Tales of the Cosmic Wars Vol 2 A Star

by Darth Necron

The second volume of the tale of Ben Auro as he joins with hero's like Mario, Sonic, Megaman X, Cloud and more to defeat the many groups of evil that threaten the cosmos. The more Ben fights, the more he faces the darkness of war. Character guide added!

21. C 76: The Rising Tides of Tension

Chapter 81: The Rising Tides of Tension. The Way things were, and the way things are.

Last time, in Tales of the Cosmic Wars, Ben, Sonic, Shadow and the others fought the decisive battle against Doctor Robotnik and Egg man Nega in their powerful Egg Devil, along with fleet commander Margulis in his powerful machine Proto Omega over the Death Egg to decide the fate of planet Mobius! While both machines were extremely powerful, Ben and the other heroes refused to give up and when he unleashed his Bankai powers he was able to turn the tide when he stole the last two Chaos Emeralds from the Egg duo's grasp!

He gave them to his Hedgehog ally and the blue blurs and his friends used the seven emeralds powers to all transform to their super forms at once! With this outburst of power, the villains were swiftly beaten down. However, before they could be finished off, Metal Sonic Res Nova made his return, with a twist! It seems he found the counterparts to the Chaos Emeralds, the Sol Emeralds!

Apparently Egg Man Nega brought them over from his dimension for a trump card, but he did not expect Sonic's robotic doppelganger to use them first! Metal Sonic absorbed their power and was now several times stronger than he was before!

However, this power did not finish his hunger and he then turned on his creators and used his new powers to absorb and fuse with both the Proto Omega and the Egg Devil and used them to transform himself to Metal Emperor Sonic Metempsychosis! Now in his massive new form, he seemed to have become more powerful than Ben's full power and the others super forms combined!

However, just when it looked like victory would go to the metal villain, a new contender entered the battlefield, Ezan, or more like Ezan being controlled by Sephiroth 's will! The spawn of Jenova and science realized that he could use the power of the Sol Emeralds could easily give him the power he needs to fully take over his hoists' body and soul!

While Metal Sonic was not fond of this idea, even his new enormous power could not compare to the One Winged Angel and Sephiroth ripped the Emeralds out of him! Just when it looked like Ben was going to have an even bigger problem to worry about, Ezan showed the strength of his own will and summoned the powers of the emeralds right underneath Sephiroth's feet to use their power to seal him back up!

With the "super elite" class Enji back in control, he retrieves the Sol Emeralds back in the good guys' court.

Sonic used their power to power up even further into Hyper Sonic! Ben and the others all got additional strength as well, and with Metal Sonic weakened, they began to wear him down. The foe became so desperate, he unleashed an energy blast powerful enough to destroy the planet,

but the good guys combined their power, and, in one massive attack, at last destroyed Metal Sonic! Even with him gone, the fight was not over.

Ben found Robotnik watching them and was ready to take him out for good in order to erase one more problem, much to Sonic and the others' shock! He never got the chance when Egg man Nega then revealed his treachery and was just about to wipe everyone with the fire power of the Death Egg!

He was unable to because before he could, Kira at last arrived and had a counter to the Death Egg with another weapon from the Robotnik family, the Space Colony ARK!

While normally its main weapons could not be used without the Chaos Emeralds, the leader of the Titan's Special forces used one of his own creations, the massive and powerful Pyscho Gundam Mark II as a substitute and used the Eclipse cannon to blast the Death Egg and Egg man Nega into dust!

It seemed that with this destroyed, the World Devastators were shut down and with Margulis, Meta Knight, and Robotnik making a fast exit, it seems the battle for Mobius is over. However, it's far from a war deciding victory. The servants of the supreme god of darkness will not go down so easily. It's time to see if Ben can have as much stamina as the villains he is destined to confront, so let's get this show on the road!

---

Today our chapter begins just as the last one ended. After seeing the Death Egg blow up, Geno Wyrmmon flew everyone to Station Square, where Amy and the others were all ready waiting for them.

As soon as Sonic 's feet touch the ground, he finds himself being squeezed hard by a very persistent female Hedgehog ! As everyone watches Sonic gasp for air, Geno-Wyrmmon degidevolves back to his normal form and says, "Well, that was another crazy fight, boss! Glad I made it just in time for the knockout blow!"

Ben laughs and pats his dragon pal on the head, before saying, "Hey, glad you made it in time, Hiryuumon. Your surprise attack just might have saved us all. Robotnik might have gotten away again with those other Zannacross goons. But now we taught them, no matter what kind of crazy machines they use, they can't stand up to the Enji Knights and those that stand for justice! And that other Egg man, he learned the hard way what happens when you play dirty."

Blaze then looks at the sky and says,"Egg man Nega, he got the fate he deserved. However, I did not expect him to go down quite like that."

Tails then says, "That's for sure. It's hard to believe that Robotnik's greatest Death Egg yet would be blown up by his own grandfather's work, Space Colony Ark. I did not even know you guys had it up and running with a power source equal to the Chaos Emeralds!"

Shadow looks up in the sky and sees the Psycho Gundam Mark II still combined with the top of the ARK and gets annoyed before saying, "Yes, just when did that Kira guy do this, anyway?"

Ben just shrugs and says,"Beats me, he barely tells me anything, but why I am not strong enough and my next mission, anyway. Well, despite the way it ended, I am still glad we were able to all pull through without losing any body."

Just then, Knuckles looks around and looks concerned before saying,"Hey, wait a sec, what happened to the Chaotix?"

Rough then says, "Come to think about it, they were pretty focused on finding that Mighty friend of their's. Hope they were not so focused that they did not see the Eclipse cannon blast coming for them!"

This gets everyone nervous and Sonic gets out of Amy's grip before saying, "Come to think of it, all of those people that were imprisoned were still on there, too! What was that Kira guy thinking, he killed all of those innocent people!"

Ezan just coldly responds with,"It's true innocent lives were lost, but Commandant Kira clearly saw it as the best course of judgment. If he did not act when he did, that Egg man Nega could have killed even more with the fire power of the Death Egg. Sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good."

Silver then gets mad and responds with a disgusted, "That may be true, but that's only the case when there is no other way! With all the power and resources this Kira has, surely he could have disabled the Death Egg another way! And now those three and many others died!"

Just as Ben wonders what to say, everyone hears a loud voice shout out, "Hey, who are you calling dead! You really think we'd go down that easily? No way, that's way too bad for business!"

Everyone then turns around to the side, and sees Charmy, Victor, and Espio,all there, unharmed!

Knuckles then grins and screams out, "Guys, you all made it out in time! That's great!"

Victor takes a deep breath and says, "It was close though. I almost became a deep fried croc! Thankfully we were already thinking that staying on board the Death Egg would not be the most stable choice when we saw all you guys fighting so intensely. That's why I saw a way to transport everyone out of here and warped us in a jiffy! It was hectic, but we managed to teleport out all of the Egg Prisons holding people's souls. Not only that, but we got a bonus, so to speak."

Sonic then chuckles and responds with, "I love bonuses, what kind? Huh?"

All of a sudden, everyone sees a new figure walk out behind them, only it's a robot! Not a robot from the Lylat forces, it looks like a gigantic metal Armadillo!

Omega aims his weapons at the robot and says,"Egg man robot detected, destroy!"

Ben and Ezan take out their swords, and Silver says, "So, one of the Egg bots survived? Not for long!"

Just as they are all going to attack, Charmy quickly flies in front of the robot and holds his arms before saying, "Hey, hold on guys, this one's not a problem! In fact, he is our friend, Mighty! Err, he is just roboticized."

Ben looks puzzled, but sees that the robot looks more afraid than anything and puts his sword away and says, "So, you're saying Robotnik turned your friend, into a robot? Well, I guess with his name being Robotnik and all, it's not too shocking."

Knuckles then laughs and says, "That really you, Mighty? What happened to you?"

The former member of the Chaotix slowly walks in front of his friends and waves while saying, "Hey, Knuckles! Never thought I'd see you again! And Sonic too! Oh, and a bunch of new guys! Yeah it's me in the, err metal! Sorry to cause you all to worry for so long. I guess I brought it all on myself though. I left everyone four years ago to prove myself as a hero.

But all I managed to do was fall into a trap Metal Sonic and that Egg man set out for me! It seems he did not think of me very much. He just transformed me into his robotic slave, and forced me to become his maintenance drone! All this time all I have been doing is cleaning floors, machines and windows!"

He then proves it by curling in to a ball, and then having several cleaning devices popping out of his sides! Sonic then sees him transform back in to normal and says, "Wow, that doctor sure has a twisted sense of humor. But don't worry, Mighty. I don't think Egg man is going to be turning anyone into robots around here anymore. Hey Tails, still have your anti roboticized machine around in your workshop?"

Tails smiles and says, "Of course! We will have him back to normal in no time!"

Mighty then says, "That's great! I was getting really fed up in this body. Sure I am kind of stronger, but it's so clunky. And to top it off, I have this really bad itch for months that I can't reach so, AH!"

Out of nowhere, everyone feels a strong gust of wind. Mighty's head fell off! Since he is a robot, he still lives, but he is obviously freaked out and his arms go flaying about as he says,"AH! What is going on?"

Ben then tenses up before he responds with"Another attacker? Wait, this magic energy is?" Before he can even finish his words, everyone sees Kira walk slowly up to the group with his sword drawn, he was the one who sliced Mighty's head off!

Kira then suddenly cuts in with a cold , "Stand down, Ben Auro."

Everyone looks at him and Sonic says, "What is the deal, Kira? You gone mad or something?"

Ben then gulps before he says, "Master, why are you attacking him. Mighty is just a guy transformed by Doctor Robotnik, he is hardly a threat. Whoa!"

Ben then sees Kira's magic energy flare up so suddenly, he is nearly blown back! Kira then glares at Ben and sternly responds with,"I thought we already discussed about questioning my orders, my apprentice. I am well aware of the situation. However, unlike you all, I see through deception with much more clarity. While he may be a former friend of a few of them and has the appearance of a maintenance droid, that is only the outside story.

For all you know, he might truly be a spy drone, made to observe. When your guard is down self destruct and cause massive damage!"

Knuckles gets mad and grunts out a on edge, "Oh come on, that's just being paranoid!"

Kira says,"Tsc, hardly, it's just seeing things without emotional attachment. That is why for the best interest of this world and the security of order for the Lylat Kingdom, your friend and all others like him must be destroyed."

Ben then sees the shocked reaction of Sonic and pals and says, "Commandant, are you sure you really have to go that far?"

Kira just glares at Ben and responds with a stern,"You are at border line insubordination at this point Ben, time for you to remember your duty. Now, destroy this Mighty at once!"

Ben looks shocked and Espio then says,"Stop this! Ben, can't you clearly see Mighty is no threat?"

Ben then looks like he is struggling and responds with a uneasy,"Yes, but, he does make a point. But, I."

Ezan sees the conflict in Ben's eyes and at once takes out his blade, before saying," Sigh, no point asking someone who still squirms on the battlefield. I will complete your task, Commandant."

He is about to strike, when Kira flash steps in front of him and says," No, this is a task I am only ordering Ben to do. It's time you come to grips with your fate and stop letting your emotions bind you. I am giving you a direct order, do it now!"

Sonic then looks alarmed before he says,"Stop it, Ben. Do you really think this is the right thing to do in your heart?"

Ben is looking extremely stressed and then looks down for a minute, before then firing a magic blast from his hand at Mighty! The headless body is still trying to find its head, when the head says, "Whoa, what did I do? AH!"

A flash then blinds everyone and when it clears, Mighty is gone completely! Everyone is shocked as Ben falls to his knees clearly looking upset as Kira grins while saying,

"Well done, really now, was that so hard? You may fail to see my just logic now, but when your mind's are clear you will see I was doing what is best for everyone. In order to survive you must think ahead, and be prepared for all outcomes."

Shadow then looks at Kira and narrows his eyes before he darkly says,"I can see you take that saying to great lengths. Tell me, just how long have Titan forces had control of Space Colony ARK? Because even though I am a special agent for GUN, even I had not the slightest idea you were playing around with my former home!"

As Kira glances at Shadow, the GUN Commander clears his throat and says, "Yes, for once I am with Shadow on this, Commandant Kira. As far as I know, there was not even the slightest notification that your men were taking control of ARK. I fail to see why you would not inform us, since we are on the same side."

Kira just responds with a curt, "You are all indeed are allies. However, I thought it would be best if such a weapon was in control of those most capable. And I did not want to take any chances with spies being everywhere."

Sonic then gets angry and grinds out a agitated,"You know, I have been hearing a lot of problems coming from you, Kira. I have been seeing more and more of your Salvation Storm Troopers hanging around in every major city on the planet like they own the place! Forgive me for getting the wrong idea, but a guy can almost get the impression that you're trying to act like you're calling all the shots around here!"

Kira just looks at Sonic and flatly, "You forget your place, Sonic the Hedgehog. It's true you're a hero. But someone who just runs from responsibility has no idea of what it takes for true peace to be reached. Only by, huh?"

He then sees a high ranking armored soldier walk in front of him, before saluting and then giving him a message. Kira then reads it and sighs before saying, "Well, it seems the Grand Master and the others on the Council are more anxious for a report than usual. Very well, I will take my leave. Ben, Ezan, Hiryuumon, we are all returning at once. Good day everyone, I hope that true peace will be reached very soon for all of you."

He flicks his cape back and walks back to his ship. Ezan then gets in front of Sonic and says, "Despite what happened, I am sorry for the loss of your friend."

He then leaves. Sonic then goes up to Ben and says,"Man, Ben, I know that Kira guy is a great military commander and all. But he has his views screwed on a little too tight, if you ask me. I am not blaming you for anything, but, still, something is not right here."

Ben then stands up and walks right up to Sonic and quietly mutters,"Sonic, Mighty is not dead."

Sonic and Espio hear this and are shocked before Sonic says, "What? But I saw you blast him."

Ben makes sure Kira is out of his hearing range and looks over to the ocean before saying, "I did not blast him with an energy blast. I fired a kind of warp spell to transport him from here into the sea a little. Mighty might be spooked, but he is still alive at least. It might have been short notice, but it was the only thing I could have done to trick Kira."

Tails then looks shocked before interjecting with,"So, you defied your own commander to save him? Ben, thanks for that."

Ben smiles and responds with a friendly,"Just make sure to find Mighty and turn him back to normal fast. I don't think Kira or the others know what he looked like when he was normal, so it should all be in the clear."

Knuckles smiles and grabs Ben by the arm and puts his own arm around him before saying,"Hey, you know, you're pretty good, Ben. Thanks for all the help."

Sonic smiles and retorts with,"Same here. You are becoming almost as cool a guy as me! You got some moves, and the most important thing is you've got a good heart on top of it all."

Ben smiles and responds with a enthusiastic,"Thanks, Sonic, I needed that. Well, sorry for a rushed goodbye everyone, but I better get going, before Kira gets mad again."

Sonic then holds out his hand and says, "Good luck, Ben, and remember. No matter how tough things get from any side, never given in to the jerks, because as long as you keep going and have friends on your side, you will be able to reach the finish line and pick up your dream at the end!"

Ben shakes Sonic's hand and says, "Heh, don't worry. I have no plans of giving up, no matter what or who tries to stop me! Take care everyone, hope to see you all again."

Ben runs off to the shuttle and turns around one last time to see everyone waving to him, even Shadow is giving him a subtle smile of approval. As he turns around, he thinks to himself, and says in his head,"Sonic, you and your guys helped remind me what I am fighting for. However, I don't think our situations are the same. You can run free and fight for freedom. But, I think that my burden does not give me such freedom."

Hiryuumon then looks at Ben and says, "Is something wrong, boss? You look sad."

Ben just turns and gives a weak smile before responding with,"It's nothing, Hiryuumon, come on, let's go. It's just been a long day, I really could use some sleep."
He then runs at top speed to the Eternal Justice, just as it prepares to blast off! As the ship prepares to leave the planet, Amy walks over to Sonic and says,

"Hey Sonic, maybe it was just because you guys were fighting, but Ben looked a little pale. Was he alright?"

Silver then looks downward and says,"Come to think of it, he had been looking stressed when me and Blaze first ran into him."

Shadow then sees the ship leave the atmosphere and says, "He must have been fighting constantly, even more then usual, without much time to rest."

Knuckles then kicks a rock and says, "Bah, I bet that jerk Kira is not helping things much."

Cream shivers and says,"Even if he is a high ranking Enji Knight, and helped save this and many other worlds, he has this scary feeling to him."

Sonic looks at the air and says, "I know what you mean, Cream. Something about that Kira guy gives me a bad feeling. Just hope it's only a small kind of bad. Ben looks like he is going through a lot as it is. I just hope he can handle it."

---

Speaking of Ben handling things... As soon as the ship is back in hyper space, Kira once more summons Ben and Ezan to the command deck. As soon as the two warriors are there he instantly announces,"There will be a change of plans. Grand Master Myers has requested I go over the results of the battles in person. Therefore we will be returning to the Enji Castle. However, this is only a temporary return, at the most, a day. Don't leave the grounds, is that clear, Ben Auro? I can't afford another debacle."

Ben just looks down and says, "I understand, it's okay. Not like I have anyone to visit anyway. Um, is it alright if I get some rest before then?"

Kira just looks at another monitor showing a view of planets and says,"Do as you will. "

Ben then sees Ezan leave at once before he turns to his Digimon pal and says,"Well, at least I can get some sleep now. Yawn, it's been a while since I could relax even for a little."

Ben returns to his bunk and tries to make up for some lost sleep. Sadly, it's not as easy for him as he would like. Next to him he hears one of the few soldiers that has a personality and seems to enjoy playing very loud rock music, nonstop! Ben tries to ignore it, but it's too loud for a long while and he looks at the ceiling and says,

"Sigh, it's always something. How many hours has it been? That's it, I'll just tell him to, oh? Finally! Thought he would never stop. Now, I can finally, huh?"

Ben then hears the loud speaker say," Attention all personnel, we will be docking at Hallowed Bastion in a hour, make sure you are in your proper position at due time."

Ben is shocked and says, "What!? That jerk was blasting his music all night? Sigh, well maybe I can still salvage a half hour of dreams. Looks like our luck is not the best at the moment, eh Hiryuumon? Huh?"

He then sees his dragon friend has been fast asleep all this time. He then says, "Well, at least some one has been sleeping well."

Ben tries to not be totally sleep deprived as the Eternal Justice reenters Corneria and soon Ben is back at his nicer home away from home. When he wakes up, the ship has already landed and as Ben walks out of the landing bay he sees that Kira and Ezan have already left. However, he does see someone is waiting for him, his good old Moogle friend, Moz! At once, the furry one flies over to Ben and says, "Ben! You're back in once piece, Kupo!"

Ben smiles and says, "Hey Moz, how's things around here? Anything good going around?"

Moz then responds with a chipper," Not really. Just been watching everyone come and go. Me and the other moogles, along with Miu, have had a bowling tournament. Almost won too, but then Mog pulled four strikes in a row, Kupo! Oh well, next time."

Ben chuckles and says, "Don't worry, there will be other times to be on top. So, are Doug, James, and Cloud Sensei around?"

Moz shakes his head and answers with, "Sorry, Doug and James went with captain Bartz, and Cloud is on another mission as well."

Ben looks disappointed and responds with a let down,"Oh, well. I guess things have been hectic lately."

Moz then says, "Don't worry, Ben. I am sure your other friends are around somewhere, Kupo."

Ben sighs and reacts with a strained," Well, that's okay. I'll just see who is around. Maybe Lacus is, never mind. Well first thing to do is get a decent meal."

Ben and his two pals enter the castle. After getting some food, Ben checks up on his old room and is relieved to see that Moz has kept everything in the place where it was before. As he then leaves the male dorms, he tenses up before saying,"So Moz, has anyone found any leads on Max yet?"

Moz winces before responding with, "Sorry, Kupo, no one has a clue. Max was always good at outsmarting people."

Ben looks down and grasps his fist tightly before he grimly says,"Yeah, but that was before, when it was just a game. And now he is a traitor who is causing havoc to all sides just for his own profits. However, he can't hide forever. I will find him, and get back at him for betraying me. I will never forgive him, for attacking the Raystar family and being in on the plan to kidnap Lacus! Even if he did end up saving the day, he still caused, what the, is that?"

Ben is surprised when he sees Lacus walking out of the end of the hallway and at once feels much happier. He then smiles and eagerly says,"Lacus? Hey Lacus! How are you Lacus?"

Lacus sees Ben, but Ben is shocked when her eyes quickly look away and she turns around to leave without even saying a word! Ben is, less than happy with these results and Hiryuumon blinks before he says," She looked like she saw a ghost, boss!"

Ben looks sad and says, "I guess she is still upset over her sister getting hurt. Lacus, it's my fault for her having more pain, and now her family is mad at me. I have to make things right with her though, if I ever hope to win her over Brad again."

Hiryuumon then says," If you really, really love her that much boss, then you have to go after her!"

Ben hesitates before he says, "Um, I am not so sure rushing into things will help matters. But you're right, Hiryuumon, I have to do something."

Ben then walks down to the lakeside. There he sees a few of his other friends hanging out. At the moment, he sees the blond tailed warrior from planet Gaia, Zidane Tribal having a sparring match against the brown haired dual sword wielding Enji, Lloyd Irvine.

Others there are his other friends Genis, Vivi two, Collette, Kyle, Arc, Loni, Relala, Queen Garnet, and Lunenth.

At the moment, Zidane just dodged another demon fang attack from Lloyd when he sees Ben enter the area. As Ben gets closer Zidane grins and enthusiastically says,

"Well there is a face I have not seen in a while! Looks like the rumors of Kira killing all those he takes to train after him are just rumors after all."

Ben then smiles and says, "Hey, everyone. Glad to see you all are still alive, not to mention glad I am alive as well, heh."

The two stop their spar and everyone goes over to Ben to greet him. Kyle then says, "How you holding up? How is Kira's training like? Has he taught you any new killer secret attacks?"

Ben laughs and responds with,"Err not yet, at least. He has taught me how to take a hit or two though."

Garnet then says, "Everyone has been hearing about how you fought well against Char's attack and just now against the forces of that Doctor Robotnik. Adding those to your already promising track record, and you are building quite a name for yourself, Ben."

Zidane then pretends to look insulted and reacts with a indignant, "Hey, don't I get any credit? Having to be a squad mate with Ezan Kaiba for so long should be cause to win a medal in itself! Garnet then chuckles and goes over to her boyfriend, before wrapping her arms around Zidane and saying,"Well, it goes without question what my feelings are about you, Zidane."

Zidane laughs and kisses her before saying, "Ah, good enough for me."

Ben slightly feels envious of the romantic moment he sees, but does not show it and then says,"So, anything major going on around here? Last time I was here I kind of left in a hurry."

Lloyd then sighs before he mutters a respectful," Oh, right, we all heard about Max. Sorry that you had to suffer such a thing. I felt the sting of betrayal myself from Kratos, Zelos, and others. However, they all had their reasons , and while I am not condoning what he did, maybe he does too?"

Ben then responds with a solem,"Well, I'll just have to ask him when I track him down and defeat him."

Kyle then looks enthusiastically at his comrade before he adds," Don't worry, Ben, we all have your back! Even when confronted by various evil people, heroes pull through! And besides, since your cousin pulled off the kind of stunt he did, no way he can just take it easy."

Ben then nods before he looks around and says,"Speaking of his stunts, I guess Lacus is still upset about what happened. I mean, she seemed kind of upset when she ignored me."

Collette then looks let down before she answers with, "Lacus has been acting odd ever since her birthday. She barely has talked to any of us. In fact, she has not even showed up for training this week. The only time we have seen her is with Brad."

Ben's fist tighten at hearing Brad's name, and he responds with a sore,"Brad, Lacus. I guess he has been helping her feel better his way, and that can't be good for anyone."

Loni then laughs and reacts with a amused, Man you're not kidding. Everything that guy does turns into a disaster. I heard he messed up his last mission real bad. Heard from Cyan that Brad was supposed to protect a bunch of important people from a Zeon attack, and he sort of did it.

He smashed the foes, however in the process he, also smashed the planets capital buildings formation into one of its hallmarks,

a giant stadium sized Sarlacc monster!

Apparently not only was that place a big thing to the world's people, but in the palace was one of the best research stations in galaxies! There was all kinds of stuff being worked on there and Brad caused it all to be wrecked."

Ben just face palms and says," It's a wonder that after more than a year of this, he is even allowed to stay here."

Genis laughs and says, "That's something we all have been wondering. But he did not get off of such an act scot free. Apparently both Sabin and Master Myers got really mad at Brad, said he was disgracing the Enji order. And then Brad just blew them off."

Ben just says, "That Brad, he still does not take anything seriously. It's pathetic really, he still has the statues of a low rank rookie, even though he came here the same time as Lacus and I.

Lacus, it's been a year, and I have no idea why Lacus likes someone that is a lazy, reckless, jerk like him."

Zidane then chuckles and responds with a whimsical," Ah, the mysteries of women. I admit I can't figure out that one myself. But anyone that tries to decode that mystery gets smashed into the ground by a certain muscle bound idiot. You have to be crazy to try something like that, I guess that means you're feeling crazy, eh, Ben?"

Ben looks nervous and says, "What do you mean, Zidane? Lacus is a close childhood friend of mine of course. However, I would never try and, ah!"

Both Zidane and Lloyd warp their arms around Ben's and Zidane says, "Don't bother, Ben, it was obvious to me a week after I met you. Can't blame you though, a childhood friend, beautiful, smart, kind, a great warrior and a higher class gal to boot. Well, I can't say I do enjoy seeing her with Brad. Oh, who am I kidding, no one wants to see a girl waste her life with a class A bozo. That is why we are all rooting for you to win her over!"

Ben gets bashful and reacts with a timid,"Err, thanks, guys. But, I don't know what I am going to do. Lacus and her family are still mad at me for Max trashing her birthday party and causing Sara to be wounded."

Lloyd then says,"It's not like you are to blame for your own cousin being a traitor. Just talk to her again and tell her how much you mean to her. Or at least that is what Zelos ragged on about it when he heard the story. Hey, is that her?"

Everyone then sees Lacus once again entering the lake area from the other entrance. Ben panics and says,"

Even if that would work, last time she walked away, before even saying anything."

Zidane gives Ben a thumbs up and retorts with a brash,"Well then, I'll just have to make an opening for you, stand back."

Zidane then jumps on the statue and swings over there with his tail, while Ben tensely says,"Err, I hope he knows what he is doing."

Garnet then smiles and kindly says,"Don't worry, Ben, take it from me. Zidane knows how to get a women's attention, one way or another, hehe."

Ben then feels his head before he says says, "Well, if everyone is rooting for me, then I hope that my hair is alright."

He then walks the other way and hears Lacus step into the lake balcony above when Zidane walks up and says, "Oh, hey, Lacus! Fine weather we are having today."

Lacus turns around and briefly smiles while saying, "Oh hello, Zidane, how are you today? I suppose if you are a fan of cloudy skies it would be nice weather. Is there something I can help you with?"

Zidane just has his shrewd grin get wider before he says, "Why, in fact, yes. You see Brad still forgot to pay me back for when I, huh? Oh, hey there, Ben."

Lacus is startled and turns around to see Ben entering from the side and she then sees the others "covering" the other sides as he says,"Hey, Lacus. How are you today? Guess you left before you could see me before."

Lacus then looks into the water and in a detached tone says, "No, not really."

Ben gets nervous, but Zidane winks at him as he tries to keep his composer up and says," Oh, well, I just wanted to know how everyone is doing."

Lacus just continues to look at the water as in a plane tone she says, "Sara is fine, she has fully healed from her injury."

Ben smiles and says, "I am glad to hear it, tell her my regards, I guess. So, how has your mission been going lately? Huh, what the?"

Ben sees Lacus just prepare to walk out of there, while saying,"Sorry Ben, I am really busy today with my training, so I have to go."

She is about to walk out, when Collette gets in front of her and says, "What are you talking about, Lacus? Captain Terra gave us all off for the weekend, remember? She is not even here, so I don't see what you could mean by special training. Lacus, are you lying?"

Lacus looks annoyed as she realizes that everyone around her is helping Ben. Ben then says,"Lacus, did I do something to make you angry? You are acting like you don't want to talk to me or something."

Lacus sighs and flicks her hair out of her face before she sternly says,"That is because, I have been doing a lot of thinking, Ben. And, I think it would be for the best if you and I stopped talking."

This hurts Ben hard, and he feels like he is stabbed in the chest. Barely holding on to his composure, everyone else is shocked too, as he coughs up and says,"

What!? What, what are you talking about, Lacus? Is, is this because of Max? Lacus, I swore I had no idea he was a traitor. You, you know I would never do anything to harm you, right? Is it because your parents are still mad at me?"

Lacus looks sad as she responds with a weary,"No, it's not just because of that. I know you had nothing to do with that attack. And everyone but my mother has calmed down about it. It's just, I have been thinking. And I realize now it would be better for everyone if we kept our distance."

Ben can't grasp this and says, "What? But why?"

Lacus sighs before she says, "If you really want to know the answer, it's because Brad is not happy with us being so close."

Ben then turns pale before he says, "What!? Are you serious? But, we are friends, Lacus! He can't just tell you who to see and who you cannot see!"

Lacus looks troubled and says, "But he is my boy friend Ben. I have to respect his wishes. Because in the end, his feelings are more, huh?"

Ben then gets upset and interject with a pained, "Lacus, we have been friends for years. Do you really think so little of me that you will just easily discard me like, huh? That energy, it's him!"

Everyone else senses a large power level surrounded by others and they turn around to see none other than Brad surrounded by his gang! CJ, the Slate, Mondo, and Jerid are all with him and two other guys Ben does not know walking out of the door.

They are all laughing and when Brad sees Ben he laughs even harder! He then crassly says,"Well well, look who is back, boys? It's everyone's favorite Star warrior! You have been in the news for a while now Bennie boy. I guess going with Kira has helped boost yours and Ezan's public "image." Ha, what a joke, if they knew what a loser you were, like I did, I would be the one getting his name in the news!"

Ben at once glares at Brad and Kyle gets besides Ben and says,"What are you doing here, Brad? Beat everyone in the under sector too many times and got bored?"

Brad just spits off the platform and says, "Oh my, another guy whose ego is way overblown I see. As a matter of fact, yeah, I have beaten every guy in the lower sector, but it's still a place with less stiffs then here.

After all, over there they have the common sense to worship the "Unstoppable Juggernaught" for the greatness that I am! Anyway, what is the problem, Ben? You have a problem?"

Lacus sees Ben getting madder and madder and she says, "Oh no, wait, please!"

Ben does not seem to hear her, as he walks up to Brad and grasps his fist tightly before he says,"Yes, with you! What did you tell Lacus?"

Brad just cracks his knuckles and responds with "Heh, I see Lacus finally had the guts to tell her what I knew she should have told you months ago. That's right; I told her it would be better for everyone if she stopped trying to act and do what needs to be done! Sorry, Star loser, but I am sick of Lacus wasting time pretending to be your friend and I don't want to see you waste her time by talking to her anymore! Got it?!"

Ben is ready to flip out and seeths out,"Waste Lacus' time? Brad, you're out of your demented head! If anyone is wasting her time, it's you! You think you can just tell her who she can and can't talk to?"

Brad says, "Yeah, I can, Ben. See, you keep forgetting that I am her boyfriend. And in a relationship, both partners respect each others' wishes. You may be one of my doll's oldest friends, but you annoy the hell out of me! Sorry "buddy", but she is off limits!"

Not only is Ben furious at this, but his pals are as well. Lloyd then grinds out,"You can't just order Lacus around! If you really respect her, you will treat her with much more respect than you are now!"

Brad then gets annoyed and cracks his neck at the interlopers direction before he growls ,"Stay out of this! This is a man to man talk!"

Ben sneers at this before he jabs back with, "Too bad, it seems more like a man to monkey talk from here."

Brad spits on the ground before he releases a mocking, "Oh, what's wrong? Upset I crushed your heart? What are you going to do about it?"

Ben then sees the two newcomers step in front of Brad and laugh before the one with the hat says,"Well looks like someone can't get the picture, Brad! You won't listen to Brad's advice, son? Then maybe we should help open your ears!"

Ben just looks at the two and says," Who are you, and why should I care? Whatever, just leave. I have no patience for idiots right now."

The man in the hat looks at the other guy and they both laugh before saying,"

Oh, that is right, you have not yet witnessed how awesome we are because you're too much of a hot shot to be here anymore! You're looking at two guys who understand what real greatness is! I am Awesome Alex!"

The other large bald man takes out his weapons, bladed numchaku and says,"And you're staring at rad Ryan! We may be two newcomers to the Enji. But you're about to find out that we are real warriors!"

Alex then takes out his weapons, Tonfa's and the two begin to circle around Ben while saying,"We heard about all the things you did. Even beat that Xehamaru dude. However, you're already a star that has reached its peak! Time we show you who the real two best Enji Knights in making are!"

They begin to bounce around and Ben just stays motionless as he says," Are you two done? First of all, I am older than you. Stop wasting my time, before I show you just what I think of you idiots!"

They then begin to dash around they are like blurs as Alex says, "You really are one smug punk! Time we give you a crash course on our mad skills like we taught that newcomer Ruka Miruda! You may have some fancy training, but time you get a rough taste of reality of all that really matters ! Now it's one, two, thr, GUH!"

In a split-second, they were both about to strike Ben. But Ben shows how little he thinks of them, as he punches both of them at the same time with such force that they are knocked out in one blow!

As they fall to the ground, Ben stares at Brad and coldly says,"Shut up. You loud mouth punks will never be Enji Knights, so stop wasting everyone's time. This is an order of justice, not a fraternity!"

Everyone is either impressed or shocked with the ease Ben disposed of the two. Brad chuckles before he says,"Well well, someone is upset. Piff, those two are weak, only thing they are good at is smuggling in some good drinks."

Ben then says, "Unlike you, Brad, I take my responsibility seriously. Maybe if you did more than just thrashing around like a wild animal, you would not still be the lowliest ranked position in here!"

Brad just looks amused and bellows out,"Oh, now your lashing out because you are having a tough time? I don't give a damn how much stuff you're going through. Cloud, Myers, and everyone else may feel sorry for you and give you excuses. But I don't care how miserable you are! If you were a real man, nothing would harm you, but that is just more proof that you're a wuss!"

Ben then begins to power up his magic aura and harshly states,"I am warning you, Brad, I have had it with you."

Brad then kicks the fallen Alex to the side and narrows his eyes before he says,"Oh, you want some of this? I'll be all too happy to give you another lesson in power! I always knew that even when you and Lisa were an item that Lacus was your real target. Let me make this clear for you Benny Boy! Lacus is out of your league! No matter what, you pull you will never take her away from me!"

Lacus looks worried and says, "Brad, please don't fight. Don't make this worse than it is."

Brad laughs and says, "Sorry gal, but I am in no mood to put things nicely! The reason he got this annoying was because you kept talking to him when I told you to stop wasting your time with him months ago! Welcome to reality, Benny boy. And the reality is that Lacus is and always will be out of your league! What are you going to say to that?"

All of a sudden, Ben's magic energy beings to grow even larger, and Ben begins to growl as the ground around him cracks and shakes! Ben's head remains looking at the ground while he says,"You, it's just like all the others. Jerks like you, they win girls over with their lies and macho head games. So many, so many times already I've seen girls I like be lost to the hands of creeps. And now, Lacus, you're saying I am not allowed to talk to Lacus because of you?

Lacus, this year my former best friend was killed, I was betrayed by both someone I trusted, and my favorite cousin, who was like a brother to me. And now, now you're trying to turn Lacus against me! Brad Fowltror, I will not let you turn Lacus against me! I will NEVER FORGIVE YOU!"

His magic energy then explodes with such force it causes the water behind the group to rise up and everyone is nearly blown back! Zidane can barely stand on his feet as he says, "Ben's power has grown this far? As much as a jerk Kira is, at least this training of his is not totally a waste."

Ben at last looks Brad right in the eyes and his look is of pure hatred, as Brad says,"What, you don't like me or some, GUH!"

In an instant, Ben has flash stepped right in front of Brad and punches him so hard in the stomach that the ground shakes and it creates a shock-wave!

Ben then has his rage explode as he seethes out,"Like you? I HATE YOU!"

He then roundhouse kicks Brad so far he is blasted right into the lake. But Ben does not stop there. Before Brad begins to fall down, Ben moves with such speed that he warps behind Brad in mid air and kicks him right into the head so hard that he is launched into the water and creates a massive wave! As the water falls, Ben just says, "I will never forgive you Brad, ever!"

Everyone is amazed at Ben's assault and Kyle says,"I never saw Ben so angry before! Man, I guess Brad had it coming, though."

Lacus sees Ben's magic aura flare out of control as she says,"No, please, stop this."

All of a sudden, a massive burst of energy blows a large amount of water away and Brad emerges, already powered and bulked up and as he charges at Ben his face as a sadistic grin while he says, "Oh, really? Fine by me, I always hated your guts too! Now I don't have to bother to hide anything! Now, it's time I crush you for that miscast match call last time! Time to, guh!"

Before he can finish, Ben at once launches a furious assault and moves around to keep hitting Brad before he can turn! As Brad is bombarded with blows, Ben says," Never again, I will never lose again to someone like you! I have trained too hard to be beaten by a worthless brutish monkey! You may not have noticed it but I got a lot stronger then when we fought, and after all I been through I sure as hell am not going to lose to a punk like you!"

Brad continues to take the hits, but as he does, he just laughs widely and says,"Really now, still can't figure out the truth? That even with all your fancy moves it's useless against true power? You can train all you want, but you never will catch up to me! I get more powerful every freaking second. It's an ability I've had since birth, but that's how it is. By now I am already powerful enough to cream both you and Ezan at once!"

Ben keeps up his assault as he says," That's all you can do to smash about like a raging hulk! But being a true hero is more than raw power. Have you wondered why you and your gang are the only ones in our group still at the lowest ranks? It's because you are so full of yourself, you never do anything anyway but your way, no matter how crazy it is! I hear you just blew it again and smashed a planet's capital building and the research there into a giant Sarlacc pit and ruined all kinds of research!"

Brad just creates an explosive wave of energy to blow Ben back as he says, "Bah, you're just like all those stiffs that rag on and on about a bunch of lame stuff no one cares about! Who cares about that capital and its precious experiments? It's all stuff that can be rebuilt! All that matters is that I clobbered the enemies and single-handedly destroyed them!"

Ben then looks outraged before he snaps back with," You really are pathetic! Someone who has no understanding of anything is nothing but a joke. You will never be an Enji Knight, Brad. As long as you are what you are, you're nothing but a disgrace to the Enji Knights. I wonder just how long till Captain Sabin gives up and you are at last thrown out of the order."

Brad lands back on the ground with a thud and charges up energy before he chuckles and says"That's your problem, Star loser! You just follow the rules like a lame old lap dog! You just don't get that I don't need to play by their rules! The Brad always has played by his own rules. And anyone that can't handle them will either be made to handle them, or blown out of my way!"

He fires a barrage of energy blasts at Ben like a machine gun, but Ben just takes out his Star Sword and charges at him while deflecting every shot as he says, "All this year I have been trying to figure out why Lacus would want to be with you, of all people. And still I have no idea how she could possibly love someone that is such a jerk!"

He then blocks more shots as he reaches Brad and strikes with a downward slash! Brad quickly blocks with his arm and the blow is strong enough to cause the ground to crumble! Even though blood falls from the strike, Brad just continues to laugh and says,"

It's because you can't understand that shows how much of a loser you are! You may be the ideal Enji Knight, but the only one you're going to impress are stiffs, little kids and all the hacks in this cosmos! Let me fill you in, Ben, women don't care about heroics! You can be the best fighter in all space, but that won't help when you're nothing but a bore to be with! See? Gals love the bad boy! They love the thrill, the excitement, the fun that would never be had with a straight arrow like you! It's just like in the movies, the rebel is the true hero!"

Ben presses down harder on Brad and his sword glows with energy as he says,"I refuse to accept that! You, your kind use your tricks and your lies to cheat your way to the top. But, I will cut through you and your kind's lies! I will show that I am truly the one who deserves to be worthy of being called the savior of the Universe! Guh!"

Brad then kicks him hard in the chest as he says,"God, I am so sick of your lame heroic speeches! No one cares! As long as you keep ranting on about peace and justice you may be a great Enji Knight. But fighting will be the only thing you're good for, and you will never be loved by Lacus or any other woman! You know it has been a real laugh seeing you keep struggling like you think it gives a damn! Ill admit your thick headed then I thought but you can try hard for the rest of your life runt, it won't amount to jack squat! You want to know why? "

Brad then forms a sadistic grin as he instantly fallows up with," Its because no matter how many toys you use to power your lame body up or how many ways you train you still have the mind of a loser! Your to weak, your just a loser who depends on others, who is to afraid at making people mad to get what you want to win! A REAL Man does not let others tell him what his life is, he takes his life in to his own hands and takes out anyone who tries to stop him! Your a weakling at your core Benny boy, and that's why you will never be a winner! The Enji and the Lylat Kingdom may keep trying to pretend that losers like you have a right, but losers have no rights! They are the bottom of the food chain!"

Ben's fury is surging as he turns red and rasps out a icy," Shut up, just shut up all ready!"

Ben puts more power in to his strike but Brad responds by bulking up more and viciously bellowing," What's the matter, can't handle the truth you wuss? To bad, because that's how things really work! The truth is that losers like you never win, and that all those idiots in power just kid themselves by making guys like you feel like you got a shot! But that's a laugh, losers have no right taking what belongs to the winners! As much as the scarey fat cats in charge try to coddle all you losers about how everyone is equal its only so you don't cry to much! The truth is that life is one hell of a climb! If you are not strong enough to move forward you are just going to be thrown down to the trash as the strong climb to the top!

Only rich guys can ever really find a way to get what they don't deserve, and even that is power in a way. I don't get why powerless worthless trash like you should even be allowed to have hope that you can ever get what you don't deserve. It is a riot seeing morons like you go on thinking you got a chance, hell that's the only reason chumps like you are worth keeping around!

Hell yah, no need for any of those lame clowns or smart mouthed comedians pretending that they are funny, its always given me a kick seeing losers desperately try and work to change things! But that's all you are Benny boy, a jester that's putting off a show by acting like he will ever be what he is not! It really is a riot, seeing suckers like you work so damn hard to do what I can do in a day! And the reason its so funny is because your struggling so damn hard for something that is so damn hopeless!

Oh you may be a good boy and save even more losers, but you still won't ever be anything that can excite any girl like Lacus to want to be with! So, get the message yet Star loser? Just give it up, no matter what you do you will always be a lamer that does not deserve what your so desperate for, the things that are only reserved for the top dogs like me!"

Ben has his eyes twitch at this point and clearly shows he has had it as his aura explodes with such force that the water around the two blast back all the way to the bottom of the lake! Ben then holds out his right hand to gather energy while he yells out," SHUT UP!"

He then forms an energy sword and instantly Brad right in the shoulder! Looking so livid that he might burst at any moment he glares at Brad with eyes purely of bloodlust and says, " I refuse to expect that, I WILL NEVER EXPECT THAT! No, I have come too far to take this from an idiot like you! No matter what you say you're all talk Brad, and I won't allow some scum like you to mock me any longer! I am not someone who does not have the right to be loved, I know, that's not true! I am so sick of you, and now it's time I teach you a lesson!"

He slams the energy sword in and jumps into the air while saying,"Time for you to be silenced! If you can't shut your mouth, I'll force it shut, forever! Shining Flare, what?"

Just as Ben is going to unleash all his power at Brad, all of a sudden Lacus warps in front of Brad with her arms out! She then says, "Stop it now, Ben!"

Ben sees that Lacus is protecting Brad and says, "Lacus, please get out of the way."

Lacus shakes her head and firmly says, "Not until you promise to calm down and stop attacking Brad."

Ben struggles to contain himself and responds with a restrained," He, he started it! How can you defend him after all he has done? He is nothing but a jerk, Lacus! Why do you forgive all his crazy reckless actions!?"

Lacus emits a weary sigh before her answer is, "It's because I love him, Ben. I don't approve of everything he does, but I do love him. Please, stop lashing out on him just because you're upset. Sorry Ben, but no matter how you feel, my feelings won't change."

Ben restrains his tears from forming as he says,"Why, Lacus? Why do you love someone who is such a jerk in every way?"

Lacus then looks full of sorrow as she responds with,"If you really want to know, it's because he understands me and my feelings, more than anyone. He knows my pain, he was always there for me. No matter what."

Ben then has his head fall to the ground before he says, "But, I was always there for you Lacus. I , I always ."

Lacus does not let him finish, as she says," It's more than that! Its true you have never let me down and were always kind to me. But the feelings between me and Brad transcend simple kindness! He knows what it's like; he knows how to make things better."

Ben can't get what she means and says,"You mean the Blue Eyes White Dragon? I admit I was shocked at first, but I don't care about that. So what if you're different? You're still Lacus. And no matter what, nothing will change to make me think , can't you see Brad is just using you for your position and looks to get more power for himself? Someone like him, could never truly love anything but himself."

Lacus just looks down and says, "Is that all you can see? Or are you just coming to conclusions out of jealousy, Ben? It's as I thought, you can't understand the kind of bond me and Brad have. I guess you will never be able to and I am sorry that it pains you so much.

However, I must make this clear, no matter what, I will stand by Brad."

Ben then struggles not to lose himself as he says,"But, Lacus, what happened to our promise? Don't you remember? That promise we made before you went away, that we would always be friends, no matter what? That necklace, you're still wearing that necklace I gave you, so I know you still remember it!"

Lacus is shocked Ben remembers, as she looks down at the golden necklace with the blue crystal still around her neck. She then says, "Ben, I never forgot that promise. But, things are not so simple, we are not children anymore. There are things that are even more important."

Ben then says, "Then just answer me one more thing, why is nothing I do ever good enough to get you to approve of me? Why is nothing I do good enough for anyone? Why is it that no matter what I do its never enough for you to look at me like the way you look at Brad even after he screws up horribly!"

Brad just laughs and says, "Man, you're a real riot! Blab all you want, but no one cares how much your life sucks, so cry a river elsewhere."

Lacus just sighs and closes her eyes before she reacts with a pained,"Ben, its not like that. It's nothing against you, it's just that Brad understands me more than I believe you can. I am sorry this is so hard for you, but the truth is that me and Brad are just a better fit."

Ben feels numb as he says, "So, you are truly serious? It's, it's, AH!"

Ben then grasps his head and yells loudly. He then looks right up at the sky with a broken look while saying,"Why, why does this always happen to me? Why, why is it never good enough. Ah, my head, hurts so much. AH!"

He yells out a cry of raw anger and despair and blasts off out of the room without even saying anything else! Hiryuumon then yells out, "Boss! Wait!"

He then runs off. Moz then looks at Lacus sadly and says,"Lacus, how could you do this to Ben Kupo? That crushed him; you could have done that better. And Brad, I don't care if Lacus loves you, you're the biggest jerk I know, Kupo!"

The Moggle then flies off and Brad gets mad himself while he sees Moz fly after Ben. Brad does not let the insult slide and is almost ready to attack when he says,"

Hey, puffball! Watch it or I'll pound you into shape! Huh? What, you all have a problem too?"

Brad and Lacus all see Zidane, Lloyd, Kyle, Collette and everyone else all circle around Brad and not one of them is pleased with Brad.

Zidane then looks ticked off before he sorely says, "Congrats Brad, you have officially topped even Kira as the biggest jackass here!"

Brad licks off the blood from Ben's cut and says,"What, you have a problem with how I do things?"

Kyle then responds with a angry,"That's an understatement. Ben is not the only one sick of you. It was not too bad in the beginning, but now you're just annoying everyone and we are all tired of it!"

Brad then powers up his aura and his muscles expand again as he says, "Want to fight now, huh? Bring it! I crushed all of you before and I'll flatten you all at once with one hand!"

Lunith then points his sword at Brad and says, "Your arrogance will be your downfall. We have all been training hard, and our combined might is greater than your brute force!"

Lacus then sees Brad's boys get behind him and she says, "Please, everyone stop this! Just leave Brad alone!"

Collette then looks at Lacus with contempt before saying," Lacus, do you seriously think all of what you are doing is for the best? How can you defend him after what happened to Ben? What he said to Ben was far to cruel, how can you let him say such horrible things?"

Lacus just grimaces before she responds with, "Like I told Ben, it had to be done for his own good."

Reala then says,"It's more than just that. We all know how Brad has been telling you what to do more these days. Don't you see that he is trying to keep you to himself?"

Brad then gets mad and stomps the ground so hard, he shatters the ground as he says, "Everyone just butt the HELL out! Lacus knows how great I am and if you can't, then it's your problem so don't interfere!"

Garnet just glares at Brad and says, "See what we mean?"

Lacus just looks down on the ground and says,"None of you understand. Brad is more than just what you see. None of you bother to understand, only I know the real Brad!"

Everyone at this point has had it and Lloyd shakes his head before saying,"Maybe, but at this point I don't think I want to understand. If you really think that what Brad says is ok then, I don't think I can respect you any more. Come on guys. It seems they want to be alone."

Everyone then nods before the group eaves out of the lake area and Brad laughs when they are gone as he says,"Good riddance! They are all losers, anyway. Hey, can't believe they all took Ben's side. Figures, since he is a goody two shoes like the rest of them, right, Lacus? Lacus? Hey I am talking to you? What you acting sad for?"

Brad then sees Lacus is now kneeling and crying on the ground and CJ just says," Hey, what are you sad for? All of a sudden you seem like you are changing your mind, you know?"

Lacus then cries some more and thinks, "Ben, I didn't mean to hurt you this much, but I could not let you make things worse for us. I hope someday you see that this is all for the best. I just wish everyone could understand. It's true those like Yuna and Collette had similar burdens like mine.

And Miss Terra might be half an Esper , but even she can't understand what it's like to have a legendary monster live inside you.

Kindness alone is not strong enough. Ben, you don't understand how if it was not for Brad, not only could I have likely been consumed by the Blue Eyes White Dragon, but even if I survived, I would have been an outcast if not for him. I owe him so much."

Brad just laughs and crassly says, "Why the hell you feeling sorry for Ben? He was asking for it for barking up the wrong tree for far too long! He is lucky he got away with what he did! Ah, his punches are getting harder. I almost feel sore! Guess that means next time I will unleash everything on him to crush him for good! Ha, that is if he is now anything more than a broken wreck!"

Lacus looks angrily at him and says,"Enough! Haven't you seen him suffer enough? While it might have had to have happened, you still were far too cruel to him. Ben was a dear friend of mine, he never once let me down."

Brad is fed up at this point and says,"Will you give it a rest? God you're always ragging on and on. Look, you always say Ben was nice, but remember what happened to that Allen kid? He was a loser too, and I remember how you and him were close in high school too. But, don't say you've forgotten what happened to him after your little outbreak?"

Lacus is in agony remembering the dreaded incident the last time the White Dragon broke loose and says,"Stop it! You promised you would never speak of that incident again! I don't want to remember that day."

Brad just pretends to look sorry and responds with a sly,"I am just saying, all his kindness and he was still powerless to help you or stop his own death. In fact he was to damn kind for his own good since the word is that its his nativity that sent him to the grave! And in the end, who was it that was the only one who would talk to you after that incident? Who is the one that continues to look after you? Who is the one who got your popularity, your reputation, your friends back? Who has always made you safe and happy? "

Lacus looks up at Brad and after a moment she answers with,"It was you."

Brad then grasps Lacus tightly on the shoulder before he strongly says,"Damn straight baby doll, don't ever forget it! Forget Ben and all the other losers! Who cares if they all side with him? We don't need them. As long as you and I are together, we will force everyone to understand our love! So what is it going to be Lacus, doll?"

Lacus then begins to start crying as she runs into Brad and hugs him while saying, "Brad, you should know that answer. Despite your past I know your a good person even if you have trouble showing it. I am with you, forever."

Brad then grinds widely before he says, "Now that sounds more like it! Don't worry, Lacus, I won't let you go. You and me will be together forever, as long as I have something to say about it! No one will ever take you away from me. Enough of this place, boys, let's get out of here before those stiffs want to lecture me again about how I am not fighting with honor or acting like a "proper "Warrior of light! Bah, one of these days I'll make everyone here see things my way, whether they like it or not, just like I smashed the truth on star loser!"

Brad walks a still shaken up Lacus to his own hover bike . However, as he does those "stiffs" , the Enji Masters, and other high ranking Enji Knights, are having another council meeting!

---

We go to just as Kira enters the chamber. He sees his father, as well as the other masters, like Yamamoto and Zoda, all in their seats. Also, there are other Captains and high ranking members like Cecil, Jade, and Aeris.

When Myers sees Kira enter, he nods his head and says,"Ah, how good of you to arrive on time, Kira. You have returned, along with everyone else who has survived the latest galactic battles. Kira, do you have all the data at hand?"

Kira sees everyone is waiting and he sits on his own seat and says, "Of course. Here is the fully updated situation."

He presses a button and the five planets that were attacked by the Zannacross Empire, Spira, Kashyyk, Celestia, Hocotate, and, of course where Ben just was, Sonic 's world Mobius all appear as holograms in the center of the room. Kira then calmly says, "Despite the sudden and brutal nature of the Demonic Imperial forces, I think I can safely say that the Lylat Kingdom can claim victory form these latest battles, if not without heavy causalities. My apprentices and myself were able to protect Mobius without too many losses and damages to the planet.

And Captains Luke, Guy, Auron, Admirals Dewy Novak, Thawn, were able to lead the fleets to victory on Spria and Hocotate and were able to repel Inquisitor Nightmare's Diablo's fleet and Inquisitor Genesis' Ibis armada with minimum damage."

However, while Admiral Alejandro Corner, Admiral Paptimus Scirocco and Captains Cecil, Kratos, and Squall's forces were able to fend off Ganondorf's "Lucifer fleet of Kashyyk", it seems the wookies suffered severe damage to their planet from the king of evils wrath, before he left for Hocotate.

Well, despite Captain Auron and Captain Kota's valiant efforts, it seems they were unable to stop Sigma in time from wiping out all life on that world. It seems all that remained were a few pets that a space pilot had from another world. Some worthless plant creatures called Pikmin, belonging to a now dead man named Olimar."

Zoda shakes his head and grimly says,"Even though victorious we may have been, unacceptable it is for so many lost lives. Stronger the forces of darkness grows."

Myers then nods in agreement and says, "These latest attacks are proof that those seeking to revive Chaos Zannacross Necron are getting more bold. I dread what lengths they will go to next time, and it's all the more reason we must find their hidden planet to end this insanity, before it goes too far."

Kira then smiles and says, "Don't worry too much about it, Grand Master. We were able to hold onto everyone of our worlds, even with Weil and the Zeon Federation also pestering us, like decaying stubborn packs of wolfs.

I do believe that with the guidance of the Titans we will soon come to the day when order and peace is at last restored to this chaotic cosmos. In fact, thanks to the high performance of the Salvation troopers, that day might be within grasp farther than even I hoped to predict."

Jade looks at the masters and they nod as Yamamoto clears his throat and says, "Speaking of the Salvation soldiers, Kira, there have been some developments that have been discovered that we all agreed must come to light."

Kira's face remains expressionless as he looks over to the older Enji and says, "Whatever could you mean?"

Myers looks Kira in the eye and responds with a uneasy,"Kira, I was always curious where you found the Salvation troopers. Despite their numbers being in the thousands, not one of them has an identity, and it seems that unlike the normal Lylat forces, they were never hired. Furthermore, when we were looking over the deceased soldiers, we found something that could not be overlooked. Jade, would you like to take over?"

The man with the long hair and blue Malkuth Empire uniform stands up and says, "With pleasure, Grand Master. So Kira, do you want to know what we all have found odd about the soldiers? They are all identical, right down to their DNA. Now, that is not normal, no matter what planet you are from."

Kira has a glimmer of irritation flash through his eyes and dryly says,"Are you implying something, Necromaster?"

Jade fixes his glasses and sternly lashes back with," Spare me any games, you do remember you're talking to the one who is the inventor, Fomircy, on my world, and hence the father of Replicas? And that is why it is insulting to think that you could get away with this for long, Kira. Really, we all had our doubts, but to create an entire Grand army of clones, you have outdone yourself."

Kira just smirks and says, "So, you have figured it out, have you?"

Jade does not chance his expression at the slightest as he just goes on to say, "Sources from the battle of Pakmino say that during the battle a large facility was uncovered, and when you were asked about it, you wiped the memories of everyone you thought saw it!"

Kira does not chance his expression at all and just reacts with a coy, "How sad, I see people escaped my senses. Did you all forget the importance of keeping information classified? If less people have memory of crucial events that they don't need to know, the better. "

Myers then stands up and struggles to contain his composer before he says," Kira, enough, this has gone too far! It's been bad enough that you and your Titan special forces have been acting more and more out of control lately.

King Atem and the senators have been getting more and more concerned with you leaving entire legions of Salvation soldiers in the wakes of battles, even those where they are unneeded.

I have told Atem what you told me, that it was just to insure the safety and security of the Lylat Kingdom. However, now with you lying to all of us about this clone army you have created, and what other secrets you might be keeping, I am afraid I am beginning to have doubts on your intentions my son. Kira, tell us now, why have you hidden so much to us and have gone to such extremes?"

As all the Enji in the room look at Kira, the son of the Grand Master shakes his head, before beginning to laugh. He then looks at the Enji around him with disgusted eyes as he slowly answers with, "Ah, I knew this would happen, you are all so predictable. The reason I had kept my grand army hidden was because I knew you would have this exact reaction. And that is why I went through with it, because I knew that if this war would end, and end with a true lasting peace, then I would have to go to far greater lengths than all of you are willing to go.

I knew that even with the Lylat army and the Enji Knights combined, the forces would not be sufficient to put down those that threaten stability.

That is why I searched throughout the universe and worked with those like Dist to create a grand army that would not falter to any weakness that befalls any normal organic army. That is why I used Master Chief, the best soldier in the Spartan unit, to be the base so we could have an endless supply of elite warriors. Honestly, none of you have any idea how to bring true peace to this cosmos."

Cecil then stands up and says, "And just what do you think you are doing, going behind our backs and replicating your private army? It's true the Salvation soldiers have been a great help, but even without them, we could still win."

Kira looks out the window and responds with a detached, "Maybe, but not without great cost. My way, is the best way. My way is the way that will crush the Zeon forces so hard they will never be able to dream of defying us ever again."

Myers then looks at his son with pained eyes as he says, "You keep forgetting what is important, Kira! If we merely massacre our enemies we will never achieve true peace! We must show dignity to our opponents and defeat them, without enlarging the flames of hatred or the path of war will once again appear in the future."

Kira then looks at his father and narrows his eyes before he coldly lashes back with,"No, it's you who does not see things clearly, father. None of you do! Do you think that the Enji Knights will ever create true peace just by being nice to them? Is it even possible to create a true peace in such a way? In my experiences, people may form a pact and agree to work together only to further their own desires. As soon as the chance for them to gain an advantage arises, they will pounce on them. time and again, history has shown that humans and there ilk will let there selfish desires and fighting instincts override what they must do for the greater good and let chaos consume them and those around them. No matter what the situation, people will never truly be able to be willing to be denied their desires. It is in their nature.

And that is why, no matter what treaties or agreements are made, true harmony is impossible to be formed. And that is why the only way to bring true order to the cosmos is not to waste time chasing false dreams! I know the true path to order, and it is by breaking all illusions and forcing the entire universe to accept the natural order, in any way possible."

Everyone is shocked at Kira's bold statement and Aeris then says, "Such a path could never be the right one. Your idea is to merely rule by fear, and that is hardly a way to create a true peace."

Kira snickers and responds with a driven,"It's more than just fear, it would be the law. I will reshape this cosmos and make it clear to every single living being that there are only two choices. Accept the natural law of divine order, or perish. I will do whatever it takes to create this supreme order and nothing will stop me."

Myers shows more and more alarm in his face as he shouts, "Kira, that is insane! You are going down a dark path, down one that could lead you to the same fate as Xehamaru, if you don't stop this. Do you understand what your actions could lead to?"

Kira just looks at his father and looks driven as he responds with a absolute, "I see more clearly than you or anyone else. And I willingly walk down that path to create such a world, for in the end, it's the only way to bring true peace. I should just let you all know, nothing will stop me from creating what I know is the true paradise. That is why, you would be wise to think very carefully, father. If you truly stand for peace and justice, you have to resolve yourself to do what is truly right, not what is easy for the masses to handle. You out of everyone I know should realize how vital that distinction is. Now then, I must go look over possible spy reports. I hope you all are ready to think about what is truly right, before you do something foolish."

He walks out of the chamber and Myers says, "Kira, wait! Sigh, I knew he had changed, but I can no longer even see a glimmer of what he used to be. I have failed as a father to both of my sons if that is the case."

Yamamoto then reacts with a weary,"Don't blame yourself, you tried your best to be there for Kira after his brother's death, we all did. However, Kira rejected us and searched throughout space on his self imposed quest to master everything he could. I feel ashamed to say this, but frankly this turn of events could be a disaster."

Zoda then says, "Multiply the disaster could, if divisions between us and Kira are made. Both this and the truth of the Salvation soldiers must remain secrets to all but King Atem they must or things could dissolve even further."

Myers then nods and says, "Yes, if word gets out to the public about Kira's ambitions, it could make it even harder to end things with the Zeon , we must be careful about this, we can't do much to the divisions that are in the middle of battles or even more innocent lives will suffer. "

Cyan then sits up and interjects with,"Forgive me though for saying this, Grand Master, but I must ask. What is this order to do if Kira becomes even more drastic in his actions?"

Myers looks up and responds with a resolute," The Enji will do what we exist to, whatever action is best for the safety of the Universe. However, I pray it will not come to that or I will have completely failed my late wife's last desire.

Not only that, but I am beginning to worry about Kira having control over Ben and Ezan. I can not allow him to use those two as his personal crusaders of his perverted form of justice. Where are the two now, they have returned with him, correct?

I know Ben has been going through a lot lately, I do hope he is able to handle it."

---

As the Grand Master then goes to ask were the Zannacross forces are, at the moment, little does he know that his last answer is not very good. As this has been going on, at the same time, Ben had burst away from Lacus and Brad right into the training grounds. Without saying a word, he entered the room and a Judge Droid appeared out of the ground. He then sees Ben and says, "Ah, welcome Ben Auro, we have not seen you here in a while. What course will you take today? Are you ready for the final most difficult one? We just ramped up the difficulty."

Ben is nearly trembling with anger and just says,"No special battle. Brad Fowltor personal data, infinite match, no time limit."

The droid says, "Are you sure? His offense power is the highest ranked and fighting endless copies of him might be, ..."

Ben's rage is at his boiling point as he just snaps out a erratic, "DO IT NOW! Please."

At once his answer is,"Ah, okay, setting custom rules, so wait a second please."

The Droid then exits into the ground, as a different droid made to copy the look and powers of others called PROXY appears in its place.

The robot responds with, "Oh, this one, I hate being him. But if it's what you desire."

The robot begins to glow before he looks exactly like Brad! It seems that his personality is being duplicated too, as the fake Brad expands his muscles and looks at Ben before saying,"Well, loser, ready to get your face smashed in!"

As soon as he says that, Ben's magic energy begins to swell and the whole room shakes from it. Ben's power is so great that the objects around him are blasted into the air as he says," Brad, BRAD!"

He then sees more PROXY droids pop up as they all turn into Brad and soon enough he is surrounded by the man he at the moment hates most of all! They all laugh and say,

"What is that look on your face? You got a problem with me?"

Ben is just looking at his own hand before he answers with,"Why, why is this happening? It's not, FAIR!"

Ben's magic energy explodes and all of the Brad's are blown into the air! Ben then takes out his Star Sword and charges at the closest Brad before slashing it in half! He then unleashes his anger and continues to total every Brad he sees and says,"Why, is it never good enough!?

All my life, I worked so hard, but it's still not enough! Why is it that no matter how strong I get, or what I do, it's still not enough to satisfy anyone?

No matter what I say or do everyone still is not satisfied. Rick, Larxene, Max, no matter what I did, none of them cared and just betrayed me anyway. And Lacus, no matter what I did she still sticks by that worthless monkey, Brad! Why does everyone else have to work only half as hard have to, to get what they want? When will they notice me? Why do I have to work so harder just to be happy? Where is my justice? I, am so sick of this, but I won't let them just get the last laugh at me. I won't just die, I'll fulfill my fate and destroy the lies of the cosmos! And, I won't let anyone try and throw me away! Anyone that thinks they can deal with me like I am trash, will pay! I am not a loser, I know I am not! I know, that that I am not a failure!"

Ben sees two Brad's charging at him to punch him. However, since these Brads are far weaker than the real ones, he just catches their punches and kicks one through another one, destroying them both!

Not caring that they can't match the real Brad, Ben continues to destroy Brad over and over again to drown out his pain.

As he does, Hiryuumon and Moz reach the entrances for the training room, and when they feel the ground shaking and the door saying occupied, the two catch their breath, as Hiryuumon says,"This has to be the boss, it's his scent alright. Looks like he is dealing with that stuff his own way."

Moz then tensely says, "Do you think Ben has calmed down by now, Kupo? Ah!"

The two are shocked when they see a Brad go flying out of the wall to the left and landing in pieces, before turning back into its original droid form. Hiryuumon then hears Ben continue to yell and smash as he says, "Err, guess not. Man, I don't know what to do. The boss, Ben is in real pain right now, but I can't figure out a way to help him! This sucks!"

Moz looks at the Digimon and says,"Ben is dealing with a lot of stress and pain right now. But what we can do is remind him he is not alone, and that he does have people he can trust, Kupo."

They continue to wait nervously as the ground continues to shake and more PROXY droids go flying. After a while, it ends with a massive burst of energy nearly blowing the room down! We then turn to Ben seeing broken droid parts everywhere, as he breaths angrily and heavy. He then sees a head still like Brad laughing till he crushes it with his foot as he says, "I won't let anyone stop me from my goals. I am Ben Auro, the one chosen by the celestial ones to use the Star Sword and bring order and justice to the universe. I won't let anyone stop me. I will keep getting stronger until no one will be able to hurt me, ever again. Even if I have to fight alone."

He then sees the Judge Droid pop out of the ground, look around the area and then go to Ben and says, "Wow, you are in quite a form today! Err, but I think you just broke all of our available droids, so I am afraid we will have to end the session. Er, please don't scrap me."

Ben just glares at the droid and puts the Star Sword away into his sheath while saying, "Fine, I'll be back later."

He then goes to exit the chamber, but finds the door falling down from the force of energy Ben was giving out. He then sees his two non human pals waiting for him and Hiryuumon says,"Boss, are you going to be okay?"

Moz then adds,"I know Lacus' speech was painful, we are worried about you, Kupo."

Ben just looks up and says,"It's funny, this reminds me somehow of something relating to TV shows when I was in high school. Remember how there used to be all those cool shows on TV, Moz? There was always at least four things that I had to watch that day or I'd be upset. Even if there were problems happening, I would be happy as long as I saw those heroes save the day. However, then they started to take them away. At first it was no big deal, just one or two things, still plenty of things to get excited about. However then they took more and more, until right before I left to join the Enji Knights.

Ha, one of the reasons I did not care about joining the Enji Knights despite the danger was because there was no longer anything good to watch, no reason to have something to look forward to. It might not be totally the same, but what I am getting at is, there used to be so many reasons I never wanted to give up.

But now, I feel empty, hollow inside. Now, the only reason left I have to keep fighting is because it's the only thing left that I have."

Moz gulps before he reacts with a hurt,"Oh, Ben." Ben then says," I guess, maybe I am just supposed to bring happiness to others, and get shortchanged myself. However, huh? "

Everyone hears something, before the Sally women from before slowly enters. Ben is motionless for a second before he takes a deep breath and says," Yes, may I help you?"

The overweight girl pauses for a moment before she says," I, just heard you were back Ben, and wanted to know if you were ok."

Ben freezes for a moment before his eye twitches and he bitterly says," So, is this fates way of mocking me? Telling me I should stop resisting my destiny and just f, huh? This energy, Kira?"

Ben and the three feel a powerful presence and see Kira walking down the hallway. At once Ben bows and says,"Master, forgive me for damaging the danger room. I was subduing my rage."

Kira sees the damage done to the room, but just looks amused and responds with a coy,"Impressive, do not feel ashamed for unleashing your rage. It is not too hard to repair. Rise my apprentice, I have something to show you."

He then motions Ben to follow him and the tired Ben does not bother to ask why and just does as he is told. Kira sees Sally looking confused before he narrows his eyes and says," This matter is of no concern to the likes of you, leave us. "

Kira gives her no time to respond and at once marches off and Ben He then follows Kira as they enter the nearest elevator. And after a bit Kira leads Ben to the grand library within Hallowed Bastion. As Kira walks Ben through the many halls of books and data files, Ben then gulps and says, "Um, forgive me Commandant, but what is it that you want to show that is in here?"

Kira then shocks Ben by looking somewhat less harsh then usual before he calmly responds with," I realize that you have been under a lot of pressure lately, mostly from me. That is why I want to remind you that this pain is not for nothing. Here, I am going to show you something in the restricted sector to prove my point. You two, stay here."

He points to Moz and Hiryuumon and they look at Ben to see him nod in agreement. They then arrive at a large door that Kira opens by voice command. When the doors open, Ben and Kira walk into a dark chamber.

The floor now moves for them and Ben soon sees a large golden table floating in what looks like a high security chamber. Ben sees it and says,"What is that?"

Kira instantly responds with, "This is the Epitaph of Twilight, the tablet supposedly came from the celestial ones and the one that foretold your destiny. It's written in an ancient language of the Xenogans, the race that thrived before Chaos Zannacross Necron wiped them out in his bid to concur this universe.

Since I know you have no shot of reading it, I'll translate.

In essence it says, one day the root of all evil will begin to take sprout. Its reach will extend to all over the cosmos. Its hand will try and restore its full power, and in its wake will try and unleash Armageddon on the cosmos. To stop it, the heavens will give the chosen warrior the blade of their power. And to decide the fate of all that, man will confront the root of all evil.

As much as I had my doubts, it seems that you are indeed the chosen one of legends, Ben Auro. And that is why, no matter how painful the path is, and no matter what sacrifices lie before you, you must endure it all. For if you fail, everyone suffers, understand?"

Ben thinks for a moment and says,"Yes, I understand. Don't worry, I won't allow myself to fail. No matter what, I will live up to my destiny and destroy anyone and anything that threatens the Lylat Kingdom! Even the god of darkness himself!"

Kira smirks and says,"Very good. You are coming close to becoming what you need to become in order to live up to your role. Your powers are becoming truly impressive, and now it's time for you to reach your max potential. I know I have been pushing you harder then you have ever been pushed in your life Ben Auro. I want you to know its not because I get a thrill out of tormenting someone. Tell me, why do you think I been doing what I have done?"

Ben is shocked as Kira looks sincere and thinks for a moment before he responds with," Well, like you said you wanted to get me to be my best. I won't lie and say I enjoyed my time doing your treatment but I , do understand why you been doing it. We are in a very extreme war, a war we have to win. And its no lie that I have to get stronger if I will ever live up to my destiny. "

Kira nods before he offers his hand and says," I am glad your more mature then I first assumed Ben Auro. Either that or this war has matured you, either way its a change I approve of. Your right, everything I have done is for the sake of peace, true peace. As brutal as it may be at time, it takes true compassion to show such brutality to force one to grow properly. If you are not strong enough, then everyone is going to die at the hands of the enemy.

I want you to know something. There was a time when I saw myself as a pacifistic. I once did not like seeing people hurt, even when I discovered how easy it was for me to use magic I only wanted to use it to help others. However, I soon realized that by holding back my talents, by not doing what had to be done, people were abused, and people died because of it. After my mother died I realized that life was random and cruel, and it was not long after I observed my fathers history and my own experiences in the Enji did I force my self to expect that sometimes the only solution to a problem is to kill the person that is causing it, because as long as they live they will only be a negative influence on others. Everything I have done is because to let things go on as they are now is inexcusable. People have suffered long enough and there is a way to stop it Ben. It requires much pain and sacrifice, but that's how all steps in evolution occur.

And after all that we and every other innocent person has suffered at the hands of the sinners, I just want to see that this is the last time such injustices are caused. Most of all, I want to make sure this war was not for nothing.

The history of life is stained with blood, and yet we seem to learn nothing from such travesty, is that not the most unforgivable travesty of all? Despite the best efforts of my father and all the others this cosmos is still rotten to its core. That's because all the rotten liars and sinners infest this realm, insuring that the innocent will never be able to be happy. I truly believe that every organic being has the right to realize there happiness, however because of the sinners those peoples wills are suppressed , and killed. Society as decayed far to much, and most humans have rotten as much as they can rot. It all boils down to those who interfere with peoples pursuit of happiness or those who did not. Those who are worthy of living and those who are not, must be purged from society without mercy. The sinners, the rotting broken failures of life forms are a disease to all decent people.

After all evil only gives birth to more evil and if those wicked sinners who commit people and sin widely are allowed to act without punishment then the will will either to commit crimes and even try to justify their actions because it seems like its " ok". In truth the final solution to this problem is to cut deep, like a surgeon, to truly eradicate the virus that is the sinners of this cosmos. I don't think that rotting people do not equal irredeemable people Ben, don't mistake me for that kind of fanatic. I simply think that one needs to be strong enough to influence people's ways of thinking. When justice is seen to be truly absolute no one will be foolish enough to think they can be above justice ever again. And when they are enlightened, they will see how to live justly. True, society must be good enough to not make anyone desperate enough to resort to breaking the law, but I intend to create such a society.

Once the errors of utopia have been fixed and the world has changed for the better then people will be kinder, and a true understanding between people can be realized. However, those who still can not change, are the defective ones. Those who only rebel against society because they want to be different are the true mavericks, the true viruses to society. When conditions are at there prime humans should have forsaken there primal aggressive greedy instincts but yet, we still have not evolved yet, we still as a whole cling to such problematic conflicting desires. Its because there are to many sinners buzzing around.

The harsh reality is that as long as those who can not coexist are allowed to cause trouble then there will never be any true peace. To realize true peace, we must remove those who can not evolve from the true humans, so that existence itself can evolve. Anyone that has the genes or soul or whatever you like to call it, the instincts that make them refuse to put aside there petty desires to compromise to work for the greater good are the ultimate enemies of true peace. The path to peace is to force the people of this realm to transcend there petty desires, and make them evolve through pain. People have had eons, if not centuries, if not thousands of years to come to terms with each other but its clear that some must be forced to reach a new level of understanding.

For example, the Drell people of planet Rakhana, were to stubborn to expect help from others. In the end, they never changed and they robbed Rakhana of all of there resources and if it was not for the charity of the near by Hanger beings and there hospitality the Drell would be extinct through there own arrogance. Other races like the Krogan and the Turians, or the Skrulls and the Kree have been at odds with each other for nearly a million years now. Despite all that has happened, despite all the two races known theses life forms refuse to give up there basic grudges all because of there pride, there desire to prove they are superior to there " rivals". And of course there are humans, beings who are so petty and weak willed that no matter what happens they will never truly evolve on there own, and instead cling to sating there own impulses. Not only do they waste there own lives, but they bring misery and ruin to others through there own idiocy.

Tell me Ben, is it truly right to let such wrong things continue in such a manner, to let such obvious wrong actions continue purely because theses people refuse to do what is right? "

Ben just looks distraught and Kira looks even more driven as he answers himself with," Anyone that is sane knows that the answer is of course not. For things to truly change the weak and the foolish must be forced to change no matter how much they resist.

As a parent guides a child to grow properly, we must guide people to there proper place. A place where no one is confused about there life, so that there is no confusion, and no futile struggling because there would be no need for any sane person to struggle.

its true that not everyone can expect this path, but history has shown that there is always who refuses to evolve with the times merely because they don't like it. Its regrettable but these people are just unable to evolve, and tell me, is it not better to be put out of one's misery rather then spend a life that has nothing to offer but suffering? Ben ,theses people are the people that stand in the way of truly achieving our goals, and your goal to save the universes from darkness and those that worship it.

Ben Auro, you are the one chosen to be mankind's salvation. If you are strong enough to truly defeat the ultimate embodiment of darkness then even the most fanatical diehard will have to expect that evil never wins.

You have to be strong enough though, other wise all of your suffering will have been for naught. You do want to insure you did not make all of this pain for nothing right? Or, do you want to let the likes of say, Brad Fowltror prove they were right about who you are, and that there assumption that this is as far as you can go is the correct one?"

Ben's eyes suddenly become obsessed before he says," No, no matter what I don't what that to happen. Who I am now, is not all I can be, I know its not! I, I know I have not progressed as fast as you wanted but I want to fulfill my destiny no matter how hard it takes! The person I was before was someone that could never win, and no matter what it takes I want to change in to a person that can fulfill my destiny and become strong enough to become someone who can win, someone who can live up to what everyone expects of the chosen one! "

Kira then extends his hand and grandly responds with," And I want to do whatever it takes to insure you can do that. In fact, that brings me to the next topic at hand. I trust you remember the crystal shards you have been collecting that complete your Star Sword?"

Ben looks at the hilt of his blade and sees the one part not filled in and says, "Yes, all of them have been in shrines that I had, to deal with Gilgamesh's tests. They were all pretty hidden and scattered all over."

Kira nods before he retorts with, "Correct, but what you don't know is that I have been actively searching for the last one to further your progress. And I have at last found one." Ben then says, "You have?"

Kira then says," Yes, my forces have located a temple on the swampy planet of Mitchtam. That is why your newest mission is to locate that temple and complete your Star Sword at last. I trust you are ready to leave at once?"

Ben looks at the Epitaph of Twilight and says, "Of course, after all, there is no reason for me to stay here."

Kira looks intrigued and responds Good to hear it. Oh yes, and there will be one more task for this mission. It seems there have been traitors located within our ranks.

My spies have deduced that they have been traitors to the order for a while now and are ready to defect. I do not know the identities of the two, but we know where they are now. The two are on the way to Mitchtam.

That is why while you are there I also want you to track them down, and bring them to justice. I trust that you can do such a task without any issues? Do what must be done, show no mercy! I know this is not going to be easy of you but this is the cost of true peace. I trust that you and I can work together, so that we can bring about true peace. Can I count on you, my apprentice?"

Ben looks at Kira and has a driven look before he grasps his fist and darkly says,"If they have really betrayed us, then they have sealed their fate. Traitorous scum do not deserve to live. I will not let them escape! I am ready to go, the sooner I gain the power the better. Its time, that I at last show everyone who I am."

Ben then leaves and Kira laughs as he sees Ben exit the room before he smirks and wryly says,"Excellent, he is fully obedient now. And just in time. The pieces are all in alignment. It is time, to do what must be done. Father, it seems that you will never be able to change from your stubborn ways in the name of your foolish honor and pride. A pity, a part of me will miss you in the coming era."

Well, it seems when it rains it pours, sadly, and Ben can't get a break lately!

With Lacus firmly standing by Brad, even if it means having everyone mad at her, Ben's already depressed state is getting worse. And meanwhile, Kira is boldly defying his father and the others to pursue his ideals! How will this shape Ben's destiny? Only way to find out is to see the next chapter of Tales of the Cosmic wars!

In our next chapter, Kira sends Ben to the swampy gloomy planet of Mitchtam right away.

Once there, Ben finds the planet empty of any forces, except for various monsters, and various illusions created by the strong darkness hovering around the planet. Ben wipes out anything in his way and finds the temple that apparently has the last Crystal shard of the Star Sword needed to complete the celestial blade! However, the much darker tone of this shine makes Ben suspicious

. And when he enters and encounters even more mysterious illusions, he begins to wonder if this is really is the place Kira says it is.

However, no matter what it really is, Ben won't let anything, not even a guest appearance of what seems to be an illusion of the one and only Darth Vader get in his way! However, when he at last finds the core of the temple, the Crystal room he finds not Gilgamesh, but the two Enji traitors Kira spoke of! And with the stress brought on by Brad and Lacus all ready pushing Ben to the edge, this could drive him over it!

Don't miss Chapter 82: Hour of Twilight.

Authors notes. Yes, I know my story has been rather dark lately, but its all for the sake of making this story the best it could be. I feel I should tell you that the next few chapters are most likely the darkest ones in my story. But, after that I promise it will be up from there for the most all one must go down to come up, right?

Also, in case you're wondering about how crazy it is that Lacus is still so faithful to Brad after all this, don't worry, your supposed to be confused. The full extent of their relationship will be realized in due time, and I assure you all it will be worth the wait, or at least I hope so Lol. Well, in any case, like always, I appreciate everyone's reviews and till next time!