Gold 1: Pure Salvation

Bomberman cautiously stepped out of the golden capsule and was greeted by a rich, cool breeze. Surprisingly enough, the planet had air that was breathable, and a surface that consisted of rich foliage and dense forests. It was a beautiful place, but Bomberman couldn't allow himself to be distracted by mere aesthetics. He didn't know what kind of wildlife might inhabit a place like this, and he didn't wanna take any chances. He needed to look for a way off the planet, while being on guard at all times.

As he walked, he marveled at just how gorgeous the planet was. Even the gravity here seemed to be normal. It was a surprise, but it was a pleasant surprise. The normal atmosphere and gravity brought Bomberman a sense of peace. It also brought him a sense of familiarity.

The two creatures that came out of the sky however, did not.

They landed right in front of Bomberman, and it startled him so badly that he had a bomb armed and ready to throw almost immediately.

"Wait! We're not here to hurt you! We come with peaceful and good intentions!" One of the beings said.

Bomberman got a good look at them. He was shocked to see that they were in fact Bombers! They had beautiful golden wings and halos. They wore ornate robes that flowed all the way down to their ankles. In fact, they were identical to the angelic Bomber that Bomberman had met on Aquanet. Bomberman felt bad about pulling a bomb on them, but he had to be careful. This was a planet in which anything could happen.

"I'm sorry. You guys startled me. Who are you exactly?"

"My name is Boreo. This is Materu. We've come because our leader foretold your arrival. We've been waiting for you Bomberman."

"Whoa, you know my name?"

"We know all about you. Our leader told us many things about you. He's been watching you and would like to visit with you. He has much to tell you, but he needs to know if you're ready and can handle it all." Materu responded.

"I'm stranded here, and something about this place feels right. Where is your master?"

"Follow us. He's in the main palace. It's not far." Boreo answered.

Bomberman followed the two angelic beings down a winding road. They soon came to a path flanked by large mountains. As Bomberman glanced up the mountains, he could see sprawling cities built into the sides of the mountains themselves. It was quite a sight to behold.

"Say, I think I met one of you down on Aquanet. Well, one of your kind anyway. Whatever became of him?" Bomberman inquired.

The two beings were silent, and then Boreo spoke up.

"That was Reyuth. He was unfortunately stopped by the Dragon Clan. Behemos returned him to us, so don't worry. He'll be just fine. Nobody that's from here can die. Their ethereal bodies simply go into stasis until our leader can awaken them. It's a minor inconvenience is all."

"Glad to hear he'll be ok."

The group followed the path as it diverged into the woods. Gorgeous birds inhabited the trees, and the sounds of their chirps filled the crisp air. The golden sky provided an incredible backdrop to everything. Soon Boreo and Materu led Bomberman to a large stone path that wound up a mountain. As the group followed it, Bomberman noticed incredibly detailed carvings that were etched into the large stones that lined both sides of the pathway. He could see pictures of beings he recognized. He could make out all of the Elemental Knights as well. The path steepened, and eventually gave way to a massive winding stairway. As Bomberman climbed, he found it odd that he didn't feel tired at all. It must have been the mysterious power the planet held.

Soon they came to a gate, and it swung open as if expecting them. Bomberman was led into a huge courtyard surrounded by tons of different buildings. More of the angelic Bombers mingled in the courtyard, talking with each other. Large fountains dominated the courtyard, and there were quite a few large intricate sculptures as well. The buildings were all made of gorgeous stone, and their roofs were built from beautiful jade green tiles. The place seemed familiar to Bomberman, but he couldn't quite discern why. Soon he was led to a large building that he correctly assumed was the main palace.

The large exquisite doors boomed open and Bomberman was led inside. He then heard the familiar voices chanting up ahead.

"Arumeus!"

That's the chant they heard from the transmission they listened to back on planet Bomber! His excitement and curiosity spiked simultaneously, and he was eager to see where he was being taken. He was led into a huge palatial throne room. Large groups of the angelic Bombers were assembled before a being seated on a gorgeous stone throne.

As Bomberman got closer to the throne, he could see the being clearly. The being wore brilliant golden armor with a large red jewel embedded in the center of his chest plate. Smaller red jewels were embedded in the shoulder plates and shin guards. A shiny black visor covered the being's face, and it was attached to a golden headpiece that had more jewels embedded in it. Underneath all of the golden armor appeared to be darker golden chainmail with specks of brilliant silver interlaced within it. The being stood up and spoke to Bomberman.

"I welcome you Bomberman. I am Arumeus."

"It's a pleasure. Though I have to ask. Why have I been brought here?"

"I've been watching you for a long time. I've seen firsthand the heroic deeds you've done. I've witnessed your immense bravery, and your willingness to sacrifice everything to protect the ones you love. Not everyone has those qualities."

"Isn't that something everyone SHOULD have though?"

"It is, but unfortunately life works a lot differently. Not everyone has those values. The Nebula is a dark place, and I know that you know that. It's getting darker Bomberman, and you're the only one that can help us bring the light back."

"The Dragon Clan?"

"They're pawns. The real threat lies within. Deep within their ranks lurks the one that aims to destroy everything that exists. He aims to turn it into the infinite blackness that only he can comfortably exist in. You've done a lot in your life Bomberman. You stopped Sirius. You stopped Sthertoth and Rukifellth. You have the power to save the Nebula."

"There's a lot I need to know. I need to know what's really going on here."

"That's why I brought you here. If you think you can handle it, I'd like to give you the truth. You've been living in a world of lies, and all is not as it seems."

"I'm ready. Whatever I may have to face, it's for the good of the Nebula. I'm ready for the truth."

Arumeus motioned to a second smaller throne next to his throne.

"Take a seat. I'll tell you everything."