Continuation...
As he leads me away, I glance back one last time at Susan's lifeless body. I had promised her I'd save them. I can't fail. Not now. Not after losing her.
Three weeks and five days. That's how long it takes me to finish the machines. Every weld, every circuit feels like a nail in humanity's coffin. I can't shake the weight of what I've done. The regret gnaws at me, but I press on, driven by fear and desperation.
Zack arrives with a smile, his voice smug. "Well done, my student."
I hand him a small device, a control mechanism for his armies. He slides it into his ear without hesitation, his grin widening. Behind him, my creations come to life. The robots—towering, cold, and lifeless—move with unsettling precision, their glowing blue eyes locking onto Zack as if recognizing their master. Their metallic exteriors gleam in the fading daylight, sharp edges reflecting the cold efficiency of their design. The faint pulse of their cores beats in unison, a mechanical rhythm that echoes like a warning. Each step they take reverberates through the ground, smooth and calculated, a perfect harmony of grace and destruction. The Terminators—Zack's brothers—stand nearby, watching in silence. Their presence, combined with the sheer menace of the robots, is suffocating. These machines are no longer just inventions; they are harbingers of chaos, a chilling reflection of my betrayal.
Together, Zack and I leave the construction site. The steel giants stand behind me, casting long, menacing shadows that stretch across the ground.
"There's no need to stress yourselves anymore. My armies will do their job," Zack says, his voice calm but laced with something darker. He turns and starts walking toward my family—Desmond, Jennifer, Chioma—still bound and helpless.
Panic flares in my chest. "Zack, what do you think you're doing?" My voice cracks as I step closer, my heart racing.
He pauses, turning just as he reaches them, his gaze locking onto mine. "Thank you, Sam, for helping me demolish your world. Especially New York. But before we get to that... I need to finish my job." He gestures to the robots, his eyes cold. "Robots, execute these prisoners."
The words barely register before I see them move. They surge forward, metal limbs creaking with deadly intent. Desmond, Jennifer, and Chioma—their lives hang in the balance. Without thinking, I charge. My feet leave the ground, my palms alight with gunfire as I unload on the approaching machines. "This isn't right!" I shout, my voice straining over the chaos. "I did what you asked!"
Zack's calm reply cuts through the noise. "I know. But what matters is, I've gotten what I want."
As I fire, a sudden crack splits the air. The ground between the robots and Zack erupts in lightning. Dust and smoke rise, swirling in the chaos. For a moment, I can't see anything. Then, through the haze, a figure steps forward.
He stands tall, his golden armor catching the sunlight, gleaming like something from another realm. The armor's intricate design, the sharp, angular plates—they look forged in an age long past, meant for royalty or gods. A crimson cape ripples behind him, framing his broad shoulders, his entire presence larger than life. His helm is imposing, golden wings curving upward, while long pale hair spills from beneath it, gleaming in the light.
His eyes—those glowing, intense eyes—meet mine for a brief second before he shifts his focus back to Zack. In his right hand, he grips an enormous axe, its edge catching the light with lethal precision.
Without a word, he lifts his second hand. Lightning streaks from his fingertips, striking the nearest robots. They burst into flames, reduced to charred metal within seconds.
Zack stumbles back, his expression one of pure disbelief. "What the hell? Who are you?"
"They call me Trivium," the figure replies, his voice deep and steady, as if he's been through this a thousand times before.
Before I can blink, he's gone, replaced by a flash of lightning. In the next instant, he's standing beside me. My heart leaps into my throat. "Jesus Christ. How do you do that?" I manage to ask, breathless.
"Teleportation," Trivium answers, his tone casual. He raises his axe, its gleaming edge catching the light. I ready my palms, drawing guns from my shoulders, preparing for the onslaught. "How many are there?" he asks.
"About a thousand. You took out thirty already, so... 970 left," I reply, my voice tense.
The robots charge. Metal feet pound against the ground as they rush toward us. I fire without hesitation, lasers ripping from my palms, bullets spraying from my shoulder cannons. Trivium is a blur beside me, lightning crackling in his wake as he hurls his axe, cleaving through the machines like they're nothing more than paper.
We fight in sync—me tearing through the machines I once built, him reducing them to scrap with effortless power. But before we can finish the job, a bright, golden light descends from the sky, plummeting to the earth with a brilliance that almost blinds me.
When the light fades, Belteshazzar stands there, glowing, radiant. His presence is just as overwhelming as Trivium's, though in a different way. Luminous and untouchable.
"You're back?" I shout over the chaos, still firing at the oncoming robots.
"Yes, I'm back. What do you need?" he replies, his voice cutting through the noise.
"Help me free my family," I say, my eyes darting to where Desmond, Jennifer, and Chioma are still bound.
Belteshazzar wastes no time. In a flash of light, he's there, burning away their chains with his touch.
Chioma stirs, her voice weak. "You're..."
"Naked," Belteshazzar finishes, almost amused. "Yes, I know. That's how we are on my planet."
Chioma blinks at him, recognition dawning in her eyes. "You're that glowing alien my fiancé was always trying to capture?"
"Yes," he says simply, "but I'm not the villain he thought. Goliath destroyed my world. The only way to save my family was to serve him. He ordered me to destroy other planets... That's why I came to Earth."
Before she can respond, Jennifer shouts, "Watch out!"
I spin around just in time to see Zack, eyes wild, firing a barrage of lasers at Belteshazzar and my family. But Belteshazzar is faster. With a sweep of his hand, he shields them, absorbing the attack.
"How dare you!" Zack snarls, eyes locked on the glowing figure.
BELTESHAZZAR
"Stay here," I say, keeping my voice steady. My eyes narrow, fixed on the machine-like figure standing a hundred feet away, waiting. "Let me deal with him."
As I step forward, his cold, metallic gaze locks onto mine. "Belteshazzar," he says, his voice as metallic and sharp as his armor.
I stop, just close enough to size him up. "You know who I am?"
"Of course. One of the universe's strongest. But your strength won't stop me." His tone is calm, measured—he's not taunting; he's certain.
"Stop you from what?" I ask, my jaw tightening.
"Why don't you ask your friends about my goal?" He raises his right arm, and a menacing Fusion Cannon, whirring to life, before firing a searing purple blast straight at me.
I brace, feeling the hum of energy within me awaken, and take the hit head-on. The impact forces me back a few feet, my boots skidding against the ground, but I absorb it, feeling the surge steady me. I exhale slowly, unfazed.
"Is that all you've got, machine man?" My voice is cool as I sense the gamma-irradiated plasma in my veins, knowing few could have withstood such a blast.
"Impossible," he mutters, disbelief shadowing his face.
"You may have beaten others," I say, tightening my stance, "but you're not ready for me."
In an instant, I propel forward, a surge of raw energy launching me as my fist connects with his face. The impact sends him hurtling out of the building, crashing into the street below with a resounding boom. I don't hesitate, diving after him, landing hard as he stumbles to his feet.
"Stand down, machine man," I command, fists clenched, radiating power, "or face my wrath."
He smirks, a chilling, hollow sound. "Machine man? No, I am the one who will bring peace to this world."
I laugh, a harsh, humorless sound. "Peace? By terrorizing families and building weapons of destruction?"
His face darkens, a flicker of something vulnerable. "I only seek justice for my wife, my life…."
A moment of silence, and then I lunge. He's ready this time, catching my fist mid-swing. His grip tightens, steely fingers locking around my hand.
"Not this time," he growls, driving his fist into my chest. The impact feels like a cannonball, sending me tumbling backward, my body skidding across the rough concrete. I finally catch myself, fingers digging into the ground, grinding to a stop just as he rockets toward me, arm blades glinting.
At the last second, I sidestep, ducking and launching an uppercut that snaps his head back and throws him into the air. I launch myself after him, but he's fast, countering mid-flight with a punch. Before I can react, he fires another cannon shot; I absorb it, countering with a burst of photon energy that sends him plummeting down, smashing through the floors of the building below.
I land in front of him as he lies in the rubble, his chest heaving. "It's over, machine man. Your armies, your machines—they're all defeated."
He struggles to his feet, broken but defiant. "Over?" His voice is a low growl. "I will retreat for no one."
"Nice words for a machine," says a voice beside me. I turn to see Time Manipulator appears at my left.
"The name is Cyberman," he snaps back, voice cracking with strain. "And I won't repeat myself."
Before I can respond, a flash of lightning sears the ground beside us. As the smoke clears, a towering figure emerges, draped in glimmering golden armor that catches the daylight. His crimson cape flows behind him, regal and ancient, framing his powerful frame. His helm, edged with golden wings, shadows his face, but his eyes burn with a fierce, god-like energy. In his right hand, he grips a massive axe, its gleaming edge unmistakable.
"Who are you?" I ask, taken aback by the sheer presence of this stranger.
He glances down at me, his voice deep and resonant. "Trivium, god of Thunder." His tone is calm, but there's no mistaking the power behind it. "And you?"
"Belteshazzar."
He nods, looking from me to Time Manipulator. Then his gaze settles on Cyberman, who watches us with a twisted grin.
"Three against one?" Cyberman's voice is dripping with a cold, maniacal glee. "This should be… interesting."
The air vibrates with tension, thick and heavy as dust settles around the shattered temple walls. I hover, my gaze lock onto the cold, metallic figure standing defiantly amidst the ruins—Cyberman, unmoving, yet radiating malice. I sense the threat coiling in Cyberman's circuitry, a dark intent like a storm waiting to break.
Without hesitation, I raise my fists, feeling the hum of energy coil and pulse within me. I unleash it. Blazing beams erupt from my fists piercing the air with scorching intensity. The golden light carves a path through the dust and ruin, honing in on Cyberman, searing toward him with relentless precision. A flicker of blue lightning arcs beside me. Trivium stands grounded yet fierce, his left hand crackling with the power of a storm. The bolt leaps from Trivium's hand, splitting the air with a thunderous crack, merging mid-flight with my own energy. Together, our forces entwine—a fusion of light and lightning, a blinding lance aimed straight for Cyberman's chest.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch the flash of blue, red and gold as Time Manipulator's repulsors blaze to life, adding a final stroke to our combined assault. The beams converge, a concentrated fury of energy, bearing down on Cyberman. For a breathless moment, the battlefield holds its breath. And then—impact. The light is blinding, a crackling, scorching crescendo as our powers crash into Cyberman's metallic form, forcing him back, if only for a moment.
The silence that follows is as sharp as the strike itself, leaving only the afterglow of our power and the faint hum of lingering energy in my hands.
SAMUEL
Cyberman's body crackles and smokes, scorched and broken after our relentless attack. His once-imposing metal frame looks worn, chipped, barely holding together. He tries to stand but falters, and two Terminators step forward, gripping his arms, hauling him to his feet.
"Thanks," he grunts to them, and as he steadies himself, the rest of the robotic army moves in behind him, silent and vigilant.
A twisted smile flickers across his face as he looks at us. "Well done," he sneers. "You've managed to defeat me…today." He sways slightly, pausing as the Terminators brace him, their metal hands digging into his arms. He catches his breath, then his voice turns cold. "But I will return—with chaos. I'll turn New York to ashes and rule the world. That's a promise."
With that, he rockets into the sky, the Terminators and his robotic legions trailing behind him, rising into the clouds until they vanish. I watch him disappear, my pulse finally slowing. He's gone…for now.
"Alright." Trivium breaks the silence, his voice a low grumble. "Can someone explain who that was and what he wants?"
I swallow, my throat dry. "That…that was Zack Hughson," I say, forcing the words out. "He was my teacher, back in secondary school…and later, a lecturer at Oxford." The memories flood in, sharper than I want. "He forced me to build those machines—the Terminators, the destructive systems. All of it."
The reminder brings me back, and I notice Desmond, kneeling beside Susan's still form, with Chioma and Jennifer at his side. My mask retracts as I walk toward them, feeling the weight of everything that just happened.
I kneel beside him. "Desmond…I'm so sorry." The words feel weak, almost meaningless.
Desmond's eyes lock on mine, red-rimmed and full of grief. "Sorry?" His voice cracks. "Sorry can't bring her back. Sorry can't change what's already done." He holds my gaze, and I see the anger, the hurt, the pleading, all tangled together in his expression.
He clenches his fists, his voice breaking. "You should have listened to him…maybe this could have been avoided."
A wave of guilt crashes over me. He's right. I knew how dangerous Zack was—how determined, how ruthless. "I know, Desmond," I manage. "You're right. And sorry won't change what's happened." I take a deep breath, the words heavy. "But I can."
Chioma looks up, her face streaked with tears. "How?" Her voice is barely a whisper.
I glance at her, then back at Desmond. "You've all forgotten—I control time. I can go back. Back to the exact moment she…" I trail off, unable to finish, but the determination fills me. "I can save her."
Jennifer's brow furrows as she looks at me. "And if you go back…her present self, she'll be alive? Just…wake up?"
"Exactly." I nod, trying to explain. "It's complicated, but here's the thing: your present self only exists if your past self is alive. But if I go back, if I stop this before it happens, her future changes too."
Trivium steps forward, looking skeptical. "Wait, how are you planning to pull this off? Your armor can take you back in time?"
"Yeah, but there's more to it. I'll explain it later," I say, glancing at Susan's lifeless form. "Right now, all that matters is bringing her back."
My helmet covers my head and I speak to Eddie 101, my AI companion, issuing a command. "Eddie, locate the exact moment…down to the hour, minute, second, that Cyberman killed her. And show me how to prevent it from happening."
Within seconds, Eddie feeds me the information, pinpointing the crucial moment, laying out every detail I need. My suit shifts, the golden hues darkening into a deep, shimmering green—Time Controller mode.
As the green light pulses around me, a portal forms, swirling, opening like a gateway into another world. I look back at Desmond, Chioma, and the others, their faces filled with hope and desperation.
"Hang on, everyone. I'll bring her back."
With one last look, I step forward, the portal engulfing me in green light as I vanish, rushing back into the past.
I take a deep breath as I arrive in the past, the city around me eerily familiar, yet strange, as if it's caught between memories and reality. I'm here for one purpose—stop Zack before he kills Susan and before he sets this whole nightmare into motion. Every second counts.
Ahead, I see them: Zack gripping Susan's shoulder with one hand, his face twisted with rage and grief. His right arm transforms, metal shifting and twisting into a deadly drill. He glances at me, eyes hard and unforgiving as I step closer.
"Zack, what are you doing?" I ask, forcing my voice to stay steady, though my heart's racing.
He stiffens. "Stay where you are… Don't take another step," he warns, tightening his hold on Susan. The drill inches closer, its tip gleaming menacingly under the dim streetlight. I hesitate, but I can't just watch.
I take a slow step forward. "Wait, Zack! This isn't the answer. Killing her—it won't bring Helen back."
His head snaps toward me, eyes wild. "Don't say her name!" His voice breaks, but he quickly regains his composure. I can feel his rage and pain, the way it's been building, consuming him. But I can't back down. Not now.
"You don't need to destroy New York because of what happened," I say, keeping my voice calm. "Zetacode didn't cause her death. He couldn't have stopped it."
"Shut up!" Zack's voice is raw, every word laced with fury. "Don't defend him! Zetacode chose to do nothing. She died in my arms because he abandoned her!" His grip on Susan tightens, and he raises the drill higher, ready to strike. "Build my armies and the machine, or she dies."
I glance at Jennifer, who's standing just a few feet away, her face pale, eyes pleading. "Brother," she says softly, voice shaking, "please… just listen to him. If you don't…"
I shake my head. "I can't, Jen. I won't." My gaze snaps back to Zack, my heart pounding as I take another cautious step forward. "Please, Zack. Don't do this. Don't let your pain destroy everything and everyone."
"Don't beg me." His voice is cold, detached, like he's already made his choice.
Just as Zack's about to drive the drill into Susan, I remember Eddie 101's instructions and spring into action, lunging forward and pulling Susan out of his grasp in one swift motion. Her terrified scream fills the air, but I don't have time to hesitate. My left arm shifts, transforming into a high-powered gun. Before Zack can react, I aim and fire a missile straight at him, sending him crashing backward.
Susan stumbles against me, her breathing heavy, her body shaking. "Thank you," she whispers, clutching my arm, her face pale and damp with sweat.
"You're safe now." I nod, and with that, I activate the portal to return to the present. The green light envelops us, and I feel the familiar pull of time shifting around me. But as I emerge—
A deep, guttural roar tears through the air, vibrating through my bones. I turn, barely processing the sight before me: a monstrous creature charging straight at me, its rotting body lurching forward with inhuman speed. Its skin is decayed, patches of flesh hanging loose, eyes lifeless but locked onto me with terrifying intensity.
"Jesus Christ!" I gasp, activating the nitrogen thrusters on my boots and back, pushing myself forward to escape, The creature is faster than anything I've ever seen, a blur of rotting flesh and bared teeth. I try to dodge, but it slams into me, claws ripping across my side, and everything spirals out of control.
Pain explodes in my side, and before I know it, I'm spiraling through time again, tumbling backward, disoriented and panicked. The present, the past—all of it becomes a blur as I'm hurled into another place, another time.
I drop to one knee as I land, metal boots hitting cracked pavement with a hollow thud. A cloud of dust rises around me, thick with ash and something sharper—the metallic tang of burning circuits and the faint smell of…blood? I try not to breathe it in, but it's everywhere. I can feel it sinking into my skin.
What's left of the skyline is a graveyard of broken buildings, jagged steel skeletons clawing at a bleak, gray sky. Silence fills the streets, broken only by a low, endless hum—steady, mechanical, too precise to be human. My chest tightens. *This can't be real. No way this is real.*
Then I see them. Rows of robots, moving in perfect, emotionless formation, every metallic face as cold and blank as a tombstone. Alongside them, larger, menacing forms patrol with red, unblinking eyes: Terminators, scanning the ruins, ready to stomp out any sign of life.
It's like a nightmare, except I can feel every second of it. I force myself to take a step forward. Another. Each one heavier than the last, because I know—somewhere deep, I know what I'm about to see.
And there they are. Jessica, Joseph, Trivium, Leonard, all scattered across the ground like fallen statues, their bodies bruised and broken, barely recognizable. The faces I know better than my own, lifeless and still. A choked breath catches in my throat. *I should've been here.*
My gaze locks onto a figure half-buried in debris. His armor—cracked, tarnished—lies a few feet away. Path Finder, slumped, barely holding himself up, face streaked with ash and blood. *Morinjo.*
I rush to his side, my mind fighting every instinct that's screaming at me to turn away, to not see this. "Finder?" My voice cracks, but he blinks, opening his eyes, his gaze meeting mine with a dull, heavy weariness.
"Sam…" He tries to lift a hand, but it falls back weakly. "You…you shouldn't be here." His voice is little more than a whisper, and something cold lodges in my chest.
"Morinjo, what—what year is this?" The words feel strange on my tongue, like they don't belong, but I have to ask.
He lets out a breath, each one a struggle. "January 24th…2030." The numbers hit me, and my mind scrambles, searching for something to cling to. *2030. So much time. So much damage.* I look around, forcing myself to take in every broken building, every cold, red-eyed machine that watches over this ruined city.
How did I let this happen? I built these things—or something close enough to it. This all started with me, didn't it? I feel like I'm sinking, like the weight of every choice I made just crashed down at once. *You did this, Sam. You walked us into this.*
"Stay with me, Finder." My voice shakes, but I force it out. "I'll…I'll fix this, alright?" It sounds like a lie, even to me.
Path Finder's eyes close, his head falling back against the rubble, as if even keeping them open is too much. "If there's a chance…go back. Stop this."
His words sink in like knives, because I know he's right. This is my mess to clean up, no one else's. *I can't let this happen. I won't let this happen.*
"Eddie 101," I murmur, fighting the tremor in my voice. "Activate the Time Controller."
A spark of green light flickers in front of me, expanding into a portal. The machines all turn, their heads swiveling toward me, each one more menacing than the last. I don't have time to hesitate, but I look back at Morinjo, at the team lying broken around him, and I feel something sharp twist inside. *This is on me.*
"I'll make this right," I promise, even as Morinjo's eyes close for the last time.
The green light grows, humming around me, and I force myself to look at this nightmare one last time: the dead buildings, the patrolling machines, the team I couldn't save. Then I step into the portal, swallowing back every doubt and fear.
"Take me home, Eddie."
My chest feels tight, each breath heavy as I lean forward, hands braced on my knees. Everything aches, but there's a strange calm settling in. For a moment, I just stand there, eyes closed, grounding myself.
"Sam!" I hear Chioma's and Jennifer's voices, and when I open my eyes, they're rushing toward me, relief and joy clear on their faces.
"You did it, Sam!" Jennifer's words come out in a burst as she pulls me into a quick hug. Her eyes shine, but something in me can't fully absorb her happiness. It's like the warmth of her words can't quite reach the parts of me still frozen.
"Susan's... Susan's back to life," Chioma adds, smiling, but her gaze sharpens as she studies my face. "Are you alright? You look like you've seen—"
I can't hide the exhaustion or the weight hanging over me, and Chioma catches it.
"What happened in there?" she asks softly, voice lined with concern.
I swallow, feeling the tension coil around me tighter. This isn't what they're expecting, and I don't want to burden them with the truth, but they deserve to know. Slowly, I steady my breath.
"January 24th, 2030," I finally say, each word feeling heavier than the last.
Trivium's voice cuts in from nearby, gentle but direct. "What did you see?"
I clench my fists, grounding myself. "Zack. He… he's already done it. New York is gone. He's in control… of everything."
The words feel like poison as they leave my mouth, and I force myself to stand. "We have to find the Ultimate Ventures, tell them everything."
"Alright," Trivium nods, resolute but watchful. "Where do we start?"
I glance at Belteshazzar, who's waiting nearby, ready. "Take my family to Grandma's Clinic. They'll be safe there." I turn to Chioma, who meets my gaze and quickly nods.
"I'll get you the coordinates," she says, pulling out her tablet.
Belteshazzar steps closer, and my family joins him, hands tightly clasped. He gives me a reassuring look before lifting off, taking them high above the city as they disappear into the night.
Silence settles between Trivium and me as we wait. I feel his eyes on me, questioning, but also steady. He's ready, and so am I.As he leads me away, I glance back one last time at Susan's lifeless body. I had promised her I'd save them. I can't fail. Not now. Not after losing her.
Three weeks and five days. That's how long it takes me to finish the machines. Every weld, every circuit feels like a nail in humanity's coffin. I can't shake the weight of what I've done. The regret gnaws at me, but I press on, driven by fear and desperation.
Zack arrives with a smile, his voice smug. "Well done, my student."
I hand him a small device, a control mechanism for his armies. He slides it into his ear without hesitation, his grin widening. Behind him, my creations come to life. The robots—towering, cold, and lifeless—move with unsettling precision, their glowing blue eyes locking onto Zack as if recognizing their master. Their metallic exteriors gleam in the fading daylight, sharp edges reflecting the cold efficiency of their design. The faint pulse of their cores beats in unison, a mechanical rhythm that echoes like a warning. Each step they take reverberates through the ground, smooth and calculated, a perfect harmony of grace and destruction. The Terminators—Zack's brothers—stand nearby, watching in silence. Their presence, combined with the sheer menace of the robots, is suffocating. These machines are no longer just inventions; they are harbingers of chaos, a chilling reflection of my betrayal.
Together, Zack and I leave the construction site. The steel giants stand behind me, casting long, menacing shadows that stretch across the ground.
"There's no need to stress yourselves anymore. My armies will do their job," Zack says, his voice calm but laced with something darker. He turns and starts walking toward my family—Desmond, Jennifer, Chioma—still bound and helpless.
Panic flares in my chest. "Zack, what do you think you're doing?" My voice cracks as I step closer, my heart racing.
He pauses, turning just as he reaches them, his gaze locking onto mine. "Thank you, Sam, for helping me demolish your world. Especially New York. But before we get to that... I need to finish my job." He gestures to the robots, his eyes cold. "Robots, execute these prisoners."
The words barely register before I see them move. They surge forward, metal limbs creaking with deadly intent. Desmond, Jennifer, and Chioma—their lives hang in the balance. Without thinking, I charge. My feet leave the ground, my palms alight with gunfire as I unload on the approaching machines. "This isn't right!" I shout, my voice straining over the chaos. "I did what you asked!"
Zack's calm reply cuts through the noise. "I know. But what matters is, I've gotten what I want."
As I fire, a sudden crack splits the air. The ground between the robots and Zack erupts in lightning. Dust and smoke rise, swirling in the chaos. For a moment, I can't see anything. Then, through the haze, a figure steps forward.
He stands tall, his golden armor catching the sunlight, gleaming like something from another realm. The armor's intricate design, the sharp, angular plates—they look forged in an age long past, meant for royalty or gods. A crimson cape ripples behind him, framing his broad shoulders, his entire presence larger than life. His helm is imposing, golden wings curving upward, while long pale hair spills from beneath it, gleaming in the light.
His eyes—those glowing, intense eyes—meet mine for a brief second before he shifts his focus back to Zack. In his right hand, he grips an enormous axe, its edge catching the light with lethal precision.
Without a word, he lifts his second hand. Lightning streaks from his fingertips, striking the nearest robots. They burst into flames, reduced to charred metal within seconds.
Zack stumbles back, his expression one of pure disbelief. "What the hell? Who are you?"
"They call me Trivium," the figure replies, his voice deep and steady, as if he's been through this a thousand times before.
Before I can blink, he's gone, replaced by a flash of lightning. In the next instant, he's standing beside me. My heart leaps into my throat. "Jesus Christ. How do you do that?" I manage to ask, breathless.
"Teleportation," Trivium answers, his tone casual. He raises his axe, its gleaming edge catching the light. I ready my palms, drawing guns from my shoulders, preparing for the onslaught. "How many are there?" he asks.
"About a thousand. You took out thirty already, so... 970 left," I reply, my voice tense.
The robots charge. Metal feet pound against the ground as they rush toward us. I fire without hesitation, lasers ripping from my palms, bullets spraying from my shoulder cannons. Trivium is a blur beside me, lightning crackling in his wake as he hurls his axe, cleaving through the machines like they're nothing more than paper.
We fight in sync—me tearing through the machines I once built, him reducing them to scrap with effortless power. But before we can finish the job, a bright, golden light descends from the sky, plummeting to the earth with a brilliance that almost blinds me.
When the light fades, Belteshazzar stands there, glowing, radiant. His presence is just as overwhelming as Trivium's, though in a different way. Luminous and untouchable.
"You're back?" I shout over the chaos, still firing at the oncoming robots.
"Yes, I'm back. What do you need?" he replies, his voice cutting through the noise.
"Help me free my family," I say, my eyes darting to where Desmond, Jennifer, and Chioma are still bound.
Belteshazzar wastes no time. In a flash of light, he's there, burning away their chains with his touch.
Chioma stirs, her voice weak. "You're..."
"Naked," Belteshazzar finishes, almost amused. "Yes, I know. That's how we are on my planet."
Chioma blinks at him, recognition dawning in her eyes. "You're that glowing alien my fiancé was always trying to capture?"
"Yes," he says simply, "but I'm not the villain he thought. Goliath destroyed my world. The only way to save my family was to serve him. He ordered me to destroy other planets... That's why I came to Earth."
Before she can respond, Jennifer shouts, "Watch out!"
I spin around just in time to see Zack, eyes wild, firing a barrage of lasers at Belteshazzar and my family. But Belteshazzar is faster. With a sweep of his hand, he shields them, absorbing the attack.
"How dare you!" Zack snarls, eyes locked on the glowing figure.
BELTESHAZZAR
"Stay here," I say, keeping my voice steady. My eyes narrow, fixed on the machine-like figure standing a hundred feet away, waiting. "Let me deal with him."
As I step forward, his cold, metallic gaze locks onto mine. "Belteshazzar," he says, his voice as metallic and sharp as his armor.
I stop, just close enough to size him up. "You know who I am?"
"Of course. One of the universe's strongest. But your strength won't stop me." His tone is calm, measured—he's not taunting; he's certain.
"Stop you from what?" I ask, my jaw tightening.
"Why don't you ask your friends about my goal?" He raises his right arm, and a menacing Fusion Cannon, whirring to life, before firing a searing purple blast straight at me.
I brace, feeling the hum of energy within me awaken, and take the hit head-on. The impact forces me back a few feet, my boots skidding against the ground, but I absorb it, feeling the surge steady me. I exhale slowly, unfazed.
"Is that all you've got, machine man?" My voice is cool as I sense the gamma-irradiated plasma in my veins, knowing few could have withstood such a blast.
"Impossible," he mutters, disbelief shadowing his face.
"You may have beaten others," I say, tightening my stance, "but you're not ready for me."
In an instant, I propel forward, a surge of raw energy launching me as my fist connects with his face. The impact sends him hurtling out of the building, crashing into the street below with a resounding boom. I don't hesitate, diving after him, landing hard as he stumbles to his feet.
"Stand down, machine man," I command, fists clenched, radiating power, "or face my wrath."
He smirks, a chilling, hollow sound. "Machine man? No, I am the one who will bring peace to this world."
I laugh, a harsh, humorless sound. "Peace? By terrorizing families and building weapons of destruction?"
His face darkens, a flicker of something vulnerable. "I only seek justice for my wife, my life…."
A moment of silence, and then I lunge. He's ready this time, catching my fist mid-swing. His grip tightens, steely fingers locking around my hand.
"Not this time," he growls, driving his fist into my chest. The impact feels like a cannonball, sending me tumbling backward, my body skidding across the rough concrete. I finally catch myself, fingers digging into the ground, grinding to a stop just as he rockets toward me, arm blades glinting.
At the last second, I sidestep, ducking and launching an uppercut that snaps his head back and throws him into the air. I launch myself after him, but he's fast, countering mid-flight with a punch. Before I can react, he fires another cannon shot; I absorb it, countering with a burst of photon energy that sends him plummeting down, smashing through the floors of the building below.
I land in front of him as he lies in the rubble, his chest heaving. "It's over, machine man. Your armies, your machines—they're all defeated."
He struggles to his feet, broken but defiant. "Over?" His voice is a low growl. "I will retreat for no one."
"Nice words for a machine," says a voice beside me. I turn to see Time Manipulator appears at my left.
"The name is Cyberman," he snaps back, voice cracking with strain. "And I won't repeat myself."
Before I can respond, a flash of lightning sears the ground beside us. As the smoke clears, a towering figure emerges, draped in glimmering golden armor that catches the daylight. His crimson cape flows behind him, regal and ancient, framing his powerful frame. His helm, edged with golden wings, shadows his face, but his eyes burn with a fierce, god-like energy. In his right hand, he grips a massive axe, its gleaming edge unmistakable.
"Who are you?" I ask, taken aback by the sheer presence of this stranger.
He glances down at me, his voice deep and resonant. "Trivium, god of Thunder." His tone is calm, but there's no mistaking the power behind it. "And you?"
"Belteshazzar."
He nods, looking from me to Time Manipulator. Then his gaze settles on Cyberman, who watches us with a twisted grin.
"Three against one?" Cyberman's voice is dripping with a cold, maniacal glee. "This should be… interesting."
The air vibrates with tension, thick and heavy as dust settles around the shattered temple walls. I hover, my gaze lock onto the cold, metallic figure standing defiantly amidst the ruins—Cyberman, unmoving, yet radiating malice. I sense the threat coiling in Cyberman's circuitry, a dark intent like a storm waiting to break.
Without hesitation, I raise my fists, feeling the hum of energy coil and pulse within me. I unleash it. Blazing beams erupt from my fists piercing the air with scorching intensity. The golden light carves a path through the dust and ruin, honing in on Cyberman, searing toward him with relentless precision. A flicker of blue lightning arcs beside me. Trivium stands grounded yet fierce, his left hand crackling with the power of a storm. The bolt leaps from Trivium's hand, splitting the air with a thunderous crack, merging mid-flight with my own energy. Together, our forces entwine—a fusion of light and lightning, a blinding lance aimed straight for Cyberman's chest.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch the flash of blue, red and gold as Time Manipulator's repulsors blaze to life, adding a final stroke to our combined assault. The beams converge, a concentrated fury of energy, bearing down on Cyberman. For a breathless moment, the battlefield holds its breath. And then—impact. The light is blinding, a crackling, scorching crescendo as our powers crash into Cyberman's metallic form, forcing him back, if only for a moment.
The silence that follows is as sharp as the strike itself, leaving only the afterglow of our power and the faint hum of lingering energy in my hands.
SAMUEL
Cyberman's body crackles and smokes, scorched and broken after our relentless attack. His once-imposing metal frame looks worn, chipped, barely holding together. He tries to stand but falters, and two Terminators step forward, gripping his arms, hauling him to his feet.
"Thanks," he grunts to them, and as he steadies himself, the rest of the robotic army moves in behind him, silent and vigilant.
A twisted smile flickers across his face as he looks at us. "Well done," he sneers. "You've managed to defeat me…today." He sways slightly, pausing as the Terminators brace him, their metal hands digging into his arms. He catches his breath, then his voice turns cold. "But I will return—with chaos. I'll turn New York to ashes and rule the world. That's a promise."
With that, he rockets into the sky, the Terminators and his robotic legions trailing behind him, rising into the clouds until they vanish. I watch him disappear, my pulse finally slowing. He's gone…for now.
"Alright." Trivium breaks the silence, his voice a low grumble. "Can someone explain who that was and what he wants?"
I swallow, my throat dry. "That…that was Zack Hughson," I say, forcing the words out. "He was my teacher, back in secondary school…and later, a lecturer at Oxford." The memories flood in, sharper than I want. "He forced me to build those machines—the Terminators, the destructive systems. All of it."
The reminder brings me back, and I notice Desmond, kneeling beside Susan's still form, with Chioma and Jennifer at his side. My mask retracts as I walk toward them, feeling the weight of everything that just happened.
I kneel beside him. "Desmond…I'm so sorry." The words feel weak, almost meaningless.
Desmond's eyes lock on mine, red-rimmed and full of grief. "Sorry?" His voice cracks. "Sorry can't bring her back. Sorry can't change what's already done." He holds my gaze, and I see the anger, the hurt, the pleading, all tangled together in his expression.
He clenches his fists, his voice breaking. "You should have listened to him…maybe this could have been avoided."
A wave of guilt crashes over me. He's right. I knew how dangerous Zack was—how determined, how ruthless. "I know, Desmond," I manage. "You're right. And sorry won't change what's happened." I take a deep breath, the words heavy. "But I can."
Chioma looks up, her face streaked with tears. "How?" Her voice is barely a whisper.
I glance at her, then back at Desmond. "You've all forgotten—I control time. I can go back. Back to the exact moment she…" I trail off, unable to finish, but the determination fills me. "I can save her."
Jennifer's brow furrows as she looks at me. "And if you go back…her present self, she'll be alive? Just…wake up?"
"Exactly." I nod, trying to explain. "It's complicated, but here's the thing: your present self only exists if your past self is alive. But if I go back, if I stop this before it happens, her future changes too."
Trivium steps forward, looking skeptical. "Wait, how are you planning to pull this off? Your armor can take you back in time?"
"Yeah, but there's more to it. I'll explain it later," I say, glancing at Susan's lifeless form. "Right now, all that matters is bringing her back."
My helmet covers my head and I speak to Eddie 101, my AI companion, issuing a command. "Eddie, locate the exact moment…down to the hour, minute, second, that Cyberman killed her. And show me how to prevent it from happening."
Within seconds, Eddie feeds me the information, pinpointing the crucial moment, laying out every detail I need. My suit shifts, the golden hues darkening into a deep, shimmering green—Time Controller mode.
As the green light pulses around me, a portal forms, swirling, opening like a gateway into another world. I look back at Desmond, Chioma, and the others, their faces filled with hope and desperation.
"Hang on, everyone. I'll bring her back."
With one last look, I step forward, the portal engulfing me in green light as I vanish, rushing back into the past.
I take a deep breath as I arrive in the past, the city around me eerily familiar, yet strange, as if it's caught between memories and reality. I'm here for one purpose—stop Zack before he kills Susan and before he sets this whole nightmare into motion. Every second counts.
Ahead, I see them: Zack gripping Susan's shoulder with one hand, his face twisted with rage and grief. His right arm transforms, metal shifting and twisting into a deadly drill. He glances at me, eyes hard and unforgiving as I step closer.
"Zack, what are you doing?" I ask, forcing my voice to stay steady, though my heart's racing.
He stiffens. "Stay where you are… Don't take another step," he warns, tightening his hold on Susan. The drill inches closer, its tip gleaming menacingly under the dim streetlight. I hesitate, but I can't just watch.
I take a slow step forward. "Wait, Zack! This isn't the answer. Killing her—it won't bring Helen back."
His head snaps toward me, eyes wild. "Don't say her name!" His voice breaks, but he quickly regains his composure. I can feel his rage and pain, the way it's been building, consuming him. But I can't back down. Not now.
"You don't need to destroy New York because of what happened," I say, keeping my voice calm. "Zetacode didn't cause her death. He couldn't have stopped it."
"Shut up!" Zack's voice is raw, every word laced with fury. "Don't defend him! Zetacode chose to do nothing. She died in my arms because he abandoned her!" His grip on Susan tightens, and he raises the drill higher, ready to strike. "Build my armies and the machine, or she dies."
I glance at Jennifer, who's standing just a few feet away, her face pale, eyes pleading. "Brother," she says softly, voice shaking, "please… just listen to him. If you don't…"
I shake my head. "I can't, Jen. I won't." My gaze snaps back to Zack, my heart pounding as I take another cautious step forward. "Please, Zack. Don't do this. Don't let your pain destroy everything and everyone."
"Don't beg me." His voice is cold, detached, like he's already made his choice.
Just as Zack's about to drive the drill into Susan, I remember Eddie 101's instructions and spring into action, lunging forward and pulling Susan out of his grasp in one swift motion. Her terrified scream fills the air, but I don't have time to hesitate. My left arm shifts, transforming into a high-powered gun. Before Zack can react, I aim and fire a missile straight at him, sending him crashing backward.
Susan stumbles against me, her breathing heavy, her body shaking. "Thank you," she whispers, clutching my arm, her face pale and damp with sweat.
"You're safe now." I nod, and with that, I activate the portal to return to the present. The green light envelops us, and I feel the familiar pull of time shifting around me. But as I emerge—
A deep, guttural roar tears through the air, vibrating through my bones. I turn, barely processing the sight before me: a monstrous creature charging straight at me, its rotting body lurching forward with inhuman speed. Its skin is decayed, patches of flesh hanging loose, eyes lifeless but locked onto me with terrifying intensity.
"Jesus Christ!" I gasp, activating the nitrogen thrusters on my boots and back, pushing myself forward to escape, The creature is faster than anything I've ever seen, a blur of rotting flesh and bared teeth. I try to dodge, but it slams into me, claws ripping across my side, and everything spirals out of control.
Pain explodes in my side, and before I know it, I'm spiraling through time again, tumbling backward, disoriented and panicked. The present, the past—all of it becomes a blur as I'm hurled into another place, another time.
I drop to one knee as I land, metal boots hitting cracked pavement with a hollow thud. A cloud of dust rises around me, thick with ash and something sharper—the metallic tang of burning circuits and the faint smell of…blood? I try not to breathe it in, but it's everywhere. I can feel it sinking into my skin.
What's left of the skyline is a graveyard of broken buildings, jagged steel skeletons clawing at a bleak, gray sky. Silence fills the streets, broken only by a low, endless hum—steady, mechanical, too precise to be human. My chest tightens. *This can't be real. No way this is real.*
Then I see them. Rows of robots, moving in perfect, emotionless formation, every metallic face as cold and blank as a tombstone. Alongside them, larger, menacing forms patrol with red, unblinking eyes: Terminators, scanning the ruins, ready to stomp out any sign of life.
It's like a nightmare, except I can feel every second of it. I force myself to take a step forward. Another. Each one heavier than the last, because I know—somewhere deep, I know what I'm about to see.
And there they are. Jessica, Joseph, Trivium, Leonard, all scattered across the ground like fallen statues, their bodies bruised and broken, barely recognizable. The faces I know better than my own, lifeless and still. A choked breath catches in my throat. *I should've been here.*
My gaze locks onto a figure half-buried in debris. His armor—cracked, tarnished—lies a few feet away. Path Finder, slumped, barely holding himself up, face streaked with ash and blood. *Morinjo.*
I rush to his side, my mind fighting every instinct that's screaming at me to turn away, to not see this. "Finder?" My voice cracks, but he blinks, opening his eyes, his gaze meeting mine with a dull, heavy weariness.
"Sam…" He tries to lift a hand, but it falls back weakly. "You…you shouldn't be here." His voice is little more than a whisper, and something cold lodges in my chest.
"Morinjo, what—what year is this?" The words feel strange on my tongue, like they don't belong, but I have to ask.
He lets out a breath, each one a struggle. "January 24th…2030." The numbers hit me, and my mind scrambles, searching for something to cling to. *2030. So much time. So much damage.* I look around, forcing myself to take in every broken building, every cold, red-eyed machine that watches over this ruined city.
How did I let this happen? I built these things—or something close enough to it. This all started with me, didn't it? I feel like I'm sinking, like the weight of every choice I made just crashed down at once. *You did this, Sam. You walked us into this.*
"Stay with me, Finder." My voice shakes, but I force it out. "I'll…I'll fix this, alright?" It sounds like a lie, even to me.
Path Finder's eyes close, his head falling back against the rubble, as if even keeping them open is too much. "If there's a chance…go back. Stop this."
His words sink in like knives, because I know he's right. This is my mess to clean up, no one else's. *I can't let this happen. I won't let this happen.*
"Eddie 101," I murmur, fighting the tremor in my voice. "Activate the Time Controller."
A spark of green light flickers in front of me, expanding into a portal. The machines all turn, their heads swiveling toward me, each one more menacing than the last. I don't have time to hesitate, but I look back at Morinjo, at the team lying broken around him, and I feel something sharp twist inside. *This is on me.*
"I'll make this right," I promise, even as Morinjo's eyes close for the last time.
The green light grows, humming around me, and I force myself to look at this nightmare one last time: the dead buildings, the patrolling machines, the team I couldn't save. Then I step into the portal, swallowing back every doubt and fear.
"Take me home, Eddie."
My chest feels tight, each breath heavy as I lean forward, hands braced on my knees. Everything aches, but there's a strange calm settling in. For a moment, I just stand there, eyes closed, grounding myself.
"Sam!" I hear Chioma's and Jennifer's voices, and when I open my eyes, they're rushing toward me, relief and joy clear on their faces.
"You did it, Sam!" Jennifer's words come out in a burst as she pulls me into a quick hug. Her eyes shine, but something in me can't fully absorb her happiness. It's like the warmth of her words can't quite reach the parts of me still frozen.
"Susan's... Susan's back to life," Chioma adds, smiling, but her gaze sharpens as she studies my face. "Are you alright? You look like you've seen—"
I can't hide the exhaustion or the weight hanging over me, and Chioma catches it.
"What happened in there?" she asks softly, voice lined with concern.
I swallow, feeling the tension coil around me tighter. This isn't what they're expecting, and I don't want to burden them with the truth, but they deserve to know. Slowly, I steady my breath.
"January 24th, 2030," I finally say, each word feeling heavier than the last.
Trivium's voice cuts in from nearby, gentle but direct. "What did you see?"
I clench my fists, grounding myself. "Zack. He… he's already done it. New York is gone. He's in control… of everything."
The words feel like poison as they leave my mouth, and I force myself to stand. "We have to find the Ultimate Ventures, tell them everything."
"Alright," Trivium nods, resolute but watchful. "Where do we start?"
I glance at Belteshazzar, who's waiting nearby, ready. "Take my family to Grandma's Clinic. They'll be safe there." I turn to Chioma, who meets my gaze and quickly nods.
"I'll get you the coordinates," she says, pulling out her tablet.
Belteshazzar steps closer, and my family joins him, hands tightly clasped. He gives me a reassuring look before lifting off, taking them high above the city as they disappear into the night.
Silence settles between Trivium and me as we wait. I feel his eyes on me, questioning, but also steady. He's ready, and so am I.As he leads me away, I glance back one last time at Susan's lifeless body. I had promised her I'd save them. I can't fail. Not now. Not after losing her.
Three weeks and five days. That's how long it takes me to finish the machines. Every weld, every circuit feels like a nail in humanity's coffin. I can't shake the weight of what I've done. The regret gnaws at me, but I press on, driven by fear and desperation.
Zack arrives with a smile, his voice smug. "Well done, my student."
I hand him a small device, a control mechanism for his armies. He slides it into his ear without hesitation, his grin widening. Behind him, my creations come to life. The robots—towering, cold, and lifeless—move with unsettling precision, their glowing blue eyes locking onto Zack as if recognizing their master. Their metallic exteriors gleam in the fading daylight, sharp edges reflecting the cold efficiency of their design. The faint pulse of their cores beats in unison, a mechanical rhythm that echoes like a warning. Each step they take reverberates through the ground, smooth and calculated, a perfect harmony of grace and destruction. The Terminators—Zack's brothers—stand nearby, watching in silence. Their presence, combined with the sheer menace of the robots, is suffocating. These machines are no longer just inventions; they are harbingers of chaos, a chilling reflection of my betrayal.
Together, Zack and I leave the construction site. The steel giants stand behind me, casting long, menacing shadows that stretch across the ground.
"There's no need to stress yourselves anymore. My armies will do their job," Zack says, his voice calm but laced with something darker. He turns and starts walking toward my family—Desmond, Jennifer, Chioma—still bound and helpless.
Panic flares in my chest. "Zack, what do you think you're doing?" My voice cracks as I step closer, my heart racing.
He pauses, turning just as he reaches them, his gaze locking onto mine. "Thank you, Sam, for helping me demolish your world. Especially New York. But before we get to that... I need to finish my job." He gestures to the robots, his eyes cold. "Robots, execute these prisoners."
The words barely register before I see them move. They surge forward, metal limbs creaking with deadly intent. Desmond, Jennifer, and Chioma—their lives hang in the balance. Without thinking, I charge. My feet leave the ground, my palms alight with gunfire as I unload on the approaching machines. "This isn't right!" I shout, my voice straining over the chaos. "I did what you asked!"
Zack's calm reply cuts through the noise. "I know. But what matters is, I've gotten what I want."
As I fire, a sudden crack splits the air. The ground between the robots and Zack erupts in lightning. Dust and smoke rise, swirling in the chaos. For a moment, I can't see anything. Then, through the haze, a figure steps forward.
He stands tall, his golden armor catching the sunlight, gleaming like something from another realm. The armor's intricate design, the sharp, angular plates—they look forged in an age long past, meant for royalty or gods. A crimson cape ripples behind him, framing his broad shoulders, his entire presence larger than life. His helm is imposing, golden wings curving upward, while long pale hair spills from beneath it, gleaming in the light.
His eyes—those glowing, intense eyes—meet mine for a brief second before he shifts his focus back to Zack. In his right hand, he grips an enormous axe, its edge catching the light with lethal precision.
Without a word, he lifts his second hand. Lightning streaks from his fingertips, striking the nearest robots. They burst into flames, reduced to charred metal within seconds.
Zack stumbles back, his expression one of pure disbelief. "What the hell? Who are you?"
"They call me Trivium," the figure replies, his voice deep and steady, as if he's been through this a thousand times before.
Before I can blink, he's gone, replaced by a flash of lightning. In the next instant, he's standing beside me. My heart leaps into my throat. "Jesus Christ. How do you do that?" I manage to ask, breathless.
"Teleportation," Trivium answers, his tone casual. He raises his axe, its gleaming edge catching the light. I ready my palms, drawing guns from my shoulders, preparing for the onslaught. "How many are there?" he asks.
"About a thousand. You took out thirty already, so... 970 left," I reply, my voice tense.
The robots charge. Metal feet pound against the ground as they rush toward us. I fire without hesitation, lasers ripping from my palms, bullets spraying from my shoulder cannons. Trivium is a blur beside me, lightning crackling in his wake as he hurls his axe, cleaving through the machines like they're nothing more than paper.
We fight in sync—me tearing through the machines I once built, him reducing them to scrap with effortless power. But before we can finish the job, a bright, golden light descends from the sky, plummeting to the earth with a brilliance that almost blinds me.
When the light fades, Belteshazzar stands there, glowing, radiant. His presence is just as overwhelming as Trivium's, though in a different way. Luminous and untouchable.
"You're back?" I shout over the chaos, still firing at the oncoming robots.
"Yes, I'm back. What do you need?" he replies, his voice cutting through the noise.
"Help me free my family," I say, my eyes darting to where Desmond, Jennifer, and Chioma are still bound.
Belteshazzar wastes no time. In a flash of light, he's there, burning away their chains with his touch.
Chioma stirs, her voice weak. "You're..."
"Naked," Belteshazzar finishes, almost amused. "Yes, I know. That's how we are on my planet."
Chioma blinks at him, recognition dawning in her eyes. "You're that glowing alien my fiancé was always trying to capture?"
"Yes," he says simply, "but I'm not the villain he thought. Goliath destroyed my world. The only way to save my family was to serve him. He ordered me to destroy other planets... That's why I came to Earth."
Before she can respond, Jennifer shouts, "Watch out!"
I spin around just in time to see Zack, eyes wild, firing a barrage of lasers at Belteshazzar and my family. But Belteshazzar is faster. With a sweep of his hand, he shields them, absorbing the attack.
"How dare you!" Zack snarls, eyes locked on the glowing figure.
BELTESHAZZAR
"Stay here," I say, keeping my voice steady. My eyes narrow, fixed on the machine-like figure standing a hundred feet away, waiting. "Let me deal with him."
As I step forward, his cold, metallic gaze locks onto mine. "Belteshazzar," he says, his voice as metallic and sharp as his armor.
I stop, just close enough to size him up. "You know who I am?"
"Of course. One of the universe's strongest. But your strength won't stop me." His tone is calm, measured—he's not taunting; he's certain.
"Stop you from what?" I ask, my jaw tightening.
"Why don't you ask your friends about my goal?" He raises his right arm, and a menacing Fusion Cannon, whirring to life, before firing a searing purple blast straight at me.
I brace, feeling the hum of energy within me awaken, and take the hit head-on. The impact forces me back a few feet, my boots skidding against the ground, but I absorb it, feeling the surge steady me. I exhale slowly, unfazed.
"Is that all you've got, machine man?" My voice is cool as I sense the gamma-irradiated plasma in my veins, knowing few could have withstood such a blast.
"Impossible," he mutters, disbelief shadowing his face.
"You may have beaten others," I say, tightening my stance, "but you're not ready for me."
In an instant, I propel forward, a surge of raw energy launching me as my fist connects with his face. The impact sends him hurtling out of the building, crashing into the street below with a resounding boom. I don't hesitate, diving after him, landing hard as he stumbles to his feet.
"Stand down, machine man," I command, fists clenched, radiating power, "or face my wrath."
He smirks, a chilling, hollow sound. "Machine man? No, I am the one who will bring peace to this world."
I laugh, a harsh, humorless sound. "Peace? By terrorizing families and building weapons of destruction?"
His face darkens, a flicker of something vulnerable. "I only seek justice for my wife, my life…."
A moment of silence, and then I lunge. He's ready this time, catching my fist mid-swing. His grip tightens, steely fingers locking around my hand.
"Not this time," he growls, driving his fist into my chest. The impact feels like a cannonball, sending me tumbling backward, my body skidding across the rough concrete. I finally catch myself, fingers digging into the ground, grinding to a stop just as he rockets toward me, arm blades glinting.
At the last second, I sidestep, ducking and launching an uppercut that snaps his head back and throws him into the air. I launch myself after him, but he's fast, countering mid-flight with a punch. Before I can react, he fires another cannon shot; I absorb it, countering with a burst of photon energy that sends him plummeting down, smashing through the floors of the building below.
I land in front of him as he lies in the rubble, his chest heaving. "It's over, machine man. Your armies, your machines—they're all defeated."
He struggles to his feet, broken but defiant. "Over?" His voice is a low growl. "I will retreat for no one."
"Nice words for a machine," says a voice beside me. I turn to see Time Manipulator appears at my left.
"The name is Cyberman," he snaps back, voice cracking with strain. "And I won't repeat myself."
Before I can respond, a flash of lightning sears the ground beside us. As the smoke clears, a towering figure emerges, draped in glimmering golden armor that catches the daylight. His crimson cape flows behind him, regal and ancient, framing his powerful frame. His helm, edged with golden wings, shadows his face, but his eyes burn with a fierce, god-like energy. In his right hand, he grips a massive axe, its gleaming edge unmistakable.
"Who are you?" I ask, taken aback by the sheer presence of this stranger.
He glances down at me, his voice deep and resonant. "Trivium, god of Thunder." His tone is calm, but there's no mistaking the power behind it. "And you?"
"Belteshazzar."
He nods, looking from me to Time Manipulator. Then his gaze settles on Cyberman, who watches us with a twisted grin.
"Three against one?" Cyberman's voice is dripping with a cold, maniacal glee. "This should be… interesting."
The air vibrates with tension, thick and heavy as dust settles around the shattered temple walls. I hover, my gaze lock onto the cold, metallic figure standing defiantly amidst the ruins—Cyberman, unmoving, yet radiating malice. I sense the threat coiling in Cyberman's circuitry, a dark intent like a storm waiting to break.
Without hesitation, I raise my fists, feeling the hum of energy coil and pulse within me. I unleash it. Blazing beams erupt from my fists piercing the air with scorching intensity. The golden light carves a path through the dust and ruin, honing in on Cyberman, searing toward him with relentless precision. A flicker of blue lightning arcs beside me. Trivium stands grounded yet fierce, his left hand crackling with the power of a storm. The bolt leaps from Trivium's hand, splitting the air with a thunderous crack, merging mid-flight with my own energy. Together, our forces entwine—a fusion of light and lightning, a blinding lance aimed straight for Cyberman's chest.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch the flash of blue, red and gold as Time Manipulator's repulsors blaze to life, adding a final stroke to our combined assault. The beams converge, a concentrated fury of energy, bearing down on Cyberman. For a breathless moment, the battlefield holds its breath. And then—impact. The light is blinding, a crackling, scorching crescendo as our powers crash into Cyberman's metallic form, forcing him back, if only for a moment.
The silence that follows is as sharp as the strike itself, leaving only the afterglow of our power and the faint hum of lingering energy in my hands.
SAMUEL
Cyberman's body crackles and smokes, scorched and broken after our relentless attack. His once-imposing metal frame looks worn, chipped, barely holding together. He tries to stand but falters, and two Terminators step forward, gripping his arms, hauling him to his feet.
"Thanks," he grunts to them, and as he steadies himself, the rest of the robotic army moves in behind him, silent and vigilant.
A twisted smile flickers across his face as he looks at us. "Well done," he sneers. "You've managed to defeat me…today." He sways slightly, pausing as the Terminators brace him, their metal hands digging into his arms. He catches his breath, then his voice turns cold. "But I will return—with chaos. I'll turn New York to ashes and rule the world. That's a promise."
With that, he rockets into the sky, the Terminators and his robotic legions trailing behind him, rising into the clouds until they vanish. I watch him disappear, my pulse finally slowing. He's gone…for now.
"Alright." Trivium breaks the silence, his voice a low grumble. "Can someone explain who that was and what he wants?"
I swallow, my throat dry. "That…that was Zack Hughson," I say, forcing the words out. "He was my teacher, back in secondary school…and later, a lecturer at Oxford." The memories flood in, sharper than I want. "He forced me to build those machines—the Terminators, the destructive systems. All of it."
The reminder brings me back, and I notice Desmond, kneeling beside Susan's still form, with Chioma and Jennifer at his side. My mask retracts as I walk toward them, feeling the weight of everything that just happened.
I kneel beside him. "Desmond…I'm so sorry." The words feel weak, almost meaningless.
Desmond's eyes lock on mine, red-rimmed and full of grief. "Sorry?" His voice cracks. "Sorry can't bring her back. Sorry can't change what's already done." He holds my gaze, and I see the anger, the hurt, the pleading, all tangled together in his expression.
He clenches his fists, his voice breaking. "You should have listened to him…maybe this could have been avoided."
A wave of guilt crashes over me. He's right. I knew how dangerous Zack was—how determined, how ruthless. "I know, Desmond," I manage. "You're right. And sorry won't change what's happened." I take a deep breath, the words heavy. "But I can."
Chioma looks up, her face streaked with tears. "How?" Her voice is barely a whisper.
I glance at her, then back at Desmond. "You've all forgotten—I control time. I can go back. Back to the exact moment she…" I trail off, unable to finish, but the determination fills me. "I can save her."
Jennifer's brow furrows as she looks at me. "And if you go back…her present self, she'll be alive? Just…wake up?"
"Exactly." I nod, trying to explain. "It's complicated, but here's the thing: your present self only exists if your past self is alive. But if I go back, if I stop this before it happens, her future changes too."
Trivium steps forward, looking skeptical. "Wait, how are you planning to pull this off? Your armor can take you back in time?"
"Yeah, but there's more to it. I'll explain it later," I say, glancing at Susan's lifeless form. "Right now, all that matters is bringing her back."
My helmet covers my head and I speak to Eddie 101, my AI companion, issuing a command. "Eddie, locate the exact moment…down to the hour, minute, second, that Cyberman killed her. And show me how to prevent it from happening."
Within seconds, Eddie feeds me the information, pinpointing the crucial moment, laying out every detail I need. My suit shifts, the golden hues darkening into a deep, shimmering green—Time Controller mode.
As the green light pulses around me, a portal forms, swirling, opening like a gateway into another world. I look back at Desmond, Chioma, and the others, their faces filled with hope and desperation.
"Hang on, everyone. I'll bring her back."
With one last look, I step forward, the portal engulfing me in green light as I vanish, rushing back into the past.
I take a deep breath as I arrive in the past, the city around me eerily familiar, yet strange, as if it's caught between memories and reality. I'm here for one purpose—stop Zack before he kills Susan and before he sets this whole nightmare into motion. Every second counts.
Ahead, I see them: Zack gripping Susan's shoulder with one hand, his face twisted with rage and grief. His right arm transforms, metal shifting and twisting into a deadly drill. He glances at me, eyes hard and unforgiving as I step closer.
"Zack, what are you doing?" I ask, forcing my voice to stay steady, though my heart's racing.
He stiffens. "Stay where you are… Don't take another step," he warns, tightening his hold on Susan. The drill inches closer, its tip gleaming menacingly under the dim streetlight. I hesitate, but I can't just watch.
I take a slow step forward. "Wait, Zack! This isn't the answer. Killing her—it won't bring Helen back."
His head snaps toward me, eyes wild. "Don't say her name!" His voice breaks, but he quickly regains his composure. I can feel his rage and pain, the way it's been building, consuming him. But I can't back down. Not now.
"You don't need to destroy New York because of what happened," I say, keeping my voice calm. "Zetacode didn't cause her death. He couldn't have stopped it."
"Shut up!" Zack's voice is raw, every word laced with fury. "Don't defend him! Zetacode chose to do nothing. She died in my arms because he abandoned her!" His grip on Susan tightens, and he raises the drill higher, ready to strike. "Build my armies and the machine, or she dies."
I glance at Jennifer, who's standing just a few feet away, her face pale, eyes pleading. "Brother," she says softly, voice shaking, "please… just listen to him. If you don't…"
I shake my head. "I can't, Jen. I won't." My gaze snaps back to Zack, my heart pounding as I take another cautious step forward. "Please, Zack. Don't do this. Don't let your pain destroy everything and everyone."
"Don't beg me." His voice is cold, detached, like he's already made his choice.
Just as Zack's about to drive the drill into Susan, I remember Eddie 101's instructions and spring into action, lunging forward and pulling Susan out of his grasp in one swift motion. Her terrified scream fills the air, but I don't have time to hesitate. My left arm shifts, transforming into a high-powered gun. Before Zack can react, I aim and fire a missile straight at him, sending him crashing backward.
Susan stumbles against me, her breathing heavy, her body shaking. "Thank you," she whispers, clutching my arm, her face pale and damp with sweat.
"You're safe now." I nod, and with that, I activate the portal to return to the present. The green light envelops us, and I feel the familiar pull of time shifting around me. But as I emerge—
A deep, guttural roar tears through the air, vibrating through my bones. I turn, barely processing the sight before me: a monstrous creature charging straight at me, its rotting body lurching forward with inhuman speed. Its skin is decayed, patches of flesh hanging loose, eyes lifeless but locked onto me with terrifying intensity.
"Jesus Christ!" I gasp, activating the nitrogen thrusters on my boots and back, pushing myself forward to escape, The creature is faster than anything I've ever seen, a blur of rotting flesh and bared teeth. I try to dodge, but it slams into me, claws ripping across my side, and everything spirals out of control.
Pain explodes in my side, and before I know it, I'm spiraling through time again, tumbling backward, disoriented and panicked. The present, the past—all of it becomes a blur as I'm hurled into another place, another time.
I drop to one knee as I land, metal boots hitting cracked pavement with a hollow thud. A cloud of dust rises around me, thick with ash and something sharper—the metallic tang of burning circuits and the faint smell of…blood? I try not to breathe it in, but it's everywhere. I can feel it sinking into my skin.
What's left of the skyline is a graveyard of broken buildings, jagged steel skeletons clawing at a bleak, gray sky. Silence fills the streets, broken only by a low, endless hum—steady, mechanical, too precise to be human. My chest tightens. *This can't be real. No way this is real.*
Then I see them. Rows of robots, moving in perfect, emotionless formation, every metallic face as cold and blank as a tombstone. Alongside them, larger, menacing forms patrol with red, unblinking eyes: Terminators, scanning the ruins, ready to stomp out any sign of life.
It's like a nightmare, except I can feel every second of it. I force myself to take a step forward. Another. Each one heavier than the last, because I know—somewhere deep, I know what I'm about to see.
And there they are. Jessica, Joseph, Trivium, Leonard, all scattered across the ground like fallen statues, their bodies bruised and broken, barely recognizable. The faces I know better than my own, lifeless and still. A choked breath catches in my throat. *I should've been here.*
My gaze locks onto a figure half-buried in debris. His armor—cracked, tarnished—lies a few feet away. Path Finder, slumped, barely holding himself up, face streaked with ash and blood. *Morinjo.*
I rush to his side, my mind fighting every instinct that's screaming at me to turn away, to not see this. "Finder?" My voice cracks, but he blinks, opening his eyes, his gaze meeting mine with a dull, heavy weariness.
"Sam…" He tries to lift a hand, but it falls back weakly. "You…you shouldn't be here." His voice is little more than a whisper, and something cold lodges in my chest.
"Morinjo, what—what year is this?" The words feel strange on my tongue, like they don't belong, but I have to ask.
He lets out a breath, each one a struggle. "January 24th…2030." The numbers hit me, and my mind scrambles, searching for something to cling to. *2030. So much time. So much damage.* I look around, forcing myself to take in every broken building, every cold, red-eyed machine that watches over this ruined city.
How did I let this happen? I built these things—or something close enough to it. This all started with me, didn't it? I feel like I'm sinking, like the weight of every choice I made just crashed down at once. *You did this, Sam. You walked us into this.*
"Stay with me, Finder." My voice shakes, but I force it out. "I'll…I'll fix this, alright?" It sounds like a lie, even to me.
Path Finder's eyes close, his head falling back against the rubble, as if even keeping them open is too much. "If there's a chance…go back. Stop this."
His words sink in like knives, because I know he's right. This is my mess to clean up, no one else's. *I can't let this happen. I won't let this happen.*
"Eddie 101," I murmur, fighting the tremor in my voice. "Activate the Time Controller."
A spark of green light flickers in front of me, expanding into a portal. The machines all turn, their heads swiveling toward me, each one more menacing than the last. I don't have time to hesitate, but I look back at Morinjo, at the team lying broken around him, and I feel something sharp twist inside. *This is on me.*
"I'll make this right," I promise, even as Morinjo's eyes close for the last time.
The green light grows, humming around me, and I force myself to look at this nightmare one last time: the dead buildings, the patrolling machines, the team I couldn't save. Then I step into the portal, swallowing back every doubt and fear.
"Take me home, Eddie."
My chest feels tight, each breath heavy as I lean forward, hands braced on my knees. Everything aches, but there's a strange calm settling in. For a moment, I just stand there, eyes closed, grounding myself.
"Sam!" I hear Chioma's and Jennifer's voices, and when I open my eyes, they're rushing toward me, relief and joy clear on their faces.
"You did it, Sam!" Jennifer's words come out in a burst as she pulls me into a quick hug. Her eyes shine, but something in me can't fully absorb her happiness. It's like the warmth of her words can't quite reach the parts of me still frozen.
"Susan's... Susan's back to life," Chioma adds, smiling, but her gaze sharpens as she studies my face. "Are you alright? You look like you've seen—"
I can't hide the exhaustion or the weight hanging over me, and Chioma catches it.
"What happened in there?" she asks softly, voice lined with concern.
I swallow, feeling the tension coil around me tighter. This isn't what they're expecting, and I don't want to burden them with the truth, but they deserve to know. Slowly, I steady my breath.
"January 24th, 2030," I finally say, each word feeling heavier than the last.
Trivium's voice cuts in from nearby, gentle but direct. "What did you see?"
I clench my fists, grounding myself. "Zack. He… he's already done it. New York is gone. He's in control… of everything."
The words feel like poison as they leave my mouth, and I force myself to stand. "We have to find the Ultimate Ventures, tell them everything."
"Alright," Trivium nods, resolute but watchful. "Where do we start?"
I glance at Belteshazzar, who's waiting nearby, ready. "Take my family to Grandma's Clinic. They'll be safe there." I turn to Chioma, who meets my gaze and quickly nods.
"I'll get you the coordinates," she says, pulling out her tablet.
Belteshazzar steps closer, and my family joins him, hands tightly clasped. He gives me a reassuring look before lifting off, taking them high above the city as they disappear into the night.
Silence settles between Trivium and me as we wait. I feel his eyes on me, questioning, but also steady. He's ready, and so am I.
The end.