Terra was starting to surge up making the air polluted with magic particles. We stood our ground while the massive body mass started to riggle in hunger. It's many mouths were roaring in pain as it started to want Terra's magic. Terra's hair was already flaring up but seconds later it stopped. There was nothing in the air again. She started to calm down that aura of death. Olley was already trembling her legs off but her face said a different story. I wasn't going to run because this was the spot that we needed to hold. Terra isn't the type to randomly explode a whole facility out of nowhere. She wouldn't survive this either. The silver vats of chemicals filled with flesh stopped shaking.

Terra: Forgive me, I'm calmer now. I almost let her loose by mistake. But those are my true feelings. That is how I feel about the Platform. It wasn't a home. Neither should it be for the future of the children in it.

Arc: But to attack the Platform and it's fundamentals. That's a bit extreme isn't it?

Terra: No, it is not. They have done good but at what costs. In fact there is something you should know about the Platform. About the Vanta team.

Olley: Vanta? You mean those with us?

Terra: They aren't just a kill squad for rogue Adamians. They're a black ops squad. They get funded by the planets to take care of the things that wouldn't look good in front of the media.

Arc: How am I supposed to trust that?

Terra: Ask them yourselves when you see them. I'm sure that Nitra knows everything about it. Her predecessors were there when Polarity fell after all. But that's something not something people would know right?

Arc: I don't believe you.

Terra: Take a look at this abomination. It's alive because of our technology. All of this suffering is because of me, because of us. Part of our DNA is inside the serum vats. There are many other factions in the universe that want to take us down, we just don't know it. Ignorant.

Arc: This isn't going to sway me from destroying the Platform.

Terra: I know. But it was worth trying to be diplomatic with our prisoner.

Arc: Prisoner?

Terra: Yes, if we wanted. We would've taken you by now. Call it mercy. But when the time comes, I'll be sure to be there. The security room is over there if you're still interested. Though I'm sure you just want to know where the lab is.

Arc: You think we're too weak to fight you!

Terra: I know you are. We made sure of it. And you were the only threat. I thought for sure that the Vanta team would be a lot more of a threat. But I guess, I overestimated their abilities. Guess you shouldn't trust rumours.

Arc: We're going to beat you!

Olley: Don't count us out yet!

Terra: This goes beyond just this planet you two. I'm fighting for what I believe is just. What are you even fighting for Arc? The Platform? What do those guys even want? Whatever it is, I'm sick of it. I'm going to save this universe. And someday, you'll join us.

Olley: Never!

Terra: Anyway, I'll do my thing. Good luck in whatever you find.

Terra walked over towards the chemical concatenator. She was already in her own world as if she never noticed us. This felt too strange seeing the enemy just walking away and not killing us. Olley walked over to the hallway that led towards the security room. She seemed to be in a rush to get out of Terra's range as fast as possible. Right as I caught up with her, there was a massive rubble blocking the way. Olley was basically fuming at everything because of her stress levels. I tapped her towards the side then walked over. I surged up and ripped open the metal part of the debri apart. The feeling almost felt like it was ripping paper. Olley's mouth dropped as the sheer sound and sight amazed her. I couldn't help but feel a bit prideful out of that reaction. Though inside I had mixed feelings because that rip was a lot more powerful than I thought. I barely guided the energy yet it tore this thing like it was nothing. This wasn't just normal metal for space ships. It had some Artuskan sediments which aren't supposed to be tearable by any other means. Unless someone has a mobile neutron compressor then this shouldn't be possible. How long can I use this power without mishandling it?

Olley: THAT! Is new. I didn't think that would be in your arsenal!

Arc: Neither did I…

We ran towards the security room only to find that half of everything busted. When we entered the small box room, there were only a few spots that a few people could stand in. This wasn't an optimal condition for people working in security. The place only had one chair and then a circular mechanical desk with holo monitors surrounding the person. We searched the room to see if anything could work but nothing around had an external source. The only thing that was in the small surveillance room was a corpse of something. I walked over the corpse but something was shimmering right on it.

Olley: Did you find something?

Arc: I think it might help.

Olley: What is it?

I checked all over the corpse to see if it was something distinguishable. It seemed to be some kind of rectangular gadget that had a screen on it right below it's belly. There was some good all over it but other than that it was still fine. I wasn't quite sure if it was a communicator or something else entirely. Olley looked over and she swiped it right out of my hands.

Arc: Hey! What was that for?

Olley: I know what this is! This is a phone! I've only seen a couple of these before and usually they came from guards. I've never thought I'd find one of these here.

Arc: A phone? Oh you mean a communicator? Like a radio or something.

Olley: Oh these things do much more than that! They can do stuff like sing for you and other stuff that can kill some time. I stole one once from a guard near the district wall. It didn't last very long though.

Arc: I didn't think stealing was your kind of thing.

Olley: Well that guard was a jerk anyway. But more importantly we can check stuff on this thing! We might even be able to use this!

However, as soon as Olley tapped on the screen of the phone. It started to glow up and reveal something. It looked to be a series of recordings on the phone just like a security room but smaller. There were various once. Olley moved it around with her index finger to see the start of the video. As soon as she did, she clicked play. I was a bit excited on how these things actually work. It's quite the old technology. Except, it is interesting how these things can operate. The technology of the old world.

The first video was recorded before the attack. A big robust man that seemed oddly familiar appeared on the screen. He was wearing the security outfit of the airship and he was just sitting on the mechanical desk. His face directed right on the camera as if it were some kind of secret film.

Man: It's been hours now and I still haven't found a single sign of that Adamina. I don't think I have the correct security requirements to head to that area of the airship. But what I do see are those things outside as well as that taller looking Adamian. She looked beyond scary when she came down to take us.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Olley: Wait a minute, this is…

Arc: Leon…

Leon: I don't know what I'm doing to be honest. Why am I even recording this shit? No one is ever going to miss someone like me or want to know… I should've just ran with my tail under my legs when I had the chance.

Leon took a deep breath as a person had showed up in the room. The audio was barely audible but it didn't matter because the person was leaving now.

Leon: I'm not sure why I chose to go after that Adamian. I'm not even sure why I thought it would do me any good. Those guys are just too strange. Now I'm somehow helping with their security. They don't know a damn thing. I could see that the kid is still in that area of the ship. I can't find a way to help. Even if I do, what would I do? A whole lot of nothing I guess. That's it I guess…

End of first recording… Playing the second recording…

Leon: I'm not sure how it's been but I managed to learn somethings about this place. It's a damn nightmare. These guys are the ones responsible for those monsters. But it's much worse… They're kidnapping people and turning them into those things. I wished there was something that I could do…

End of second recording… Playing the third recording…

Leon: They still haven't found out that I'm not supposed to be here but I got my badge for some reason. That's a bit stupid of them. Guess the ship is so big that they don't give a flying fuck. I hope the kid is fine…

End of third recording… Playing the fourth recording…

Leon: It's been a while since I've done this because frankly I think it's stupid but it's keeping me sane that I'm not one of them. They said that they wanted something. I wasn't sure what the hell they said. But they said they were going to take or make something? Something that has something to do with magic and that weird juice in whatever that is. The kid is fine. I thought for sure that I went up here for nothing. I didn't like seeing the kid getting beat that I guess someone messed with the doors. Stopping that crazy girl just seemed right… Anyway that's it…

End of fourth recording… Playing the fifth recording…

Leon: Something is happening soon. I noticed some signs of monitoring outside the ship but I didn't report it. It must be another one of those Adamians trying to help the kid. I guess it was a good thing that I kept these recordings then. Those nerds at the lab were talking in the cafeteria. They said that they were working on something to attack a place called the Platform? I wasn't sure but they said that they weren't going to attack it with something big. I wasn't sure… They didn't seem to be the ones in charge. A mole maybe?

End of fourth recording… Playing the fifth recording…

Leon: This is bad… They know… They know that there's going to be an attack on the airship! They just don't want to make it seem like it or they won't proceed on the attack. Once they attack, they'll send out even more demons down on the city. What's worse is that they're all ready to leave. There's nothing left to be done in this ship. I don't think I have a choice but to follow too… There is a mole… Whoever, it is… I'm not sure… But they snitched on y'all…

End of fifth recording… Playing the sixth recording…

Leon: I need to go soon. The assault is starting and everyone is already starting to evacuate. And I have to or else I'll be left to die. Wait a minute… Is that? Olley? Kid… She's going… Alright then… I'll block off where the forces are and redirect them towards the assault. Kid, rescue him alright. This is it for me… I've got to go or I'll die…

Leon left the phone on the desk showing the outside of the door then being directed towards with the other evacuees. However, the recording was still going. Before Olley was about to turn off the recording someone had entered the room! It was two of the Vanta team! But I wasn't able to quite catch any features.

Vanta: Orders are orders. Redirect the portal already. Peter is waiting to visit.

Vanta: I know! This race to Eden officially starts now. Just remember the real mission.

They seemed to take some kind of device and placed it on the main desk then left. I held the phone. It was taking every ounce of my body not to crush it. Olley held my hand. Something inside of me started to feel a bit better when she did. Leon, I hope you're safe. He definitely helped us quite a bit despite our relationship. I'll rescue him someday but now we have to figure something out.

Olley: So we have a couple of rats in our squad…

Arc: Two of the Vanta sold out on the assault. But if that was the case then that would mean that somewhere in the Platform, there are rats too.

Olley: What's your plan?

Arc: Trust no one. We can't bring this to the others or it'll make us exposed. It's best that they know we don't know a thing. Judging by usually how thorough the team is in their execution, this definitely was a screw up on their end. We managed to get your message Leon. But in honesty, if we really wanted to know who betrayed us, then our answer is right on our way out.

Olley: I don't want you talking to her. She's an absolute nightmare. How are you not scared of her?

Arc: I am scared of her.

Olley: You don't seem like it!

Arc: Of course I don't because I know I have to deal with it. Being scared of her won't do me any good. My time with her taught me that.

Olley: What was she even like back then?!

Arc: Terra was one of the unique ones. Personally, I think she's amazing when it comes to work. But whenever I think about the other Terra, it makes me think about other things.

Olley: Other Terra?

Arc: When I was about to fall from the ship. She still tried to save me anyway. And I wasn't sure if that was because she cared enough or if it was because I was their asset. Either way, I couldn't understand a thing about Terra. The one thing I know for certain is that I don't know a thing about her.

Olley: She's mighty complicated from the sounds of it.

Arc: Well she did have an obsession of making me her sparring partner for eternity.

Olley: That sounds like a soft proposal. Are you sure she hates your guts? Or maybe she actually just likes you.

Arc: I don't want to think about that. Let's get back and focus on what's going to happen next.

Olley got her shock sticks ready again and we moved quickly back out to the entrance. Though this time something felt strange. It was like something was waiting for us at the end of this hall. Just as my fears were about to drop, there she was. She was touching the ripped metal that was now on the side of the wall. Terra's face was completely blank. My gut started to sink hard because I think I made a big mistake. I kept my feet ready while Olley stood firm. Terra finally looked at us and her expression genuinely frightened me. She was completely flushed and grinning from ear to ear. Her eyes were completely locked on me.

Terra: So… someone was holding back? I'm not sure if I should feel excited or if I should feel betrayed. Arc! You need to leave! I can only hold her in for so long! SHUT UP! YOU SAID THAT HE WAS WEAK! For all I know, she could've been the one that did this. NO! NO! NO!

Olley: Arc? What's happening here? I'm going to be the bigger person here and say I'm officially scared now.

Arc: I think your knees have been buckling ever since you met.

Olley: Not funny…

Terra: He's been scrambled already! There's no way that he's strong! Arc! Just run already! Please! NO! YOU'RE LYING! HE'S HOLDING BACK! ARC! IT'S TIME! I'VE BEEN HOLDING IT IN FOR SO LONG!

Arc: Alright, it's time for plan B Olley.

Olley: What's plan B!? You never mentioned there was a plan b!

I know that there was nothing besides a giant fall from up here. If I read the directions correctly, then we're at least on the second floor of the airship. With a quick step, I surged up and busted the metal wall down with my palm. The energy used for that was a bit too explosive, I need to recalibrate when I can! Olley was mainly confused.

Olley: Wait! You didn't tell me what was plan- AHHHHHHHHHHH!

With all my might, I grabbed Olley's shoulders and threw her out of the hole of the ship. She was wearing our combat suit and one of the things in there included a grapple hook. I hope she figured that out though.

Arc: OLLEY GET THE SHIP!

Olley: YOU'RE SUCH AN ASS!

With that echo from below, she was completely safe. Now standing before me was an extremely agitated Terra. I guess this was showtime for me to explore this power. Though with the amount of practice I've had. I don't think this is going to end well for me. But I need to try or Olley won't be able to escape. We need to get back to the ship. I just need to hold her out until then.

Terra: Do you really think you can hold out against me! I'm in control now Arc! You better get serious this time! I'll be sure to take you with me this time.

Arc: I wouldn't be so destructive or you'll completely blow up the body mass in the hatchery! You won't be able to survive the explosion of at least two nuclear deterrents and magic slicing.

Terra: I don't need to fight you with my power. I just want to taste what you have now!

She charged right at me with her hands in front of her. Her speed was even faster than usual! I touched the metal walls then surged them up. This power is completely exhausting to use but I need to or I won't win. With a swift strike, I made the ship rumble! Even I lost my balance a bit. That was too much power. However, it managed to stop Terra in her tracks. Wait! I got it! Right as she started to get back up. I surged up once more! I stomped my foot on the flooring and manipulated the metal to split the entire side off! Just as planned, Terra jumped right out her side to try to make it to my side. As she did, I sent out all the metal wirings in the area to snatch her up and coil around her. Terra started to struggle a bit, breaking some of them. How the hell can she break metal wires so easily!? I didn't stop surging. That meant my head was starting to feel the fatigue from keeping her coiled up. There was no way in hell that I was going to beat her. We just need an escape! With another hand, I manipulated the metal around me again. Metal sheets and equipment started to fly towards Terra forming into a ball. Ball was starting to be complete but I could feel Terra already trying to break through. The struggle started to cease and I fell down to one knee taking a breather. Without a second slipping, Terra's cannons sounded bursting through the metal. She jumped right out aiming her stop directly on me. I dodged just by an inch then surged another. Terra threw out a jab but I caught it with my palm. She smiled at me with some delight. But she started to notice it too. A metal plate started to wrap on her hand. She tried to jump out except that it was already too late. I let go and her metal encased hand dropped on the floor. With all my might left, I surged it to combine with the floor. If she tried to shoot her cannons then it would blow off her hand.

Terra: DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT!

Olley: Arc get in!

Arc: See ya I guess.

I jumped out of the gaping hole onto the invisible hunt vehicle. It was like jumping into a portal that it got me a bit disorientated. For a split second, right before I jumped Terra's eyes changed. I looked back to see that she stopped struggling to escape and just looked right at me. This time she was someone else again.

Terra: You didn't have to hold back y'know! She didn't. She probably hates you even more now!

Arc: She always did.

Terra: No, she didn't! She never did!

As the door gate closed, we sped off towards the direction of Hyer. Olley was on the pilot seat and I took mine as the co-pilot. She puffed her cheeks, probably from that stunt I did. I sighed and I just focused on what was the next step in the plan. Do we find out who's the rat or do we have to think about what their plan was? Or what the hell was Eden. I didn't have a good amount of ideas. There's only one person that I should consult with and that was Nex.

Olley: Hmph!

Arc: Come on, give me a break. I had to do that or we would've been stuck fighting her all day. She's no slouch to stamina in fights. In fact, it does the opposite effect on her. She's never been tired a day in her life.

Olley: I still want an apology. What if I didn't know there was a grappling hook?!

Arc: There's no damn way that you didn't expect that thing to its atoms. But I guess I should've elaborated a bit. I'm sorry. There, happy?

Olley: Maybe…

Arc: Geez.

Olley: What's with all these girls and their taste in guys?

Arc: What's that supposed to mean?

Olley: Nothing! I was just thinking out loud for a second.

Olley's mood improved but mine stayed the same. There were just too many moving parts that I just can't keep up with. What the hell did Peter want to do! Visit… Wait!

Arc: Speed up now! We need to find Nex right now!

It seemed like they were just distracting us this entire time. I know where it is. I know where they are! I was such a fool to think that they were just going to hide out in some random area in Plaux! My head was starting to sweat bullets just thinking that they might strike at any time. I didn't realize that my fists were clenching too hard. Some marks started to appear on my hand. Olley held my hand as she sped right through the trees on our way back. I held on hers tight without realizing it.

Olley: What's happening Arc? You're scaring me…

Arc: I think I might know what might be happening. We need to find Nex when we touch down.

Olley: What does Nex need to do?

Arc: It's not what he needs to do. It's what we need to do with him. It was all part of their plan. They wanted to keep us in that area as long as possible.

Olley: That doesn't' make any sense! Then wouldn't fighting Terra make it last longer.

Arc: No, she knew that we would just run away if that would happen. Instead she wanted to keep up the act as long as she could before we would start running. But I guess it was a bit too much for her to handle.

Olley: Where are we going after?

Arc: We're going straight into Talos.