Disclaimer: I do NOT own Prototype or Chaotic

Chapter 4

Perim - Underworld

3 days. It's been 3 days since I've been in Perim. Or more specific, under Perim. During the first day I came across a deep cave. When I went to explore I found that the cave was a whole lot bigger and deeper on the inside. I had found way underground in these massive caverns. Being underground of course made me realize one thing. I was in Underworld territory.

From what I can dig up from Jeakshan's memories, the Underworlders were what one can describe as unfriendly. They were mostly a bunch of hotheaded brutes that would attack anything they didn't like. Underworlders were more than willing to lie, cheat, and steal in order to get what they want which is why they constantly perform raids on the other tribes. They were even Underworlders that did raids just for the hell of it and killed anything in sight.

Now to many others, especially humans, this would be considered a place to avoid and never get caught in. But to me however, it sounded like a fun playground.

Though during my travels through Underworld territory, I've been doing some thinking. For one, Jeakshan apparently was into more of stealing than training so I didn't get any kind of element or energy shooting attack. This meant if I get into a fight with a creature, depending on how strong and experienced they are, I would likely end up in a stalemate. Even though I have my whipfist and throwing knives, most of my abilities are for close quarters combat. So all a creature would have to do is keep their distance while raining attacks down at me.

Sure I could try consuming some unsuspecting creature and gain their powers but then I start thinking about the consequences. Normally for a creature to have the ability to do attacks would mean they're strong on some level and when they're that strong, they gain recognition. When they have recognition then someone would most likely notice if that creature went missing. Even if they never discover it was me, the blame will go to one of the other tribes and that would just fan the flames of a war the tribes are already in. The last thing I want is to be the cause of a constant all-out war being fueled by misplaced vengeance. And there's also the thought of being caught and gaining some serious unwanted attention. That's another thing I don't want.

There is a theory the scientists in my mind have thought of that I could use but I will need to test it first. For now though, I can think of one thing that can help me even the playing field a bit: battlegear. Like I said before, these creatures have technology capable of shooting out different elements. Another bit of knowledge I got from Jeakshan was that practically each tribe has an arsenal full of different kinds of battlegear. All I have to do is find the Underworld arsenal, sneak in and grab a piece of gear. Sounds simple enough.

I was right now walking up a rocky ridge trying to see what's on the other side. I only hope to God it's not another giant pillar. During my time underground, I've come across several different pillars that held up the entire ceiling. The very first one I saw was actually made of jade but it was also owned by the Danians. The second I realized that I high tailed it out of there for not wanting to be recognized.

Anyway I was just climbing up this slightly steep rock wall that was in my way. Sure I could jump over it but after a long time having these powers, sometimes you just want to do things the old fashion way. After several minutes of climbing, I finally reached the top of the ridge. I pulled myself to the top and took a stand. I dusted myself off before looking ahead.

As I look at the sight, I said "Finally." What lay before me was the place I was looking for: Underworld City. Now allow me to make this clear. Even though I found the Underworld City, it wasn't exactly a pretty sight. The city looked like it had been through Hell. The buildings were somewhat rundown but still held strong. Onto the side, I thought I saw a lake but it was actually some black fluid. If I had to guess, I'd say that's some kind of waste from whatever the large pipe lead to. Another notable thing was the decor of spikes of the edges of the roofs of the buildings. It's no wonder why this place was called the Underworld City.

"This will be an interesting experience." I say to myself. I was about to continue forward when I looked down and noticed some Underworld guards patrolling around a wall surrounding the city. The guards wore big red armor around their bodies with only grey plating on their thighs. And the armor itself had spikes on the legs and arms. The guards also wore red helmets that covered their heads to the point where you can't see any of their faces except for their eyes. Each guard carried a weapon that looked like a short yellow staff with a muzzle at the end.

When I thought about it, the Underworld, in fact all the tribes would have guards around their major cities. Each tribe is constantly fighting each other therefore unfamiliar visitors weren't exactly welcome. Knowing this I was going to have to sneak pass the guards.

I begin to scan around the wall and the area outside of it to find an easy way to access the city. I also use a sonar pulse to check out the guards and their patrol patterns. I eventually found a way in. There was a cliff close enough to the wall that I could jump high from and glide my way into the city. Given the soldiers don't see me.

While staying in cover behind some rocks, I make my way towards the cliff. Once I was there, I crouch down and look over the edge. I knew I couldn't just do it, not with guards all around the city wall. However since they were moving back and forth around the wall, all I had to do is wait for the right moment. I stood there for a minute or so until I saw the opportunity.

Once the guards that were around had their back turned on my flight path I leapt from my perch and glided towards the wall. As I glide I kept an eye on the guards to make sure they didn't turn back around to see me. Unfortunately when I looked back up at my path I realized that I wasn't about to go over the wall but right at the top edge. I managed to get my arms and head on top on the city wall before the rest of my body slammed into it.

"Shit." I whispered under my breath. With the noise I just made, I knew I only a split second before the Underworld soldiers saw me. So I quickly lowered myself so only my hands were grabbing onto the edge and pressed my feet against the wall. Then adding enough strength, I shot my legs forward and used the momentum to flip myself over to the other side. I was lucky because I managed to do this fast enough before the Underworld guards looked at where I was and saw nothing.

I sigh in relieve as I hung from the inside of the city wall. "That was close. Had they saw me, this would be a whole lot more difficult."

Seeing that I was now on the inside, I let go of the edge and drop down to the ground silently. When I look up I see that I was in a dark alleyway. I begin to walk out of the alley and saw the city streets. A closer look at the buildings and you'll see that they kind of looked like bigger versions of the structures built during the human medieval times. The only difference I could see was that there was a stone floor instead of a dirt road.

I look back and forth and surprisingly there were only a few creatures roaming about. Then again looking at the creatures, I guess I shouldn't be surprise. One creature was just a giant green mouth with arms and legs sticking out. Another one was this fat creature that look like a bigger and meaner version of Shrek. There was even some kind of yellow demon bat cyclops. There were some regular looking Underworld citizens but they all looked like something from Hell.

I found it kind of odd that even though I was out in the open, none of the Underworlders seemed bother with another species being in their city. I guess since I'm in my human form they think I'm harmless. "Since these creatures are going to leave me alone might as well explore." I said to myself as I begin my walk around the city.

I've been walking around this massive city for about 2 hours now. And honestly, it all looks pretty much the same. Well except for the palace in the middle. From my old Danian cellmate's memories, it was basic knowledge to know who mostly ruled over each tribe. The ruler of the Underworld was this big creature called Chaor. I may have not seen this Chaor in person but I know that he's one of the biggest creatures in Perim. He has red skin, a long tail, spikes popping out of his shoulders, back and spine, and has these big blue horns on the sides of his head that curve forward and up. From what I can tell from Jeakshan's memories the only bits of clothing he wears are a pair of boots, some spiky gauntlets and a loincloth. The guy actually looked like he can be the devil himself….. on steroids.

Anyway, I've been traversing this city and I have yet to find the one thing I'm looking for: the arsenal. I even tried looking through some windows and I still couldn't find it. I doubt asking one the Underworlders about where it is would be a good idea either. "And here I thought it would be simple to find one little arsenal of battlegear…..and I really need to stop talking to myself."

I continued walking in a random direction when I heard something that caught my attention. The sound was of fearful screaming and explosions. The noise was coming from around the corner of the street I was on so I quickly pace myself to see what was going on. When I got around the corner I was met with an odd yet interesting sight.

A tiny 3 ½ foot green creature with red hair and a brown vest was running for his life from this creature that was two or three times his size and throwing fireballs at him. This other creature looked very different from the other Underworlders I've seen so far. At first I thought a majority of his body was covered in red and grey armor but then I looked closer with my enhanced vision. His torso can still somewhat pass for armor but the closer I looked at his legs, more I realize the metal was more than just armor. The metal was his legs were a part of him and so was the armor on his torso. I began to think the taller creature was some kind of cyborg since the only parts that seem to be made of flesh were his biceps and face.

Either way, the robotic creature looked angry as hell because he was tossing flaming fireballs at the smaller creature, who can only run away on his stubby legs and scream. Then that's when I heard them talk.

"You're going to pay you little runt!" The tall creature shouted as he threw more fireballs.

"It's not my fault!" The shorter creature running screamed back.

"You told me the Hive would be less secure because they were dealing with some human problems! But when I went there to snag their new battlegear, the whole place went on alert and I wasn't even the one that caused it!" The armored creature shouted again throwing another fireball.

"It's still not my fault Barrath! I wasn't the one who triggered the alert!" The tiny creature screamed while ducking at the thrown fireball.

"So you DID have something to do with it!" Barrath yelled as he started throwing fireballs at a more rapid rate. And all the little one could do is dodge, run and scream.

I stood there watching as the two creatures run right pass me. At least now I know half the story from what I just heard with my enhanced hearing. Apparently this Barrath was there at Mount Pillar trying to steal some battlegear when I was making my escape. I figured it was the Danians because he mentioned the Hive. However he was forced to retreat when I was seen trying to escape and sent every Danian into a frenzy trying to stop me. And now the one who informed Barrath that it would be safe to steal from the Danians when they were dealing with some humans is now getting the blame.

I began to consider the situation. Now I could just leave this be and walk away for not wanting to dealing a pissed off, fireball throwing Underworlder. But then I thought about the little guy. With ears about as big as his and since he told another creature about a possible chance for a perfect raid, I had to guess that he was some kind of informant. And I could definitely use an informant.

Plus in all good consciousness, I couldn't just let the little guy die for something I caused. So I might as well help the shrimp.

I took a step forward in the direction the two creatures were heading when a thought occurred to me. I look down at myself and realized that if I wanted to stay in low profile in this world than I couldn't just go running around using my powers in my human form. Like I said I didn't want any unwanted attention. Especially by anyone who actually knows about genetics.

So far I only consumed one creature and that was a Danian. Changing into a Danian here wouldn't be the best idea. It would be like painting a bullseye on the back of my head. Taking on a different human form can probably lead to creatures being suspicious of all humans and that's just as bad.

But then a new idea came to me. One that could allow me to use my abilities in front of other creatures and hopefully cause the least amount of suspicion. I began to search for a spot that can provide me some cover from other creatures. Sure enough I found a shadow covered alleyway which can cloak me in darkness. I quickly jog into the alley and hid within the shadows.

Seeing that I was now practically invisible, I close my eyes and begin to focus. Tendrils pop out of my legs and crawled up my body as my form began to change. Within a second my transformation was complete. I open my eyes and you can see I no longer had normal eyeballs. Instead I had these orange glowing eyes with no pupils. I even increased my height by a foot for good measure. Now changed into my new form, I jumped high on the rooftops and quickly went to find those two creatures.

The small creature kept bobbing, weaving and ducking to avoid the fireballs being thrown at him. To avoid another one, he made a sharp turn in between buildings. He continued running while looking behind him to see if Barrath saw him make the turn. But since he wasn't looking, that's when he slammed right into a stone wall and fell back on his ass. Looking up he realized he had just ran into a dead end.

"Now I got you." The little creature heard from behind. He turned around to see Barrath slowly walking towards. "Nowhere to run now."

The short creature backed up against the wall. "Come on Barrath Beyond. Can't we work out a deal?" He pleaded while putting up a nervous smile.

"The last time I made a deal with you, I was almost caught by the Danians." Barrath began to charge up a fire attack in his hand. "But I won't be making that mistake again." Barrath reeled his arm back to launch the attack that would end the creature who can only close his eyes.

But then he felt something. Barrath felt a hand grab him from behind. He was about to look and see who had dared touch him when he felt the same hand pushed and slam him face first to the wall on his right which caused his head to make a hole. Then Barrath was pulled out and pushed in the wall on the other side which made another hole. At this point Barrath was disoriented from having his face smashed into two walls.

Unfortunately for him, whoever was doing this to him wasn't done because Barrath was then twirled around and thrown high into the air back out the alley. "AAAAAAAHHHHHH!" He screamed until he crashed right through a stone wall and was now covered in rumble. Barrath Beyond was about to pick himself up while feeling sore all over when another large piece of stone fell onto his head thus knocking him out cold.

The little creature had no idea what just happened. One moment he was preparing for his end so he closed his eyes. But then he starts hearing some banging noise and when he opened his eyes he saw Barrath being thrown several yards into the air and crashed into a building.

Seeing his previous attacker wasn't getting up, he turned to see the one who saved him. What he saw was a creature he had never seen before in the Underworld. His savior stood a good 6'5 and was covered from head to toe in some kind of smooth grey shell-like armor that slightly resembled stone. He also had this bioluminescence lining across his body in between certain plates. Mostly around his bottom half, his arms and his eyes. There were several other notable things about his appearance. The ridges on his thighs, the sharp fingers, the shoulder pad like plating on his shoulder (Like the kind they use in formal suits), these spikes pointing back from his elbows and the top of his head had these two points. Almost like when a pissed off cat bends its ears backwards. (If you want a better visual of Trike's armor just take the shape of Mercer's armor in the first game and add the color scheme of the second except with only a little of the glowing bits. And as for the shape of the head just look up the helmet from Ratchet Deadlocked)

Seeing that Barrath wasn't about get up, I turned to see the little creature I saved staring at me. "I only managed to knock him out. I suggest we don't be here when he wakes up."

Without warning I lifted the small creature with one hand to which he yelped and placed him under my arm. Once he was secure, I bent my legs down and propelled myself up for a high jump to the rooftops. Next I proceeded to jump across several dozen rooftops to gain some distance from where I left Barrath Beyond.

After couple of minutes, I was at least a mile or two away from my previous location in the city. Seeing that it was now safe I stopped at one random rooftop and dropped my little cargo. Apparently the creature got dizzy from the ride over since I saw his eyeballs running around in circles in his head. The creature then gave his head a hard shake to get rid of the dizziness and took stock of his surroundings.

He got up, looked at me and asked "Where are we and who are you?"

I answered with "We're about one or two miles away from where Barrath is and I believe I'm the guy who just saved your ass."

"Well thanks for that I guess." The creature said while dusting himself off. He then began eyeing me. "You kind of look like an Underworlder but not any I've ever seen. Who are you really?"

"I believe it's considered rude to ask for one's identity without introducing yourself first." I replied.

The creature thought I had a point and decided to correct himself. "Oh my name is H'earring." He said with a smile. "So what's yours?"

I simply said. "None of your business."

H'earring was taken back by my response. "Hey you said-"

I cut him off before he can continue. "I said it's rude to ask for one's name without stating your own. I didn't say I would tell mine if you told me yours."

H'earring huffed and crossed his arms. "Well it is rude to trick someone like that." His posture relaxed a bit more and he raised his eyebrow at me. "So why did you save me?"

"I have my reasons." I answered.

"Like what?" H'earring questioned.

If my armor mode had a mouth, H'earring would see me grinning. "Like the fact that you're now in my debt." I could have said that I was also the one that kicked the Danian's nest when Barrath decided to raid it but I knew if I did that, H'earring would most likely say we're even.

H'earring eyes widen in realization. Then he started to nervously twirl his thumbs. "Uh could we just say it was out of the goodness in your heart?" H'earring put up a nervous smile.

I just answered with "No."

H'earring's arms fell down as he sighed. "Okay, what do you want?"

I figured he didn't want to end up like Barrath Beyond by saying no and that's why he agreed so easily. "Judging from what little I heard from Barrath when he was chasing you, you're some kind of informant. Therefore you would know all about this city right?"

"Uhh yes." H'earring answered a little confusingly.

"Good then you can take me to the Underworld arsenal." I could have him just tell me where the arsenal is but then again, he could easily give me directions to the home of some nasty creature instead. I also could have consume him and take his memories but like I said before I don't want the unnecessary attention from a missing creature.

"What!?" H'earring knew he could be sent to the pits for leading a creature who could very well be from another tribe. In order to make sure he asked "Which tribe did you say you were from?"

"I didn't." I replied. "And I'm not with any tribe. I'm by myself."

"Oh so you're tribeless." H'earring could easily believe this because practically all creatures took pride in whichever tribe he or she is from. To say you're not from any would have to be true. "But why do you want to go to the arsenal?" He thought it was a stupid question to ask but he had to make sure.

I sigh before answering. "Even with being as strong as I am, I don't have many long range attacks. So I figured one way to help me even the playing field would be to get some battlegear. And don't worry, I'm not looking for something too powerful. Just something I can use to hit things at a distance." I finished explaining.

"Oh….uh…." H'earring was now biting his lower lip and his eyes were darting back and forth. Even if I was going to take some common battlegear he still can get into serious trouble for aiding me if caught.

I once again sigh at H'earring hesitation. "Look if you want, once we get to the arsenal you can go hide somewhere on the outside and wait for me to come back out. This way no way will see you and label you a traitor. Is that okay?"

H'earring thought over for a second before nodding his head. "Okay that could work."

"Good." I begin looking around at the surrounding city. "Would you mind pointing me in the general direction of the arsenal?"

H'earring looked around to gain his bearings. "It's that way." He pointed at the far end of the city right by a lake.

Thanks to my enhanced vision, I can actually see some weird green smoke coming from the direction of the arsenal. "Alright let's go." Without warning, I quickly pick up H'earring to which he once again yelped and placed him under my arm. I then begin jumping across rooftops towards our destination.

After several more minutes of traveling, I ran out of buildings to jump across and was forced to continue on ground. But by then I can already see where we're going. First I put H'earring down on the ground seeing no reason to carry him while on foot.

H'earring's steps were a little wobbly before he straightened himself. "Could you be a little more smoother with the jumping?" He complained.

I ignore the question as I begin to examine the structure we were heading for. It had one short building in the front with a round tower on the top. Behind that was another taller building with a bridge coming out of the upper levels connecting to the tower. There are also some large pipes around the place. A few of which were spewing out that green smoke I saw before. If anything the place almost looked like a small castle.

H'earring and I begin to careful tread towards the structure. "So this place is the arsenal?" I ask H'earring.

He answered with "It's more of Ulmar's lab but it still has battlegear."

I look down at H'earring. "Who's Ulmar?"

"You could say he's the Underworld's greatest scientist. He invents all of the battlegear for the Underworld." H'earring explained.

"I'm guessing when the Underworlders perform raids on the other tribes, Ulmar reverse engineers the battlegear they take and makes duplicates right?" I questioned. If this was true then maybe only half of the battlegear the Underworld has is originally theirs.

H'earring nodded. "Yeah, he does. Just curious, what exactly are you planning on taking?"

"Hopefully something no one will miss too much." I replied.

A couple of minutes of walking passed as we finally made it to the front of the lab. I look down at H'earring and was about to tell him to wait outside for me when I noticed him looking around nervously.

That's when he decided to speak. "You know there's a chance I could be seen out here. Maybe I should come in with you."

Looking around I understood his point. In front of the lab was nothing but open area. If someone were to come by, they'll see H'earring waiting out here. And if they see me coming out they'll know he was helping me. I don't want H'earring to be branded a traitor so I guess there wasn't much choice.

"Okay but just make sure to stay hidden." I grab H'earring by the back of his vest and jump up to one of the upper windows. I jumped at an angle to land inside without having to pull myself in. The second I did land, I stayed low in a crouching position and quickly scan my surrounding.

The inside was pretty dark with little lighting. I could use that to my advantage. There was also a few tables lying around with various tools and some jars on them. But then a closer look with my enhanced sight and I saw that jars held some kind of organ. Guess this Ulmar works in both technology and biology.

Seeing the coast was clear, I put H'earring down. The small creature was a little shook from the sudden jump and once again took a second to straighten himself. "Couldn't you just go through the front?" He asked.

I point my finger at him and said "When it comes to breaking into anyplace, never use the front door. Now stay hidden behind a table or in a shadow or something while I find where the battlegear is, okay?"

"Whatever you say." H'earring complied and went to hide behind a table while licking his lips at an organ jar on top of it.

I shake my head at his antics and started to move along in the shadows of the room. As I reach the door, I take a peek out the other side. It was just a hallway with a few doors here and there. "Best find Ulmar so I know where he is. Maybe he can lead me to where the battlegear is." With that, I send out a sonar pulse and after a moment it came back from one side of the hall. "Gotcha."

I begin to move down the hall towards Ulmar. Of course I would take a quick peek in the doors I pass. The rooms were either just a room with more tools, a room with what looked like blueprints or just a closet. A couple of times I've sent out more sonar pulses to see if Ulmar moved. He hasn't so either he's sleeping or he's working on something.

Finally reach the end of the hall, I find myself standing in front another door. I send another pulse to see how close Ulmar is to the door. Fortunately it seems like he's on the other side of the room. So I carefully and slowly open the door and poke my armored head through.

There were a few I noticed about the room. First is that the room had blueprints on the walls and tables along with some tools on the tables and shelves. So it was like a mixture of the other ones I've seen. Second was the fact that there was crumbled up paper all over the floor and I just saw another one get thrown to join the rest. Thirdly was the one who threw it.

On the other end of the room this freaky looking imp of a creature. He stood at about 4'4 feet tall and that was excluding the stool he was standing on. He was wearing a stereotypical scientist outfit which was a closed white lab coat and brown pants. He seemed to also have green skin, pointy ears and red eyes. But there were two things that definitely stuck out the most. One was the fact he had metal hands and feet, and the other was that he was missing the top part of his head therefore his brain was sticking out. For a moment I wondered if he did that to himself or did he end up giving him mother a heart attack when he was born.

I had to assume that this pint sized creature was Ulmar and this was his workshop. It seems that he hasn't even noticed I entered the room because he was too busy working on a new blueprint. Though I think it wasn't going well since I can hear him grunting in frustration. "AH! This would never work!" Ulmar then crumbled up the blueprint and tossed it aside. He quickly grabbed another sheet of paper and began drawing his schematic out for the umpteenth time.

Seeing that Ulmar was lost in his own little world, I start to scan the room for anything that could lead me to where I want to go. That's when I see another door on one side of the room. I figured why not take a look so I stuck to the shadows and silently made way to the door. Reaching the door I look back to see if I've been spot. Luck seemed to be still on my side because Ulmar was still distracted with his work. I even saw that he had started working with another new sheet of paper.

I turn my attention back on the door and begin to carefully open it. Once it was far enough for my body to slip through I went in. Now on the other side of the door, I was able to see the contents of the new room. Looks like I hit the jackpot because all around me was battlegear. Some of which I knew thanks to that Danian I consumed and some that I didn't know. But I'm not here to satisfy my curiosity for what each gear does; I'm just here to get what I'm looking for.

I begin to browse through the battlegear on the shelves and the ones stacked against the wall. There was a couple I thought were kind of bizarre. Like this one gear that was a creature's skull with a handle sticking out the side and a scope out one of the eye sockets. I can also swear that another piece of gear looked just like a hand harp. Funny enough I even saw a few of those spear blaster things the Danians use.

My search continued until I reached near the end of the room. Something had caught my eye from behind some other battlegear. I moved them out of the way and there is was: the liquilizer. Like I said before, I was after something that hopefully no one would miss. Like all the other battlegear, it had a unique design. The handle was like a restaurant door handle and it connects to these two round blue glowing containers. Guess that's where the ammo which is water is stored. Coming out from between the two tanks was this long rust-brown barrel. In fact most of the gun as brown. I made a mental note to change the color when I have the time.

Now one would think out of all the battlegear I can choose from here, why go with the portable weaponized fire hose. I have a few reasons. One, and I already said this, I want a weapon no one will miss. The memories of the one creature I consumed tell me that even though this battlegear is supposed to be somewhat rare, many creatures use it. Two, and this is also from the same memories, the liquilizer is designed to absorb moisture from the air when refilling. Therefore the water supply is practically limitless so I don't have to worry about finding more ammo. And three, like I also said before, I prefer to use killing as a last resort while here in Perim. Hopefully with this, I can get some creatures who want to fight me to back off.

I wanted to make sure the gear actually worked so scanning around it I found a button. Pressing it, a few bits of the liquilizer lit up and the very end of the barrel started spinning. I had turned the battlegear on. Pressing the button again, I turned it off. "Well I found what I wanted. Now I can leave and continue my journey." I then place the liquilizer on my back and wrapped some tendrils around it to make it stick.

Just when I thought the whole thing will go smoothly for once, Murphy's Law had to stick its ugly face out again. "INTRUDER!" I quickly turn around and the first thing I see is a test tube flying towards my face. I didn't have time to dodge so it hit its target which was of course my face. When it did, there was a tiny explosion of…..whatever was in the tube. Though the explosion was small, I could feel the content trying to burn through my armor. Fortunately it wasn't very strong because it only got a few millimeters deep before the shell quickly regrew.

Once I regained my vision, the first I noticed was the pissed off looking Ulmar staring directly at me with another test tube in his hand. "Spy! Thief!" He shouted as he threw the glass tube at me. Since I was able to see it coming this time, all I did was duck and let it fly over my head.

"Wait!" I held out my hand. "Let's make a little deal." I know I'm in the Underworld and all but it couldn't hurt to try a little diplomacy. "Just let me keep the liquilizer and this won't have to get embarrassing." I said.

The only response I got was Ulmar lighting up his hands with fire and throwing fire balls at me. I quickly roll to side to evade the blast. I really should have known better, Underworlders hardly ever listen to reason. But then again I am stealing from him so I guess anyone would react by shooting first. Regardless, I don't mind taking a bit of damage but I'm not going to let him ruin the gear I just found.

Without wasting any time Ulmar continued to send a barrage of fire balls at me. Using my agility, I began to dodge left and right from the shots while also moving forward little by little. Once I was close enough, I shifted my arms and shot them out at Ulmar.

Ulmar really had no idea what just happened. One moment he's about to roast this intruder that had dared to try to steal from him, and the next he's being suspended in midair with all four limbs stretched out by these weird fleshy tendrils. He tried to struggle to get his limbs free but it was no good. In fact, Ulmar was pretty sure he was being pulled further.

"I wouldn't if I were you." I warned him. "The more you struggle, the more it pulls." Ulmar seemed to have heeded my warning because he then stopped. But he was also snarling at me. "I told you it would get embarrassing. Should've listened."

Ulmar quickly glanced at the tendrils holding his arms and the expression on his face told me he got an idea. Unfortunately I was proven right when his hands underneath the tendrils began to light up. Then a small growing hole appeared in one of the masses spewing out fire. That when I realized Ulmar was trying to burn off the tendrils and it seemed to be working.

It wouldn't be long until Ulmar had freed himself so I said "And that's my que to leave. Bye." and ran out of the room.

I retraced my steps and quickly made my way back to the room that I had left H'earring in. Once I was in, I went over to the nearest table and using my enhanced strength jammed it in front of the door. It may not be much but I figured it can buy a little time.

H'earring peaked out from his hiding spot and saw what I was doing. "What are you doing? What's going on?" He asked.

I rushed over to him. "It seems we overstayed our welcome so it's time to leave." I then picked him up and placed him under my arm. "Hang on."

It was at that moment, the door exploded in flames. Knowing there was no time to waste, I jumped out the window I originally entered through. Though while coming down I also noticed a fireball flying over my head. The second I landed on the ground outside I sprinted to get away from the building while at the same time dodging more fireballs being tossed from most likely Ulmar. After gaining some distance Ulmar stopped attacking and starting yelling in frustration. However just because the attacks stopped, doesn't mean I was stopping.

After taking some battlegear, I believed it was time to go before I was found out. So I asked for H'earring to show me a route out of the Underworld that others wouldn't usually take. So he took me to a location that even had me concerned. The name of the location that H'earring told me was the Lava Pond.

From what H'earring has told me so far, the Lava Pond was one of the most dangerous locations in the Underworld. The area was basically half land and half blazing hot flowing lava. Many creatures have fought here and many have been claimed by the surrounding pools of molten fluid. H'earring also informed me how this location increases the strength of fire attacks for creatures. This was certainly a location where I'd want to watch my step because sure fire doesn't really affect me anymore but lava, I wasn't too sure about and neither did I want to test it.

As of right now I was still in my armor form with my new liquilizer on my back and H'earring walking along side me. We were now in the middle of the Lava Pond on a path that should lead us safely out.

H'earring decided to speak up. "I can't believe you went through all that trouble for a liquilizer. You know there was much better battlegear you could have taken right?"

"Like I said before, I was going to take something hopefully no one will miss. And a liquilizer is perfect. Plus its design insures that I don't have to worry about ammo."

"Whatever." H'earring replied. "Since you said you're not from any tribe, where are going next?"

"I'm just travelling right now so I'm not really sure what my next destination will be. Probably the Overworld." I answered.

H'earring then began to eye me up and down. "With the way you look, I don't think they accept you coming in."

"You just let me worry about that." Besides if I go to the Overworld, I'm not doing it in my armor form. "Once we're out of here, your debt is repaid and we can go our separate ways."

H'earring simple shrugged. "Okay. It's just a little further ahead."

I considered that the end of the conversation and continued walking forward while being careful not to step on a small puddle of lava. But then that's I start hearing an odd noise. It was like the sound of a plane or jet engine only smaller but it was getting louder. "Hey, do you hear that?" I asked.

Unfortunately I never got an answer because a huge fireball came out of nowhere and exploded in front of us to which flung us several feet back. I shake my head and begin to pick myself up. Looking over at H'earring I see he wasn't too badly hurt. I then look around to see where that fireball came from but then I hear that noise again. I look towards the direction of the sound and saw what or who caused the blast.

Apparently Barrath Beyond was back and he was flying around with some sort of jetpack.

"Guess whose back!" He shouted.

Second H'earring saw him, he was racked in fear. "Barrath!"

"I don't know what kind of creature you are, but no one and I mean no one, humiliates Barrath Beyond!" Barrath declared while lighting his hands on fire.

Getting back on my feet, I gestured to H'earring. "You go hide. I'll handle this creep."

H'earring didn't waste any time as he got up and ran to find a hiding spot.

"You won't get very far." Barrath stated. "It shouldn't take too long for me to destroy this creature." He said arrogantly.

"Okay so far I can tell he's a bit arrogant" I thought. "Maybe I can use that to my advantage. Then again, he's has the advantage of being in the air while I'm stuck down here surrounded by lava. Definitely going to need to watch my step."

Before I can think any further, Barrath went on the offensive and started throwing fireballs. To evade the incoming shots I perform several long distance backflips. While doing this I noticed the fireballs themselves were bigger than when Barrath was attacking H'earring before. That could only mean the Lava Pond does intensify fire attacks. Barrath Beyond has the home field advantage.

After doing several backflips, I decide to take cover behind a rock structure. It only took a second for Barrath to catch up. "You can't run from me! Thanks to my torwegg, I can catch you no matter where you go!" Barrath shouted. "Torrent of Flame!" He then fired a stream of flames at the rock I'm hiding behind of.

"Okay so now I know the thing on his back is called a torwegg." I thought. "Have to find a way to bring him down. Shouldn't be too hard, I've taken down military helicopters before." I then shift my right arm into my whipfist. "See how you like this."

I jumped out from my cover and shot out my whipfist at Barrath. This turned out to be a bad move because Barrath just moved a little to the side, avoiding my whip and grabbed the whip itself. Once he had a firm grip, with great strength he pulled me off my feet and spun me around a few time before tossed me to the side straight towards a lake of lava.

Realizing where I was heading I knew I had to do something quick. Since my whipfist was still out, I shot it at the closest structure I could see that wasn't lava. Once it was hooked, just before I fell into the lava I pulled myself safely onto land.

If I had a heart, it would be pumping hard right now. That was far too close for comfort. "Okay definitely not going to do that again." Before I can get back on my feet a fireball hits me on the side and sends me tumbling a bit. I look up a see Barrath had caught up to me again.

I decide to use something different. I shift my arm back into normal armor mode and formed bio throwing knives in my hands. With a backhand toss I threw the blades at my flying target. Unfortunately this proved to be useless too as Barrath bobbed and weaved back and forth until all my knives missed. That torwegg of his was starting to get on my nerves.

"Ember Swarm!" Barrath fired a fire attack at me which for some reason was giving off this buzzing sound. I jumped far to the side to evade but then what happened next took me by surprise. The attack changed its course and was still heading for me. It was then I realize the attack was like a swarm of flaming bees. Once again, I was caught off guard and the attack hit with full force. I was sent flying back while the attack burned away at my armor. I finally stopped when my back hit a rock structure and the burning sensation ended. Luckily it didn't do much damage and I was able to heal just fine.

It was then I hear a maniacal laugh. "Hahahaha! Is this all you got? You are definitely one of the most weakest creatures I ever fought! H'earring puts up a better challenge than you!"

And now Barrath himself was getting on my nerves. "But he does have a point. This fight isn't getting me anywhere. My whipfist didn't work and neither did my bio knives. I'm sure as hell not going to try to jump at the guy. Not when there's lava everywhere."

That's when I remembered something. "Wait a second." I look towards my back and saw it wasn't there. "Crap, must've dropped it." I quickly scan the area with my enhanced vision. It only took a second for me to see that I had dropped it where Barrath first attacked me and H'earring. And that is was also on the other side of a large lava pond.

I wasn't about to risk jumping and gliding my way there especially with the armored fire dispenser hovering around. So my only option is to sprint my way around the pond. I began my run but as I did, Barrath Beyond chased me from above raining down more flame. The only thing I could do was dodge left and right.

"Now you're trying to run away! But you can't escape Barrath Beyond!" He shouted.

"God does this guy ever shut up?" I thought as I was already half way around the pond. But Barrath was making this difficult with the fireballs. I had to think of a way to distract him. Which I did.

First, I morphed my arm into my whipfist again. Then I stopped for a second and launch my whipfist straight up towards the ceiling. Once it was hooked I tugged it as hard as I can which caused that portion of the ceiling to collapse. I managed to get out of the way of the falling rocks. Barrath on the other hand wasn't so lucky and was now forced to stop his chase to avoid getting hit.

This bought me some time to get what I need. So I continued to run towards where I dropped my battlegear. After about a minute I finally reached my liquilizer but as the same time Barrath was done dodging rocks. When he caught up, he saw what I was trying to get the whole time.

"A liquilizer? That's what you were trying to get?!" He then laughed. "How is that going to help you?"

"Like this." I activated the liquilizer and fired. But I wasn't aiming for Barrath himself, I was aiming at the pool of lava directly underneath him. Why would I do that you ask, well what happens when water comes in contact with something that's raging hot? It evaporates and turns to steam. Or in this case a huge cloud of blinding steam which, of course, Barrath got caught in.

Now Barrath was inside a massive cloud of steam. He couldn't see anything in any direction. Not even his target. So using his torwegg he flew in a random direction and got out of the cloud. Once he was out he scanned the ground below for his enemy. But much to his surprise he couldn't find the creature anywhere.

"Where did you go?!" Barrath yelled as he continued to search around.

What Barrath Beyond didn't know was that he was wasting his time looking down. Because when he was caught in the steam, I had jumped high up in the air and used my whipfist to climb up to the ceiling. And that's where I was hiding and waiting for the right moment.

"Just a little closer." I thought as I waited for Barrath to get right underneath me. After a few seconds, he was right where I needed him to be. "Now!" I dropped down and hitched a ride on Barrath's back.

"Hey! What are you doing?! Get off me!" Barrath yelled as he tried to shake me off.

"Whatever you say, but first." I punched a hole into the torwegg and pulled out some wires. I then jumped off to the ground and watch the results. The torwegg was going haywire and Barrath had lost control. He was now flying in a bunch of random directions screaming. Several times over he crashed into rocks and pillars only to take off in another direction.

I stood there for a while watching in amusement with my head turning back and forth. If it wasn't for the fact my armor mode lacked a mouth, you could see lips forming a smile. But then I decided it was time to end it so I shifted my arms into my musclemass. It basically beefs up my arms with solid biomass and doubles my physical strength.

Next I got myself ready to intercept Barrath's flight path. Being in the right position, Barrath was now flying right towards me. He would have flown over my head had I not jumped and clotheslined the sucker. He back flipped a few times before the torwegg pushed him straight down to the ground head first. The jetpack would have taken him flying again but I managed to land on his back holding him in place and tear off the torwegg. It was still going berserk but thanks to my musclemass it wasn't going anywhere. So with a squeeze I crushed the torwegg and tossed it into a pool of lava.

I then hear Barrath groaning in pain under my foot. I stepped off and flipped him over so he was lying on his back. The metal around Barrath's body was covered in dents and tears. No doubt from the constant crashing. I guessed he wasn't saying anything because he was in too much pain to speak. So I thought I'd do the talking.

"You know, I can easily finish you off right here and now but I prefer to be merciful so I'm not going to. However…" I crouched down to get closer to his face. "…if you come after me again and I won't be so generous. Do I make myself clear?" I said in a threatening tone. Barrath slowly and painfully nodded for yes. "Good."

I then grabbed Barrath by the neck and lifted him up. It was in that moment another thought came to me. "Oh and one last thing. You don't go near H'earring either. If I hear that something happened to him, whether it was your doing or not, I'll come for you. Even if it was another creature, I'll assume that creature was sent by you. Got it?" Barrath nodded as best as he could with my hand around his neck. "Good."

I grabbed Barrath with both my hands and said "Now just think a happy thought." Then with a hard stroke, I threw Barrath Beyond through the air as hard as I could. He flew for a good half a mile until he crashed straight into a rock pillar and fell unconscious. One would think why didn't I just consume him? Well that's the thing, even if I wanted to his body is mostly made of metal. Not much to consume in the first place.

Seeing that the fight was now over, I strapped the liquilizer onto my back with some tendrils. I hear some tiny footsteps and looked to the side to see H'earring walking towards me. Probably saw the whole fight from his hiding spot.

He came up to me and said "Wow that was amazing. I had never seen anyone fight like that before. How did you do that whip thing?"

"It's something only I can do." I answered as I shifted my arms back to normal.

"Okay." H'earring replied. "Hey I heard what you said to Barrath about leaving me alone. Thanks for that."

"No problem." I said. Then I begin to walk in the direction H'earring was taking me in the first place.

H'earring himself caught up and walked beside me. "Hey listen, if you ever need any more favors or information, feel free to come to me. I hear about a lot of things."

"Really?" I asked playfully.

"Yeah." H'earring answered. "For a small price of some Dractyl scales."

I honestly had no idea what Dractyl scales were but considering that it'll likely be some time before I decide to come back to the Underworld, I can find out. "Sure."

"Great." H'earring said.

He and I continued on our path until we finally reach the end of the Lava Pond. "Well I guess this is where we go our separate ways."

H'earring replied with "Yeah I guess."

"Then I guess I'll see you around. So long." I begin to move ahead while H'earring stayed where he was staying watching me leave.

But then I stopped. A whole moment passed where I didn't move. Until…

"Shifro."

"Huh?" H'earring said confusingly.

"You can call me….Shifro." I began to move again and gave a wave without looking back. "Until we meet again."

H'earring felt happy. Before I wouldn't tell him my name and said it was none of his business. The fact that I told him now most likely meant I considered him a friend now. So he smiled, waved and shouted "So long Shifro!"

I had now been in the Underworld City, got myself a piece of battlegear and came up with an alias for whenever I made appearances in my armor mode. Three accomplishments in one go. Not bad but there was still a whole world to see. Now the only question that remains is…"Where to next?"

Author's Note: If you're interested and/or can spare a minute or two, there's a online petition to bring Chaotic back. Just look up Save Chaotic and there it is. It literally only takes 2 minutes so sign-up and spread the word.

Also thank you for reading and please review.