Hello everyone this is Tyrannozaur and I am going to start on my very first attempt of a One Piece crossover with StarCraft. This idea flew in my mind when I read MrOreoMan's Remnant of the Swarm.
And guess what with his permission, I get to create this miracle.
My greatest thanks to you MrOreoMan for allowing me for this wonderful opportunity!
And for proof and permission from MrOreoMan, here is his answer:
MrOreoMan: By all means go right on ahead, just make sure that you explain that you got my permission to do so or else you will be flamed to hell.
And I still give my thanks!
So from here on out is the prologue before we get to the juicy chapters of the Cerebrate entering One Piece!
WARNING: Spoilers for those who hadn't played StarCraft 2
So Enjoy!
Sarah Kerrigan, former Ghost of the Sons of Korhal, now the Queen of Blades in the Zerg Swarm. Her power rose after becoming Primal Zerg, her brood continuously grew as planets fell in her name. Countless Terrans and Protoss fell before her and bring terror throughout the Korprulu Sector.
Everything was made this possible all thanks to the arrogant Emperor Mengsk. From her transformation into the Zerg, to the power made from the Xel'naga artifact that cleansed from Amon's influence, to even the thought of the death of her loved one, James Raynor. All this happened on that fateful day on Tarsonis.
And now she will have her retribution on Mengsk. Everything is going well for her Swarm. Zagara and the Broodmothers joined together, Dehaka and his Primal Zerg follow her power, and now Stukov, the infested Terran once her enemy, now allied with her to see the Skygeirr Facility burn for what it did to him.
If it wasn't for him, they wouldn't have found out that this place produces Hybrid and that Narud would be here. After she dealt with the shapeshifter, she was returned to her Leviathan victorious but not unscathed. When she would be done with Mengsk, she will ready her Swarm for the fight to come.
Everything changed when she heard that Jim was alive from Mengsk. With the help from the Hyperion and Valerian Mengsk, they found him on a prison ship named Moros. After a grueling invasion to the ship, she managed to rescue him. But all it costed was her heart broken when Jim coldly said, "We're done."
She now continues to look at the stars in silence as it got the Swarm uneased by her silence and closed her mind. There were no words to describe on how she felt. Before she can recollect herself to get ready for the attack on Korhal, a small singe in her mind was calling to her. To her she would crush this nuisance, but it feels familiar almost like she knows it. Ancient and powerful. And it is back at Skygeirr.
"Izsha, tell the Broodmothers that we are going back to Skygeirr," Kerrigan commanded to her advisor, "There is something etching inside my mind, something great and strong."
"You feel it to," Stukov asked his commanding officer.
"Did you feel this presence before Stukov," She asked the Infested Terran.
"Unfortunately yes, while Narud experimented and when I escaped to you, I still continue to hear whispers in my mind, continuously asking for me to get help. I thought I was going insane, but if you can now hear it, it must be something to investigate," Stukov said.
"Well then, let's see who this one is then," She said as the Leviathan moved to Skygeirr.
(Some time later)
Back to the ruined facility she and Stukov continued to march in a different path. When they to a new opening, they are surprised to see Zerg, Terrans and Protoss continue to fight in a jungle battlefield.
"This shouldn't be right, I thought everyone died when we finished," Kerrigan said surprised
"It seems like there are survivors, it looks as the Terrans and the Tal'darim are bent on taking out that brood. And the Zerg are protecting that giant dome," Stukov said.
"Whatever's inside must've been incredibly important to the Zerg, I'll try to bring them to my will," She said bringing a hand up to the new Zerg.
But something happened and unforeseen. The Zerg are ignoring her completely and focused more on fighting the two opposing races.
"I can't bring them in control," Kerrigan growled, "Something is protecting them from my psionic power and it must be powerful to be capable of doing so."
"My queen," Izsha telepathically called, "The feral Zerg are ignoring your call and our swarm. Perhaps if we aid them in taking out the opposing forces…"
"Then we find out who is doing this, wait," Kerrigan looked to the flying and crawling Zerg and recognized it, "Those are Devourers and Defilers, I haven't those in a long time."
It is true, Devourers were evolved from the Mutalisk. They are capable of dealing with any air unit with ease. But Defilers, those are extremely rare Zerg. They were ultimately placed as obsolete in today's Zerg.
"Then it means something is using old Zerg to fight them," Stukov said.
"Alright, we'll focus on destroying the Tal'darim first, once we're done with them, and then we can finish off the remaining forces," Kerrigan declared as the battle commences.
It was a long fight, but in 20 minutes the forces were dealt with as Kerrigan and Stukov come forward to the dome, guarded by Hunter Killers, Impalers (Not the Hydralisk but the structure), and a massive infested Ursadon.
"With them out of the way, let's see who is behind this," She walked toward the Swarm, finding it weird that they allowed her into the dome.
Inside the dome was incredibly spacious, you can have two Ultralisks, but you can still have more room. But a presence can be felt, and it is strong. It was almost like an ancient Zerg lived here. Wires began to reach the center of the dome as they a reinforced door brutally ripped to their direction. When they entered, they saw all the wires connected to one being that made them stop in their tracks.
A massive bulbous worm with pairs with fleshed legs. It is what they recognize when it was seen. A powerful cerebrate laying there in the room filled with wires imbedded into it.
The Queen of Blades shook off her surprise as she walked and confronted the worm-like being, followed by Stukov.
"Who are you, are you the one who asked Stukov to get help," Kerrigan asked.
The being didn't spoke until it did in a tired voice.
"Hello my queen, it is good to see you once more."
"…You know me but I don't, however you feel familiar Who. Are. You," Kerrigan said taken off guard by the speech it made.
"You do not recognize me? It is I, the guardian that protected you from birth, the first servant when you were indoctrinated to the Swarm."
"No," Kerrigan gasp taking a step back, "It can't be. The cerebrate that watched and served me died!"
"I have never died. My body and essence was taken by the entity known as Narud. He tormented me, experimented and used my essence to create and perfect the hybrid. He didn't allow me to communicate with his foul technology. But I grew strong by secretly feeding on psionic energies for years without his notice. I have found Stukov to help him escape so he can get to you. I have felt your psionic energy and I know it was you no matter how faint. Within the chaos, I created a small larva and grew my brood to kill the remaining forces."
She was left speechless, all those years thinking that her guardian and servant had died now lives right in front of her.
"You know this cerebrate," Stukov asked her.
Kerrigan didn't hear his question, she continued to look to the being with suspicion. Could it be a fake? She had to test him.
"If you truly are my servant, what is it that you taught me?" Kerrigan tested
"I have taught you vision my queen. The Swarm is powerful, but power isn't enough for its leader. You must acquire vision. You do not use strength or an army to defeat your enemy, but only by vision can you hope to obtain victory."
Kerrigan felt silent as she witnessed that it is truly it. Her mentor… her guardian.
"So by the silence, I am guessing you know this being," Stukov broke off her daze.
"Yes, this is the cerebrate that the Overmind tasked to protect me while I grow in my chrysalis. After I was reborn, I asked cerebrate to continue his vigil to watch over me as I integrate the Swarm. I thought for sure that you had died cerebrate," She said looking at the massive worm.
"And now I am back in your presence. It is my wish to see you once more. My how much you have grown. You have become more powerful than I had hoped."
"And I still need your service cerebrate, more for what the Zerg will face in the future," Kerrigan stated.
"I wish to join you my queen, but with great regret the machine here is keeping me alive. Narud saw to that if I leave this machine, I will die."
"Damn you Narud! I will not lose you again, there has to be another way," Kerrigan cursed.
"Perhaps we can transfer him to another body," Stukov said moments later.
"Yes…. It can work, but where can we find a body that can suit cerebrate? His psionic power is immense, no regular body can withstand so much power," Kerrigan said with hope in her eyes.
"There is a body that can hold my power," the being brought their attention.
"Inside this facility, Narud collected Terrans with powerful psionic potential, using them to create his hybrid leaving only empty husks. It may be the only thing that will bring me salvation," it explained.
"Where is the body now!?" Kerrigan demanded, if there is anything that'll bring it back to her, she'll take it.
"I think I know where it might be, inside this facility has a room filled with cryo-chambers, it is where my body is at before they infested me," Stukov suggested.
"Then what are we waiting for, let's go," Kerrigan said as the two left cerebrate alone.
Within some time, they had reached their destination, the room was filled with endless rows of chambers each storing a body. It may be a difficult task, but she wasn't deterred. Stukov on the other hand…
"Do you we'll take a millennia to find the right host body," he said sarcastically.
"My queen, it may be easier to find by sensing the greatest psionic residue. The hybrid take time to take the psionic essence of the Terrans, but once finished, they leave a remainder of psionic energy. The greater the residue, the more powerful the Terran must've been psionically," Cerebrate explained.
Her eyes glowed with psionic power as scanned the room for a suitable body. All she could she was green mist, but she still continued on. After minutes has passed, she found it, she activated the pod and was surprised to see the body.
A young male no older than 19. He has dark red hair similar to blood, 5 and 7 feet tall, slightly tanned white skin, skinny with a slight build on the legs, arms, and abs. What is unique of this figure was the eyes, almost reptilian and a color of dark gray. However, some flesh of its cheeks were missing, making the mouth almost look like it is constantly giving a nightmarish grin.
Stukov came over and look at the young adult and was unimpressed and a bit creeped by the grin.
"This will be the host body, I can't but feel that this won't be enough. Are you sure you have the right one," Stukov asked.
"I am certain this is the right one, this one has the greatest amounts of psionic residue out of all of them," She said carrying the body the weakened Cerebrate.
They managed to give the body near the massive worm as it inspected the body.
"This is the one I sensed, now I must concentrate. This part will be vital to my survival and mustn't be disturbed. I haven't tried this before so I suggest that you stand at a far distance away," It suggested as the two went away at a safe distance.
Kerrigan showed a bit concern, but believes it can do while Stukov looks with curiosity.
The body of the worm glowed orange with psionic energy as it burst into a storm surrounding the two bodies. Shocks clashed and metals burned from this performance as the two Zerg tried to bare the storm. The sheer psionic power of the cerebrate awed the two, but it didn't go unnoticed to the Korprulu Sector.
The ghosts and spectres began grabbing their hands in pain as some fell to their knees. The Zerg were attracted to it psionic power like moths to a flame. The Protoss feared that the Overmind will return and prepared to for the worst.
The storm cleared as the two saw devastation in this prison. Wires and machines were scorched, metals continue to melt, burn marks decorate all over, and everything was shredded to pieces.
'The cerebrate is this powerful? How did we, the United Earth Directorate, manage to take control of the Overmind if they were holding such power?' the thought ran through Stukov's mind as Kerrigan went into the center of the explosion.
The worm like body is gone and the body lays there in a fetal position. Once a supposed corpse, now healthy with a lean build, slight tanned skin, and for some the undergarment is still intact.
"It appears the process was a complete success, wouldn't you agree," Stukov asked looking at the body as Kerrigan merely nodded and kneeled to the body.
There were no wounds, is the being dead or was it a success she thought as she reached her hand to it. Suddenly she was caught off guard as a hand grabbed her arm and she looked to see the dark gray eyes, on edge and tired.
"My queen, is that you," the male asked in a tired voice as she saw his eyes turn from dark gray to orange.
"Yes, but more importantly, is that you cerebrate," She demanded.
"Yes, it is I my queen, your guardian in a new body," he said identified as Cerebrate.
"Good, now get up so we can leave this forsaken prison," Kerrigan ordered standing up.
Following her order, he attempted to stand up only to fall forward to the floor face first, Stukov couldn't help but have an amusing smirk seeing a powerful cerebrate clumsily fall like a toddler.
"Ow," he said, "I will need to get used to this Terran body."
He tried again with better success, testing the parts of the body quickly adapting to its functions. Kerrigan on the other hand still had a job to do.
"Since you have a new body, I will ask once more. Will you join the Swarm and serve me once more," Kerrigan asked more as an order with power in her voice.
Without hesitation, he knelt before her, before his queen.
"I, cerebrate of the Swarm and guardian of the Queen of Blades will serve you once more," He pledged.
"Now that you are my guardian once more, you will need a name for yourself other than Cerebrate. What would you like," She asked.
He pondered for a moment for a name and finally decided on one.
"Cerberus, I choose Cerberus as my name," he declared.
'The three-headed guard dog of the Underworld, kind of fitting for one within the Swarm, wouldn't you agree,' Stukov telepathically asked the Queen of Blades.
Kerrigan didn't need to answer back, it was somehow fitting for her cerebrate. A beast who serves as her servant and guardian.
"Then it is settled, Cerberus. I the Queen of Blades appoint you as the Guardian of the Swarm and to protect it from those who will do harm against it," She declared.
Standing high before her at his full height, radiating orange psionic energy all over his and into his eyes.
"Welcome back, Cerberus," Kerrigan greeted once more.
"It is good to be back my queen," Cerberus said as he smiled making the scarred grin bigger.
On a later time, Kerrigan ordered that Cerberus would wear clothes instead of an undergarment. Now he wears a gray short-sleeved shirt, dress pants with a gray belt, combat boots, and a black trench coat. Once fully dressed, he, Kerrigan, and Stukov retreated to her Leviathan. As they went, Kerrigan explained all that happened after his supposed death and the plans of the future.
Cerberus was intrigued by her past stories, especially ones from James Raynor, the Broodmothers, her conquest and evolutions on Zerus, and her reason to return to lead the Swarm.
His queen made sure this tyrant suffered before destroying him as he became only ashes in the wind. With her vengeance done, she put her focus on preparing the Swarm for Amon's return.
Cerberus was then introduced to her collected and unique group.
He already knew Stukov, Abathur was responsible for the Swarm's evolution, Izsha was an old organism crafted by the old Queen of Blades with a purpose to house all information, give updates to any being or the Swarm itself. Zagara, his queen's ally and student, learning the lessons he once placed unto her to be ready to lead the Swarm one day. And finally Dehaka, born in Zerus with a motive to continue gaining essence for himself, the reason for joining his queen. He is similar to the Terrans having mercenaries. Cerberus was impressed that he and his pack would help his queen as well as his importance in the battle with Mengsk.
Cerberus taught the queen well.
He was introduced to the Broodmothers of the Swarm by his queen, the ones that became successor from himself and the cerebrates. He could already hear their questioning on why a Terran would be in the Swarm's hierarchy. And his answer is crushing their minds with his psionic powers. He could her hundreds of them wail in pain as I made my point on why I was part of it. By the queen's order, I release my hold on the Broodmothers as many gave newfound respect to him. His queen declared him Second in Command and anyone dared to question their authority will be punished severely. None of them argued back and merely accepted my position.
Soon, Kerrigan ordered Cerberus to go to Abathur to upgrades for the battles to come. As he entered the evolution chamber, Abathur greeted him and asked for the purpose of coming here. After explaining, they began to integrate his body with upgrades of his choice.
Upon 5 hours, he emerged from the chrysalis in his naked and upgraded body. Visually, he became physically fit, however some changes appeared. His teeth now became serrated, his cheeks were fixed but left a scar, carapace plating on his arms and retractable skeletal wings like his queen but with claws as well.
One change is that he is completely Zerg from his body to his molecular cells, to be fully handle his powerful psionic abilities. With barely any carapace for protection, Abathur gave him powerful regenerative properties that surpasses the Roaches and had his skeleton reinforced to being as strong as iron. This means he can replace limbs, organs and heal any wound in just seconds.
A second change is that he can produce and hold corrosive acid in his arms and shoot them.
The third change is unique, to be able to produce black mist around his body to be able to blind his foes or intimidate them. This also makes his skin smooth and secrete sweat that can melt steel, should he ever have a rare chance of getting caught.
Another change is that he can alter his hands into being bone claws. Each fingertip reaches six inches and it's the part that shows his association to the Zerg and made from the near indestructible materials used for the Ultralisks' Kaiser Blades. He can even alter them to a molecular level that can shred the toughest armor.
Like her queen, he can channel his psionic powers through the claws and wings, making as powerful as the Protoss warp blades. And can even block those that are similar.
Along with the usual benefits for Zerg such as night vision, heightened senses, enhanced strength, incredible agility, a powerful immune system and so on.
But they are pale in comparison to the power of his most important upgrades.
His first upgrade has two parts. The first part is the use of adapting to even the deadliest of poisons and create healing enzymes and antidotes for combat or support for the Zerg. The second part is to not only spin sequences like Abathur but to even bring forth larva and creep. With it, he can create his own brood if he was separated and within hostile territory.
His most powerful upgrade is that he can transform his essence into a powerful behemoth with a height of a Brutalisk. With the fascination of her queen's stories and the Primal Zerg, he can become a powerful Primal Zerg form, a being that would remind Kerrigan of an old Zerg she fought for essence… Zurvan.
With these changes he can use his psionic capabilities with no limitations. While his queen uses it aggressively, he uses them with versatility but some focus on defense. He blocked his mind with powerful psionic barriers that only anyone greater or equal to his queen or himself.
He can use many psionic abilities, but to some limit. He can read the minds of others even the highest of Terran or Protoss levels. His telekinetic powers can crush a boulder with ease and can send a gigantic Ultralisk flying. He can even mind control any Terran indefinitely, but with time on Protoss, depending how powerful one is.
His powerful psionic abilities can have him control millions of Zerg without the aid of Overlords and can even make his minions stronger, but he must be immobile to do such a thing.
After reviewing the changes with Abathur, he dressed himself with the clothes he discarded before entering the chrysalis, while his queen entered the chamber with news of his completed change.
When she looked at him with a calculating stare, she looked that he didn't change a bit, but could feel his change.
"Cerberus, why are you still look like a Terran? Abathur, did you even upgrade him like I told him too?" She asked the evolution master.
"Yes my queen, I have received all the necessary upgrades needed for my body, as for my look I asked Abathur to keep my visage," He looked to the Queen.
"Is this true," Kerrigan looked to Abathur.
"Yes, organism Cerberus is completely altered to serve Zerg Swarm. Request to keep Terran visage, reasons unknown," Abathur replied as she looked to Cerberus.
"What was your reason Cerberus," She asked.
"…Tell me my queen, if you and I are on the battlefield not knowing me or recognize me, what would your impression be?" He asked his queen has she had time to think.
"If I was the Old Queen of Blades, I would've killed you in a heartbeat, but where I am now, I would question on why was there an injured child on the battlefield and would ignore you even if you attacked," she answered.
"Exactly, with my image I would give you a false sense of security and won't suspect as a threat until it is too late. I can disguise myself around enemy soldiers or commanders that would underestimate me, never knowing on what I can do. To them I am merely a weak, lonely being, but their gullibility would be their downfall," Cerberus explained as Kerrigan sees this strategic reasoning within.
It is what amazed her from the Cerebrate. Not by power, nor tenacity, but his strategy and observational skills.
"You know Cerberus, there is a saying based on what you said, you are 'a wolf in sheep's clothing'."
"I couldn't agree anymore my queen," Cerberus making his face a nightmarish grin.
Time flies by as he served with the queen. After the death of Arcturus Mengsk, she and the others flew over to space to get ready for her battle with Amon. Terrans were rebuilding and the Protoss are even getting ready to take back Aiur.
But everything changed as peace was utterly destroyed.
Terran worlds were being bombarded by the so-called Mobius Corps, the Golden Armada were being controlled by Amon with the Khala and relentlessly destroyed all life on numerous planets, and feral Broods were in Amon's possession and attacked various worlds. There is even Amon's forces, the Tal'darim that are hunting Artanis' last remaining Protoss. Hybrid were even leading the forces. While Kerrigan tirelessly searched for Amon, Cerberus was commanding the Swarm against the Hybrid. And it proved to be very difficult and may possibly be fighting a losing battle.
Every now and then, the Golden Armada would destroy his forces, Amon's Zerg was nothing but meat shields, and the Hybrid were killing Broodmothers to gain control of their broods. Even with some losses, he continued to learn from these Hybrid and their tactics as he continued to win more battles, but at the cost losing thousands to millions of Zerg.
Eventually his queen came through and found the home world of the Xel'naga at the Altarian Rift, her queen ventured there to seek the Xel'naga and said that she met Artanis. However despite their journey within the temple, their hopes were lost as the Xel'naga were already dead. His queen and Artanis escaped the trap made by the dark god. Artanis made an offer of joining forces, but Kerrigan refused as the Swarm was incredibly damaged and told him to gather as much allied as possible like she did. She returned to Char and helped recuperate the Zerg to some of its fighting strength. The hybrid moved away from Zerg territories from the massive losses he made. Kerrigan ordered most of the Zerg to Ulnar in order to find ways to hurt Amon.
Eventually they got word that Artanis has gathered a new army with the former enemy, the Tal'darim. By the Protoss' efforts, they halted Amon's mass production of Hybrid, end his brood, destroyed Amon's form created from the Protoss and the Overmind's carcass, and freed his controlled brethren and send Amon's corruption by into the void with the power of the keystone they required from the Terrans.
An end to the End War.
However, a month later Kerrigan was greeted by whispers in her mind and discovered that Ulnar can be used to create a portal enter the void. She immediately contacted two commanders, James Raynor and Artanis to meet with the Swarm at Ulnar.
With her informing of Amon's return and the decision to beat him while he is crippled, the two agreed with her as they readied themselves for the final fight against Amon. But they were already met with Amon's minions and void constructs, although if it weren't for Artanis to manage to get a foothold for their armies. Upon which they have gained a khaydarin crystal that rejuvenated the armies as a voice called to them. To everyone's surprise, it was Tassadar begging them to free them from the being that trapped him in the void.
Much to Cerberus and Stukov's hatred, it was Narud, a deformed Xel'naga defended by his Void Thrashers, Constructs, and Dominators. He gloated against the commanders of the Swarm and sent his army against them.
But with our combined forces, we pushed away his minions and constructs as he remained there weakened as Kerrigan, Jim, Artanis, Cerberus and Stukov come to the weak Xel'naga.
"Hello there Duran, do you remember what you did to us," Stukov asked cockily.
"Stukov… Cerebrate… You have come to gloat haven't you," Narud stated with annoyance.
"No, we've come here to see you die, Stukov you have the honor of killing him," Cerberus said.
"With pleasure," Stukov said firing a psionic blast, killing the monster permanently.
As Narud faded away a crystal was in its place as Tassadar spoke.
"Artanis, you must come to me," Tassadar spoke.
Artanis walked forth, seeing his mentor's ghostly form.
"It is Tassadar! My mentor… How can this be? Honored one. To see you brings much joy to my…" Artanis halted as Tassadar's ghostly was blown away to see a massive squid being now in from of them.
"Tassadar, a form I choose to inspire action in the one called Zeratul. In you. The prophecies Zeratul followed the result of my psionic extension into the minds of primitive beings," It said.
"You are Xel'naga," Kerrigan walked forward, "The one who called to me? Who are you?"
"Ouros," it said, "Last shepherd of the cycle. Enemy of Amon. He is one with the void. It is an extension of his will, binding me as prisoner."
"Why have you summoned us here," Kerrigan asked.
"The cycle must not be broken. The merging of purity of essence and purity of from must continue. You, the one called Kerrigan, can merge with my essence. Now fulfill your destiny. Ascend as Xel'naga and continue the Infinite Cycle," Ouros said.
"Xel'naga? You want to change her into one of you? No, damn it!" James said going against Ouros' idea, "Sarah, no!"
"Only a Xel'naga can defeat the fallen one," Ouros stated.
"Sarah, you don't gonna do this. You don't have to let yourself be mutilated again!" Jim said.
"He is right my queen, you don't have to go through it all. I know the fact that together we all can defeat Amon without the…"
"No Jim, Cerberus," Kerrigan said to them looking at her clawed hands, "With all I've done, the lives ruined… worlds destroyed… There is blood on my hands. I need to cleanse it. This is my destiny."
Reluctantly the two let Kerrigan go as they ready their defenses to protect Kerrigan. James took the North, Artanis took the west and Cerberus and Zagara stayed near. It was long battle while Kerrigan absorbs the power of the Xel'naga. Thrashers would come in and try to take out Kerrigan, but Kerrigan struck them away with ease. Soon almost all of Ouros' essence will merge with his queen as they all gathered before her.
"That's it… I have all of the Xel'naga's essence," Kerrigan said tired.
"I have been honored to serve you my queen," Zagara said bowing to her.
"And I as well," Cerberus said.
"I give the Swarm to you both. Zagara remember our lessons and Cerberus, protect the Swarm as you did for me," Kerrigan said.
"We shall," The two said in unison.
"It is time," Ouros said.
Kerrigan changed into a fetal position in the air as powerful energies envelope inside her as the last of Ouros' flows.
"With the last of our essence, a new eternity dawns," Ouros continued, "The Infinite Cycles have come… to their end," it said with its last breath before dying.
In honor of the Xel'naga's sacrifice, Artanis bowed on one knee and clasped his hands in front of the deceased Xel'naga.
The last of its essence covered Kerrigan in golden light, spreading all over her body. In a blinding light, she appeared as a being of pure golden energy with powers beyond comprehension and over sixteen feet tall with hair on fire.
"She is… Xel'naga," Artanis stated in awe from his kneeled position.
The other three couldn't agree more as they looked upon this new form.
Inside Jim Raynor's mind, he isn't in his armor and looks to see Sarah Kerrigan as a pure human ghost walking toward him.
"These moments together, they will always be with me," She kissed Jim as they embraced one another.
They weren't alone, Cerberus used his psionic power on Jim and saw the deeds his queen made. Sarah and Jim looked to see Cerberus watching them. Letting go, she walked to Cerberus.
"You have been by my side and protected me, caring for me," she said cupping a cheek, "I will never forget everything you had done for me."
Cerberus couldn't talk back only growl in sadness and a memory called forth as well.
"I am pleased with you Cerebrate, and so long as my prize remains intact, I shall remain pleased. Thus its life and yours shall be made as one. As it prospers, so shall you."
Kerrigan merely smirked at the memory of the former Overmind and kissed the forehead of her guardian. "Thank you."
"We have to go now."
Now in the void, Jim walked to Kerrigan and said, "End this thing… Once and for all."
In a golden flash, Kerrigan flew deeper into the void.
After her ascension to godhood, she went to destroy Amon as everyone followed to see the battle through and made bases around Amon. Amon was covered in an impenetrable barrier created by the Void Crystals. It was a difficult task, but they did it. Destroying the crystals not only erased the barrier, but also weaken Amon as well.
"It is over Amon," Kerrigan said with conviction.
"You are nothing but a product of the flawed cycle. Manipulated for the entirety of your existence," Amon insulted Cerberus' queen.
"You know NOTHING about me! I care little for the Xel'naga's Infinite Cycle or your twisted lies. No," Kerrigan said rising up, "I choose something different. I choose freedom… for all of us."
She gathered her power into a beam of pure energy at Amon, destroying him as his face and body began to break apart. Then in a bright flash, both Amon and Kerrigan are gone. The darkness around the void began to fade, once filled with hatred from Amon, now calmer than ever.
Raynor couldn't see her.
Artanis cannot sense her.
And both Cerberus and Zagara couldn't feel her presence anymore.
Both James and Cerberus were most effected by her disappearance, however Artanis comforted Raynor.
"Friend Raynor, Kerrigan did what she had to do. She sacrificed herself so that our universe will live on. She will be remembered not as the Queen of Blades, but as Sarah Kerrigan who faced the darkness where we couldn't," Artanis said convicted.
Jim Raynor thank Artanis for his words and the two were ready to leave with their respective ships, but he saw Cerberus and Zagara continue to look into the Void like in a trance.
Unknown to them, Cerberus wanted more than to see her again, once taken away from her queen for years of torture then to happily serve her again, only to hope she can come back to him. In his mind, he would beg the time to slow down, to allow him to serve her again. Something caught his vision as he telekinetically brought it to him. A gold khaydarin crystal, like the ones that had Ouros prisoner. He grasp it in his hands and clenched it without letting go.
"Cerberus, it is time we have left," Zagara said.
"…I know," he said with regret, "But I feel like our queen is never gone and that she will come back to us once more," he said with some hope.
"Then let us honor her wishes and care for the Swarm from those who dare harm. If she does return, we will be ready to serve her again," Zagara said.
"You're right Zagara, let's head back to Char," Cerberus finally moved back to go to the Leviathan to head home with the crystal in hand, now forever a treasure to him.
(3 years later)
Three years since the End War.
Three years he and Zagara commanded the Swarm.
Three years… waiting for their queen to return.
The Terrans prospered to new heights, the Protoss abandoned their old ways and had changed like never before as Aiur became an innovation and advancement throughout the sector. However, the Tal'darim cuts themselves off the protoss alliance in search of their own home, with rumors of Terrans and rogue Tal'darim still faithful to Amon.
Meanwhile the Zerg, under the tutelage of Cerberus and Zagara, reinforced their defenses and reclaimed their lost planets. Even now Cerberus would make the Swarm even more powerful.
Some time ago, Valerian and Artanis wanted an alliance with all three races united into one, but he refused and only promised that peace will be between them and to not intrude in his territory. Fortunately the two agree to his terms and did an alliance to themselves.
With the assistance of Abathur, they have been busy evolving the Swarm with newer upgrades.
Hatcheries, Lairs and Hives produce more larvae in an exponential rate, units move underground with half their speed, 4 drones can be produced within an egg. Changelings now have no limited lifespan, instead they can keep their disguise and can be telepathically be used to Cerberus' wishes.
Zerglings have both Raptor and Swarm strains, capable of being 4 in an egg while having half the time it takes.
Roaches maintain their vile strain as their armors were reinforced to the point they can survive explosives.
Hunter Killers begin to fill in with the Hydralisks as they are useful in protection and skirmishes. Their serrated arsenal and longer range have been useful and been marked with a red crest to show difference between them.
Lurkers now have mid-range melee attack while unburied with the same power as a Hydralisk. With new modifications, the Lurkers have become an organic hybrid version of both a Goliath and a siege tank .While burrowed on the ground it not only strikes and mutilates those with weak armor at long range, it can be used as a special defense as both anti-ground and anti-air with their newly made spines they grow out. But like its strain it is more effective against light units as heavily armored would somewhat withstand the Lurkers' destructive spikes and spines.
Brutalisks can now be spawned along with Ultralisks just a quarter longer.
The Defilers are reintegrated back to the Swarm that can act as offensive support with a denser carapace. However, it has been improved with the speed of a Hydralisk on creep, and its special abilities has altered greatly. They can produce a fog that makes long range weaponry useless and it plague ability can do damage overtime and can drain energy. The more energy it drains, the greater the damage. It is also not defenseless as it can psionically create an energy ball to act as an offensive weapon and give splash damage like the Protoss' Reavers.
The Vipers can be spawned without an evolution from Mutalisks.
Mutalisks now have more power on their attacks and can keep the power despite how many times it struck.
Finally, the Swarm Hosts can now act as assault support with an attack to shoot acidic saliva and spawn locusts while moving. Since they carry both Carrion and Creeper strains, locusts are capable of flight and the hosts can move anywhere as long as there is creep. Not only that, they can burrow themselves and spawn 6 locust instead of two and can incubate eggs faster. However they will take long to spawn from a larva.
The work from Cerberus, Zagara and Abathur have been successful against pirates, rogue Tal'darim and mercenaries that were hired by scientists to go into their territory.
Some time ago, word was that James Raynor was missing. All three races looked desperately to find him, to Cerberus he owed Raynor a great debt for what he did for their queen. But, some months later they called off their search as the Dominion made a statue in honor of the war hero for his deeds. As for Cerberus, he couldn't but feel like there was something wrong. It was like… losing a father he never knew, or perhaps it was the memory of his body.
Ever since, nothing happened and Cerberus has been sitting on his throne, looking at his crystal while attached to his new look with extra copies from the Dominion.
No mercenary went to his territory, no word from rogue Tal'darim.
You could say that he grew tired with nothing to do but look at the khaydarin crystal.
'Three years, three long years since your disappearance my queen,' Cerberus thought but was brought off them when Stukov and Zagara came in his chambers.
When Cerberus was elected leader of the Swarm, he appointed both Zagara and Stukov to be a shared place in Second in Command with the Zerg queen learning from the Queen of Blades and Stukov from his expertise as a Vice-Admiral. Although shocked, Stukov happily accepted his new role stating that it'll like his old job, but commanding legions of ravenous monsters with claws and teeth.
"Are you alright Cerberus, you seemed tired and obsessed with that crystal, unusual for a Zerg," Stukov asked.
"Stukov, even Zerg such as us can get exhausted," He looked to the infested Terran, "It has been a year since the Zerg had any action. Pirates aren't coming in, mercenaries were scared off and the planets in our side of space are colonized. I am almost beginning to resort having my Zerg fight one another to elevate my boredom," he said tired looking back to the crystal.
"The Zerg are not meant for entertainment Cerberus, you should know that," Zagara said.
"I know, I suppose you two came here for a reason, is there a report on the hive clusters," he asked.
"This one is latest to report on the outer hives. It's urgent," Stukov said gaining Cerberus' attention.
"What is it," Cerberus demanded.
"Broodmother Kalysa and Nafash are under attack by the Tal'darim and the Terrans called Mobius Corps," Zagara said, "They holding them off, but they outnumber them by a certain degree."
Cerberus stood pocketing his crystal in his jacket, "It looks like they are the ones still loyal to Amon. It won't matter, Izsha ready the leviathans we're moving out."
However before going to the leviathans he paid a trip to the Primal Zerg, Dehaka. He had been with Cerberus since his power makes him follow with essence. Since the time of peace, Cerberus had Dehaka collect more indigenous life to consume and bring to the Swarm, to make it more powerful. And it is what kept Dehaka in the Swarm.
"Hello Dehaka, I am in need of your service once more," he called to the unique Zerg.
"Are there more essence to collect," Dehaka asked in anticipation.
"Yes Dehaka, the Tal'darim and some of the Mobius Corps are attacking out Broodmothers in Marek V and I need your help. With the numbers they have, they will give you more."
"This is good," Dehaka said in satisfaction.
"Good, gather your pack," Cerberus said as they left to the leviathans.
(Marek V)
It was originally belonged to the Dominion before the Zerg came here, but since the peace, Marek V had become a Zerg planet instead. It combined the luscious plains and forests with the horrific flesh designs of the Zerg, filling the world with both beauty and evil.
Five leviathans warp into its space as they are witnessed to a space battle. While they see the Broodmother leviathans, they see both Terran and Tal'darim ships floating in space fighting them.
"By the looks of it they are in a stalemate," Stukov blankly said as the three examined the strength of the enemy.
There were 9 Void Rays, 16 Carriers, 20 Vikings, 4 Battlecruisers, 10 Liberators, 3 Motherships, and a space station. More importantly the last Mothership in the fleet is the biggest.
'Broodmothers, we have arrived, what is the situation,' he telepathically asked.
'My lord, the Protoss and Terrans have attacked our brood, we had held them off as long as we can, but they destroyed most of our leviathans with powerful energies from the motherships and space station,' As Kalysa finished explaining energies from the motherships began to charge with energy and fire upon the arriving leviathans. While some of them dodged, two were not fortunate as the energy ripped them apart from the inside out, now they roar exploding in blood as they are vaporized into nothing.
"Void energies, they were collecting void energies to fire upon our fleet," Cerberus said swatting away Stukov's shock.
"It looks like the Battlecruisers and motherships are acting as a blockade to the head mothership. With them acting as a giant barrier, we can't harm it," Stukov said.
"True, but it drains all of their energies from the motherships with their shields down. The only thing we need to worry are the Battlecruisers and the space station acting as a shield around the motherships," he explained before communicating the Broodmothers.
'Broodmothers hear me, prepare your leviathans and attack the fleet with us. Aim for the Battlecruisers protecting the motherships,' as he relayed the order, the broodmothers' leviathans advanced forward and attacked the Terran ships.
"Have the Scourges destroy the Battlecruisers, Mutalisks fire upon the Void Rays, Corruptors focus fire on the Vikings and Liberators, and all leviathans, fire upon the two motherships," he ordered as the Zerg went with his orders like well-oiled machines.
Scourges made suicide dives to the Terran ships, easily destroying them to pieces as the Vikings and Liberators were outmatched from their glaives and destructive acid. The mothership made a full charge, readied and fired upon the leviathans. The leviathans the Broodmothers, Zagara, Cerberus, Dehaka and Stukov are on quickly evaded, but a few were unfortunate and died the same way as the first victims. The battle was turned favor to the Zerg as they advanced their positions.
"Push forward, do not let them get away, show no mercy," Cerberus said, "Have all leviathans strike at the Protoss motherships and the rest with the Corruptors and Mutalisks finish off the remaining fleet."
Going as he demanded the flyers overwhelmed both Protoss and Terran support as the leviathans strike at the three motherships with their bio-plasma. While two were decimated by the assault, the big mothership had been seen on the move.
"Do not let them escape! Have the remaining Scourges incapacitate the ship," He ordered.
The small flyers made suicide dives to the massive ship. Most of them merely exploded on the shield, but they were weakened from the leviathans' power and the Scourges now leave the ship unprotected and damaged from the continuous onslaught of the suicide flyers. Eventually it stopped from all the damage done from the Zerg. Nearby, the space station is in flames, but still operational.
"I'm going to the ship personally to find out why they attacked the Swarm, have Dehaka and his pack target the space station, Zagara and Stukov you two stay in case they called for reinforcements," Cerberus said heading to the drop pods.
"By your will Cerberus," Zagara said while Stukov merely nodded.
Inside the ship via drop pod, Cerberus was encountered with zealots, havocs, and vanguards. Dealing with these pests, he walked closer to the psi matrix with extreme caution. From within the center was an Ascendant, 4 Adepts and a few Archons acting as his bodyguards.
"If it isn't the abomination itself, the infamous cerebrate. I have expected so much more of your prowess, but tell me, how it feels to be the last of your disgusting kind," the ascendant asked in a dark tone.
"If I recall I am the Swarm, and I am never alone. Perhaps it is better on who are you and why you attacked the Swarm," Cerberus said bringing his claws out as well as his skeletal wings.
"Hah, I am Tarxyx, 3rd Ascendant of the fleet of Amon, as to why I am here… I have come to see you die for your actions. Destroy this abomination!" Tarxyx commanded.
As the Archons and Adepts charged forward to kill him, Cerberus merely unleashed a black fog around as the room is filled with darkness. It hardly mattered since the Tal'darim are capable of telepathy and can see through their red eyes, but Cerberus made quick work of the Adepts with his claws and began to crack down at the Archons. He dealt with one, but the rest of them sprouted Psi Storms all over, forcing Cerberus away and use long range. Cerberus crafted his own Psi Storm and unleashed it to all the Archons. Their shields are completely down and Cerberus leapt upon them with ferocity like his queen.
The black was blown away, leaving only the Ascendant and Cerberus.
"Is that all you have tal'darim? The hybrid are more of a challenge than you," Cerberus said.
"There is still me abomination, and you will die," Tarxyx said rising from the ground and gathered psionic energy.
Cerberus also gathers energy as well and the two fired upon one another. Clashing in a reverse tug-of-war between two psionic beings, Cerberus is gradually gaining the upper hand. Ever since he left the Skygeirr Facility, he practiced his body's limitations, organized his psionic capabilities and utilized them to its fullest potential. The only beings capable of overwhelming Cerberus is someone in his league or his Queen. To Cerberus, Tarxyx is nothing compared to him.
In a big bang, Tarxyx was launched and hit the red khaydarin crystal behind him. Looking up he sees Cerberus strike him down with his skeletal wings.
"It won't matter abomination, I was merely distracting for your upcoming death. With the energy stored in the crystal, you will know the meaning of death. My vengeance for Amon is now complete," with that Tarxyx faded into nothing.
Surges are heard throughout the ship, Cerberus began to look around. He couldn't see it, Tarxyx used most of his energy hiding the growing crystal and was careless. So for this, he will pay for that mistake.
'Stukov, Zagara! Take the leviathans and get them out of here," Cerberus telepathically ordered.
'What's going on, I am detecting a massive amount of energy coming from the mothership! You have to get out of there," Stukov yelled.
"It's too late for me now, but I know you two will! Zagara, take control of the leviathans and get as far away as you can," Cerberus said.
'It shall be as you say,' Zagara responded.
"If I don't make it in one piece, take care of the Swarm you two! Zagara, remember your teachings from me and our queen," he said sadly as Zagara led the leviathans away.
'Forgive me my queen, I have failed on my promise.'
In a giant light, a massive explosion rumbled across the depths of space taking the mothership and a quantity of space, once it died down all there was left was Marek IV with a chunk missing. Stukov and Zagara looked for any signs or presence of Cerberus, but only found none.
The Swarm has lost another great leader.
(Unknown Island)
When he accepted his death, his life flashed then to nothing. It felt like being in the dark, cold void for eternity. After some time, he woke up finding himself in a burned earth filled with stalagmites and molten rock. He even saw a massive volcano nearby, continuously producing lava.
Cerberus didn't see volcanoes or scorched earth in Marek IV, does it mean he was sent somewhere else? He attempted to call forth Zagara first, but nothing happened. Then he tried, Stukov, Kalysa, Nafasha, and even Abathur but nothing happened.
For the first time in years, he is alone once again. Not even the voices of billions of Zerg he help recreate.
But he wasn't alone. He looked to see a burning pile of metal. He looked close and saw it was the space station Dehaka and his pack was upon. Quickly heading there, he sees Primal Zerg wounded but alive. Looking deeper into the debris, he found Dehaka stuck under the metal. Using his psionic power, he lifted up the debris and freed Dehaka.
"Hold on Dehaka," Cerberus said healing his Primal ally.
Slowly but surely, his wounds begin to mend and his consciousness began to awaken.
"You were hurt badly Dehaka, I had to get you up," Cerberus said.
"You healed me, thank you," Dehaka said getting up.
"You're welcome," Cerberus said before looking at the night sky.
Walking out the ruined station, he looked to see a massive body of water just meters away from the space station. It didn't take long for him to realize he is in a large scorched island, surrounded by water.
"Where are we?" Cerberus asked.
There it is the prologue for my story of StarCraft and One Piece! I will make sure the other chapters aren't as long or by chance make them longer. I will even make a chapter for the Zerg units.
Until next time!
