Disclaimers: I do not own any of the characters in this story(except Stryker, Calina, Typhoon, Serena, Eva, Eyna, Sokudo, Orenji, Purlinn, Akito, Pori, Malice, Jaakuna, Shokku, Joruto, Purasu, Minasu, Marise, Akummenji, Maiyo, Aeron, Jinsei, and Sayuri)
Chapter 37: Calm Before the Storm
Narrator: Clarissa and her group were close to capturing Dr. Psycho and Groomer. But rather than surrendering, they put up resistance. But just then, they were confronted by two celestial spirits, Taurus and Tatsu, who proved more than a match for them. Psycho offers them the chance to join their cause. But naturally, they refused. And as the two were about to bring Psycho and Groomer in, they managed to escape via smoke screen. Taurus and Tatsu plowed their way through hordes of Parvo's canomutant troops. Seeing that they are outclassed, the canomutants retreat and leave Groomer and Psycho on their own. Back with the Road Rovers, they were faced with Taffi, a strange being consisting of a strange jello-like mass who put up quite a fight. But Exile was able to fight it off with a super charged ice beam. Taffi retreats, and with Connor's help, Exile and Muzzle were able to break out of he frozen goop. Shortly after, the group are introduced to a new member; Hunter's sister Huntress. But the greetings would have to wait, as they still needed to find a way out of the hellish maze they were trapped in. But they were soon confronted by Minasu and Purasu, who managed to put up quite a struggle, mercilessly beating on Exile and Blitz. But the Purasu and Minasu were soon defeated by Connor, who's anger had unlocked half his power which laid dormant until that point in time. Purasu and Minasu escape, and they were soon met with two mysterious Aisurandan beings, who healed the injured Exile and Blitz. Meanwhile Sonic and Shadow were battling Geist, who's anger and rage had consumed him almost entirely. All the while Tails, Sally, and Knuckles were watching. Silver's group were busy battling Geist's son Damon and Stilette, who also put up quite a challenge for our heroes. But Blaze lost the will to carry on the fight, feeling that it was pointless, concluding that Damon should not follow in his father's footsteps. This left Damon dumbfounded and confused. Our heroes had some close calls. But the war between good and evil is far from over, as the diabolical evil Senus has plans, as he introduces to Jaakuna five of his subordinates, five humanoid Aisurandan troops called the "Atmos Gang; consisting of Meso, Strato, Astheno, Thermo, and Tropo. Now our heroes are faced with an even bigger threat, as they will now face enemies far more dangerous than either Geist, the MAS, or any of Parvo's troops combined. Will they survive this new onslaught? Let's find out.
[Over the horizons of the African Savannah, Malice, Psycho, and their mutants were surveying the area]
Malice: Jaakuna said this is where the shards will be located, anything on radar?
Lockjaw: No, milady. Nothing so far.
Malice: Keep me posted. Psycho, see any animals worth our time?
Psycho: I think I have. At least several.
Malice: What are they?
Psycho: Pop quiz. What is considered the fastest natural mammal on land?
Malice: That's easy. A cheetah.
Psycho: Correct. Now imagine them enhanced to rival that blue hedgehog.
[Malice smiles]
Malice: Why Psycho, I think you may be onto something. Go on. I'm listening.
Psycho: If we can get us some cheetahs we'll have the speed to keep up but let's not stop there, we can round up some other big cats.
Malice: Such as?
Psycho: Panthers, lions, leopards, cougars, and jaguars.
Malice: ...Excellent! We shall begin our search immediately!
Purlinn: But what about the shards?
Malice: You lot can search for them without us.
Lockjaw: Awe come on! Really?
Malice: (stern) You heard what I said! No arguements! Do you understand?
Lockjaw: Y... Yes mam...
Purlinn: (sighs) This is no fun... But we'd better do as she says...
Lockjaw: I'd rather be tearing those Road Rovers apart...
Purlinn: Cool it, Lockjaw. You'll get your chance.
[Meanwhile, back at the Blue Typhoon, our heroes regrouped to attend to their injured and or worn out comrades]
Sally: Hold still. This won't hurt.
[Applies the ointment on Sonic]
Sonic: (groans)
Sally: Oh stop whining. You've taken a lot worse punishment than this.
Sonic: Yeah, I guess you're right…
[Meanwhile with Akito and Serena were tending the MAS]
Serena: *touches Vlad's abs* Does this hurt?
Vlad: OW!
Serena: I'll take that as a yes. *to Akito* Disinfectant please.
[Akito hands her a bottle of rubbing alcohol]
Akito: Vlad, try to hold still.
Vlad: *pained* Yes, Aki...
[Vlad offers his hand to Aki, who takes his hand to comfort him. Serena applies the alchohol on Vlad, who utters a pained scream. Prowl and Joe are seen resting besides one another, being attended to by Lupe and Maria]
Prowl: (sighs) At least we're all in one piece.
Joe: You can say that again, mate. Ow...
Maria: Hold still, guys. You're a mess after all that fighting.
Prowl: Yes. Thankfully. Unfortunately, the war is far from over. And I fear the worst is yet to come.
Lupe: Think positive, Prowl. We'll never win this war if you talk like that.
Sonic: She has a point, Al. We've come this far, and we're not going to give up hope.
Maria: We must fight until the end to rid the universe of the great evil that threatens it.
Joe: They have a point, mate. Heh heh.
Lupe: Joe. You and Tozoku once worked for Dr. Psycho. What caused you to have a change of heart?
Sonic: Yeah. I always wondered about that myself. You got some explaining to do.
Joe: Because the circumstances had changed, mate. It was an entirely conscious and personal decision.
Tozoku: We didn't realized that we were being used as pawns. We disagreed with Jaakuna's plans. And that's what caused us to have a change of heart. We may have been evil at one point. But even we have standards.
Typhoon: As did the guys before you.
Joe: Tell us about it.
Prowl: You two are not alone in this battle. For you see, we former MAS members were also used as slave labor.
Sheng: We were created for one purpose; to kill the enemy. And for a time, we were downright evil. Prowl however, was the first of us to turn against our cruel masters. And soon we followed in his footsteps.
Tozoku: Good for you.
Prowl: And Joe, you and Tozoku made the right decision to turn on Jaakuna. Welcome to the side of good. Both of you.
Tozoku: Thank you.
Joe: Yeah. Thanks, Mate.
Joe shakes hands with Prowl.
Sonic: (smiling) It's good to know we have more on our side now.
Akito: I concur. But you guys are going to need a better name. Hmmm... I think I got it. Instead of the Mutant Assassination Squad, you will be known from this moment on as the "Mutant Assistance Squad."
*moment of silence*
Jasper: Guess that works.
Joe: You "guess" it works? I think it's perfect!
Raptor: Forgive him, Jasper's just being a square.
Jasper: How dare you.
Tozoku: Well I like it.
Vlad: Da! Me too!
Prowl: It has a nice ring to it.
Sonic: Well, now that that's out of the way we need to figure out our next plan of attack.
Clarissa: We can discuss that after Hunter and his team return.
Lupe: And it looks like they're already here.
[As if on cue the Rovers returned]
Boomer: Got more shards!
Sally: Great work, guys!
Hunter: Glad my sis was there to help.
Sally: Wait, your sister?
Huntress: That's right, me and Hunter are both offspring of Steel.
Joe: Crikey!
Sonic: No way!
Hunter: But it's true! Say hello, sis!
Huntress: Pleased to meet you all! And who might you be?
Sonic: Sonic's the name. Speed is my game!
Sally: Sally Acorn.
Shadow: Shadow.
Akito: Akito Kibou. Nice to meet you.
Snuggles: Bonjour. The name is Snuggles. Pleased to meet you, mon chérie.
[Snuggles knees down and kisses Huntress' hand]
Huntress: He's so sweet...
[Snuggles smiles]
Fluffy: (clears voice)
Snuggles: Huh?
Spot: You forgetting us?
Snuggles: Oh, pardon! I was just being polite to ze new guest! No?
Fluffy: Riiiight…
Huntress: And who are these guys?
Hunter: These are the canomutants. You already met Snuggles. The other two are Fluffy and Spot. They originally served Parvo.
Colleen: But they're on our side now. Thank goodness.
Muzzle: Not all of them.
Rex: But you're forgetting about me. (steps up)
Chomper: And me too. (steps up)
Hunter: We know guys. But unfortunately, save for you, not all of Parvo's troops could be persuaded.
Spot: Nah, I wouldn't worry about that, Hunter. With us by your side, who needs more recruits?
Tsunami: Don't be overconfident, Spot-San. We are but a small force alone.
Shadow: He's right. And it's going to take all our combined strength to take down Jaakuna.
Tozoku: I agree. So then, what's the next move?
Sally: Now that we have these shards in our possession, we must analyze them.
Tails: Agreed. The sooner we figure that out the better. Boomer, may I have the shards?
[Boomer hands Sally and Tails the container with remaining shards. And as they go to the lab to analyze them, Hunter and Huntress share a moment with their father.]
Steel: So… You're Huntress?
Huntress: Yes.
Steel: You must be my long lost daughter then…
Huntress: (gasps) Dad?
Hunter: That's right, sis. He's the genuine article.
[Steel and Huntress look at each other eye to eye. And then they embrace]
Huntress: Oh daddy... Where have you been all these years?
Steel: I was repenting for past misdeeds, my angel.
Huntress: Past misdeeds?
Steel: It's a long story. (looks at Blitz)
Blitz: What?
Steel: Blitz… Long time no see…
Blitz: Wait... It's coming back to me... You... You're...
Steel: Yes, Blitz. I was your father's best friend back when we were a team.
Blitz: So... You know?
Steel: Yes.
Akito: Then if I may ask, what exactly happened to him?
Mikhail: You sure you all want to know?
Akito: Of course, it might help us understand Geist better.
Blitz: (eager) Please, Steel! Tell us everything! It's important for us to know!
[Steel looks around and sees how serious everyone is. Realizing there was no other option he gave in]
Steel: (sighs and rubs the bridge between his eyes) Very well. I will tell you the story. All of it.
Hunter: We're all ears, dad.
Steel: It all started long ago, back before any of you were born. A secret government was experimenting on making animals into soldiers, after many failed attempts, they managed to make myself, Mikhail, and Krieger into the ideal soldiers they envisioned. Making us the first of our kind.
Huntress: Go on...
Steel: For years, the three of us dutifully served our purpose. We fought crime and the forces of evil around the world, performing all sorts of great deeds. We were the best of our time. And when it came time we decided to settle down, the agency allowed this and decided to let us retire.
Mikhail: But there was one who didn't agree with letting us go, her name was Taeru. And in fact she despised soldiers, especially the kind that were modified in any way, like us.
Steel: That's right. Whereas most humans saw us as heroes and saviors for our good deeds, Taeru saw us as unholy demons that needed to be eradicated. She hated us so much that she couldn't even stand our very existence. So, to exact her irrational hatred upon us, she hired an assassin; the recently court-martialed Captain Zachary Storm.
Blitz: (gasps)
Hunter: Storm? What's he got to do with this?
Steel: Captain Storm shared a mutual hatred for us simply for "being dogs". And he agreed to Taeru's demands. So as the three of us engaged in our final mission, Captain Storm was planning a rebellion against his superiors. He was going to launch nuclear missiles at a military base in Hawaii, which would have wiped out the entire islands. We were successful in stopping him, but at a cost...
Sonic: Which was...?
(seen through a flashback, Steel narrates as the scene plays out)
Steel: Captain Storm was going to shoot me. But Krieger, Blitz's father, pushed me out of the way, and took the bullet to his chest. Thankfully, Storm was out of ammo. So he retreated. But sadly, we had lost a great leader and a good friend. In his last few moments of life, Krieger and I held hands for the last time. And he begged me to carry on his legacy. And with those words, he died in my arms... Krieger was given a hero's burial in Berlin...
Amy: And whatever happened to Taeru?
Mikhail: She was caught and sentenced to permanent incarceration.
Blitz: (sniffs) Father...
[Blitz starts to cry]
Boomer: Blitz? You okay?
[Blitz walks away from the scene]
Roger: Wait! Blitz where you going?
Blitz: Not now, Roger. Please, let me be alone...
Roger: But Blitz...
[Tsunami stops Roger]
Roger: Tsunami?
Tsunami: Let him go, Roger-San. Blitz-San needs some time to himself.
Diablo: Now I feel really bad for how we treated him.
Reynard: Me too...
Steel: Krieger sacrificed everything for us. Even his life. And with his death, we disbanded, and went our separate ways. Mikhail returned to Russia. As for me, I disappeared and turned to Confucius to help me overcome my grief. It wasn't easy. Eventually I had to move on with my life. But not a single day goes by when me and Mikhail don't think about him.
Mikhail: Krieger was good comrade. And great hero.
Lupe: I can imagine his loss must have been very tough on you.
Akito: So... Could this be what drove Geist mad?
Steel: Possibly. I only told him that his father died bravely. But I never told him who was his killer. Yet somehow he found out. And from that was born a hatred that drove Geist completely insane.
Akito: Guess he and I got something in common after all.
[Meanwhile, our focus is now on Sally and Tails, who are analyzing the shards' power]
Tails: Alright, let's get down to business.
Sally: Right.
[Tails types down a few keys, and the computer analyzes the shards. The shards appear to be radiating a strange source of energy]
Tails: Okay... Analyzing... Okay, here we go... (types in a few keys)
Sally: What have you got so far?
Tails: Well, I figured out why it's called the Black Star Emerald.
Sally: Cause it's power comes from stars?
Tails: More specifically ones that are about to die.
Sally: Meaning?
Tails: It feeds off the energy of dying stars... It literally sucks the life out of them...
Sally: That's not good...
Tails: No. And worse, if these shards were to somehow become whole again... It could be... Disastrous...
Sally: All the more reason to figure how to destroy them.
Tails: No wonder Jaakuna wants them so bad... But the question is how DO we destroy the shards? Can it be done?
Sally: There has to be. Nothing is indestructible.
[Sally and Tails arrange a meeting with the heroes to relay the news]
Tails: Thank you all for coming. Sal and I have made some discoveries.
Shadow: What kind of discoveries?
Sally: We figured out how the Black Star Emerald got it's power.
Hunter: How?
Tails: By taking the energy of stars as they are about to die.
[The sound of this news alarms everybody present]
Silver: Are you serious?
Sally: Yes, Silver. We're DEAD serious. These shards are part of a whole, and are therefore connected to the same evil that threatens our universe. And we learned a deadly secret involving these shards.
Akito: So what do you suppose will happen if...
Tails: We've come to that conclusion already. If these shards become whole again, Jaakuna could destroy the whole universe. And all life as we know it will be obliterated. Completely wiped out of existence.
Boomer: Then that raises the million dollar question; how do we destroy it?
Tsunami: Hai! There has to be a way!
Sally: There is. Whatever power was able to shatter the Star Emerald, we need something stronger than that.
[Everybody looks at one another out of confusion]
Prowl: Well...
Hunter: What is it?
Tails: That's the problem, we don't know.
Joe: Then we'd better find the answer soon! Time is running out!
Shadow: Somehow I fear we're out of time...
Calina: I concur.
Stryker: What do you mean?
Shadow: The fate of the universe rests in our hands. And if we don't find the answer soon, all will be lost. And all our efforts will be for nothing.
Steel: But there's an old saying I once heard; "Its always darkest just before the dawn."
Sonia: Then we better work double time.
Manic: Yeah, if time is against us, then let's use what's left and get the remaining shards.
[Suddenly, the shards begin to glow violet. All while emitting a strange noise]
Tails: Uh oh...
Arik: Why are they glowing?
Shadow: It's starting...
Sally: Nicole, show us what the satellites are bringing up.
Nicole: Affirmative, Sally.
[Nicole activates one of the screens, and reveals footage taken from one of their satellites. And much to our hero's shock and horror, another star is dying]
Rex: Oh my God...
Guntiver: Even when shattered the star emerald drains stars.
Rouge: Hate to imagine how worse it'll be if it's whole.
Exile: What's going on?!
[The star begins to lose its energy. And as it does, it blackens like a burnt out light bulb. Then it implodes in itself. Everyone went wide eyed with horror]
Shira: This didn't happen at random, Jaakuna must be doing this.
Joe: You sure, mate?
Shira: I'm pretty sure it is. Who else could be behind this?
Tozoku: But how she doing it?
Prowl: Right now that's not the issue. We have to stop her from getting the shards before its too late.
Akito: Agreed. Come on, everybody! Let's hop to it! We have no time to lose!
[Back with Jaakuna her shard was glowing]
Jaakuna: There, now I can I begin the next phase, magnetic attraction. Just need the emeralds we do have on hand.
Parvo: And with this power, we shall conquer not just Earth, but the entire universe?
Jaakuna: Of course.
Drago: Just so we're clear, do I still get to rule Mobius after this is over?
Jaakuna: With the emerald's power, you'll be it's god.
[Drago jumps for joy]
Drago: YES! Hah hah! Oh I love the sound of that! I'm gonna be a God! A handsome and sexy God! And all of Mobius will worship me! (laughs maniacally)
Sleuth: Don't let it get to your head, Drago.
Sleet: Save your breathe, your words will just fall on deaf ears.
Senus: Silence! All I'm hearing from you losers is more talk than action!
Eva: At least they've done something. You barely lifted a finger since you showed up.
Senus: Says the ones who have failed time and time again to defeat their enemies.
Eva: Why you...
Jaakuna: Quiet! Senus does have a point, Eva. You all have failed miserably thus far. And so far none of you have succeeded. Yet... I'm generous enough to give you another chance to redeem yourselves.
Dingo: Thank you, Your Wickedness. You won't regret it.
Jaakuna: For your sake, I hope not. My patience grows thin. So make this chance count. Or else.
Stilette: Don't worry, we will.
Jaakuna: Good.
[Very soon, Malice and Psycho returned with a handful of big cats, a chimp, and a wolf]
Psycho: Finally! We got them! We got them!
Malice: And now to experiment on them. We shall begin the procedure immediately!
Psycho: But of course!
Jaakuna: I sent you to find shards not test subjects, and where are your mutants?
Psycho: You mean Lockjaw, Tian, Mauler and Purlinn? They're out searching for the shards, Milady.
Malice: They'll be with us shortly.
Jaakuna: Very well. But if I find your subordinates slacking off, I will have your souls.
Malice: I can assure you, that won't happen.
In the next scene, Psycho, Malice, and Jaakuna are in the lab. Jaakuna watches and observes as the two scientists carry out their experiments. The animals they have captured are locked in capsules, ready for experimentation.
Psycho: Those traitors will pay dearly for turning their backs on us. They'll see.
Malice: Oh and they certainly will, my friend. They're going to pay in the worst way.
Jaakuna: Don't lose sight of the objective, you two. I already got problems dealing with Geist.
Malice: Geist?
Psycho: What about him?
Jaakuna: You know how uncooperative and unstable he is, he's basically a handful, which in his case, is putting it mildly.
Psycho: Ugh... I should have got rid of him long ago. He was my best experiment. But as time went on, he became harder to control.
Malice: Surely he can still be of use despite his lack of obedience.
Jaakuna: Perhaps, apart from me, Geist is the most powerful warrior among us. He must be handled with caution.
Malice: Why not just put him down like the rabid dog he is?
Jaakuna: You really think he'll just let us kill him? Besides, he could be listening in and might decide to strike first before we could even get a chance. Wouldn't you, Geist?
Geist's Voice: Indeed... You're lucky I'm in a good mood than usual, doctor... Otherwise I'd have to kill someone...
[Geist emerges from the shadows]
Malice: If you want to kill something, go kill a hippo or elephant we are in a savannah, or better yet the enemy when we see them again.
Jaakuna: She's right, save your energy, Geist. You'll need it for the upcoming battle ahead.
Geist: Suits me just fine… They will pay… They will all pay… And so will those traitors. No one defies us and gets away with it.
Jaakuna: Try not to dwell on it too much, it's not healthy. So are the new mutates ready?
Malice: Just about. And on an unrelated note, our other subordinates are about to return with some shards.
Jaakuna: Good! The sooner the better! (lifts a hand which glows black and violet) And soon the power of the Black Star Emerald will be mine. And with it's completion, I will be able to conquer the universe!
[The door opens, and Lockjaw and Purlinn come into the laboratory with the shards they found in the African Savannah]
Lockjaw: Sorry we took so long.
Purlinn: But we've returned with the shards. Or at least whatever we could find.
Jaakuna: Show me.
[Purlinn steps forward and presents to Jaakuna a capsule containing the shards. The glass barrier is glowing violet with the shards' aura. Jaakuna uses her telekinetic powers to lift it from Purlinn's hands]
Purlinn: Hey!
[The container hovers into Jaakuna's hands, who marvels at it's awesome power]
Jaakuna: The search is finally over, just got to reclaim the ones that the enemy has.
Geist: That should be easy... We just need to catch them off guard, and then snatch them when the time is right.
Jaakuna: Don't get cocky, demon dog. They're not pushovers, despite what you believe.
Geist: Hmmm...
[The door opens, and Drago, Sleuth, Sleet and Dingo come into the lab]
Sleuth: We got a problem.
Jaakuna: Then report.
Dingo: We got a crazy hyena running around the area, attacking our soldiers!
Jaakuna: What?!
Dingo: I said...
[Before Dingo could continue, Jaakuna cuts him off]
Jaakuna! Then take care of him! No meddling fool shall interfere with our plans!
Purasu: You heard her, get going!
Drago: Y... Y... Yes! Of course, your wickedness!
Jaakuna: Well don't just stand there! Get out there!
[Jaakuna powers up her aura which causes the lab to tremble, and frightens the other villains. They flee the scene. Meanwhile, outside the runes of the African Savanna where there are Felomutants, Cano Soldiers, Cano Ninjas, Piranha Mutants, Roger and Sleuth Clones guarding the facility, the hyena is seen carrying out his assault]
Pori: Here's Pori! (crazy laughter)
Cano Soldier: Open fire!
[They all shoot at Pori, who effortlessly dodges their fire]
Pori: Missed me!
Head Dog Ninja: Ninja dog team, get him!
[The Ninja Dogs surround Pori, and draw their katanas]
Pori: Oooh, lots of shiny sticks.
[The ninjas charge at Pori]
Ninjas: YAAAHHH!
Pori: (giggles)
[Pori disappears]
Midnight: What?!
Snowball: Where did he go?!
Whiskers: Find him!
[The troops look in all directions. They search the area]
Cano Soldier: We searched all over.
[Whiskers grabs the soldier]
Whiskers: I don't want to hear any excuses! Cover the whole area!
Ninja Dog: We already have and he's nowhere to be found. Not even the Roger clones can detect him.
[Whiskers tosses the soldier aside]
Whiskers: So, he got away, huh? Tricky bastard. But he won't get far. We'll find him wherever he is.
Groomer: We'll worry about him some other time. The new recruits are ready.
Whiskers: Very well, Groomer. Listen up, troops! Regroup! Let's get back to the hideout!
Troops: Yes ma'am!
[Back at the laboratory, Psycho and Malice present their new recruits]
Malice: Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you the Neo Mutant Assassination Squad.
[She reveals the new felines, wolf, and chimp]
Purlinn: Who are they?
Lockjaw: They look rather...
Tian: Feral.
Female Wolf: Don't judge by the cover.
They step into view.
Malice: Say hello to your friends, Neo MAS.
Shokku and Joruto: We present, Orenji, Soduko, Sokudo, Marise, Akummenji, Maiyo, Aeron, Jinsei, Sayuri, and Enya.
Drago: Dang... The wolves look hot...
Enya: Like what you see, handsome?
[Drago is aroused]
Drago: *lustful* Oh hoh hoh hoh! Yes indeed, baby! You'd better believe it! Oh you're the finest woman I met today!
Enya: Well then, I hope we get to know each other better.
[She winks at him]
Sleuth: Are you serious?
Enya: What if I am? It's none of your business, loser.
Eva: Hey, you want him, he's yours. Just don't leave yourself too open.
Enya: Don't mind if I do.
[Enya walks towards Drago, and wraps her arms around him]
Drago: I got a feeling we'll get along just fine.
[Drago curls his fingers around Enya's mane and hair. They both look deep into each others' eyes]
Enya: Indeed we will.
Eva: How disgusting.
Sleuth: I never thought anybody could fall for Drago. But I guess I was wrong.
Jaakuna: (clears voice impatiently) If you two are done...
Drago: Oh... Right... Um...
Jaakuna: Back to business if you please... Now where were we? Oh yes. The shards.
Minasu: Gentlemen.
[Sleet and Dingo hand her the Chaos and Sol Emeralds they obtained]
Jaakuna: Our moment of triumph is close at hands, ladies and gentlemen! Now all we need to do is collect the last remaining shards from that band of goody two shoes and those traitors.
Sleuth: What about the remaining Chaos and Sol Emeralds?
Jaakuna: Them too. Their power is needed to restore mine.
Parvo: But aren't you already a powerful being as it is?
Jaakuna: I am capable of so much more and with the star emerald as it is, I have only a fraction of my power.
Parvo: Hmmm... (thinking) {Perhaps if I were to absorb the power of the Black Star Emerald, I would become a powerful being. Even more so than Jaakuna...}
Sleuth: Alright then. I think I have an idea on how to get those last few shards.
Snowball: How?
Drago: Yeah, do share.
Sleuth: Listen closely...
[It seems that things have taken worse for our heroes and for all life across the known universe. Jaakuna and her followers now have possession of nearly all of the shards of the Black Star Emerald. And now its only a matter of time until her minions acquire the remaining shards from our heroes in order to bring about the apocalypse. Time is running out. Meanwhile, our heroes scour the area in search for the remaining shards, unaware that they're in for a rather unpleasant surprise. And who is this mysterious Pori? Is he friend or foe? And what about Geist? Is there a way he can be reached? Or has he lost his soul forever? And what about Jaakuna's new troops? The Neo MAS? What turmoil will they cause for our heroes? Find out next time]