As the sun begins to set, the four Scarves climb up towards the balcony; the agile and speedy Maria leads the way, with Rob and Danny following close behind, Xander bringing up the rear. Regrouping on the balcony, they take a moment to steel themselves.
"Inside the throne room is the greatest threat we've ever faced, armed with the greatest power we've ever witnessed," Rob begins. "I'll be honest: I'm not expecting to come out of that room alive."
"I don't think any of us are," Danny confirms.
"I've seen death once," Maria states flatly. "I don't fear it anymore."
"Just being advocate of the móguǐ, but we do have the option of rescuing Hanna and living life on the run," Xander reminds; the lack of reaction reveals no-one considers that an option.
The four friends remain silent for a few moments.
"Let's finish this," Rob commands, entering the corridor, sai drawn, ready to fight.
A few minutes later, the Scarves enter the throne room. Once they're all inside, the corridor behind them is blocked off with a clang of metal; a quick scan of the room's periphery shows all exits are thoroughly sealed.
"I have been following your progress." The voice of Captain Aquila Kawaguchi fills the room. "I must admit, I underestimated you. You have taken on the five finest fighters in the Gotoshi and triumphed; despite their abilities being boosted by the Elemental Powers, you prevailed. You even turned two of them to your cause, and you got them to use the powers I gave them against me."
"Thanks for the ego boost," Rob growls. "Now show yourself and surrender."
"You know I don't surrender," Aquila reminds.
"Then show yourself and fight," Rob replies.
"All in due time, my dear hare," Aquila insists. "First, we have a little business to conduct. Talents such as yours are wasted here; petty thieving is beneath you all. But do not despair; I can give you all far more satisfying lives. Join me, and not only will I spare the vixen, I will make all five of you demi-gods; together, we will cleanse the galaxy of evil."
"Cleanse the galaxy of evil?" Rob scoffs. "After all you've done, you expect us to believe you're fighting evil?"
"When we met last, I informed you of my intentions behind gathering and using the Elemental Crystals," Aquila reminds. "Those intentions remain intact, as does my desire to avenge my father at all costs. Surely you agree with me that a galaxy without Brevon is a galaxy improved?"
"We will not help you destroy Brevon, only for you to take his place," Rob states defiantly. "Now show yourself."
"Very well," Aquila sighs.
A shadow descends from the ceiling; Aquila lands in the centre of the throne room; he has fitted himself with a device that sends a shiver up Rob's spine.
"I see the hare recognises my new kit," Aquila smiles.
"That's the design the Ethereal had…" Rob breathes.
"Is that really the name he chose?" Aquila asks. "How quaint. But then he was totally mad. Still, he served his purpose well enough."
"He was working for you?" Rob asks in surprise.
"Of course!" Aquila chuckles. "How else do you think I knew the Crystals were on this wretched green mudball you call a planet? It's a shame you got in the way; if you hadn't interfered, Brevon would be dead, and your world would be safe."
"Lies."
"Without your interference, I would have landed, claimed the Crystals, and taken off; no-one would have noticed."
"The destruction of the Elementals would have been noticed."
"And the authorities would immediately assume the Red Scarves were responsible; given you are all members, you should be fully aware of your guild's blood-soaked reputation, a reputation you contribute to." Aquila pauses half a moment. "Come to think of it," he smirks, "you and your valentine vixen actually played out my alibi. Ten weeks too early, but still."
Rob remains silent for a moment. "Touché," he growls reluctantly.
"You haven't accepted my offer," Aquila reminds. "After all, who doesn't want the power of a demi-god?"
"I've seen what that sort of power does to people," Rob informs. "We refuse your offer."
"Then you will die," Aquila declares.