Fan Fiction ❯ Blade of the Slayer: Three Warriors ❯ The Country Road ( Chapter 7 )

Blade of the Slayer

Chapter 7: The Country Road

Note from Masquerade: I found opening and closing themes for BOTS!

Opening Theme: "Evolution" by Ayumi Hamasaki

Closing Theme: "PS II" by Ayumi Hamasaki

These are two perfect songs for the overall mood of BOTS! Check them out whenever you can! Now, on with the show!

For the next week, the base was buzzing with activity. Ayla was in the lab repairing damages on the newest member of the team, Tokyo Kid. Ayla had also been upgrading and modifying him to make the strong fighter even stronger. I got a couple of upgrades myself, which were copied from Tokyo's advanced features. I loved them! I became as fast as he was, and my original weight of my metal skeleton was lost by ten pounds! What? Don't gimme that look! I found a weight loss method that works!

Meanwhile, the old man and I finished the android computer brain for my motorcycle, Juunanogou, and had begun installing it in a beautiful Harley-Davinson. While Magus began working on "Juu-kun's" special features, I sat in the seat and chatted with the bike's new personality. I liked him, despite the fact that he had a punky attitude and it sometimes expressed himself with a range of different smiley faces. We were off to a bumpy start, but I figured with a little time, Juu-kun and I could become good friends.

***

"It's finished!" I announced proudly, coming down to the lab. "I finished the paint job on my new bike! He's ready to roll!" Magus and Ayla were busy removing Tokyo's self-deactivation switch in his neck. Tokyo's eyes were closed, so I guessed he was in idle mode, or something.

"That's great." Ayla smiled as she worked.

"You're done already?" the old man looked up at me as he spoke. "You're a fast worker, Clara."

"It was easy to do." I assured, waving my hand downward in pride. "Hey, when the paint dries, can I take Juunanogou for a spin?"

"Only if it's okay with him." Magus nodded. "Remember, that bike is an android just like you."

"Wait." Tokyo suddenly spoke up, taking me by small surprise. "Paris, say that word again." I guessed he meant the name of my bike.

"I prefer you called me Clara." I huffed at my fellow android. "And I named my bike Juunanogou."

"Where did you come up with that name?"

"Off some Japanese cartoon on the interna…"

"Which one?"

"I dunno. I didn't catch the title."

"I think you mean Juunanagou. That name translates to 'Number 17.' "

"#17?" I wondered. "What kind of name…"

"Never mind." Tokyo dismissed as Ayla looked at me in shock. "Go ride your bike."

"Okay." I shrugged, walking out of the lab. Suddenly, Ayla screamed at my back:

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THE INTERNATIONAL CHANNEL HAD JAPANESE DRAGONBALL Z?!?!?!!!!"

"Hey!" Tokyo yelled back at her. "You're shouting in my ear!"

***

I rolled Juunanogou out of the garage, and onto the dirt road. I hopped onto the leather seat and gripped the handlebars. His red paint job shone brightly in the hot sunlight. I gave the handlebar junction a few friendly pats in admiration.

"Ready for a test drive, Juu-kun?" I asked. A monitor screen flashed to life, and green letters scrolled across it as Juunanogou's response.

"Let's rock and roll! J " So, I started the ignition, made myself comfortable in the seat, and gently pushed down the gas pedal. I found myself cruising down the dirt road at a pleasant forty miles an hour. I enjoyed the wind in my hair while I rode off from the house and onto the concrete road ahead. I planned to go on the country road to see how fast Juunanogou could go. He was very excited about that. Apparently, he was a speed freak.

"Floor it! Floor it! Floor it!" my bike chanted. I glared at it.

"Not yet." I scolded. "I wanna be on the country road first."

"Okay. J "

"Don't worry. We're almost there." I sympathized. According to my memories, I wasn't exactly a speed freak like my bike. I enjoyed my trips on my uncle's motorcycle…to an extent. I didn't like going over ninety miles per hour. That was too fast.

The road forked. Going right would take me into the nearby town of Emerald and the 25-mph zone. Going left, however, would take me to the country road and put me in the next town fifty miles away.

"LEFT!" Juu-kun pressured. "LEFT!"

"Don't shout." I calmed, steering left. "I know." We zipped onto the country road, driving on concrete pavement rather than dirt. I applied a little gas and slowly gained speed on the road. I watched the speed meter on my left handle bar, until the digital numbers hit 90. That was fast enough for me, so I stopped there, and cruised along the empty road.

"Faster!" Juu-kun urged. "Faster! I can go faster than this!"

"Yeah, I know." I told him rather harshly. "I'd rather not go any faster. This road has a speed limit, y'know."

"You liar! Go faster!"

"I don't wanna go any faster." I admitted.

He made an angry smiley face. Was he mad at me?

"Bitch." Yes, he was.

"Scrap metal." I insulted back.

"Junk heap." We were not off to a good start.

"Tin foil."

"Macintosh." Computers? He had me stuck there, so I turned to the next best thing…

"Overgrown toaster!"

"Cop car!"

Huh?

"What the hell kinda insult was that?" I asked.

"I'm not insulting you! There's a cop car behind you!"

I looked, and sure enough, there was a county patrol car rolling behind me. When I had caught a glimpse of the driver behind the windshield, he switched on the wailing sirens. I turned back to Juu-kun.

"Turn off that screen." I warned him. "I don't want him to see you."

"You got it. J " Then he made a winking smiley face, and the monitor cleared itself of all words. I pulled over, and cut the ignition. The police car parked right beside me. I grew a little nervous, didn't cops park behind the vehicle and not to the side of it? The driver slid over to the passenger side, and exited out that door, and walked to me. Why didn't he get out of the driver's side? I felt cornered. I tried to be polite anyway.

"Sorry, officer. I know I was speeding. I'll pay the fine right now if you want."

" 'Fraid it doesn't work that way, honey." The officer shook his head, taking out his ticket pad. "Got a pen?"

"Yeah." I sighed, taking an ink pen out of my jean pocket. I gave it to him, and he started writing.

"Not only were you speeding," the officer began, "but you're not wearing a helmet…"

Whoops. I forgot about that.

"…and your motorcycle doesn't have side mirrors."

Double whoops!

"I'm sorry." I apologized again. "My bike is experimental. I was taking it for a test drive…"

"No excuses." The cop snapped. "Now, what's yer name?"

"Clara Tomoe." I mumbled. "Tomoe spelled T-O-M-O-E." The cop wrote it up, and handed me the ticket. I took a look at the fine price and freaked. "A THOUSAND DOLLARS?!"

"S'right." The officer nodded. I didn't care if he was a cop or the U.S. President, I angrily got up in his face.

"No fine is that high! What the hell are you trying to do to me?!"

"Nothing much." The officer answered, pointing a gun at my head. "Just to kill you."

I felt six blows to the head, and I slumped over Juu-kun's seat.

***

Shot six times in the head, but still alive and kicking, and I was a little stunned. God I love being an android. I played dead and listened as the officer walked around the bike. I didn't bring my sword, but I didn't need it necessarily. Thanks to Tokyo's unique technology, I was fast enough and strong enough to fight barehanded. If this cop was what I thought he was, he was in serious trouble.

I heard him stop in front of me and snort.

"You weren't so tough, hunter." He snarled. "And your new little toy didn't help you either."

Suddenly, I heard Juunanogou go off like a fire alarm. I heard the officer stumble away, startled. So, I snapped my eyes open and struck him on the mouth with my fist.

"Dragonoid!" I screamed. "You will die!" His back thumped against the car, and I kicked him in the stomach. I should probably watch my strength…he was plowed through the car, ripping the vehicle in half. He sprawled out on the other side of the road. The sight of that surprised even me. I punched him through a whole car! I just stood there while a corner of my mouth quivered.

Juu-kun stopped the fire alarm, and beeped at me for my attention. I looked at his monitor, and saw for a split second bold red letters in caps:

"I AM NOT A TOY!!!!"

The words blinked away, and replacing them were tiny yellow letters that perfectly reflected what was on my mind:

"Whoa. Dude."

"You saw that?" I asked in surprise.

"Technically, yeah. Remind me not to make you mad, Clara. Jesus Christ."

"Hey, can you get me back up?"

"Sure. I'll call HQ."

"Thanks."

"No prob, babe. Now go kick some ass!" He made a winking smiley face.

I winked back and complied.

***

I jumped over and cleared the halved police car, and landed gracefully on my feet a few feet away from the struggling to stand up officer. I took the opportunity to shrug off my trench coat while he spoke and stood up.

"I…I don't understand. How did you gain so much strength? None of the reports measure you as that strong!"

"Reports?" I asked firmly.

"Or are you the local hunter here?" he quizzed. "Maybe you're the other one built by the Kaguya woman? Or the other one who fights with no sword?" He gnashed his teeth. "Which are you, robot?" He mentioned three androids. Which was Tokyo? "Kaguya" sounded Japanese, but Tokyo could also fight with no sword…

"So there's three of us here in the United States?" I quizzed back. "That's comforting to know. You were right the first time, I'm the local one."

"Then how…" He let that hang. I knew what he was asking.

"How did I survive six shots to the head? Well, you forgot that I'm an android. It'll take more that six pistol shots to the head to put me down for good."

"Yes, it will." He agreed. "I have just the thing, but I must be in my natural form to use it. Please…" He fell on his knees, "allow for nightfall so that we might fight fairly."

I hesitated. What dirty tricks did this loser have up his sleeve. I risked it.

"Alright." I allowed. "Take a rest, or prepare yourself. Do what you must. We'll wait here until twilight."

"Can't we just meet up later?" he suggested.

"Do you have to leave?"

"No."

"Neither do I. Stay here if you want your fair fight." I walked back to the totaled car, and fumbled through it until I found some yellow police tape with the words "Caution" on it. "Hey," I called back to the disguised dragonoid, "can you help me with this please?"

***

After taping off the halved car, and having my opponent use detour signs that just so happened to be in the back trunk of the car, I sat back in Juu-kun's seat.

"Well?" I asked him.

"That 'brother' of yours answered." He replied. "He said he and Magus are on their way. They should be here soon."

"What's with the different colored words?" I wondered, gently flicking the touch screen. "I didn't program that in you."

"Magus did. I don't have a voice, so I use colors and smiles, J , for expressions. Green is neutral or happy."

"And red is for angry." I deducted. "Which means you don't like Tokyo either."

"He's a jackass!" Juu-kun exclaimed, then made an angry smiley. "He thought I was you when I called. You have no idea what he says about you! I hope that jerkoff rots in hell!" He made another angry smiley.

"Calm down." I soothed. "Don't get excited. Tokyo's coming to help, and I'd rather have him on my side in a fight. Y'know what I mean, right?"

"Yeah, I know."

"So don't worry. This fight is as good as won."

***

The blue pick up truck pulled up to a detour sign, and Tokyo jumped out of the tub in the back. Magus hopped out of the passenger side, and Ayla took post behind the steering wheel. Tokyo ran to me with my sword in one hand. His sword was sheathed at his side.

"You forgot your sword, stupid." He scolded, handing me my sword. The blade was pointing at me, so I scowled at him.

"Don't hand it to me blade first, stupid." I reprimanded. He flipped the sword around so that the hilt was facing me. I accepted it then. Never except a knife or a weapon being handed to you blade first. "I was only going for a ride down the road. I didn't think I need my sword."

"Fool." Tokyo glared at me. "Dragonoids are everywhere. Always be on your guard. Wherever you go, your sword goes with you."

"I must agree with Tokyo." Magus butted in with a nod. "The dragonoids know who and what you are. They are hunting you, you are not just hunting them. You should carry your sword at all times."

"Okay." I smiled. "But the metal detectors in town will be a total bitch if I carry my sword everywhere."

"I beg your pardon." Magus smiled, flicking my upper arm. I thought he was going to scold my swearing but…"I forgot to remind you, metal detectors will always be a bitch."

Oh! How could I have forgotten about my metallic skeleton?!

"Oh yeah, that's right!" I laughed. Tokyo half smiled while Magus and Juu-kun laughed with me.

***

Five very boring hours passed, then it was dark and became night. The stars were out, and so was a beautiful full moon. Since the moon was barely light to see by, Ayla turned on the headlights to brighten up the grassy field off road. It wasn't much, but it was enough to see by. Tokyo and I stood side by side, our swords gleamed in the headlights of the truck. The disguised dragonoid stood across from us, straight with bravado.

"State your name and number." I commanded the creature before me.

"I am Ti'Ame, number 65, the most brilliant mind in dragonoid intelligence! Prepare to die, robots!" the monster growled.

"65?" I whistled.

"Brilliant mind?" Tokyo mumbled silently. I glanced over at Tokyo.

"Hey, I'm glad you're here."

"Concentrate on the enemy, Paris." Tokyo suggested through clenched teeth. "This one's not dumb."

"Clara." I corrected my name, turning my eyes to my opponent.

The officer gnashed his teeth, and suddenly his head exploded open. Rising out of the bloody mess was a long, snake-like dragonoid head and neck. It lingered for a moment, blinking wet blood out of his eyes and clearing his throat with a low squealing sound. Soon, he lifted his head back and took in a breath.

"Bolt breather…" Tokyo growled. This one was going to shoot a lightning bolt out his jaws. I dealt with a bolt breather before, and almost died because I was unprepared. Fortunately, Ayla game be a special tool to block bolts. Tokyo had it too, but he wasn't sure how to use it.

"Arch your arms, and say the command." I suggested, holding up my arms like I was about to stab someone with both hands, while holding my sword above me. Tokyo followed my example. Just as we got ready, Ti'Ame dropped his head and spat a lightning bolt at us. Tokyo and I shouted the command at the same time:

"Light shield!"

Sheets of light emitted from our arms. The bolt hit them in the dead center, causing a bright flash on impact. When the flash faded away, so did our shields. Tokyo and I grinned at our shocked enemy.

"The surprised just keep on coming, huh, Ti'Ame?" I laughed, brandishing my sword. The dragonoid was too scared to say anything. He did, however, get a hold of himself quickly.

"You don't scare me." He growled. "You and the humans will die!" The rest of the human body melted off his scaly skin, freeing his tail, backward knees, and second pair of arms. As his natural form stretched to get comfortable, Tokyo and I lunged to attack.

***

Tokyo and I struck from both sides. I nicked his throat, and Tokyo sliced off a lower arm. I turned on the ball of my foot, and swung my sword the other way to slice his head off. He blocked with one of his hands, stopping my sword, then kicked me aside. I fell over on my side, listening to Tokyo's sword smash and chuck into the dragonoid's flesh.

I quickly stood up, watching Tokyo swing and slash at the three-armed beast. The dragonoid did his best to block with his remaining arms and his tail. I watched with my sword ready, watching for a good moment to jump back into the fight, as Tokyo swung a wide arc to cut Ti'Ame's head off. Unfortunately, Ti'Ame ducked his neck away, then drew his head back and struck his neck foreword like an attacking snake. Ti'Ame's jaws clamped onto Tokyo's neck, and plunged him to the ground. Tokyo dropped his sword and tried to pry the dragonoid's teeth and mouth open. To get it to let go, Tokyo even pulled out one of Ti'Ame's fangs with his bare fingers. Suddenly, electricity jolted from Ti'Ame's mouth and surged into Tokyo's body. Tokyo screamed in pain, and his arms and legs flailed uncontrollably. Ti'Ame leaned his head back, raising Tokyo off his feet, and flung him several meters away. Tokyo rolled a few times, and his limp body skidded to a stop on his back.

"Tokyo!" I screamed in fear. "NOOO!" I ran to his aide as the dragonoid laughed.

"Fools! All of you!" Ti'Ame roared as he powered his lungs for another lightning bolt. "If you start a war with the dragonoids, you will lose!" Ignoring him, I tried to shake Tokyo awake but strong volts of static electricity shocked my fingers when I touched his arm. I turned back to Ti'Ame and he flung a bolt at me. I raised my arms and the light shield gleamed. The bolt was drawn into the shield and flashed as it was canceled out. As soon as the shield gleamed, the bolt was drawn into the shield and flashed as it was canceled out. As soon as the shield faded away, I used a trick I learned from Tokyo's technology.

I picked up Tokyo's sword, raised it behind me, and threw it like a boomerang.

"Die!" I screamed with my throw. The dragonoid ducked his head, and the boomerang blade sailed over him. He lifted his head back up and grinned.

"Ha! You missed!" he crowed triumphantly.

"No I didn't." I glared. Even I knew a boomerang came back to the hand it was flung from. Unfortunately, Ti'Ame knew this too. As the sword twirled back, the dragonoid ducked his head again, and the sword headed for me. Fortunately, I had one last trick of Tokyo's to play.

As Ti'Ame laughed, I caught the sword by the handle and flung it again the second it hit my hand. This time, I took him by surprise, and the spinning blade lobbed his head clean off. Instead of returning to my hand, the sword stuck into the grass where it oozed fresh, black blood. The head thumped to the ground, and the body toppled over it. I didn't waste time, I bent down to Tokyo and tried to get him to respond to me.

"Tokyo!" I screamed at him. "Tokyo! Open your eyes!" I heard Juunanogou beep, indicating he said something. Magus, nearby, must have read Juu-kun's statement because he shouted:

"Oh, show some respect for your fellow android!"

Ayla leaped out of the truck, and ran towards Tokyo and me.

"That was incredible!" she exclaimed. "You saved him!" She bent down to me. "Is he alright?"

"I dunno…" I shook my head, drowning in worry. "Izzhe dead?!" Ayla's hand hovered over Tokyo's mouth and nose.

"He's breathing." She reported. I sighed in relief as Ayla used my trench coat to wrap and blanket Tokyo. "He's barely alive. He'll need a serious rewiring job, though, and probably a reboot. Here, help me get him in the truck."

Ayla and I lifted Tokyo on both sides into the back of the truck. I didn't want to leave Tokyo's side, so I put Juu-kun in the back too despite his protesting red letters. I rode in the back too, keeping Tokyo under careful, concerned watch.

Next time on BOTS: Tokyo is seriously wounded! Everyone must pitch in to keep him alive. Clara has trouble doing so, since rumors are starting to spread throughout the base. You know how easily Clara can get angry, right? So, will Tokyo live to fight as a Slayer? Are the rumors true? And who is Kaguya anyway? Hear the secrets in the next chapter of

Blade of the Slayer!