X-R | Story

CHAPTER 1

Syaxel : Homeworld

My name is Axis.

I am one of the 3 last remaining Syaxelian.

About 100 years has passed since the DemonEyes, an army of civilisation killers, has destroyed our home world. Guided by the will of revenge, I am now leading an army of men & woman, to fight back at them. I never thought that one day I would be at this point. In fact, none could ever imagined what has happened to our home, our planet. This takes me back to time, back to the time where we, Syaxelians, were looking at the sky with hopes of a better life. A time where peace & liberty was considered as a humble & loyal goal.

SYAXEL : HOMEWORLD

-CHAPTER I

300 years ago. Syaxel, a blue & white planet, part of a twin planetary system along with a gas giant. On its surface, lives a civilisation called : Syaxelians. Physically almost identical to humans, the only difference is our smaller nose. I am born in the city of Arkylias. My father, a well known politician was part of Arkylias’s council. My mother on her part owned a communication company. Both of my parent’s jobs forced them to spend a lot of time away from home. Young already I was used to taking care of myself. In the Syaxelian culture, school is an obligatory & very important part of everyone’s life.

Hey Axis !
Hey Valcia! How are you doing this morning?
Oh I’m fine. I finished my biology work & already started my science project, so if you also have time, we could do something together today after school.
Great! I also have free time tonight, let’s go somewhere together.
Will Telak come with us?
No, it will be just me & you.
Nice, I’ll be waiting for you at the gate. I see ya later. Good bye my love!
Good Bye Valcia!

I could see the light in her eyes when I announced her I wanted to spend the evening alone with her. I did not need a mirror to suppose I had the same on mines. It was just so special every time she passed her hand this way in her dark brown hairs. But I had no time to think of that, my PAD on my wrist kept reminding me that I was late for my biology class. As I approached the silver door, I could already imagine the teacher pausing the holoboard, allowing every student to look and humiliate the guy-that-is-always-late!

When the door opened, the teacher who had his back turned waved at me and said:

Hello Axis! I’m sorry we started too early I guess…

The class had a small laugh at the teacher’s comment but soon returned at their holodecks.

Hey Axis, late as usual ha ha.
Ya ya... What did I miss Telak?
Nothing yet, the teacher was about to do a speech concerning chapter 4.
Ah great! An other day without redaction. This is just…
Axis! Is it me, or are you trying to be the center of attention of this class? Shouted the teacher.
Sorry. I’ll stop.
Thank you! Ok. And now to start. Let me remind you today’s subject, the Syaxelian body and his possibilities. We all remember last class concerning the biological elements of our body. We all know that the common life of a Syaxelian is around 700 years. But do you know why our life length is relative to our molecular structure? Do you know why a lot of people around the world need to artificially reengineer their molecular structure in order to reach those 700 years? Or why some of us can live up to 800 or even 900?
Should we believe Gen7’s predictions towards our life length? Asked a student.
Physically we can predict the potential life length of the body’s material. Their predictions are based on your current health level. They cannot predict the events, future life conditions or problems you will have throughout your whole life and for that, their predictions can only be used approximately. But they do give you an accurate hint on rather or not you need to have a molecular reengineerement or not.
Why do enforcers have longer life length?
Because their body generates more accurately the perfect genes for the bodies needs, allowing them to have a stronger health.
In the future, will we be able to artificially make people generate more of theses genes? So that anyone can use enforcement? Asked an other student.
Enforcement gene creation is not determinate by our ADN or our molecular structure. And even under 2 identical conditions, only one of the subjects could develop the possibility to use enforcement. Even with twins. Sometimes only one has the possibility to move very heavy objects only by his will at a very young stage, while his brother might take a life time or even never be able to move a single stone without having to physically touch it. Our scientist…

(Telak bended his head towards me and started whispering to me)

Hey, did you listen to yesterday’s new? We might go into a war against the rebel government.
Yes I know. They started refusing any negotiations to stop the abusing. Everyday the Federation discovers new hideout where they exploit resources & minerals. Like if last year’s sanctions weren’t enough for them.
If they start a war, how long do you think it will take before they send Metras’s Army?
I don’t know. But we all know how powerful Metras’s Army is. If Kacertan’s government decides to engage the Federation into a war, they must have hidden resources… I dont trust them!
Yes your right, no one who thinks logically would defy the Federation without having proper defences… I just hope they will change their intentions before actions are taken… Killing ourselves is really idiot. People should never die for ideas or opinions.
I totally agree with you on that!

When the class ended, Telak was waiting for me at the door and once I got by, asked me:

So? Wan to play a game of Laser Arena tonight?
Oh I’m sorry Telak. Tonight I am going with Valcia to spend time alone with her.
I see, so you will… hum… have fun tonight! Said Telak with a funny look.

I smiled and replied : Stop thinking about our private lives and get yourself a girlfriend dude! But to be honest, you should know that they are not just one activity you can do with a girl…

I’m joking hehe, and anyway I never heard her complain! She seems so happy with you. I’m surprised you even waste your time with me when you have a girl such as her…
Stop saying foolishness… your funny you know that! And perhaps… It would be a waste... she’s not as good as you at Laser Arena Muhahahaha!

Laughing, we got out of the classroom and told ourselves good bye. I aimed right towards the exit to meet Valcia. The main hall was a big 2 storage white and crystal made hallway with big windows on both sides. From there we could see the whole city and everyone down the park. Everyone including Valcia and… Acer!

Acer was a tall, white & yellow Syaxelian. In our culture, colour is something attributed to our identity. People will tend to wear the same colours. Usually most people have 2 colours from what they switch from, with principal one that is usually their favourite. My colours were blue, white and black. Valcia on her side was mostly wearing purple, or blue. Acer was well known around school or should I say, the most popular. Even if I did trust Valcia’s intentions, I didn’t like Acer’s presence near her so I started walking faster. As I crossed the main door, I walked towards the small group, pretending I had nothing in mind I waved at Acer & Valcia.

Hey Acer! What a nice day isn’t it?
Hello to you Mr. Axis! Nice day indeed, even nicer when in the presence of such creature as Valcia.
Indeed! But the evening will be even nicer once alone near the ocean isn’t Valcia?
Erm... yes, but Axis, do you mind if I finish this up with Acer?
Yes Axis, me & Valcia have things in common we need to work on... said Acer with a satisfying smile in his face.
Actually Axis, me & Acer are partners in science class, and we just need to synchronise our projects before I leave.
I understand Valcia, I will take a slow walk and I’ll meet you to my car. See you later Acer... have a nice evening!
Yes Axis, I will! Shouted Acer back.

Valcia kept quiet and looked at me with questioning eyes. While I was walking to my car, I was wondering how Valcia considered Acer. Was she thinking about if he was cuter than me or not? He is popular & wanted by so many girls. Was she aware that he was dragging her? Was she considering Acer as a fool? He is way richer than me. What do I have more than Acer? If at least he was dumb. But he even has greater marks than me! And he… Shiiiouuuttt!

I didn’t notice the doors unlock, I got interrupted in my thoughts by Valcia’s entrance in my hovercar.

Valcia !
Axis! What was wrong with you?
What did I do ?
You think I’m blind? Or did I imagine that little jealousy scene not long ago with Acer...
Hum… I guess so… but…
There’s not but! Do you think of me as an object?
Of course not! Far from me of thinking of you that way.
Then I think I am old enough to make my own choices alone. You cannot "loose me" unless by your own actions, not someone else’s.
Your right. I should have said that concerning Elyann.

She looked at me with a shy face, and replied:

I didn’t know you back then honey! And I was afraid you’d leave me for a cuter girl…
Cuter girl!? ! ? Who said she was cuter? Certainly not me!
Stop lying Mr. Axis. Everyone knows Elyann is one of the most beautiful girls in our school. You just can’t say the contrary. Said Valcia with a corner smile.
She was pretty, but you are pretty too, and anyway, what counts the most, is the love we have for each others. The way you look at me gives you the prettiest look no other girl on the Universe can have. And that is why, no matter what others say, you are the most beautiful in my eyes.
And that is exactly why Acer has no chance…

The conversation ended with a long kiss until we decided to fly away from the campus.

Today was a special day for me. AirBoarding was one of my favourite sports and today was a flying contest organised by the activity committee of my school. Everyone’s been practicing for this event and I sure was ready! But today was also the day of the biology exam. So how much I wanted to think about this evening’s contest, I still had to concentrate on my exam. Days have passed since I last spent an evening with Valcia because of that exam she’s been studying for all that time. I was ager to finish up and have more free time after. I mostly couldn’t stop thinking of this contest. I participated to every year’s AirBoard race and won 8 out of the 10 events. But this year, I had Acer, who arrived at our school only since this year, against me. And I heard he was an excellent AirBoarder. With all this thinking, I managed to still be late at my class… By chance the Science teacher wasn’t very severe concerning class schedule, believing everything we miss will help us fail our exams. I arrived in class as the teacher was starting his speech…

Today we will learn the basic of a holo-device. Let’s start by the beginning. What is the base of all holo-device ?
A PAD! Replied a student.
And what for ?
For the main chip.
And what is the main chip for? And where ?
The main chip is installed in your wrist under the PAD. It is used to convert your brain’s signals into electrical signal.
And why is it important to make sure your chip is 100% functional?
To increase the precision & the details of your toughs, for a better & more accurate command.
Thx you Jasyx. We all know that the chip converts our toughs into electrical signal, that is then interpreted by our PAD. But we must understand how the PAD recognises the thousands, or millions of variations the electrical signal can have. Why is it important to synchronise your PAD while sleeping? Give me 2 reasons.
To help us sleep and help the PAD update its connection with you.
Partially right, the PAD needs to synchronise with your body while you sleep, not to help you sleep, but to synchronise its command parameters with your brain waves. And second, to allow you’re PAD to better understand yourself more that you probably could do using your sub consciousness’s dreams. By that he can understand your body’s needs & communications. But tell me, what is a golden rule of the PAD’s functions?
Harmlessivity ?
No
Making sure you are always updated to Metras Two ("Metras+Number" designates an artificial intelligence entity)?
No. One of the golden rule concerning PADs is: the UNI-directional communication with the device. Bi-directional devices are illegal and very dangerous, why?

No one seemed to want to answer that question, I was sure of the answer myself so I yelled:

Because of the possibility of a malfunction or intentional control or command than could damage the body’s integrity.
Yes Axis, actually a bi-directional device means it can not only read your signals, but also send you its own signals and by that, could harm you or even, control you against your will. Tracking down theses devices is one of Metras Two’s biggest priorities. Fortunately they are very rare and most of the time, immediately tracked & destroyed. But to continue with our subject... Why is the signal important to the PAD?
Because the PAD will be the intermediary between the brain’s signal and the software’s functions.
Yes, the software will decode the PAD’s information and by that way, transform what you are thinking into commands. The more accurate is the PAD, the greater your navigation in the menus will be. And also faster. Theses interactions are vital in your life. Everything around you works with your PAD. Every time you want to do something, rather it is driving your hovercar or simply writing a book. Cooking or talking to a friend. The interactions with your PAD will determinate what you control around you. So it is very important for every one of us to fully understand how your PAD works. Ok over with the PAD, tell me how the holo-device manages to toggle between individual view and grouped view?

No one in the class seemed motivated to answer to this very technical question…

No one has the answer? Or are you simply afraid to not have the right technical terms? It’s pretty to explain in fact: the holo-device will seek for a user parameter. If the holo-device is set to display for a single user only, it will connect to the user’s PAD and will generate the obligated lasers according to the user’s eye angle. The greater quality the holo-device is, the more accurate the display will be and the harder it will be for anyone to try to hack into the display. It’s basically the same for one or multiple users. The holo-device simply displays the holographic lasers to the selected user’s eyes frequency and by that, allows only them to see the display.

As the teacher continued his speech, I started thinking of today’s contest. Was I ready? Was my AirBoard all ok? Did I check every component? Were my accelerators up-to-date? Was I tired? Would I have the good reflex? But most of all, could I be faster than Acer? Is he really that good ? Is he…

Axis? For the second time, what is the most eye-catchy color for a holo-device, and why?
Oh ehhhh it’s red! Because of…

Think think think…. !!!

Because of… ?
Ya, because of the rarity of the color in our environment plus its high frequency in the spectral-light.
Good, you’re lucky you studied because I’m sure you weren’t listening to me there.

Studying? I never liked to study and in fact, always avoided studying. I preferred finding the answers to my questions once facing them. I use my memory as studying table. But then again, it’s not error-proof. The class ended and it was time for lunch.

The school’s cafeteria was the most animated room of all. The 2 storage selling consisted into a giant glass dome surrounded by a big circular holoscreen. At the left were the shelters and the food machines. On the right was the army of tables all lined up like if a general was about to pass by. Straight ahead was the cafeteria’s middle area, witch leaded to big glass door out to the campus’s park. From here you could see the parking on the far left, and the dorms on the far right. The sun was high in the sky and the crystallised school was filled by its bright light. Taking my food I instinctively walked towards my usual table where we eat between friends. I first spotted Valcia sitting, but as I approached, I realised the guy in front of her wasn’t Telak…

… it was Acer!

Hello Valcia! Hi Acer!
Hey Axis. Replied Acer.

I remember the conversation I had with Valcia. But I wasn’t bothered by the possibility of her loving him… but rather him loving her!

A simple look at Valcia’s eyes made me forget all my thoughts and I soon realised something was wrong.

Is there something wrong Valcia?
Something wrong? No… nothing is wrong Axis! I just have one of the toughest exams this afternoon followed by a stupid race contest. I studied all night Axis. All night every night since I can’t remember!
Valcia’s right Axis. It’s not everyone who, like me, can pass about any exam without the need to study. Said Acer with a proud smile.
You’re not helping her Acer. She needs…

Acer stopped me with his hands drawn. He then added:

What she need is a man, like me, who takes the time to help her study and be there for her when she needs me.

Saying theses words, a girl passed by him, with a plate containing food & some glass of juice. I concentrated on the juice container as it was passing by Acer’s head. Lifting the glass, I ended Acer’s sentence by a cool & refreshing tab on the shoulder!

What you need Acer is a set of dry clothes hahaha!
Ha. Ha. And Ha! You will pay for this Axis. Don’t worry because tonight, you will loose!
You guys are BOTH Losers!! Telak, can you help me?

As she mentioned his name, he was walking by Acer to sit on our table.

Hey people! What is up with Acer? I just saw him running down the hall with all his clothes wet?
I’ll answer that some other time Telak, for now Valcia needs our help on biology.

Valcia then sent me a sarcastic look, but quickly changes idea and showed us her notes so far.

It concerns GDs and AGDs.

What we commonly call a GD is a Genetic Disorder involved with the S chromosome. A genetic disorder normally is a disease that is caused by an abnormality in an individual’s DNA. Abnormalities can range from a small mutation in a single gene to the addition or subtraction of an entire chromosome or set of chromosomes. In the case of a GD, it is the addition of the S chromosome wich can cause many forms of important mutations. Being part of my interests, I knew alot concerning GDs. So I looked at Valcia and then asked her what she wanted to know concerning GDs.

I don’t understand the link between the S chromosome and the attitude of the GDs.
Ok I’ll explain it to you. The S chromosome is a very charged and active one. When a subject is experimenting a GD, the S chromosome will constantly try to effectuate changes on thier body. Constantly updating its structure to send new information to the genes. This proactivity causes the body to self-defend against it. But this fight between the mutation and the other chromosomes makes the subject aggressive. Since the other chromosomes are too busy trying to restructure the DNA, the body might even loose most of its brain activity.
But why does the GD’s instintcs pushes him to hunt or kill?
Thats because of the disorder. Every negative reaction in the brain causes the body to raise his aggressivity level. He doesn’t have "instincts" properly said, but he is pushed to destroy his surrounding, and also living forms.
If people knows what happens to GDs, why to they create AGDs?
Well, Artificial Genetical Disorder is mostly done by rich individual companies or industries that thinks they can counter the effects of the S chromosome. But this is very rare, I doubt that they will ask alot of questions concerning AGDs.
But they will…
Yes, but probably not hard ones. Do you still want to know more about ADGs ?
Give me an example of both GD and AGD encounter.
Hum… Well GDs have been found everywhere around the planet and don’t seem to have a link between them. In the old days we used to kill them but since we know that they have been Syaxelians before, we still work hard to find a cure or a treatement that could reverse the mutation.GDs are almost always found only in small cities or in the nature.
Ok and concerning ADGs?
Well only 3 AGDs has been known so far. 2 animals and a Syaxelian.
What happened to the Syaxelian?
It was an old company called CIndustries. They tested a biological recreation of the S chromosome and artificially created a GD to the subject. They though that if the subject was aware of the mutation, his body wouldn’t fight back and by that, wouldn’t change his attitude. But things got wrong, the subject mutated, started to be aggressive and one day, he breached out.
The Local Security found him and killed him. Yes I know the rest. What I wanna know, is how did they manage to create an artificial S chromosome?
They used natural GDs and extracted the data of the S chromosome. The hard job was to recreate the chomosome inside the new body.
Thanks alot for your help. I have to go, the exam is starting soon!

She gently kissed me as she was getting up.

Hey Axis, I think we should get going too. Asked Telak.
Ya, good idea!

The evening was getting colder. While in the exam room, we could see the clouds slowly taking place over the beautiful day. But when we got out of the complex, the sky was fully covered with heavy dark clouds. While flying to the Race Track with Valcia besides me, I kept looking at her… She seemed somehow happy because of her smile, but I knew something was wrong. She had this small glowy effect in her eyes that ment "I am sad". I set my hovercar on autopilot and hugged Valcia.

What is wrong Valcia? Do you fear you failed your exam?
This exam ended up the same way the temperature did: it started as a nice sunny day to end up with a shitty rainy one.
Its ok Valcia… You will have other exams to raise your marks!
Do you even realise how hard I studied? How much time I wasted on this exam. This is such a waste… completely useless.
Hum… look, lets make a deal. Next exam, I will pass every night with you to help you practice. We will also make fake exams to put you in-the-mind of an exam too. We will work on it. And together, we will succeed!

She didn’t answer yet, but I knew by the change in her face that she was feeling better now.

I don’t like this…
No one likes it Valcia, but if you want to succeed in your exams, we will…
No! I mean you racing… Its raining! And this race is soo dangerous. Why risking your life just for some stupid competition.
Because its something I like to do Valcia. And its also something I can do well. I thrust my skills enough to believe in me, to know that I will return alive. I just want you to believe in me too. To thrust me and know that I will return for you!
I believe you, but don’t take me wrong… If you die, i swear I’m gona kill you! Understand?
Ha ha yes Valcia! I give you the permission to kill me if I die hehe.
Its not funny! Come back alive…

I approached Valcia’s head until our lips were almost touching.

I will…

The rain was hitting hard over our head. On the start position of the race tack, there was a huge shield to protect against the rain. But the shields only protected the starting position. Since personnal shields aren’t accepted in AirBoard races, we all knew it would take a second for us to get fully soaked. The starting position consisted of 3 mobile buildings, the office, the hangar and the restaurant. There was also two tiered seating on each sides. The shielded dome around us was filled with holographic images from sponsors and news. But everyone were mostly looking at the main one: a huge holoscreen, flying about half-way to the top of the dome, displaying the racing status. Holding Valcia’s hands we walked to the restaurant and took some food. We were about to start eating when Telak signaled his presence on our PAD.

Hey laaadiiiiies! Man Axis… Your about to race and you eat all that? Thats probably going to help you go faster right?
Mind your own biswaaaack Telaaak. Your a good AirBoarder and your not even flying tonight!
Naaa! I don’t wanna die for some stupid race…

Valcia quickly turned her head towards me, giving me her famous "See? I told you!" look.

*AirBoarders! You are asked to the hangar for racing preparation. The race will start in 10 minutes.*

There goes my call. Wish me good luck!
Fly high Axis, but don’t get to dangerous. Said Telak as he was starting to walk in the directions of the seats.

Valcia did a small smile but quickly turned to walk in Telak’s direction. I grabbed her arm, got very close to her and whispered gently:

Don’t worry honey. I’ll be alright! I love you."
I love you too Axis.

After a long kiss I turned my back, faced the hangar and started to walk confidently. Arrived at the hangar, I was facing all my opponents in a big circle.

Listen up AirBoarders. This race is not an easy one. I know you guys all did the simulations but this time its real. And we must not forget the heavy rain outside. For this reason we decided to modify the race a bit, so we deleted some of the dangerous part. Your PADs have been updated with the new racing track. Understand this, the rain doesn’t affect the hoverboard itself, but it affects you! It affects your vision, your movements and your weight. So DON’T FOOL AROUND! I want everyone here to do a honest race. Honest and safe! If you feel ANY danger, activate your shield!! Its not a recommendation, its an obligation. You will be disqualified… but alive! Make sure your PAD is well syncronised with your hoverboard and then head up outside. Oh and I almost forgot. Acer!!!! I hope you understand what I told you… I don’t want none of that shit in my race understand? If you do this just one more time, you’re out of every AirBoard competition for your whole life got it?
Ah yes Mr. Everything you say.

Banned from every race? I was really wondering what he could have done that important.I had a sinking feeling the rain wasn’t the only thing that could flood this race.

Ok everyone, so I hope you fully understand everything I said.
Now get your suit ready, mount your AirBoard and move outside. But don’t forget… have fun!

His sentence was quickly followed by a general "YAY!! ". I activated my blue and white racing suit but when I reached my AirBoard with my hand, I felt a sudden pain on the side of my back. Someone hit me with a board.

Thats for today’s wet surprise Mr. Axis. Said Acer laughing.
I guess we are even now Acer.
I wouldn’t be so sure at your place. A race is something very dangerous for such poor Syaxelian as you!
Don’t do something stupid Acer… or you might regret it!
Stop worrying for me, worry for yourself instead.

A flashing green light indicated us that it was now time to move outside. I quickly jumped on my board and started flying towards the exit. An AirBoard is a lightly oval formed small board used to "surf" in the air. The AirBoard’s propulsion system relies on small transfer-generators placed all around the board. To move forward, the board transfers the air in front of him to the back of the board, propulsing it forward. This process at high frequency can generate very fast performance. This is the same engines that are used in most of the flying vehicles around the planet. TransGen was a company well known to make the best transfer-generators on any type of vehicle. It was now time for me to go. I followed the others outside to be acclaimed by the crowd in fury. It was so spectacular every time! So many spectators even with the heavy rain.

The race was held in some sort of old industrial park. With many tunnels and passages, it was the perfect place to organise the hardest but longest race for the contest. Without the rain, this place already looked grey and seemed to have some sort of darkness feeling to it. But with the rain added, it definitivly looked evil. With heavy rain drops hitting the rusted metal with such noise, the atmosphere was dense and nervous.

*Acclaim our AirBoarders!!! Welcome to the annual AirBoard Racing Contest of Arkylias! Today for this special event, the rain will probably be our racer’s toughest opponent as the elements will do their best to stop them. Who will win? Will it be last year’s champion: Axis? Or the well known champion from Sovlar, who won 4 times in a row the 3 annual racing festivals and qualified twice for a sector-line great speed contest: Acer!*

There was a huge acclamation in the crowd. I started asking myself if I could really win this race. I’ve never qualified for an entire sector-type race. Only been champion of my city. But there was something that caught my attention: Sovlar. Where did I hear this city before? With a mother working in the communications, I could hear tons of information everyday. Anyway I had to concentrate on the race! We all slowly flew towards the line, taping on everyone’s hands to felicitate and wish ourselves good luck. It was party time here for us. We worked soo hard to get to this point.

Come on guys! Lets show them what a racing board is! Said one of the AirBoarder.
Make sure your shields are ready. I wouldn’t want to… (Elyann made a short pause to get people to hook onto her words)… lose ya guys!

Elyann was Acer’s female clone. She was rich, popular and beautiful. Present in almost any event, Elyann didn’t really posses the skills to win this race, but it greatly contributed to her popularity.

*AirBoarders… Get Ready!!!!*

My thoughts instantly blew away as I suddenly gained an extreme level of concentration.

*Get Set!*

I concentrated on my board, making sure it knows exactly the right sequence of commands to allow the fastest start. We could hear the boards charging up on the start line.

*GO!*

The sound wave made his way trough the air, hitting my ears which my brain received, analysed and conceived the right reply which travelled all my body until it reached my PAD’ which converted the electrical signal into a digital command, received, analysed and transformed into action by my AirBoard which blasted his way on first position nanoseconds after the start signal.

GO..GO..GO..G..G..g.. the voice echoed away as we flew in the air at an amazing speed. The digital road was clear in my lens. The holographic track had already been memorised in my head and I knew every turn a long time before it digitised in my eyes. But this was no simulation, there was a real physical world under theses holographic images and I had to look for any surprises or obstacles. We were now approaching the first turn. I crouched on my board. When the turn came, we all crunched on the side, allowing us to turn at high speed and making the board take all our body’s weight. There was an AirBoarder following me closely. Gaining speed he slowly took the lead. I didn’t notice Acer immediately followed him as we took the second turn. What was going on? I was slowing down at every curve… I benched my head and looked at the front of the board. Nothing. I then turned around to look behind my board, and there it was: a counter-propulsion device! He probably set it to self activate at every inclination to avoid getting caught by any form of remote control. I kicked it out with the tip of my foot and concentrated on gaining back my position. The AirBoarder was still in first position with Acer furiously trying to overrun him. After two dangerous attemps, Acer missed his step as we all took a curve at high speed. The action was quick, the first AirBoarder saw Acer loose foot, slowed down and grabbed his shoulder, allowing Acer to regain control of the AirBoarder. He saved him! But Acer didn’t seem thankful. Instead, he took advantage of the situation to bounce the AirBoarder’s board. The AirBoarder’s board shaked violently as he tryed in vain to regain control. But it was too late, he lost foot and felt aside. Activating his security shield at the very last moment, he brutally crashed in the nearest building. A cloud of smoke appeared behind us almost as wide as Acer’s smile.

*It seems one of the AirBoarder had a problem with his board. But don’t worry my friends, his PAD confirmed that everything is ok! But that was a close one.*

This was unacceptable! He could have killed him. I definitively had to stay on my guards. Acer was ready to do anything to win this race. The track had a straight line after the next turn. I had to concentrate on speed in order to win this line. Acer wasn’t far from me and he knew it. I was mentally preparing for any scenario Acer could use to knock me off. I was ready to activate my shield at first sign of danger. How could Acer do such thing? Risk the life of someone for a stupid race? Valcia was so right all along, its definitively not worth it. The rain sure wasn't helping. The heavy drops of rain was pushing us towards the ground. Reducing our visibility, most of the racers relied only on their virtual route to guide them. The orange and blue racing interface had trouble fighting the fluidity effect created by the mixture of water and holographic display. To keep speed in such conditions required determination and endurance. There was two other AirBoarders closing in on our position. Sharp turns ahead, now I needed to concentrate.

*The elements are raging to stop the AirBoarders. The rain is TO-REN-TIAL! Alot of work is done to simply keep the AirBoard oriented. By times of heavy rain like this, the visions of the AirBoarder, usually clear and enhanced holographicly, is scribbed and flued by the rain. But theses racers are tough! You can clearly see the replay here concerning Acer's debat with an other racer. Very rude move but so far it seems to be effective because he is in the lead and half of the race is done. And now back on the main holoscreen to see the progress of our racers.*

The progress was hard, but I advanced more and more towards Acer's position. closely followed by a red racer, my complete attention was targetted at Acer. I had him in my reticle, he was my goal, my target and my prey. I was using him as motivator, using his speed to convince me to go even faster. The more I was getting closer, the more I was motivated and concentrated. This section had alot of turns, so the racer who knew how to turn the best keeping a good speed could easly outrun an other racer from its position. The advantage of choosing such place to organise a race has the advantage of putting every racer at equality : no one knows the race in advance. I was getting closer and closer to Acer. He has lead the race since almost the start of the race, I cannot allow him to finish in first position. Taking the last turn at a dangerous speed, almost loosing control, I gained equality to Acer. Having the advantage of the turn, I took the first position ahead of Acer with speed and confidence. Looking at the small map, I realised there was a straight line, a turn and then the longest straight line ended with the finish line. The red racer was almost at Acer's level. Preparing for the last turn, we all headed on our left to take the turn at his sharpest.

*This is the last turn for our AirBoarders. After a tough race into a terrible world of metal and debris, sooked by rain and anger. Will they tryumph from their fear? Who will keep the clearest mind and win against the elements? Who will be our next AirBoard champion of Arkylias!*

This is the last turn. Taking advantage of the rivality between me and Acer, the red racer took the turn much more in advance than us, keeping its speed very high he passed in front of us shortly after we both took the turn. Being too much on the edge, the red racer had to slow down to avoid crashing into the nearest factory. Slowly finishing our turn, we all ended up besides each others into this last line, the line that will determinate the winners of this race. It was evident that we were all going to finish one of the 3 positions. But the fight was to know who will be first. This was a time like no other, where every seconds counts. The moment where everything makes the difference, where anything is a line between victory or failure. The three AirBoards engaged the last line with such power that the rain seemed to step back. with no turns, no elevations or obstacles, this last turn had no speed limit, no reason to hold back. The speed and the moving mass created by the three AirBoarders racing soo close together created some sort of wall that eleminated air resistance to their acceleration. Blocking most of the rain, this "bubble" was going faster and faster. Inside that bubble, the tension was at his highest. On my right, the red racer was holding his advance while on the right, Acer was advancing slowly. I then faced in front of me. Every second seemed to take hours as I slowly gripped harder on the side of my board. I looked in front of me, concentrated on this line in front of me while I raged speed and started to win distance. I could see a tunnel of wind and water in front of me. I was going to win!

*What a terrific battle between thoses three AirBoarders! The tension is at his maximum as everyone is wondering who will win this race. Everyone has given their maximum into this endurance and speed contest and we will now see who will deserve the first place. Looking carefully, we can see that Acer is slowly taking a lead into this last line of race. Speed will now determinate our winner.*

What?!? Acer?? I looked at my left to realise Acer was ahead of me of about half a meter. Thats not possible! I need to concentrate more. I need more speed! I can see the line. Damn it faster Faster!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

*And our winner is... ACER !!!!*

The crowd got wild as tons of flashes and artificial lightning striked out of the sky. I lost, Acer defeated me and I qualified second. I was terribly decieved, but I soon gained the party atmosphere that was electrocuting everyone around us. After all, second is not bad!

What a nice end of race guys! This was awsome. Said the red racer.

I turned towards him and replyed with a big smile :

Your right, It was soo intense and competitive, it was such a race!

There were hundreds of flashes all around the ending line and I was hoping to see my friends somewhere in that huge mess of laughs and yelling. The reporters were about to interview Acer concerning what they call his "stunting" performances when Telak finally reached me.

Hey Axis! Valcia left.
What? Why did she leave?
I don't know, she was watching the holoscreen with a strange look. I think she was very worried.
She left because she was worried?
No, her parents then called and requested her home, saying it was very important.
Oh I see.. I should go to her house to find out what is going on.
Ah concerning that, Valcia knew you would think that way and asked me to tell you that she doesn't want you to go to her house tonight.
Fine. Did she really expect me to cancel my race just because its dangerous?
I don't know, I'm just the messenger in this. And also, I'm sorry I cannot stay any longer for you Axis. I forgot, but I had important things planned tonight concerning tomorrow's exams. I have an exam with my friend tomorrow, so we will both study tonight.
I understand. I wish you good luck for tomorrow Telak!
Thanks! By the way, congradulations for your second place. I wish Valcia could have been there to see it. But seing how she was worried, having to leave like that must have been for something very important.
I guess so. Good Bye Telak!
See you later!

I don't know why, but it seemed as if all my happiness was leaving me. I felt soo bad and I couldn't really tell why. I lost the race, but not normally, I lost it against Acer. It was some sort of personnal goal I had. But more important than that, I feel like if I was loosing Valcia. And that is the worst part of all. This ugly feeling you get when you fear to loose the closest person you have. I wanted soo much to see her, to know what was going wrong. To be there if she needed me, hold her in my arms. But there was nothing I could do, even having my friend to divert my mind wasn't possible at the moment. I was really sad. So I decided to think of something else. I got in my hovercar and flew away from the ending line. In holocar, I slowly drove back to where the race took place. Not having the holotrack on my car made it a bit harder to follow. But I wasn't speeding anyway, simply driving in the heavy rain to try to forget all what has happened to me today. I wanted to do something, I had to do something.

Taking a turn on my right, I noticed a black hovercar parked on the ground not far ahead. As I approached, the engines ignited and the vehicle started hovering while turning on itself to face me. Flashing his lights on me, he then turned and started to fly in the opposite direction. I followed him and tryed to access his hovercar's PAD. It was locked, simple privacy option. Arrived at the next turn, he slowly benched his vehicle towards the curve and then took a sharp angle in a racing style. I was intrigated, what was he doing in this place? So I speeded up and took the turn the same way, racing.

I then realised he was now way ahead of me! I had to play a bit more profesionnal if I hoped to follow him. So I engaged my alternative engines and switched to racing mode. My hovercar blasted into the rain as I gained speed. The vehicle ahead of me seemed to go well with the surrounding: dark, mysterious and surprising. The distance between us was shorting up and I could notice the details of the hovercar: it was a lightly red striped, black hovercraft type racing with many apparent custom modifications on it. The model was older than mine, but didn't look either weaker, or slower as I had soo much trouble following him. I was getting closer at each turns and my scanner finally could diagnostic the vehicle. It was a super sport type hover racing car. An older, but powerfull model enhanced with recent custom pieces. My hovercar wasn't very old, but seemed brand new compared to his. Mostly artistic changes were made to my model, since it was a racing edition right from the factory. The most important changes towards performances concerned mainly the engines and the piloting program. Basicly, it was a "old versus new" race. Arriving at his level, I looked on my left to try to peek at the pilot. Black windows! How come I wasn't surprised... The racing scan started to beep, alerting me of an upcoming obstacle. We both slowly turned towards the left side to avoid the obstacle. It was some sort of bridge, connecting two buildings. Half broken, the bridge seemed as he crashed on the ground. We passed by at a high speed and I then realised, if we wanted to harm me, he could have simply stayed at his position or could have even turned on his right to bump me towards the edge of the bridge. I gained confidence, stoped trying to verify his identity and concentrated on this friendly race. The scanner indicated a sharp turn on the right. We slowed down and started to prepare for the turn. Suddently, the black car lost alot of speed and started flashing at me multiple times. I really didn't know why he was doing this, so I also slowed down and prepared to take the turn. He then accelerated very quickly and, when at my level, bumped me into the wall. My shield took all the impact but it greatly slowed me down. Unable to keep the speed, I got away from the wall and regain control of my vehicle while taking the turn, very slowly. A pipe!!! I quickly dodged it dropping my hovercar under it. What was that?? A pipe, and a huge one was blocking the way in the middle of the turn. At the speed I was going, if I had hit that pipe, it would have probably been too quick for my shield to generate such power and probably would have damaged the vehicle. I then realised, he saved me! Arrived at the other side of the turn, I slowed down and landed on the ground besides the black vehicle. We were facing each other. I pressed the communication disk and requested link with him. He accepted:

I don't know what to say... You saved me! Thanks.

He then flashed his lights, but no vocal replies from him.

Hey can you talk?

One flash.

Then why are you flashing your lights?

Three flashes. I then replyed, laughing:

Oh yeah? Oh so I see.. Your flashing your lights because of.. three flashes! I fully understand.

Three flashes.

Your not unique! Guess what, I have lights too!

Saying that, I started flashing my lights too randomly and he also started to flash them. I was laughing and flashing my lights with an other vehicle in the middle of the night, in a raining lost industrial sector with someone I don't know. It was a very child attitude but I didn't care. I was having fun and he seemed too. Laughing on the communication disk, I heard a male's voice laughing from the car.

Come on talk! I heard you laugh.
Nein!
Nein!? Your a funny guy aren't you!
Neiinn.
Nein yourself! By the way, do you know why my scanner didn't detect the pipe in that turn? Its very unsusual.
Of course. The ion particles sent by the scanner simply analyses the materials in their path and effectuates a diagnostic. But, near that turn is an old energy factory, and one of that container was specially built to block emmitions of energy. Blocking your ion particles, the scanner couldn't complete his scan past the wall and couldn't detect the pipe right behind it.
Woah, not only can you talk, but you sure know how a scanner works! What is your name?
My name is Uxot.
Ah, hello Uxot! My name is Axis. Nice hovercar you have there!
Thanks, I made most of the parts myself.
The lights I suppose are your finest work? Ha ha.
Very funny, at your contrary, my finest work is the scanner

He said that last sentence with a sarcastic but funny voice, he knew I had nothing to add.

Laugh all you want, if I ever have to save you in return, remind me to smash you in a wall before. He he.

We both laughed! I suddently got interrupted by an incoming transmission from Valcia.

Wait a second please Uxot, I'm recieving a call from my girlfriend.
Yeah yeah, I'll wait.

I closed Uxot's channel and switched to Valcia.

Valcia! Are you allright?
Yes I'm fine. I need to talk, do you think you can co...
Sure!!! Right now, I'm coming.
Ok, I'll wait for you at home.
I'll be there!

She closed the channel. I switched to Uxot, told him I had to leave. We added ourselves into our personnal contact list and I left, flying high in the sky in direction of Valcia's house. I was happy to hear her voice. Even if the call didn't seem joyfull for her, or me, I was very happy to have finally hear from her. What did she want to talk about? She rarelly leaves home this late.

The lights around the city reminded me of this evening's activity. The race, the rain, and Acer. I then felt a small pain followed by alot of deception when I remembered I lost against Acer. What did Valcia want to talk about that was soo urgent? My heart was filled with soo much different emotions I didn't know wich one to choose from. Arriving at her house, she came out before I could get out of the hovercar. She then came in and asked me to drive away.

Hello Valcia, is there something wrong with your parents?
No
Can I know what is going on?
Too much. There is too much things going on for me Axis.
And I guess I'm not helping...? right?
Axis...
Valcia...?

She then gave me a big hug, and started to cry gently in my arms. I wanted to know, I wanted to understand what was going on. I wanted to help her, but I decided to remain silent for now, and simply hold her very strongly in my arms. For now, she was here and its all what mattered for me. We stayed like this for about 5 minutes, silent. I think she was feeling a bit better, so I slowly lowered my head towards hers and gently asked:

Tell me Valcia.
Soo much Axis... Too much... I feel soo bad I don't know what to do. My parents has decided to move. They are moving in an other sector from here.
Ohh no!
I don't know what to do. I have to follow them! And I don't want to loose you. I acted soo badly theses days. I wa...
No Valcia, its normal for anyone to make errors or simply not be in the best mood. And anyway, who wouldn't be sad with such news.
But your the only one I have, the only one I love. There is no one over there that knows me like you. And even if they were, I don't wanna know them! Before you I was soo lonelly, and I don't ever want to go back like that. I feel alone in this world, and now things will become way worser.
Valcia, I would like to show you something...

She looked at me strangly, but seing the determination in my eyes, she turned towards the front window and stood there, silently. While driving on a high speed area, I changed direction and aimed at the ground. Quickly passing by many houses, I reached the very end of the city, where the sea begins. I dropped close to the ground as we were flying by the trees. The rain had stoped and we could see the clouds get washed away by the sea's wind. I took Valcia's hand and slowly flew close to the beach. The view was beautifull. The light from the white and green moon reflected on the blue water. The sky, black earlier, was slowing taking a dark blue hue. Arriving at the end of the beach, I turned direction and started to slowly land near the water. When we touched the ground, I looked at Valcia in the eyes, and whispered "I love you". She sqweezed my hand stronger as she replied "I love you too". We then got out of the vehicle and started walking on the beach, near the dark and blue water.

Valcia, I brought you here because this is something I was thinking of doing a while ago.
This place is beautifull Axis.

Looking at her eyes as she said thoses words. I knew every word I would say, were going to hit her directly in her heart. She was in thoses moments where every single word had soo much meaning, soo much importance. Where a simple "Thank you!" could mean more than a life-time gratitude. I looked at her with loving eyes, and said gently :

Valcia, I would like you to know, that for me, there is nothing more important than you. That in my life, there is nothing I wouldn't give away, to keep you. That no matter what anyone says, you will always break it away with a single word, a single look or kiss. There is no one else I would want to spend my life with. No one else in this univers I would like to live with. I would sacrify my life to save yours. And this is why, no matter where you go, no matter where you leave, I am willing to let go my familly, my friends or my life, to keep mine with you.
But you can't do that!! What about your future? Your school, your grades, your work, your house, your parents, everything! You can't let it all go just because of me.
Valcia, everything you named, is nothing without you. Everything I am trying to built, everything around me, has no purpose if not to be with you. Why would I want this future if its not besides you? Why would I have this house if I can't easly drive to yours?
But you don't understand, how do you think I will feel if I know that you left all your life because of me?
Not "because" but "for" you. And can you understand me? Everything important I have in my life, I can all remake it! I can go to a new school, make new friends, find a new job. There is nothing that, together, we can't do.
Your making this soo difficult for me Axis. Your making me feel guilty.
Please, don't. I am responsable of my own acts, and I choose to. For you, but also for me. Are you with me?
Yes Axis. I am with you!

The sound of the waves rolling on the beach seemed to seal our feets together as our lips got the same passion. This night, this moment, I will remember for the rest of my life.

The sun was covered by clouds today. What a strange feeling, the clouds weren't dark of black : no rain. Just a huge white blanket covering the whole sky. When I got up this morning, looking at the sky, I had a very strange feeling. I started to think about Valcia and Telak, and this feeling got worst. I didn't know why, I was sure something bad was going to happend. I wished it wasn't Telak's exams! Arriving at school, I stood the front door with a cloudy look. I was thinking, I was looking at the door without saying a word. Like if for some reason, the time had stop. When I reached my usual meeting spot, I was glad to see that Telak and Valcia were already there. I was about to talk when Valcia suddently hugged me! I hugged her back but she was really holding tightly.

Valcia!
H-hey Axis. Sorry for the hug, I really felt like it.
Ah, I forgive you for this time, but I won't be this tolerant next time.
You idiot!

She hitted me gently and then went under my right arm. We both looked at Telak, he seemed concerned about something.

Telak, are you allright?
I don't know, I have the feeling I'm going to fail my exam...
I'm sorry to say this, but I think I have the same feeling.
Well I have to go now, if I don't want this evil satanic ultimate prophety to become reality.
Yeah ha ha! Do that.
Talking about leaving, I have to leave too Axis. I'll see ya after class.

We both waved at Telak, and then Axia started walking backwards. I holded Valcia's hand and finger until she was unreachable. She did a kiss symbol with her hand and turned away, quickly disapearing into the jungle of reality. For some reason, I was sad to see her go. It was just a class and it seemed as if she was already moving. I walked towards my class, sat down and started talking to the nearest person. We were discussing about the next AirBoard race when we suddently heard a loud "boom". It seemed very far, but still very strong.

What was that??
I don't know? Open the COM.

The "COM" is what we commonly say to describe the local main communication channel. Containing news, informations and forecasts, every city has their own COM. I oppened my COM.

*...are serious! Many buildings has been damaged from the blast and are still took down by the fighters. Our...*

The blast? Replied my friend.
They talked about fighters? Blast? What, is this war?

We then kept silence to continue listenning to the COM. I displayed the COM's holograph bigger for the whole class to watch it.

*...and believes they will suffire until Metras's detached special section arrives. The...*

When the reporter mentionned Metras's detached special section, the whole class almost screamed of surprisement. Metras is the capital of Syaxel. Holding the biggest army on the surface of the planet, Metras's Army was usually used for major emergency, or war. Why would Metras's Army come here to Arkylias? What was happenning?

*...The air grand marshal declared that military actions would be took against Rodrex and their rebellion. The terrorist acts that occured in many simultanious cities counting Arkylias will force the master council to change their policies in order to keep the peace and security in The Federation. We now see images of what was Arkylias's sport center, blasted away by a plasma explosion in the center of the city. The FIA believes rebels could have hidden bombs in other places in Arkylias. A restrictive order has been given to every civil to "Stay on your current position. If you think you can find a better cover at a short distance, please calmly move to this position." Levels of Arkylias are being evacuated as the Local Securities are trying to stop theses rebel fighters until the arrival of Metras's Army. We...*

This was really not good! I turned around and saw the terror in everyone's face. I'm sure they could make the same constatation looking at mine. Since the teacher didn't arrive yet, and probably wasn't expected anymore. Everyone slowly got up, seemed disoriented and then started to leave the class. Where was Valcia? What class? I engaged my PAD but the communication towers were probably flooded by the overflow of communication requests. I switched on my personnal COM Channel and beeped Valcia and Telak.

Valcia! Telak! Where are you?
Axis, what the hell is going on? Everyone is yelling about a bomb or an invasion. Since Telak was in the class next door, we met in the hall. Come in the class B-2242.
Got it, meet you there!

I was already running while closing my PAD. The school had been transformed into a boxing ring, where your main goal is to avoid or being hit, or hit a wall. Moving was very difficult as everyone was screaming someone's name of simply running to find a safe place. When I reached B-2242's door, I was happy to see Valcia and Telak's face.

Axis! What can we do, where can we go?
I don't know, but we must get out of this place! The terrorists are making bomb explode at strategic places. Places to make the biggest damages. Since this school is situated on the side of a mountain, a bomb could make all the houses on its side fall like a huge debris of avalanche.
Your right, lets get your car and fly somewhere safe from here!

Looking at the impossible-to-cross hallway, I looked at the window and realised it has been smashed already.

Useless Axis, I tryed trowing a chair on the window, but the glass is a good quality. Probably crash-proof for the students. said Telak.
Well see...

I looked at the window, lifted my hand on the direction of the weakest place : the center of the smashed window. I concentrated the energy of my body and focused on the edge of my hand. I could feel it warm up as I was more and more convinced I could do it. I was slowly closing my eyes under the efforts and then, suddently, I decided to take action. I openned my eyes fully, looked at the window and pushed as hard as I could towards the glass. The blast from my impulsion made the whole window fly into tiny pieces as a loud glass-breaking sound reached our ears. Valcia and Telak both looked at the window, surprised, and then turned towards me.

Woah Axis! I never knew you could do such powerfull impulsions! said Telak with exclamation in his voice.
We'll discuss this later, for nor we really need to get going.

I took Valcia's hand and we all started running in the direction of my car. I used my PAD to launch the engines and order the car to prepare its racing engines. We got in, sat down and I then reached for the shielding controls. I was starting to lift from the ground, shields boosted at maximum level when suddently everything went black.

When I openned my eyes, I realised something had happened, something bad because we were upside down and the vehicle wasn't responding. It was dark inside and the only light came from the broken window on my left. The rest of the vehicle seemed to be compressed with exterior material or debris. I turned and started looking for Valcia and Telak. I looked behind me and realised Telak was laying on the ground, unconscious but apparently safe. I realised it was amaizing, considering the interior of the car had really changed and deformed violently. I kept looking and then, saw some hair under the remains of what used to be a seat. I crouched to reach Valcia but when I putted my hand on the ground, it made a splashy sound. I felt a warm liquid under my fingers, pulled it out and noticed it was red. I wasn't bleeding enough to make such blood pond on the floor. And Telak didn't even seem to bleed. No... Don't tell me its Valcia's... I started to freak out and bumbed everything around her. Unable to move her out, I turned her head slowly towards me. She had her eyes closed and wasn't breathing. I could see her PAD flashing, it was reporting a black signal... She was dead.

No! This can't be. This can't be true. I couldn't believe it. The PAD was probably broken. I reached her head and holded it in my arms.

VALCIAAA! VALLLCCIIAA! WAKE UP DAMN IT WAKE UPPP!!!!

I was shaking violently and I felt a heavy weight suddently taking me down. Like if the whole world was trying to squeeze me. Every movement was heavy and hard. I struggled to try and liberate Valcia from her prison of debris. I was starting to cry. The car was soo heavly damaged I could barelly recognise parts or sections of it. But it wouldn't let Valcia go, holding on her like if it was a living thing, trying to bring her in the other world. This weight was killing me. And I knew it wasn't physical. How can she die? Its not true.

Its... its Not TRUE! NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saying thoses words, I screamed as loud as I can and exploded of emotions. Hitting the air in every directions, I was trowing all my anger, all my sadness on the surrounding metal, wich blasted away from me. The whole car flew into pieces in every directions as I quickly got up, picked up Valcia at last free and then realised: the car wasn't the only debris here... The scene was awfull : pieces of metal and steel everywhere, half melted or still steaming under the high pression of the energy released by the plasma bomb. Everywhere I could look I saw pillars of smoke. I was there, in the middle of what seemed to be a war field, holding Valcia in my arms, looking all around, alerts sounds and lights everywhere. Many hovercrafts were surrounding the area and I finally noticed a medical unit closing in on our position. I used my PAD to request medical attention. I looked behind me and saw that Telak was still unconscious. His PAD wasn't repporting any emergency so I looked back at the medic transport. For some reason, he was advancing very slowly, moving from building to building. Why were they taking their time? Don't they realise someone's life is hanging here in my hands? I was going to recontact them when I understood the nature of their deplacement. I saw two blue and orange war hovercraft flying in his direction. It wasn't Metras's Army so I started to wonder if we were still in danger. The answer to my question revealed worser than I tought. The fighters engaded offensive positions and started to fire on the medical unit. He barelly got time to try to change course when he got violently pierced by the enemy crafts, penetrating the metal and steel, the small plasma bullets didn't take long to torn appart the pieces away as they crashed in nearby buildings. A small explosion occured and smoke started to fly in the sky while the two vehicles turned in circles around the smoke pillars, like prey birds around a good meal. Suddently, they changed position and flew in my direction. My PAD! They probably are aiming for surviving PADs. This was bad! Two war hovercrafts coming in my direction and no working vehicle on my side. I ran inside and hid Valcia's body near Telak. I rushed to find an old program me and Telak used to take when trying to hide our PADs from being detected. Finding it in my archives, I quickly activated it on Telak, got out of the vehicle and started running in the opposite direction. If I couldn't save my life, I could at least save Telak's. I was trying to lead them away from the remains.

It was hard to advance in theses burning, melted, blasted debris from the explosion. I turned my head to realise with horror that the two enemy crafts where almost here. They quickly passed by me with a big sound. They turned around to face me. They were going to shoot me down. I was thinking about Valcia, and hoping they wouldn't find Telak. I suddently heard fireing sounds. Three at first, but quickly reached around ten different fireing sources. The two aircrafts exploded with a loud sound as the remains of it burned before touching the ground, effect of a high compression rifle. I didn't even need to turn my head, they were everywhere : Metras's Army. They dropped from the sky, four small interception fighter, two supports heavy fighter and a warcraft filled with infantry troups. In no time, I became surrounded by soldiers as they were looking for survivors of the bomb.

Perimeter is clear sir, we have four survivors in close range, six enemy craft has been took down reaching targetted position. Awaiting orders. said a soldier to his PAD.

I couldn't hear the reply as it was probably broadcasted into his internal COM. He walked towards me and two medics appeared on his left, running in my direction. I started running back towards Valcia and Telak while yelling "Please come! Please help my girlfriend!". When they arrived near me, they had a quick look at Valcia, turned her around and then he looked at his partner and said:

She's dead. Look at the other one while I reconfort the boyfriend.
No wait! You need to do something, you have to help her please.
I'm sorry, there is nothing we can do to save her.
But she...
...she got hit by the side of the car. The impact neutralised all brain activity, we cannot save her. I am really sorry, try to concentrate on your friend. It might help you stay calm for now.
But... I...

I sat down, I looked at Telak and I was thinking... well, I wasn't thinking about nothing. For the first time in my life, I was standing there, but with absolutly nothing in my mind. I was simply there. On the ground near me, I could hear someone's broken PAD display the Main COM. The holoimage wasn't working well and the image kept flashing or distording. But the audio was clear enough for me to hear it.

*...than this morning. Many survivors has been found on the side of the campus and under the mountains, but on top of it, its a real disaster. The bomb was situated in Arkylias's main school and destroyed nearly half of the mountains's peak. The repports affirms that in the many thousands of students and citizens near the scene, only four surviver has been found so far, one is in a critital situation and currently under heavy GenRestructuration.

Here is a declaration of the air marshal, currently responsable of the defence organisation present in many touched cities :

In the name of The Federation, I officially inform the citizens of The Federation all around the globe, that after theses terrorists acts and under theses acts of trahison, the master council has delibered and agreed on a decision: The Federation officially declare war against Kacertan's rebel order, organisation and anyone or movement supporting the rebellion against The Federation!*

To Be Continued...