Heroes of Mavia: Part 10The Final Battle Concluded

Phoenixfire083 | BOGG Mira was blown away that she was walking within the massive central Ruby of Mavia. The surface of the walls and ground were a collection of jagged fractal edges and smooth surfaces. What was most impressive was that it was a natural tunnel. Even with the advances of technology that was used to harvest Ruby, it would have been impossible for the Big King to burrow his way this deep inside. There was evidence that the corridor had been etched, smoothed down, and cleaned up to ensure a clear path to make it easier to move the equipment within. The deeper Mira walked within the Ruby started to disorient her senses. The surface around Mira were translucent and it made it feel like she would fall into a Ruby abyss. Light refracted in weird ways as crimson light pulsed within its mysterious depths, or was it from the lightning outside? Mira couldn’t tell. The only thing that guided Mira was a bundle of wires tied together and tucked into the bottom corner of the corridor. It showed Mira that the corridor was a spiral, and it ascended slightly upward, coiling deeper into the center of the mountain. Mira felt an unsettling discomfort with how silent it was in these halls. The sounds of the battle outside were gone, and each step was swallowed by the Ruby. All Mira could hear was her soft breath, and the beating of her own heart. It thudded in perfect balance, calmed from the intensity of the earlier fight, but heightened with the approaching encounter. Mira’s heart ached from leaving King Diamond Hand’s outside unconscious in the mud. Leaving her troops to fight against the Big King’s advancing forces.

Doubts swirled within Mira’s mind like the faint pulsing light that seemed to coalesce within the deep facets of the Ruby. How could her intelligence not see the hidden forces of the Big King? Mira readjusted her grip on her sword and gave her head a shake to refocus. The Big King was waiting within, and after seeing his display of power, she wasn’t sure how she was going to stop him from gaining his ultimate power. A shiver crawled up her spine at the thought of what his victory would mean to the world. The maliciousness in the Big King’s intent, and the coldness of how he viewed the world was troubling. How many would suffer if he claimed the power that he sought? No, Mira would show the Big King that the world was not ready to be ruled by a tyrant. That unity, courage, and hope would prevail against fear, and uncertainty.

As a reflex, Mira tried to activate her comms, but again she was greeted with nothing but static. Mira was on her own, so she uncoiled the wire from her ear and tossed the device to the crimson floor. The corridor felt like it stretched on forever, and time distorted with it, how long Mira walked the halls she did not know. Soon, a muffled sound finally emanated from around a distant curve of the tunnel. Mira picked up her pace, and with quiet, careful steps she followed the wires to an opening in the tunnel brought her to a massive ruby cavern. Mira was captivated by the ceiling of the cavern. Large ruby columns crisscrossed around the walls, and a massive, translucent crimson ceiling displayed a glower effervescence, as if it was the night sky. Mira walked alongside the wires, no longer trying to hide her presence as her gaze focused on a large machine where the wires led to. Metal steps ascended to a circular platform where a large table sat in a vertical position. Automated straps were ready to hold fast any willing to be affixed to it, and above it all was a large antenna with a spherical tip pointing downwards. Next to the machine was computer where the familiar Mad Engineer frantically typed away to start the process. The Big King stood unmoving as he watched his lacky finalize the steps necessary for his victory, his back exposed to Mira, but his axe was in hand, its long haft resting on the ruby floor.

Not hesitating, Mira sprung into action. Feeling the ruby power within she phase shifted in a crimson flash. Putting all her pain, and heartache into a mighty thrust, she felt her sword bite deep into the armor of the Big King’s back, “It ends now Big King,” Mira said, daring to draw a slight victorious smile.

The Big King didn’t move, nor did he fall to his knees. Mira’s eyes shifted to the Mad Engineer who finished his typing with an exaggerated flair of his arm, pointing it into the air as she turned around to face Mira.

“Ah Mira,” the engineer said with a hint of admiration before ending with a low chuckle, “Here to try and stop what cannot be stopped.” As he finished, the display of the computer started to count down from ten minutes.

Mira grimaced with confusion as she tried to thrust her sword deeper into the back of the Big King, and instantly felt something was off as the engineers crescendo of laughter. Before Mira could react, a blast of energy hit her had. Mira’s body tingled with numbness, and her mind tumbled wildly as her body rolled across the ruby floor.

“Does she finally understand yet?” the Mad Engineer asked with maniacal laughter as he pulled the sword free of the Big King’s armor.

Mira lifted her head towards the engineer as he tossed the sword onto the ground with a dull clatter. Then Mira saw his shoulder, soaked in blood, and the reality of the situation struck her.

“I see from the surprise in your eyes that you do understand,” the engineer chuckled as he gently slid his hand down the arm of the Big King armor. “The Big King was always just a symbol. A necessary piece to throw off my scent to achieve my goal.”

Mira slowly got to her feet as the Mad Engineer activated the armor and it opened before him, a perfect suit of destruction. Stepping within, Mira heard the whirl and clanks of the armor sealing behind him. The armor turned to face her; its eyes lit up as it activated.

“You were the Big King this entire time?” Mira scoffed in disbelief.

“No one ever suspects the scientist to be the bad guy,” the engineer replied with the deep, menacing voice of the big king as he lowered his axe into his other hand.

Mira growled in anger. No weapon in hand she charged anyway. No matter what she had to prevail.

King Diamond Hand’s tumbled through the darkness of his unconsciousness. Falling in an eternal void of pitch black. It felt surreal, dreamlike, and suffocating at the same time, but there was no fear. In a way, he felt relief. To fall in battle was an honor the warriors of his kingdom. This was the end of his ongoing fight, and now he could rest. Surrendering to the void, he accepted his fate and waited for the lands of his ancestors to appear before him.

A spark caught his attention. Was this the light he was supposed to follow?

Another pulse drew him out of his dark reverie, and out of that light coalesced a collection of ruby light. Like a murmuration of birds, the sparking crimson speckles shifted, and changed shape with each second. It approached him, wrapping around his spiritual self like a coiled snake. Then Diamond Hand’s started to feel within his being a growing tingling sensation. Low at first, but the intensity picked up with intensity. Slowly becoming more discomforting with each pulsing sensation. The pain was deep, yet the surface of it felt cold and numb, and soon he felt the individual drops of rain as it pelted his matted, wet fur. Thunder growled above him as an avalanche of sensations washed through him. The pain from burns on his chest and back screamed at him, the sounds of squelching mud as he tried to roll over, and explosions echoing in the distance reminded him of where he was.

Gasping awake suddenly, as if he just remembered how to breath, Diamond Hand’s opened his eyes. The lifeless gaze of a fallen soldier greeted his vision, as did the blasted remains of the area outside the bases research facility. Turning his head he saw the giant central ruby, and he realized he was alone. The sounds of battle reminded him that the fight wasn’t over. Rolling onto his back, Diamond Hand’s lifted his left arm in front of his face and was greeted by a diamond stump. Memory of the Big King’s descending axe and Diamond Hand’s desperate attempt to throw Mira out of harms way. The power the Big King held to be able to shatter his diamond arm was disheartening. Luckily, the diamond skin of his people held no nerves, and he felt no pain, even though he had the urge to try and wiggle his fingers.

Rising to his feet was a challenge, as he struggled at first to regain his footing. A gentle rain fell as a low rumble of thunder growled, the fury of the storm subsiding. Another explosion rippled from beyond the base causing Diamond Hand’s to turn to see a column of fire erupt out of the thick jungle trees. Whale Blimps dumped bombs into the emerald surface below, as gunfire tracers lanced out from the ground, as did the screams. Diamond Hand’s focused back to the research facility, and he knew that if the Big King was still alive, that was where he was. If Mira had fight left in her, she would be close behind. Walking towards the facility, mud suctioned in protest with each step.

“Hold on Mira, I’m coming,” Diamond Hand’s grunted as he entered the facility.

Mira felt the air leave her lungs as she smashed hard against the ruby wall. Her sword clattered away from her as she fell face first to the ground. It took a lot of coordination and timing to get her sword back in her initial attack, but luckily the Big King’s movements were slowed. The only thing Mira could hope was that the wound she inflicted. How long she had until the wound healed enough from his ruby infusion, she didn’t know. The Big King approached with his axe lowered, lines of cuts from Mira’s sword marred his armor where she was able to score hits, but the armor was too thick for her to do any real damage.

“Do you think you can stop me before it’s too late Mira?” the Big King asked menacingly as he strode forward, “You cannot stop destiny.”

“I highly doubt destiny has anything to do with this, maybe madness,” Mira countered sarcastically as she stood up, her body ached in protest, her breath short.

“If you only could understand what started me on this journey, you wouldn’t be fighting me,” The Big King remarked with a tilt of his head.

“Yea, well enlighten me,” Mira offered, hoping that she could buy herself whatever time she could to figure out how to stop him.

“Time is almost here, so I’ll make it short,” The Big King replied mischievously.

“I was apart of the scientific team that first discovered the potential of the energy hidden within Ruby. A discovery that was unparallel since the discovery of the atom. Such a precious commodity, a ruby the size of a fist could be properly harmonized and give enough energy for thousands to enjoy for decades. It would cut out the world’s reliance on the consumable fuels we desperately depended on. Of course, the greed of this world and its leaders opened my eyes to the truth. My superiors displayed our findings to those who invested in the research and they wanted to monetize it and charge exuberant prices to the governments of the world. Which the governments were willing to pay, because their industrial military complex wanted to weaponize it,” the Big King paused, as Mira suddenly turned invisible.

“Cute,” the Big King replied, but he continued undaunted by Mira’s tactics, “There were those on my team that agreed that was a poor choice, but we were overshadowed by the greed of those in power. I knew that there would be no way for our discover to ever be used for its true potential. Unless all the governments were brought to their knees.” The Big King cradled his axe gently in his hands as he scanned the room for signs of Mira, walking towards her sword that lay unmoving on the ground.

“It was when a few of my colleagues started to turn to the side of the greed, I knew. When those I cared about began to die suddenly, I knew. I acted as if I was apart of their plan and used the opportunity to use their greed against them. It was easy, too easy, and soon I was able to gain influence enough to whisper and manipulate the leaders of the world. They turned on each other quickly, and the world was plunged into war,” the Big King paused again and he started to chuckle.

Turning around and swinging his axe in a wide horizontal arc, the Big King sent a wave of crimson energy across the cavern. Mira appeared as she back flipped and jumped over the wave which dissipated against the ruby wall.

“By the time the war was unleashed, I created this armor and persona to give a face to the evil of the world, when in truth it was those in control. So eager to suckle at the tit of power, they would have killed each other to rule over the ashes.” The Big King watched Mira vanish again, but continued to talk, “but after the war, the need to rebuild was imperative, and I brough the world what it needed, Ruby. I created the RHDI, and under that guise I gained more power, and I had all the time, resources, and ruby I needed to continue my research, and when I found that ruby energy could be infused within oneself, I took advantage.”

Mira appeared again, this time by the console that controlled the machine. Desperately trying to type and hack her way into the programming to counter the depleting timer. The Big King appeared behind her quickly, his strong grip grabbed her by the shoulder and lifted her off the ground. Kicking her legs frantically as her arms batted uselessly against his metal arm.

“And of course, I found that there was a limit to that power. Until I created this machine. Do you think I would have left any chance for you to stop this?” The Big King chuckled as he lifted Mira close to his visor where she saw her twisted reflection.

“The machine is calibrated to my specific energy sequence, which changes on my death. Only I can go into it, and only I can stop it,” the Big King explained as he started to squeeze Mira’s body. “If I don’t go in, the resonance will be unable to focus properly, and it will in turn fracture this entire mountain apart in a catastrophic event that will destroy the world.” The Big King began to laugh as he started to squeeze tighter and tighter.

Mira felt her body slowly being crushed, her breathing became difficult, and her bones protested as they struggled not to snap. In hearing the Big King’s explanation, Mira stopped struggling, she was beaten, and accepted her fate.

The Big King let go of Mira suddenly, her body falling to the floor hard. The air escaped her lungs and she desperately began to breath in gouts of air as she looked up towards the Big King. The tip of her sword blade penetrated the center of his chest, blood ran down its edge and ripped onto the crimson floor. Behind the Big King was Diamond Hand’s, his right hand gripping the sword.

“You talk too much,” Diamond Hand’s replied with annoyance as he pulled the blade free, letting it clamor to the ground.

The Big King fell to his knees, the front of it opened suddenly to reveal the Mad Engineer within. Falling from the confines of the armor, the frail looking man desperately tried to crawl towards the metal stairs, blood streaking behind him.

Diamond Hand’s helped Mira to her feet with his diamond hand, and she looked at him in shock.

“You…chose… to let the… world end…” the Mad Engineer gasped as he coughed up a glob of blood that started to run down his chin. Chuckling in disbelief, he ended in a long wheeze, then he died.

“I can’t believe you are here,” Mira gasped as he wrapped her arms around Diamond Hand’s body, her face buried deep into his wet fur.

“I still have some fight left in me,” Diamond Hand’s replied as he placed his right hand on her ack to return her hug, “So, tell me you can stop this?”

Mira pushed herself away from her friend and ran back towards the console, the timer was under three minutes. Mira’s fingers danced rapidly on the keys as she frantically tried to find a way to stop it. It was to no avail unfortunately, and Mira slammed her fist onto the metal surface of the console in frustration.

“There is nothing I can do, the energy has been charging and stored within the Ruby, and is going to be unleashed on this contraption and do what this monster said its going to do,” Mira gasped in hopelessness, which shocked Diamond Hand’s, he had never seen Mira fold in defeat.

“What if we put something in his place?” Diamond Hand’s asked suddenly, causing Mira to look at him.

“It’s tuned into his genetics, even if we put his corpse in there, I’m not sure if it would actually change anything, or worse case resurrect him.” Mira answered as her mind raced through possibilities.

“What about me?” Diamond Hand’s asked holding up his diamond hand, and he watched Mira’s eyes light up in shock.

“I… I don’t know…” Mira stammered.

“Can you recalibrate it in anyway? Enough to at least stop the ruby from exploding?” Diamond Hand’s said calmly, trying to find a solution. Watching in admiration as Mira’s mind raced, and she started to type.

Diamond Hand’s found his answer when Mira stopped typing and looked at him with pleading eyes.

“I’m not sure if it will work,” Mira answered honestly, barely audible as she struggled to find her voice.

“It’s better than nothing,” Diamond Hand’s said with determination as he started o walk towards the base of the stairs.

“Diamond Hand’s, you can’t,” Mira said, but cut herself off, realizing the selfishness of what she wanted to ask. The world was about to be destroyed and all she wanted was the hope that her friend would get out of this alive.

“It’s okay, you will be fine,” Diamond Hand’s replied with a warm smile.

Mira saw for the first time in her friend’s eyes, hope and peace. To finally get the rest he deserved from his endless fighting. Running to him one last time she hugged him tightly, tears soaking into his already damp fur.

“I’ll always be with you, don’t forget that,” he reassured, which didn’t help Mira at all.

“I’ll miss you DH,” Mira whispered as she pulled away.

“Brutus, my real name is Brutus.” The King of the Diamond Hand gorillas proclaimed gently, “now go.”

It shocked Mira, as he turned from her and ascended the steps. So used to calling him DH, at his request. Mira asked him why when they first met, and due to the traditions of his people, one gave up their name when becoming king. Mira was never certain if it was a valid reason, or just a way for him to avoid getting close to people. Watching him as he reached the top, he looked around the tangle of wires and accepted his fate.

“Mira, go,” Brutus pleaded, “If this works there is still going to be tremendous energy that will course through here.”

Mira turned and fled. Following the only corridor that would free her of this giant ruby, using her ruby powers to phase shift to gain distance. Brutus watched her go, and the timer acknowledged the final minute of the countdown. A glass enclosure rose out of the bottom of the machine to encapsulate him within, and the table began to lower back to a horizontal position. Brutus remembered his loved ones lost, his brothers and sisters who died fighting with him during the war. Axel, Boomie, Clayton, who died for this fight. His heart went to Mira, Daphne, and those who would carry on. Sitting on the table Brutus turned his body and reached up with his remaining diamond hand, grabbing the circular metal ball of the antenna that pointed down towards him. His fight was over, it was time to finally rest.

The timer reached zero.

Mira breathlessly ran out into the mud-soaked area outside of the research facility. Turning around to look up at the giant ruby. The battle still raged beyond the base, and the ruby looked as it always did, majestic and imposing. A slight hope filled Mira that it was already over, but a pulsing energy began to glow with an increasing intensity within the ruby. Over and over, the pulsing picked up speed, and Mira felt the energy radiating from the surface of the mountain. With each pulse, the ground began to shake, and Mira did the only thing she could think of doing and that was to fall to the ground and surrender to her fate.

Behind her the battle stopped. Soldiers from both sides turning to look in wonderment at the sight before them, unbeknownst to what was about to happen. Standing together in united confusion, and unwitting to the reality of the possibility of their utter annihilation. Birds took flight into the sky in the distance, and animals rushed through the underbrush to get as far away from the natural monument as possible.

The pulses became so strong that they sent reverberating waves throughout the island. Then out to the rest of the world. Ruby powered devices everywhere fluctuated in tune to the increased pulse of the distant island.

When the final pulse flashed, the surface of the massive ruby monument cracked, releasing a massive shockwave. Mira flew off her feet as the buildings nearby splintered and were and torn asunder. Trees desperately clung to their roots, avalanches poured from the tops of mountains, and waves washed over the coasts of the world.

Mira opened her eyes. White greeted her, but as her vision adjusted the sight of a blue sky appeared and the radiant warmth of the sun washed over her body. The ground around her was still wet, and she could feel the soft mud that she laid in. Realization washed over Mira, and that she was alive. A torrent of emotions ran through her. Brutus’ last idea worked, and Mira realized they had stopped the machinations of a mad man. Brutus was her friend and mentor, and she held onto the hope that, somehow, he was able to survive.

Running towards the ruins of the facility, Mira desperately tried to find a way into the tunnel, but the pile of twisted metal of what used to be the research facility barred her way. It wasn’t until Daphne arrived to pull Mira away, hands bloodied by the twisted metal she desperately tried to rend free, that Mira knew it would take more equipment to get through. With the battle ended, soldiers from both armies entered the remains of the base. It took a few days to organize and fly the equipment in to clear the remains of the research facility. When they finally broke through, Mira ran inside with Daphne close in pursuit. It didn’t take long for Mira to find the cavern and the remains of the machine that was destroyed. The Mad Engineer’s body was gone, traces of his presence was burned into the smooth surface of the ruby floor. All Mira could find of her friend was his diamond arm, the rest of Brutus was gone.

Cradling the remains in her arms, Mira broke down. All the emotions she held in throughout this battle, leading the alliance, the final fight, all boiled out. Tears poured out of her eyes, as they rolled down the diamond surface. Mira’s cries were swallowed by the ruby, as those who fought next to Brutus joined into the distraught symphony.

Time became immeasurable to Mira after the battle with the Big King. The armies outside of the giant central ruby ceased fighting, and as whispers of the events spread like wildfire, so did the realization to many that they were on the wrong side. Those still loyal to the Big King’s views escaped into the shadows of the jungle later to be apprehended, but they were few. Together, all the armies held an armistice to bury their dead and pick up the pieces of their shattered realities. Many were shocked at how easily they were to be manipulated into a cause that almost led the destruction of the world, all under the promise of unity, equality, and prosperity. Nero was still imprisoned when the truth reached him. Mira brought Brutus’ arm to show him what true sacrifice of a leader looked like. Mira left Nero alone in his shock and felt numb to the tears he shed when he realized his place in what transpired. The younger ape accepted his fate to be flown back to the Kingdom of the Diamond Hand gorilla’s to face the justice he deserved.

The alliance stayed true to their pact and used their influence to contact the remaining bases on the island of Mavia. Relaying to them the events that had transpired. Evidence was collected and sent to the RHDI, and the rest of the world. Those who managed the RHDI were arrested after it was revealed that they were directly under the orders of the Big King. The hard question for the world was what to do with the revelation of what had happened. Ruby was now a necessity and its potential for brining abundance to the world was unmatched. Yet, the fear of the world falling back into a war was at the edge of everyone’s mind. Without the RHDI, who would control Mavia and the precious resource?

The need for people to have a place to unleash their fury and rage was important, so that it didn’t spill back into the streets and minds of the citizens of the world. Mira was summoned to the mainland to speak to the leaders of the world at the RHDI headquarters. There she presented the new King of the diamond hand kingdom the remains of Brutus. Mira spoke with intent as she relayed evidence and truth that they had discovered. The heroics of Brutus, and how he was willing to sacrifice his life for the safety of the world. Many had sacrificed their lives for this truth. All the leaders gave her a standing ovation for her speech. Yet, their celebration rolled off her like a rain drop on a leaf, and she let them know it.

“What are you willing to do in order to ensure this never happens again?” Mira scolded them, causing the applause to die down instantly, and left them with uncertain looks.

When the summit ended, it was decided unanimously that the RHDI would be restructured. It would still be responsible for distributing ruby to the world once received from Mavia. It would still supply those on the island with what they needed to harvest ruby, and to protect themselves. But this time around Mavia would have designated heroes to help protect it from the shadow of greed. These Heroes of Mavia would be infused with Ruby energy and keep each other and the rest on the island in check. Until a time, that the world was set back on the right path. When there was enough harvested ruby to ensure the innocence of the world were able to live rich, and abundant lives. Where future generations lived purely with the intent of unity, love, and hope. Then, the heroes could put away their weapons and people could know peace once more.

It all sounded good on paper, Mira thought when she had left and flew back to her home base. Would the world ever get to a place where war and hate didn’t exist? It was a nice hope, and one that Mira hoped could come to pass, but it wasn’t up to her. It wasn’t up to the soldiers fighting on Mavia. It was up to the souls of all who lived and have yet to be born. Tragedy was avoided, but it would take a collective mindset of accountability, and genuineness.

“Hey Boss,” Daphne greeted Mira as she approached where Mira sat, in her squeaky chair in front of the computer display where she been monitoring drone footage.

“Daphne, hey,” Mira answered back as she fought the sudden urge to yawn, a stiffness in her legs made her realize how long she had been sitting.

“The latest reports came in, and all is functioning normal. A new set of bases were established on the north end of the island and are coming along well. Some skirmishes are already happening, and with limited casualties. The new system of having the leaders invest into establishing a base, and proving themselves before giving them the chance to infuse with Ruby is keeping minds at ease, and focused,” Daphne finished with a calm smile, but it faded slightly as she saw a fainted light in Mira’s eyes.

“You okay Mira?” Daphne asked with concern.

“Yes,” Mira answered with a crooked smile, “I think I have just been sitting here for too long, I’m going to go stretch my legs.”

“Sounds good, boss, I got it from here,” Daphne replied with a cheerful wink.

Standing up and Mira left the bases headquarters. The door slid open, and Mira was instantly bathed in warm sunlight. The bustle of the base rattled around her in a cacophony of routine, and discipline. The hum of laser walls reverberated calmly, as a trio of AI choppers flew by overhead. Soldiers jogged down the lanes as they sang songs of glory, and gunfire popped in the air from the training grounds. Soldiers greeted Mira with salutes, and new recruits looked at her with awestruck wonderment.

Mira found herself in a square plot of well manicured grass, a small park that was installed in the base. Benches were placed around a circular path at the center which bordered a statue of Brutus in honor of his sacrifice. The statue had Brutus standing with outstretched arms, a smile on his face, and a Ruby in his hands. A pang of heartache filled Mira’s chest as she stared up at the effigy of her friend. An emptiness that she knew would never truly fill back up. Walking up to the base, Mira reached out and placed her hand on the foot of the statue.

“I hope you found the rest you deserve my friend,” Mira whispered quietly to herself as she closed her eyes. The feel of a single tear rolled down her cheek, “I wish you could see the result of your sacrifice.”

Taking a deep breath, Mira lifted her trembling hand from the statue and kept walking. There was only one place she wanted to be. A sense of ease filled her as she ascended the air control tower, and it came to completion when she closed the latch and sat down in the spot she had claimed as her own. Resting her head against the base of the radar dish, she stared at the rolling green hills that stretched to the horizon. The Snowy Mountains faint peaks were in the distance, as well as the mountainous Ruby at the center of the island. It was now off limits to all bases, and purely a place to admire. Clouds drifted lazily across a clear blue sky, and a warm breeze greeted Mira. As much as the pain in her heart had subsided from the loss of Brutus, and so many more. Mira finally found a sense of peace knowing she had done what was necessary to save the world.

With the threat gone, Mira was surprised that she didn’t fall into a sense of existential dread. There was still purpose, and things to manage. Heroes needed a template to follow, and she wanted to ensure that the new Heroes on Mavia lived by the principle to protect. Yet, there would always be exceptions. New threats on the horizon until the world managed to learn from its mistakes. However, Mira would enjoy the peace now and bask in the beauty of a world working towards prosperity.