Ascendant Saga Collection: Sci-Fi Fantasy Techno Thriller by Brandon Ellis (best novels to read in english .txt) 📗

octave within the third dimension.” He smirked. “This pyramid here lifts the energy waves by the harmonic sounds coming from every stone it’s built from. Pretty clever, huh?”

Maybe that was also why Jaxx hadn’t seen the pyramid the moment he stepped out of the elevator. And harmonic resonance? That’s exactly how the pyramids around Earth operated. Hit one stone with a hammer, and it would resonate like a chime. This pyramid obviously chimed even more.

Jaxx took a step forward. “Hey, how about you come on our side and we close this pyramid network and get on with our lives?” It was worth a shot.

Slade shook his head. “I’m a business man now, Jaxx. Any messing with the pyramid network is bad for my bottom line.”

“What’s your business?” asked Jaxx. Of course, this prick would have a side hustle that wouldn’t benefit any Being in the galaxy besides himself.

“None of your business.” He winked again.

“And where are the rest of the politicians?”

“The politicians?” Slade lifted his shoulders. “Let’s just say we had quite the disagreement. You won’t see them coming to Callisto any time soon.” He lifted the sword in the air and twirled, swinging it around, practicing with it. A hum came off of it and a wave of rainbow colored energy flew several feet in front of the blades and behind them. The energy sparked when it touched the ground. “Some pretty bad-ass weapons are inside that pyramid behind me. You care to dance, Jaxx? You’ve been that clichéd thorn in my side since the moment I met you.”

Dance? Jaxx would love to dance; dance this shit-hole’s head off. Jaxx had been a thorn in Slade’s side? Screw that. Slade was an elephant tusk in Jaxx’s side. “We can dance after you answer my question.” He began running the Chi up his legs and to his solar plexus. “What business are you trying to run here?” He clenched his fists, knowing he wasn’t going to like the answer.

“The Kelhoon and I have an agreement. We’re running a farm and my product involves importing and exporting product quickly through the pyramid network. Catch my drift? So, you ain’t touching that pyramid network with a ten-foot pole.”

Jaxx tilted his head, knowing he wasn’t getting the entire answer. “Does your business involve children?”

Slade laughed. “Very perceptive, Jaxx. You must understand that humanity is about to come to an end. The human race will be extinct soon, so what I’m doing is stepping in evolution’s way, and keeping our race alive. Which is why I started this farm.”

Jaxx lowered his eyes, baring his teeth, his Chi beginning to rise into his hands. “Tell me exactly what you’re going to be farming, Slade. Stop sidestepping my questions.”

“Children. Lots of children. Some will live as slaves, which is a bummer for them, but they will be keeping the human race alive and well in the Universe. The rest will be food for the Kelhoon and other sick-ass ET’s across the galaxy that tend to like our children for food. Can’t be helped. It was part of the deal. We have to sacrifice some if we’re going to survive at all as a species. The Kelhoon and their buddies have been eating our youth for a long time, Jaxx. It’s about time that a human took a piece of that pie and made it work for us, don’t you think?” Slade took a flying leap toward Jaxx, spinning in the air, the sword humming with his motion. Slade let go of the sword.

Kiyo-zan pushed Jaxx back, and held up his shield.

A rainbow energy came off the sword as it spun toward Kiyo-zan and Jaxx. It shattered Kiyo-zan’s shield and a loud gong-like sound reverberated off the walls. Pieces of the shield shot into Kiyo-zan’s chest and face like a hundred darts hitting their target.

Kiyo-zan sucked in a quick breath when the sword came next and sliced through his chest. His mouth flew open and he gave an incredulous gaze down at the sword. He jerked back, his hands around the blade, blood spattered all over his chest.

Horror flooded Jaxx, his face contorted in disbelief. He rushed over to Kiyo-zan and reached for his friend, catching him in his fall. “No, no. Kiyo-zan.” Jaxx lowered him to the ground, looking over his bloodied friend. Kiyo-zan gasped for air. Jaxx touched the sword, ready to pull it out, then thought better. “I’ll get you help. Zara can fix you.” His voice shook, his own body knowing that what he was saying couldn’t happen, especially with Slade in the same room with them.

Slade!

Jaxx quickly turned and faced Slade.

Slade stood with his arms crossed, a smirk on his face.

Kiyo-zan wrapped his hand around Jaxx’s, and coughed, wincing in pain, shivering. “Aishiteimasu.”

Jaxx touched his forehead to Kiyo-zan’s. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault. All of this.”

Kiyo-zan shook his head, then lifted his hand and touched Jaxx’s face. He gently slapped Jaxx’s cheek, smiling. He turned his head and opened his eyes wide, reaching for the ceiling. A larger grin grew, and Kiyo-zan let out a last breath. He dropped his arms and his eyes went lifeless, though his smile remained.

Jaxx slowly lowered Kiyo-zan’s head to the floor, a lump the size of a boulder in his throat. He stood, energy balling up in his hands. He lunged forward, sending every piece of hatred and sadness he could muster, sending it like an ion blast at Slade.

Slade turned to run, to get out of the way and dodge, but was picked up off his feet and lifted into the air, hovering. Jaxx raised his hand toward the domed ceiling and Slade rose higher. Jaxx rushed forward and Slade dropped out of the air, his arms thrashing about, his legs kicking left and right. Slade was nearly to the ground when Jaxx jumped, spun, and swung his leg around in a kick to Slade’s torso.

Slade yelped and tumbled backward, sliding across the floor and into the pyramid’s base.

Jaxx was more powerful down here and