Continuation...
8:00 a.m.
MORINJO
In Montana's breathtaking landscape, I stand near the baggage claim at Billings Logan International Airport, watching travelers come and go. The air feels charged with something unusual, as if fate itself has orchestrated the arrival of the four strangers I'm about to meet.
A man steps forward, his sharp suit and confident demeanor standing out. His eyes meet mine briefly before shifting to the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains visible through the airport windows.
"Excuse me," he says, addressing another man who's just arrived. "I'm Leonard Martin, from New York. Have you seen a man wearing a black suit with gold patterns?"
The second man tilts his head, offering a firm handshake. "Joseph Lucky. Australia. Deputy Prime Minister. Funny you ask—he's the reason I'm here too."
Leonard's brows knit together. "What does he need from you?"
"Same thing he needs from you, I guess. Help. You think he's still here?"
"We could ask around," Leonard suggests, his tone measured.
Their conversation draws the attention of a teenager nearby. He's slim, dressed casually, a guitar case slung over one shoulder. With a disarming grin, he joins them.
"Hey, I'm John Brown," he says, his voice carrying youthful energy. "I couldn't help overhearing. You guys looking for a man in black with gold designs?"
Leonard and Joseph nod.
"Me too," John continues. "I'm a gospel musician, by the way."
A woman approaches, her stride purposeful. She's tall, with sharp eyes and an air of authority. "Jessica Quick," she announces, extending her hand to the group. "Agent of the G.A.L.A.X.Y. organization. Let me guess—you're all looking for the same man?"
"We are," Joseph replies. "You?"
Jessica smirks. "Of course. This is getting interesting."
From a short distance, I watch them interact. Their chemistry is immediate, their curiosity palpable. It's time. I step forward, offering a warm smile.
"Good morning. I'm Morinjo Johnson. I brought you all here."
Four pairs of eyes turn to me, their expressions ranging from confusion to suspicion.
"Brought us here?" Jessica repeats. "What's going on?"
"Follow me," I say, gesturing toward a quieter area of the airport.
"Is that an order?" she asks, one brow arched.
"No," I reply, my voice steady. "But if you want answers, come with me."
After a moment's hesitation, they follow. We find a secluded corner, and I turn to face them. The air around me changes, and their skepticism shifts to astonishment.
Before their eyes, my appearance transforms. My clothes ripple and darken, a sleek black suit enveloping me as intricate gold designs weave themselves into the fabric. The light catches on the metallic patterns, casting flickers of gold onto the walls.
"I am Path Finder," I say, my voice resonating with newfound authority. "Morinjo is merely my host. I've brought you here because each of you possesses skills and qualities essential for what's to come. Together, we must prepare for an impending apocalypse."
They stare, silent and wide-eyed, until Jessica finally speaks. "That's... unexpected."
"You've seen nothing yet," I reply, shifting back to my human form. "Come. There's more to show you."
We leave the airport and step into the open Montana air. The sun bathes the landscape in gold, the Rocky Mountains standing proud in the distance. Ahead of us, a towering structure comes into view—a marvel of shimmering white marble carved with intricate designs that seem alive with meaning.
"Where are we going?" Jessica asks, her voice quieter now.
"To our new home," I answer. "The Ultimate Tower."
The five of us walk together, the air thick with anticipation. This is the beginning of something extraordinary.
As we step inside the Ultimate Tower, it feels like we've walked into another world. The entrance hall is vast and modern, with sleek floors that reflect the golden sunlight streaming through enormous windows. The air hums with energy, an undercurrent of technology and power.
We're met by a state-of-the-art control center, walls lined with holographic displays and interactive touchscreens. The room pulses with activity as advanced computer systems monitor every function of the tower. It's a far cry from anything I've ever seen, even in my travels through the spirit realm.
John's voice cuts through the hum. "This place... it's like heaven on Earth. Did you build all this?"
"My architects, engineers, and constructors," I reply, trying to keep it modest.
Joseph scoffs. "You really spent a lot of money on this."
"Where do you think heroes stay?" I quip. "In a tiny apartment?"
The walls blend ancient wisdom with sleek modern design. Interactive displays offer glimpses into the tower's history, while the stained glass windows shift in color and pattern at the touch of a button, filling the space with shifting hues.
"Wow," John says, awe-struck. "This is unreal."
I gesture toward the elevator bank. "Go pick your rooms. There's plenty of space."
As my team moves off to settle in, I sense the arrival of others—powerful others. Lin Ongro, Drax, and Marger step into the hall. My team immediately stiffens, positioning themselves as though ready to fight.
"Relax," I say, raising a hand. "They're with us."
"Gods?" John mutters, eyeing them suspiciously.
I step forward. "This is Lin Ongro, goddess of weapon creation. Drax, god of fire. And Marger, god of thunder. Drax and Marger are brothers. Lin Ongro is their cousin."
John narrows his eyes. "But... there's only one God, right? Jesus Christ?"
I smile softly. "Jesus is the God of all gods, John. The most powerful being in the universes."
Lin Ongro walks around my team, glowering at each of them. "Is this it, Morinjo? These are the warriors you've gathered?"
"Yes," I say, meeting her gaze. "I trust Path Finder's judgment. He chose them for their powers."
She scoffs, clearly unimpressed. "They look weak."
"They'll surprise you," I reply, holding her gaze. "They're stronger than you think."
Marger interrupts with a smirk. "Go home, kid," he says to John. "You're not ready for this."
John bristles, his voice rising. "I'm eighteen! I'm no kid!"
Marger grins. "I'm ten thousand. You don't compare."
"Enough," I cut in. "Let's focus. We all have work to do."
The team heads toward their rooms. Lin Ongro crosses her arms. "I'm disappointed. These... children aren't what I expected."
"Don't worry about them," I reply. "I've seen their potential. Path Finder believes in them. I do too."
She's silent for a moment, her gaze distant. "Malacoda's not the god I knew. He's been changed by Erebus. And Birsha and Allatou... they won't be easy to defeat."
"We'll win this war," I say, turning to face her. "But first, we train."
The Training room is a spacious, well-equipped facility, designed to hone the skills and abilities of those who use it. The walls are lined with state-of-the-art training equipment: weight machines, cardio stations, and various exercise setups. Mirrors stretch across one wall, allowing trainees to monitor their form as they push themselves to their limits. Bright, energy-efficient lights illuminate the room, casting a sharp glow over the padded floors, designed to absorb the impact of intense workouts. Motivational posters and quotes adorn the walls, adding to the room's focused, energizing atmosphere. This is a place to push boundaries and sharpen one's abilities.
"I won't fail, Lin Ongro," Joseph says, his voice steady.
"If you say so. You must earn the right to lead. The one who outlasts the others will face me. And if you defeat me, you'll be the leader of this team," Lin Ongro replies, her eyes sharp. "Morinjo, step forward."
Jessica laughs, her tone light. "Good call. Cull the weak first."
"You'll face him, Jessica," Lin says without hesitation.
In the vast, echoing space of the training room, Jessica and I square off. Our stances are steady, our eyes locked in determination, the silence before the storm almost palpable.
"Ready for this, Jessica?" I challenge, my voice ringing through the room as I lunge forward, executing a roundhouse kick that slices through the air with explosive speed.
"You bet, Morinjo. Let's make it intense," Jessica responds, her movements crisp as she blocks the kick, unwavering.
We move in sync, exchanging a flurry of strikes. I dodge her counter, ducking low, and snap a quick jab to her side.
"Not bad," Jessica mutters, her reflexes sharp as she counters with a rapid series of kicks, aiming for my torso.
I twist and weave, avoiding each strike with ease, but I can feel the power behind her movements. Then, with a burst of energy, I spin into a hook kick, catching her off guard. The impact sends a shockwave through the room.
"Whoa!" Jessica stumbles back, trying to regain her footing.
I seize the moment, moving in fast, and execute a flawless takedown. I pin her to the padded floor, our breath heavy in the sudden stillness.
"Victory, Morinjo," Lin's voice cuts through the silence. "Well done."
I offer my hand to Jessica, pulling her up. "Thanks, Jessica. You put up a great fight."
She grins, accepting my hand. "Likewise. That spinning kick was impressive."
"Excellent... Joseph, step forward," Lin commands. "Leonard, you'll face him."
Joseph and Leonard take their places, their stances firm and ready. The tension thickens again as they prepare for their match. Leonard makes the first move, launching a quick jab toward Joseph, but Joseph sidesteps with ease, then retaliates with a front kick that forces Leonard back.
The fight intensifies as Leonard throws a high roundhouse, but Joseph anticipates it, ducking under and landing a sharp counter to Leonard's midsection. The air is thick with the sound of rapid strikes and blocks as the two engage in a flurry of moves, their skill evident in every exchange.
Joseph presses the advantage, moving fluidly, his punches, kicks, and chops all landing with precision. Leonard struggles to defend, but Joseph's technique and poise are undeniable. With a swift feint, Joseph draws Leonard into overextending himself, then spins into a back kick, catching Leonard squarely in the chest. The impact echoes through the room, and Leonard is sent sprawling.
The room falls into silence, the outcome clear.
Joseph stands over him, breathing steadily. "Good fight, Leonard. You kept me on my toes."
Leonard laughs, grinning despite the defeat. "Impressive, Joseph. Your reflexes are sharp as ever."
Joseph extends his hand to help Leonard up. "Thanks. Your moves are quick. You kept me thinking."
Leonard shakes his head, still smiling. "It's always an honor to spar with you. Every time, I pick up something new."
Joseph chuckles. "Same here. We push each other to improve. That's what makes these sessions valuable."
Leonard adjusts his stance, ready for more. "Another round?"
Joseph grins back, his eyes sparkling with determination. "Let's keep pushing. We're not done yet."
"Hmm... impressive," Lin observes, her voice thoughtful. "You may rest for now. Later this evening, you'll continue. We'll see who's last to face me."
To be continued....