Peter & Farra were running, with Asahi in Farra's arms, and Peter carrying a damaged Heather. Farra said, "We have to go, but not without Steven!"

"He said that he'll be fine!" He said, "We have more worries! We have to leave!"

Mizuki & Luzer appeared, as Mizuki was tired out. She moaned, "Guys… You are together!"

Heather laughed, "Mizuki~!"

Farra said, "Where were you?"

Mizuki said, "Great news! Scarlet's free!"

Asahi gasped, "No…"

Peter asked, "Is this true?"

"Luzer and I spotted her, and Mundy… He came to her aide, after I stopped Najenda. No flying drones will ever stop me." Mizuki smiled.

Luzer said, "Even for a cyborg, she's built with weaponry."

He hugged Mizuki and said, tearfully, "Mizuki… You… You jerk…"

He smiled, as Mizuki was happy, "Peter… I love you."

Farra said, "Hey, Luzer. Is this for real? Scarlet is-?"

"Yes. But that is NOT the real reason why we came to you!" Luzer said, "We have to get the hell out of here, including the people in Imperial Lobby!"

Asahi asked, "What's wrong?"

Luzer explained to the others that Najenda has activated the Buster Call, and the island will be leveled, any minute now. Scarlet and Mundy chose to stay and fight back, since they chose to stay, instead of being rescued, because Prison Island can only bring back TWO survivors at a time. All Peter, Farra, Heather, and Asahi would shout out, in complete shock…
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT? THE ISLAND IS GOING TO BE DESTROYED?!"

Act XXV: Blade vs. Fists!
The Epic Finale of Great Heroism!

Farra yelled, "YOU'RE KIDDING ME! STEVEN'S STILL OUT THERE!"

Mizuki said, "So's Mundy and Scarlet. But we have to move… Can any of you still move?"

Asahi moaned, "I'm badly hurt… inside and out…"

Farra said, "Big Guy has Heather and Asahi. Can you and I get the people to safety?"

Mizuki said, "It's worth the shot. Peter, you take Heather and Asahi with, to the outside. Farra, Luzer, and I will get these people out of the island!"

Peter asked, "But how? We have no clearance for an evacuation!"

Mizuki said, "You leave it to me. NOW GO!"

Farra cried, "WHAT ABOUT THE OTHERS?"

"I SAID GO, DAMN IT!" Mizuki shouted in anger.

Peter said, "You got this, man."

Farra nodded, "Right. Get these two to safety."

Heather moaned, "Not now… I'm seasick…"

Asahi grumbled, "My legs hurt…"

Peter said, as he rushed off, "Grow up, ladies! You've been through tougher shit than this!"

Farra said, "Alright, Miz. We have to get radio help."

Suddenly, Mizuki's iPhone rang, as she answered it, "Hello?"

It was Kanaka, "Hello, Takase? It's Kanaka Nanase!"

"Ma'am? What it is?"

"I overheard that the Buster Call is about to be launched in Imperial Lobby. Don't you fret. Make an announcement for an EVAC, and get all the people to safety."

"But how, ma'am? We have no cargo!"

"Head outside."

Mizuki looked out the window, as four huge tankers appeared, with the insignia reading "AAW – Alliance Across the World" on the side. The sirens were made, as they announced to the people in the island.

"Attention, the island is about to be destroyed! Repeat! The island is about to be destroyed! Please evacuate to the nearest port, and await instructions!"

Mizuki smirked, "Nanase, you son of a bitch!"

Kanaka roared, "HEY! You kiss your motherboard with that mouth?"

Mizuki said, "Thanks, Boss. Takase out."

She signed off, as Farra laughed, "Well, what do you say? Shall we?"

They departed, as Peter and Heather remained on the other side, reaching the outside area. Peter noticed the huge tanker and asked, "Huh? Huge war tanks?"

Asahi whispered, "The EVACs… They're coming to…"

Heather moaned, "Ungh… Did Kanaka plan ahead?"

Peter said, "They're for us and them! Can your legs move?"

The townspeople were screaming in panic, as Heather said, struggling to get up, "Me, my legs are aching… Asahi, you have to forget Maki, for once!"

Asahi sobbed, "I don't know… Maki…"

Heather cried, "Goddamn it, Asahi Sakurai! Grow some balls and help us!"

Peter laughed, "Dude, that was hilarious~!"

Heather said, "I did my part, as a heroine of justice, but now, we have one more task at hand!"

Peter said, "What do you say, Asa?"

Asahi nodded, and then wept, "Maki would've wanted it, that way… And she would protect me, if it were her, in my shoes…"

She held herself up and said, "I'm in! Let's go!"

They rushed off, assisting Mizuki & Farra in the evacuation task. Minutes passed, as the cannons started to fire. Explosions occurred, as everyone in The Gang was escorting the innocent people to the huge tanks, to safety. Mizuki cried out, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

Peter called, "YOU NEED HELP?"

Heather called to the people, "COME ON, EVERYONE! THE ISLAND'S ABOUT TO BE DEMOLISHED!"

The Gang, as a whole, helped bring the thousands of townspeople to safety. As the evacuation was about to begin, the entire island was already being blasted down, from the other side of the island. Two more huge carriers sailed towards the island, as the thousands of people were running for safety.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, Steven & Akame continued to brawl, as the island was shaking. He asked, "What the hell is that?"

Akame growled, "Najenda… YOU IDIOT!"

"What's going on?"

"The Buster Call… This island's about to be destroyed! See the mess you gotten us into? And to think you were considered reckless! We're more than that!"

"And is that why you and Najenda are the last to remain? All your friends are dead… You're all alone. Even so, this is NOT what I wanted, being puppets to Matt Hardy."

"Maybe so… But the only reason I wanted to get on his side… was to bring him back."

"Face facts! Tatsumi's gone forever! His memory lives on, because of his noble sacrifice! So does Sheele… Bulat… Leone… Mine… Susanoo… Chelsea… Lubbock… ALL OF THEM! Dying isn't great, but when you sacrifice everything protect your land, your freedom, and your glory, then it is fine by me! Steven Cooke doesn't believe in death… because I AM DEATH!"

He posed, "And that is obliged towards the wicked and cruel. The suffering are the ones I spare."

She said, "If we are to finish this… Let's prove which one has more heart… I want to protect the ones I love… You, however, you're more than that."

"Let me ask you a question… Even in my state, would you really try to end me with Murasame? BE A MAN! AND USE YOUR FISTS! Or do you want to oust me, for Matt Hardy's sake?"

Akame jabbed her katana down on the floor, as she said, "Granted… I want to kill you. But you said so yourself… You refuse to be a puppet to injustice. Well, I refused to be a part of the Empire, which is why I left to join Night Raid! Even so, I cannot lose this battle, even to you! So, I'll use Murasame as a last resort."

Akame called out, "But make no mistake, Man with the Heart Scar… You've truly opened my eyes… To hell with Broken Matt Hardy! To hell with the DELETION! TO HELL WITH NIGHT RAID! And as far as I'm concerned… What happens to Tatsumi, stays within me. He's dead, and I'm honoring him! He broke a promise to stay alive… for me… AND I REFUSE TO FAIL HIM! NO! NEVER!"

Akame broke out of Matt Hardy's bind, as she was starting to remember. She whispered, "I remember now… Najenda… She revived everyone… for Tatsumi…"

We now cut back to three months ago…
Moments after Najenda recruited Night Raid, back from the dead, Akame did a certain spell in Najenda's house, while she was away, giving a job to her allies. Akame said, as she placed Murasame in the chalk circle. She whispered that she wants an offering to bring back anyone from the dead… She chose Kurome, her sister.

"Matt Hardy, I knew of his wicked deeds. I have to stop Najenda, before she finds out about my evil plans. From the past, Kurome killed the others, and I killed Esdeath… So, what a way to fight fire with fire…"

She did the same incantation spell for Kurome. But when the smoke had cleared, she didn't revive Kurome. She revived the last person she wanted to revive – Esdeath.

Akame gasped, as the smoke subsided, "NO! What have I done?"

Esdeath was lying on the ground, as she was waking up. Akame kneeled to her, as Esdeath looked at her, "Tatsumi?"

Akame said, "Esdeath… I need your help… I know it's wrong of my to side with the enemy, sure I sided with the Empire, long ago… but it's Najenda. You have to stop her!"

Esdeath asked, "How did I get here? I was in Hell, becoming Chief-in-Staff of Tortures and Punishments!"

"Not anymore. I have an important task… Find Najenda… and KILL NIGHT RAID!"

Her orders were loud and clear, as Esdeath smirked, holding up a spare sword, "So be it… Thank you, Akame…"

She walked off, and then said, "But don't think we're even… When Night Raid is dead, you and I have unfinished business."

As she left to wait, Akame then thought, while running away, "It's for the best… Matt Hardy's using Najenda, to revive Night Raid for evil… I have to hide, before they find me."

She retreated to the forests, as Esdeath saw her leave. She then smirked, "Night Raid is evil, and Najenda has Broken Matt Hardy? Whoever he is, he's okay in my book…"

She held up the same spell book and said, "Now then… I can't resurrect Stylish and Run… but… her sister, is another story… The spells of revival… I can bring back two of my heaviest hitters in The Jaegers."

XXXXX

Hours later, as Akame was well hidden, she whispered, "I'm sorry… Najenda. I know it's wrong of me, but… I can't join Night Raid, if they are traitors…"

The bushes rustled, as Akame called, "Who's there?"

Out popped a woman in pink hair, in a pink dress. She whispered, "Found you, Traitor!"

Akame gasped, as Mine fired Pumpkin at her. Akame dodged out of the way, as Lubbock and Chelsea attacked her, via stealth, landing a kick to her. She dropped down to the ground, as Akame whispered, "They found me! But… Why are their souls… corrupt?"

Esdeath and Najenda appeared, along with their revived members of Night Raid and the Jaegers. They all surrounded Akame, as she whimpered, "NO… They… Esdeath? Why? We had a deal!"

Esdeath smirked, as she hissed, "All deals… are made to be… BROKEN!"

She, too, was under Matt Hardy's effects. Najenda laughs, "You're finished, Akame! Come join us… and we'll revive Tatsumi… together… All of us! Night Raid… Jaegers… We are now one… And when we win, you will have him back, and more…"

Esdeath said, "How about your sister, Kurome? Would you want her back?"

Akame cried, "NO! NO, THIS IS NOT THE WAY! NAJENDA, YOU'RE SIDING WITH THE ENEMY! WHY ARE YOU SUDDENLY WITH HIM, FOR TATSUMI'S LIFE?"

Vanguard-1 hovered over, as Matt Hardy appeared, via a hologram, "Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeees… Akame, do you understand now? You must… objectify, before you make deals! You're a naughty girl…"

Akame hissed, "You… You did this! How could you? What have you done to my friends? And why the Jaegers? They're our enemies!"

Matt laughed, "Oh, foolish Akame… Do you understand now? Join us! JOIN US! And you will have everything back… and more… The Boy… Your sister… Your life… and everything in-between… JOIN US! Or be… DELETED!"

Akame was on all-fours and sobbed, "No…"

Bulat shouted, "DELETE!"

Chelsea cried, "OBSOLETE!"

Leone yelled, "DELETE!"

Lubbock called, "OBSOLETE!"

Mine roared, "DELETE!"

Seryu called, "OBSOLETE!"

Susanoo called out, "DELETE!"

Bols yelled, "OBSOLETE!"

Bulat, Leone, Mine, and Susanoo continued to chant "DELETE!", while Seryu, Bols, Lubbock, & Chelsea chanted "OBSOLETE!", continuously, as Akame was crying, "STOP! NO! ENOUGH! PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE! THAT IS ENOUGH! NO! NO! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Matt Hardy suddenly appeared to her, as Esdeath whispered, "Broken Matt…"

Najenda said, "Delete… or obsolete… That is the question…"

Akame seethed, as she held Murasame and snarled, "You… BASTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD!"

She slashed at Matt Hardy, but he avoided it. Akame was in shock, as she gasped, "What?"

Esdeath impaled her chest with her icicle, as Najenda cackled, grabbing her neck, "You… have no choice… Akame… Join us, and we can revive… Tatsumi and Kurome… Your choice…"

Akame croaked, "N-n-n… no… I…"

The first half, Leone, Bulat, Mine, and Susanoo called out, "I'll fade away and classify myself as obsolete!"

Seryu, Bols, Lubbock, and Chelsea called back, "OBSOLETE!"

They continued on, as Akame was resisting. Vanguard-1 joined in, as Najenda said, "Come on… For me, for old time's sake?"

Akame continued to resist to Matt Hardy's thrall… until finally, her red eyes went blank and hypnotic. She moaned, as she spoke, in a mesmerized voice, "Delete… Delete… I'll fade away and classify myself as obsolete…"

Najenda grinned, "Obsolete…"

Akame was now in Matt Hardy's control. And the rest was history…

XXXXX

Far away from Matt Hardy's slave control, Sheele was far away from her allies, as she was crawling in the dirt, squinting. She lost her glasses… again…

"Glasses… Glasses… Where are my glasses? Where are they? Oh, I can't miss this… Glasses… Glasses…" She continued to crawl, until Najenda found her, and Sheele had found her glasses.

Akame's eyes opened wide, as she gasped, "NO!"

Steven stepped back, as Akame held her body, "No… What have I done?"

She sniffled, "I failed you… Tatsumi… I can't… let it… be… in vain…"

Steven said to her, "You finally woke up. You finally understand?"

Akame finally understood everything, as they resumed the fight, exchanging punches and kicks. Her attacks showed progress, as her inner strength from her Berserker Mode finally penetrated Steven's Muso Tensei. Steven said, as he was fighting back, "You're a worthy warrior, Akame. You finally shake off the shackles of Broken Brilliance. You finally understand that you fight for nobody!"

She cried, as she was punching and kicking, "That is correct, Steven Cooke! I fight for NOBODY! Night Raid did its job! I FIGHT ALONE! BUT I AM HONORING MY FALLEN COMRADES; EVEN THOSE HARDY REVIVED, ONLY FOR YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS TO KILL THEM, AGAIN!"

He yelled, as they continued to exchange punches, "THEY DESERVE TO DIE! THEY WERE USED WRONGLY, AND WE MADE THEM REST IN PEACE!"

"THAT'S BULLSHIT, AND YOU KNOW IT!"

"MAYBE SO! BUT THE LAST THING I WANT IS A LEGEND REVIVED, AND TARNISHED BY GREED, HATRED, AND POWER! MAKE NO MISTAKE, AKAME! THE ONE WHO'S OBSOLETE… IS NO ONE! NO ONE IS OBSOLETE! EVERYONE IS UNIQUE!"

"MATT HARDY PROMISED ME TO BRING TATSUMI BACK! HOW CAN I FULFILL IT, IF ALL MY FRIENDS ARE DEAD? AND HE SAID THAT HE WOULD PROMISE ME!"

"HE DID! BUT HE WANTS YOU LIVE FOR YOUR SAKE!"

"LIES!"

POW! POW!
They landed a huge right hook onto each other, as Steven growled, "Not bad…"

They stepped back, as she coughed out blood, "He's good… But I have to end him… No one is that versatile and strong. I've never backed down, and I never will! If I fail, everything is all for naught! I sais to hell with Matt Hardy, but… I MUST WIN, BY MYSELF! I WORK FOR NO ONE!"

They continued to brawl, as the entire building was crumbling a bit, struck on impact by wayward cannonballs. Steven called out, "Even if we don't finish this, sooner, I promise… WE GO DOWN, AND THE ISLAND, TOO!"

Akame said, with a slight glance, "A noble sacrifice, for a noble warrior."

They stepped back, as the rubble was pouring down. He said, as they stared down, "Let this be our final battle. Can you really defeat me, again?"

She said, "I will. It's all done by me… to DELETE you! But… no… It's all done by me… to ELIMINATE YOU!"

He cheered, "THAT'S THE SPIRIT! THAT'S THE AKAME I KNOW!"

She dashed towards him and grabbed Murasame. She swung high, as Steven lands a swift kick. But Akame vanished from her afterimage attack. Akame appeared from above and slashed Steven downward, with a swift strike.

SLASH!
But that, too, was an afterimage. Akame gasped, as she cried, "No… An afterimage?"

He roared, as he revved up his punch. Both Steven and Akame land the final blow, blade to fist. They both struck on impact. His fist was bleeding, as he grimaced in pain, resisting the blow. Akame pushed down and roared, "It is over! FOR TATSUMI!"

She pushed down, but her blade started to crack. He smirked, "Oops."

She gasped, "OH, NO!"

SMASH!
Murasame was shattered to pieces, as Steven's fist destroyed it, with the force of the punch, striking the blade. Akame gasped, as she stepped back, "IT CAN'T BE! Murasame…"

He smiled, "Mission failed!"

He roared, "HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

He charged at her, and landed his barrage of swift punches. He thought, as he was punching, "The ULTIMATE Power of Hokuto Shin Ken… This is for everyone that cared for me… For Scarlet! For Mundy! Peter & Farra! Heather! Mizuki! Asahi! Mr. Nevins! AND FOR CECELIA! EVERYBODY! EVERYBODY I CARED FOR! Even if I die in battle, I will atone for everything that I ever did, long before I met them! THIS IS FOR MY FRIENDS! THIS! IS THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP! STEVEN COOKE IS NOT A TOOL OF INJUSTICE! STEVEN COOKE IS THE PROTECTOR OF THE PEACE!"

His punches went harder, as he cried out, "YOU'RE NEXT, BROKEN MATT HARDY! FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID TO US, THIS ENDS NOW!
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH ATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATA! WAAAAAAH-ATATATATATATATATATATA! HAAAAAAAAAAAA-ATATATATATATATATATATATATA!"

He stepped back and charged his right fist back, "HaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

KAPOW!
Steven lands the final blow on Akame, right in the solar plexus. Akame is sent flying into the wall in a huge crash. He held his fist up and panted, "It is over…"

She dropped to the ground, out cold, battered, and bruised. She moaned, as she was unconscious, "I failed you… Tatsumi… Kurome… everyone… I couldn't defeat him…"

He panted, as his arms dropped, "Akame never lost… until now… That was for Scarlet… It's over."

His golden aura disappeared, and then collapsed onto the floor, faced down. They were both out cold, as the attack continued outside.

After a brutal battle, and a horrifying experience for The Gang, they have defeated NR9 and rescued Scarlet from being incarcerated. It was a great victory for Steven Cooke and his friends… but at what cost?

XXXXX

"GET TO YOUR RESPECTIVE SHUTTLES, AT ONCE!" Mizuki cried out, as the townspeople got on board, in groups.

Heather waved around, getting everyone in. But she spotted a crying young girl, in a blue dress and braided pigtails. She was trapped in a burning fire, blocked by wood debris. Heather rushed off and said, "TO THE RESCUE!"

Mizuki cried, "HEATHER!"

"I'll be right back!" She called out.

She arrived at the burning debris, and extinguished it with her icy wind. The girl was sobbing, as Heather extended her hand. She said, "Do not fret, little one. Fire beats ice, any time! But you cannot be trapped in fire, for long! Take my hand and let's go! This place is about to blow!"

She carried the girl in her arms, and then steadily ran back. However, she did not use her Superspeed, since her legs were still in pain, after the previous battles.

Asahi viewed it and cried, "HEATHER! SHE'S NOT GONNA MAKE IT!"

She pressed the blue button and cried, "MECHA POWER!"

She transformed into Mech-Asahi, her human-sized form, and ran towards Heather. Heather suddenly stumbled down, but Asahi caught her. Heather moaned, "Hey, thanks…"

Asahi said, "What I did to you… I'm sorry…"

Heather said, "That was Matt Hardy's doing. I forgive you. NOW, HELP ME UP!"

Asahi and Heather ran back, with the rescued child with them. They returned, as the mother called to them for her daughter. Heather said, "Here, ma'am. She was trapped in the building, and I rescued her."

Asahi said, "I'll go look for more survivors. You, stay put!"

Heather relaxed, as Asahi flew off, "Man… That's a beat. My legs are killing me…"

She unmasked herself, as she sighed, "I am getting too old for this…"

Asahi flew off, searching the island for more survivors, as she flew over the main building. She gasped, avoiding the flagpole, as she saw Chelsea's head. She whispered, "Nah. I don't even wanna know."

She scanned the area, and continued her search.

Peter said to Mizuki, "Uh, Miz, bad news! We have no room for all the survivors…"

Mizuki cried, "WHAT?"

Farra said, "These tankers can only carry so much as 200 people! There are like 1,500 people in Imperial Lobby!"

Peter roared, "WELL, WHAT ARE GONNA DO NOW?"

Mizuki said, "I'll contact HQ, and get another round."

He said, "You do that. Where's Asahi?"

Mizuki said, "Heather's resting her legs and injuries, and Asahi just went to find survivors."

Farra said, "I'll join her. You two get these people to safety!"

BOOM!
More explosions occur, as Peter cried, "You better hurry!"

Luzer said, "I'm coming with you! May be destructive, but I can handle anything!"

Peter said, "Luzer, too risky! Three may be a crowd for a search party, but you can't join in, at this state!"

Mizuki replied, "Let him! He assisted me, during the final fight. OH!"

"What's the matter?" Peter, Farra, & Luzer asked.

Mizuki cried, "SCARLET AND MUNDY ARE STILL UP THERE!"

Peter cried, "NO!"

Luzer said, "Miss Farra?"

Farra shouted, "Right behind ya!"

They flew away, as Peter said, "Damn it… Steven's still there, too. We have to rescue them!"

Mizuki said, "NO TIME! We have to get these people to safety! COME ON! LET'S GO!"

They rushed back to the carriers, as Peter & Mizuki continued to evacuate the island.

XXXXX

Scarlet and Mundy were running down the stairs, as the entire place was shaking. Scarlet cried, "We have to hurry. Osky, this place is going to be leveled, any minute now!"

Mundy said, "I wish some of The Gang stayed back to help us. Why did they have to quit AAW, just to get stronger?"

Scarlet said, "If I told you, you wouldn't believe me."

Mech-Asahi flew passed them, outside, as she scanned the place. She saw Scarlet & Oscar, and said, "Ah, good. They're safe. But now…"

She viewed another building, and saw two more life readings. She gasped, as she recognized one. She cried, "STEVEN!"

She raced to the area, as Steven and Akame were still unconscious.

Meanwhile, Steven started to come to, but remained immovable. He said to Akame, "So… Did you prove my point?"

Akame moaned, as she was struggling to get up, "No one has ever bested me in combat. My Imperial Arms… destroyed… My friends… failed… I'm a failure…"

"No… You're not…" he said, "During the fight, you chose to break away from Broken Matt's control. You chose to be his slave… because of him, right?"

She whispered, "Like you would know… Tatsumi didn't have to sacrifice himself…"

"No. He doesn't… But it was of cause. And it ended the Empire, once and for all."

"But… everything that happened… Why did I lose, just now? I had you… and you were supposed to be dead…"

"I would've been… but likewise you, I accept those that I slaughter… since I vow payback for being a tool of evil, and for a certain doll that broke my heart… The heart of my friends… my loved ones… and the power within me… makes me understand… that they deserve to be cleansed… and put to rest. Your friends, including Esdeath… and Seryu… and Bols… and Stylish… and your sister… They wanted to reunite. They chose to not repeat a performance, like before. That is why it has to be done… to make your friends return… to their final resting places. Matt Hardy revived them… because they are tools… Those were NOT Night Raid and Jaegers… Those… were tools of evil… You're better than that… You're better than a wrestler-turned-prophet… and you listened to his… his lies… You eliminate us… it'd be a matter of time, before he eliminates you…"

She gasped, "What?"

He moaned, "I am sorry, Akame… You are a worthy opponent… … …but I chose to save those that suffered… even those that chose the wrong path… to darkness…"

He added, "That is why… I can't let you suffer… like I did… All he can do… is use you, until he removes you… All evil beings are the same… The suffering cannot be used… and you suffered enough."

She sobbed, as she wept, "Steven… What have I done? I… I was a fool… My friends came back… everyone… and they all died… I can't lose anymore…"

He smiled, as he said, "See? I knew there was… good in you…"

He passed out, as she was sobbing, "I'm sorry… I'm sorry…"

Asahi appeared, as she cried, "OH, NO! STEVEN!"

She cradled him and sobbed, "No… He can't die… Steven! STEVEN, NO!"

Akame said, "It's alright. He won. He bested me in combat, after wanting to protect his friend…"

Asahi yelled, "YOU LIE! YOU KILLED HIM!"

"No… My blade… Look…"

Asahi saw Akame's sword, shattered to pieces, and on the floor, as she saw Steven's right fist, cut deeply from Murasame's blade. Akame said, "He never gave up. He didn't want me to suffer… Matt Hardy wrongfully revived my friends, used them as slaves, and I followed him. He was right. I cannot be a tool for evil… not like what he's been through… Tatsumi would've wanted it, that way…"

Asahi thought, "Steven… But…"

She realized, as she remembered Kanade Jinguji, "So, that's why we chose to train for two years… Steven Cooke was suffering, because Yakumo broke his heart… and Steven was used by the K-850 cyborg, Kanade Jinguji. He is a hero at heart, and doesn't want to be a slave or tool to evil."

She hugged him and smiled, "Oh, you stupid little shitface…"

He didn't listen, as she was sniffling. Akame said, "Take him… and go. I'll be fine, too. Just find your friends, and leave…"

Asahi smiled and said, "Thank you. But why did you decide to be nice to us?"

Akame said, as she moaned, "He didn't kill me. He knew I am a good person, at heart. Tell him, once I have a new Murasame… that he and I have unfinished business…"

Asahi said, as she carried Steven on her shoulders, "Well, get in line. He's got his own business to handle. But he'll remember that."

She flew off, as Akame said, "Maybe… we'll… meet again… someday… A-Fist…"

She closed her eyes and passed out. Akame remained alive, as she was immovable and badly hurt. Her battle with Steven finally opened her eyes, and freed herself from Matt Hardy's control, all because she wants Tatsumi back, only to realize that she was used.

Asahi flew to the others, as she said, "Hang on, man… I know what you did was something at heart, and I appreciate it, but we have to go!"

Farra and Luzer appear, as Luzer called, "Mech-Asahi!"

Farra said, "You find survivors. Leave Steven to me!"

"Careful. He's badly hurt, after his battle."

"What happened?" Farra asked Asahi.

Asahi said, as she prepared, "We won."

She flew off, as Farra asked, in confusion, "Huh? He won? He beat Akame?"

Luzer said, "Then, why is he out like a light?"

Farra replied, "I'll take Steven back. You find more innocent bystanders to rescue."

Luzer saluted, "Rigor!"

He flew off, as Farra yelled, "It's ROGER, not RIGOR!"

She flew off, holding Steven in her arms, as she whispered, "Damn it, Steven… Don't you die on me… Steven…"

She sniffled, "Steven Cooke, you fucking douche… Don't die on us, now, after what you've done!"

Asahi and Luzer continued to patrol the area, and rescued everyone else in the island.

Meanwhile, a few ships carried Najenda away, as she said, "Find NR9 agents! Some have been slain… except for Akame."

They marched off, as the island continued to be destroyed.

XXXXX

Moments later, The Gang returned, as Farra placed Steven on the ground. Heather moaned, "Steven… Oh, no…"

Peter said, "That's all the people."

Scarlet said, "Only one problem… Now that we rescued Imperial Lobby's people…"

She hollered, "WHAT ABOUT US?"

The people had been successfully evacuated. However, The Gang, Scarlet, and Mundy were stranded, with no transport.

Mizuki sobbed, "This is bad…"

Peter sobbed, "REAL bad…"

Asahi said, "Don't tell me that this is it? We're going to die, are we?"

The huge building was crumbling down, into a huge rubble, as Mundy said, "Damn it! We were this close!"

Everyone watched on, as Imperial Lobby was being destroyed, and flames started to ignite. Farra prayed, as she said, "It's going to take a miracle to rescue all of us…"

Heather hollered, "SOMEBODY HELP US!"

Meanwhile, above the tower, Akame was rescued, as she was still unconscious. Najenda saw her put on board, as she said, "Damn. Akame failed…"

She snarled, "This is NOT over! The Gang, Scarlet Riley… THEY will be DELETED, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER!"

She smirked evilly, "But then again… they're stranded on the island, with no help…"

She cackled, "HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA! I WIN! I WIN! AHHHH, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA!"

Back to where The Gang is, Farra whispered, "Please tell me that it's not over… I am too beautiful to die!"

Peter sobbed, "Oh, come on… Not like this!"

Heather then suddenly sensed something. She whispered, "Guys… Did you hear that?"

They listened on, as Heather said, "Everyone… to the edge of the island… We have to…"

She roared, "WE HAVE TO JUMP!"

The others gasped, "WHAT?"

Heather cried, "BELIEVE ME! IT'S THE ONLY WAY! I can sense it!"

Mizuki asked Scarlet, "Ma'am? What do you think?"

Scarlet said, as she was nervous, "Let's hope you're right…"

They prepared, as Farra has Steven in her arms, Peter has Heather in his shoulders, and Mundy holding onto Scarlet. Heather called, "On 3… we jump…"

They counted, "1… 2… 3!"

They all jumped off the edge of the island, as a huge cannonball landed on where they were standing. The Gang plummeted down to the blue sky, as Heather cried, "I see… I SEE IT!"

They saw the view of a huge black jet, in the shape of a transporter van, hovering under them.

"IT'S THE BATTLEVAN!" Heather shrieked.

Farra cried, "NO WAY! IT CAME HERE?"

Peter cheered, "DUDE! OUR TRANSPORT CAME!"

Mizuki cried, "BUT HOW? It's back in East Townsend! How did it get here?"

Scarlet hollered, "NEVER MIND THAT! WHAT ABOUT THE LANDING?"

They all screamed, as they plummeted towards the roof of their flying vehicle.
WHAM!
They all landed on the roof, except Farra and Luzer, as Rook was in the driver's seat. He saluted, "YOHO! AAW C-Squad Agent, Reggie Hadigan the 3rd, on the job!"

They moaned in pain, as Farra opened the hatch from the roof. She said, "Everyone, quick! Down here!"

They ran inside, heading into their all-purpose all-terrain tour van. Mizuki went to the driver's seat, and then asked, "Huh? Who are you?"

Rook smiled, "AH, good to see you, Agent Takase. It's an honor to meet a fellow AAW Agent. OH! Wait… You're not with AAW, anymore?"

Mizuki said, "We're just on sabbatical."

Farra called, "I got Steven in the back! Mizuki, take the wheel!"

Mizuki said, "Move over, newbie!"

She took the wheel, as Rook asked, "Uh, is anyone going to ask who I am?"

Scarlet said, "It's alright. You've done enough. And thanks for the rescue. We only have seconds before the land becomes a burning wasteland. Takase!"

Mizuki beeped, "Thrusters online! Beginning jet engine drive!"

She smiled, "For once, I can be happy for my robotic persona!"

Everyone was seated, as they flew off in the BattleVan. The entire island of Imperial Lobby, owned by The Authority, was reduced to a fiery wasteland, destroyed by the Buster Call.

The Gang escaped the island, in the nick of time, as their biggest reunion adventure comes to a close. Scarlet Riley is rescued, and Broken Matt Hardy's vile plan was foiled.

Scarlet was outside the window, as she spotted Najenda, glaring at the BattleVan, flying away. She snarled, "Scarlet… Riley…"

Scarlet said, "Takase… Put her in hover. I'll be right back."

She climbed up, as Peter asked, "Uh, what is she doing?"

Scarlet climbed to the roof, as she turned to view of Najenda. She called out, "Najenda!"

Najenda turned to her, as she cried out, "This is not over! I will return, and get back at you for this!"

Scarlet crossed her arms and said, "No… Send this message to Matt Hardy…"

Her arms turned fiery in a bright ember, as Najenda was frozen stiff from Scarlet's psychic energy. Scarlet closed her eyes, and then Najenda started to bend backwards, slowly and painfully. She started to cry out in pain, as Scarlet whispered, "Najenda… When I said that we cannot meet again, I wanted to make sure… Najenda…"

She opened her eyes and closed her fists, "DIE!"

SNAP!
Najenda's back snapped backwards, bending her spine into a 45 degree angle. Her body collapsed, as her eye was dilated and blank, with her mouth wide open in shock. She gagged and croaked in pain, twitching a bit. The officer checked on her, as he gasped, "OH, MY LORD! SHE'S DEAD!"

Scarlet smirked, "Hah."

She went back down, as Mizuki asked, "What did you do that for?"

"Closure." Scarlet said, "A little message to Broken Matt and his gallery of Obsolete Mules… NO ONE messes with The Gang."

Asahi smiled, "Damn right!"

Mundy laughed, "That's my darling Scarlet~!"

Luzer thought, "Uh, is no one going to realize that she just killed Najenda?"

Steven suddenly came to, as he whispered, "Where am I?"

Farra held him in her arms and said, "Hey… Welcome back."

He moaned, "What did I do? I battled Akame… and…"

She kissed him and said, "We won."

He moaned, "Good… Steven Cooke did win, did he? Yeah… Good work, team…"

He suggested, "Hey, when this is over, we should have a party, when we return home…"

He then asked, "Seriously… Farra… Did I win, or is this Hell?"

She wept, as she was laughing, "No… You did good, man… You did good…"

She hugged him, as the others smiled, knowing Steven is alright.

The Gang departed back to New York, as their adventure against NR9 has been put to rest. After all the blood, mayhem, and carnage, The Gang survived the trap, made by the Broken Brilliance of Matt Hardy. However, this war was far from over, as the flames continued to grow, in what was once known as Imperial Lobby.

To be continued…