realms of normality when it came to war. As Mira’s orders spread throughout the staging area, organized chaos seemed to spread throughout the camp. Troops running to designated areas with supplies, others directing ammo and weapons to other areas. Mira slid her trembling hands into her pockets as she walked through the camp. Soldiers stopped to salute her, she smiled and nodded to everyone as she passed them by. Trying not to remember the details of their faces, Mira didn’t want to feel attached to those running off to die.
The second trio of bases were heavily fortified, and highly upgraded with the best the RHDI had to offer. Mira knew that many of her soldiers were going to their deaths, and being the leader of this alliance, she couldn’t risk going with them. There was nothing Mira could do to those under her command from dying, because she needed them to. Mira knew all too well what was in store for the world if she allowed the Big Hammer King to complete his maniacal plan. That’s how Mira rationalized her thought processes. It was easier to think of things in the simplest form so to not get attached. Mira didn’t want to end up like Diamond Hand’s. She couldn’t live with that much pain. Mira couldn’t accept that responsibility. With the second attack on its way, Mira knew she had to find Diamond Hand’s. Her heart beat a bit faster, and her breathing became tight in her chest with anxiousness.
Leaving the bustle of the staging area, Mira walked down a newly trodden path within the vibrant green leaves of the jungle. Massive ferns decorated the floor, as thick vines dangled overhead. Each step away from the base brought more signs of life hidden in the jungle, as unseen creatures scurried away. Mira felt like as if every creature watched her as she walked by. It felt as if all the life in the jungle was judging her for the destruction she had wrought.
Diamond Hand’s sat alone in a small clearing, atop a rotting log covered in mushrooms and moss. His shoulders were slumped, his mind exhausted. Physically he felt fine, but ruby infusion did little to alleviate the pain he felt in his heart. Axel was a someone who he never thought would mean as much to Diamond Hand’s as he did. Their friendship blossomed during his time fighting alongside each other over the past six months. Axel was content being a soldier. Surrendering to the path of a warrior’s death long after the great war had ended. Axel understood that there was no place in the world for him if there was a fight to be fought. Diamond Hand’s remembered fondly during the late evening they would sit in the mess hall of the base, empty of everyone but the two of them. Axel trying to get Diamond Hand’s to eat some sort of banana infused concoction. Trading stories about how hard it was integrating to living a normal life after the great war. How those close to them were grateful for their sacrifice and service during the war but trying to remind them that the war was over, and it was time to move on. Unable to comprehend what it was like to live with the trauma of ending a life or seeing a fellow soldier dying in your arms. Axel told him once that he remembered a festival that took place in his town after the war. A grand celebration, where thousands came together to laugh, and enjoy the summer of peace. Axel said he could spot every soldier who survived the war, as there was a hollowness in their gazes. The way they smiled looked like it was painful, and every firework, or random sound caused them all to look around nervously. Axel always said that the part that hurt he most, was that everyone he knew just acted like nothing even happened. Once the war was over, they lived in blissful ignorance, as if the war were just an annoyance, something that prevented them from living their routine-based lives. With it over, they could go back to living their monotonous existences.
It was why they both arrived on the island of Mavia. They both felt there was no place for them to go in the world. Diamond Hand’s especially felt that once the elders of his home asked for him to step down from his leadership, to bring stability and normalcy back to their people. Being around soldiers on Mavia helped Diamond Hand’s, but he even saw the disconnect in Mira. She lived the war differently than he. Even though her story had blood on her hands as she did her best to protect the people of her city, she didn’t know what it was like on the front lines. To Diamond Hand’s, Axel represented the last hope for connection in his life. His death symbolised the end of the possibility of feeling normalcy. And it was all because of the Big Hammer King, and his machinations.
Clenching both fists tightly, the urge to destroy something swelled within Diamond Hands. Breathing deeply, focusing on calming his rage. Now wasn’t the time, he bided his time to unleash his fury on those who served evil. Diamond Hand’s knew his time was coming, the sounds of the first wave of battle had stopped, and he wouldn’t be held back from the second wave. Scouting reports showed that the central base was where Nero had gone to after destroying Axel’s base. Regret filled his heart, seeing what Nero had transformed into. Remembering before the war, a young, brash, hot-headed young ape, who yearned to be the best soldier. War twisted one’s mind, and once one performed actions that you couldn’t take back, you couldn’t wash the blood off your hands, or regain the part of your soul that you lost once one took a life. Diamond Hand’s always took accountability for his actions during the war. Nero had not. Nero blamed Diamond Hand’s for everything he had lost, and felt that if he could kill Diamond Hand’s, that he could find forgiveness or closure. In the end, it cost Axel his life.
Mira wasn’t trying to be stealthy as she walked through the jungle, it was just second nature to her at now with her ruby infusion. Stepping on a twig, it snapped, and broke the bubble of silence and would alert Diamond Hand’s of her approach. Pushing aside a curtain of thick jungle leaves, a clearing appeared before her, where Diamond Hand’s sat.
“Mira,” Diamond Hand’s greeted, his voice a low grumble of disconnectedness.
“Hey, big guy,” Mira answered back, her lips fighting back words of affirmation, she knew that he didn’t want to hear, “I just wanted to let you know the first wave was a success.”
“I heard,” Diamond Hand’s responded coldly pointing into the air with a diamond finger.
“Phase two of the attack will commence within the hour,” Mira added, and she watched as Diamond Hand’s nodded in understanding.
The log groaned as Diamond Hand’s shifted his weight and stood up. Mira held her breath as she watched with uncertainty on how her mentor was going to act. The energy around Diamond Hand was electric, as if a spark could ignite a powder keg of anger and unleash his unabated fury. Yet, she knew the warmth and caring side of him was still inside. As the recent memory of Diamond Hand giving Axel’s charred remains a makeshift burial within the ruins of his base. Buried with the remains of Boomie, his suicide car pet, who followed him around everywhere. Something switched in Diamond Hand’s mind, a singular vision of vengeance that he craved. Mira had to reason with Diamond Hand’s to save his anger for the final assault, because what good would he be if he were too exhausted to fight the Big Hammer King. So, when they landed at the staging area, he left and disappeared into the jungle to wait for his time to unleash his aggression.
Mira watched as Diamond Hands bent over to pick up the tablet he secured once they had arrived. Mira’s gaze fixated on the tablet in DH’s hand as he approached, trying to see the screen. To her surprise, he handed her the tablet, and she saw the base layout of one of the bases in the second wave.
“Is this where you want to join the attack?” Mira asked curiously.
“It is where Nero is,” Diamond Hand’s replied with a low growl.
Mira nodded. Realizing that in the moment, her thoughts were running to the military resources being used in the attack, and if she could reallocate anything with the addition of Diamond Hand’s to reduce any losses that could be avoided. Mira wanted to make sure her friend was okay as well, she knew that, but there was an annoyance brewing inside her. Diamond Hand’s grievance should not risk the operation at hand.
“So, what is your plan?” Mira asked with a hint of that annoyance.
“I just need four healcopters,” Diamond Hand’s replied spitefully, “so make your adjustments where necessary.”
“We need as many healcopters for the wounded from the first wave,” Mira scoffed as she watched Diamond Hand’s turn away from her, “Attention soldier,” she added causing the large ape to stop in his tracks.
The look in his eyes as he turned to face her filled Mira with a sense of alertness. Would he attack her? No, she realized it was just the anger within. Both wanted the same thing, but their focus was singular in their own purpose.
“Trust me, Mira,” Diamond Hand’s said calmly, and with a sense of humility, before he turned away again and disappeared into the thick foliage of the jungle.
“Good luck, my friend,” Mira whispered after him, as she shook her head. Hoping she wasn’t making a big mistake.
Diamond Hand’s sat in the belly of an air transport as the jungle flashed by in a blur beneath him. The sound of the engine gave him a sense of calm, the vibration a sense of ease. DH’s eyes drifted onto the scratched and marred metal floor worn from the boots of those who fought before. Nestled in the back of the transport were four deactivated healcopters, ready to activate as soon as the transport landed. Diamond Hand’s was always impressed by the healing capabilities of the automated drones. They hovered above the ground and were versatile to travel over any terrain. Healcopters had two arms they could use to carry wounded to safety or lift off heavy debris from someone trapped beneath a collapsed structure. They also had a large circular camera display which was also a harmonic resonance apparatus. It was where the wonders of medical technology had advanced with the discovery of ruby and the power it held. They were able to utilize a specific frequency that was able to heal anything within its cone of influence down to a cellular level. Built into Med Beds, these innovations of technology were installed into every hospital and emergency vehicle around the world. It helped to heal all diseases in the world and was even able to grow back lost limbs.
Of course, with a world still in the shadow of the great war, the same technology was used to prolong the life of soldiers directly in battlefields. Healing intensified, and even the gravest of wounds healed enough to save the individual if administered quickly enough. With multiple healcopters, they could focus and direct enough of the healing frequency to heal severe trauma instantaneously. Diamond Hand’s figured if he had enough healcopters behind him, he could keep himself energized and fighting for a prolonged amount of time. He understood Mira’s uncertainty with risking to lose any unnecessarily. Healcopters were expensive to build the cost consistently replace them added up over time. That’s why Mira usually utilized the unit at the tail end of battles to save injured soldiers. Of course, every base in the alliance had sent their healcopters to the staging area, and there were a couple to spare. Mira reasoned the more they had, the more they could utilize in the final fight. If only Axel had one on hand, maybe he would be here fighting next to Diamond Hands. Anger welled up within him, but he channeled it, let it intermingle with the ruby energy within.
“Sir, we are approaching the LZ now,” the pilot’s voice crackled over the speaker.
A few moments later, the transport landed in a clearing and Diamond Hand’s activated each healcopter before hopping down to the trampled grass and mud below. A group of soldiers gathered to watch Diamond Hand’s walk by with healcopters in tow. Murmurs followed behind Diamond Hand’s as soldiers bristled with confidence seeing the legendary hero arrive. The three leaders organizing the attack greeted him with a salute, but Diamond Hand’s walked right by, stopping at the edge of the clearing to face his target. The base they were going to attack was on high alert, after hearing the distant sounds of battles earlier in the day. The enemy knew an attack was imminent. Taking a deep breath, Diamond Hand’s walked out into the clearing around the base. Sirens blared at the sight of the lone ape. As soon as he was in range, a line of tracers started to lance towards him. Diamond Hand’s kept one diamond hand up in front of his face, feeling the force of a bullet crack against diamond skin. Suddenly, a vibrant sound enveloped Diamond Hand’s body. The energy made him feel nothing, it was as if his whole body went to sleep. Mortar shells exploded next to him, gouging out chunks of earth, penetrating his leg with metallic shrapnel. The pain washed away instantly, and he felt the metal fall out of his skin as the wound healed.
Mira cursed as soon as news reached her that the second wave attack started prematurely. The sounds of the battles rose over the treetops, much closer this time.
“Diamond Hand’s, you better be okay, you baboon,” Mira growled quietly to herself as she activated her tablet to watch things unfold.
Diamond Hand’s didn’t hear the triumphant war cries of the soldiers behind him. Diamond Hand’s focused on the laser fencing before him. More bullets rained down on Diamond Hand’s, but their bite was stifled by the healing energies of the healcopters. Letting the ruby energy collect in his fist, Diamond Hand’s punched with a defiant scream. His fist punctured the post and tore away like paper before tilting inward. The lasers flickered and died as the post fell to the ground with a thunderous clamor. A group of soldiers looked awestruck at the mighty ape as they instantly started to empty the clips of their guns. Diamond Hand’s chest was stained with blood, but no wounds could be seen. Soldiers looked at their guns with confusion, and Diamond Hand’s pounced. Punching one soldier with an uppercut that sent the soldier into the air. Back handing another one who hit the side of the building with a sickening splat. Slamming another fist downward on the head of another soldier, his feet collapsed under him, and his neck snapped to the side in an awkward angle. The first body finally fell to the ground hard and laid unmoving. Barbarian defenders screamed as they rushed around a corner to face Diamond Hands, hammers held high. Diamond Hand’s punched the lead barbarian’s hammer, the head of the hammer shattered from the force. Diamond Hand’s ended the barbarian threat as if he were fighting a bunch of children, tossing them around like rag dolls. Diamond Hand’s just reacted; he didn’t think. Fueled by the anger from the loss of his friend. All who supported the Big Hammer King would suffer from his rage, as he walked deeper into the base. The rest of the army behind him rushed in behind him in the wake of Diamond Hand’s carnage.
It was war, Diamond Hand’s rationalized to himself, nothing was off limits. This was his purpose, a machine of war, a battering ram. Slamming diamond fists into the ground to create a crimson energy wave that destroyed the defenders dug in positions. Stumbling forward suddenly, an AI chopper flew past over head and peppered him with a flyby attack. The higher caliber bullet stung. Growling, Diamond Hand’s watched as the chopper circled around for another attack. Healcopters worked feverishly to keep their healing energies on Diamond Hand’s. As the AI chopper centered itself to start its next approach, its display a visual of anger, DH anchored his feet. Timing it right, DH jumped into the air, punching through the base of the helicopter’s chassis. Landing hard on the ground, Diamond Hand’s continued to move deeper into the base as the helicopter crashed into a nearby building.
Diamond Hand’s walked down a lane of the base. The wounds of battle washing over him from every direction. Black smoke choked his view as it bellowed out of a burning oil reserve nearby.
“Reminds me of another base I attacked recently,” A familiar voice mocked causing Diamond Hand’s to turn around revealing Nero standing with crossed arms and a smug look on his face.
Diamond Hand’s stared at the younger ape, tightly gripping his hands into fists.
“What?” Nero scoffed with a shrug, “No words of wisdom to convince me I’m on the wrong path. No pretty analogies to make me see the errors of my way?” Nero growled as he started to walk towards Diamond Hands.
“No, just anger,” Nero added with a sense of elation, “so that pink flesh sack was more than just a fellow soldier,” Nero chuckled, “too bad he wasn’t aware of the death sentence associated with your friendship.”
Diamond Hand’s charged forward with ruthless ferocity. The smug smile evaporated from Nero’s face as he was forced to back pedal, defensively deflecting each punch. One of Diamond Hand’s punches clipped Nero on the shoulder, just as Nero was able to push Diamond Hand’s away. Nero rolled his shoulder back as he wiggled his fingers to ensure he still had mobility. Nero was younger, and just as battle hardened, so it didn’t take him long to fall back into the rhythm of battle. Allowing Diamond Hand’s to continue his attack, but slowly sidestepping and adjusting his form to adjust from a defensive stance to one of offense. Diamond Hand’s punched with a powerful right hook, but Nero caught it, twisted, and flipped DH onto his back. Diamond Hand’s was able to roll way before Nero stomped where his head was, leaving a deep dent in the soft earth. Diamond Hand’s ripped a metal pole out of the earth, it’s large concrete root like the head of a giant hammer. Spinning it around vertically, Diamond Hand’s tried to angle his attack upward towards Nero’s head. Nero slammed a fist down word, and connected causing the cement to explode into powder, the metal pole rung off his own diamond hand. DH shifted his attack with his left and was able to sweep the other end of the pole under the right leg of Nero, tripping him to the ground. Skewering the pole downward to stab into Nero’s torso. Nero caught the pole in both hands, and with a twisting motion, bent the pole, and pulled DH towards the ground and into one of his knees.
DH stumbled, but stood up, the healing energies of the healcopters still resonating within him. Nero stood up quickly, grinning maliciously. “Impressive.”
The two engaged in a brutal battle of strength. Nero felt the fury within his mentor with each heavy blow, and even as he channeled the ruby energy within, he felt his energy dwindling. Seeing that his enemy was relying on the healcopters who continuously sent their energy onto him. Every time Nero tried to angle his attack to get close, DH stood like a sentinel. DH threw Nero into building, the wall collapsed inward, and the roof sagged. Just as Nero got up, he launched himself off the wall, causing the building to collapse in his wake. DH caught Nero’s diamond hands in his own and connected with a headbutt. Taking advantage of his dazed opponent, DH unleashed a combo of low blows, and an uppercut.
Nero stumbled back, realizing he was more outmatched than he thought he would be. Nero’s anger began to boil within, everything he had lost was at the direction of this ape, his old mentor.
Fury fueled Diamond Hand’s as he saw the perpetrator who killed Axel standing before him. How the horrors of the great war, and how it changed both Nero and him. Nero’s misplaced anger was the reason Axel was not fighting next to him. Each punch filled with ruby energy, each blow becoming progressively stronger.
Nero poured all his Ruby energy as he was able to step away from DH’s attacks with a spin. Reaching back, he put all his strength into his right fist, the diamond skin glowing with crimson energy. Nero’s fist contacted DH’s crimson fist, when both fists connected it caused a massive, concussive blast that blew both off their feet. Dust filled the air, and anything in the vicinity not anchored to the ground blew over like a storm.
Diamond Hand’s rolled backwards and got back to his feet. The air was thick with dust, and DH could taste the dirt as it saturated his senses. His eyes darted in every direction expecting an attack, but all he heard was the chaos of the fight within the base. The sound of metal twisting and rending apart caught his attention. Turning to face the direction he heard the sound, the feeling of the healing vibration dwindled suddenly. More metal crunched through the thick dust. Soon the comforting feeling of healing was gone. The view before DH cleared up as the dust settled, the chaos of battle became apparent as building burned around him, and soldiers fought in the streets. A subtle sound caught his attention, and DH turned just in time to stop Nero from connecting his crimson hands together with a mighty clap. Kicking forward, he connected with Nero’s gut, causing him to gasp, then finished with another uppercut. Nero flew backwards and landed hard on the ground.
“Well done,” Nero admitted as he spit a tooth onto the ground, and slowly got to his feet, “I’m impressed you still have the will to fight, old ape. After everything you have taken from everyone.”
“Oh, Nero,” Diamond Hand’s replied shaking his head with disappointment, “you allow your hatred and malice to cloud your judgement.”
“I see clearly,” Nero growled through gritted teeth as he forced himself onto his feet, standing into a battle stance.
“My death won’t change anything for you,” DH countered calmly, dropping his arms to his side, “it won’t bring you joy, or bring you acceptance amongst our people,” DH paused hearing his own words. “You will be left hollow, devoid of reason, and the only thing that will be left is a vengeful ape, hopelessly finding meaning for their empty existence.”
The words rang in DH’s heart harder than any punch he received from Nero. The sound reasoning ached within his heart, as if Axel were speaking through him, ringing like a bell. Seeing in that moment how much he had let his own anger consumed him. Willing to endlessly fight until someone finally put him down. The pain wouldn’t leave Diamond Hand’s anytime soon and avenging the loss of a would leave him empty. Nero’s shoulders heaved with each breath as he stood silently before DH.
“There is the empty reasoning I was waiting for,” Nero said spitefully, “You are the reason I am who I am.”
“No, Nero,” Diamond Hand’s responded firmly, “you chose this destructive path on your own. You let go of reason long ago, I just had the heart to stop when the war ended. You just couldn’t let go of the power you felt.”
Diamond Hand’s saw Nero lift his brow in surprise, it was a subtle movement, but enough to know that his words had reached the younger ape.
“I understand the temptation Nero, I felt it. With every life I snuffed out of existence because they threatened our home. The elation of adoration I received from everyone for doing it. Anything you gain from ending a life will leave you hollow, like a drug. When the elders approached me and showed me this truth, and how my actions brought out the darkness in our youth, including you, that’s why I left. My influence was tainted, and no matter what I could say to them, fell on deaf ears.” Diamond Hand’s paused seeing his story lingering in the back of Nero’s mind.
“I exiled myself, Nero. Only because I chose to. I wanted our people to heal and be better than what the two of us had become. I am accountable for my actions, Nero. You left because you couldn’t handle losing the power you craved. Like a child you lashed out with a temper tantrum, and blamed everyone but yourself,” DH proclaimed.
The two apes stood silently facing off, their fir matted with dust and ash. Nero’s nostril’s flared angrily, his fists still glimmering with a crimson hew.
“My vengeance will end with your life,” Nero screamed emotionally as he charged forward.
Diamond Hand shifted all his weight onto his back foot and anchored himself into the dirt, bringing both arms up to meet the charge. Nero leapt towards DH throwing all his weight to tackle him. DH’s back foot gouged a deep line into the soft ground. Nero’s shoulder dug into DH’s chest, and he realized then that he wasn’t bringing the older ape to the ground. Punching wildly into DH’s torso, DH grimaced as he absorbed each hard hit. Shifting his grip, Diamond Hand’s was able to slide both his arms under each of Nero’s shoulders, propping Nero’s arms behind his head awkwardly. With a triumphant scream, Diamond Hand’s heaved with all his might and lifted Nero’s body into the air. Nero’s legs kicked wildly into the air. Letting gravity take effect, Diamond Hand’s slammed the body of Nero backwards onto the ground. Quickly scrambling, Diamond Hand’s rolled over to his belly, and with a strong push of his arms, launched himself onto his feet.
Nero laid dazed on the ground, and Diamond Hand’s moved quickly to mount Nero and unleashed a flurry of punches. Nero’s arms desperately reached out to block the attack, but each fist connected to the young ape’s face. Left, right, left. Images of Axel flashed in Diamond Hand’s mind, Boomie, the soldiers he had lost on Mavia. Even people he lost from the great war. Until all he saw was Nero. His face bleeding. Teeth shattered and missing. Multiple splits in his skin that ruptured from the strong punches. One eye was swollen shut, and Nero’s bottom lip was torn and hanging on barely by a string of flesh, his breathing shallow as he coughed on his own blood. Diamond Hand’s looked down at his fists, blood stained the smooth diamond etchings of his fingers, both trembling.
“I’m so sorry,” Diamond Hand’s tried to say, but they caught in his throat.
Killing Nero wouldn’t bring Axel back, nor would it alleviate from the torments of his past. Choosing to remember the words he had just preached to the younger ape moments ago. He was proud that he had stopped. As angry and misdirected as Nero was, he lost like Diamond Hand’s was. Perverted by the selfish promises of the Big Hammer King. DH just had aged wisdom, and the luck of surrounding himself with people who cared about his well-being. Who did Nero have after he left his home? Diamond Hand’s heart broke as he stared down at the young ape, who looked like a scared, fragile child.
Standing up, Diamond Hand’s brushed the dirt and debris from his pants. The battle around him beginning to subside around him, and he saw in that moment soldiers from both sides staring unblinkingly at him.
“This fight is over,” DH proclaimed with authority then stepped away from Nero, who wheezed as he spit up a gout of blood, “Lock him up, and get him a healcopter.”
Diamond Hand’s didn’t know what to expect in that moment, but as he walked away from Nero, cheers erupted. They didn’t fill his heart with purpose, or pride. As each step brought him to the edge of the base, the hollowness that he warned Nero of was threatening to consume him. Walking past the smoldering remains of tanks, and the bodies of those who charged behind him during the initial attack, DH picked up his stride. Almost running, he disappeared into the thick jungle brush, his breathing becoming heavy and panicked. For how long he ran, DH didn’t know. Finally falling to his knees, he punched the ground leaving deep divots in the soft earth. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he couldn’t hold them in any longer. The deep well that he hid his emotions, pain, and anger filled to the brim. Unleashing a pain-filled scream of agony, Diamond Hand’s cried, his tears saturating the ground below him.
Mira walked through the ruins of the base Diamond Hand’s attacked. It was to become the next staging area to prepare for the final attack. Her head lifted proudly as she walked up to the top of a sniper tower that survived the battle. It was on the eastern edge of the base and gave her an amazing view of the thick jungle and the massive central ruby. The second wave was a success. The last base was in view. Too many had died to get them to this point, and Mira would honor all of them. The towering ruby swallowed the view before her, its deep recesses swirled with a mesmerizing effervescence.
Dark clouds brewed just beyond. A low rumble of thunder growled in the distance, as the storm picked up with intensity. How fitting, Mira thought. When the storm cleared, who would be standing as the victor? That was the question. There was no time to ponder, Mira thought as she clutched the hilt of her sword, rubbing her thumb against it. It all came down to this fight, and there was no time to waste. The final Battle had come at last, and the Big Hammer King would soon pay for all the pain he had unleashed on the world.
