love and thunder
Chapter 9 War at Pandora
Light raised his head and stood on Diamond's black glass house.
Before him gathered fighters, freed men, workers, survivors, and soldiers.
An army born from pain.
He looked across them all and spoke with force.
"We are stronger than fear today."
"We remember who we are… and where we come from."
"Most of us, years ago, lived in chains. We never believed that one day we would be free men… that we would have rights."
He paused.
Then his voice deepened.
"But one man named Diamond made it possible."
"He paid heavily for many of your freedom."
"Even when he did not know you… he believed no man should live in chains."
The crowd grew still.
"But now the devils of Pandora Square… the authorities of the High Tower… men and women with power who love to oppress the helpless…"
His fist tightened.
"Today we stand as the mouths of the helpless…"
"And the strength of the strengthless."
A roar rose from the crowd.
Then Blue stepped forward.
"Today we fight for two reasons!"
His voice struck like thunder.
"First—for our brother, friend, father, our boss… Diamond."
"The man who has paid countless prices for us."
"Second—we fight for the oppressed…"
"Those who have nobody."
The army answered with rage.
Blue pointed toward the skies.
"War planes!"
The engines roared alive.
"Burn down the slave markets in Pandora Malland."
"Free every slave."
"If anyone tries to stop you—devour them ruthlessly."
"And if anyone asks who sent you…"
He smiled coldly.
"Tell them it was by order of the House of Dlwisy."
Then Blue turned to Light.
"Now…"
His eyes burned.
"It is your time to shine."
Minutes later—
The sky opened in fire.
Bombs fell.
Bullets screamed.
The health and wealth of Pandora shook under ruthless attack.
Men and women of Pandora answered with fury.
For three hours, war consumed the gates.
Then—
The gates of Pandora broke.
Light led the first army straight into the black market.
Word reached Jessie through a letter.
My Lady Jessie, six million gangsters have been killed by ruthless fire and bombs. The fight is coming from outside and inside. Even men we thought were ours are now against us.
Jessie's face hardened.
Another letter reached High Chief Tigger.
My Lord High Chief Tigger, all your shipments to the black market have been stolen. Three thousand of our men are dead. All the guns brought to market have been taken. Your traders have been killed.
Tigger turned sharply.
"Who are they?"
He called for James.
Before Tigger could speak, James rushed forward.
"My lord! The stadium where the Transformer Game was to be held is in hellfire. Half of Malland burns. Billions of your men have fallen!"
Tigger stared at the wall.
"This is war… real war."
He slowly turned.
"Who are these boys and girls who have brought battle to the God of War?"
"And what do they want from me?"
James lowered his eyes.
"We do not know yet."
Then Ben ran in.
"My lord High Chief Tigger! The war spreads fast toward Pandora High Square. We should inform Lady Jessie. Increase security there. Increase Holp's guard."
He stepped closer.
"We must stop this fire before it reaches Holp… and the High Lords."
Tigger's eyes narrowed.
"Who are these fighters?"
"What do they want from us?"
Ben answered:
"They want to free all the slaves."
Tigger thundered back:
"Then who are they?"
Moments later, Michael entered.
"My lord High Chief Tigger… the prisoner has spoken."
Tigger looked up.
Michael continued.
"He said: Tell your master to let me go."
"And he added… I am trouble to all of you. If you and your master fail to do this, my presence will drink your household in trouble, and your families will be haunted."
Silence.
Then Tigger smiled darkly.
"This man called Diamond…"
He stepped forward.
"What gives him such audacity?"
Suddenly Ben shouted:
"My lord! You captured Diamond? Cousin to Light—the atomic bomb specialist general?"
"Half-brother to Blue the Reaper?"
"And Laho—the mastermind of war, master of sword, gunfire, and technology?"
Ben's voice shook.
"My lord… he is trouble to us."
"Even in chains."
"In the past, Diamond freed countless slaves. His bounty is worth trillions."
Tigger turned to Ben with deadly calm.
"If you were not family, I would have taken your head for this noise and fear."
Then he smirked.
"But I like that you know something."
He faced Michael.
"Is it true?"
Michael bowed.
"My lord… your half-brother Ben knows more of Diamond's history than I do."
"All I know is that he and his brothers built Dlwisy Limited."
Ben stepped closer.
"My brother… my lord Chief Tigger…"
"It is you who brought war to our lovely Pandora."
"Let him go, or I will report you to the other High Lords—"
Before he could finish—
Atomic bombs streaked across the sky.
Heading straight for Pandora High Square.
Ben turned in horror.
"Why did you capture him, my lord?"
Tigger answered coldly.
"He knows someone who made my bounty run into hiding."
Then the four of them walked down toward the chamber where Diamond still stood in chains.
Outside Pandora High Square…
Jessie stood with Louise.
Louise spoke urgently.
"My Lady Jessie, heavy war spreads across Pandora Malland. Many souls are lost. What should we do?"
Jessie turned with a question.
"Louise… do you love your life?"
"And your family's life?"
"Yes or no?"
Louise bowed quickly.
"Yes, my lady. I love my life and my family."
Jessie stepped closer.
"Then focus on bringing Alohan back to the tower before Holp becomes truly angry."
"You do not want to see Holp's anger…"
"Or do you?"
Louise answered immediately.
"No, my lady."
Then Louise added:
"I have collected all the CCTV footage."
Jessie smiled softly.
"Have you watched it?"
"Yes, my lady."
Louise swallowed.
"Alohan was being pursued by James' gangsters."
Jessie paused.
Then her voice sharpened with anger.
"Who gave James the authority?