~~Feels good to be back…
Titania is free, and the Cornerians press forward. But the devil himself brings forward the ultimate sword against the ultimate shield. Leave a review if you'd like, and as always; enjoy the chapter!
Sector Z: Day 32
~The victory over Titania opened the door for the Eclipse and Cornerians to advance closer to Sector Z. After sweeping Titania for any additional C.O.R. forces, the Cornerians advanced towards MacBeth. To their surprise, they noticed no C.O.R. forces awaiting their arrival to the system. Not leaving the situation to chance, Toran ordered the entirety of the Cornerian and Eclipse forces to sweep the planet. Toran even recalled the Divergent fleet from Zoness to assist. As the Cornerians and Eclipse dispersed their forces, the Star Fox team made an unorthodox encounter with Star Wolf.
Throughout the duration of the battle of Titania, Toran had ordered Star Wolf to perform covert reconnaissance of the C.O.R. forces near and within Sector Z. Star Wolf carefully navigated Lylat as they avoided the brunt of the C.O.R. forces that lurked around them to spy on the C.O.R. forces. As Wolf explained his tale to the Star Fox team, Toran validated his story and the Star Fox team allowed Star Wolf to dock their ships within the Great Fox II.
It was Star Wolf that explained to the Cornerians and the Eclipse that the C.O.R. had completely evacuated MacBeth and prepared their defense within Sector Z. Though the truth of Wolf working in secret for Toran caused a distrust issue with the Cornerian commanders, Toran reasserted their confidence. The day had passed by, and the Cornerian and Eclipse forces swept MacBeth and found no C.O.R. assets within the system.
The next day came forth, and now the Cornerians and the Eclipse arrived at the very edge of the Sector Z combat zone. The many ships of the Cornerian and Eclipse fleets entered an offensive formation as they brought their ships to a halt at the edge of the system. Within the bridge of the Great Fox II, Star Fox and Star Wolf awaited their orders from Toran. "About damn time we get here." Falco said as he crossed his arms. "Been waiting to bring the hurt to their own turf."
"Assuming your forces push them back." Panther added. "Their numbers are still greater than ours, and without your super weapon your forces-"
"We will push them back." Marcus interrupted. The group looked towards Marcus in the center of the bridge and noticed the determination on Marcus's face. "We've already sacrificed too much to get to this point. I'm not about to sit idly by and waste the opportunity we've been given."
Seeing his confidence at an all-time high, Axios chuckled from the corner of the bridge. "What's so funny?" Marcus asked.
All eyes turned to Axios as he lowered his head and smiled. "You've come a long way." Axios responded. "Taking down the Crimson Organization, fighting battle after battle against the C.O.R.; you've grown and matured quite a bit since you guys found me in Meteo."
"The cub is a natural leader." Wolf said. The group turned their attention to Wolf standing before the bridge windshield and looking out at the Cornerian fleets. "I bet he's got that from his pain in the ass father." Wolf continued. "Always being optimistic, even in the face of clear and present danger."
"You've changed quite a bit too you know." Fox said. Fox stood form a chair he sat upon and approached the bridge holotable. "You've always wanted to kill me, now it seems more like you're looking out for me."
"Don't assume you think you know my intentions pup." Wolf hastily responded. "When this war is over, and the C.O.R. no longer pose a threat; I will defeat you."
"You know, just wanting to chime in here." Slippy interjected from across the bridge. "You two have been butting heads since Andross was around. This is an exaggeration but it has been like, thirty years? And you still hate Fox with a passion?"
"I still hate you if that's what you're asking." Oikonny said from across the bridge. "What's your point froggy?"
"Don't you think it's time you let go of your grudge match with Fox? He's pretty much moved on with his life. He's got a wife and son, but Wolf doesn't seem to have anyone."
Slippy's words brought a period of silence amongst the two teams, and Wolf's thoughts weighed heavy on Slippy's comment. The thought of a peaceful life was something that Wolf hadn't considered. With the thought of the war ending, Wolf wondered what he would do with his time after the war had ended. The thoughts brought a small sense of fear into Wolf's senses, and he grew angry at Slippy. "When I'm done with Fox." Wolf said as he turned to face Slippy. "You're next."
"You've got grey hairs growing on your brow too Wolf." Fox said from across the holotable. "And not the same grey that matches the color of your fur. You might hate me for the rest of your life, and I'm prepared to live with that. But there is a good person deep down in there. You know that."
Hearing Fox's words caused Wolf to lose his cool. "Why the hell are you saying these things to me?" Wolf angrily asked. "Why now? Of all times? We're about to enter the most dangerous part of Lylat, and you are trying to convince me of being a person who I know I'm not?! What's gotten into your head Fox?"
To Wolf's surprise, Fox lowered his head and smiled. Fox let loose a small chuckle and Wolf's anger grew even more. "What's so damn funny?" He asked.
"Despite how much you hate me, and how much you want to kill me." Fox said as he looked at Wolf. "A part of me has always thought of you as a friend, and I've always respected you as a formidable pilot. In case this war goes south, I just wanted you to know that."
Wolf silenced himself and Fox's words moved the two teams. Wolf felt his sense of anger slowly disappear, and he let loose a deep sigh. He turned away from Fox to continue looking out into space as he contemplated Fox's words. "You're a damned fool." Wolf softly responded. "That's what you are pup. A fool."
Wolf's words did not deter Fox's mood, and the two teams could see Wolf's personal struggle as he tried to maintain his hatred towards Fox. Seeing Wolf the way he was as Fox gave him words of kindness brought a smile upon Marcus's face, but the joyful moment would not last. Within moments, the bridge's communicator sounded off and the two teams gathered around the holotable. "This is Marcus of Star Fox." Marcus said into the communicator
Toran appeared over the bridge's holotable and the two teams gathered around it. "Star Fox, Star Wolf, this is Toran." Toran said from the bridge of the Carbon. "All fleets are ready to advance. We are awaiting the green light from the Great Fox II."
"We're ready General." Marcus responded. "We've been ready for a long time."
"Then let's not keep the enemy waiting. Advance into-"Toran's communications had been suddenly cut off and he lost his image of Star Fox. He looked about his bridge and noticed his crew had become confused. "What happened?" he asked. "What happened to our communications?"
"General!" A crewman responded. "We have been cut off! We-"
"Soldiers of the Cornerian military." The All Father said. All Cornerian ships within the area had noticed the All Father appear on their bridge monitors. The All Father also had access to all smaller Cornerian communications channels, and he appeared over the Great Fox II bridge terminal. "You know me as the All Father, leader of the Children of Red." The All Father continued. "I have a message for all of you."
Marcus pressed a button on the side of the holotable and Sigma appeared before him. "Sigma?" Marcus asked.
"I'm not sure how he did it." Sigma responded. "I can't force his communications out of our system."
Marcus brought his attention back towards the All Father as he continued to speak. "You have proven to be a tiresome nuisance through this war." The All Father continued. "And I have grown very irritated of your resistance. I admire how your resolve remains strong, even after destroying that red star. But you have pushed yourselves too far, and now the time has come for this war to end. Bring your forces to me. Bring the might of the Cornerian forces. You will not survive the coming engagement. Not even with your Purifier."
Within the bridge of the Purifier, Harbinger stood alongside Kiza and the two watched the All Father continue. "To my old protégé, Harbinger." The All Father said. "You have fled like a coward for hundreds of years, but in this moment your retched life will be mine. You have condemned all of your Eclipse brethren to a very bloody death, and the rest of your Lithonian culture will die alongside you."
"And to those members of Star Fox. I have a message to deliver to your leader." To Star Fox's horror, Keesal and Scylor brought forth Sierra's lifeless corpse and dropped it before the feet of the All Father. Marcus's heart stopped and his lower jaw dropped. "I know you're watching, Marcus McCloud." The All Father continued. "Your beloved here has suffered a dreadful fate. One that I'm sure you're all too familiar with for those who cross me."
Marcus looked to his side and gave Axios a grim look. Axios returned the gaze with a look of concern, and he quickly realized what the All Father did. "He destroyed her mind…" Axios softly said. "Sierra… she must be in limbo by now…"
Marcus focused his attention back to the All Father and his anger had started to grow. "Her final fate is up to you Marcus." The All Father said. "Whether or not you can reach her in time to restore the pieces is up to you. But her time is running out. If I can effortlessly render a Star Fox pilot incapacitated, what do you think I can do with the rest of you? Come fight me if you please, you'll all only die."
The All Father ended his communications with the Cornerians and Eclipse, and all the Cornerian soldiers became concerned for Star Fox. "Star Fox." Toran said into his communicator. "This is Toran, do you read?"
Marcus had become paralyzed with grief at the sight of Sierra in her condition. He couldn't move or speak, and the team grew worried for him. "Star Fox!" Toran called out over the communicator. "Do you read?!"
"General, this is Fox." Fox said into the communicator. "We read you loud and clear."
"Marcus, I know you can hear me." Marcus saw Toran's holographic image appear over the holotable and Toran saw Marcus in his paralyzed state. "Marcus, listen to me." Toran continued. "What you just saw, what the All Father just did, that is the reality. But that is only the reality of this moment."
"Now is not the time to grief or mourn. I read the reports, you can restore her mind like you did to Axios. She is not dead Marcus, she yet lives. The time has come for you to rescue her, and the entire Cornerian military is here to help you do just that. You need to recover your senses, and you must do it now."
"Sierra…" Marcus softly said. "I can't believe… He would…"
"Captain Marcus." Commander Lora said. The team noticed Lora's hologram appear next to Toran's over the holotable. "Son, I can understand the pain you must feel." Commander Lora continued. "I have two daughters on Corneria, and I would be devastated if something happened to them. You have a chance to save your comrade, but your resolve must remain true."
"Marcus!" Bill called out. Bill's hologram appeared beside Toran and Lora's. "We've all got your back kid! We'll make the All Father regret the day he chose to torture your girl!"
To the rest of Star Fox and Star Wolf's surprise, all of the communications terminals within the bridge quickly sounded off and small holograms of every Cornerian commander appeared over the bridge holotable. Marcus quickly became shocked at the amount of comfort the commanders offered, and he quickly found his resolve once more. "Commanders…" Marcus softly said. "Thank you. I've got everything I need."
Marcus stood tall once more before the holotable and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. "Star Fox will lead the assault." Marcus said. "I think it's high time we've kicked these guys out of Lylat." Marcus stepped away from the holotable and turned towards the rest of his team. "Mount up." He said. "You too Star Wolf."
"Since when is the cub giving me orders?" Wolf asked. "Just because you got some comfort for your girl doesn't mean-"
"EITHER YOU MOVE YOUR ASS OR I'LL DRAG YOU TO YOUR FIGHTER MYSELF!"
Star Wolf became frightened at Marcus's sudden burst of anger and Wolf felt nervousness overtake him. "Ok, I'm going." Wolf said. "Let's go boys."
As the team left the bridge, Fox and Falco chuckled at each other after viewing Marcus's temper. "Wish yelling could have solved our problems with them during the Lylat Wars." Falco said as he left the bridge."
"If only…" Fox responded.
Star Fox and Star Wolf quickly moved to the hanger and everyone climbed into their fighters. As star Fox readied themselves, the Cornerian and Eclipse forces slowly advanced into Sector Z. Within the bridge of the Ark, Tyrell stood on the commander's platform with an open communications line with Harbinger. "The Ark is advancing at a slow pace brother." Tyrell said to Harbinger. "But our range is great. We will be able to provide cover form the rear line of capital ships."
"Very good." Harbinger responded. "I will join the fight in my fighter, Kiza will assume command of the Purifier for this skirmish."
"Kiza? He is yet just a boy Ace. Do you believe he is ready?"
"I am more than ready." Kiza interjected from behind Harbinger. "The Purifier's defensive turrets will fend off any small crafts, and I will fire the main orb on Ace's command. The Purifier will remain at the rear until we can reach the optimal firing position."
Harbinger looked over his shoulder and let loose a faint smile. "You heard the Commander." Harbinger said to Tyrell. "Communicate with him, and keep me in the circle."
"Understood Ace." Tyrell responded. "Forgive me Kiza, you've eased my doubts."
Harbinger smiled and turned to face Kiza. "This skirmish may be the last we ever have to fight." Harbinger said to Kiza. "Follow my commands closely, and keep the Purifier safe."
"I will brother." Kiza responded. Kiza and Harbinger reached out and firmly grasped each other's forearms. "Fly with care brother." Kiza said.
"And command with it." Harbinger responded.
Harbinger left the bridge of the Purifier and several Eclipse pilots joined him. He and his eclipse soldiers quickly moved to the hanger and Harbinger looked upon his Crescent. "Deploy all Dusk Bringers and join with the Cornerians." Harbinger said to one of his commanders. "After two hundred years, our war with the C.O.R. ends today."
Harbinger quickly climbed aboard the Crescent and powered up his fighter. He and several dozen Eclipse fighters flew from the hanger of the Purifier and moved towards the Cornerian forces. "This is Harbinger of the Eclipse." Harbinger said into his communications. "Star Fox, what is your position?"
To Harbinger's surprise, he noticed the Arwing III, Arwing II, Cloud Runner, and Archangel suddenly appear around him. "Star Fox is right behind you." Marcus said.
Harbinger looked over his shoulder and noticed the fighters of Star Wolf, Red team, and Gold team flying in formation. "I saw those fighters destroyed not two days ago." Harbinger said. "How is it that they have been restored so quickly?"
"The Great Fox II comes with an automated fighter assembly plant built within the walls of the hanger." Fred cheerfully responded. "Dad and I have worked a couple years on perfecting the design. Give us twenty four hours and we can build any fighter from scratch!"
"Very efficient. The Eclipse could benefit from that technology."
"We'll have a lot to share after this war is over." Fox said from the Arwing II. "General Toran, Star Fox is ready and waiting."
Toran pressed several buttons on his command console and all Cornerian and Eclipse forces saw the image of the Lylat mega gate being surrounded by the entirety of the C.O.R. armada. "Men, what you're looking at is the Lylat mega gate." Toran said over the communications channel. "As of this moment, the C.O.R. have control over the gate and have been using it for whatever purpose they deemed fit. Today, we are going to eliminate the C.O.R. in Sector Z and reclaim control over the gate."
"Preliminary scans show that the C.O.R. numbers have suffered tremendously throughout our liberation campaign. Though they outnumber us still, we have the Ark and the Purifier ready to eliminate the large C.O.R. fleet lines. Men, this war has gone on long enough. We are ending this today. All Cornerian and Eclipse forces, advance towards the gate!"
Following his commands, the fleets of the Cornerian and Eclipse forces advanced into the Sector Z combat zone. Seeing the advancement on their long range radars, the C.O.R. forces held a massive defensive line near the Lylat mega gate. Within the bridge of the Titan, Keesal and Scylor stood side by side as they watched the Cornerians and the Eclipse advance. "Seems that they are still not deterred." Keesal said with her arms crossed. "Master is playing this very close to the chest."
"I sense your nervousness." Scylor said as he gently gripped his chest plate. "Do you doubt his plan?"
"Of course not dearest. I can only imagine the enemy's horror to see the gate open and to watch only more of our forces pour from it. The Archfiend will make short work of the Cornerians with the Ruby Armada. This battle will be a slaughter."
"This battle will be the last." The All Father said form behind them.
Keesal and Scylor both turned to notice the All Father slowly entering the bridge with his staff extended in hand. "They come at us with all of their forces, and they believe that the Purifier will be their saving grace." The All Father said. "But the Archfiend will eliminate the Purifier as soon as it crosses the gate. When it does we will crush the remainder of their forces. They'll die with no hope and no resolve."
"What would you have of us master?" Scylor asked. "Shall we join the defense?"
"No. For now you will remain here."
"Master?" Keesal asked. "I would believe that our skills would be better suited-"
"Your skills would be better suited where I say they will!" Keesal and Scylor both felt frightened at the All Father's interruption and they could feel his anger growing. "On Titania, I told you to retrieve the girl. Nothing less, and nothing more. One of you decided that something more was 'suited to your skills', and he paid the price with his life."
"Reaver was always bold, even when I adopted him as my third apprentice; he always showed his rebellious nature. Yet he was as loyal as any student, and followed his orders to the letter. But Reaver is not here now, his head rests upon Harbinger's mantle and his sword claimed as a trophy. He overestimated his abilities, and now I have but two remaining Blood Children."
"Very well master." Scylor said. "We'll remain by your side until a new command is given."
"When I have allowed the Cornerians to push close enough into our ranks, I will open the gate and release the Archfiend. It will unleash the Ruby Armada and the ships will swarm the Cornerian offensive lines. When that time comes, you will join the slaughter."
"As you wish master." Keesal responded. "We await the arrival."
"For now, we wait."
As the trio waited within the bridge of the Titan, the battle in space had become a gruesome blood bath of massive fighter dog fights and trading between canon rounds. Within the middle of it, Star Fox and Star Wolf, along with Cornerian and Eclipse fighters, fought amidst the floating debris while chasing down a battalion of C.O.R. fighters. "There's so god damn many of them!" Isaac called out while being chased by a squad of C.O.R. fighters. "This is a nightmare!"
"Keep your head together Isaac!" Falco quickly responded. "Times like this, this is what I live for!" Falco banked the Skyclaw to the side to chase down a pair of C.O.R. fighters. As he locked onto his targets, he noticed another pair of C.O.R. fighters quickly approaching him from his side. "Oh great." He said. "Just let me shoot down your friends in peace!"
In response to his words, Falco noticed the Arwing III quickly shoot down the two incoming C.O.R. fighters and fly in the opposite direction of the Skyclaw. "Look alive Falco!" Marcus called out. "You've got another two on your tail!"
Falco looked at his rear view monitor and grew frustrated. "This just keeps getting better." Falco softly said.
Falco banked to the side in an attempt to flee the C.O.R. fighters behind him while chasing down more C.O.R. fighters to shoot down. Meanwhile, the Cornerian and Eclipse fleets continued to exchange canon fire with the C.O.R. and both factions continued to take losses. At the moment, Toran looked to his side and watched as C.O.R. canon fire destroyed one of his destroyers. "We've lost the Progress General!" A crewman called out. "Badger and Divergent fleets continue to push on the right flank!"
"Eclipse and Advancement fleets are gradually pushing the left flank." Another crewman called out. "And Excelsior and Husky fleets are still pushing up the middle."
"Continue the advancement." Toran said to his crew. "We do not stop until the Purifier has reached its optimal firing position. The enemy still has too many numbers outside of its range."
"General Toran, this is Tyrell of the Eclipse." Tyrell said from the bridge of the Ark. "The Ark has claimed multiple C.O.R. ships on the left side. We are going to apply Shroud fire upon the center."
"Understood Tyrell. Purifier, what is your status?"
"This is Kiza of the Eclipse." Kiza responded from the Purifier. "The Purifier requires more time to achieve its firing position. If our advance continues as is, I estimate another ten minutes before firing."
"Star Fox, did you read that?"
"Way ahead of you Toran!" Marcus responded. Marcus flew alongside the Havok and he and Joey chased down a squad of C.O.R. fighters. "Joey! Drones! Now!" He called out.
Joey quickly activated his drones and soon the four of them fell from the rear of the Havok. "Drones away!" Joey called out. "Marcus, I've got a lock on the two in front of us!"
Marcus quickly felt his fighter shake and he realized that laser fire struck the rear of the Arwing III. "Then take them!" Marcus responded. Marcus quickly pulled back on his accelerator and slammed his foot on his brake pedals. He watched as the Havok sped away from him but also caught his pursuer in front of him as well. "You're mine!" He called out.
Marcus and Joey both opened fire upon their targets and they destroyed them both. As the two regrouped, Marcus looked to his side and noticed Star Wolf amidst the chaos of the battle. "Wolf!" Marcus called out. "Give me a sit rep!"
"Mind your own hide cub!" Wolf responded. "We're just fine!" Wolf quickly sped after a trio of C.O.R. fighters and locked onto the head fighter. He squeezed his triggers and shot down his targets with ease and he banked to the side to find more targets. "This battle is unlike any I've been a part of." He thought.
"Wolf, you have danger at your rear!" Panther called out. Panther quickly piloted the Black Rose behind Wolf's Wolfen II and locked onto Wolf's pursuers. "I claim your lives!" Panther called out.
Panther shot down Wolf's pursuers and the two formed up to continue their attack. "Don't expect a thank you." Wolf said to Panther.
"I would never expect such." Panther responded. "I have not heard from Leon and the monkey."
"Oikonny is probably being tailed. Let's find him before he gets shot down."
While Wolf and Panther sped off to find Oikonny and Leon, the three teams of Star Fox regrouped and followed Harbinger and a group of Eclipse fighters. "Ace!" Marcus called out. "Where to?!"
"The Dusk Bringers next to me carry heavy weapons, equivalent to your smart bombs." Harbinger responded. "We're going to attack a group of destroyers that are targeting the Ark."
"Has the Ark taken any damage?" Krystal asked.
"This is Tyrell." Tyrell said over the communicator. "The Ark's shields are holding strong. Several destroyers have targeted us from long range, but their canon fire has not done sufficient damage to get past our shields. We are currently in range to target the destroyers for your bombing run. Prepare for our assault."
Shortly after Tyrell cut off communication with Star Fox and Harbinger, the group noticed the massive ship charge its dual Shroud canons. "Tyrell is about to fire." Harbinger said to the group. "Prepare to clean up."
After a few moments, the Ark fired its twin Shroud canons and the group watched as two massive yellow beams of energy sliced through a pair of C.O.R. destroyers. The resulting explosions set off a chain reaction that destroyed several smaller frigates within the blast radius. "Ace, their main destroyers are down." Tyrell said into the communicator.
"I saw." Harbinger respond. "Men, ready your formation behind me and prepare to launch your bombing run."
"Red team, look alive!" Marcus called out. "Fighters coming in!"
A large group of C.O.R. fighters quickly flew directly head onto to Star Fox and Harbinger's Eclipse fighters. The two factions opened fire upon the other as they flew right by each other. Amidst the fly by, the C.O.R. fighters shot down half a dozen of Harbinger's bombers while Star Fox shot down nearly a dozen C.O.R. fighters. "We've lost six to that engage!" Amanda called out. "Do we proceed?"
"We're in the middle of a bombing run mom!" Fred called out. "We're coming up on the destroyers now!"
The group quickly came up upon a pair of C.O.R. destroyers and everyone locked onto to a series of AA turrets and external critical systems. "Star Fox, protect my brothers while we attack the destroyers." Harbinger said.
"You heard him." Marcus responded. "Blue, Gold, scatter! Red team, bring the rain!"
"We're on it!" Slippy responded. "Fred, go with your mother! Abbie, you're with me!"
"Right!" Abigail responded.
Red team quickly joined formation with Harbinger and his remaining bombers as they sped towards the C.O.R. destroyers. While they advanced, Blue and Gold team scattered and targeted the destroyers' defensive AA turrets. "I see three on the top!" Falco called out. "And two on either side!"
"Katt, Joey, take the left! Falco, you and me!" Isaac called out. "Let's take the right!" Isaac and Falco piloted the Nightshade and the Skyclaw very close to one of the destroyers and unleashed a barrage of laser fire upon the exterior. The two of them destroyed four AA turrets in total and were quickly followed by a pair of Dusk Bringer bombers. As they completed their run, Isaac turned his head and noticed a series of large explosions run along the exterior of the destroyer. "Hell yea!" Isaac cheered.
"Joey and I cleared the left!" Katt said as she flew away from the destroyer. "She's going to blow!"
After a few moments, the massive destroyer had exploded into three, and the shockwave caught all of Gold team and the Eclipse bombers. "I can't keep her together!" Joey called out as he struggled to maintain control of the Havok.
"Boosters!" Falco called out. "Now!"
Gold team quickly slammed on their boost pedals to escape the post effects of the shock wave. As they escaped the blast, Isaac looked to the side and noticed that Blue and Red team, along with Harbinger and his bombers, had already set the second destroyer ablaze in their bombing run. "Marcus!" Isaac called out. "You got to bail!"
"Copy that!" Marcus hastily responded. "Harbinger! We're out!"
"I agree!" Harbinger responded. "Brothers! Disperse!" Harbinger and his Eclipse bombers quickly flew away from the destroyer and they watched from a safe distance as the massive ship exploded into two. "Tyrell, this is Harbinger." Harbinger said into his communicator. "The targets have been destroyed."
"I see Ace." Tyrell responded. "The Ark is pressing forward, and the Cornerian armada is advancing as well."
"Ace, Tyrell, this is Kiza." Kiza called out form the Purifier. "The Purifier is moments away from firing position!"
"Toran, this is Marcus!" Marcus called out. "Did you hear that?"
"Affirmative." Toran responded. "Excelsior fleets, for a defensive blockade before the Purifier and protect it as it moves into position. We're go for activation in less than sixty seconds."
Seeing the Purifier move closer to the C.O.R. lines from within the bridge of the Titan, the All Father finally made his choice. "Keesal, Scylor." He said. "It's time."
Keesal and Scylor both smiled and they quickly rushed out of the bridge. The All Father stepped onto his command platform and stood tall before his crew. "This is the All Father to all C.O.R. forces." He said. "The time has come. Gate crew, release the Archfiend."
To the Cornerians and the Eclipse's surprise, all eyes turned to the mega gate as its ring spokes slowly started to rotate. Within the bridge of the Carbon, Toran watched as the mega gate slowly opened and quickly expanded in size. "General!" A crewman called out. "The gate! It's opening!"
"I can see that!" Toran responded. "What is-"Toran quickly heard his bridge alarms sound off as a new contact approached Sector Z form the gate. "Report!" Toran called out. "What is going on?"
"General! I'm reading a new contact quickly approaching form the gate!" A crewman called out. "It's-"
Toran quickly turned his attention to his crewman and he noticed the look of shock from the crewman's face. "What is it corporal?!" Toran demanded.
"Scanners have ranked it as a class SS threat signature… General, it's-"
All eyes turned towards the gate as a dreadnaught sized ship quickly emerged from the gate. The massive ship was built in a direct linear fashion with hundreds of bomber class C.O.R. heavy fighters attached to the exterior. A pair of twin Shroud canons rested on the front tip of the ship, and half a dozen mini Shroud canons rested along the exterior.
After the dreadnaught exited the gate, another pair of C.O.R. fleets came through to accompany it. All of the incoming forces bore a bright red crest on the top of their ships. The crest appeared to be a spear going through a solar eclipse. Seeing the massive dreadnaught ship for the first time, Harbinger quickly panicked. "By the gods…" Harbinger softly said.
To the Cornerian and Eclipse's they all noticed a new monitor appear on their HUDs and they all looked upon a massive sized, red, five tailed wolf appear before them. "Archfiend… will… destroy…" The Archfiend said. "Destroy… Destroy destroy… EVERYTHING…"
The Archfiend detached the hundreds of C.O.R. heavy bombers from its exterior and all the bombers quickly sped towards the Cornerian line. The incoming fleets quickly opened fire upon the Cornerian and Eclipse forces quickly eliminating groups of capital ships and destroyers. The Archfiend charged the main Shroud canons and quickly targeted the Purifier. Seeing an alarm sound off in his cockpit, Harbinger noticed that the Purifier had been targeted. "KIZA!" Harbinger screamed. "MOVE THE PURIFIER!"
"DROP NOW!" Kiza called out. "DROP N-"
To the horror of the Cornerians and the Eclipse, the Archfiend fired its twin Shroud canons directly at the Purifier. The massive blast of energy dispersed the Purifier's shields and cut across the mighty super weapon. Within moments, a massive explosion engulfed one of the legs of the Purifier and its firing spokes had been destroyed completely. A chain of explosions engulfed the Purifier's exterior, and soon the massive super weapon had exploded completely.
Seeing their super weapon destroyed, all of the Eclipse soldiers quickly went into a state of shock. To add onto their worries, the Cornerian fleets were swarmed with waves upon waves of C.O.R. bombers released from the Archfiend. Seeing that the C.O.R. reinforcements had quickly turned the tide, the Cornerians and the Eclipse panicked.
The All Father smiled at the destruction before him, and he felt a rush of energy over take him. He took a deep breath and stood tall before his crew. "All C.O.R. forces." The All Father said as he pointed his staff. "Destroy them. Destroy them all."
