Paige and Rocko were sitting on Nan's front porch in the underground town of Undaville. They had spent the last two days helping Paul with his chores around the town, and were now resting with a cool drink.
“Jimmy used to love my lemonade,” Nan's voice carried through the door.
Rocko laughed, speaking quietly to Paige, “She sure does talk a lot aye?”
Paige laughed, whispering back, “She reminds me of my Grandma.”
“You know Paige, you and I...” Rocko started, taking a cool cup of lemonade from Nan, “We didn’t start off on a very good foot did we?”
“It is how all my good friendships begin,” Paige joked.
“What did you want to do? You know, before all this started up with the swords and everything,” Rocko asked as he sipped his lemonade. He scrunched up his face and lightly coughed as the sour liquid slid down his throat. “Whoa! That tastes like it was just lemons…” he spluttered a few more times.
Paige looked at her cup and had a small sip before screwing her face up in the same fashion. “Whoa! You’re right!” she spluttered slightly before answering his question. “I was trying to get money so I could begin my first year of University. I wanted to study mechanical engineering. I love cars, and wanted to design them.”
“Sounds like a good hobby…” Rocko said, placing his cup down so he didn’t take another sip.
“Yeah. But in my spare time I enter weapon’s tournaments, I had begun to do quite well and nearly had enough money from the winnings to begin University,” Paige said happily.
“Until all this happened?” he guessed.
“Yeah… Serious change of plan,” she grinned. “What about you big man. What did you want to be when you grew up?” Paige pried.
Rocko thought back, “I was looking for an apprenticeship, ironically as an electrician. I hadn't had any luck as yet, but...” he trailed off as Nan came through the door.
“I wanted to be a Captain of a cruise ship! Jimmy wanted to have babies,” she let out a nostalgic giggle, “That man, he sure liked to make babies.”
Paige and Rocko gave each other an awkward look at Nans interruption.
“We were about to go for a walk Nan, do you need anything?” Paige asked, standing up. She urgently motioned for Rocko to do the same.
“If you could get some potatoes from Paul for dinner? That would be nice,” Nan said with a smile.
“No problem,” Rocko finished, “Potatoes it is.”
The two of them walked towards Paul’s house, the lights from the underground town beaming down upon them.
“So what's with the sudden need for a walk?” Rocko asked.
“I’m sorry… Did you want to hear more about Nan and Jimmy making babies?” Paige punched Rocko on the arm.
“Ouch! What was the punch for?” he asked, rubbing his arm. “You have quite a swing on you.”
Paige laughed, “I haven’t had a good outlet lately, there is plenty more where that came from.”
“You and Sophie have become good friends haven’t you?” Rocko said, trying to find out more about the tiny woman.
“Ooo that reminds me, did you know she is the Mayors daughter?” Paige asked with wide eyes.
“Wow, so what you are saying is, she is loaded?” Rocko said, a little surprised.
Paige gave him a kick in the shins and let out a laugh, “Don't tell anyone! But yeah. She gets to drive her daddy’s Corvette around!”
“Well your violent, I will give you that. Don’t worry, it is our little secret,” Rocko said as he rubbed his shin.
“Then don't get on my bad side,” she poked her tongue, finishing the conversation.
They arrived at Paul’s house, knocking on his door.
Paul opened it smiling, “You're just in time, there is someone here to see you,” he motioned for them to enter.
Entering the lounge, a woman stood up to greet them. She looked like she was in her late twenties, and was very neatly dressed with her blonde hair tied back in a ponytail, and a beige female business suit on.
“Hi,” Rocko said, extending his hand for her to shake, “I'm Ben, and this is Paige.”
Paige extended her arm and shook the woman’s hand as well.
The woman pointed at Tsuyosa wrapped on Paige’s back. “That’s a nice weapon. May I?” she asked, placing her hand out so Paige could hand it to her.
“I don't think that’s a good idea,” Paige replied cautiously.
“I think I will be fine,” the woman said with a gentle smile.
Paige gave Rocko a confused look, he only shrugged in return.
“Come on, It's been a while since I have seen him,” the woman continued to push.
“Excuse me?” Paige said, slowly removing Tsuyosa from her back, handing it to the strange woman.
“Hello Samson,” she said, Tsuyosa starting to glow yellow. The yellow dust flew around the room, slowly forming into the shape of a man. Rocko and Paige stood amazed, watching him take shape.
“It's been a while Samson. How is your new host?” the woman spoke to the apparition.
“I have forgiven you for what you did to me, Hina,” Samson replied abruptly ignoring her question.
Hina glanced at Rocko and Paige, smiling sweetly before continuing, “Forgiveness is a good characteristic to have Samson.”
Samson folded his arms and shook his head, “Yes… Well between you and my wife, trusting woman does not come so easily.”
Paige leaned over and whispered in Paul's ear, “What are they talking about?”
“Well,” Paul responded, “Samson was blessed with a gift from God, he had supernatural strength. But this would only stay if he did not cut his hair. During his life he fought against the Philistines, at one point killing a thousand warriors with only a donkey skull. However, he ended up marrying a Philistine woman named Delilah. She begged him over numerous weeks, nagging him constantly, until he finally told her his secret. That night while he slept, she cut off all his hair and his power was taken away. She then called the Philistine army to come and capture him. Which they did, and after they gouged out his eyes, he remained their trophy prisoner. A while later, a time came when the Philistines were having a feast, and they brought him out to mock him, but because he was blind, he asked the boy leading him to lean him against the central pillar to the house they were in. It was there that he prayed to God to give him the strength one last time. With this final burst of strength, he pushed the pillars out, causing the building to collapse on top of him, and all the Philistines that were feasting, killing them all.”
“So how did he end up here?” Paige asked.
“She did that,” Samson replied. They could make out his arm as he pointed at Hina.
“But if she did it, then all the blades must be no more than 30 years old,” Rocko exclaimed.
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“No, this blade was created thousands of years ago. I should know, I have been trapped here,” Samson muttered.
“I don't understand,” Rocko interrupted, “You must mean her ancestors then.”
“You foolish boy. She is no mere human,” Samson raised his voice, speaking as if the subject irritated him.
“Enough Samson,” Hina interjected with a stern tone.
“What does he mean 'no mere human'?” Paige asked, staring hard at Hina.
“You might as well tell them,” Paul spoke softly, “They will find out anyway.”
“Find out what? What are you guys talking about?” Paige demanded. Quickly becoming annoyed at not knowing what everyone was talking about.
Samson laughed, “Yeah tell them Hina. It’s the least you can do.”
Hina turned to Rocko and Paige, “Ok, you will need to keep an open mind here, I know you don’t believe in this stuff,” she paused briefly and sighed, “I am an angel.”
Paige and Rocko had stunned looks on their faces as they turned to look at each other. Paige was the first to start laughing, followed quickly by Rocko, “An angel? Get serious. We are not that gullible,” she said, still laughing.
As the laughter simmered down, they noticed that Paul, Hina and Samson did not laugh. They just stared at the two, waiting for them to quiet down.
“Are you serious?” Rocko stammered, still unsure of the situation.
“She dug around and found me lying in the rubble of the building. She grabbed this axe and then started mumbling in some language I couldn't understand,” Samson seemed to relive the moment as he spoke.
“I have been under instruction from above to create the blades. I helped making the twenty of them. However, they mostly needed the soul of a person, but it couldn't be just any person. The person needed to have a connection to what the blade could do,” Hina finally answered.
“So you were the powerful woman that defeated Zeus?” Rocko asked, taking Kaminari off his back.
Hina smiled, “Ahh the Thunder Blade. Yes, this was his punishment for pretending to be a god. Isn't that right Zeus?”
“Have I not served my sentence Hina?” electric sparks took on the shape of a human as Zeus joined them in the room.
“Your punishment will end with the world,” was all Hina replied.
“Wait, you said you made the twenty blades, but what about Nathan’s?” Rocko interrupted.
“The remaining blades, I think the most recent names you humans have given them are Yami and Akarui. They were the remaining blades from our world. Akarui was created by the Angel Michael, he was under the direct instruction of God himself. But let me start at the beginning.
Before your world was created, God made the world of the Angels. This planet was called Eden. We too started with a Garden, ours was called the garden of Heaven. However, the fruit of knowledge was not taken and we lived as a sin free world for a long time and God himself ruled over us.
Unfortunately, our race could also not remain sinless. Lucifer, as you humans would say, Gods right hand man. Grew vain, and started to see himself as God's equal. He convinced a third of the angels on Eden to rise up and fight against the Lord and his Angels. He prepared ten of the most lethal blades ever invented. These were blades of chaos and destruction. He gave nine of these blades to the generals of his army, keeping Yami for himself and marched against the holy city.
God knew of Lucifer’s plan so he had 10 blades made to counter Lucifer’s. The battle raged for seven days and seven nights and on the dawn of the eighth day, Gods army prevailed. Lucifer was stripped of rank and any physical powers. He was then banished to the newly created earth. This is where he has been since, tormenting mankind, turning them away from God, and getting them to follow him.
After his fall, Yami, the blade of darkness was lost to him. He is trying to find a way to regain his physical powers. Once he does, the search for Yami will commence.
The Angel that took Lucifer’s place at God’s side was an Angel named Michael. During the battle, he wielded Akarui, the blade of light. The intensity of this great battle saw all the other blades destroyed. All the blades but Akarui and Yami. Michael bound the two remaining blades to each other and banished them to earth. There has been no one on earth who can use them to their potential since that time.”
“So you expect us to believe that you are from another planet, and are able to create these weapons?” Paige looked amused as she spoke.
“I don't 'expect' you to believe anything,” Hina replied, “I can only tell you the truth. How you perceive that is up to you.”
Paige took a step back, taking a moment to take in what was in front of her. Two apparitions stood in front of them, Hina held two blades that neither her nor Rocko could explain. And now, there was a woman claiming to be an angel talking to them. I can’t do this… She thought, tears welling up in her eyes before she bolted outside.
“Paige!” Rocko called out, running after her. About a hundred meters away from the house, he caught up to her, “Paige.” He placed his large hand on her shoulder and they stopped running, “What’s wrong?”
Paige broke down in tears and fell to her knees on the grassy verge, “Why did all this happen?”
Rocko sat down next to her, this was the most emotional he had ever seen her, it seemed she had just cracked. He placed his strong arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, embracing her with a hug. “Why did what happen?” he asked, letting her settle down a bit.
“Why did we stumble into this? Knowing what I know, I would have rather stayed living in ignorance. I'm always expecting someone to jump out and yell 'Just kidding!' and it all end up being some big joke,” tears still ran down her cheek as she spoke.
“I don't know what to say Paige,” Rocko started to reply, “My life has never been great. I have lived as the butt of everyone’s jokes, and have always been trodden on. But with Kaminari, this blade… It has changed everything for me. I now feel like I actually have a purpose. But you know what?” Rocko waited for Paige to look at him before he continued.
“What?” she said as she sniffed, rubbing her eyes with her sleeve.
“I still wouldn't want all this if I didn't have people like you, Nathan, Jake and Sophie here, living it with me,” he replied, looking off into the distance.
“Shut up” Paige said jokingly, giving him a push. “You'll make me cry!”
“You were already crying,” he shot back with a smile.
“No I wasn't, they were cutting onions in the kitchen, and onions always make my eyes water,” Paige said, sniffing again, “That’s why I had to leave the room…”
Rocko laughed and was about to reply when they heard footsteps walk up behind them, they both spun around to see Paul. “It's ok to have anxiety Paige, this is a lot to take in,” he had in his hands two cups, and held them out for Paige and Rocko to take. “I made you both a coffee. It looks like you could use one,” he smiled his soft friendly smile and turned to walk away, “Just remember, I am always here if you need to talk.”
“Thanks Paul,” they both said in unison, watching him walk back to the house.
He gave a small wave, but said nothing more.
Paige sipped the hot drink, “So where do we go from here?”
Rocko smiled, “Well as Teresa would say, 'I'm making this up as I go',” as he spoke he tried to change his voice so it sounded like Teresa's.
Paige laughed at Rocko’s impression of Teresa, “You're a good man Rocko.”
“I'm just trying to help a friend,” he smiled.
“Do you think we are? You know, friends?” Paige looked at her feet as she spoke, “I mean, you’re not very nice to me!”
“Me?” Rocko laughed, “You’re the one that physically abuses me!”
Paige laughed slightly and changed subjects, “I hope everyone else is ok, doing whatever it is they are doing,” Paige looked out to the distance thoughtfully.
“Don't lie, you’re just worried about Jake,” Rocko made some kissing sounds as he finished speaking.
Paige punched him hard in the arm, “Don’t provoke me Rocko! Let’s go back and see the Angel. I think I am ready to talk to her now,” Paige declared, standing up and walking with Rocko back to Paul's house.
Rocko and Paige entered the house, Paul and Hina were in the lounge talking. When Hina saw the two enter, she held up Tsuyosa and pointed to the scuff on the blade, “Who did this?”
“Ahh, I had a fight with Slash, he held a blade… Umm, what was it called Rocko?” Paige tried to remember back to the encounter.
“It was called Excalibur,” Rocko chimed in.
“This is interesting. Something you should know about the blades is that, apart from one, they cannot be damaged by each other,” Hina said, examining the chip.
“What do you mean except one?” Paige asked.
“Oh, that’s the wooden sword,” Hina said.
Paige remembered back to when Sam had cut Sophie’s blade in two, only to have it grow back straight away.
“So why did Tsuyosa take damage?” Paige questioned.
“This is not the blade I locked Samson in,” Samson’s figure nodded as Hina spoke, “In fact, it is far from it, I placed you in a small hatchet… It wasn’t my finest work. I like to use beautiful weapons.”
“You know your work well,” he said, “I will explain why it took damage, and why it is different. This blade was once a hatchet. A very small axe used for cutting wood as you said. That is what you locked me in Hina, and that is what the base of this is. And yes, that part is not able to be damaged. But using dust, sand and other small particles, I have changed the shape into a far more battle ready weapon. The blades ability allows the pieces to be held together and be nearly indestructible. Apart from that little run in with Excalibur, it has never failed.”
“Can you remove it?” Hina asked, curious at the ability.
Samson smiled, “I can do what I want with it.”
As he spoke the axe split into two, the second clattering noisily to the ground. The two axes were identical and beautifully shaped. Hina smiled, bending down to pick the second. As her hand wrapped around the handle, it turned to dust, wrapping around her arm and forming a large blade that extended past her hand.
“And I can make it longer, by stealing more from the other axe,” Samson stated as the blade grew longer. Hina looked at the axe in her left hand, it was now the original hatchet the she knew.
“So you can't change the small hatchet?” Paige asked, amazed at what she was witnessing, “You could have told me this! That axe isn't the easiest thing to lug around.”
Samson laughed, “You never asked.”
“There is still one thing I don't understand,” Rocko interrupted.
“What’s that?” Hina asked, taking the blade off, returning it to the large axe form.
Rocko looked intently at her, “If all our blades have souls in them, then what about Yami and Akarui?”
Hina gave Paul a nervous look, “Firstly, not every blade has a soul locked in it, but every blade needs a soul to be able to operate.”
Paige shot Rocko a confused look.
“Three blades trap the Keepers souls within them, they are Thanatos: the Blade of Death, Omoi: the Mind Control Blade and Kopiya: the Mimic Blade. However, Yami and Akarui were the only weapons to have souls locked in them on Eden. You will need to ask the souls of those swords, they are the only ones that know the full story.”
“So the other blades on Eden did not have Souls trapped in them?” Paige asked with a slightly confused look.
“No, Only Akarui, and then Yami. The two are not a pair, they are each other’s nemesis” Hina responded to Paige’s question.
“Our friend has found those blades. Will he be ok?” Rocko asked with a little nervousness.
“Unless your friend is very special, he will not have a long life,” Hina replied sadly.