The Goddess's Madness

It was a rumor that the humans of Earth-7 had broken free of the Creators' grip.  And for almost a year, the Creators had yet to wipe the planet clean of them.

The rumor soon spread to Earth-4, where Isa Jo and Kachi overheard it.  Both had fought the Creators' will again and again since the fall of the Nebulox.  Time and time again, both fought off the Creators' lackies together, but even warriors must rest from the battlefield.  After a month of fighting, Isa and Kachi decide to head over to Earth-7 in secret to see if the rumors are true.

They both agreed that it wasn't to hide from the Creators but find those who have the will to fight back.

Isa: Well, here we are.  Earth-7.

Kachi: How many Earths do you think exist?

Isa: By now, I don't know.  The Creators make multiple Earths in Inner Space as a defense mechanism against Outer Space.  There could be thousands for all I know.

Kachi: To think, the people of this Earth can fight off the Creators for so long.

Isa: We don't know that just yet.  All we have to go by are rumors.

Kachi: (looks outside the window) The Keepers don't seem to see us as intruders.  They haven't stopped us from landing on their planet.

Isa: It's too suspicious, but it's a nice change of pace.  Let's land and find someone.

Isa slowly lands an escape ship he and Kachi commendeered to arrive on Earth-7.  They step out to see the Keepers, creatures whose mission is to destroy any supposed contaminants, watching over the planet from the sky, paying no mind to them.  Soon enough, Isa and Kachi are met by three women.

???: Greetings, strangers.  State your name and business.

Isa: Uh, hi, My name is Isa-

???: Speak only when you are spoken to! (to Kachi) Please state you name and business.

Isa: What?

Kachi: OH, um, I'm Kachi.  Isa and I have heard rumors that this planet has broken free from the creators.

Beowulf Guard 1: Aw, you search is over.  Welcome, Kachi, to Beowulf City.  Allow us to show you to our humble city.

Beowulf Guard 2: Please, come with us, and we will show you your new home.  You and your subordinate shall be very happy here.

Isa: Wait, what did you just call me?

Kachi: C'mon, Isa.  We came here to see if the rumors are true, didn't we?

Isa: Yeah, I guess you're right, Kachi.

Beowulf Guard 2: Of course she is right.  She is always right.

Isa: I don't mean to impose, but how do you know that?  You just met her.

Beowulf Guard 1: .... (to the third guard) Tell Lady Midoka that we have two newcomers seeking refuge in her fair city.

Beowulf Guard 3: At once.

Beowulf Guard 1: If you and your subordinate will come with me, I will give you a tour of what our city has to offer.

Isa: (shrugs his shoulders) Lead the way. (the guard does not respond) Hello?  Did you hear me?

Kachi: Hmmm... lead the way.

Beowulf Guard 1: (nods) Right this way.

Isa: Wait, that's what I- (sighs) Whatever.

Isa and Kachi follow the two guards to a hover craft an elderly man is piloting.  The third guard flies into the city on hover back.  The hover craft goes underground into a city beaming with life and commerce.  One tower stands tallest above all others in the city.

Kachi: Amazing.  I've never just a place before in my life.

Isa: Earth-4 has nothing like this.

Beowulf Guard 2: The wealth and prosperity of our city is all thanks to the teachings and guidence of our goddess, the fair Lady Midoka.

Kachi: A goddess?

Beowulf Guard 1: She came to us almost a year ago when our planet was nothing but desolation.  She broke the planet's grip on of the heathans who claim themselves as "the Creators."

Beowulf Guard 2: Through her guidence, she has brought our city out of the dark ages and into a new light.

Isa: That doesn't make sense.  Shouldn't the-

Beowulf Guard 2: Subordinate, you are only to speak to when spoken to or with Lady Kachi's permission.

Isa: (groans) ... (under his breath) Better play along. (to Kachi) May I say something?

Kachi: Isa, you don't have to ask permission from me.  You never did before.

Isa: Thanks.  What I was trying to say is that whenever a human goes against the Creators, they wipe the planet clean of humans and start over.  Why haven't they done that?

Beowulf Guard 1: It's obvious that you've bought into the lies of the nonbelievers.  The Creators do not have such powers.  Even if it was true, Lady Midoka's might will stop them.

Beowulf Guard 2: Oh, it's almost time for Lady Midoka's adress to the people.

Beowulf Guard 1: Allow her to answer all your questions. (turns to the elderly man) Land this ship now.

Elderly Man: Yes, my lady.

The hover craft lands on a helipad as the bells of a clock tower ring.  The people in the city gather outside their homes as a woman steps onto the balcony of the tallest tower.  She approaches a microphone as she awaits the applause of the people to die down.

Kachi: That must be her, Lady Midoka.

Isa: Let's hear what she has to say.

Midoka: (the applause ends) My fellow people, rejoice, for another day, we live free from the oppressive grip of those heathans who dare claim dominion over our planet.  The rumors of Inner Space and Outer Space at war are nothing but lies.  The Outer Space that these so-called "Creators" say they are defending our planet from is actually working with them to destroy our way of life.

Kachi: (aside to Isa) Is what she saying true?

Isa: Then why would they go out of their way to try and destroy you?

Midoka: The cause of all this fruitless war is the avarice and greed of the men who claimed leadership over humanity years ago.  They, like all men, have given their souls for their own monitary gain and placing the blame on women.  But all is not lost for you men standing here today; give your undying trust and alligence to me, and I will ensure you enternal bliss with your superiors.

Kachi: That must be why they think you're my subordinate.

Midoka: My people, if you put your trust in my, I will protect you from the influences of the Creators, and one day, the Creators will see justice.  For now, live your lives according to your superiors.

The people cheer for Midoka as she waves to the people.  She then retires to her quarters shortly after.  The thrid guard awaits for her return.

Beowulf Guard 3: I am sorry for intruding in your personal quarters, but I come to give you something that demands your attention.

Midoka: You may speak.

Beowulf Guard 2: We have outsiders who wish to live within the city walls, my Lady.

Midoka: That is good news indeed.  More and more people are opening their eyes to the truth.

Beowulf Guard 3: Yes, my lady, but this outsider, Lady Kachi, she allows her subordinate to speak out of turn.  I fear that he will cause trouble for our city.

Midoka: Calm yourself.  Men are flawed by nature.  It is Lady Kachi that must learn how to treat her subordinate.

Beowulf Guard 3: Of course, my Lady.  How do you plan on doing so?

Midoka: With an olive branch.  Have her come to my quarters.  I wish to speak to her myself of how to treat her subordinate.

Beowulf Guard 3: I will have her here in moment's time.

The guard steps out of Midoka's private quarters and contacts the other two guards who escorted Isa and Kachi into Beowulf City.

Kachi: Isa, everything she said, it's so different from what you told me.

Isa: That's Earth's entire history; people saying what they believe to be the right answer to the universe.  We've even killed each other in the name of their god or their beliefs.  In a way, the Nebulox fought for the same reason; they truly thought you would destroy the entire universe.

Kachi: So what do think?  Could Lady Midoka be correct?

Isa: I don't think so, but if they believe it and contrary to what I feel about her, who are we to say no?  Everyone's gotta believe in something.

Beowulf Guard 1: Pardon me, Lady Kachi, but Lady Midoka has summoned you to her quarters alone.  She wishes for your company right away.

Kachi: Really?  Why?

Isa: That sounds suspicious if you ask me.

Beowulf Guard 1: No one did ask you.  Now, since she asked for Lady Kachi alone, you must await for her return. (hands Isa a pendent) This pendent allows you to explore the city without permission of your superior.

Isa: Excuse me?

Beowulf Guard 2: Lady Kachi, we mustn't keep Lady Midoka waiting.

Kachi: Isa?

Isa: Just watch yourself, Kachi.

Kachi: Alright. (accompanies the guards to the tower) I'm ready.

Isa: (sees the guards leave with Kachi) Man, what's with this place?  They're treating Kachi like she's a queen, and yet they've never even met her before.  Something is definitely up.

Elderly Man: Psss.  You boy....

Isa: (turns around) Maybe you can tell me what's going on here.

Elderly Man: It's not wise for a man to speak out of turn, especially towards Lady Midoka.

Isa: Care to tell me why?

Elderly Man: (looks around) .... (whispers to Isa) Lady Midoka says that years ago, life on Earth was the opposite of what it is now; the planet was ruled by men.

Isa: That's crazy.

Elderly Man: I know, I was a boy before the Ruffians came to be, but that's not the point.  Midoka has convinced everyone that it was men who caused the war and split the planet into multiple copies.

Isa: Are you saying she's wrong?

Elderly Man: I don't know what to think; even I have bought into her teachings, but seeing that girl treat you with respect, maybe there's hope yet.

Isa: Wait... is she hiding something?

Elderly Man: I can't say.  I'm too old, but with those young legs, maybe you can find the main computer in her tower and see if what she says has any truth to it.

Isa: Hmmm... You better not be lying, old man, but I wanna know more about this place and why Midoka has a sudden interest in Kachi.

Elderly Man: Promise me one thing; don't let her influence that girl like she did my three daughters.

Isa nods to the elderly man and makes his way into the tower.  Inside the tower, the two guards lead Kachi into Midoka's private quarters.  Midoka awaits for them to enter.

Beowulf Guard 1: Here is Lady Kachi, as you requested, Lady Midoka.

Midoka: Aw, thank you.  That is all.  (the guard leaves.  Midoka walks up to Kachi as the door closes) Welcome, Lady Kachi, to Beowulf City.

Kachi: Oh, um, thank you.

Midoka: Tell me, how did you come to learn of our city?

Kachi: Well, Isa and I heard rumors that Earht-7 had broken free from the Creators' hold.

Midoka: You have heard right, my dear. Though that is not why I have called you to my chambers.  I have asked you here to talk to you about your subordinate.

Kachi: Subordinate.... Oh, you must mean Isa.

Midoka: Yes, your Isa.  Why do you condone such behavior around him?

Kachi: What do you mean?

Midoka: Let me rephrase; why do you allow him to speak out of turn?  Can you not control him?

Kachi: I don't control Isa.  He's my companion.

Midoka: I can understand a woman wanted to be with a man, but I don't understand your lack of control.  Do you not know what men are capable of when they have too much power?

Kachi: Isa's not like that.  In fact, if it wasn't for him, I may not even be alive.

Midoka: Oh, dear Kachi.  You have so much to learn.  Come, follow me, and I will enlighten you on your mistakes.

Kachi: My mistakes?

Meanwhile, in another part of the tower, Isa sneaks around past the guards looking for the main computers of the building.  He comes by two guards watching over the main computer hub.

Beowulf Guard 4: YOU!  Halt, subordinate.  This area is off limits.

Isa: Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to get lost.  I'm only looking for my superior.

Beowulf Guard 5: Typical.  You men can't do anything on your own.

Beowulf Guard 4: Alright, come with us.  We'll help you find your subordinate.  Just don't dawddle.

Isa: You're right, I'm sorry. .... I'm also sorry for THIS! (knocks out both guards) Sorry it had to come to this, but I can't let you two give the boss lady a heads up. (begins hacking the computer) Alright, Lady, let's see what insight you can show me.

Isa accesses the data files encrypted in the main computer to search for anything he can on Earth-7 and the Creators.  In another part of the tower, Kachi and Lady Midoka enter a secret chamber.  Midoka locks the door behind them.

Kachi: I still don't understand.  I know Isa wouldn't lie to me.

Midoka: Lady Kachi, I understand your confusion.  You have had him lying to you just as the men of years past have lied to the world.

Kachi: Why do you say that?

Midoka: Only because I speak the truth.  Men have always put themselves in front of those of women; in seats of power, in religion and salvation, and even in the common household family.  And all this time, they never learned from their mistakes.

Kachi: Hmmm....

Midoka: (places her hand on her shoulder) The hope that men have offered has only brought pain and despair upon our planet, but all is not lost.  Through my teachings, I will usher in an age of peace and prosperity, a Utopia where the greed of men shall not and will not poison humanity ever again.

Kachi: What will become of Isa?

Midoka: As a woman, your soul is safe.  As for Isa, as long as he follows everything I have to teach, then he will be saved as well.  In order to help him, you have to assume control over him.  It is the only way.

Kachi: Hmmm.... I'm sorry, but I just don't agree with any of this. (steps away from Midoka)

Midoka: Lady Kachi, this is Isa's only chance to be free from the Creators' evil influences.  You have to help him in accepting what must be done in order to save him.

Kachi: Isa and I have fought off against the Creators.  Working together, he and I have fought them off.  Your way is helpful to your people out there, but our way.... It works for us.

Midoka: ...How can you say that?  I am offerring salvation for both you and your subordinate.  I'm trying to offer you true happiness.

Kachi: But I am happy with Isa, just the way we are now.

Midoka: I'm sorry you feel that way.  However, one rotten apple will spoil the entire bunch.

Kachi: What do you mean?

Midoka: I have yet to give up on you, but if I must teach you in a more forceful manner, than so be it.  (Kachi reaches for her weapon) You dare try to raise your weapon at me?  Surely you don't think you can take on the powers of a goddess, do you?

Isa: KACHI, STAY AWAY FROM HER!

Kachi: Isa? (Isa breaks in, then points his weapon at Midoka) Isa, is everything alright?

Midoka: This is what I have been warning you about, Lady Kachi, allowing your subordinate to run rampent-

Isa: Can it.  I knew something was up with this place, and now I have just the proof I need.  You're not a goddess.  You're one of the Creators' lackies.

Midoka: How dare you speak such blasphamy in front of me!

Isa: You're not trying to save these people from the Creators.  You're turning them into soldiers to fight for them.

Midoka: Kachi, do not listen to his lies.

Isa: Then explain this. (holds up disk) These are mission specs given out to all of the Creators' soldiers.  Listen for yourself.  (begins the recording, an eerie, machine-like voice plays)

Earth-7 will become the training grounds for new soldiers in the fight against the Outer Space invasion.  Human Midoka Beowulf will lead a cult into thinking that they are fighting for the greater good.  That way, if Outer Space manages to invade, we will have a loyal army to fight them off. Our observations show humans will be willing to fight if their own salvation is on the line.

Midoka: That is nothing but false propaganda.  None of it is true.

Isa: I don't care you think this is real or not.  When I release this your citizens, they're going to question whether or nor their well-being is in your best interest.

Midoka: LIES!  I will not allow you to corrupt Lady Kachi's judgement any longer. (a green cage of energy falls over Kachi) You will pay for clouding her mind.

Isa: Kachi.

Kachi: Isa. (nods to him)

Isa: (nods back) Are you going to continue flapping your gums, or are we going to fight?

Midoka: Since you are not with me, you are surely against me.  So be it. (energy beams fly around her) Once I'm finished with you, Lady Kachi will be saved from your evil.

Isa: I'd like to see you try.

Isa fires his laser at Midoka.  The energy beams surrounding her acts as shields as they block each and every laser blast.  Isa then fires a charged shot.  The charged shot manages to destroy some of the energy beams around her.  Midoka then throws her beams at Isa.  Isa blocks the beams with a laser sword right back at her.  Midoka retaliates by trapping Isa's hands with her beams of energy.

Isa: I gotta say, you're much more resourseful than I thought.

Midoka: But of course.  No man have ever won against my might. Do you see now, Lady Kachi?   The man you allowed to run rampent has- What?! (sees an empty cage) Where did she go?

Kachi: (teleports in front of her) I'm right here. (kicks Midoka) Heeya!

Midoka: Go'aah! (stumbles, then looks up to see Kachi freeing Isa) What are you doing?  You're letting him escape after all the lies he's told you?

Kachi: I know that Isa wouldn't lie to me.  He looks out for me, and I look out for him.

Midoka: Lady Kachi, as a human, you must know that men only use women for their own gain.

Isa: And what you're doing justifies that?  From what I can tell, you're doing the same thing you claim men do.

Kachi: Besides, I'm not a real human.

Midoka:  What do you... are you... I should have known a man like you'd try and poison our way of life by bringing that.... that unholy monster here, Isa.  You must have been sent by those Creators to destroy us.

Isa: Call Kachi what you want, but she's no more human than you or me.

Midoka: How DARE you compare me to one of the Creators' followers.  I will condemn you to the deepest, darkest reaches of the earth!

At that moment, Midoka's body changes into a fearsome beast, half bear, half wolf.  Her claws throw down in front of Isa and Kachi, and she lets out a huge roar.  Her hair grows longer along her back, becoming her tail.

Isa: You know, you remind me of an old sparring partner of mine, Deko.  He's probably twice as strong as you and with half the lip.  Ready, Kachi?

Kachi: Of course, Isa.

With another roar, Midoka thrusts her claws forward.  Isa and Kachi each roll to the side away from each other.  Isa activates his hover board and flies over Midoka's back and open fires.  The long hair along Midoka's back deflects the laser blasts.  Kachi then open fires on Midoka's face.  Midoka swipes her claw towards Kachi.  Kachi throws a kick and deflects Midoka's claw.  Midoka then jumps into the air.  Kachi jumps onboard her hover board and flies out of the way as Midoka lands.

Kachi: Isa, do you have any ideas?

Isa: Not sure.  That hair of hers can take a hit. (Midoka's hair grabs his leg and shakes him around) Whoa, easy, girl!

Kachi: Hey, Isa, I think I have an idea.

Isa: Well, don't let me stop you- Heeeeaaaaaay!

Kachi starts circling around Midoka.  Midoka's hair begins following Kachi while still holding on to Isa's leg.  Kachi begins swerving around Midoka's legs with her hair following her.  Slowly, her hair begins to tangle around her legs, causing her to trip over.  Midoka  tries to claw her way out of her own hair.

Kachi: Isa, do you need any help?

Isa: I'm good, Kachi. (cuts himself free)  Let's finish this while we have the chance.

Kachi: I'm right behind you.

Isa and Kachi both charge their lasers and target Midoka.  Midoka finally succeeds in cutting herself free of her own hair.  She then pounces suddenly towards Isa and Kachi to stop their blasts.  AT the last second, both Isa and Kachi fire their charged shots at Midoka.  The blast throws her down onto the floor.  She then returns to her human form, battered and bruised, unable to pick herself back up.  Isa and Kachi land in front of her.

Midoka: .... You... (looks up to see Isa pointing his laser at her) You men are all alike.  Give you a chance to disobey us orders, and you turn on us.  I should have had you destroyed when I had the chance....

Isa: To be honest, I have no intention on killing you.  Not after finding your little secret, and not how you fought for what you believe in.

Midoka: I don't need your mercy....

Isa: I can only commend on your fighting skills and your determination to defend what you believe in.  I may have jumped to conclusions too soon.

Midoka: Are you... admitting your sins?

Isa: I'm saying either your con was so good that you started to believe in your own lies or.... maybe you truly have broken free of the Creators' will.

Midoka: .... (breathing heavily) I tell you, the Creators.... have no power over me.... they never had.

Isa: .... (drops the recording and stomps on it) Hmm.

Midoka: What are you doing?

Kachi: I think what Isa is trying to say is that if your truly believe what you teach, then keep teaching.  Your people look to you for protection and guidence.  Don't let them down.

Midoka: ....

Isa: Thank you for showing us around, but this isn't what we're looking for.  We'll be heading home now, facing the Creator's lackies like always.  Take care.

Kachi: (as Isa begins to leave) Everyone has to believe in something.  I believe in Isa as your people believe in you.

Midoka: (watching Isa and Kachi both leave) It can't be.... I am the goddess that will lead Earth back to glory.... how... how can it be?  ....Could I have been wrong?