This story and all of its contents are a work of fiction. It has not been officially approved by the owners and therefore should not be counted as such. That being the case, enjoy this work of fan fiction based upon the events of the Iria: Zeiram OAV.

This is the second Iria fanfic that I’ve written, the first being Bob’s Karma, and is a bit more serious. This takes place at the very end of the OAV and deals with the aftereffects of Zeiram’s death. Subtle Manipulations is part two of three. If you want to read part one, find a copy of Rogue Influences.

The Zeiram’s Legacy series is much darker than Bob’s Karma. So expect a deeper plot this time and be prepared to be at least a bit disturbed by the story arc.

One last thing I should mention before you go on, this story isn’t as self-sufficient as Bob’s Karma. It is already assumed in this fanfic that you have actually seen Iria: Zeiram and know the plot. For those of you who haven’t been lucky enough, allow me to clarify a few terms. Kem is the standard form of currency, Zeiram was a monster that could clone it’s self, and the Kreper is a compact vehicle that can fly and travel in space. 

Written and thought up by the Confetti Yeti. Email any comments you have about this story to: Iria4ever@scifianime.com.

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            “This just doesn’t make any sense,” Kei repeated to herself for the umpteenth time.

            Ever since Iria’s kidnapping, Kei had taken it upon herself to try and find the reason for the act. Or better yet, who was behind the crime in the first place. Yet, once the facts had been assembled they appeared to be nothing more than isolated events with nothing linking them together.

            “Okay, here’s the way it went,” Kei said, hoping in vain that the situation would make more sense if she gave voice to the facts. “Zeiram is finally killed by Iria, which is sure to bolster her reputation. Not long after, Fujikuro discovers a huge bounty for Iria’s capture. Then, later in the night, Iria is captured by zeiramoids. So that brings it back to me, a day later and no progress.”

            Kei thought about it again but she didn’t receive any clairvoyance into the situation. “I just don’t get it.”

            “That’s because you’re not experienced enough yet,” a voice said behind her. “It makes perfect sense to me.”

            Kei didn’t have to look to know that the voice belonged to Fujikuro, but she gave him an angry glance anyway. “Well if you’re such a big shot, then why don’t you explain it?”

            Fujikuro grinned smugly. “Easy. When Iria killed Zeiram, she was sure to upset some hothead who had his own plans for Zeiram. Believe me, there are plenty of bounty hunters who fit that description. The huge bounty on her meant that it had to be someone who either has great influence or great wealth. But before anyone could collect, Iria was taken away by some of Zeiram’s leftovers.”

            Kei stared at the bounty hunter blankly, but soon she began to giggle and before long it evolved into genuine laughter.

            Fujikuro glared at her. “What’s so funny!?”

            Kei struggled to stifle her amusement as she explained. “I just realized that you have no idea what happened either. How do you explain the fact that the bounty on Iria was posted before we had a chance to tell anyone about Zeiram’s death? Or how about why the zeiramoids decided to capture Iria instead of killing her?”

            “Well it’s because… um, that is to say-” Fujikuro faltered. “Just give me a minute. I’ll think of it.”

            It was no good. To Kei, Fujikuro’s lack of an answer was just as funny as his explanation. She started to laugh again which only irritated the bounty hunter further.

            “Shut up!” he growled. “At least I’ve got more of an answer than you do. I don’t see anyone else figuring this out!”

            “That’s the reason you never get the top jobs, Fujikuro,” Bob said as his image suddenly popped up on the main screen. “You never think things all the way through.”

            “So what’s your answer, Bob?” Fujikuro asked defensively. “I suppose you’ve already figured out who’s behind this?”

            “As a matter of fact, I not only know the who he is, but I have a pretty good idea were Iria is being held,” Bob replied smoothly.

            Kei sat bolt upright. “You’re kidding!”

            Fujikuro wasn’t as easily swayed. “Well who is it then?”

            “It’s actually very obvious when you think about it. You were on the right track, Kei. The problem was you were too narrow in your thinking,” Bob explained. “First off, there are very few people who could afford to post such an extravagant bounty. He’s also the only person with the possible exceptions of Dr. Touka, Iria, and myself who knows anything worthwhile about Zeiram. Not to mention that he’s completely obsessed with the creature. I wouldn’t be surprised if he had some sort of system set up to inform him whenever Zeiram made a move.”

            “Big deal,” Fujikuro said, unimpressed. “You’re talking about Puttubayh. He was my first guess, but I dismissed him after I learned that Tedan Tippedai fired him. Plus he has no resources after the lawsuits Tedan Tippedai charged him with. Typical corporation logic; screw the guy who gives the company a black eye. Puttubayh couldn’t start trouble if he wanted to.”

            “Not bad,” Bob admitted. “But there a few things you don’t know. Before Puttubayh was fired, he started up a new Zeiram-related project in an out of the way laboratory up in space which has yet to be shut down. Not only that, but one of his accounts was mysteriously emptied before Tedan Tippedai’s lawsuits hit him. Ample money to keep his experiment running for a few more years.”

            “So you’re saying that Iria is in the lab?” Kei asked hopefully.

            “I think so,” Bob confirmed. “It’s worth checking out.”

“Not so fast,” Fujikuro interrupted. “How do you know all this stuff about Puttubayh? If what you’re telling me is true, Tedan Tippedai would be keeping this under wraps.”

            “When someone puts your mind into a computer, you tend to keep tabs on him,” Bob responded dryly.

            “Do you know where this lab is?” Kei asked eagerly.

            “Not exactly,” Bob admitted. “It’s in a very isolated part of space. Perhaps that’s one reason why Tedan Tippedai hasn’t closed the lab down yet. I don’t think it’ll take too long to search the area.”

            Fujikuro crossed his arms. “Seems like a lot of unnecessary trouble to me. There’s also a very good chance that Iria is somewhere completely different. In any case, I have other jobs that need my attention.”

            Kei turned back to face Fujikuro. “You can’t leave now! We’re just getting started.”

            “Fujikuro, we need your help. Kei can’t do this alone.”

            “Hey! I’ve already wasted enough of my valuable time trying to help you guys out. Working for charity isn’t how I operate!”

            “Can’t you think of anyone besides yourself!?” Kei asked angrily.

            Fujikuro was unimpressed. “Risking your life for someone else is a good way to lose it. That’s a lesson to remember, kid.”

            Before Kei could bring in a suitable rejoinder, Bob beat her to the punch. “I think I see where this is going, Kei. Just how much is your life worth this time, Fujikuro?”

            Fujikuro grinned impishly. “That’s more like it. I’ll need adequate compensation for my dempadon that Kei plowed through. Plus an added personal fee, I don’t like the fact that Tedan Tippedai hasn’t shut down the lab yet. The corporation is many things, but sluggish to cover up it’s mistakes it ain’t. There’s got to be something more at work than simple distance.”

            “It’s a deal,” Bob agreed. “We’ll hammer out the contract later.”

            “I’m leaving to buy my new dempadon,” Fujikuro informed them as he turned to leave. “I’ll expect to see the down payment already transferred to my account.” Then the hunter exited the room and it wasn’t long before Kei heard the whir of the lift.

            “We don’t need Fujikuro. I can take care of myself!” Kei insisted. “I don’t see why you gave in to his demands.”

            The image that represented Bob was silent for a moment and when he spoke, the voice was a bit subdued. “Despite your skills, you still need a lot of work before I’ll trust you alone on something this dangerous. Fujikuro does have a valid point about Tedan Tippedai’s apparent lack of initiative in shutting down the lab. There’s something odd about this whole setup, it reminds me of the Karma situation.”

            “But-”

            “I’m sure Iria would agree with me if she was here,” Bob said, cutting her off.

            The room was silent as both occupants tried to forget the fact that if Iria was here the whole trip wouldn’t be necessary. 

                       

***

 

            Iria didn’t like feeling so helpless. It was an emotion that was almost alien to her, long distant memories of her youth were the only things that felt remotely familiar. Of course, Gren had always been there to help her through the tougher times.

            There was no telling if Bob and Kei had made any progress in discovering her whereabouts. Although she knew they would be doing everything in their power to find her, it didn’t help her mood.

            The mere fact that she’d been captured didn’t bother Iria too much, it was the nature of her imprisonment that made her uncomfortable. Being strapped down in a pitch black, sound-proofed room with all of her weapons and devices stripped away was akin to torture. Puttubayh had been thorough, but he’d inadvertently left Iria with her deadliest tool; her mind.

She took comfort that she was still alive. It meant that Puttubayh still had a use for her. Iria intended to exploit this to her advantage in whatever way she could. At least Puttubayh seemed talkative, he’d been all too willing to answer her questions last time.

            It was possible she could use his inherent overconfidence and arrogance to get him to release her from her restraints. She would still be at a serious disadvantage, but at least she’d have freedom of movement.

            As if reading her thoughts, the door to her makeshift cell opened and seemed to trigger the overhead lights. Iria was forced to squint as she got used to the bright lights. Through her blurry vision, she could see a figure enter the room. It didn’t take much deduction to figure out it was Puttubayh.

            A second later, her suspicions were confirmed as he spoke. “Don’t mind me, I just need to get some more blood samples.”

            “Having problems with your project?” Iria taunted.

            Puttubayh pulled out a particularly nasty looking needle. “Actually, things are going much smoother than I expected. We just need to perform more tests on your molecular composition.”

            Iria mentally braced herself, time to put her makeshift plan into work. “You know, I’d be much more willing to cooperate of I wasn’t being treated like a specimen. I can’t believe you’re so scared of one unarmed woman.”

            Puttubayh laughed. “I’m not so naïve or arrogant that I’d fall for that line. Even without your weapons, you’re plenty dangerous.”

            Iria pretended to give in to defeat, she didn’t really believe that such a lame taunt would work anyway. She’d have to make her next move very carefully. “Okay, you’re right. But if I were you, I’d be trying to make the most of this opportunity.”

            Puttubayh paused right before he was about to stick her with the needle. “What are you talking about?”

            Iria smiled inwardly. He’d taken the bait, now it would be up to her to reel him in. “Think about it, you’ve got the very person who defeated Zeiram at your mercy. If you truly want this clone of me to be superior in everyway, you should analyze more than my composition. There are other things that make me who I am.”

            “Such as?”

            “As you said yourself, I’m dangerous even without my weapons. Run tests on me to see what makes me tick,” Iria suggested. “It’ll help make your creation as authentic as the original.”

            Puttubayh dismissed her idea almost as soon as she was done talking. “I don’t think authenticity will be a problem. However, if for some reason my team does get stuck then all we’ll need are some of your brain cells.”

            “Surely you can’t duplicate everything about me from brain cells,” Iria said, feeling a bit desperate.

            Puttubayh looked thoughtful and stroked one of the thin strands of his mustache absently. “You might be right. I think there is something you can do to help me out.”

            Ten standard Tedan Tippedai security robots marched in through the door and leveled their guns at her. A second later Iria understood why as she felt the pressure leave her wrists and ankles, Puttubayh had released her bonds! Iria was tempted to make a break for it right there, despite the robots, but she forced herself to wait. Better to get an idea of where she was first.

            The robot guards led her down well lit corridors with windows that looked into work rooms that were occupied by busy scientists. As she walked by, Iria tried to get a closer look at what they were doing. It was only then that she noticed that the scientists were human in form only. Any distinguishing characteristics like hair, a mouth, ears, etc, were curiously absent.

            A cold shiver ran down Iria’s body when she realized that the scientists were actually zeiramoids. “I didn’t want to believe it, even after my capture,” Iria thought to herself. “But it looks like Puttubayh truly has discovered the secret to controlling those creatures.”  Her cold shiver turned into a sick feeling when she realized that Puttubayh really could build an army of zeiramoids based on her.

            Finally they stopped at a nondescript door and Iria was shoved inside. The door immediately slammed shut behind her. Iria looked around her, the room was as antiseptic as the rest of the building but much larger. An observation window was placed high up by the ceiling. The room was dimly lit which made it easier for Iria to see movement inside the brighter observation area.

            It wasn’t long before Iria heard Puttubayh’s voice boom over the room’s speakers. “This was originally meant for storage of radioactive or other dangerous materials but I’ve had ample space so far so it hasn’t been used. However, today I expect that it’ll get a lot of use.”

            Before Iria had a chance to ponder what he meant, a section of the floor opened up and a hidden lift elevated one of the oddest things Iria had ever seen into the room. It had the shell of a security robot, but parts of it writhed as if alive. It was a good bet that she wasn’t far off.

            “This is a prototype that I toyed with when I first started the lab,” Puttubayh said as he identified the object. “It’s been infused with zeiramoid proto-material to make a perfect mesh of the artificial and organic. Unfortunately we’ve never been able to duplicate another one due to the unstable nature of the zeiramoids.”

            “Very impressive,” Iria lied. “Why are you showing it to me?” Deep down, she already had a pretty good idea.

            “I want you to destroy it, if you can. I don’t think it’ll pose too much of a problem to someone who killed Zeiram.”

            “You’ve got to be kidding!” Iria protested. “I’ve got nothing that will kill that. I’m not even wearing any shoes for crying out loud! How do you expect me to win?”

            “That’s up to you,” Puttubayh told her. “If you’re as ‘dangerous’ as you say, then this task shouldn’t be a problem. If you do manage to destroy it, you’ll save me the trouble of pitting the Iria zeiramoid against it. I suspect it’s more powerful anyway, but if you beat the prototype then I’ll know I was right.”

            The previously dim lights brightened without warning and seemed to signal the prototype to commence it’s attack. The writhing tentacles on both sides of the robot solidified into needle sharp spikes and launched themselves at Iria. She was hard pressed to dodge the deadly projectiles which flew with deadly accuracy. Iria could hear them whistle past her and imbed themselves into nearby walls, much to close for comfort.

            Iria tried to think of some way to at least disable the thing. If the prototype had been completely mechanical then this duel would be more like a cake walk, there was always some vulnerable part that one could rip out of a machine if one got close enough. On the flip side, if the prototype was all organic she was sure she’d be able to find a way to subdue it.

            It was possible that the combination of the organic and technologic had combined the worst of both sides, leaving the weak points of both and perhaps creating others. However, if she knew Puttubayh, it was highly unlikely that he’d keep something so helpless around for long. Still, it was all she had to go on for the moment.

            The prototype chose that moment to add in it’s machine gun hand to the attack, spraying an unhealthy amount of ammo her way. Iria deliberately let herself fall, running, face-first towards the floor and before impact used her momentum to do a seemingly impossible back flip towards an adjacent wall. Once her feet made contact she vaulted above the prototype with incredible speed to make a controlled landing behind it.

            Or at least that was the plan. Right when Iria was sailing over the abomination’s head she felt a tentacle wrap around one of her ankles and swing her full force into the wall. Before she could recover she was picked up again and slammed into yet another wall.

            Iria struggled to remain conscious and reached out in vain for anything to anchor herself to, surprising herself when she grabbed onto a thin circular stub. She was yanked away still holding onto the outcropping which slipped out of the wall with unexpected ease.

            For the next few moments, time slowed down for Iria as she realized that the object she was holding was in fact one of the organic projectiles from the prototype. It looked none the worse for having being shot into a wall, the point was as sharp as ever. Without anytime to think, Iria took aim and threw it directly at the prototype’s head.

            Her vision started to go as her backside made contact with the wall. Iria slid down to the floor, bracing herself for another go-a-round of swing the bounty hunter. Instead, the vise-like grip around her ankle was released. Iria tried, in frustration, to peer through the spots that clouded her eyes. It appeared that she’d lodged the spike into the side of the prototype’s head. It was a shot that would have stopped a standard robot cold, but the zeiramoid material made it much tougher.

            Iria forced herself to stand, using her adrenaline build-up to ignore the pain of her injuries. The last of the spots were beginning to fade and she got a better look at the situation. The prototype was holding it’s head, making a noise that could only be described as a painful wail. Puttubayh was barking orders that Iria didn’t want to take the time to listen to, in any case she had already decided that now was the time to finish the job.

            Before she had a chance, the prototype stopped it’s wail and began to fire wildly in every direction. Iria ducked just in time to avoid a salvo and suddenly began to regret her plan of attack. The prototype was out of control, making it a danger to anything that was in it’s path.

            Then, for no reason that Iria could see, the prototype rushed the door and smashed right through it. Iria stood were she was for a moment, listening to the sounds of destruction echo down the hallway. Puttubayh would have his hands full trying to contain his creation, which gave her some valuable time.

            She rushed out of the room and ran down the opposite direction from the prototype until she was stopped short. One of the rooms she had bypassed was a storage room. She backtracked and entered the room, scanning the interior for a med-pack. Instead Iria’s eyes fell upon something much better, her armor and weapons. She rushed over to the equipment and was relieved to see everything in working order.

            A deadly smile graced her lips. It was time Puttubayh learned just how dangerous she could be.

 

***

 

            The Kreper had been running for almost an hour at top speed from the nearest Trans-Sat to reach Puttubayh’s lab. Despite her best efforts to remain alert and focused, the extended exposure to unbroken starfields were beginning to take their toll on Kei. It was tough to keep an eye out for danger for so long when nothing remotely dangerous presented itself.

            Still, Kei liked to think she had it far better than Fujikuro right now. The self-centered bounty hunter had chosen to use his new dempadan instead hitching a ride on the much larger Kreper, saying that he preferred to keep his life in his own hands. She and Bob had decided not to press the issue.

            Kei’s musings were cut short by Bob. “We’re coming within range of the lab now. No sign of external weapons, but there is a substantial shield in place.”

            Kei peered into the inky blackness of the region and tried to spot the lab that Bob was talking about. She managed to make out a blurry white dot that was becoming increasingly larger and more detailed with every second. “Can you hack through the shields, Bob?” she asked.

            “Shouldn’t be a problem,” Bob replied. “I got a good sense for Puttubayh’s security schemes when I was trapped inside the Tedan Tippedai building. I’d like to think I’ve improved my technique since then.”

            “Well hurry up,” Fujikuro urged over the com link. “I want to make this rescue as quick and as painless as possible.”

            Bob didn’t waste time with words and soon a section of the vast shield disappeared into infinity. Kei and Fujikuro angled their respective vehicles towards the now exposed docking bay. After some quick computer manipulation of the doors by Bob, both were safely inside.

            The first thing Kei noticed was the blazing alarm klaxons and flashing red lights. “What’s going on, Bob? Do they already know that we’re here?!” Kei asked anxiously.

            Bob was silent as he re-accessed the lab computers. “No, one of Puttubayh’s creations has broken free and is destroying everything in site.”

            “Fine, that makes it easier for us to do the job,” Fujikuro said as he double checked his gun and ammo. “Have you located Iria?”

            “Her last known location is somewhere in the storage areas. I can’t tell you where exactly because she went into hiding after the trouble started.”

            An explosion seemed to rock the entire lab, almost knocking Kei and Fujikuro off of their feet.

            “Scratch that,” Bob amended. “It seems Iria is attacking some workrooms northwest of this location.”

            “So much for quick and painless,” Fujikuro mumbled.

            “What are we waiting for, Fujikuro?” Kei asked hypothetically as she started to sprint off towards Iria.

            Before she could make any progress, a restraining hand clamped onto her shoulder. “Hold it!” Fujikuro ordered. “We won’t gain anything by rushing into the thick of it. Iria is sure to be making her way here so we’d be better off waiting instead.”

            “The deal was to rescue Iria,” Bob reminded. “If Iria makes it to the docking bay without help then our contract will be null and void. I’m sure I don’t have to remind you that you won’t receive the second half of the bounty in the event that happens.”

            Fujikuro scowled. “You’re a bastard, Bob.”

            “Only when it comes to you, Fujikuro,” was his response.

            “C’mon we’re wasting time!” Kei urged. “Iria could need our help.”

            Fujikuro sighed, and for once, didn’t have anything to say as he followed Kei into the fray.

 

            For the most part, the two of them didn’t run into any major opposition. The times they did proved to be very unfortunate for the opposition. Despite Fujikuro’s grumbling, he really was very proficient with his weapons. Kei was still learning, but after hanging around with people like Iria, she was bound to pick up some tricks.

            There was only one obstacle that stopped them cold.

            After defeating a group of zeiramoids, the two ran up against a sight that made their stomach’s turn. It was a room filled entirely with large tubes, each filled with a somewhat deformed version of Iria.

            “I don’t believe it,” Kei said, aghast.

            “It’s worse than you think, kid,” Fujikuro pointed out. “One of those tubes is missing an occupant. Judging by the fluid left inside, I’d say that it wasn’t always so empty.”

            Kei inhaled sharply. “We’ve got to destroy the rest before it’s too late!”

            “For once I agree with you,” Fujikuro agreed. “Unfortunately neither of us has the firepower to do the job.”

            “Any ideas, Bob?”

            Bob’s voice sounded tiny over the communicator. “I’ve been going through the lab computers and it turns out there is a self-destruct. All you have to do is head-”

            Bob’s voice was drowned out as the alarms suddenly changed tones and the emergency lights began to flash yellow as well as red.

            Kei turned up the volume on the communicator until she could hear Bob again.

            “-ver mind, never mind,” he corrected with a bit of chagrin. “It looks like Iria has gotten to the reactor before us. For some reason I’m not surprised. She’s heading this way, but there’s also a large contingent of troops trying to cut her off. If you want your money, Fujikuro, you and Kei need to take them out.”

            Fujikuro grumbled something unintelligible but motioned for Kei to follow him.

            Kei took one last, regretful look at the Iria zeiramoids before she chased after Fujikuro. “How long do we have before this thing blows, Bob?”

            “Ten minutes and counting.”

            Not much time, but it could be worse.

            “And be careful, I’ve lost the location of whatever escaped from the storage area.”

            It just got worse.

            The duo ran down the corridors at a breakneck pace before Fujikuro skidded to a halt and ducked behind a support beam. Kei did her best to avoid running into the hunter but ended up tripping and sliding towards a large group of security robots and zeiramoids.

            For one fateful instant, Kei was sure that she’d bought the farm as several of the guards turned to face her. At the same time, the ceiling above the group blew apart and a battered object that looked like a mix of robot and zeiramoid began tearing into troops with reckless abandon.

Kei used this opportunity to start backing away from the fray as quietly as she could, however the fight was over quickly and the thing turned it’s attention on her. Kei watched in horror as Fujikuro began firing at it, but his shots were having very little affect.

            Then the thing suddenly burst into flame for no reason. That is, until it flopped onto the ground and revealed a battle-worn Iria standing behind it.

 

***

 

            Iria felt immense satisfaction as the prototype began it’s final death throes. A fire grenade would’ve been useless on something purely mechanical, but the prototype had been formed from enough organic material to make it unable to function without it.

            When Iria saw the surprised faces of Kei and Fujikuro, her relief seemed to flush out the excess adrenaline in her system. Before she could take another step, Iria’s legs gave out and her vision threatened to do the same. The pain of her injuries was becoming more and more apparent. Getting revenge so soon after the beating the prototype dished out wasn’t her smartest idea, even if Puttubayh was asking for it.

            The next thing she knew was that Fujikuro had picked her up and slung her over his shoulder. The only view she knew from then on was Fujikuro’s backside and the laboratory floor.

She could hear herself protesting, but the voice seemed to come from another person entirely. Fujikuro and Kei, for their part, just ignored her feeble protests. Before she knew it, she was in the back seat of the Kreper being checked out by the medical computer.

“Give me a stim-shot,” she managed to mumble to Kei.

“Don’t do it, kid,” Fujikuro reprimanded. “Iria’s lucky to be alive from what the computer is telling me. A stim-shot could overload her system.”

“You don’t understand,” Iria argued managing to put some anger in her voice. “I’ve got to get Puttubayh.”

Fujikuro turned to face her. “The only thing you need is rest and-”

An explosion at the other end of the docking bay drowned out Fujikuro’s advice. Iria managed to turn her head to see a silhouette of Puttubayh and something being held under his left arm.

“You’re much more resourceful than I gave you credit for!” Puttubayh yelled over the cacophony of alarms and fires. “Your clone is truly going to be something to be reckoned with. However, I have a confession to make that you might be interested in.”

Puttubayh tossed whatever he had been holding onto with apparently no effort on his part. The object flew through the air before it hit the ground and slid to a stop by the Kreper. Iria forced herself to focus and gasped when she finally recognized what was in front of her.

It was an unconscious Puttubayh.

            Two Puttubayhs? Did that mean that the Puttubayh she had been dealing with was a-

            “That’s right, Iria! I’m a zeiramoid based upon the man in front of you!” the other Puttubayh confirmed. “Here’s another confession I’d like to tell you. I’m much more powerful than that prototype you destroyed.”

            Iria sensed a prick on her neck and suddenly felt life return to her limbs. She looked over to see Kei holding an empty injector. Kei winked, “I wouldn’t want to be the person who keeps you from your revenge.”

            Iria smiled, then turned back to face the Puttubayh clone with an angry glare. “Kei, hand me the portable cannon.”

            As soon as Kei handed her the cannon, Iria took careful aim on her enemy, who, for his part, didn’t budge, and fired. The projectile hit the zeiramoid dead-on and managed to blast him straight through a wall. The body slumped and began to burn with a fury.

            Iria was about to give orders to get the real Puttubayh when she noticed that the burning corpse of the clone was getting back up. He crawled out of the hole in the wall and stood back up. The fire died down to reveal a much more deformed version of Puttubayh who seemed to not be hurt.

            “Oh, did I forget to tell you?” he taunted. “I’m immune to fire.”

            Iria hopped out of the Kreper and tried to ignore the sudden pain in her right leg as she whipped out her sword and faced the clone. “Fujikuro,” she said, not daring to look in his direction. “Take Puttubayh and Kei and get out of here right now!”

            “You’re going to fight in your condition!?” Fujikuro asked in disbelief. “You’ve got to be crazy!”

            “Just do it!”

            “Bob! Say something!” the other hunter implored.

            “I don’t like it anymore than you do,” Bob said. “But time is running out and I don’t think we can change her mind.”

            Fujikuro cursed. “Fine!”

            Out of the corner of her eye, Iria saw Fujikuro grab Puttubayh and drag him back towards the Kreper. Not long after that, Iria heard the familiar sounds of the engines as it prepared to leave.

            But instead of heading for the exit, the Kreper flew over her head towards the clone. The arrogant look on the zeiramoid’s face changed to shock just before the vehicle smashed right into him. The clone’s body crumpled as half of it was flattened to the wall.

            Before Iria could utter a remark, Fujikuro pulled up to her.

            “Get in! This place is going to blow and I’d just as soon not have my source of income go up with it.” Fujikuro smiled. “Besides, I know a few people who wouldn’t forgive me if I left you here.”

            Iria looked at the clone who wasn’t moving. She nodded and felt a wave of dizziness follow. She didn’t like it, but he was right. The stim-shot was just a temporary solution, she had known deep down that her chances of survival had been near zero if she stayed.

            Iria climbed back in. “Let’s go, Fujikuro.”

            “I’m not your chauffer, you know,” he joked before he gunned the Kreper for the nearest exit.

            Iria laid back and closed her eyes, finally letting her body rest.

 

***

 

            Two days later, the zeiramoid known as Puttubayh floated through the dead of space, propelled by the force of the lab’s explosion. This was definitely a setback, but it didn’t mean his plans were ruined yet.

            At least one Iria clone had made it out before the lab’s destruction, which meant he still had an edge. All this really meant was that he had to escalate the rate at which he’d perform his plans.

            The Puttubayh clone grinned as a Trans-Sat began to loom ahead of him. Iria may believe she’s won, but in fact it’s only the beginning. His greatest scheme was still on track.

            Zeiram’s resurrection.

           

-The End Of Part Two-

 

          Quite the action-packed episode, wasn’t it? Not only is there a clone of Iria on the loose, but the Puttubayh imposter has survived. Sounds like a formula for mayhem to me. Oh, and let’s not forget the possibility of Zeiram’s return. Believe it or not, part three will bring everything to a fitting, if uneasy, conclusion.