Beyond Creation Part I Beyond Creation Part I Chapter V, a Misc. Anime/Manga + Misc. Games Crossover fanfic

Chapter V
A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME
Retrocon City, Council Chambers
Day 2 9 PM

Tyreal was pacing. He was down on the Council Room floor while the rest of the Council sat in their designated seats above him. In front of Tyreal was Sarah Kerrigan, Titus, Alma, Samus Aran, Master Chief, and Solid Snake. Behind them the seating area was completely deserted because this was a private meeting on matters of security. Only Big Boss, Aiden Pearce, Dr Light, Dr Light, Dr Harlan, Dr. Robotnik, Commander Sheppard, Avatar Aang and Avatar Korra were in the seating area, along with 15 other high officials and security commanders. Kerrigan and everyone had just finished discussing the events earlier in the day. Tyreal stopped and looked at Kerrigan:

"This is disturbing to me. No one has ever had the power to drain the life force from other characters, let alone take control of someone completely. Is Raynor at Mercy Hospital?"

Kerrigan nodded:

"Yes. He's sharing a room with Matt Horner who is still recovering from yesterday's attack at the Precinct"

Tyreal said:

"Is he ok?"

Kerrigan nodded:

"He's unconscious, but he's fine"

Tyreal smiled:

"I'm glad he's ok. He's a tough warrior"

Kerrigan smiled back and said:

"He is"

Tyreal turned to Samus Aran now said:

"Samus, I know you work alone but Raynor's Assault Squad Beta needs a new leader. I am making all current squads formed since yesterday's operation permanent since the security of the NEXUS and this city is our top priority as is the safety of our people. You are next in rank of his Assault Squad after BJ and Master Chief. BJ has been hospitalized and Master Chief has already turned it down. You will be the first female Assault Commander in Retrocon City in 10 years if you choose to take the position. We need dedicated warriors whom soldiers can turn to in times of crisis. Raynor will approve your appointment if you agree. Your experience on exotic and alien environments will help the members of your squad overcome many trials. If you accept you will also have the full support of the Council. Will you accept the proposal?"

Samus was wearing her Zero Suit. She refused to wear any of the city uniforms because she loved her independence. Her hair was up in a ponytail. She had a disciplined look on her face and she saluted. She said:

"I will be glad to take command. However, I do things my way"

Tyreal replied:

"I expect nothing less. Raynor did things his way as well. Just think about your squad-mates as well when making your decisions"

Samus replied:

"I am well aware Councilor"

Tyrel said:

"Good, then the position is yours. You will get missions as soon as tomorrow morning, keep your logs handy. There are still Equalizers out there, as well as the remnants of Amon's group"

Samus said:

"Alright"

Tyreal turned to Alma now said:

"Alma, speaking of Amon, do we know where he went?"

Alma said:

"My sons tracked him along with other scouts to the northern edge of the City. They were using the tunnels under the city to escape undetected. We took some of them prisoner during the fight earlier, but none of them are talking. It seems for now they are pulling away from us. To where I do not know right now. Their minds are not easy to read. Especially their commanders"

Tyreal replied:

"Hmmm the Pokémon Wilds are to the Northwest, and Nintenville is north of us. The Kilobyte Mountains are to the Northeast. Any of those locations they could be going to"

Solid Snake spoke up now:

"If I was a military commander trying to hide my troops while outnumbered, I would try to lose my pursuers in the mountains. Your safest bet is that they are heading for the Kilobyte Mountains"

Tyreal replied:

"I will send scouting forces to the Pokémon Wilds, Nintenville, and the Kilobyte Mountains"

Tyreal turned to Tracer whom was acting as his personal scout after being the only one of the scout team not seriously hurt from the last fight.

"Notify Mario and Luigi in Nintenville since it is where they presently live. They would want to inform their own people. Also notify Link, Princess Zelda, Peach, and Bowser"

Tracer saluted:

"Aye Councilor!"

She was off speeding down the aisle and out the double doors. Tyreal thought out loud:

"I can't send massive forces out of the city to pursue. It would give away the idea that we are looking for them and also weaken our forces here. I want to know their next moves. We will have to send small surgical teams to the Pokémon wilds and the Kilobyte mountains"

Tyreal turned to Snake:

"Snake is your wounds healed up?"

Snake said:

"I can still fight if that is what you are asking"

Tyreal said:

"I need you to lead the expedition into the Kilobyte mountains. You still think they went there?"

Snake said:

"Affirmative"

Tyreal nodded and said:

"Alright I'll let you handle that one. Careful though. There is a reason why the Kilobyte Mountains are deserted. They cause a lot of electrostatic discharge that can cripple any person that goes there for more than 2 days"

Snake nodded said:

"Got it, get out before you get fried"

Tyreal said:

"Yes, exactly"

Tyreal turned to Samus again. Said:

"Samus I am sticking you and Assault Squad Beta with Snake"

Samus said:

"Yes Councilor"

Tyreal turned to Titus and Alma. He said:

"Titus. I admire your strength the past 2 days. You have been through as much as any of us, a complete stranger in our world. However, I need you on this last mission. We now have proof you are from their dimension. The fact their weapon had no effect on you tells us that much is true. You are the only one like them on our side. You are an asset we can't afford not to use right now. As much as I know you need rest, I need you back out there"

Titus felt his heart sink into his stomach. He was exhausted. He felt a protest coming but he let it go. He weakly nodded:

"Alright…."

Tyreal turned to Alma:

"I will put you with Titus. Your sons will remain here in the City to help coordinate defense while you are gone. Sheppard put's faith in your abilities, just keep your powers under control. I am sending you both to the Pokémon Wilds to scout out and see if Amon went there. I'll summon Red the Pokémon Trainer to lead your group into the Pokémon Wilds""

Alma smiled. Her eyes flashed at the thought of another adventure beyond Retrocon's walls. She saluted:

"Yes Councilor!"

Tyreal turned to Kerrigan and said:

"Kerrigan I know how much Raynor means to you, so I am relieving you of your duty to the Scouting Alpha Squad. I am giving you a week off"

Kerrigan look surprised said:

"Tyreal? But the situation…"

Tyreal held up his hand said:

"I believe in the other characters to do the job as well as you"

Kerrigan nodded said:

"Thank you Tyreal"

Tyreal looked at them all now and said:

"So it is settled. We move in pursuit of Amon and his remaining forces. I want daily updates from all of you"

Everyone was moving in all directions now. The session was adjourned. Kerrigan said goodbye to everyone and left to go see Raynor in the Hospital. Big Boss moved up to Snake and the two looked at each other silently for a second before Big Boss tapped Snake on the arm and said:

"Watch yourself out there son. Or, should I call you brother?"

Snake still felt awkward around his genetic father. The fact Snake was a clone child of his father made meeting his father at any time awkward. They used to be roughly the same age since clones like Snake would age faster due to FOXDIE, and accelerated cellular degeneration. However, thanks to the miracles of the Virtual Realm, Snake was back to his younger fitter self. Snake respected his father. They had once been adversaries and Snake had defeated his father once in combat. Snake responded:

"I can handle myself Boss"

Snake refused to call him father. Big Boss said:

"It will be the mountains. There will be rough terrain, deep crevasses, cliffs, caves, anything associated with such terrain. You must prepare yourself and your team for that. Also watch out for narrow roads a small force can ambush you on those as well as mine them"

Snake knew all this. Big Boss treated Snake like an equal, but he still acted like an instructor. Snake said:

"I am already thinking how I am going to get my team and gear together, don't worry"

Otacon came up to Snake. Otacon was a tech specialist working with the Counsel. Otacon said:

"Well Snake, it looks like we are working together again. Tyreal approved me to be on your team as tech specialist"

Snake smiled:

"Just like old times"

Otacon smiled said:

"Yes but no Metal Gear to chase"

Snake said:

"Well we have those goons in the VR Gear…"

While Big Boss and Snake talked about tactics, in another part of the room Samus walked up to Titus and Alma and began speaking to them:

"Seems like Tyreal has paired you both"

Alma glanced at her and said:

"For now…um Samus is it?"

Samus gave Alma a curious look and said:

"Have we met?"

Alma looked at Samus up and down and said:

"I remember seeing you around, especially at the Mercenary Competitions"

Samus said:

"So are you a mercenary?"

Alma said:

"Oh no. I do my own work. I work for the Council. I don't answer to any private armies or the military"

Alma held out a hand and said:

"I am Alma Wade"

Samus had a surprised look on her face and said:

"Alma Wade? As in that creepy little girl from FEAR? That universe?"

Alma felt insulted which caused her eyes to glow, but kept the smile. She dropped the hand. She was going to ignore that comment for now. Alma said:

"Yes, sort of. 7 years ago, I was given a chance to change and here I am"

Samus nodded said:

"Oh yeah. I remember. That was a big event. That was you?"

Alma said:

"Yes. Anyway, nice to meet you too Samus"

Samus said:

"Nice to meet you too Alma"

Alma motioned to Titus and said:

"The man next to me is Titus. I believe you know him?"

Samus looked at Titus and Titus felt Samus analyzing him. She said:

"Of course. Everyone is talking about the "Man from another Dimension". Your tactics at the Power Plant surprised me. Infiltration can be hard, but you pulled it off without any prior experience. That took some brains and guts kid"

Titus felt himself get self-conscious. He said:

"Well their guards left one of the doors unguarded like Kerrigan said in the debrief"

Samus said:

"Oh yeah. Still though that was impressive"

Titus said:

"Thank you. So how do you think the Expedition to the mountains will go?"

Samus glanced over at Snake and Otacon talking and said to Titus:

"Well, that will depend on Snake. Snake is a good fighter, and good at following orders. I don't think he has had his own separate command yet. So, this will change things. Still though if Tyreal trusts him I will try to also"

Alma said:

"I sense many things hidden in the mountains. The Kilobyte mountains have a lot of unmapped areas. Be careful"

Samus said:

"I've been in far worse environments"

Titus thought about where he was supposed to go. The Pokémon Wilds are a large area to the Northwest of Retrocon City. The Wilds hosted the entire Pokémon Bestiary roughly 800+ Pokemon called the Wilds home. It was broken up into micro-environments to suit each different Pokémon's needs. It was a marvel of the Video Game Realm. If Amon brought his remaining forces there, it would be very dangerous. Pokémon Guides are essential to passing through and around the Pokémon Wilds, and Amon had none among his forces. Alma seemed to read Titus's thoughts and said:

"Don't worry about the Wilds Titus. We will have a guide with us as well as another character that will be assigned to us. I still have no idea who will be assigned yet"

Samus peered over her shoulder at the clock on the wall and said:

"I've got to go. I got to make sure all my gear is set for tomorrow. Me, Snake and our teams leave for the mountains at dawn. We can't give the Equalizers any rest"

Alma said:

"Understood"

Titus said:

"Good luck Samus"

Samus turned towards Titus and said:

"Tyreal is right. You are an asset we can afford to lose. Be careful out there in the Wilds ok?"

Titus was taken aback by her sudden caring and said:

"I will don't worry"

Samus smiled then moved towards the doors and left. Alma said:

"She seems to care about you for some reason. Very little but enough that any danger you may face causes her some worry"

Titus turned to Alma and said:

"You know you really like getting in people's minds don't you?"

Alma smiled and said:

"I used to get in people's dreams, back in the day. I used to make people wish they were dead. Now it comes naturally almost like breathing. Sometimes I don't enjoy hearing people's thoughts or seeing what they are thinking because it can be painful. I am sensitive to people's pain, sadness, and anger. So, it depends on what I hear in a person's mind"

Titus was lost for words. Avatar Korra approached them. She was holding a pamphlet:

"I will be joining you both"

Alma and Titus turned to Korra as she continued:

"Councilor Tyreal told me I would be but on your team. I have extensive experience with travels. Also, the Bushido Council needs me to observe as well"

Alma sized Korra up and said:

"Korra is it?"

Korra smiled and said:

"Yep that's me!"

Alma leaned over towards her and said:

"Can I ask you something Korra?"

Korra seemed confused and said:

"Sure, I guess?"

Alma transformed into her 7 year old self. Titus was surprised so much he took a step back and Korra's eyes got wide and she said:

"WOAH! What the heck?"

Alma smiled. Her eyes glowed and she said in a child's voice:

"Are you afraid? I sense a lot of it inside you"

Korra's eyes were still wide and she said:

"Is this one of your powers?"

Alma continued:

"I can sense your fear. It's eating at you. I can see it's aura circling you. You are afraid of the unknown. After having your powers taken from you today you feel helpless. It has made you feel fear"

Korra said:

"What? How? What the heck are you?"

Alma transformed back into her adult self. Her eyes returned to their reddish hue. Alma said:

"I'm a telepath. One of the strongest in the Video Game Realm. I asked you if you felt fear because I don't want it consuming you while you are with us. We need courage in these times. I lost the ability to use my powers too during the last fight, so you are not alone"

Korra looked ready to argue but suddenly seemed to deflate. She said:

"Well…you saw how that man easily took all our powers with the flip of a switch"

Korra turned to Titus and said:

"Had Titus not been there, I do not think we would have gotten out of that"

Titus suppressed a smile. Alma said:

"You've seen this before haven't you?"

Korra looked down at her boots and said:

"Yes…ironically by another guy also named Amon. Whom led a group called the Equalists"

Alma laughed:

"Wow, talk about irony. So, what happened?"

Korra looked to the side. The memory still haunted her. She said:

"He took my bending away briefly. It was my first real test as an Avatar"

Alma took a step towards Korra and said:

"But you overcame that trial and many more didn't you?"

Korra nodded said:

"Yeah, I did"

Alma tapped Korra on the shoulder and said:

"We will get through this"

Korra said:

"I guess. Anyway, enough about my fears. I have a map of the Wilds. It will be useful for us when we reach it"

Korra unfolded the map and continued:

"Tyreal wants us to take a central route through the wilds. If Amon really went there he would probably set up camp near a grass plain in the center of the wilds. It has an open area for camping, and is surrounded by the Pokemoke River which will provide defense"

Titus nodded:

"Makes sense"

Alma said:

"Do we have any transportation?"

Korra shook her head:

"Not through the Wilds, no. It's a natural reserve. There are trails, but vehicles are prohibited according to Tyreal"

Alma said:

"Damn"

Titus looked at Korra and said:

"Is Aang coming?"

Korra looked at Titus and shook her head:

"No. He's staying with Tyreal to observe for the Bushido Counsel, and provide relief for the Power and Tactic Districts"

Alma said:

"Understandable"

Titus felt a fog of sleep wash over him again. He had been fighting sleep the past 5 hrs. It was pushing 10 PM. Titus said:

"We should get some rest while we can"

Alma looked at Titus and said:

"I know you don't have a place. Since Raynor is at the Hospital why don't you stay with me?"

Titus looked at Alma. He wasn't sure how to feel about that. He said:

"Eh…where do you live?"

Alma said:

"The Morgue"

Titus felt his stomach churn. Then Alma laughed and said:

"Got you! I live in the FPS District"

Titus felt annoyed at her games, but felt grateful she offered to house him. He said:

"Thank you Alma"

Alma smiled. She turned to Korra whom was studying the map and said:

"Korra you could stay with me for the night as well. That way we can all prep for the expedition tomorrow"

Korra looked up from the map and said:

"Sounds like a plan, on one condition"

Alma said:

"And that would be?"

Korra leaned towards Alma and said:

"No reading my mind. Or ill freeze you to the wall for the night"

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
THE DREAM II
Day 2-3 Night
Titus Dreaming

He saw her again. That woman in the red and black combat suit. She had an athletic body, but he couldn't see her face still. Her hair was a very dark blue with a red highlight in the front. She was leading him down a dark metallic hall. He heard humming coming from behind a steel door ahead. She urged him towards the door. Then she melted right through the door. He hesitated. Then he opened the steel door revealing a metallic room with a hologram of an elderly man. The man looked ill. He was stooped over. The hologram turned towards him and pointed a finger and said:

"Time is running out. For me. For us. You have…days"

The was a glitch which bleeped out the number of days. Titus felt so confused said:

"What time? What do you mean?"

The man's eyes got wide and said:

"Find Amon"

The hologram and the room suddenly disappeared and Titus found himself in a blue room. He sensed someone behind him and turned. It was Prometheus. Prometheus said:

"You saw him, didn't you?"

Titus said:

"The old man?"

Prometheus said:

"Yes. He was like you once, a man accidently thrown in this dimension"

Titus said to himself:

"The One"

Prometheus said:

"Yes"

Titus took a step towards Prometheus:

"I have so many questions"

Prometheus said:

"I know you do. I need you to hear me first"

Titus nodded. Prometheus continued:

"War is coming. A war to tear both this dimension and your dimension apart"

Around them the blue room dissolved into a ruined smoldering city. Gunfire and shouts pierced the air around them. Titus looked around surprised. Prometheus continued:

"The One has long tried preventing this place from being used for evil purposes by your dimension. However, he is dying. He has been corrupted by a man who seeks the power of the NEXUS"

Titus said with disgust:

"Amon"

Prometheus nodded and said:

"Yes. If the One dies, the Video Game NEXUS will be left unprotected as well as the other 5 NEXUS in the Virtual World. Amon will be able to focus the power of the NEXUS to corrupt this place and spill his people into this place to take it then start a war in your dimension. It will be a war to end life as you know it. Another World War"

Titus's eyes grew wide:

"No. Why didn't you tell me this last time!? Why tell me to keep everything you said a secret?"

Prometheus said:

"Because if I did, and you told them, the same events would have still happened. There would have been military blunders, great mistakes, and Amon still would have won. Right now, you need to find Amon and retrieve the device he has on him"

Titus remembered the remote that Raynor had used on Alma to show her identity. The same one Amon took back from Raynor. The same one he used to control the generator and change Raynor. Titus said:

"The remote"

Prometheus said:

"Yes. Except it's a Virtual Manipulation Device. It is powerful, made from the same technology as the NEXUS. As long as Amon has that device he can continue his campaign here, and The One will die"

Titus said:

"Where is Amon?"

Prometheus said:

"I cannot say. He is using the VMD to mask his movements. He is moving North. His plans are a mystery to us right now. His army is in tatters. His original plans have been dealt a harsh blow. I can tell you this though. Amon is not the main enemy. Amon works for someone much higher, much more influential. My only guess it's someone with a lot of power. If he is moving North, he will need to go someplace where he can reach out for reinforcements and supplies from your dimension"

Titus said:

"What about The One?"

The room around them turned from a war scene to a dark vault with a hologram of the old man from before. Prometheus said:

"He's buried deep within the Kilobyte Mountains. The entrance to his chamber is hidden from everyone in the Virtual Universe. However, it will reveal itself to you since you are not"

Titus said:

"So I should be going to the Kilobyte mountains with Snake and Samus?"

Prometheus said:

"No. The One will call upon you when he feels it is time for you to meet. Yes, he is dying. Yes, he is running out of time, but he needs you to find Amon first"

Titus said:

"Alright…"

Prometheus came closer and said:

"I have answered as much as I am allowed to do so. It is up to you to find Amon and stop him. Retrieve his device and restore The One to his full self again. Only then can we prevent this war"

The room switched from the vault to the blue room again. Titus said:

"Why can't you tell me everything? Why hold back if everything is at stake?"

Prometheus looked down and said:

"I am bound by rules from someone much higher. If I gave you everything you might act in a way that might doom us rather than save us"

Titus pointed at him said:

"That is bullshit. If I knew there were bad things going to happen to everyone I would be out there making sure it doesn't happen!"

Prometheus:

"You still have much to learn Titus. Sometimes the right thing can have consequences. Have you forgotten you don't have much of your memory?"

Titus looked down. Prometheus was right on that account. Prometheus stood in front of him now. He reached out to Titus and said:

"It's time I restore another memory"

Titus nodded said:

"like last time? I am ready"

Prometheus touched the side of Titus's head. Memories of Titus's childhood came flooding back.

****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
December 2003

He saw images of himself in an orphanage. His nanny adopting him a year after his parent's deaths. He was in a boarding school. He saw himself being bullied. He rose up taking up for himself. He saw himself now in the Principal's office covered in bruises and cuts. His adopted mother there. The Principle spoke:

"Your son has some fight in him. Never seen one boy take on so many bullies. Rest assured the boys who did this are being taken care of"

Titus was 8 years old and was a loner. He had won admiration from several of his peers for standing up to the posh popular kids in his school. However, it didn't give him any friends. Titus stared off towards a window. There was a pair of birds standing on a tree branch together. The one was helping the other clean it's wing. His step-mother replied:

"Good I want those boys to leave my son alone. Titus was always a fighter, even as a child"

His step-mother looked at him and said:

"It would take a lot to break his spirit"

Titus kept looking at the birds. He felt a longing deep inside himself to have a friend that would support him, so that he wouldn't have to face this world alone. His step-mother had only partially filled the void in himself. It followed him everywhere. He actually longed for the fights with the bullies. It was a way to escape the thoughts that would plague him, a chance to release the pain inside of him. The Principle continued:

"Titus will be ok from now on. We will have the teachers make sure he stays away from the trouble makers"

The Step-Mother looked at the Titus and said:

"Unfortunately he always seems to find trouble"

At that remark Titus smiled. She was right.

Prometheus let go of Titus's head. Titus felt the memories of his childhood cement themselves in his mind. He was a troubled child, one that felt an almost intolerable loneliness and pain. He was starting to think maybe he shouldn't retrieve his memories. However, some things to him were beginning to make sense. The fact he was willing to do the right thing. He looked at Prometheus and said:

"I am grateful for the restoration of my memories. I just hope they get...better"

Prometheus said:

"Sometimes people suppress their memories deliberately to avoid the pain. It is unfortunate you have to relive the ones you have so far. However, it teaches you a lot about yourself"

A woman suddenly materialized next to Prometheus. Prometheus didn't seem to react. Titus recognized the woman. It was Alma. Titus said:

"Alma?"

Prometheus looked at him weird and said:

"Alma?"

He followed Titus's gaze to where Titus was staring but he saw nothing and said:

"Who is Alma?"

Alma smiled her eyes glowed then she disappeared. Titus said:

"I saw Alma! She's one of the people I work with"

Prometheus said:

"Where in your memories?"

Titus shook his head:

"No right next to you! She was there for a few seconds"

Prometheus gave him a strange look and said:

"Maybe having your memories rushed into you so fast is giving you side effects"

Titus put a hand on his head. He was sure Alma had been there. He said:

"I guess it is time for me to wake up? I mean I am dreaming, right?"

Prometheus nodded his head:

"Yes. I will return in your sleep in a few days. Remember well the information I gave you. It will help you. Also, never forget who you are. Do not lose yourself in this. Also keep the information to yourself, since speaking about it will-"

Titus cut him off:

"Have consequences"

Prometheus said:

"Yes"

Prometheus was pulling away now. Titus's dream coming to an end. Prometheus said:

"Find Amon before it is too late"

Titus woke up. He yawed and then stretched. He sensed someone next to him and he turned to find Alma in her 7 year old form in bed next to him in a robe smiling at him. He immediately jumped out of bed as she turned into her adult form. She said:

"You were having a rather…interesting dream"

Titus felt alarm. Was wondering if she had overheard everything in the dream. He said:

"What the hell were you doing in bed with me!?"

Alma sat up in bed. Her robe coming open revealing she was wearing nothing underneath it. He turned was turning red in the face and feeling self-conscious. She said:

"What? Don't tell me you haven't slept with a woman before? You are not exactly a teenager or child anymore"

He felt another stab of alarm. He turned:

"You had sex with me!?"

She laughed:

"No you idiot. You literally passed out last night coming into my house. You collapsed on the floor. It took me and Korra to bring you up here. You must have been tired. I just put you in my bed because I didn't feel like taking you to Paxton and PM's room. I don't like sharing my bed with anyone. Consider this a nice gesture from me"

Titus felt a sigh of relief. Alma continued:

"Anyway what is wrong about having sex with me? Is it because I'm too old for you? I am 26 years old and most guys think I am sexy"

Titus facepalmed himself and said:

"I rather not know"

She laughed again then winked at him. Her eyes were glowing again:

"You know I could mess with you at any time because you are not only adorable, you are fun to mess with"

Titus facepalmed himself again and thought to himself:

"This woman is nuts"

Alma got up and went to her dresser she started brushing her hair and humming her music box theme. Titus looked down at himself. He was still wearing his uniform from yesterday. Alma interrupted her humming and said:

"Oh by the way I got you another uniform. It's hanging in the closet"

Titus glanced at the closet and sure enough there was a pressed uniform. Alma continued:

"I ironed it before I went to bed"

Titus said:

"Thanks Alma"

Alma glanced at him and smiled:

"Just make sure it stays clean"

Titus remembered seeing her in his dreams and he said:

"You were watching me in my dream weren't you?"

Alma said:

"I had to I mean you were tossing and turning. You almost kicked me out of my own bed"

Titus said:

"Oh…sorry. Well please don't look into my dreams anymore"

Alma looked at him and said:

"I can't guarantee I won't but I will say for now I will not look into your dreams"

Titus sighed:

"Just please don't"

Alma said:

"Finneeee"

Alma said:

"You better get ready. We head out at 12 to the tram that will take us to the Pokémon Wilds Station. I rather be there on time"

Titus said:

"Alright"

Alma let the robe drop and Titus turned away turning red from embarrassment again. She said:

"You know you are in MY ROOM still. So, I will get naked in front of you whether you are here or not. You can leave if you wish"

Titus was out of her room in 3 seconds. After he left Alma said:

"Wow he even beat Pyramid Head's record leaving my room….."

Titus went downstairs. Korra was reading the newspaper at the kitchen table. She peered over the paper at Titus then she put the paper down and smiled:

"Hey Titus! You sleep well?"

Titus thought about the dream, then waking up to Alma and her…lewdness:

"You can say I had a rough time last night"

Korra frowned and said:

"Ah well, maybe you can find some rest on the tram ride"

Titus moved over to the table and sat. He was very hungry. Korra assumed he was so she said:

"Breakfast is on the table. I made some sushi. I know it seems cliché from where I am from, but it's really good!"

Titus got up and went to the countertop where the Sushi was. He grabbed a plate from the cupboard and then piled the sushi on the plate, then went back to table and sat back down. Korra put down the paper. She looked at Titus as he dug into the sushi. She said:

"You know, I don't know much about you. I mean I heard about your missing memory. Hopefully I can get to know you better on this trip. Never really met a person who could travel through actual dimensions"

Titus couldn't think much he was really hungry. He said in between bites:

"Ah. I don't really know much about you either, but you make really good sushi"

Korra looked at him with an odd look and said:

"Wow, you are hungry"

Alma came into the kitchen now all dressed in her grey and white telekinetic uniform. The uniform helped control her powers as well as helped focus them. Alma was smiling at both Korra and Titus. She said:

"I smell sushi! Had it only once when some of those Anime Realm Diplomats came to town a few years ago. It's good to eat"

Korra said:

"You can have some if you want. I made plenty"

Alma shook her head and said:

"Don't have time. We have to leave in the next 5 minutes or we won't get to the Pokémon Wilds till sundown"

Korra said:

"Alright. Should I pack it then?"

Alma said:

"Sure!"

Alma turned to Titus:

"Go upstairs and get in your uniform. We leave in 3 minutes"

Titus sighed. He wasn't even done his sushi. He told himself:

"God, I hope this isn't another long day"

Samus was leading her 10-man squad up the mountainside. Most people in her squad were scouts. Characters with fast speed, hardy build, and good observation skills. Snake was beside her with his 10-man squad full of tactical specialists. They were well equipped for this journey. 5 days of rations, well over 3 tons of ammunition, 5 days of water, and plenty of mobility. Everyone and their supplies were being carried in 2 an all-terrain APC. They had formed a convoy that pulled out of Retrocon City early in the morning, just as the sun was shining its light on the city. Samus had stopped them now at the foot of the mountains for one last briefing before the climb. She stepped down from her APC and Snake stepped down from his. Samus was wearing her Varia Suit. She was boasting her most powerful weaponry, she was not taking any more chances with Amon and his Equalizers. Snake was wearing a Retrocon City combat suit that could reflect most projectiles. Samus and Snake met between their two vehicles. Samus pointed up the trail in front of them:

"I've been studying the maps, 500 feet from the summit of the largest peak and 15 miles along this trail is a plateau. We can use it to start scanning the area for any large group of people"

Snake pulled out a cigarette and stuck it in his mouth. He said:

"I don't know why they didn't just send a few planes over the mountains to scan"

Samus said:

"You heard Tyreal. The weather is too unpredictable over the Kilobyte mountains, also the electrostatic disturbances can down any flying craft. Most planes and flying machines avoid the area completely"

Snake lit his cig. He puffed on it a few times and said:

"Well it would have been simpler"

Samus said:

"It never is that simple"

Snake said:

"True. We both have been through enough tough situations to know that"

Samus said:

"We all have. Are your people prepared to unpack once we get to the plateau? We have 2 days to do this before the static discharge around the mountains start to hurt us"

Snake said:

"Affirmative. I've been keeping a fire lit under their butts. I also understand our timeline"

Samus said:

"Good"

Snake looked at her and said:

"So what about your people? They ready as well?"

Samus said:

"As ready as they ever will be. Although they miss Raynor"

Snake said:

"He's a good man"

Samus nodded:

"I didn't know him well. Only served with him during the Power Plant mission"

After a silent moment Samus pointed at Snake:

"Alright well take the lead Snake with your APC. I'll follow behind with mine. Let me know if there are any obstacles in our path, or you see something"

Snake nodded:

"Yes ma'am"

Samus climbed back into her APC while Snake took one last puff on his cigarette and then dropped it on the ground. He then smothered it with his boot. He said:

"Well, another day another mission"

PANTHER IN THE DARKNESS
Kilobyte Mountains
5,000 feet from the summit.
Day 3 10 AM

Amon had barely escaped the bombs dropped by Falco in the Power Plant attack. The resulting explosion had given him a concussion as well as separated him from those still fighting inside the plant. He was quick to take back charge and pulled his battered forces to the nearby subway station which was deserted. Then he led them through a series of underground tunnels only meeting light resistance before making their way out of the city to the North. It was a masterful retreat, but one that pained him. To fool the pursuing Video Game Realm Forces he sent two agents North, one to the Pokémon Wilds to start problems there, and one to Nintenville to cause problems there. With those plans Amon hoped to drive forces that could be against him to those locations so he could rest his forces and replenish numbers and supplies, as well as reestablish contact with his own dimension. They had also lost contact during the attack when their Communications Tether was destroyed in the Power Plant fight.

Since then he been pushing his remaining troops away from Retrocon City and into the mountains as fast as he could. The defeat at the Power Plant had not only shocked him, it infuriated him. He had victory in his grasp, a weapon to rule them all. His casualty counts were still coming in. The best reports said that he had lost almost half his force in the attack. That to him was unacceptable. Some of his people had been captured, but they had been trained not to talk so Amon did not worry about that. The Equalizer Army was able to be in this dimension because back in the real world the members of his army were hooked into VR stations which in turn helped tether them to the Virtual Universe. VR gear helped them stay in the Virtual Universe. If an Equalizer's gear is damaged they are unable to stay in the Dimension and thus are thrown back into the real world. However, the way a VR is damaged can physically affect the person whom is tethered. It can give them seizures, throw them into a coma, cause a brain hemorrhage, death or even brain damage due to the combat trauma. It was every Equalizer's worst fear.

Amon stood on a rock. He wanted to see his forces as they passed him on their way to the summit. They had passed a large plateau on the way up. Amon had deemed it too open and exposed for any camp, so he pushed his forces up the mountain despite the grumbles from his forces. They had stolen several APCs on their way out of the city. It was just one good fortune among a lot of failures. He was now having his troops move into the Vault. The structure that housed an abandoned listening post, bunker, and the re-sealed room which contained The One. He had been there the other day, before the attack on the Power Plant. It was ironic to him that he was going there again not to seek out The One, but to shelter his men and contact their dimension for reinforcements. It was one miserable duty he hoped he would not have to do. His original plans were to find The One, corrupt him, attack the Power Plant and seize a generator to create a larger version of his VMD device and weaken the characters defending the NEXUS using it, and then finally when The One finally died from his corruption the shields defending the NEXUS would fall allowing him to spawn his whole army into the Virtual Realm to conquer the first NEXUS. So far, he had only managed to piss off everyone in the Video Game Realm, lose almost half his force, and waste most of his supplies. The only part of the plan going right was the corruption of The One. One sliver of hope that his plans might still work.

His forces were passing some of them with their heads down, a sign of defeat. He shouted:

"You are not yet defeated my brothers and sisters! We still have a fight to win!"

There were some cheers. His army still holding some of the spirit they had come with. He had planned on visiting the ones whom received brain damage from this after it was over. Inside himself he tried not to think of the cost. He tried to remain distant from his troops. Could not bear to have attachment to someone he might force into a difficult position. Then again, he told himself it was war, and these people volunteered. He looked up the road that would lead them to the summit. 3 more APCs were passing. One had men playing guitars and singing some 80s music. They were still trying to spread good cheer among their co-patriots. He smiled:

"That's what I like to see!"

The Equalizers on the APCs cheered as they passed. Amon felt a shiver as a breeze blew past him. The winds picking up as they got closer to the summit. The air chillier. Lightning flashed around the summit, a cloud always fixed to the summit thanks to the electrostatic storms. The Kilobyte mountains were deserted. No single video game character wanted to settle on the slopes of the mountains because of the electrostatic disturbances from The One's Vault. Also the disturbances could not affect his forces. It played in his army's favor. He could move without being seen. He looked forward now down the mountain. He could see Retrocon City below with its towering NEXUS soaring 5,000 feet into the sky. Farms and suburbs extended out from the edge of the city as well as a web network of highways and roads. Suddenly from below the sun glinted off something metallic. He raised his binoculars, focused on where he saw the glint. He saw 2 APCs that were not his. He lowered the binoculars a frown coming to his face. He said to himself:

"They just can't take a break. Can't blame them this is their world"

His aide stood nearby checking off troops as they passed up the mountain. Amon said:

"Zucker, come over here"

His aide saluted:

"Yes sir!"

His aide came over and Amon pointed down the mountain:

"I see a scouting force moving up the mountainside. I do not think they know we are here. Set up mines in this pass to slow them down. I want the road covered for about 900 yards"

His aide saluted:

"I'll get the engineers on it sir!"

Amon saluted back as his aide moved away. Amon turned and looked through his binoculars again. The APCs were still moving forward cautiously over 2 miles away. They would be here in an hour if they kept their pace. Amon knew he had to get his army to safety, and if anyone got in his way…they would pay the price.

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