Chapter19
Couple of weeks has passed. It's now a new year and a very chilly month of January. Incidents has been dying down to almost nothing in a few days. Things were getting a little bit uncomfortable for many people. Especially, a certain young man on his computer sorting files.
"Why does it feel like as if nothing happening anymore? Like everything just stopped?" Da'Von asked, typing on his computer. He looked into his drawers and took out his folder. "It's like I'm doing my usual routine. Doing work and going home. What? Vadra decided to take a nap or something?"
"I don't think so, Da'Von. I'm getting anxious just as much as you are. I know he's scheming around in the shadows, doing something shady," Darkness said. Davon grunted in frustration and continued typing. "At least you started to get more engaged in your schoolwork than you was before."
Da'Von sighed and replied that it was the only thing he can do to pass the time until something happens. There's no new information about anything at this point so it would be a waste of time to just wander around.
"Besides, I have things backed up right now. Watching over an entire fleet is still my duty as a Commander, you know. There hasn't been any monthly reports at all," He said.
"You should be fired. You're the worst commander ever," Darkness joked. There was a knock on the door and Da'Sean came in with a box of books. "Well, you came in just in time, Da'Sean."
Da'Sean smiled and sat down; placing the books on the desk. "Why is that? Were you two talking about me?" They declined as Da'Von quickly examined the books inside the box. "Those are logbooks from the reports I've made during my missions these past couple of months. Nothing fancy, just something you should have, Mr. Commander."
"And you gave this to me to just mess with me, did you? You know that I'm terribly busy and I don't have time for games, " Da'Von replied, placing all the logbooks under his desk. "Now, did you get that Email from Damari today?"
"Are you talking about the new update on the HQ app? Yeah, I was informed about it. It's nothing major to me. Now we can have access to each other's files and junks. What's so good about that?" He answered.
Da'Von sighed and finished his work while Da'Sean went down to their father's laboratory. His answers are so close. All the clues, all the evidence, are leading to Euston's location. Just one more push and that's it.
"So, tell me something, Sean. This new device you assembled for your sons. What is it supposed to do anyway?" Dr. Aero asked as he examined the object the resembles like a watch of some sort.
"It's like a smartwatch that scans the intensity of the dark energy in the area. From what Da'Sean told me earlier, he and Xerox both went through a strange metamorphosis that caused them to go in a corrupted state," He explained. He finished typing on his computer. "It's still in the beta phase. There are still bugs in the programming. The sensors are very lopsided."
Dr. Aero continued to examine the smartwatch. "So, this will be able to help Da'Sean in his fights? That's actually pretty interesting considering the little free we have."
"True, but we're trying to find a way to get Euston back and defeat Vadra once and for all. That's our priority right now," He said. He grabbed the folders from his desk and examined it. "At least Kevin found these files for me. It makes things much easier."
"Yes, definitely. Now we know a way to counterattack those rogue Darkroids," He said, sitting down at his desk. "It's only a matter of time. My son will be back in my arms."
That would be the most wonderful gift of them all, Sean thought as he continued his work. I just can't wait for this to be over.
Euston laid on his uncomfortable bed while thinking of the last possible way to escape. He almost has it now that his powers are far stronger than they were before. Now, all he has to do is teleport out of this prison.
"I have no time to waste. I need to get out of here now," He said. He touched the gate and tried to destroy it but to no avail. "Damn it, still nothing. How much strength do I need?"
"You know you could've just used that damn stone a long time ago," Vadra said, walking towards the gate. Euston was surprised by his sudden appearance. "I have no use for them anyway. All my plans are ruined thanks to your human friends."
Euston frowned and replied, "As it should be. There's no reason for me to be here anymore. Release me." Vadra didn't say a word and just opened the gate. "You're really letting me go?"
"What's the point in keeping you here anymore? I have no use for you. I could kill you right now but, I'll let you watch in person as I kill your best friend and destroy your planet," He said, then he walked away. "Now, get out of here."
Euston looked down and picked up his gloves. He looked back at the passageway that the evil tyrant left from. Now, he can teleport back to Earth now but, not yet.
"I need to go to Corves and Nova. Now that I'm free, I can be there physically," He said, clenching the yellow stone around his wrist. "It's time to get into action." He disappeared into a yellow light.
Da'Sean, Kinaro, and Xerox arrived at Headquarters. Inspector Tanaka has assigned them a special assignment.
"So, gentlemen. We're going to do some investigations of the past Darkroid invasions. It seems there are still high readings of radiation," Tanaka explained. He grabbed his utility belt. "I'll be accompanying you. Damari and Shadow will be going somewhere else with Luke."
Da'Sean nodded and asked, "So, there could be leftover dark matter at those locations right?" Xerox nodded in agreement. "Could there be leftover Darkroids there, too?"
"That could be possible but, we don't know for sure. The fleet made a sweep a couple of weeks ago," Xerox explained. He looked at the monitor and made some adjustments. On the screen, it shows red spots. "The place with the highest radiation is the park close to the Science lab where Dr. Cosmo works."
"That's where Da'Von and I had our first fight. Could it be that our battle created that outburst?" He asked. He looked at Inspector Tanaka with a serious face. "Let's go there first and investigate. I'm sure we'll find something of value."
Everyone agreed on his suggestion and discussed further on their plan. Not knowing that there's someone eavesdropping outside the doorway.
"So, you thinking about investing those places, right? It could be something Vadra has come up with," Darkness said. Da'Von started laughing fiendishly. "Oh no. The evil laugh is back again."
"Don't you get it? I can absorb all the power and become even stronger than I was before," Da'Von said as he turned to look at his brother. "Then, I'll defeat Da'Sean and snatch the ultimate program from him. More than enough power to destroy Vadra once and for all."
Darkness nodded and said, "Then, let's get started. We have a lot of work to do."
Euston appeared back with Corves and Nova. They were surprised that Vadra let him go. Was it a trap to lure them out? Or did he just didn't care anymore and didn't have any use for him?
"I'm shocked that he didn't try to kill you. He even let you keep the ultimate program with you," Corves said, holding the yellow stone in his hand. "It's good that we now have all three with Da'Sean and Da'Von holding the other two. Vadra will never achieve victory."
"When I saw him that time, he looked different than he used to be. More sinister," Euston explained.
Nova growled and complained, "Oh, come on now! Wasn't he already sinister enough?" He looked at his brother. "If he doesn't want the stones anymore. It's most likely that he found a different method to gain power."
Corves thought this over through his mind. It feels like he's forgotten something very important about Vadra. Something that he has to look deep into. He searched intensely within his memory. Within seconds, he saw a glimpse of a person who resembles Vadra but, the appearance was totally different. It frightened him to the point of shaking.
"What's wrong? Did you see something in your vision?" Nova asked, rubbing Corves' shoulders to calm him down. At least he stopped shaking. "What did you see?"
"A monster with unbelievable power. I didn't fully grasp on the features," He said. He looked at Euston. "We have to go now before it's too late. Orion and Phoenix are already heading back to Earth."
Corves created a portal and they entered through the unknown void of space.
Damari and Luke reached their directed destination. For a hideout, Vadra was pretty well tidy with his schemes. There's no trace of visible evidence anywhere. It's like as if everything was wiped cleaned.
"It's like he knew we were coming here. There's nothing for us that will lead us to his next plans," Luke said. He lifted up a book which had no writing in it. "Why did Thundra tell me about this if there's nothing here?"
"Maybe, it's because there could be something hidden in here that only a certain person can see. I do have a special seeking ability," Damari said. He noticed a clear crystal ball on the floor and picked it up to examined it. "This could be it."
"What is this? A fairytale? It's just a useless crystal ball!" He yelled. He pushed a monitor down the floor. "This was a waste of time. Why did I get dragged down into this?"
Shadow appeared and replied, "Calm down for a second, Luke. This could be our lead." Damari handed the object to him. "This could be our only clue here. We'll bring this back to headquarters with us."
"There obviously nothing else here for us to find. Whatever Vadra did here, he cleaned house before he left," Damari said, looking at the crystal ball now in Luke's hands. "That thing could be a trap but, we'll have to risk it for now."
"I'm sure Thundra and Starda can figure out what this is when we show it to them. Until then, onto the next places," Luke said, as he ran off.
"Why are we teamed up with this guy? I rather be teamed up with Dennis," Damari said, rubbing his forehead. He ran off following Luke to the exit.
Da'Sean and the rest of the gang finished off the rest of the remaining Darkroids at the park. They looked slightly different from the last group the fought back at NASA. Almost distorted and mutated.
"This could be the work of the dark matter radiation. Keep on your toes, guys. There could be more lurking around here," Da'Sean commanded. He kept one of guns out in case if an enemy sneaks up anywhere. "Kinaro, do you sense anything?"
Kinaro nodded and answered, "It's faint but, I sense it straight ahead." They continued walking until they saw a bright pink orb hovering several feet in the air. "That's it, Da'Sean! That's where the highest reading is!"
"What the hell is that thing?" Inspector Tanaka yelped. Da'Sean stood in front of his way. "What are you going to do?"
"I know what that is. I thought we defeated it for good the last time we fought it," He said, transforming his guns into swords. He turned to Inspector Tanaka. "Call in for some back up. We're going to need it."
The orb started to increase in size and produce yellow lightning. It started to mutate and change form; revealing the pink monster returning from the dead. Looking at that it closely, it has some alternative characteristics. Like a humanoid monster as what Xerox called it.
"Wow, Harpofanria. I didn't expect for you to be revived so soon. You've received some upgrades," He said. He Looked at him with those glowing pink eyes. "Things changed since you were gone, man. I'm not scared of you, monster!"
"My name is not Harpofanria anymore, human. You may call me, Parasite," He said. Da'Sean laughed at him which got everyone confused. "What's so funny?"
Da'Sean stopped laughing and said, "Why is it that when we get some drastic change, we change our names? Fortunately, that pathetic name suits you so well." He growled at him. Da'Sean smirked at him. "If you have a problem with my insults, then let's settle this!"
"This place will be your grave, human! I'll show you my new power!" He yelled and formed his giant claws. He dashed at him and Da'Sean blocked his attack with his swords. "Seems you have improved quite a bit but, it won't save you this time. Your brother will not help you this time!"
Da'Sean laughed and replied, "I won't be needing anyone's help. After I'm finished with you, you'd wish you had stayed dead!" He jumped back and sliced through Parasite's shoulders; cutting his arms clean off. Parasite yelled in pain. "How's that?"
"I wasn't expecting that attack at all. You would've finished me off if this was before but," Instantly, both of his arms regenerated back together, "you won't get the same results twice."
"His regeneration ability has modified, Da'Sean! We have to hit him harder next time," Xerox said. Da'Sean nodded and changed his swords to guns. "Be careful, he can absorb your energy!"
Da'Sean dashed at Parasite and attempted to kick him towards his face but, Parasite grabbed his foot and threw him on the ground. Parasite quickly created a ball of energy and blasted at point blank range; emitting a gigantic explosion.
"Da'Sean!" Kinaro yelped. After the smoke subsided, Da'Sean was still laying on the ground: struggling to even move his hand. Parasite started to create yet another energy blast. "Stop it right now!"
"Oh, I remember you. You've also got some upgrades yourself," Parasite said. He turned towards his new opponent as Da'Sean slowly rolled over to his back. "You'll fall just like your friend here. I'll make quick work of you, fool! You humans make me sick to my core!"
Kinaro took a deep breath and concentrated on only his opponent. Looking at his struggling friend on the ground is causing his emotions to go out of control. He needs to focus and defeat this guy once and for all. Just like he did to defeat Hunter a few months ago.
"I will protect my home planet with my life! That's what I promise to my partner and my friends," Kinaro said. He engulfed his fists in black flames. "I will not break my promise!"
Da'Von went to the stadium. Deciding not to go after his little brother just yet, he quickly liberated the area. He went towards the exit until he sensed a familiar energy behind him. Turning around, he noticed a hovering pink ball.
"This energy I'm feeling. No, it can't be," Da'Von said. He watched as the orb morphed into a person different than what he was thinking of. "You have the same sensation as Harpofanria but, your appearance has changed. Vadra gave you more unnecessary upgrades."
"It seems you have some minor adjustments yourself, Shadow Warrior. Although, that name you have given me is not my name anymore. You may refer to me as Parasite," He said.
Darkness snickered and replied, "A much fitting name for a monster like you. Wouldn't you say, Da'Von?" Da'Von simply folded his arms and smirked at his opponent. "Let's just finish this guy and meet with Da'Sean later."
"Don't be so sure. My Copyroid is busy taking care of your little brother and his friends. It won't be long before it's over for them," Parasite said. Da'Von began to laugh. "What's so funny?"
"You're funny, you know that? I'll play along with your little jokes but, there's no way my brother will be defeated by a simple copy," He said as he formed his dual swords. "The one thing I can learned from my brother is that you should never underestimate your foes."
Parasite sneered and leered at him. He replied, "That's a mistake that I won't make again. It's time to die!"
Da'Von immediately dodged Parasite's energy blasts and countered with a lunge to his chest. Parasite simply smacked the sword away and slammed Da'Von to the ground with a strong impact that rattled the earth.
"That was surprising, Parasite. I almost felt that," Da'Von said, standing back and wiping his clothes clean of dirt. He made a wicked smile. "Now then. Shall I start?"
Da'Von blasted Parasite into a tree. He formed his sword and swung it; creating a shockwave of energy. Parasite couldn't dodge it in time and shielded his body with his arms. With the smoke subsided, he only experienced minor bruises.
"Hmm, you should've been able to dodge that simple attack if you are strong as you claim. This will be over in an instant," Da'Von said, laughing. Parasite stood up and formed his claws. "Your upgrades are pathetic. For a person who has gotten defeated by children, you should feel ashamed of yourself."
"Your mouth has become more annoying this time around. Although, you have forgotten my superior healing ability," He said as he instantly healed his wounds with Dark energy. "You'll have a harder time beating me with those techniques."
Darkness snickered and said, "That makes things easier for us, no? We'll just have to hit you harder."
"That's right," Da'Von replied and formed a ball of energy. He aimed it towards Parasite. "I should've finished you of myself last time. I shouldn't have Da'Sean do my lazy work ever again. My blast wasn't strong enough to complete destroy you last time. You aliens are starting to make me really irritated!"
He fired his energy blast and Parasite endured the attack. Not only just that, he completely absorbed it. Including, Da'von's several other blasts.
"I would love to keep your precious energy but, here. You can have it back," He said, held his hands out. He quickly fired back with the same energy blast. At least Da'Von absorbed it with his barrier. "Your energy was delicious."
"What the hell was that? He absorbed my power and deflected it back to me?" Da'Von yelped. "Heh, no wonder he is a parasite."
At another location, Nysa was helping civilians away from Dark Infesters. For some reason, they are mutated and way more powerful than we're before. He can't fend the humans and himself for very long either.
"Damn creatures! Why do I have to be put in these situations? I'm losing strength and fast," Nysa said. Then, he noticed a girl fighting one the creatures and defending herself pretty good too. He jumped down and punched the creature into dust. "You alright?"
"Yeah thanks," She said. She noticed a bruise on the Darkroid's arm. "You're hurt. Everyone has already evacuated this place. We need to get out of here!"
Nysa frowned and replied, "That's easy for you to say, human. I've been doing this before you was born. These injuries and those creatures are nothing to me. I've lived through worst." He looked at the girl's badge around her neck. "And it seems this isn't your first showdown with them. What's your name?"
"My name is Arlene. I am with the Private Investigators from Detective HQ," She answered. She noticed a Dark Infester behind Nysa and kicked it into a wall. "You're very observant. Are you a detective or something?"
"Heh, you can say that," He replies as he fired at the sneaky creature behind Arlene. "You pique my interest, Arlene. How would you like to be partners with me? We can get this done more quickly and eradicate the rest of these miscreants."
Arlene smirked and replied with a smirk that would make anyone fired up. "You didn't even have to ask. I haven't gotten my muscles going in a while," She replied.
"Then, take my hand. We'll combine our strengths and fight as one being," Nysa said, extending his hand out to her. Arlene hesitatingly grabbed his hand and it they started to glow. "Now, let's get started!"
I bright crimson light brighten the entire courtyard as the two entities combined each other. Arlene's body started to feel warm as a new power dissolve into her. It felt like as if you are drinking a nice refreshing glass of lemonade.
Then, her appearance changed. Her clothes changed, too. She's now wearing a navy blue skirt with black tights underneath them, black boots with blue laces, a white jacket and black shirt. Her hair has a mixture of white and black strands.
"This is not my kind of style but, I'll take it anyway. It's a better getup than my pink hair at school," Arlene said. Nysa appeared next to her and it almost frightened her. "I should be scared but, I already saw Da'Von and his little brother in action. Maybe after this, I'll go show this off to him."
"Save that for later, Arlene. We must take care of these creatures first," Nysa prompted. He looked towards his left and a giant arachnid shooting black webs everywhere. "That's the one that's spawning all of these things! Take that out and the rest will be child's play."
Arlene snickered and immediately ran at the Dark Infester. She kicked them towards the wall, or so she thought, the creature went right through the wall. It surprised even Nysa when he saw the attack. Arlene was speechless.
"That's so going to be deducted from paycheck. Now, I'm really mad!" She yelled and formed a ball of energy in her hands. She aimed it at the giant spiders. "I hate spiders! It's time for pest control!"
"That was a horrible one liner, Arlene," Nysa said.
"Shut up!" She replied and fired before the monster could even attack. After the explosion, a herd of Dark Infester surrounded her. "Oh, shit. This is going to be fun."
Kinaro and Parasite continued their fight. Kinaro is losing energy very quickly and almost to the point of losing his transformation. Da'Sean has recovered but, he is still shocked from the attack earlier. Parasite is just too strong.
"I'd admire your stamina, Deimos. Although, your human partner is at his last leg," Parasite said, forming a sword and pointing it towards Kinaro's face. "I never expected to be this strong thanks to my biomechanics. I'll probably destroy Vadra with this kind of power." He turned around and noticed Da'Sean standing up; breathing heavily. "You're still standing? Wow, you humans are outstanding."
Da'Sean grunted and said, "I won't let you win this fight!" A black aura began consuming him. He never noticed it at all. His full attention was on Parasite. "You've hurt my friend. I'll kill you!"
"This pain I'm feeling! Da'Sean, calm down! You'll be consumed by the Dark Energy again!" Xerox yelled.
Soon later, Xerox' consciousness was slowly going away as Da'Sean's power was erupted with Darkness. His hair got wild and his claws grew. His clothes changed to black and red. His bloody crimson eyes stared at Parasite with a killing instinct.
"What is this? I've never seen this before," Kinaro yelped as he started to back away from Parasite as he was looking at Da'Sean. "Do you know what this is, Deimos?"
"I don't know what the hell that is. All I know is that I sense a hell of a lot of Dark Energy coming out of Da'Sean right now," Deimos explained.
Parasite laughed and said, "Well, this is an interesting change of events. You gotten a major power adjustment since our last battle." Da'Sean immediately pinched him in the stomach. "What?"
"You talk too much," Da'Sean spoke in a devilish voice. He sliced him with his claws and send him into a tree. "You should've never come back to life. It would've saved you the trouble of feeling my hand going through your heart!"
"Hmm, this is going to be interesting. What kind of power is this?" He mumbled as he tried to block Da'Sean's next attack but, it cut off his right arm. "You are a monster!"
Da'Sean started to laugh so wickedly that even Kinaro was scared. The intense pressure flying in the air is making it hard to breathe. The crimson eyes that were looking at his opponent like prey. Ready for the kill. That's not his best friend anymore. That's what Parasite called him seconds ago. A monster…