CHAPTER FOURTEEN
A Ruined Descent
Histoire had been doing research for over a day or two.
The New Game Plus energy was scattered when used, and various villains had been collecting whatever remained. Some even reached the outside world— one where video games were all just entertainment, like books and movies.
Bleu had been sent there of all places, which led to the four outsiders coming to Gamindustri.
"Could it also have to do with…? No, surely not." Histoire began biting her fingernails, unsure whether to look even further. She had to know, who or what was behind that relic.
The circumstances could be disastrous otherwise. Histoire had no other choice but to hurry and find the answer, so everyone else could know what to watch out for.
That was when a message suddenly popped up. Histoire jumped, nearly falling off of her tome, as she answered it.
"Greetings, Planeptune oracle." Dr. Eggman smirked.
"Dr. Eggman? Why are you contacting me of all people?"
"Are you aware of the fact one of my old robots had been taken, and used by someone from Lastation?"
There was a bit of a pause. "Yes, I was informed of it while doing research. The CPU of robots, correct?" She sighed at him, annoyed at Eggman for creating something so violent. "Why are you asking me about this though?"
"Where is she right now?"
"We had her, but… lost her."
"I see." He continued smiling, evilly at that, which unnerved Histoire.
"What are you up to?"
"Now, do not jump to conclusions. I simply need information for you! I'm fully aware right now is a bad time to plot schemes… Tell me, what is going on right now?" Not wanting to spill everything to him, Histoire informed Eggman of the situation in small doses, which was oddly enough, all he needed to know.
—
The tarnished ruins had split paths, all which could lead anywhere.
"Oh boy, here's the part where each party has to pick a specific path." Daxter joked, trying to get a response that agreed with him. "Which way to do we—"
Michael chimed in first. "Left!"
"Right!" Caela responded.
"Then we'll take the road second to the right!" Nick declared.
Sonic looked at the path second to the left, finding no better options but to do that way by default.
With that, they all went their separate ways. The SEGA characters had the advantage of Arle lighting the way, and with how much Pupuru matured as a sorceress, she was able to do the same for the All-Stars. The Smash Bros. asked Luigi to turn on a flashlight, since none of the Pokémon had a particular move on them.
The Microsoft crew… wasn't so lucky. Sam Fisher had night vision goggles, at the very least. For now, it seemed like they would have to feel the walls, until one of them thought of something to help see through the dark.
At the very least, everyone hoped Walters's sanity could withstand these ruins, as he wasn't always stable, and none of them had any clue as to what laid in Lyla's Ruins.
—
Despite the shape it was in, it was clearly the same old Lyla's Ruins as ever. Especially evident when Arle heard the sound of a snake hissing.
"Medusa!" She exclaimed, as the other SEGA characters drew back. Out of instinct, some of them tried to not look directly at the monstrous woman with snake hair.
"I believe that is not all." Xavier then directed everyone to other monsters appearing. A lamia, a merrow, zombies, a siren, vampires, a barbegazi, and a wraith.
Earthworm Jim and Ulala used their ray-guns on the approaching beasts, Arle used an ice spell on a zombie, and Vectorman attempted firing at a vampire.
"They must be here to protect something!" Akira kicked back the barbegazi, while a lamia nearly bit his ankle.
"Or we had the unfortunate luck of walkin' in on some monsters' home." Beat suggested, trying to avoid the aggressive siren.
Sonic did a homing attack to knock down the merrow, which got him a little closer to the passageway they came from. He took a look inside and didn't like what he saw. "They got friends coming, and I can't see any end to them!"
Earthworm Jim stretched his head towards Arle. "Which way are we supposed to go?" He asked before snapping his head back to whip the vampire in front him.
"This way." Arle pointed in a direction where there weren't any monsters at the moment. "Okay then." Sonic started heading there. "It's where we're supposed to go anyway, let's try to lose them, but if they get too close, feel free to blast them!" The SEGA team followed Sonic, doing whatever they could to lose their pursuers.
Most of the Microsoft characters were feeling really ridiculous. They were going through everything they had to try and get some light, and the best thing they could come up with was one of Frank West's televisions. And that wasn't providing much visibility, so Sam Fisher was stuck at the front to guide them. But they were still going in blind, and were forced to take turns holding Stubbs's hands so he wouldn't get lost.
Walters was amazed he hasn't already gone into one of his episodes with all the intensity around him. He mind was acting a lot clearer, and his Yithian powers were acting much sharper, which was why he was able to detect the incoming attack to Fisher.
"Look out!" He reached out and pulled Fisher back before he was hit by a long, green arm that flapped back when it retracted.
Lights were suddenly turned on— mainly by Madotsuki, who remembered she had the Lamp Effect— showing a group of faces that made the Gunstringer reach for his guns. "I was hopin' word of yer escape was false. But now I get the pleasure of takin' ya down all over again."
Wavy Tube Man stood back up as the way a wavy man could, showing the Oil Baron, the Madam, the Beard Master, and the Lady of the Dead. The other characters could only stand there, trying to process what was going on. Reimu looked at the Gunstringer. "Are these the people you told us about?"
"Yep, the same posse that betrayed and killed me. Thought I took 'em down, but like me, they also don't know how ta stay down."
"Of course, I say, of course, you're going to know right now." The Oil Baron readied his weapons with the others, ready to shot. "Once you're the one sent down there that is, my boy!"
The Gunstringer reciprocated, aiming his guns, but was surprised to see the rest of the team doing the same, getting ready to fight. "What are you doing? This is my fight."
"Not now. This is now a fight that affects all of us. And also, you don't have to fight alone anymore. You have a new posse now, us." The Gunstringer was surprised to see Reimu say that, given how much they argue, but when everyone nodded in agreement, the Gunstringer started to wonder if he was feeling his heart again.
Grinning, he readied his guns. "Then let's give 'em backstabbers a shoot-out they're never gonna forget!"
Once again, Rin was conflicted, she almost wanted to tell them to stop, and give them a chance, but after what she was told before, and what happened last time…
But one look at the Lady of the Dead, and nothing more, told her that they were definitely a wicked bunch. "I'll help too. If they really did betray and kill you, I'm going to punish them, rather than show mercy!"
Surprised to hear her joining too, the Gunstringer grinned. "That's what I like ta hear, cherry pie! Outside gal, you better help too!" Caela prepared to change into another character, ready to join in without much else to say.
Conker though, was chuckling uncontrollably.
"What's so funny?" Captain Smiley asked.
"Cherry pie…"
Captain Smiley paused for a moment, before also laughing along with Frank West. "When you're done joking, we have to finish these fiends off!" Caela yelled back to them.
"I've been waiting for you."
Michael halted, along with every single one of the Smashers plus Sabre. Zazan stood there, straight ahead, Luigi pointing his flashlight at the Anglarian. He freaked out for a moment, only to be reassured by Mario.
"I could have called upon the air of the X-Naut forces for assistance, but what's the use really? I know for a fact Lord Crump can't fight without the use of some mech. None of us can risk Lyla's Ruins being destroyed any further, really."
"So, if the Anglar Empire is involved," Michael wondered, "why is it only you? Weren't there more?"
Zazan didn't react much, keeping his cool, even with the numbers against him. "You must forget, certain events were erased, thanks to your CPU's arrangements. The Emperor never met any other parties outside of Venom… except for one."
"Who are you anyway, you finned freak!?" Falco yelled.
"You don't recall the Anglar Empire, because our invasion didn't occur. Don't worry about that."
"You realize that there are many of us, and one of you?" Roy taunted.
"Incorrect, I have help. A two-man army is enough to keep you at bay."
"And if you fail?" Samus questioned.
"Then as much as the Emperor does not want me to… I will try, no matter how much is taken out of me, just to keep you from seeing those down below. Hell is no different than the depths of an ocean, some would say."
Link couldn't help but respect the Anglarian's devotion, something a few others actually agreed on. "Even with such numbers stacked against me, I have more than enough equipment to keep you all at bay."
"That's still not a problem, who is your help anyway—" Captain Falcon prepared himself for the fight about to happen, only for his mood to instantly swing at who he saw, walking to Zazan's side out of nowhere seemingly.
There stood Octoman, with some kind of blaster in each of his six, useable tentacle-arms.
"Wha…? Weren't you the guy chatting with the others before near the boxing ring!?" Little Mac exclaimed.
"Someone deciding to play traitor, huh?" Bowser growled.
"Octoman… why!? What are you doing!?" Captain Falcon couldn't hide his shock, breaking his usual character by a tee.
Octoman winced at their words, a look of utter guilt in his eyes. "Do not blame Octoman for his decision," Zazan spoke, "his planet is in dire need of money. Due to the lack of F-Zero races, because of the CPU not holding anything for nearly ten years, yes…? The Emperor paid him a wealthy amount, for whenever his services were needed."
Michael definitely remembered Octoman's… somewhat random appearance during the Anglar Blitz. It wasn't a surprise, and playing the F-Zero games, he completely understood Octoman's choice.
"It's not just for Takora," Octoman murmured, "I'm worried about the other racers. What if they start to vanish, without fulfilling their dreams? Captain Falcon, understand where I'm coming from! I simply—"
"He's your competition in races, almost never losing?" Zazan asked, smirking as he took out a Plasma Launcher. "If we finish him here, then he won't be in you, or anyone else's way to victory, once things are arranged to make F-Zero remembered again."
Zazan was one thing, but someone able to carry multiple weapons against the various Smashers, was going to prove to be more of a challenge. Sabre walked up to the both of them, taking out his sword. "Unlike the other cads you work with, I get where you two are coming from, but I'm going to cut you short!"
"Interesting," Zazan mumbled, "you had a chance to take out Fox, and get your title back… for what reason?"
"I would rather have a peaceful life in Lowee. Maybe you and your Emperor should consider doing the same!"
With that, their fight began.
—
The All-Stars were walking down, with Pupuru leading the way with her magic. Knowing the horrors that lay within they all had their weapons and such pointed at the walls, floors, ceilings, anywhere that something or someone might pop up of. But nothing prepared them for what was going after them in the name of vengeance.
"STOP RIGHT THERE, SQUISHES - AAAAAAAAAAA!"
Dr. Nefarious had to quickly duck behind some rubble. The All-Stars' current high-strung mood cause them to instantly fire at the outburst, almost turning him into scrap metal. They calmed down after they realized who it was, but Nefarious wasn't happy, grumbling as he climbed back up. "Nefarious. Finally come to join the party? Or here for another robot-centered plan?"
"Neither. I am here to get the outsider squishies, to avenge Mercury!" Everyone looked at Nick, who just stood there confused. "Huh? What do you mean? You make it sound like she's dead."
"She is! And it's all your FAAAAAAAAAAAAA - "
"Oh Lance, if you are a werewolf, and I am a whowolf, our love cannot be! What will we do?"
Lawrence appeared to smack Nefarious on the head yet again. "Do pardon me."
"UUUUUUUUUUUULLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLT!"
"What are you talking about? We beat her, yeah, but we took her in to question her, not finish her! And when she escaped with Lumine, she was still alive!"
It took him two seconds to realize what he said. "Lumine! I knew that bucket of bolts was up to no good! He must have attacked Mercury after they escaped!"
"Lies! All lies! You squishies cannot be trusted!"
"You can ask Lumine yourself! He might be where we're headed!"
"This is a trick!"
"No it's not! Look, just follow us for now, and if Lumine isn't there, we'll take this outside, just you and me, ok?"
Nefarious was about to disagree, but realized that he was currently outnumbered. So he decided to play it safe, for now. He walked next to them along with Lawrence and Scervo and they continued their way down the hall.
They eventually made it to a large room where the other hallways connected. "Alright, this should be where the final entrance to Hell is. Let's just hope the others make it here ok - what was that?"
Sounds of conflict were coming from one of the other halls, including a lot of gunfire. They saw a floating woman that looked like a malnourished corpse running from Gunstringer, Reimu, and Caela, leading the rest of the Microsofties. "Jest you is left, darlin'. Jest like last time!"
From another hall, a fishman and octopus man were running out, trying to provide cover fire for themselves. "Now shoot the ceiling to seal the entrance!" Before anyone could stop them, they caused a cave-in, blocking the tunnel. "That should buy us some - uh!"
The stones were blasted away, revealing a Regirock standing there, before turning back to Michael. Zazan looked and saw the other two teams that arrived. "It appears that we are at a tactical disadvantage. We must give it our all for the others to succeed!" The three remaining enemies stood together, ready to destroy as many as possible. The tension was interrupted by sudden rumbling. Everyone turned to see the SEGA characters running for their lives as they were being chased by near-about every monster in Lyla's ruins.
The Lady of the Dead took advantage of the situation, and used her magic to take control of every monster that came, gaining an army to block the heroes' path. "What is this? She could never do 'er power like this before!"
"I can answer that." Caela stuck her arm forward while making it glow. "While we were fighting the Posse, I felt some kind of resonance with my glow and their abilities. I think they've been strengthened by the New Game Plus energy."
"And now the energy is passed to the monsters when I linked them to my will. Any last words, 'heroes'?"
"Just three." Nick stepped forward as he readied an AK-47. "Long Live Play."
Michael stepped forward with Samus's Arm Cannon. "Play it Loud."
And Caela stepped forward with a Halo Battle Rifle. "Jump in."
The rest followed in their spirit, readying themselves and going in for what was probably their most important fight yet. Everyone on both sides did a united battle cry as both sides charged forward.
Octoman wasn't sure what to do, Zazan said to keep firing but he had a feeling this would be it. The end of him would be near, and for betraying, he would surely be sent to the lowest circle. He anticipated one of them coming after him, and sure enough, Ganondorf and Wolf did, since the outsiders focused more on the monsters and the Lady of the Dead.
He tried to fire at them both, only to hear a familiar yell.
"Falcon Kick!"
Captain Falcon kicked Octoman down, rather than the other two reaching him first. "Listen Octoman, this isn't you! I get your concerns… but is this really worth it?"
"It's for the other racers and my planet."
"But Octoman! If you die here, you'll never see anyone from Takora again! I know you, you have a family! Do you want your children to wonder whatever happened to you!?"
"The Anglar Emperor—"
"Tell the Emperor's servant to quit it too!" Marth chimed in. "His loyalty is admirable, but it's in the wrong place!"
The uncertainty was eating Octoman more and more… but Captain Falcon was right. He couldn't dare think of leaving his family behind, even for whatever lives and games began to vanish.
He lowered his blasters, Zazan took quick notice of it. "Octoman? Shoot them! They are close to you—"
"Zazan, this is enough!" Pointing the weapons at the Anglarian, Zazan felt a short moment of panic, but knew well that Octoman wouldn't shoot him really. "Do you not fear of what would happen if the Emperor learned of your demise?"
"Sadness, but my liege would pull through—"
"No they would not! Their fury and sudden depression over the loss of your life would mean they would have no protection, and had lost their closest ally!"
The words made Zazan show his teeth, growling at Octoman for defying him— no, for defying the Anglar Emperor, more like. Not to mention, now it was two, plus several monsters, against many characters.
The monsters were being blown away, even when the Lady of the Dead tried bringing them back and increasing their power, it wasn't enough. "I'll do the former at the very least, and try to protect the Emperor." Zazan took out a grenade, tossing it the ground. "This is not over."
Shocked to see one retreating, and another changing his mind, the Lady of the Dead hissed at them both. "What sort of weak fools are you? Must I do this myself?"
"No use in that!" Caela yelled, blowing up the remains of a merrow with the Battle Rifle. "After this, you'll all be— Agh!"
The grenade Zazan dropped finally went off, leaving a flash of light. The Lady of the Dead used this to her advantage, bringing in more monsters, as she was far too stubborn to back down.
Since nearly everyone was blinded, with the very exception of a handful of monsters. Fisher wasn't able to see even with his goggles, as he attempted to readjust them. "That was a really strong flash," Snake grunted, "I still can't see a thing, it would be too much of a shot in the dark to try and shoot at anything."
"Don't you mean shot in the light?" Raiden replied.
"I think I hear a zombie close by!" Captain Blasto pointed a ray-gun at whatever was approaching him, and fired.
"Brains!?" Stubbs felt the impact of the blast instead, interrupting his attempt of trying to eat the brains of other monsters.
"Was that Stubbs you just shot? I hope that piece of paper didn't fall off his head from that just now." Master Chief said to himself, also unable to see.
Neither the outsiders or anyone else present could see a thing. By the time a few could see a bit more clearly again, there were still spots before their eyes.
They were trapped, and the Lady of the Dead began laughing maniacally. The monsters, who had no need for their sight and could rely on sense, drew closer, particularly, a vicious Garuda lunged at Sir Daniel, getting ready to peck out his remaining eye.
That was when a bolt of lightning struck the bird, which let out a painful screech, that pierced the hearing of many. "Pardon me for a moment, I am afraid I was late to this party."
Standing tall and having just entered, was Zarok. Holding his pitchfork high and smirking. "Ah, I have heard of you, wizard." The Lady of the Dead grinned widely at his presence. "What a pleasant surprise! But to see you helping them?"
"Please, my pitiful voodoo queen, no one is allowed to torment Forty besides me. Plus, I have unfinished business with that cigar-chomping book thief and that angel. Shall I show you real magic now?" Zarok merely tapped the ground with his pitchfork, zapping the monsters that the Lady had under her fingers.
Rather than taking them under his control, which he could not, due to the amount of power the Lady of the Dead currently had, the best Zarok could do was destroy them utterly, without any means of returning.
The sound of an erhu echoed through the ruins, as everyone's vision was restored to normal. Everyone had their sights on the Lady of the Dead— except for Glacius, who was trying to help Stubbs get back up.
She was cornered thanks to Zarok, ready to finally make an escape, the Lady of the Dead turned around, only to bump into Octoman, still holding all of his weapons. "Zazan may have ran, but I do not think anyone will allow you to do the same. I think you should have done the same as him earlier."
Michael, Nick, and Caela all took aim at her, sealing the voodoo queen's fate as she screamed in fury. Breaking into various puppet parts, Zarok watched in amusement as Caela went the extra mile to even break every remaining piece. Now at least, Dr. Nefarious and Scervo knew it was a bad idea to cross them or start a fight, Octoman had the same thought in mind, glad he made the choice to stop himself.
"So," Scissorman wondered, "you knew her, wizard?"
"When you get stuck in Hell for a long time, you start to meet quite the characters. I knew her husband while I was down there."
"Husband…?" The Gunstringer murmured.
Octoman gave his farewells, and wished good luck for the others, apologizing for his actions before as he left the ruins. Captain Falcon certainly hoped the best for him, his family, and Takora…