Xenosaga : Destiny of The Force
Part Three : Return of Light
Story:
A Star Wars-Xenosaga crossover. AU of Xenosaga 3. The battle of Light and Darkness is drawing close. So is the end of the world. Who will triumphant in the end?
Disclaimer:
I do not own Star Wars nor Xenosaga but I do own the characters Alexander Darkblaze, Daron Sol/Darth Exodus and E1-D1. KITT from Knight Rider is copyright to Universal Studios. The name Jon Antilles is the property of LucasArts.
Chapter 21: Ascension
As the group approaches the chamber where Zarathustra is, Alexander's wrist comm emits static sound.
"Alex...do...hear me?" KITT's voice said.
"KITT? You there?"
More static sounds but eventually it clears up. "Alex, do you hear me?" KITT asked.
"Yeah. Loud and clear."
"That's a relief. I've been trying to reach you for some time."
"We can catch up later. Do you have my position?"
"Yes."
"Good. We're close to ending this crisis. Meet me there."
"Affirmative. Be careful."
"The fight against Wilhelm will be difficult." chaos said. "He possesses power far beyond anything we have come up against so far."
"How do you know him anyway?" Jr. asked.
No reply from chaos.
"We don't need to worry about it." Alexander said. "As long as our conscious is clear of doubt, we should be alright."
They stopped in front of a wall. KOS-MOS stepped up and it disappeared, revealing the final area beyond.
"Whatever happens, remember that we're in this together." Jr. said. Everyone nods and proceed to the chamber where Zarathustra, Zohar, Abel, Wilhelm and Kevin awaits.
The ring Zarathustra is at the center of the area. Abel is inside of it with the Zohar. Wilhelm and Kevin are standing at the platform in front of them.
"Look at that! Over there!" MOMO exclaims.
Shion gasps. "That's...that's Abel!"
Wilhelm smiles and snaps his finger. Moment's later, the group's E.S.s appear, causing shock to the group.
"Impossible! How'd he transfer them?!" Jin said.
"I had a feeling it wouldn't be a good idea to leave them in your hands any longer." the Vector CEO said. "They all appear to have awakened, so I'll go ahead and retrieve them from you." Wilhelm turned to chaos. "You don't mind do you, Yeshua?"
No response from chaos and the Vessels of Anima left the E.S.s and went to Zarathustra. The Zohar resonates. The group watched.
"That's...Zarathustra?" Shion queried.
"Shion, your will is even stronger than I expected. You are truly worthy of being a maiden. Now, I will make use of that power." Wilhelm said to her.
Kevin appears in front of him. "Please, wait. Shion is still..."
"I told you to stand down, Kevin. KOS-MOS failed, and you lost T-elos, as well. Even the Maiden with the Key has left you. Acknowledge the truth. You were unable to fulfill your role."
Kevin managed a silent grunt and steps aside.
"You're Wilhelm? What is Vector's CEO doing here?" Ziggy asked.
"That is one of the phrased that defines me. However, words give people many forms. Vector's CEO, head of Hyams, Ormus Patriarch, the Federation Executive Committee Director… All of those are nothing more than phrases that define me. They each define me, yet none of them are me. So far, the only one who can define me is you, Yeshua."
More silence from chaos.
Wilhelm turns to Alexander. "You, Alexander Darkblaze. You may be able to define me as well."
Alexander smiles. "I'm glad for the praise but I fear you overestimate me. I'm not sure what I should call you. You wouldn't want to be called God despite your powers, yes?"
"Ah, at least you know me well enough to form that view. You and the world you're from intrigues me. Tell me, who or what is the god of that realm?"
"Honestly I have no idea. Some people worship The Force because of the way it involves in everything while some believe of higher beings called The Whills."
"Briefly, tell me about them."
"They are observers. The keepers. They never once stepped in to interfere with the world directly. They have deep connection with The Force and it is said that some of them obtained power to retain soul or consciousness after death and in turn, there are Jedi who mastered this art in order to interact with the living."
"Interesting. What do you think they will do should U-DO decide to step into your world?"
"Nothing. As I said, they are observers. But us humans are not."
Wilhelm smiled. "I see." Then he turned to Shion. "Now, Shion. I'd like to start Zarathustra with the Key you hold."
"I have no intention of doing that!" Shion yells defyingly.
"I expected you to say that. You foolishly chose your death over restoring your time with Kevin. The preciousness of limited life, the beauty of death. You're intoxicated by that narcissism. It's such as incredibly human choice. But unfortunately, your life doesn't matter to me at this point. All I need is your power as the Maiden, the Key, and Mary!"
Alexander contemplates on attacking Wilhelm but the extent of his powers is still hidden. Attacking blindly without knowledge of his ability would be fatal.
"Are you perhaps bewildered?" Wilhelm breaks the silence. "Zarathustra is one of the systems created by people in ancient times. It was used to ascend to the realm of God. It was orchestrated by Mary and its power source was you, right, Yeshua? But I didn't turn out the way they expected, God did not permit mankind's actions. So, in order to prevent the destruction of the universe, I bestowed upon it a certain role. That's right, Yeshua, the destruction you will bring."
Still no words from chaos.
"chaos? Who are you?" asked Shion
"I hope you have a plan, chaos. Because things are tipping against our favor pretty fast." Alexander said.
"Everything that makes up this universe is connected by the collective subconscious. "Redoing" everything from nothing by acting upon that collective subconscious, and sending everything into the flow of imaginary time. This is the role I gave to the eternal circle, Zarathustra. This is the role I have to the eternal circle, Zarathustra. U-DO is God himself. The "two Abels" exist as U-DO's observational terminals for this lower domain. In order to assure the continuation of our world, we must seal them away. We will cover the eyes of God, remove His influence from this world, and affect the recurrence of wills through Zarathustra. And that is precisely the reason why I exist. Shion, you are the Maiden. When you use your Key, Mary can lead the wills from throughout the entire universe to Zarathustra."
"You're wasting your time. I have no intention of activating a system like this! Besides, mankind doesn't want that. We're all fighting to live this moment!" Shion said.
"Are you sure? Large numbers of wills have already gathered here on their own. They all reject the world as it is now and wish for days long past."
"That can't be. There's no way everyone will reject the universe."
"The Gnosis!" Jin exclaimed.
"Yes. Gnosis are the form of people who have rejected others and the world. They seek salvation. Faced with being overcome with loneliness and fading away, they choose instead to return everything to the beginning. Mary and I shall give them what they seek, the eternal recurrence! Are you ready to help, now?"
"You must be joking. No! I'll never do what you say!"
"I see. That's too bad, for I am not as kind as Kevin."
Wilhelm uses his power which causes Shion to rise in the air.
"Shion!" Jin exclaimed. Wilhelm then started to drain life from Shion.
"Stop it! What are you doing to her?!" Jr. yelled.
"Let her go!" Alexander screamed as he unleashed the full power of Electric Judgment. However, with a blink from Wilhelm, the emerald lightning paused in mid air before turning to ice and shattered to the floor. Alexander was astonished. "The lightning. It...just froze."
Suddenly, everyone went down on their knees except KOS-MOS. It felt as if they've been pulled down by a powerful gravity force. Try as he might, Alexander couldn't go against this powerful force holding him and the others.
"This is the power of a being close to god..."
"I told you, I have no interest in what happens to her, and I don't care." Wilhelm said. "I only need her desire to use the Key, even if I have to force her. That is, the reason why she is here."
Shion screams in agony as Wilhelm continues choking the life from her. "Stubborn, aren't we? How long can you stand it?"
"Damn it. At this critical time, I can't even stand up..." Alexander groaned as he tried to raise his body. He managed to do so but was quickly pinned down once more.
"Chief! Stop! Stop it! If you don't stop, she'll…" Allen begged and then turned to the unaffected KOS-MOS. "KOS-MOS! Help her! Hurry!"
KOS-MOS looks at Shion. "Shion..."
"Mary, I forbid you to interfere, understand?" Wilhelm commands. KOS-MOS groans.
"KOS-MOS, what's wrong?! Hurry!" Allen pleaded.
"You're wasting your breath. Mary understands what must be done to save this universe."
Shion continues screaming as the others watch her helplessly. "Kevin, are you there? Help me. Please…Kevin. Help me." she pleads, her hand reaching out to him. Kevin looks at her. Then Alexander. He recalled the words the Jedi said to him before.
"If you still love Shion, help us end this madness, Winnicot!"
Kevin reacted. In a flash, Wilhelm's right hand fell on the floor, being chopped off by Kevin. Shion dropped to the floor, released from Wilhelm's power. The latter managed a sigh.
Shion raised to her feet. "Kevin..?"
"Kevin, are you satisfied now?" Wilhelm said, without a hint of pain from his lost hand.
Kevin groans in surprise of what he just did.
"Why act surprised? Everything has occurred as expected. Including your act of betrayal." Wilhelm said calmly.
"You knew?"
"Of course. What you seek is not order for the universe, but only for your own personal desire. An eternal world for the two people in love."
"That's right. I have no attachment to this world. But I cannot lose Shion!"
"For love? Ridiculous. That has no value."
Wilhelm then uses the same power to pin down Kevin. The latter groans as he kneels under the tremendous pressure. He took a step forward and pins Shion as well.
"Aren't you happy you'll be able to feel her pain, Kevin? Now, Shion. Have you changed your mind?"
"N...no..."
"Honestly, stubborn, aren't you? Then, how about this?" Wilhelm turns to KOS-MOS. "Mary, bring Shion here."
Silence from KOS-MOS.
"What's wrong? Shion will continue to suffer eternally, not permitted to die. You're the only one who can release her from her pain."
"No, KOS-MOS. Don't do what he says."
"Are you sure, Mary? You don't want to lose Shion, do you?" Wilhelm applies more pressure on Shion, causing her more pain.
KOS-MOS looks at Shion. "Shion."
"No, don't! KOS-MOS!" Allen begged.
"Stop right there, Mary!" Kevin yelled.
Unable to watch any longer, Alexander tapped deep into The Force to gain incredible power to overcome Wilhelm's power.
"KOS-MOS!" he calls her out as he slowly rise against the pressure. "Stop! We promised to help Shion! We will find a way!"
She stopped, turning to him. Alexander saw a small smile from her before she returns her gaze to Shion.
"KOS-MOS?"
KOS-MOS kneels and picks up Shion despite the latter's plead. Wilhelm smiles.
"That's right. You can't defy me. This fate has been destined…right from the time you sealed Anima. How does it feel…to be betrayed by someone you once trusted, Shion?"
After several steps forward, KOS-MOS puts down Shion and take the pendant from her.
"In order to save you, Mary intends to ignore your will, and activate Zarathustra." Wilhelm continues.
KOS-MOS slowly approached Wilhelm.
"Very good. You have done well. With this, we will be able to live forever."
Suddenly, there was a crunching sound. It was the sound of the pendant, crushed in the fist of KOS-MOS'.
Wilhelm was taken aback. "What are you doing? Mary!"
KOS-MOS still clenching her fist before the confused Wilhelm.
"You fool. Now this universe will be completely destroyed."
KOS-MOS turns around, walking towards Shion.
"Even Yeshua will perish. Mary, is this what you really want?"
KOS-MOS helps Shion to stand up. She stared defiantly at Wilhelm, with her eyes reverts back to red. "I am not Mary. I am…KOS-MOS!"
There was a vicious piercing sound. It was Kevin, planting his arm through Wilhelm's body. He then begins draining his power which cause the binding power to disappear as well, freeing the group.
"Let's end this, Wilhelm."
"Oh? Are you going to use yourself as a shield to protect her?"
"Kevin!" Shion called.
"We've been rejected by this world, and by them."
"Humans, mere humans are rejecting me? Impossible. It is unthinkable. They don't understand how precarious this universe is, this frail world standing on a thin thread. If that balance is tipped, everything will be lost."
"We're the ones who don't understand. They are trying to walk their own path under their own power. They're saying they will walk across that thread with full knowledge of what it means."
"They'll never be able to do that."
"Really? I think it's possible." chaos suddenly speaks.
"Yeshua, I didn't expect to hear you say something like that."
"This world is more flexible than you think. Even as we speak, ripples are spreading throughout the entire universe."
"Are you saying you're going to release your power? You're a failsafe implanted in this universe. If you release your power, there will be more to worry about than just ripples. And besides, it's too late now to suppress their wills."
"If it was only me, that's true. But I'm not by myself."
"I see. Are you saying you've come here to challenge your own fate? That's a fascinating decision. But unfortunately, it looks like you're a little late."
Abel, who was inside Zarathustra screamed in anguish. The group's disabled E.S. suddenly rise up from the chasm.
"What's happening?" asked Shion.
"Zarathustra has gone out of control." Wilhelm explained. "If it continues like this, the universe will eventually dissipate and vanish."
"Stop it. Stop the system now!" Kevin demands.
"If I should stop it, then what? What will you do with this tremendous energy?"
The Zohar rises up and Zarathustra starts tearing apart the E.S.s as everything begins to go out of control.
"With these countless wills that reject each other, that have nowhere to go? Are you implying that you know how to heal them?" Wilhelm asked.
Zarathustra continues ripping E.S. for parts.
"Damn, we can't even go near that thing." Alexander said and brought his wrist communicator closer. "KITT, I need you."
"I'm almost there, Alex. Please hold on." KITT replied.
"The world can only be returned to the beginning. Come, Mary. Help us guide them into the past. There is no other way for us to save this world."
"That's it? Once the world is screwed, you just reset?" Alexander asked. "Whatever happens to moving on? You really looked down on us mortals who try to live to the best of their limits."
Kevin then uses his power with his free hand. In addition to Wilhelm's power, he is now absorbing Zarathustra's into his own body.
"What do you think you're doing, now?" Wilhelm asked.
"I refuse to continue to let you do as you please!" yells Kevin as he then attempts to gain some control over Zarathustra.
"How foolish of you. Kevin, don't you know that your body will perish from this world if you continue to do that?"
"I won't be the only one! You will perish as well, Wilhelm."
"So, you do this with full knowledge?"
"No, Kevin!" Shion calls out.
The pressure is getting stronger and Kevin managed to somehow control Zarathustra.
"Shion! I'm suppressing the system's energy. Hurry! You must destroy Zarathustra!"
"But Kevin! You'll..."
"Don't worry about me. Concentrate on the system. This won't mean anything if you don't stop it!"
"Shion. It's true, he's right. The future isn't set in stone. With the power of your wills, you can shape it into the future you desire." chaos said.
Shion nods.
"Then I suggest we wait for reinforcements." Alexander said. "KITT will arrive right about...now."
Genesis suddenly crashes into the scene. "I am here, Alex." KITT said through the speaker.
"Impeccable timing, partner. E1 and I are coming aboard."
"Alex..." KOS-MOS said.
"Let us handle this, KOS-MOS. When the time comes, I may need the help from all of you."
Jr. smiles and nods. "Go!" he urged.
Genesis uses the tractor beam to take in E1 and Alexander leaps into the cockpit. "All systems go." informed KITT.
"Alright. Let's do this!" Without wasting a moment, Genesis landed a flying punch at Zarathustra. The machine howled and countered with vicious melee attacks, forcing Genesis to back away. "KITT, do not hit its center." Alexander said.
"Understood."
Genesis was suddenly pulled by Zarathustra's power. The latter waited and when within reach, it smashes Genesis' face and lands a crunching knee attack near the chest area where the cockpit is located.
"We are suffering critical damage." KITT informed. "One more hit to any area near the cockpit and we are done."
"Even with Kevin subduing it, it's still powerful. KITT, I need you to charge to full power from a distance." Alexander said. "Patch me to the Professor."
"I never thought you'd call." the distorted voice of the Professor said.
"Professor, is it ready? I need it now."
"It is battle operational but currently not in its combined form."
"Just send them all to me. I will do the fusion manually."
"Fine. Just don't blame me if anything happens."
"I won't."
The communication ends. "I'm going out, KITT. We'll distract Zarathustra while you charge Genesis."
"Affirmative."
Alexander jumps out of Genesis and stand in front of his friends. "Sorry. Looks like I messed up."
"We can see that." Jin remarks, smiling.
"What are we waiting for? It's our turn!" Jr. yells as he goes into Red Dragon Mode.
Alexander unsheathed Denkou Tsurugi. "We only need to buy some time. Try not to overdo it."
MOMO prepares her bow. "Ready."
Ziggy charged up electricity into his fists. "No regrets."
Shion readies her MWS. "Many lives lost for this moment. We can't waste it!"
KOS-MOS calls the R-BLADE. "We'll do this together, Alex."
chaos goes into combat stance, fists ready. "Wilhelm, watch us defy our fate and overcome it."
Alexander ignites the golden lightsaber and slashes at Zarathustra. Golden wave crashed into it, causing considerable damage.
The rest of the group take this as the signal and attack. Shion fires concentrated flame with her weapon while MOMO keep the enemy distracted by firing three arrows at a time. Using Margulis' sword and his powerful flame sword technique, Jin attempts to prise away the plating which protects the core; Abel and Zohar. chaos supports the group by healing and neutralizing Zarathustra's area of effect attacks. KOS-MOS engages Zarathustra's moving arms, deflecting and causing damage to them. Using the power of the Red Dragon, Jr. deals heavy melee damage by crushing everything below the waist. Ziggy charges electricity from long range and send it crashing from above.
"Keep the thing busy, everyone!" Alexander urged.
As the group piles on the pressure on Zarathustra, chaos sees a flicker within its core. His mind screams danger.
"Get back everyone!" chaos yelled but it was a little late as Zarathustra unleashed waves upon waves of area attack. They were thrown away by the impact. Only chaos barely managed to prevent grievous damage by forming a shield. Shion and MOMO were badly injured and Allen attended to them by applying basic healing skills. Ziggy suffered structural damage to his body, which would render him incapable for battle. KOS-MOS was damaged as well but she was made of sturdier stuff as she managed to stand up. Jr. was half-buried inside the wall at the back. Alexander had problem standing up. He only managed to repel the first wave. But consecutive waves easily ripped his defences apart. Jin miraculously had the least physical damage of the group.
"That went well." Alexander remarked.
"We can't go on like this." Allen said. "We have to..."
"We...can't go back, Allen..." Shion mumbled, sitting up.
"Right. We can't." Ziggy added. "This will be our first and final chance to salvage what is left of this world."
"Jr. You dead?" Alexander asked.
"Shut up, Blaze. I was just resting." Jr. managed a grunt as he pulls himself out of the wall.
"Jr. and I will go for this one." The Jedi Grand Master said. "Everyone stay back and take a time off."
"Alex! You can't!" KOS-MOS shouts.
Alexander smiles at her. "You called me by my short name. You've really changed, KOS-MOS."
KOS-MOS was speechless for a moment and then mumbled for reply. "I..."
"It's fine, KOS-MOS. I'm glad actually. But now, let me and Jr. handle the thing."
KOS-MOS nods and both Alexander and Jr. went forward.
"Jr. Time to show your true form." Alexander said.
Jr. gasps. "You think I can do it? Albedo is still sleeping..."
"Wake him up then. We need his help."
Jr. closes his eyes, conversing with Albedo inside him. Then he opens his eyes. "He's ready."
Alexander smiles. "Let's do this." He raised his lightsaber. "Force, grant me the strength I need to defeat this godly foe. Give me a chance to protect this world that I've been a part of for so many years. Give the power to inspire me and in turn, inspire the people not to give in to despair and death. Give us the power to live and hope again!"
The golden blade shines brightly and suddenly, millions of apparitions appeared in the area. One of them, which was standing behind him, tapped his shoulder. It was Helmer.
"Helmer? How?"
"I'm not sure what happened, Alex. But all of us are here because of your rallying cry. If I'm not mistaken, almost everyone in this universe answered your call. To that end, we shall be your strength. Go, old friend. Do it for us."
With that, the million of souls gathered went to Alexander, granting him almost infinite of Force powers. Inspired by what happened, Jr. resolved to unleash his true powers.
"We're going, Albedo!"
Jr.'s body underwent a different transformation compared to the Red Dragon mode. He became taller, muscular and adult looking. This was the form he supposed to be. His powers and Albedo's became one. He is now the perfect URTV. His features looked similar to Gaignun but his red hair now have white streaks, signifying Albedo's existence. The group was in awe.
"This will only last for a few minutes at most, Blaze." Jr. warned.
"It's enough until another reinforcement arrives." Alexander said with a smile.
"You sure have a lot of backup plans."
"Someone has to."
Zarathustra roars and uses its clawed hands on Jr. He was torn apart viciously only to be revived almost instantly. Jr. looks at both his hands. "I see. This is how it feels, isn't it Albedo? Having a body that can never die. But with the right choice, it can be used for much better purpose. This power, I will use it wisely." Zarathustra once again attacks. Jr. was ready this time. Using just his fist, he smashed its left hand.
"Good job, Jr.!" Alexander yells as he dashes towards Zarathustra. The enemy launches projectiles to slow him down but he is just too fast. With his lightsaber readied, He launch himself into the air, aiming for the head. Zarathustra uses its remaining hand to block but it was instantly pierced through and crashes into its head. It explodes and then stops moving.
"Did that...do it?" asked Jr.
"No! Not yet!" Kevin screamed. "The system is still on!"
Zarathustra activates once more and repaired itself using various parts of destroyed E.S. Alexander jumps away. "Ha. Stubborn thing."
Jr.'s form suddenly reverts. "I guess that's it, huh."
Alexander smiles. "No worries. Good effort for a first time. Let me handle it from now."
"How?"
"My backup has arrived."
A roar echoes and a mecha lion burst through, landing its claw on Zarathustra. It was deflected and the lion takes its place in front of the group. Shion recognized it. "That's..."
"Shion, meet Sigma Lion." Alexander said with a smile. "I'm going to borrow this and the others for a while."
"Others?"
A black stealth jet, a pair of drill machines and a pair of rockets enter the fray. Sigma Lion roars. Alexander nods. "Okay. Let's do this!" He jumps high in the air. The mecha lion followed.
"FUSION." Alexander uttered softly. The Sigma Lion swallowed him to activate the fusion sequence. It transforms into a humanoid fighting machine with its head on the chest.
"Did he...actually combined with that thing?" Jin asks.
The transformed robot turns to him, smiling. "That's right, Jin. I've completed the fusion sequence."
"You never cease to amaze, Alex." Shion said.
Zarathustra shrieks as its power approached critical limit. "Go, Sigma Machines! Attack!" Alexander urges the vehicles to assault it and the machines acknowledged the command. They attack Zarathustra only to be deflected. Within the Sigma Lion, Alexander is waiting for the right moment to initiate another move. He turns to Kevin. "Winnicot! Can you constrain it further!? We need to keep it in one place!"
Kevin managed a laugh. "You're asking the impossible! I'm at my limit now!"
"Then it is time to raise that limit." he said. "We need you, Winnicot!"
Kevin nods and focuses his energy to restrain Zarathustra's movement to a minimum. It is starting to have an effect as it unable to fly. Alexander smiles. "The time is now! Sigma Machines, to me!" He jumps high in the air and the Sigma Machines follow. "Initiating program. FINAL SIGMA FUSION!"
Light illuminate the area as the Sigma Lion and Sigma Machines combine into something even more powerful. The twin rockets form the feet and legs. The drill machines form its shoulders and arms while the stealth jet attaches to the back to form wings for flight support. Then a black helmet appears and covers the humanoid face of the Sigma Lion to complete the sequence. This black robot floats above Zarathustra before landing not far from the group.
"Erde...Kaiser...Sigma..." Shion mutters.
"Whoa...that is awesome..." Jr. said in amazement.
"So this is what The Professor's been doing..." Allen remarks.
"I AM THE PROTECTOR OF THE WORLD...NO, PROTECTOR OF THE WHOLE UNIVERSE. I AM THE GREAT EMPEROR OF ALL. I AM...ERDE. KAISER. SIGMA!"
Without waiting, Erde Kaiser Sigma tears into Zarathustra, taking it apart. While it seems easy, controlling Sigma's great power puts heavy strain on Alexander. "Damn. This is harder than I thought. KITT! You ready?"
"Yes. Genesis is now at full power." KITT replies.
Sigma pulls away from the broken Zarathustra. The group watch worriedly as the giant machine shakes uncontrollably. "Alex! Are you okay?" Shion yells.
"Yeah! Maintaining this form is too great for me! I have to undo it! Get clear!"
Shion nods and they back away as Sigma separates into Sigma Lion and Sigma Machines. Alexander stands on top of the mecha lion, exhausted. Smiling, he taps on its surface. "Thank you, Sigma Lion." It roars in acknowledgment and disappears into UMN with the machines. The group gathers around Alexander.
"You really tore that thing a new one." Jr. said.
"But it is repairing itself." KOS-MOS noted.
Alexander smiles. "Don't worry. Genesis will end this. KITT."
"Changing into Phoenix Mode." KITT said. Moments later, the humanoid form of Genesis transforms into the bird form in the likeness of Suzaku. Flames appears around Genesis Phoenix Mode as it prepares to unleash its full power attack.
"Do it, KITT." Alexander signals.
Without a word, Genesis dives straight down into Zarathustra. Large explosion occurred as its intense flames burn down the stubborn system, preventing it from repairing itself. Genesis appears from the final attack with moderate damage and reverts to Attack Mode. There is an eerie silence as Zarathustra powers down. However, Kevin still stuck with Wilhelm as he absorbs the energy required to control Zarathustra.
"Do you understand what you're doing, Yeshua?" Wilhelm asked. "Abel's controlled by the system and I'm the operator. If I should somehow, suddenly vanish, this world…and the universe will-"
"You may be right, but I—I want to believe in the light of human beings' will." chaos said.
Wilhelm smiles as his body fades away. "Very well, then. Is that your answer? That does sound like you, Yeshua."
Wilhelm fades from existence and as Kevin follows, KOS-MOS hands Shion the broken pendant. Her and Kevin appear to be sharing their last moment together before he fades away, leaving Zarathustra to activate itself.
"What's going on? The system is still out of control!" Ziggy exclaims.
"Dammit! Isn't there any way to somehow stop it?" Jr. asks.
"Don't look at me. I'm exhausted, you know." Alexander smiles.
"Don't worry." chaos said calmly.
After a while, Nephilim and Abel emerge from inside Zarathustra, surprising Shion. "Nephilim?!"
"So it's decided?" asks chaos.
"Yes." replies Nephilim. She then turns to the group. "This phenomenon is being caused by the wills, the Gnosis gathered in Zarathustra with nowhere to go. Together with Abel, I will gather all those wills into me…and dimensionally shift this entire region of space to the land of origin."
"The land of origin?"
"Lost Jerusalem, a planet once called Earth."
"Earth, our homeland."
"We cannot stop the universe's accelerating dissipation, the true destruction of the universe. But the potential brought by the light of your will is unlimited. If you, if mankind has enough time to build upon your feelings, then perhaps…"
"And you will provide us with that time?"
"Yes. I, Abel, and…"
chaos turns to Shion. "Shion, you're not the one who guided this universe to destruction. Ever
since the moment I've existed…my power of Anima has caused the universe to tread the path toward destruction."
"Your power of Anima?"
"To prevent the destruction of the universe and to save me…Mary separated the power of Anima into the vessels and sealed them. Costing her life. Sealed by her, I lost my power and became a spectator. All this time, I didn't know what the meaning, Anima, this power held, or why I had this power. But now I finally know what it means for me to use this power. You taught me that."
"chaos..."
"Everyone, this region of space will soon undergo a dimensional shift. Unfortunately, I don't have the power left to help you escape. I want you to get away somehow before this region is destroyed."
"But what about you?!" asks Jr.
"Everything follows the flow. Don't worry, we'll meet again. I'm sure of it." chaos said with a smile.
"Hey hey. All this is fine and all but what about me?" Alexander interrupted. "I was promised home."
Nephilim looks at him. "I will open a different path for you when the rift happens. But what lies beyond, only you will know."
Alexander managed a shrug. "Not what I was expecting but it's better than nothing, I guess."
"What's going to happen to this universe?" asks Shion to chaos.
"Don't worry. When we disappear, the speed of this universe's destruction will slow down. But we can't stop the destruction itself. At best, this universe will last another few tens of thousands of years before it perishes. Listen to me Shion. The key to saving all lies in the land of origin, Lost Jerusalem. I, and the Gnosis, the wills of countless people, will all return there. For mankind to survive, you must do what must be done in this universe…and then come find Lost Jerusalem. Shion, I know you and the others can do that."
Shion nods and walks to KOS-MOS. "Here you are. After all this time I finally found the real you. And now, we are going to be apart, again." Shion tears up and KOS-MOS wipes her tears.
"The time we'll spend apart will be an instant in the flow of universal time. I know…we'll meet again. So please don't be sad, Shion."
"That's unusually vague coming from you, KOS-MOS."
They hold each other for a while. " I think it is the most natural thing for me to say. That too, is because of you. Shion, thank you."
"No. Thank you for everything. You've given me so much, KOS-MOS."
"I'll see you soon."
"Yeah, see you soon." They hug each other for the final time.
"This is it eh, Blaze?" asks Jr.
Alexander nods. "Yeah. I won't forget everything about this universe and the people I met. You, Negredo, Albedo..." A wooden box appears next to him. Then uses The Force to levitate and hands it to Jr. "For you. Just don't go shooting around in a crowded place."
Jr. managed a curious look and opens the box to see a pair of classic looking guns with barrels for bullet chambers. "Oh man, thanks! I always want a six shooter like this!"
Alexander grins at the childish antique. MOMO suddenly hugs him. "Thanks for everything, Alex. Thank you..."
"Don't cry, MOMO. We'll meet again. I'm sure of it."
MOMO nods and backs away as Ziggy comes up to him and shakes his hand. "Thank you Alex. You're a true friend. I...am sorry for leaving you and our team."
"It's alright, Zig...Captain Sauer. Because of what happened, everyone found the resolve they need to get on their chosen path. Mine included." He then hands him a disk. He smiles upon seeing the curious look. "It contains memories, my friend. Some that you may have forgotten. I didn't get all of them but I did my best."
The cyborg chokes up. "I...I don't know what to say...thank you..."
Alexander nods and walks to Allen. "Been a pleasure working with you at Vector, Allen."
"I...ah...same here, Alex. Sorry for being mean, yelling at you and things like that."
"What? You were my superior, you know." Alexander smiles. "And thank you for being there with Shion. I left things for you on board the Elsa. Do check it out when you have the time."
Allen nods and Alexander goes to Jin. "Jin..."
"Don't say a word, Alex." the swordsman said. "I'm just glad you're with us, keeping your promise to the end."
"Yeah. I'm glad to know you and your family..."
They both nod at each other, smiling. Alexander turns to the approaching Shion. She stops but then suddenly leaps at him and hugs. He feels her flowing emotion. She looks up at him, her tears flowing down. "Thank you, Alex. For everything."
Alexander smiles. "Don't cry, Shion. When you figure things out, come find me."
Shion nods but then hesitates before planting a sudden kiss on his lips. Alexander was caught off guard. So does everyone. Shion pulls back, blushing. "That's for everything you did..."
Alexander sighs but then smiles. "Thank you, Shion."
The group minus chaos, KOS-MOS and Alexander boarded the dismantled Asher (which still retain its Erde Kaiser generator) and leaves the area. Alexander nods to chaos.
"Let's begin. KOS-MOS, release my power, now."
"Very well, Yeshua."
Closing her eyes, KOS-MOS releases chaos' true powers. The spirit form of Mary Magdalene flows from her towards the Zohar, activating the Anima. Then, the spirit of Yeshua appears alongside Mary. Nephilim absorbs Mary's power while chaos absorbs Yeshua's. Together, they channel that power to Zohar.
Alexander swallows hard. "I have a bad feeling about this."
"Wandering wills, come to the cradle within me." Nephilim commands. After a while Gnosis starting to appear and gather at the opening portal. Alexander felt the rising hostility from them.
"Looks like they're not willing to leave. KITT, E1. Get ready for battle."
"Affirmative."
"I guess it isn't possible for me to guide all the wills." chaos said.
"More time is needed to complete the dimensional shift. KOS-MOS, Alexander, please protect this place until then." Nephilim said.
"Understood." KOS-MOS acknowledged.
"There is no other choice, is it?" Alexander asked, activating his lightsaber. "KITT, dispatch the Gnosis with extreme prejudice."
Genesis transforms into its vehicle/ jet mode and starts blasting Gnosis in sight. "We're on it." KITT replied.
KOS-MOS lays waste on incoming Gnosis with various weapons. Alexander eliminates them by forming a whirlwind, cutting them to pieces.
While they were busy, one of the Gnosis managed to sneak in and about to attack chaos and Nephilim. "Oh, no!" chaos moans as he is unable to move. The Asher suddenly appears and impales the Gnosis with its gun before firing, taking it out.
"Jin!" chaos exclaimed.
"Pffft. Have a feeling I'll see you soon. Welcome back, Jin." Alexander said with a smile.
Asher takes a sword strewn on the floor. "Thank you, Alex. We will handle this. Do not worry!"
"I'm sorry! Thank you, Jin!" chaos apologizes before resuming focus on his task. The battle is getting more difficult and they are slowly overwhelmed by numbers as stronger and larger Gnosis starting to appear. KOS-MOS tried to cut open a powerful Gnosis but its body is too dense it tore her right arm. Alexander looks at her in horror. "KOS-MOS!" He quickly doubled back towards her and blasting the Gnosis with a colossal Force Push. Jin comes in and helped by self-destructing the Asher to take it out.
Alexander holds her. "KOS-MOS, you okay?"
KOS-MOS smiles at her. "I'm a little...damaged. But I'll manage. Thanks, Alex."
There was a scream. It was Jin's. He was wounded heavily in the chest yet he continues battling. "Let's go to Jin, KOS-MOS. We can't leave him alone." KOS-MOS nods and they go towards the battle wounded Jin.
chaos watches the scene sadly. "Everyone..."
"It's okay. We're all right! Keep going! Hurry!" Jin urged.
"Right!"
"Jin!" Alexander's calls to him. Jin smiles as he finally collapsed to the side. KOS-MOS continues the battle as Alexander kneels by his side and looks at his wounds. "Oh Jin..."
"It is...alright...Alex...it's quiet now. I don't think it's ever been this quiet before in my whole life. This is what I sought. And yet, now that the time has finally come…I long for the noise of the past. I long for those hectic and chaotic days that once were."
"Give up, Uzuki?" a familiar voice said.
Jin and Alexander look up to see Pellegri. "Pellegri? How..?"
Pellegri glares at Alexander. "Your friend Antilles give us a second chance at life. Take some time to reflect on what we should do."
"Wait. We? Us? Don't tell me..."
Gad and Joseph enters the scene. "Come, Hermann! Destroy the Gnosis!" Richard exclaimed.
"Right behind you, Master!" Hermann said. Together they devastate the Gnosis wave alongside Genesis and KOS-MOS.
"Second chance..." Alexander mumbles. He then pulls out Denkou Tsurugi and place it in Jin's hands.
"Alex..?"
"Jin, I finally understand. I was never meant to keep this sword. It is yours all along. Isn't that right, Ouga?"
The blade suddenly floats in front them. Jin stares at it and smiles. "I see. My time...is not yet." He holds the hilt and feels a refreshing jolt. The magic blade is healing Jin, much to Pellegri's amazement.
"Right. Like them, you're given a second chance, Jin. Pellegri, can you bring him inside your craft?"
"I suppose. Why?"
"Once the rift is fully opened, we never know what will happen. It is safer for us to be inside our respective vehicles."
Issachar appears as Pellegri shoulders Jin. "I'm...glad to see you alive, Pellegri..."
Her face turns red. "W...whatever. Just get inside!"
QQQQQ
The Zohar finally reached its zenith and possess enough power to open the rift. Nephilim calls out to chaos to tell him it is ready. "chaos!"
chaos nods. "Right! Anytime, Nephilim. Everyone, it's time!"
Alexander smiles and goes back into Genesis. "Finally, we're going home."
"I will miss you, Alex." Jin said from Issachar.
"Of course you will. But I have a hunch we'll meet again sooner than we thought."
"Are we...going back to Lost Jerusalem?" asked Hermann.
"It seems so." Pellegri replied. "I wish Margulis is here to see this..."
Richard keeps silent as they watch the rift starts to open. Suddenly, another Gnosis wave appears.
chaos groans in dismay. "Not now! We're almost there!"
"Dammit. I have to..." Alexander is about to go out when KOS-MOS opens up a private communication line.
"Alex, don't. Let me do this." KOS-MOS, badly damaged confronts the incoming Gnosis.
"But you will not make it! Let me help!"
"Alex, you've waited for this moment over a hundred years. You've sacrificed too much for us. It is my turn to...do the same..."
Hearing this, Alexander fears the worst. "What? No! Don't do this, KOS-MOS!"
KOS-MOS smiles. "I'm happy...to be of service...my love..."
With that, she cuts off communication and blasts the phase transfer cannon before engaging the remaining Gnosis with her own kamikaze attack. Explosions occurred and Alexander leans in his seat dejectedly.
"KOS-MOS..."
Nephilim is ready to guide the gathering wills through the rift. "Wills that gather into my cradle, the time has come! We go to where everything began, to the land of origin! Now!"
The spirit form of Mary Magdalene appears and chaos' body turns into spirit. With his power fully restored, he is able to exert full control over the dimensional rift. He opens another smaller, rift. He signals Alexander to go through it. Alexander nods and guides Genesis towards it.
"This is it. KITT, E1. Let's go."
"We're here with you, Alex." KITT said. E1 said the same. He smiles.
"May The Force Be With Us."
Lights engulf the area, swallowing everything into the opened rifts.
AAAAA
Nausea was the last thing Alexander felt the moment Genesis was sucked into the rift.
(Wake up, Alex.)
He opens his eyes. He is not inside Genesis. There is only him and the darkness of space.
"Where...am I?"
"Alexander Darkblaze." a deep, commanding voice calls him.
He looks around. No one to be seen. "Who are you? Where am I?"
"I mean you no harm, Jedi. For it is I who brought you here in my domain."
"Your...domain?" Alexander's agile mind quickly processed the information and reached a conclusion. He gasped. He is now in the presence of a god. "Am I...dead?"
"Far from it. I have been watching you like I always watch all other life forms. You experienced sadness, despair, anger, happiness and love. Your deep understanding in these emotions elevates you from others. You have fulfilled the requirements needed."
"Elevates me? Requirements? Sorry. I don't get it."
"I will say this only once. I am offering you the chance to live eternally. Take a place by my side and watch over all of creation."
Alexander lost his breath and his mind goes into overdrive after hearing the proposal. "You want me to be one of you?"
"Yes. Will you accept?"
He considered the possibilities and contemplates on the choice for a while. He shakes his head. "No. The offer is tempting but I am not ready to be a god. I promised to restore the Jedi Order and I will not back down from that."
There is silence until Alexander speaks again. "When the time comes, I will be ready."
"Very well. I will send you back to the world of mortals. Do you have a wish? I will grant it."
"My wish...please take me to her. I...want to see her..."
"I see. As you wish. Farewell Alexander Darkblaze."
AAAAA
Alexander wakes up inside Genesis, gasping for breath. "KITT? E1?"
"Alex! Are you alright?" KITT asked, worried. "You were...dead for ten minutes. No heartbeat, no vitals..."
"You wouldn't believe what happened. But let's save that for later. Where are we?"
E1 beeps his reply. Alexander nods. "I see. We're not home."
"We are in a solar system in a galaxy called the Milky Way, Alex. That blue planet over there is Lost Jerusalem...Earth." KITT said.
QQQQQ
KOS-MOS is floating in space. She is somewhat alive. She lost half of her body. As her eyes turn to Earth, the voice of chaos, who ascended beyond the world of living, calls to her.
"I guess both you and I still exist in this world, after all. As long as people…as long as the universe desires it, we will continue to exist. We haven't finished what we need to do yet. So, until then, sleep well, KOS-MOS."
KOS-MOS recalls her memories. Shion, Allen, Jr., MOMO, Ziggy, Jin and Alexander. "Good night." As her eyes closes, she sees an object approaching her. "Genesis..?"
Alexander flies out to her and holds her close. "KOS-MOS! Don't you dare die on me!"
KOS-MOS brings her remaining hand to his face. "Why...are you here?"
He smiles. "I have great connection, it seems."
She smiles weakly. "I see..."
"KOS-MOS, will you...come with me?" Alexander asks with a serious look.
"Come...to your world..? I...still have a purpose here..."
"If you called floating in space and wait for someone to find you is purpose, then you really need to get yourself checked."
"Alex..."
Alexander looks up at the stars. "chaos! Please let me take KOS-MOS with me! I will return her here when the time comes. I promise!"
"Alex, my friend." chaos' voice echoes in his mind. "By all means, please take care of her." Alexander nods and looks at KOS-MOS. She is smiling. "Take me to your world, Alex. I will follow wherever you go."
Alexander suddenly kisses her lips. KOS-MOS was caught off-guard. She feels the passion of love coming from him but that's not all. Her body feels energized. The damaged parts are slowly repairing themselves. Alexander pulls away, blushing.
"I...just give back the nanomachines you used to save me back then."
KOS-MOS smiles. "I see. But there is something else..."
"Well...we'll talk later. For now, let's leave."
Alexander carries her into Genesis and places her on his lap. "We're leaving, KITT."
"Where? You don't think of going to Lost Jerusalem..." KITT's reply was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a dimensional portal. Alexander smiles.
"Of course not. We're going home." He holds KOS-MOS close. "Hang tight, KOS-MOS. This is going to be one hell of a ride."
She nods. Genesis goes into the portal and vanishes from the galaxy.
AAAAA
CHAPTER END
Longer chapter than usual. Being the finale and all. I hope you guys like what I did with the Erde Kaiser. What happened to Pellegri, Jin, Hermann and Richard? What are the fates of Alex, KOS-MOS, KITT and E1? What of Shion and the others? That will have to wait in the next, final chapter of the series.