Urban Legends

by Kanius

"It's coming. It's here." Said the female Revenant. A man with no memories and a Shogi woman meet again. Thieves and Revenants cross paths. Fates intertwine when dark entities manipulate and tweak the timeline. Mysteries of the dark entities will be unraveled. [A Persona 5 and Code Vein crossover with Kakegurui and Nioh elements. A sequel to Ford1114's Persona Vein.]

28. Final Yami Matter Event, Ethereal War

Chapter XXVIII

Final Yami Matter Event; The Ethereal War (最後のヤミマターイベント; エーテル戦争)

xxxxx

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎)/Shinjuku, Tokyo (新宿, 東京)/February 26, 2020 (2020年2月26日) (Reality: February 26, 2022)/8:30 AM (JST)

It was a surreal moment for the Phantom Thieves, the Vein Remnants, and their friends. After meeting members of the Secret World Organization, they were escorted to meet with hundreds, not make it thousands of members. All of them being fictitious characters from pop culture media and literature. Most of them are Japanese creations, but there was a decent mix of international representation.

As they entered the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Elven princesses were met with several hundred characters.

"Holy moly, I'm on cloud nine," Futaba gazed at the hundreds of fictitious characters around them.

"Dudes, this is freakin' crazy! These are all…! I recognize most from the manga I've read and shows I've watched!" Ryuji cried out exuberantly.

"Unbelievable," Yakumo muttered.

"You're telling me. When Ayase said she gathered a following, I didn't expect this!" Mia added, finding herself overwhelmed with the numbers.

"And yet they're all cognitions, but they're very lifelike," Morgana observed the characters.

"So, what do guys think?" Ayase asked the Thieves and their allies. "Impressed?"

"Well, impressed is not the word I'd describe this," Skyler replied.

"How did you manage to recruit all these people?" Hifumi queried.

"It was an arduous task, but we amassed them as soon as the Yami Matter started affecting your world," Shibungi answered.

"Yeah, apparently it found it could amass an army from drawing influence from your world's media. In your world, people like us are just characters!" Tsugumi added. "I and a bunch of other tech geniuses worked together, opening a portal to enter your world!"

"Really? You've got to show me how you did it!" Futaba raised a hand. "Fellow techie and hacker over here!" Garnering Tsugumi's attention, SWO's tech head interacted with Futaba.

"I take it these are not all your group members?" Akechi asked Ayase.

"Not even close," she replied.

"Holy shit, there's more of you?!" Ryuji exclaimed.

"That's right! Isn't it amazing?" Goku asked.

"And I can't believe the real Son Goku is right in front of us!" Ryuji added with enthusiasm.

"Not to mention Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, too!" Haru faced Superman (DCAU), Batman (DCAU), and Wonder Woman (DCAU).

"I'd never thought I'd see Sailor Moon and Buffy in person!" Ann pointed to the aforementioned heroines.

"You must be another devoted fan of mine!" Sailor Moon said to Ann.

"Gee, you think, Usagi?" Buffy said sardonically.

"Man, it's an honor to meet the actual Captain America from the movies," Skyler approached him, Iron Man (MCU), and Thor (MCU). "Not to mention you two."

"It's surreal to see you Avengers in person," Hifumi was captivated by the Marvel hero lineup.

"Isn't it truly amazing? All of them are here to help us stop the Yami Matter," Io addressed. "Since we're on the subject, I sense the Yami Matter has amassed an army consisting of various villains from the pop culture and media in your world."

"By the way, this isn't the first time we've met," Iron Man (MCU) addressed the Thieves and their friends.

"What do you mean?" Makoto asked Tony Stark.

Thor (MCU) addressed. "Well, to be precise, we never physically met, but we've been observing you. At the movie event you and your friends attended, we watched you, but we couldn't interact with you."

"Why? And you've been watching us?" Louis inquired.

"We have, but the Yami Matter prevented us from breaching your world. So, we've had to congregate with other groups and ultimately Shiniomiya Ayase here established the SWO to combat the Yami Matter's influence," Superman (DCAU) explained.

"And we wouldn't have arrived here if not for Ayase and her organization," Wonder Woman (DCAU) stated.

"Of course, we trained Ayase to prepare her for this event and lead us," Batman (DCAU) said.

"But, why you, Ayase?" Skyler turned toward the SWO leader.

"Why me? Because I was one of the first ones the Yami Matter targeted," Ayase verified. When she revealed this fact, Ayase bit her bottom lip hard and clenched her hands, which Ren, Skyler, Hifumi, and Io first noticed. "The Yami Matter saw that I had the potential to combat its existence and created assassins to take me out. I've had to fight for my life. So much so, I sought martial artists and heroes to train me so I'm strong enough to lead Funeral Parlor."

"How did this start?" Ren asked her upfront.

Shaking her head, Ayase reflected on her and her crew's first encounter. "Well, it all started…"

xxxxx

Ayase's Flashback/Roppongi Hills/Tokyo, Japan/11:34 PM (JST)

It was nightfall outside the new Funeral Parlor base. Leaving their headquarters, Ayase and Tsugumi headed out to find and regroup with the other Funeral Parlor members: Argo, Shibungi, and Fyu-Neru.

As the night was still young, the atmospheric mood matched the eerie vibes permeating the scenes. Huddling close to Ayase, Tsugumi quivered fearfully like a cowering mouse. Unlike her frightened colleague, Ayase, resolute as she is, continued walking her way.

"Can you slow down a bit, Ayase? I don't like the mood of this place at night."

"C'mon, we've all been out on night patrol many times. What's the sudden fear?"

Tsugumi shook her head with a squeak. "Well, it's this creepy vibe I'm getting. Almost like… like someone's been watching us."

Hearing this, Ayase sighed. "Don't be ridiculous, Tsugumi. Let's find the others and head back to headquarters."

"Y'know you've changed. Gotten braver and stronger willed than you've been before. Is it because of all that badass training? Frankly, I'm jealous."

"Jealous of what? Listen, Tsugumi…" Ayase was abruptly cut off with the sound of a broken twig, alarming her and Tsugumi. As Ayase seemingly felt a presence, Tsugumi instinctively shrieked and hid behind her brave friend. "Shh, quiet. Stay close behind me."

"O-o-ok, b-b-but what was that?" The panicky techie whimpered, lowering her voice.

"Who knows," Ayase muttered, her keen eyes scanning her surroundings. Her newfound ability to sense Ki from training allowed her to feel the presence of other living things, good or evil. Upon picking up the malicious source, she quickly pivoted toward the direction.

However, before Ayase could react, something long and sharp pierced the ground in front of them. Alarming both ladies, Ayase sprang back and naturally dropped into a fighting stance. Falling on her buttocks, Tsugumi shrieked loudly.

"Augh, what the hell..?! Ayase, just what was that?!"

Facing the attacker's way, Ayase gave a fierce snarl. "Show yourself! Whatever you are!"

A low sinister chuckle came from the entity following them. Then, the sound of footsteps, producing methodical crunching sounds. Then, a pair of slanted eyes with thin black irises opened up, shooting a menacing glare at Ayase and Tsugumi.

"Heheheh, I'm surprised you were able to feel my presence, human woman," the entity chortled, the tone of his voice was described to sound unearthly. His voice has a raspy, high-pitched screech coupled with hissing sounds. As it continued walking, each footstep produced clicking sounds, crunching the ground where it walked.

Upon seeing their stalker walking out of the veil of darkness, Ayase and Tsugumi's faces contorted with dread. Tsugumi nearly screamed. Spooked by the creature's unearthly appearance, Ayase slightly backed off. Nervous sweat permeated from her forehead. Her mouth became dry as sand. Despite her apprehensive state, Ayase adamantly held her ground when the creature fully unveiled his ghastly identity.

The night creeper creepily smiled, chuckling. "I was hoping for a quick and easy meal."

As her mind became erratic, Ayase retorted. "Who… or what are you?!" She asked with disgust on her face.

"My name is Cell. I'm not from around here, but seeing bio-extracts for me to harvest is good enough to satisfy me." the green bipedal insectoid creature responded, meticulously scanning Ayase and Tsugumi. His hunger for human bio-extract whetted his unsavory appetite. His long green tail poked out from his back, displaying the barbed stinger used to stab and absorb his victims with.

"Ugh, gross! Are you one of GHQ's leftover experiments we forgot to take out?!" Tsugumi shrieked.

"GHQ? No, I was created by Dr. Gero," the bipedal insect-like creature scoffed, put off by Tsugumi's spastic screaming.

"Dr. Gero?" Ayase gritted and clenched her fists. "I don't care who made you! I'm not letting you go and feed on people!" Building up some momentum, she quickly dashed at Cell and went for a flying kick on the creature. However, the creature vanished without a trace. For a moment, he was there and the next thing Ayase knew she kicked through the creature's afterimage.

Befuddled, Ayase frantically looked around. She then felt breathing over her shoulder as a green tail slithered over her right shoulder. Holding her ground, she whipped around as Cell stood behind her with a menacing grin across the orange orifice on his face. As Cell's cruel smile curved outward, the orifice opened up, resembling a beak and revealing a pair of sharp fangs.

Quickly dashing at Cell, Ayase attacked him with a flurry of punches. Every punch thrown, and imbued with mystical energies given to her from her various masters, was easily parried by Cell's hands. Relying on her Paraplegic Shoes Void to fly around and defend herself, she bounced around and kicked Cell, who blocked every blow.

At one point, Ayase utilized and combined the various fighting techniques taught to her to throw Cell off, but the creature was easily making sport of her. Her Amazonian training from Wonder Woman. Her Slayer training from Buffy. Being one of Batman's apprentices. Learning Krypotinian martial arts from Superman. Applying Iron Man's ingenuity to her fighting styles. Picking up combat training from Captain America and Ange. Even being Shendu's mystic student. All of these disciplines, which would've been effective against street-level opponents, meta human types, and even low-tier deities, were useless against Cell.

All it took was one sidestep from the bio-android to make Ayase fall forward. Lashing his tail forward, he swept Ayase off her feet. Falling face first, Ayase cursed and punched the ground hard.

"Damn it! What the hell are you made of…?!"

"AYASE! HELP!" Tsugumi's horrifying screams filled Ayase with dread.

When Ayase whipped around, she caught Cell holding Tsugumi hostage. The monster had an arm around Tsugumi's neck, who flailed and screamed with terror. The techie tried kicking and even went as far as biting Cell's arm. Cell quickly shoved his tail near Tsugumi's face. His barbed stinger was 3 inches from Tsugumi's throat.

"Ay-Ayase, p-p-please… h-h-help…" Tsugumi begged, her voice strained and her face covered with sweat.

"Let her go, you freakish bastard!" Ayase yelled out, focusing on charging up her void's power in her legs.

"Heheheh, and what are you going to do? Try and save her? This girl is my next meal," Cell cackled, slowly moving his stinger toward Tsugumi's neck. Hearing and feeling her fast heart rhythms, Cell could taste Tsugumi's fear, who whimpered for her life.

"STOP!" Ayase screamed as Cell prepared to jab Tsugumi's right carotid artery.

Suddenly, and catching all parties by surprise, a beam of light collided with Cell from behind. As Cell collapsed in a heap, Tsugumi crawled away crying as she hugged Ayase.

"Oh my god…! I...I was almost… he was going to…" Tsugumi cried hysterically, burying her face on Ayase's bosom for comfort.

Although she was relieved her friend was safe, Ayase's attention was solely on who attacked Cell. She spotted a young man with periwinkle-colored hair and wielding a sword. Next to him is a young woman with long black hair and holding a rifle.

"Cell, we've found you!" The swordsman yelled out at the creature.

"Ugh, it's you, Trunks, and your woman Mai," Cell identified Future Trunks and Future Mai. Standing up but reeling from Future Trunks' ambush, Cell scowled. "How did you find me?"

"You can't hide from me for long, Cell. Now, I can kill you again," Future Trunks openly vowed to finish his nemesis.

Growling, Future Cell rebuked with fangs bared. "You won't get the chance to kill me, Trunks! I know you killed Zamasu!" He backed away, looking for a way out, but Future Trunks fired another Ki blast behind him, halting the creature's escape.

"No! Don't even think about it!" Future Trunks called. "I finished Zamasu. You don't even have a prayer against me now!"

Wasting no time, Future Mai hurled a grenade toward Future Cell, who easily deflected it with his tail.

"Hah! Don't take me for a fool like that haughty Supreme Kai rogue, who was easily blinded by a flash grenade!" Future Cell called out, demeaning Goku Black/Zamasu for falling for a flash grenade tactic that temporarily blinded him to give Future Trunks and the others a chance to escape. Taking no chances, Future Cell fired Freeza's Death Beam toward Future Trunks, who easily slapped it away.

However, this allowed Future Cell to sneak up and ensnare Future Mai with his tail. As Future Trunks headed off to stop her, Future Cell strangled her with his tail.

"Cell, you bastard! Let her go!"

"Heh, what do you think, Trunks? I heard this is how I would've killed you and taken your time machine to go to the past! I heard the other me was quite successful." He prepared to pierce Future Mai's forehead with his stinger.

"LET HER GO!" Future Trunks roared, his anger exploded as he went Super Saiyan. Then, his body mass bulked, his eyes went white, and electrical surges bounced off his aura. As he went Super Saiyan Rage, he quickly cut off Future Cell's tail while saving Future Mai.

Taking advantage of the situation, Future Mai picked up and fired her sniper rifle point blank in Future Cell's face. Upon firing a single shot, Future Cell's entire right eye exploded as torn flesh from his face splattered all over the ground. The bullet was just a powerful Ki bullet created from Future Trunks' energy, which he compressed into a bullet for Future Mai to use specifically on stronger-level targets.

"Take that, you Imperfect Akitsu!" Future Mai vehemently disparaged him.

Initially, Future Cell was met with pain. He let out a pained scream. As he jumped back, Future Cell, while covering his now mutilated right eye, became composed and chuckled.

When removing the hand from his right eye, there was nothing there but a hollow and bony socket. Purple blood oozed from the grisly wound where his eye used to be. The inside of the hollow space showed damaged tissue. A piece of bone twitching where the eye would normally be.

As Ayase and Tsugumi recovered, they joined Future Trunks and Future Mai. The four quickly surrounded the creature. Ayase immediately charged her void's power through her legs, ready to payback Future Cell. Even despite Future Trunks being presented, Future Cell merely chuckled evilly, feeling uncharacteristically composed in the face of a Super Saiyan that can easily obliterate him.

"Heheh, I'm quite impressed that a human with a weak power can damage me with a rifle. Perhaps this is a lesson to never play with my food." With that, Future Cell glided straight into the air. His entire right face and tail regenerated as good as new.

"No, you don't, Cell!" Future Trunks angrily roared, flying up preparing to blast him.

Ayase, too, joined in and glided up to attack the creature.

With two hands over his face, Future Cell used the reflection of a light beaming from a light post behind him. With a resounding screech, Future Cell blinded them with Solar Flare. At that moment, while the bright light blinded them, the four saw a one second picture flash of two houseflies humping each other. Having rendered them blind, Future Cell retreated far away and suppressed his Ki, masking his presence from his opposition.

As their vision recovered, Future Trunks cursed himself for not finishing Future Cell sooner. Ayase demeaned herself for not being strong enough to stop Future Cell with all the disciplines she's learned from her various mentors.

"Damn it all! Was that all I could do?" Ayase gritted and punched the ground as Tsugumi comforted her.

"Don't worry. We'll get another chance," Future Trunks reassured Ayase.

"Thanks, but we've never seen you two and that creature before," Tsugumi addressed them.

Future Trunks and Future Mai explained everything about them and their job as freedom fighters.

"Sounds like we have a thing in common. We fight against the evils and injustices that destroyed our homes. I'm Shinomiya Ayase, leader of Funeral Parlor, and this is my colleague Tsugumi," Ayase acknowledged as she welcomed the two newcomers. "Let's find our teammates and we can help you hunt down that monster."

xxxxx

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎)/Shinjuku, Tokyo (新宿, 東京)/9:05 AM (JST)

"Since then, Funeral Parlor and I recruited hundreds of people to join the resistance to fight the Yami Matter. This threat goes beyond anything our former enemy, GHQ, ever posed. The Yami Matter threatens the existence of not just your world, but ours, too. Our worlds are linked to yours," Ayase firmly stated. "Moreover, as it's taken on an avatar, it has revived the heinous villains. It will also manipulate your darkest desires and create cognitions of loved ones who've died in your lives."

"However, your hopes and dreams are what give us characters life. Since you've valiantly fought back against the Yami Matter, its hold on us weakened and we were able to crossover to your world," Sailor Moon said.

"That's why we're here. You won't be able to defeat the Yami Matter by yourselves," Superman (DCAU) added.

"So, will you join and help us?" Captain America (MCU) asked the Thieves, the Revenants, and their allies.

"Well, what do you think?" Makoto asked.

"Do you even have to ask? Of course, we will," Hifumi willingly accepted.

"The Yami Matter is our enemy, too," Ann stated.

"Thank you all so much," Ayase said. "But, we need to act fast. The Yami Matter will not wait to enact its next measures."

"Wait," Skyler spoke up as he approached Ayase.

"What is it?"

"How long do we have until the Yami Matter strikes?"

"Very soon. It'll attack tonight," Io answered for Skyler.

"Seems your friend called it before I did. She's right and we don't have much time," Ayase stated. "Listen, this isn't just another Yami Matter event you guys had to deal with. We're about to enter the Ethereal War."

Once this was made clear, the Thieves and their friends were overwhelmed with the notion their world is set to become a battlefield.

"So, we've escalated from Ragnarok Vein to this? The Yami Matter knows no limits in what it pursues," Yusuke muttered.

"But, can we stop it altogether?" Haru wondered.

"We will, Haru-chan!" Makoto passionately said, grasping her girlfriend's hands.

"We'll stop it together, my loves," Louis said, holding Makoto and Haru close to him.

"We've been backed into a corner before, Joker. We can do this," Morgana nodded with Ren.

"Alright, l suggest we split into groups. Members from my group and Skyler's can join parties from your organization," Ren passed his strategy over to Ayase.

"Hmm, I think it's doable."

"How about Hifumi, Io, and I join whichever party you go with?" Skyler asked Ayase.

"Uh, I guess so? We'll be hitting Dubai," the SWO leader informed Skyler and his colleagues.

"That's fine. We'll go with you there," Hifumi said. "Wherever Skyler goes, Io and I will be with him."

"Mia!" A voice belonging to a teenage boy called out, which she recognized.

As Mia and her group turned, they saw Nicola, Shinya, Reiko, and Li-Ming running up towards them. were Davis, Emily, Coco, Rin, Karen, and Aurora were seen accompanying the teenagers.

"Nicola!" Mia hugged her brother.

"Hey, Ren! Over here!" Shinya called out to Ren and the Thieves.

"Shinya! Thank goodness you're ok!" Ann waved to him.

"Long time no see, my friends!" Yumeko was heard calling out from a distance. As the Thieves and Revenants pivoted the other way, they saw Yumeko, Mary, Ryōta, Midari, Itsuki, Kirari, Sayaka, Yuriko, Terano, Ririka, and the other Spiritual Gamblers.

"Hey, how did the trip to that other world go?!" Ryōta asked the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Elven Princesses.

"It went well as we hoped, but the Yami Matter acted up and drove us," answered Makoto.

"Oh good, you're all safe," Mina approached the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Elven Princesses. She was joined by Kyosuke and Maria.

"I take it you were able to slay the remaining Lost that indeed our world?" Ren asked them.

"Yes, and as soon as we defeated them, the Yami Matter swiftly took hold of this world," Maria said.

"The Yami Matter didn't waste time and shrouded the planet in darkness. Not an inch of sunlight has managed to pass through," Kyosuke stated.

"Unfortunately, some young Guardian Spirit wielders were injured during the battle with the Lost and can't participate in this coming conflict," Mina sighed.

"It's ok. We'll fight hard in their place," Mary spoke up as she and her friends approached the Thieves.

"Welcome back, Skyler and Hifumi! I missed you," Yumeko quickly pulled them into an embrace.

"We missed you, too," the Revenant and his maiden squeaked out, getting crushed in Yumeko's loving embrace.

"Alright, everyone! SWO meetings are about to commence!" Ayase announced.

With that, The Thieves, the Revenants, the Spiritual Gamblers, and Elven Princesses split up to meet with their assigned parties. Plans and strategies were put in place for the Ethereal War.

xxxxx

Shibuya Crossing (渋谷交差点)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/6:45 PM (JST)

Having already finished their final arrangements, the Phantom Thieves, the Vein Remnants, the Spiritual Gamblers, and the Elven Princesses faced Shibuya's big screen in front of them. They each had their smartphones out.

Upon arriving to meet with them, the SWO came with their robot, Fyu-Neru, as it projected image screens of the Ethereal War conflicts across the world. Each member with their smartphones witnessed live feedback of various hero characters fighting villains.

The screens showed what could be described as a multiversal battle royal:

Willow (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Xander (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Giles (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Agent Coulson (MCU), Nick Fury (MCU), Howard the Duck (MCU), Piccolo (Dragon Ball), Krillin (Dragon Ball), Majin Buu (Dragon Ball), Yamcha (Dragon Ball), Tien (Dragon Ball), Master Roshi (Dragon Ball), the Ginyu Force (Dragon Ball), Mr. Satan (Dragon Ball), Arale (Dr. Slump), Gotenks (Dragon Ball), Pan (Dragon Ball), Uub (Dragon Ball), Piccolo (Dragon Ball Z Abridged), Krillin (Dragon Ball Z Abridged), Mr. Popo (Dragon Ball Z Abridged), Nappa (Dragon Ball Z Abridged), Future Trunks (Dragon Ball Z Abridged), Pan (GT), Gogeta (GT), Dumplin (Team Four Star), Tuxedo Mask, Sailor Chibi Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Venus, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Saturn, Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune, Ozaki Shin'ichi (Godzilla: Final Wars), Douglas Gordon (Godzilla: Final Wars), Mothra (Legendary), Rodan (Legendary), King Kong (Legendary), Anguirus, Kiryu (Mechagodzilla), Kamen Riders (Kadoya Tsukasa/Decade, Kaitō Daiki/Diend, Kurenai Wataru/Kiva, Hidari Shōtarō & Philip/Double, Kazuraba Kōta/Gaim, Kumon Kaito/Lord Baron, Kisaragi Gentarō/Fourze, Hōjō Emu/Ex-Aid, Dan Kuroto/Genm, Kiryū Sento/Build, Banjō Ryūga/Cross-Z, Tokiwa Sōgo/Zi-O, Tendō Sōji/Kabuto, Godai Yūsuke/Kuuga, Kido Shinji/Ryuki, Nogami Ryōtarō/Den-O, Hiden Aruto/Zero-One, Izu, Fuwa Isamu/Vulcan, Yaiba Yua/Valkyrie, Amatsu Gai/Thouser), Saber, Archer, Taiki & OmegaShoutmon (Digimon Xros Wars), Jounouchi & Red-Eyes Black Dragon (Yu-Gi-Oh!), Judai & Elemental Hero Neos (Yu-Gi-Oh! GX), Yusei & Stardust Dragon (Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's), Tomoe Mami, Miki Sayaka, Sakura Kyoko, Kyubey, Meliodas and the Seven Deadly Sins (Nanatsu no Taizai), the Ten Commandments (Nanatsu no Taizai), Super Smash Bros. Fighters (Mario, Kirby, Link, Fox McCloud, Pikachu, Samus, Captain Falcon, Luigi, Yoshi, Peach, Bowser, Zelda, Ganondorf, King Dedede, Donkey Kong, Meta Knight, Solid Snake, Sonic the Hedgehog, Toon Link, Mega Man, Pit, Lucina, Palutena, Bayonetta, Shulk, Bowser Jr. and the Koopalings, Ryu, Ken, the Inklings, King K. Rool, Ridley, Simon Belmont, Hero (Dragon Quest XI), Banjo & Kazooie, Terry, Byleth, Min Min), Master Hand (Super Smash Bros.), Crazy Hand (Super Smash Bros.), Young Justice (Nightwing, Aqualad, Superboy, Miss Martian, Kid Flash, Artemis), Team RWBY, Team JNPR, Cinder Fall, Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn), Kratos & Atreus (God of War), Kiryū Kazuma (Ryū ga Gotoku), Majima Gorō (Ryū ga Gotoku), the T. rex (Jurassic Park/World), the Mosasaurus (Jurassic World), TOM (Toonami), Suzumiya Haruhi, Spike Spiegel, Teen Titans (Robin, Raven, Cyborg, Starfire, and Beast Boy), Slade (Teen Titans), Green Lantern: The Animated Series (Hal Jordan, Kilowog, Aya, Razer, Atrocitus, Sinestro (in his Sinestro Corps attire), Carol Ferris, Saint Walker, Larfleeze), Indigo-1 (DC Comics), the Powerpuff Girls (1998 Series), Mojo Jojo (The Powerpuff Girls/1998 Series), Him (The Powerpuff Girls/1998 Series), the Rowdyruff Boys (The Powerpuff Girls/1998 Series), Samurai Jack, Ashi (Samurai Jack), The Scotsman (Samurai Jack), Dexter (Dexter's Laboratory), Mandark (Dexter's Laboratory), Ed Edd n Eddy, Rolf (Ed, Edd n Eddy), Johnny Bravo, Courage (Courage the Cowardly Dog), Sector V (Numbuh 1, Numbuh 2, Numbuh 3, Numbuh 4, Numbuh 5) (Codename: Kids Next Door), Numbuh 362 (Codename: Kids Next Door), Numbuh 86 (Codename: Kids Next Door), the Delightful Children from Down the Lane (Codename: Kids Next Door), Father (Codename: Kids Next Door), Cree (Codename: Kids Next Door), Chad (Codename: Kids Next Door), Grim (The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy), Billy (The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy), Mandy (The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy), Megas XLR, Mac (Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends), Bloo (Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends), Cheese (Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends), Sym-Bionic Titan, Danny Phantom, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003 Series), Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Korra & Raava (The Legend of Korra), Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Azula (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Zaheer (The Legend of Korra), Kuvira (The Legend of Korra), Team Voltron (Voltron: Legendary Defender), Prince Lotor (Voltron: Legendary Defender), Ben Tennyson (Ben 10, Alien Force/Ultimate Alien appearance), Rex Salazar (Generator Rex), Finn & Jake (Adventure Time), Mordecai & Rigby (Regular Show), Optimus Prime (Transformers Prime), Megatron (Transformers Prime), Bumblebee (Transformers Prime), Starscream (Transformers Prime), Predaking (Transformers Prime), Sari Sumdac (Transformers Animated), Bumblebee (Transformers Animated), Starscream (Transformers Animated), Optimus Primal (Beast Wars), Megatron (Beast Wars), John Wick, Detective Pikachu & Tim Goodman, Deadpool, Wolverine, LLENN (Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online), Tamaki Iroha (Magia Record: Mahō Shōjo Madoka Magica Gaiden), Aqua (KonoSuba), The Rising of the Shield Hero (Iwatani Naofumi, Raphtalia, Filo, Kitamura Motoyasu, Amaki Ren, Kawasumi Itsuki), Galo Thymos & Lio Fotia (Promare), Zack (Final Fantasy VII), Terra (Final Fantasy VI), Squall (Final Fantasy VIII), Zidane (Final Fantasy IX), Kuja (Final Fantasy IX), Tidus (Final Fantasy X), Jecht (Final Fantasy X), Noctis (Final Fantasy XV), Gladiolus (Final Fantasy XV), Ignis (Final Fantasy XV), Prompto (Final Fantasy XV), Lightning (Final Fantasy XIII), Caius Ballad (Final Fantasy XIII), Ace (Final Fantasy Type-0), Riku (Kingdom Hearts), Kairi (Kingdom Hearts), Donald Duck (Disney/Kingdom Hearts), Goofy (Disney/Kingdom Hearts), Mickey Mouse (Disney/Kingdom Hearts), Lea (Kingdom Hearts), Roxas (Kingdom Hearts), Xion (Kingdom Hearts), Terra (Kingdom Hearts), Aqua (Kingdom Hearts), Ventus (Kingdom Hearts) vs. the Turok-Han (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Caleb (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), The Mayor (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Glory (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Adam (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), The Master (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the Gentlemen (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Omega Shenron (Dragon Ball GT), Towa (Dragon Ball Online/Xenoverse), Mira (Dragon Ball Online/Xenoverse), Demigra (Dragon Ball Xenoverse), Moro (Dragon Ball Super), Trigon (Teen Titans), Nekron (DC Comics), Black Hand (DC Comics), Unicron (Transformers Prime), Gotou (Parasyte -the maxim-), Ultron and the Ultron Sentries (MCU), the Indominus rex (Jurassic World), the Indoraptor (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), Ramarak (Kong: Skull Island), the Skullcrawlers (Kong: Skull Island), Galeem (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate), Dharkon (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate), Tabuu (Super Smash Bros. Brawl), Controller X (Godzilla: Final Wars), Gigan (Final Wars), SpaceGodzilla (Godzilla), Destoroyah (Godzilla), Aku (Samurai Jack), Dark Danny (Danny Phantom), Ch'rell (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003 Series)), Ozai (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Unalaq & Vaatu (The Legend of Korra), Vilgax (Ben 10), Van Kleiss (Generator Rex), Isaka Shinkurō/Weather Dopant (Kamen Rider W), Sengoku Ryōma/Kamen Rider Duke (Kamen Rider Gaim), Evolto (Kamen Rider Build), Swartz/Another Decade (Kamen Rider Zi-O), Malty S. Melromarc (The Rising of the Shield Hero), Kefka (Final Fantasy VI), Ultimecia (Final Fantasy VIII), Ardyn (Final Fantasy XV), Kadaj (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children), Loz (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children), Yazoo (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children), Bahamut SIN (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children), Young Xehanort (Kingdom Hearts), Ansem (Kingdom Hearts), Xemnas (Kingdom Hearts), Terra-Xehanort (Kingdom Hearts), Vanitas (Kingdom Hearts).

"Are we all set?" Ayase asked as Fyu-Neru opened up portals for everyone to enter. "Each one will take us to a destination. Skyler, you, Hifumi, Io, and I will take that one over here. It'll take us straight to Dubai."

Sion nodded in response. "Ok."

"Let's do this, Skyler," Tennyo said, holding his and Io's hands. "So, we can have our wedding."

"Yes, we can't forget that," Sion smiled at his beautiful fiancée.

"And I'll be there, too?" Io asked them.

"Of course," Sion and Hifumi nodded as Io turned away, hiding the downcast look on her face.

"Let's do this, everyone," Joker said, walking alongside Panther as they entered a portal.

As he kissed Queen and Noir, Engineer watched his girlfriends take separate portals.

"Be careful, you two," Engineer muttered.

"Let's give the Yami Matter some hell!" Sion declared, his eyes glowing intensely red as his Revenant mask materialized.

"The Ethereal War has entered its next phase. Good luck, everyone!" Tsugumi called out as she closed all but one of the portals.

xxxxx

Standing outside each of their residences, Sakura Sojiro, Niijima Sae & Fujita Hojo, Suzui Shiho, Mishima Yuuki, Kawakami Sadayo, Takemi Tae, Iwai Munehisa, Mifune Chihaya, Ohya Ichiko, Yoshida Toranosuke, Tokiha Miyako, and Togo Mitsuyo & Satoshi eyed the darkened skies and hoped for the best of their dire circumstances.

Sojiro muttered. "Be careful Futaba, Ren, and the rest of you kids."

Sae grasped a hand over her chest. "Makoto, come back safely."

"Ann, Mia, please return to me," Shiho said with her hands on her chest.

"Hifumi," the Togos said, praying for their daughter's safe return with Skyler.

"You can do it, Phantom Thieves!" Mishima passionately cheered his heroes on.

Everyone placed their hopes on the Phantom Thieves and their allies to rise to the occasion against this greater darkness.

xxxxx

Manhattan, New York City, United States/(EST)

As he departed from his and Hecate ΩX's group, Satanael ΩX took a separate route and followed the presence of his Yami counterpart, who also separated from the rest of the Yami Matter army. As he descended on a tall building's rooftop, he spotted Yami Satanael ΩX waiting for him.

"Heh, well done finding me and coming alone, Amamiya Ren," Yami Satanael ΩX smirked evilly, brushing his bangs from his face. "Oh, I'm sorry. You're Amamiya-Takamaki Ren now. My bad."

"I already beat an evil clone of me. I'm not worried about you," Satanael ΩX calmly stated, whipping out his Paradise Lost dagger.

"Hah, well you see. That's the problem. You beat Mido's weak clone," Yami Satanael ΩX corrected him. "You're facing an extension of the Yami Matter." He, too, took out his own dagger, which is colored black with red embellishments. "No, I am the Yami Matter. We and the other Yami clones are the Yami Matter." Then, in an instant, he vanished and reappeared behind Satanael Ω. As he tried to slit Satanael ΩX's throat, the ascended Phantom Thief tucked his head and slashed his dagger at him.

While performing evasive moves, Yami Satanael ΩX anticipated every dagger strike. Both pulled out their guns and simultaneously fired their Ω Riot Gun. They took out their daggers and deflected the bullets heading their way.

"And another difference. I'm not based off that Kurusu Akira you met in that other dimension. Hmm, oh yes. You did kinda fuck up their dimension pretty badly, didn't you?" Nonchalantly taunted the Yami Phantom Thief.

"We repaired that dimension so no one remembers we meddled with it because you decided to send a monster there! You caused thousands to die!"

"And you have blood on your hands, too, Ren."

As he was reminded of this horrifying fact, Satanael ΩX grimaced. As images of the slain and his rampage returned to haunt him, his face contorted with utter dread. Circling him like a vulture over a dying animal, Yami Satanael ΩX continued taunting him.

"Those screaming children and mothers. Those innocent souls you murdered. It still hurts, doesn't it? Yes, you're lucky you had Togo Hifumi to bail you and your friends after she used Sophia's powers to reverse the damage, but what if Hifumi wasn't there? What then, Amamiya Ren?! Heheh, even you're not sure."

Shaking his head, Satanael ΩX trembled, letting his Yami counterpart's mincing words overwhelm him. Deep down, he still felt responsible for the damage he caused after transforming into his Devil Hydra form.

"Yes, give in to your insecurities, Amamiya Ren! Let me consume you!" Yami Satanael ΩX's face contorted with sheer pleasure. As he approached behind Satanael ΩX, the Yami Phantom Thief's hands morphed into black tendrils waiting to pick inside his head.

Then, Yami Satanael ΩX winced when he heard an audible and cringeworthy pop come from Satanael ΩX.

With a fist firmly planted in his own face, the ascended Phantom Thief punched his own face. Ignoring the fact he might've broken his nose and caused blood to spill from his nostrils, Satanael ΩX whipped around and fired a round of energy bullets into his Yami counterpart. As he was blasted away by Satanael ΩX's Ω Riot Gun, Yami Satanael ΩX fired back with his Yami Ω Riot Gun. Satanael ΩX glided away from Yami Satanael ΩX's rounds and swiftly flew headlong into his Yami counterpart. The two exchanged fisticuffs. Both had the same idea and headbutted each other.

However, Yami Satanael ΩX recovery came quickest, allowing him to turn the tide against Satanael ΩX. He seized the ascended Phantom Thief's right arm and tossed him onto a rooftop. Diving head-on with the prone Satanael ΩX, Yami Satanael ΩX fired a Yami Cosmic Flare at Satanael ΩX. As the blast seemingly consumed Satanael ΩX, the ascended Phantom Thief quickly flew up, bearing a sadistic sneer on his face.

"Oh? Surely that's not all?" Yami Satanael ΩX chortled. As he blinked, Satanael ΩX was gone from sight. He heard the click of a trigger and saw Satanael ΩX with his pistol pointed to Yami Satanael ΩX's head.

"Heh, what do you think?" Satanael ΩX asked, eliciting a composed smirk from Yami Satanael ΩX, whose mood abruptly changed as he flung a fist at Satanael ΩX.

Bang.

A bullet tore through Yami Satanael ΩX's face, revealing formless black matter.

It was the Yami Matter just as Yami Satanael ΩX alluded. He quickly fired a shot, but Satanael ΩX kicked him far back.

"I'd say you're tougher than that Akira clone, but I've gotten a level up since then," Satanael ΩX smirked, twirling his pistol. "What do you say?"

As his face self healed, Yami Satanael ΩX's body glowed with pitch darkness. The whispers of the Yami Matter spoke to him.

"Amamiya Ren, playtime's over," Yami Satanael ΩX's voice became a creepy whisper. The dark veil enveloped the Yami Phantom Thief, transforming him into his Yami Devil Hydra form.

Gazing over Manhattan, Satanael ΩX hesitated to transform while out in the middle of a cityscape. However, if he didn't stop his Yami counterpart, casualties will mount and he will have been responsible for letting Yami Satanael ΩX murder countless lives. As he came into grips with the angst he's had to endure since the Third Yami Matter event, Satanael ΩX transformed into his Devil Hydra dragon form.

Both dragons let out high-pitched roars as they flew around and engaged in an aerial battle. As Satanael ΩX took to a higher altitude and away from Manhattan, Yami Satanael ΩX hastily pursued him.

xxxxx

Elsewhere within the Manhattan area, Hecate ΩX, Buffy Summers, Faith, Ange (Cross Ange), Tusk (Cross Ange), Hilda (Cross Ange), and Salamandinay (Cross Ange), scoured the streets for Yami Matter agents waiting to ambush them.

"Hey, Catwoman. Are you getting anything yet?" Faith asked Hecate ΩX.

"No, and I'm Panther if you want to get cute with me," Hecate ΩX sardonically remarked.

"Hmm, I like your attitude, Ann," Buffy complimented her.

"Thanks, and I can't believe I'm walking and talking with a character I adored growing up," Hecate ΩX giggled while trying hard to suppress her fangirl urges. "And likewise, you were another character I admired while growing up, Ange. Though your show was the first time I watched a guy and a girl having sex. It was a surreal and a learning experience for me. Thank god my parents didn't catch me watching smut at that time."

"Heh, yeah. Remember when we fucked the first time, Tusk? That was great!" Ange winked to Tusk, who chuckled modestly. Then, she sighed as her bright mood abruptly changed. "I hope Ayase is doing ok out there."

"Why are you worried? You're the one who trained her after all, Ange," Tusk said.

"Yeah, you taught her all the basics from our training, even showing her our Norma ability to nullify Mana and other magic-enhanced abilities," Hilda reminded her friend.

"Yeah, but there's so much we don't know about the Yami Matter," Ange expressed her concerns about her aforementioned trainee.

"Excuse me," Salamandinay spoke up, garnering the groups' attention.

"What is it?" Ange queried.

Sensing three malignant presences, Salamandinay warned. "We have company. One of them is someone we're familiar with."

Hearing this, Ange scowled while brandishing her knife. "It's him. Embryo!" She yelled out with contempt.

"Heheheh, good guess, my friends!" A distorted voice sounding like Hecate ΩX interjected, alarming Hecate ΩX and the others.

"It's you!" Hecate ΩX growled as Yami Hecate ΩX appeared with Embryo (Cross Ange) and a man who Buffy and Faith recognized from a glance.

"Angel!" Buffy and Faith cried out in shock.

"Heh, hey, babes. A pleasant evening for a stroll in the Big Apple," Angel smirked evilly, a tone of sarcasm thickening in his voice. His face was full-on demonic, a side effect from the Yami Matter's influence.

"No, that's Angelus," Buffy grimaced.

"Ding ding. The Buffster wins the prize!" Angelus replied with a golf clap.

"You bastards turned Angel to his evil self?! How low of you!" Hecate ΩX angrily chided Yami Hecate ΩX and Embryo.

"And you and your friends are looking well, too, Angelise," Embryo chortled, eyeing and lusting for Ange first, who responded by shooting toward him. However, Angelus stepped in, taking the bullets for him, which while made him bleed didn't kill him. "Why thank you, Angelus. Why can't you be more like him, Tusk?"

"You monster! You and the Yami Matter aren't getting away with this!" Tusk retorted.

"Then, let's fuck his shit up now!" Hilda declared, running forward and firing open rounds into Embryo, who once again was saved by Angelus.

"Angel! Snap out of it! The Yami Matter is manipulating you!" Buffy called out as he ran over and grabbed his arm.

"Oh please, can we not engage in this lovey-dovey crap now? It's getting old!" The corrupted vampire backhanded Buffy back. Then, Faith quickly slipped behind Angelus and put him in a headlock. "Heheh, man I'm so popular with the ladies tonight."

"Listen, you're not right in the head, Angel! How about eating some Snickers? Will that help?" Faith asked while struggling to hold Angelus.

"Thanks, but I don't have much for a sweet tooth tonight!" Angelus roared, grabbing and throwing Faith off him.

"Then, how about a Kwix?!" Buffy responded with a roundhouse kick to Angelus' face, knocking him down.

Taking a fall from Buffy's strong kick, Angelus spat blood from his mouth and checked for a chipped fang. "Don't you Twix?"

"No, Kwix, because I just kicked your face," Buffy smirked.

"Buff, no offense, but that wasn't funny," Faith remarked.

"Everyone's a critic," Buffy shrugged as Angelus flew at the Slayers. However, Buffy and Faith both grabbed Angelus and kicked him far back. Both Slayers quickly whipped out their stakes.

"Going somewhere, ladies?" Embryo phased in front of Buffy and Faith, quickly tapping their heads as he brought the Slayers to their knees. They screamed and cried out in agonizing pain. "Yes, how about I break you two to become my new subjects?!"

Just then, Ange knocked Embryo back with a flying kick, which nullified Embryo's power affecting the Slayers.

"Thanks," Buffy said, getting back to her feet.

"Damn you, Angelise!" Embryo snarled. When he went to attack her, Hilda, Tusk, and Salamandinay obstructed his path. "Out of my way!"

"No way, you're abusing days are numbered, Embryo!" Hecate ΩX called him out. As she threw her Naraka Whip, she blasted him back with her Agidyne.

"Now, it's our chance to finish him!" Salamandinay declared, manifesting her dragon wings and tail. Flapping her wings with ferocity, she glided toward Embryo and kicked him away.

As Embryo crashed to the ground, Hilda came up behind and stabbed his back with a knife. When he turned, Tusk fired rounds into him. However, his punishment didn't end there. He watched as someone approached him.

"Great Sylvia… please, won't you help me?" Embryo pleaded, lifting a hand to Sylvia (Cross Ange).

"Sylvia?!" Ange gasped, just realizing her younger sister's sudden arrival. "Get away from him!"

Meanwhile, as Angelus recovered, Buffy and Faith approached him.

"Heh, you still wanna go?" Angelus chortled.

"No, we're ending it here," Buffy stated. As the Slayers exchanged nods, they shoved their hands into Angelus' chest. As their hands glowed with holy light, they purged the Yami Matter's influence and thus restored Angel's soul in the process.

Grunting hard, Angelus felt the evil essence purged from him. His face reverted to normal. "...huh? Buffy? Faith?"

"Welcome back, Angel," Buffy hugged her old lover.

"The Yami Matter took hold of ya, but we knocked that silly darkness out," Faith said.

"Thanks a lot," Angel nodded. "Thankfully Angelus didn't cause too much trouble."

"But, we still have other problems," Buffy pivoted toward Embryo and Yami Hecate ΩX.

"Thank goodness Angel is ok!" Hecate ΩX called out.

As Embryo continued his pleas to Sylvia, the young girl knelt and offered him a helping hand. Upon seeing this, Ange scowled.

"Sylvia, what the fuck are you doing?! Don't you remember he's the bad guy?!" Ange shouted. "What about you saying you'd stand on your own feet?!"

Smiling, Sylvia grabbed Embryo's hand. "You're right. I am and I'm standing on my own, but I've chosen to help uncle Embryo."

Embryo gave a sly grin. "I knew you'd come around, Miss Sylvia."

"At least, that's what the old me would've done!" Sylvia shouted as her face contorted with anger. She quickly kneed him in the groin and punched him in the face. "YOU SON OF A BITCH! DID YOU THINK I'D FORGET YOU MANIPULATED ME! USED ME! PLAYED ME LIKE A TOOL SO YOU CAN TURN ME AGAINST MY OWN SISTER?!" She then grabbed him by the collar of his suit. She gave him a vicious headbutt, causing his head to snap backward. "OH, THAT'S NOT ALL! ANGE TOLD ME YOU TRIED HAVING YOUR WAY WITH HER! YOU SICK CREEP!" Unleashing her unbridled fury on her 'uncle Embryo', Sylvia bit his neck hard enough that blood started gushing out.

As Sylvia continued biting hard on his neck, Embryo let out a blood-curdling scream, causing others to wince, but Hecate ΩX and Ange smiled with satisfaction.

"I'm proud of you, Sylvia. You've grown up," Ange muttered, smiling proudly.

As Embryo tried prying the girl off, Sylvia refused to let go. The deeper she bit, the more blood spewed out of his neck wound. Ange joined in and helped beat down Embryo, punching his face and kicking his groin.

"Hey, are we sure she isn't a vamp?" Faith half-joked.

"Nah, let her have this moment," Buffy said. "We all need to vent sometimes."

"Damn, he bites harder than any vampire I've seen," Angel winced at Sylvia clamping down on Embryo's neck.

Finally, with a big tug, Sylvia tore off some flesh from Embryo's neck. As Embryo stumbled forward and bled out, Ange shoved a hunting knife through Embryo's throat, delivering the killing blow.

"Enjoy your trip to hell, Embryo," Ange coldly smiled in his face as the man collapsed and died in a pool of his own blood. As Ange turned and confronted Sylvia, Ange handed the hunting knife to Sylvia.

"I'm so proud of you, Sylvia."

"Sis," Sylvia smiled, taking the knife as a gift handed to her. "No, thank you. You've opened my eyes."

"Now this is a happy ending I can get behind!" Hecate ΩX approvingly nodded.

Just then, Yami Hecate ΩX yawned. "Yeah, yeah, how drab. Oh well, one can't depend on men to do your dirty work. Guess it's up to me now." She jumped off a platform and landed in front of the group.

"We have Angel back and Embryo's dead. What can you do against all of us?!" Hecate ΩX called out her Yami counterpart.

"Oh, I don't even need to beat you to win. I've already taken a hold of most of your dimension. In no time, there will be nothing left," Yami Hecate ΩX addressed, acting as an extension of the Yami Matter.

"Hey, doesn't the way she's talking remind you of…" Faith muttered as Buffy finished.

"The First Evil," Buffy added.

"The First Evil?" Hilda curiously asked.

"What is that?" Salamandinay queried.

"Let's just say it was the Big Bad of all evil where I'm from," Buffy answered.

Yami Hecate ΩX chortled evilly. "Oh yes, the First Evil. What if told you I was the First Evil? Well, to be precise, I've taken the First Evil's form as my avatar."

"You what?!" Buffy exclaimed in disbelief.

"No way, but didn't you help destroy it?!" Hecate ΩX asked Buffy.

"It's not that simple. The First Evil is an entity that can't truly die or be defeated. There must always be a balance between good and evil," Angel explained. "While we can defeat its armies, it cannot be truly removed. Looks like the Yami Matter has acquired knowledge of the forces that exist in our world and decided to take the First Evil as its chosen avatar."

"But, we can still destroy Yami Matter, can't we?" Ange asked.

"Hard to say," Angel nodded.

"I can answer for you. You can't. Simple as that. Your world is on the brink of collapse," Yami Hecate ΩX chortled darkly, eliciting a heated response from Hecate ΩX.

"We'll prove you wrong!" Hecate ΩX berated her as she charged and readied her whip.

"Not so fast!" Yami Hecate ΩX then snapped her fingers as hundreds of television screens popped all over the vicinity, including Times Square. "Hehehe, I wonder how the whole world will react to you and Joker's little smut sessions?"

"No, you wouldn't…!" Hecate ΩX snarled, grinding her teeth as she knew what was forthcoming.

"Did you think just because Mido isn't around your secrets would be safe?! Hah, think again, whore! Let's show the whole world the slut you truly are!" Yami Hecate ΩX cackled evilly as the screens displayed Ren and Ann's sexual intercourse. The loud sensual moans of Ann was heard from speakers. Their intercourse was on full display.

Hecate ΩX's group was left stunned but not a word was spoken.

Forced to experience this whole ordeal again, Hecate ΩX was reminded of when Cognitive Ann and Mido doxxed Ann's entire sexual intercourse with Ren. Once again, Hecate ΩX was doxxed for all of New York City to witness.

"Doesn't this take you back, Takamaki Ann?! When Mido and I exposed you? When we attempted to break you and Ren up? Oh, how close I was with snuffing you out, leaving poor Ren-ren to be left all aloooone!" Yami Hecate ΩX giggled evilly.

Suddenly, like a volcano ready to erupt, Hecate ΩX fumed. When Buffy and Ange approached her, Hecate ΩX exploded with unrestrained anger toward the entity that nearly ruined her life and caused her near suicide.

"YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE! YOU'RE GOING TO BE JOINING MIDO SOON!" Hecate ΩX screamed, her eyes burned with intense fury. As a fiery aura formed over her, she flew at and collided with Yami Hecate ΩX.

In response to Hecate ΩX's fiery aura, Yami Hecate ΩX produced a black flamed aura. Their opposite-colored flames coalesced, spreading fire over through the area.

"Guys, we need to put this fire out before it gets out of control!" Buffy called out.

"Leave it to me! I'll find us some water!" Salamandinay offered as she flew around to look for water sources.

"We'll help, too!" Sylvia called out as she and Tusk searched for fire hydrants.

Ange, Hilda, Buffy, Angel, and Faith stayed behind to assist Hecate ΩX.

"Heh, your anger will be your comrades' undoing!" Yami Hecate ΩX taunted Hecate ΩX.

"THAT'S NOT HAPPENING! YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S GOING TO FUCKING PERISH!" Hecate ΩX roared. As the more incandescent her flames became, her being slowly eroded as her eyes turned pure white. Biting her bottom lip, blood leaked. She didn't care. All that matter was destroying the Yami Matter's essence at any cost.

xxxxx

Another battle commenced in the center of Time Square. In an iconic moment straight from either a comic book or a movie adaptation, an assembly of Spider-Men webslinger to the ground.

Among the Spider-Man army, they consisted of Spider-Man (MCU), the Into the Spiderverse Spider team (Miles Morales/Spider-Man, Peter B. Parker/Spider-Man, Gwen Stacey/Spider-Woman, Peter Porker/Spider-Ham, Peni Parker/SP/dr, & Peter Parker/Spider-Man Noir), Spider-Man & Miles Morales (Insomniac Games), and Spider-Man (The Spectacular Spider-Man).

Joining the Spider army was Midoriya Izuku/Deku and Bakugō Katsuki.

"Wow, check out all the Spider-Men, Kacchan!" Deku enthusiastically pointed to them.

"Feh, where's the bad guys?!" Bakugō fiercely roared as he was ready to go off on someone. Pretty much anyone at this point.

"Welcome, heroes!" A voice called out from above, garnering the attention of the Spider-Man collective and the two UA students.

"No way, Mysterio! But, you're dead!" Spider-Man (MCU) was flabbergasted to see the illusionist emerge from a smokescreen.

"A true magician never gives away his secrets, Parker," Mysterio (MCU) firmly stated.

"So, it's just you? Pfft, no problem," Miles (Spiderverse) scoffed.

"Quite the contrary! I didn't come alone!" Mysterio (MCU) announced. With that, more smoke dispersed from various sections of Times Square.

Coming out of the smoke consisted of various of Spider-Man's rogue gallery from different universes: the Green Goblin (The Spectacular Spider-Man), Venom (The Spectacular Spider-Man), Doctor Octopus (Insomniac Games), Kingpin (Into the Spiderverse), and finally the Elemental Fusion (MCU).

"Sinister Six!" Spider-Man (SSM) exclaimed.

"But, all from different universes! Man, Mysterio's been busy!" Spider-Ham cried out.

"Man, even Kingpin from my world!" Miles (Spiderverse) shouted.

"Doc Ock, so you've joined them, too?" Spider-Man (Insomniac) reproved his old friend.

"Well, these two are special cases," Mysterio (MCU) levitated with the Sinister Six. "The Yami Matter helped me brainwash these two to join my cause."

"But the two of us willingly joined because we want to get rid of all you, spiders! Mysterio was quite persuasive," Green Goblin (SSM) cackled jovially.

"Whenever we see a spider, we go mad!" Venom (SSM) bellowed.

"Eddie," Spider-Man (SSM) expressed pity for his former friend.

"Heh, so what? As far as I'm concerned, you're all bad guys I'm about to blow away with my explosions!" Bakugō roared with the explosive flares coming out of his arms and legs matching his intense personality.

"I'm ready to fight, Kacchan!" Deku declared, invoking One For All: Full Cowl.

"Then, let this Times Square rumble begin!" Mysterio (MCU) declared. "Sinister Six, attack!"

With that, the Sinister Six headed off the Spider forces and the two UA heroes. Spider-Man (MCU) and Deku engaged Mysterio. Miles (Spiderverse), Spider-Man (Spiderverse), and Spider-Woman took on Kingpin. Spider-Ham, Peni & SP/dr, Spider-Man Noir, and Bakugō battled the Elemental Fusion. Spider-Man and Miles (Insomniac Games) took on Doc Ock. And Spider-Man (SSM) fought the Green Goblin and Venom.

The Elemental Fusion unleashed various elemental attacks against Spider-Ham, SP/dr, Spider-Man Noir, and Bakugō. As it tossed fire toward them, Sp/dr excreted specialized webbing to put out the fire. Spider-Ham and Noir shot webs all over the Elemental Fusion. Combining water and air, the Elemental Fusion shrouded the area with steam, throwing off the group. This enabled the Elemental Fusion to sneak attack the Spiders and the UA hero.

"Ugh, that's it!" Bakugō roared, manifesting a sphere of light between his palms, which then exploded into a blinding flash that dispersed the steam. After using his Stun Grenade, he revealed the Elemental Fusion's presence. "Found ya!" Throwing his arms back, Bakugō propelled himself into the air using the explosive waves from his hands.

"I've pinpointed the source behind that thing!" Peni called out. "Drones are creating a projection! It's just one of Mysterio's illusions!" She and SP/dr locked onto one drone floating inside the Elemental Fusion. "Found one!"

"In that case!" Spider-Man Noir fired a web at the drone, tossing it around and smashing it against a building.

As he webslinged toward another drone, Spider-Ham took out a cartoon mallet and smashed it to pieces.

Peni and SP/dr launched lasers and small rockets to take out a few more drones.

"Alright, let's bring down the whole freakin' thing!" Bakugō roared with intensity. Upon flinging himself into the Elemental Fusion's face, Bakugō blasted it point blank with his Zero Distance Stun Grenade, quickly taking out the remaining drones, causing the Elemental Fusion to vanish completely. "Hell yeah!"

Spider-Man and Miles (Insomniac) webslinged around Doctor Octopus, who quickly followed their every movement. With great timing, his metal tentacles grabbed Miles and flung him through a shop window. Spider-Man (Insomniac) then fired webbing into Doctor Octopus' eyes, blinding his field of vision. The webslinger then battered Doc Ock with body blows. Following an uppercut, Spidey sent Doc Ock flying back.

"Octavius! Did they truly brainwash you?!" Spider-Man (Insomniac) mounted Doctor Octopus, grabbing him by his collar. "How did they do it?!"

"As Mysterio said… he and the Yami Matter influenced me… they found me in my prison and took control of me," Doc Ock answered, using his arms to knock away Spider-Man (Insomniac). "Finish me while you still have the chance, Peter!" Suddenly, a dark aura engulfed Doctor Octopus as the Yami Matter took hold and infected him. His entire body shuddered violently. Then, black ooze seeped out from his eyes and nose.

"Octavius!" Spider-Man (Insomniac) called out, reaching for Doctor Octopus, who slapped the webslinger's hand away.

"Get away from here, Peter! Take the kid and go!" Doctor Octopus pleaded before the Yami Matter took firm control of his mind and body. Now under the Yami Matter's control, Doctor Octopus attacked Spider-Man (Insomniac). He quickly ensnared Spidey's leg and tossed him across Time Square.

"Peter!" Miles (Insomniac) webslinged over to Spider-Man (Insomniac). As he recovered Spidey, they watched Doctor Octopus, now fully taken over, preparing to entangle them with his metal arms.

However, Doc Ock regained what little control he had left and entangled himself with his metal arms. Spider-Man (Insomniac) attempted to rescue him, but Doctor Octopus beckoned him off.

"It's best this way. Better than either of you," Doctor Octopus resigned to his fate, using his arms to destroy himself along with the Yami Matter's essence.

"We couldn't save him?" Miles (Insomniac) dropped his head.

"It was his decision. He took the Yami Matter along with himself," Spider-Man (Insomniac) lowered his head.

Elsewhere, Spider-Man (SSM) webslinged across Manhattan while on the run from the Green Goblin, who tossed pumpkin bombs at him. Narrowly escaping Green Goblin's explosives, he was then ambushed by Venom, who tackled him onto a rooftop.

"Well, Parker?! Are you ready to meet your end?!" Venom stalked toward Spider-Man (SSM).

"Eddie, listen…"

"He won't listen to you, Spider-Man!" The Green Goblin cackled, levitating on his glider. "This is where your storied career ends!"

"Any last words, Peter Parker before we silence you?!" Venom asked, lashing his drool-covered tongue.

"Yeah, this!" Spider-Man (SSM) webslinged toward a clock tower near them. Then, he grabbed a hammer and banged the bell, sending a resounding ring that affected the symbiote.

"Augh! No, make it stop!" Venom roared, clamping his ears shut.

"This ringing is getting on my nerves!" Green Goblin winced, covering his ears.

Then, Spider-Man (SSM) webslinged into Green Goblin's glider. He snatched up a few pumpkin bombs and tossed them at the Green Goblin. A series of explosions blasted Green Goblin back and sent him falling off into the street. Spider-Man (SSM) then webslinged over to the immobilized Venom, who rose and reached for the webslinger. Spidey backflipped and uppercut Venom's jaw. As Venom fell, the symbiote slowly came off, prompting Spider-Man (SSM) to trap the alien lifeform with reinforced webbing.

"Parker…" Eddie weakly muttered. "I...I'm sorry…"

"Don't be, Eddie."

"I was just angry. I was consumed by hatred by everything you did. I took it all out on you."

"The symbiote fed off your hatred and used you to kill me. Listen, Eddie, it's not too late to change."

Eddie peacefully smiled. "...I'll always remember we were friends…"

Spider-Man (SSM) genuinely nodded. "Yeah, me, too." At that moment, his Spider Sense triggered, prompting him to whip around and shoot webs at a pumpkin bomb, which he then flung into the air as it exploded. Pivoting away, he spotted Green Goblin climbing over the roof's edge. He ran up and decked Green Goblin, knocking him down.

"Heheheh, well done, Spider-Man!" As Spidey removed Green Goblin's mask, Norman Osborn was revealed with a menacing grin. "...unlike some of these sympathetic fools… I don't apologize for anyone…" Remaining defiant and unrepentant in the end, the Green Goblin passed out, staying true to remaining the villain he truly is.

Spider-Man (SSM) stood firmly, facing the direction where Miles (Spiderverse), Spider-Man (Spiderverse), and Spider-Woman fought Kingpin.

As Kingpin reached for Spider-Man (Spiderverse), Spider-Woman swooped down and kicked Kingpin's face. After she dazed the large man, Miles (Spiderverse), fully camouflaged, fired webbing in Kingpin's face. However, the blinded Kingpin continued charging toward the Spiderverse trio.

"Let's just keep webbing him!" Spider-Man (Spiderverse) suggested.

"Right! On 3! 3!" Miles (Spiderverse) shot webbing along with Spider-Man (Spiderverse) and Spider-Woman, covering Kingpin up with extra layers of webbing. As Kingpin tried breaking loose, even his brute strength couldn't break out of their newly reinforced webbing.

Then, the Spider trio knocked around Kingpin and put him down.

"Help me…" Kingpin weakly pleaded.

"Why should… oh god! What's happening to him?!" Miles (Spiderverse) gaped in horror as Kingpin's body started convulsing. Similar to what happened to Doctor Octopus, black ooze poured from his eyes and mouth. The Yami Matter took hold and infected him from the inside.

"That Yami Matter's killing him!" Spider-Man (Spiderverse) exclaimed. "C'mon, we gotta help him!"

"Wait! No…" Spider-Woman watched as Kingpin's body ceased movement. "He's gone."

"Damn it, the Yami Matter's killing its own members now?!" Spider-Man (Spiderverse) cried out, trying to make sense of the Yami Matter's intentions.

"That Yami thing just uses whatever it wants to get what it wants. This is wrong," Miles (Spiderverse) sadly muttered, staring over Kingpin's body.

Meanwhile, Mysterio (MCU) used illusions to outwit Spider-Man (MCU) and Deku. One moment, he flooded the entire area with drones, which fired convergent beams at spidey and Deku. Shooting multiple webbings, Spider-Man (MCU) blinded a few of the drones. Then, he webslinged at one drone and tossed it, crashing it into another drone. Utilizing his Full Cowl, Deku wiped out many drones in succession.

"Beck, where are you?!" Spider-Man (MCU) called out Mysterio.

Suddenly, a cloud of green smoke dispersed over the area the two heroes were on. Mysterio created illusions to try to mentally overcome Spider-Man (MCU) and Deku.

"You two played right into my hands!" Mysterio cackled. "Now, time to end this show!"

"Yeah, the end of your shitty special effects show!" Yelled out Bakugō, who rocketed toward Mysterio and took him down with Ex-Catapult. After slamming him down, Spider-Man (MCU) and Deku recovered and veered toward Mysterio.

Spider-Man (MCU) webslinged himself toward Mysterio. With a single punch, he fractured and broke apart Mysterio's head globe, which revealed a robot drone. Then, a legion of Mysterios emerged from the top of the Empire State Building.

"Holy shit, there's so many of them!" Spider-Man (MCU) exclaimed. "But, we can take them."

"Let's go!" Deku called out.

As the Spider-Man collection and the two UA heroes headed off the incoming Mysterios, fists were thrown and webs were flung all over the place. The majority of the Mysterio drones were crushed and pulverized.

As Deku and Bakugō went all out, they punched and blasted through with melee attacks. With an outstretched hand, Bakugō formed a circle from his free hand, which he used to fire an explosion and unleashed a concentrated blast beam. Focusing the path of his explosions into a single point, Bakugō fired off his AP Shot, wiping out several Mysterio drones.

Deku flung himself into the air, augmenting his leg and concentrated on fully utilizing his One For All: Full Cowl - Shoot Style. While utilizing this move, he went straight into delivering a roundhouse kick and devastating all remaining Mysterio drones with his Shoot Style: St. Louis Smash.

"Yeah, that's the last of them!" Deku hollered.

Watching in hiding, Beck witnessed his Mysterio drones being decimated. As he tried making his escape, Spider-Man (MCU) caught up to him. Quickly webbing up Beck, Spider-Man (MCU) punched him out.

"And just to make sure," Spider-Man (MCU) checked Beck's pulse. "Good, you're real." He looked up as the other Spider-Men landed next to him. Deku and Bakugō crashed next to the Spider group.

"That takes care of the Sinister Six," Spider-Man (Insomniac) reported. "Though two of them were controlled and we couldn't save them."

"Yeah, the Yami Matter got to them before we could," Miles (Spiderverse) sadly stated.

"What does the Yami Matter think it is to toy with other people's lives like that?" Spider-Man (MCU) wondered. "But, right now, we just showed that with our great powers come great responsibilities."

The Spider group nodded in unison and raised their heads high as if commemorating someone watching over them from the high heavens.

"Thanks, Stan the Man," the Spider group said somberly in unison.

xxxxx

Elsewhere, Future Cell waited for his adversaries. Before making his move to meet them, Goku Black and Future Zamasu appeared before him.

"Zamasu! What do you want?" Future Cell asked the duo.

"Have we come to an understanding that our mortal enemies must be eliminated?" Future Zamasu reminded the creature.

"But, don't think we don't know that you've disparaged us behind our backs," Goku Black scowled, scaring Future Cell with a rose Ki blade near the creature's throat. "We're aware you called us arrogant for letting down our guards around these lowly mortals. However, we didn't ask for your opinions, insect!"

"I...I didn't mean…" Future Cell stammered.

Just then, Future Cell and the Zamasu duo sensed two Ki similar to Future Cell's, but vastly more powerful.

"Heh, seems your guests are about to arrive. We'll let you handle them," Goku Black evilly smirked, withdrawing his Ki blade.

"You make sure to get rid of those man made constructs, lowly creature," Future Zamasu demanded, lambasting Future Cell without so much as calling him by his name. "Let us go, Zamasu." He said as Goku Black placed a hand on his shoulder and disappeared with Instant Transmission.

Having been left mocked and ridiculed by the two gods, Future Cell scowled and cursed under his bated breath. If being disparaged by two divine beings wasn't enough, Future Cell reflected his time in Hell. Unlike Freeza's personal Hell being full of cute animals and angels, Future Cell's personal Hell was being surrounded by the dead vengeful zombie-like souls taunting the bio-android while being encased in his cocoon.

Helpless to fight back.

Helpless to absorb them.

He was left to be tormented by his victims for the rest of his time in Hell. It wasn't until Goku Black and Zamasu, revived and aided by the Yami Matter, to collect the bio-android.

xxxxx

Flashback/Future Cell's Hell

After cutting the appendages holding Future Cell's cocoon, Goku Black swiftly removed the creature from his imprisonment. He and Future Zamasu cast piercing gazes over Future Cell, who quickly recoiled and readied his stinger in self defense. In response, Goku Black forged a Ki scimitar with his right hand.

"Don't even try, creature. We came here solely because we have a common enemy we must destroy," Future Zamasu said. "I understand you were slain by that sinner Future Trunks?"

"Trunks?" Future Cell growled, his tone conveyed bitterness after hearing the name of the man who killed him. "What do you want?"

"Another opportunity to get revenge on Trunks, Son Goku, and their mortal comrades," Goku Black said with an evil grin.

"But, you're Goku…?" Future Cell scanned Goku Black.

"Only on the surface, but inside this body is the soul of the Supreme Kai known as Zamasu."

Narrowing his eyes, Future Cell puckered his orifice. "Yes, so I see. The Ki radiating off you is different from Goku's."

"Listen up, lab abomination. We're not here for pleasantries. We've set you free. Now, will you join us?" Future Zamasu approached Future Cell, who backed off from the deity. Before Future Cell has a chance to respond, Goku Black kicks him near the cocoon.

"Or, we can kill you here and your soul ceases to be!" Goku Black laughed maniacally, swiftly stomping on Future Cell's tail. He and Future Zamasu then heard the whispering voices coming from the Yami Matter. "So, you want him to join us? Very well then."

Future Zamasu chortled. "The Yami Matter is more generous than we are. One last chance. Will you join us?"

Perplexed "Yami Matter… who are you two talking to?" Future Cell asked as Goku Cell cut him off with a menacing glare. "I...I… Ok! Ok! I'll join you! Just get me out of this Hell! Please!" He openly and pathetically pleaded to the two gods. "But, can you help me achieve perfection? I need two androids to absorb! They're 17 and 18… and…!"

Goku Black scoffed. "You mean those two androids Future Trunks destroyed? No, their souls have long ceased to be while your fate was determined in a special purgatory. You require two living androids to achieve your perfect form if I'm correct. And in any case, you won't get off easy. You want perfection? You go find the living 17 and 18 in Goku's time."

"I...I… Fine," Future Cell hung his head shamefully.

"Look at you. Begging us gods to deliver to you your androids? Salvage you from your purgatory? Normally, I'd kill you for such impudence, but not today. Come, you mortal vermin," Future Zamasu beckoned Future Cell forward.

As Future Cell followed Future Zamasu's lead, Goku Black walked behind him with a Ki blade to his back. Future Cell fell into a conflicted state of mind. He was forever grateful being freed from his horrific imprisonment but was reduced to a dog for two masters.

Already, Future Cell plotted to obtain his Perfect form and achieve divine power to one day usurp the deities holding sovereignty of Universe 7. No, Future Cell wanted more.

When he learned of Future Zen'ō, he wanted nothing more than to overthrow the Omni-King and firmly establish his place in the divine hierarchy. He was dead set on obtaining perfection with no one to ever challenge him.

xxxxx

Manhattan, New York City, United States/(EST)

"Just you wait. You conceited gods. I will surpass you all. After I've achieved perfection, I'm coming for you, Future Zen'ō. I find it baffling that such a child wields as much authority over the entire multiverse. Someone who understands and doesn't abuse power like a toy should hold such authority. And it shall be me!" Future Cell openly disavowed the deities for daring to dismiss him as nothing more than an experiment grown in a mad scientist's lab. "I will show you the beauty of ultimate perfection." However, deep down, he knew he had to carefully calculate his next move after absorbing 17 and 18. He can't afford to make a mistake in his long term goal.

Quickly opening his eyes to the present, Future Cell caught several familiar faces arriving to meet him. Disappointingly, Future Trunks was nowhere to be seen. However, he couldn't be more delighted to see who came.

Android 17, Android 18, and Android 16 descended to confront Future Cell. Then, the bio-android was taken by surprise when Perfect Cell dropped in followed by Android 21 and… Kermit the Frog?

"It's you/me!" Future Cell and Cell pointed to each other.

Cell cracked a conniving grin. "Heheh, oh wait, you're the future me."

Future Cell scowled. "And you're me with perfect form. You're who I'm going to become?!"

Cell covered his nose. "Eww, why do you smell like a wet dog? When's the last time you bathed?"

Looking up at Cell, Kermit pondered. "But, how can he be here if you're here?"

"Well, he's me from Future Trunks' timeline. Hence he would be called Future Cell. Man, am I glad I don't look like that anymore!" Cell ridiculed Future Cell.

Angrily cracking the ground with the weight of his tail, Future Cell retorted. "You shut up! Is this how arrogant I get when I absorb the androids?!" He quickly veered toward 17 and 18. As he cooled off, Future Cell calmly smirked. "Yes, how can I forget I must absorb you two for me…"

17 interjected. "...to achieve your perfect form. Yeah, yeah, we've heard this before."

18 sighed. "And you're yesterday's news. We're way beyond you at this point."

16 added. "And I'll rip your tail off just as easily as I did his." He said while eyeing Cell's direction.

"Hey, don't think I didn't forget that, bird lover!" Cell rebuked.

"16 loves his birds, doesn't he?" Kermit nodded.

The perfect one shrugged. "Too much."

"Ok, I know you're Android 16 based on what I've been told, but you never awakened in my time," Future Cell identified the tall, ginger-haired android. He then turned over toward pink-skinned Android 21. "But, I haven't seen you before, but you wear the Red Ribbon Army insignia on your coat."

Removing her lab coat, Android 21 replied. "Let's just say I'm like your mother, Cell. I am Android 21. And part of your cells has been incorporated into me. I had forgotten how revolting you looked in your inception form."

Finding himself outnumbered, Future Cell didn't expect this many opponents. Most of them were already strong enough to obliterate him effortlessly, but his survival instincts kicked in, driving him to achieve his goal of achieving perfection. Nothing was going to deny him that seemingly unattainable goal.

Android 21 pitifully looked at Future Cell. "You look so sad and desperate. You really want to absorb 17 and 18 that badly, do you?"

"Yeah, what of it?!" Future Cell hissed, backing away from the pink-skinned scientist. He noticed the pitied look she gave him in contrast to the others who showed disdain and disgust.

Cell rolled his eyes. "Oh please. Why are you pitying this guy? He's the weaker version of me. I can crush him like a literal bug now."

Kermit pointed out. "But, you're a bug-man, Cell. Should you even talk?"

Cell sighed. "That's beside the point, why are you even feeling sorry for this freakshow, 21? He's hell bent on absorbing these two and becoming like me. It's time to put him down like Old Yeller before he gets rabid on our asses!"

17 interjected. "I hate to butt in, but let's just get this over with. I have a wife and kids waiting for me." With that, he fired an energy beam toward Future Cell, who jumped up dodging 17's blast. As he looked up, 18 clubbed Future Cell in the back and sent him crashing through a nearby infrastructure.

As the androids quickly searched for Future Cell, the creature popped out of the ground having already regenerated his wounds.

"That's it! You asked for it!" Future Cell angrily bellowed, his high-pitched raspy voice was replaced with deep roars. When he powered up, a bright golden aura enveloped his insectoid-like body. However, this golden aura crackled with electrical surges seen on Super Saiyan 2 and Super Perfect Cell. Then, to add to Future Cell's already terrifying appearance, the ghastly faces and souls of his victims seeped out and howled with despair from his crackling aura.

18 was aghast. "It's all those people you absorbed."

17 frowned. "Well, this isn't creepy at all."

16 added, scanning Future Cell's horrific aura. "According to my sensors, these souls belong to those who couldn't rest in peace in the afterlife."

18 growled. "You monster. Those are families and children you consumed!"

Future Cell cackled as the electrical crackles of his Super Saiyan 2-like aura were shrouded with the screaming, ghostly souls. This was enough to disturb 18 and throw her off.

However, Cell was none too impressed. "Ooo, am I supposed to be scared? Well, I'm not. I've seen CGI ghosts scarier than what you pulled, other me."

Kermit quipped. "This is some Poltergeist shit, yo."

Trying not to let Perfect Cell incite him, Future Cell initiated his first tactic: the Multi-Form technique. He created three exact clones as the four surrounded the group. All four fired off a Makankōsappō on 16 and 21, a Big Bang Crash on 18, a Full Power Death Beam on 17, and a Super Kamehameha on Cell & Kermit. As easily as they dodged (in Kermit's case, saved by Cell), they swiftly defeated the three clones. 18 kicked one clone into oblivion. 17 blasted the other away. Cell casually blasted the third one.

During all this, Future Cell sneaked up on Cell and opened up his tail like a vacuum.

"Hey, what the shit?! You intend to absorb me?!" Cell panicked.

"You have the remnants of 17 and 18's power through you. So if I absorb you, I will have absorbed them, too!" Future Cell declared as he pulled Cell through his tail.

"Cell! Noooo!" Kermit cried furiously as a white aura flowed over him.

After successfully absorbing Cell, Future Cell laughed gleefully and maniacally. The powers of Perfect Cell coursed through the creature, filling him with unspeakable power. Having been caught distracted by Cell's Multi-Form clones, the group witnessed Future Cell's golden aura filled with crackling electricity surging through him. The ghastly faces wisping over him howled louder than before, sending chills down the spines of 17, 18, and Kermit.

"Hahahah! Yes, step one is complete! The power of perfection courses through me!" Future Cell boasted, his eyes widening and turning white. Despite having absorbed Cell, the creature didn't evolve. He willfully maintained his Imperfect form, preferring his monstrous image as opposed to the narcissist his Perfect self became. Scanning over his opponents, Future Cell moved with his newfound speed, swiftly and painfully injuring his opponents.

During Future Cell's swift assault, he blasted 16 away with his Ultimate Wave, sending him crashing through countless buildings. Ensnaring 21 with his tail, he strangled her and blasted a hole through her chest with a God Breaker attack. After critically injuring 21, Future Cell tossed her aside as he did with Piccolo when discarding him into the water.

"Gimme back, my friend! You frea-!" Kermit was cut off mid-sentence as Future Cell backhanded him away. Then, he turned and quickly fired Hellzone Grenade at 17 and 18 as the blast consumed them.

However, the twins shielded themselves with their Android Barriers. However, the spheres fired from Future Cell's attack exploded as a Death Beam Barrage and Kienzan critically injured the cyborgs while bypassing their defenses. After senselessly beating up the two androids, Future Cell quickly snatched 17's neck and stomped on 18's back, pinning her down.

"Heheh, any last words?" Future Cell taunted 17 while punching his back once.

"Yeah… take a bath," 17 rebuked.

"At least, I kicked your ass harder than Jiren did," Future Cell remarked. "Oh wow, that name sounds boring already."

18 gritted. "...why don't you just get it over with if you're so anxious to absorb us?!"

"That's what I'm about to do, my sister," Future Cell chuckled. As he's about to absorb 17, the creature suddenly doubled over and groaned. He dropped 17 and grabbed his belly. "Oh… whoa… I don't feel so good…"

Kermit weakly muttered, grinning. "...about time you stopped that charade game, Cell."

"Ugh! What?! No, it cannot be!" Future Cell screamed painfully as a surge of power inside him expanded his body. Then, his entire lower body and tail exploded in green and purple gory fashion. Popping out like as if he were a newborn baby, Cell saw the light and laughed.

"Hahah! Surprise, bitches! Thought you lost me?!" Cell boasted, throwing his hands into the air.

17 remarked. "We hoped we would."

18 added sardonically. "Same. We wouldn't miss you at all."

"Now, is that any way you treat your little brother?" Cell then checked over to Kermit. "Kermit!" He ran over and cradled the green Muppet in his arms. "There, there, little buddy! You're going to be ok!"

"I-I'm good as gravy, Cell. But, that other you bitch smacked me."

Hearing this, Cell turned and saw Future Cell dragging himself across the ground. With his entire lower half being blown apart, he dragged with purple blood oozing out and pieces of his intestines spilling out. Future Cell coughed, spitting out a mix of purple and green blood.

"Gaugh! It hurts! IT HURTS!" Future Cell screamed in blood-curdling pain.

"Well, that's what you get, bitch!" Cell rebuked.

Clenching his hands tightly, Future Cell regenerated his entire lower half and tail. He flew straight into the air and fumed with anger.

"Hey, come back!" 17 yelled out to him.

"Look, he's running like the little bitch he is," Cell chuckled. "Not only do you smell like a wet dog, but you're sticking that tail between those cheeks you call an ass!"

Shaking with fury, Future Cell screamed and vented his frustrations to everyone who've looked down on him. "No. NO. NO! I AM NOT A JOKE! I AM NO ONE'S BUTT MONKEY TO MAKE LIGHT OF! YOU ALL ARE SUPPOSED TO BE AFRAID OF ME, BUT BETWEEN MY SMUG ASSHOLE PERFECT SELF, MY SIBLINGS, A BLEEDING HEART, AND EVEN THE GODS, AM I BUT A FUCKING JOKE TO YOU ALL?! WELL, NO MORE!" As he roared with vented frustration, Future Cell raised his hands into the air and began amassing his own variation of Goku's Spirit Bomb. Gathering the spiritual energies from the ghastly souls making up his aura, Future Cell formed one bigger than the one Goku used on Kid Buu.

Mixing the ghastly souls with the spiritual power needed to form it, Future Cell's Spirit Bomb turned black with the ghastly faces still howling in despair. In contrast to the good needed to destroy evil, Future Cell's variation was solely created to destroy all that is good. He set his sights on Cell, Kermit, 16, and 21 specifically. "YOU ALL CAN PERISH FOR GOOD! BE GONE!" He tossed the Spirit Bomb at his intended targets, leaving 17 and 18 alive to absorb.

"If that hits us, we're finished!" 16 charged, tearing off his arms and firing off his Full Power Hell Flash.

21 followed up and tossed her Absolute Release Ball at Future Cell's Spirit Bomb. 17 unleashed his Power Blitz. 18 fired her Infinity Bullet.

"Don't forget me!" Kermit hollered, powering up as a bright green aura enveloped over the Muppet. His body then bulked up and grew several feet taller. Cell enviously gazed over Kermit's powered form.

"My God, look at that six-pack and those tight cheeks! You're so goddamned sexy, Kermit!"

"Now, Cell!" Kermit called out. With that, he and Cell performed a Double Kamehameha.

Powering up to full maximum power, Cell augmented his Kamehameha's power and unleashed his Solar Kamehameha at Future Cell's Spirit Bomb. Upon seeing his adversaries' combined attacks pushing against his Spirit Bomb, Future Cell's contorted with terror as his own attack was repelled toward him.

"No! No! NO!" Future Cell screamed with horror as the Spirit Bomb engulfed him. As the attack consumed him, not only was the energy tearing him apart, but the zombie-like souls from Future Cell's power aura poured out and grabbed him, tearing him limb by limb. The insect monster watched his own soul being ripped from his body and being dragged back to Hell. "NO! THIS CANNOT BE! AUGH! PLEASE, JUST ONE MORE CHANCE! DON'T LET ME DIE LIKE THIS! I MUST HAVE PERFECTION! DO NOT SEND ME BACK TO FUCKING HELL!"

17 and 18 silently watched the creature pitifully being torn apart by the very souls he's consumed.

"NNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOO!" Future Cell screamed his last words in the mortal world as he was obliterated right down to his very nucleus.

"Poor thing," 21 sadly sighed, clasping her hands.

"There's no trace of him left," 16 confirmed Future Cell's death.

"Welp, that was better than the Drag Me to Hell ending. Man, now who do I roast with him gone?" Cell roasted his future self.

Kermit remarked. "There's plenty of jerkoffs in this story we can still roast, Cell."

Cell shrugged. "Who? I'm all ears."

Kermit mulled over their choices. "Gohan, that whiny bitch Ouma Shu… aha, how about All For One?"

Cell sighed with exasperation. "Why? We've already roasted All For One enough. Let's find some other poor sap to target."

Almost in tears for having to experience being eaten alive again, 18 added with relief. "God, I'm glad he didn't absorb me. That's something I never want to go through with again!"

"You and me both, sis," 17 concurred.

"I hope future me is enjoying Hell all over again," Cell grinned, placing on and wearing a pair of shades.

xxxxx

Flashback/Future Cell's Hell

The familiar haunting moans of the undead souls filled his ears. Opening his eyes, Future Cell found himself back inside his cocoon and re-experiencing his worst personal Hell for eternity. Unlike the cuddly animals and fairies dancing prancing around, his victims taunted the creature that preyed and consumed them.

"No… No… NOOOO! NOT THIS AGAIN! PLEASE ANYTHING BUT FUCKING THIS! PLEASE JUST PURGE MY SOUL INSTEAD!"

Future Cell's face contorted with absolute trepidation.

"Weellllcooome back!"

Having a mental breakdown, Future Cell screamed with absolute terror. "NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

xxxxx

Manhattan, New York City, United States/(EST)

Elsewhere, two witnesses quietly monitored the entire proceedings. Standing atop Freedom Tower, the God of Destruction and Angel of Universe 7 watched like gods being entertained by mortals fighting off the Yami Matter's forces.

"Isn't it just a lovely evening while our good friends take care of that nasty Yami Matter infestation, Lord Beerus?" Whis asked, seemingly chill with the proceedings and fully confident in Universe 7's chances handling the Yami Matter.

"It would be over faster if I got involved," grumbled the impatient purple cat, standing with arms folded over his chest.

"Ohoho, you'd love to get your claws dirty, wouldn't you? I hate to be a downer, but this is not our fight to meddle with. We must put our hopes that the mortals can resolve this disaster."

Beerus irritably snorted. "I'll bet that fool Goku and his friends are having fun out there. Just knowing Zamasu and Goku Black are back, I'd love nothing more than to Hakai those two for their abrasive behaviors."

"And your behavior isn't abrasive, Lord Beerus?" The Angel openly teased his God of Destruction, knowing full well the purple cat would dare not try to fight him over his remark.

Scowling, Beerus retorted. "You just know where to hurt me most, Whis."

"Now, how about we get a better look at Goku and company's fights?" Whis raised his staff, which conjured a live visual of Goku and Vegeta flying toward Chinatown. Another visual showed Future Trunks, Future Mai, Freeza, Cooler, Jiren, Yagami Taichi & WarGreymon, Ishida Yamato & MetalGarurumon, Goku (Abridged), Vegeta (Abridged), and Spike (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) facing Goku Black and Future Zamasu.

"Hey, it's that meddlesome time traveler! Wait! Why haven't Goku and Vegeta arrived there yet? And shouldn't that fool have used that Instantaneous Movement or whatever he calls it to get there by now?!"

"Hmm, another Goku and Vegeta are facing Goku Black and Future Zamasu," Whis noticed the Abridged versions. "Sadly, they're pitifully weaker than our Goku and Vegeta. Oh dear, they're going to get picked apart by just Goku Black alone."

"And who is this fellow? He saw woefully out of place," Beerus pointed to Spike.

"I do believe that's an Earth vampire and his voice sounds very similar to Zamasu's," Whis said, keenly eyeing Spike on the visual.

Upon hearing this, Beerus blinked. "You don't say? Maybe I should cleanse him out of existence for even sharing that conceited Supreme Kai's voice."

"Oh, I wouldn't let the vampire trouble you. He's fighting on our side. Also most curious are those two young men and their Digimon."

"Digi-mon? What are those? Some cheap imitations of those Pokey-man those Earthlings keep prattling about?"

"Ohoho, no. Digimon. Otherwise known as Digital Monsters. Some are quite potent entities. These two will certainly carry their weight once they fuse."

"They can fuse? With what? The Potara Earrings or the Metamorans' ridiculous Fusion dance?"

"Just watch and see, milord."

Losing patience, Beerus growled. "Look, I'm just itching to see some fighting now! I wanna see Zamasu and Black get their heads smashed in!"

"Patience, Lord Beerus. Say, imagine if we were Digimon. You'd be Lord Beerusmon. I'd be Whismon!"

"That's silly, Why would I want to be called that?"

"Well, perhaps in some other reality, that'd be our Digimon names. Don't you think?" Whis said as he and Beerus faced the other way as if giving a wink to the audience. "We also have other locations where members of Universes 7 and 6 are participating."

Two more visuals showcased two other Chinatown locations: one screen displayed Hit, Gohan, and Gohan (Abridged) facing Janemba. The second one showed Broly (Canon), Caulifla, Kale, and Cabba confronting Broly (Original).

Just then, both heard creepy whispers emanating from the Yami Matter's presence. Seemingly unfazed, Beerus shot an irritated gaze at the blackened sky.

"Yeah, yeah, you're here to purge this universe due to the ever festering darkness in humanity's hearts. And all because of some pitiful human who lived a sad existence and merged himself with Yaldabaoth. Then, a goddess reset the entire world. The side effects resulted in your growth, leading to you systematically erased several universes, including some dark and dreary Norse universe. Then, you found some vampire madman from another world and influenced him to destroy a couple of worlds. And then helped him reset time in this dimension. Now that he and his accomplices are gone, you want to take it out on everyone, forcing our hand and bringing us here. Do you know how much it stings to find out you're just a flippin' fictitious character from a Japanese comic and animation series?! Well, do you?!" Beerus openly ranted on the Yami Matter. "So, boohoo cry me a river! I'm not the one mad because they didn't get their way!"

Whis blinked in bewilderment. "Wow, I'm impressed, Lord Beerus."

"You learn to deal with incorporeal entities pretending to be omnipotent. This one so desperately wishes to be the personification of conceptual evil itself."

"Well, I wouldn't call the Yami Matter a pretender. A nuisance yes, but for some reason, it's preventing us from interfering in the fights."

"Can we just get on with the fights now?"

"Yes, and what great timing. Goku and Vegeta have arrived at their destination," Whis' visual showed the two Saiyans teleport in Chinatown via Goku's Instant Transmission. They quickly convened with the groups facing Future Zamasu, Goku Black, Broly (Original), and Janemba.

"About time, Whis! Let's see where this goes."

"Indeed, this will be quite the delightful show!"

xxxxx

Chinatown/Manhattan, New York, United States/(EST)

"Hey, guys! Sorry that we're late!" Goku greeted everyone.

"Dad, we're glad you're here!" Gohan called out.

"Your father was having a hard time trying to sense your Ki," Vegeta informed Gohan.

"Why though, dad? We released our Ki just so Goku could detect us with his Instant Transmission!" Future Trunks added.

"Probably because of that annoying Yami Matter blocking out your Ki," Goku grumbled at the darkened sky above them.

"Nevertheless, we're glad you're here, Goku!" Caulifla enthusiastically called out to the Saiyan.

"Hn, Goku," Jiren acknowledged his strongest opponent's presence.

Hit quietly monitored Goku and Vegeta while the Saiyans interacted with everyone.

"I see you, Hit and Jiren! You're both looking well!" Goku called out to his fighting rivals.

"Kakarot, it's good to see you," Broly (Canon) acknowledged him.

"Oh, same to you, Broly! Have you gotten stronger since we last sparred?"

Broly (Canon) nodded, raising a clenched fist. "Yes, and I'm here to help take care of my counterpart." He said, narrowing a fierce warrior's gaze at Broly (Original).

"We also happened to come with Broly, too, Master Vegeta!" Cabba called out to the Saiyan Prince.

"Piccolo, Krillin, Buu, and the others couldn't make it, because they and a bunch of our allies are fighting the Yami Matter's forces," Gohan stated.

"Speaking of baddies," Goku quickly pivoted toward Freeza and Cooler. "I ain't surprised to see you here with us, Freeza, but you actually brought your brother?"

Freeza scoffed. "Hn, did you think I'd idly stand by while you Saiyans get your fighting jollies on? Oh, and I wasn't going to let my brother here have all the fun. Besides, I'm far stronger than he is now."

Cooler grunted. "Feh, you'll be eating those words. Oh, look at me, I can turn golden now! Now, I look like an Oscar Trophy! Pfft, you think I've fallen behind? You and Goku are in for a surprise!"

"Wow, you can turn Golden, too, Cooler?" Goku dumbfoundedly asked Cooler.

"Just wait and see, you Saiyan monkey."

"No way, it's me!" Goku (Abridged) called out to his main timeline self.

"Huh? Another me?" Goku blinked in bewilderment.

"You just noticed, dad? Yeah, I was just as surprised," Gohan said, pointing to the Abridged versions of Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan. "They're from some other universe exactly like ours, but it's powered by parody and their timeline suddenly just paused shortly after the other me defeated Cell. Heck, look at the other me! He's still a kid!" He measured Gohan (Abridged)'s height and compared it to his own. "Man, I was such a squirt then!"

Gohan (Abridged) chuckled. "And I can't believe I grow up to get married and have a daughter!"

Vegeta (Abridged) snorted. "And I never would've imagined anything after Cell was defeated! Like what the hell?!" He quickly and aimlessly pointed to Vegeta. "And you're apparently buddy buddy with your Kakarot now?!"

Vegeta balked at his Abridged counterpart while confused by his less deep and gruff voice and given a more expanded vocal emotional range. "What the hell's your problem? Why does your voice sound different from mine? And no, I'm not best 'buddies' with my Kakarot. We're merely sparring partners and still trying to push our limits."

"Aww, but we are friends now, Vegeta!" Goku grinned.

Goku (Abridged) chuckled. "And your voice sounds more uh… manly than me."

Goku blinked at his Abridged counterpart. "And you sound… goofier? Hah, I don't know why, but I like it! Oh, and you even have a halo! Yep, that must mean you just died the way I did after taking Cell away from Earth!"

Gohan (Abridged) turned to Gohan. "Hey, you don't need to tell me in full, but since you witnessed a lot of things after you beat Cell, tell me. Did I really peak at the Cell Games?"

Sighing, Gohan folded his arms and answered. "Would you be happier if I said… 'yes'?"

Gohan (Abridged) shook his head. "Aww man. That stinks."

"Holy cow, two Gokus!" Taichi called out, accompanied by WarGreymon. "Man, this is like a dream come true!"

Turning to face Taichi and WarGreymon, Goku happily greeted them. "Hey, and you are?"

"I'm Yagami Taichi and this is my Digimon partner WarGreymon."

WarGreymon nodded. "Hello, Goku."

"Wow, you've got a big friend there! Put it there!" Goku shook WarGreymon's hand. "So, Taichi, is your friend strong enough to help us out?" He said while carefully eyeing Goku Black, Future Zamasu, Janemba, and Broly (Original).

"Yeah, he should. Maybe you should watch what he can do," Taichi replied with an energetic smile.

"I can't wait!" Goku nodded in approval.

As Yamato and MetalGarurumon confronted the Saiyan Prince, Vegeta faced them with folded arms.

"Who must you be?"

"Ishida Yamato and this is my Digimon partner MetalGarurumon."

"Greetings, Saiyan Prince," MetalGarurumon introduced himself, bowing his head.

"Hn, well, let's see what your metal friend there can do," Vegeta stated.

"We won't let you down," Yamato affirmed.

"Good, see it that you don't."

"Huh, and… I don't know you?" Goku pointed to Spike.

"Oh, don't worry. I was just passing by. It's a lovely night in Chinatown, isn't it?" Spike waved him off.

"Hmm, why does your voice sound so eerily similar to Zamasu's?" Goku suspiciously glanced and questioned the vampire.

Suddenly, Future Zamasu and Goku Black interrupted the friendly interactions with quick Ki blasts being fired into the sky. The massive group quickly turned and faced their enemy opposition.

"Sorry but not sorry for interrupting your party. However, we cannot wait much longer to commence with our fight to the death," Future Zamasu openly declared.

"All of you mortals must be removed before the Yami Matter finishes what's left of this repugnant universe," Goku Black stated.

"We won't let that happen!" Future Trunks exclaimed, powering up into Super Saiyan Rage. "You won't destroy the hopes these people in this world have in me and my friends!"

"Bring in, Zamasu and Black. Send in your two cronies there. I'll show you just how much stronger I've gotten," Vegeta beckoned the Zamasu duo.

"Well said. Now bring all you four got!" Goku called out.

"You two! Show your worth and eliminate them!" Future Zamasu ordered Janemba and Broly (Original), as both roared and flew out to lob attacks at the group.

As the massive group split up into three factions, each party took on the three foes. Future Trunks led Future Mai, Freeza, Cooler, Jiren, Yagami Taichi & WarGreymon, Ishida Yamato & MetalGarurumon, Goku (Abridged), Vegeta (Abridged), and Spike against Future Zamasu and Goku Black. Goku & Vegeta led Hit, Gohan, and Gohan (Abridged) against Janemba. Broly (Canon), Caulifla, Kale, and Cabba engaged Broly (Original).

"Who would've thought we'd cross paths again, Trunks?" Goku Black chortled. "It seems like it's been ages, but we haven't forgotten what you last did to us."

Future Zamasu added. "And this time we shall put you in your mortal, you insufferable sinner."

Vegeta (Abridged) quickly turned Super Saiyan and boasted. "Ugh, are we gonna be listening to you two asshats talking all freaking day about shitty humanity is and how much this boy here has sinned your natural order?! Me? I don't give a damn about any of that! I'm going to run over you two like you're yesterday's…!"

At that moment, Goku Black turned Super Saiyan Rosé and silenced Vegeta (Abridged).

"Whoa, that's new! He turned Super Saiyan… Pink?!" Goku (Abridged) gaped in shock at this new transformation.

"Foolish mortal. This is the majesty of my grand power. You may call it Super Saiyan Rosé!"

"Why can't I feel any Ki from you now? You're no Android as far as I can tell," Goku (Abridged) said.

"I am above any mortal being on this plane of existence."

"Pink, Rosé. I don't give a shit what you call yourself! I'll beat you down as I did to Cell's fish-lipped face!" Vegeta (Abridged) quickly flew head-on with Goku Black and punched him with a full-powered fist. Much to his dismay, Goku Black was both unfazed and unimpressed by Vegeta (Abridged)'s mere Super Saiyan power.

"Cell, you say? That was an opponent this body fought ages ago and has far surpassed since then," Goku Black elaborated, causing Vegeta (Abridged) to look on with horror. As Vegeta (Abridged) quickly went on the offensive, none of his punches even tickled Goku Black.

"Vegeta, your power is nowhere near enough to faze him! Withdraw!" Future Trunks called out to him.

"Welp, the bugger's screwed," Spike remarked.

As he backed off, Vegeta (Abridged) saw his counterpart fully transformed into Super Saiyan Blue and aiding a Super Saiyan Blue Goku against Janemba. Much like Goku Black, he couldn't sense Ki from either of the blue-haired Super Saiyans.

Coming to a realization, Vegeta (Abridged) questioned all he's seen. "But, I can't sense anything from the other me and the other Kakarot. And they have blue hair. What the hell kind of an alternate reality did they come from? Why is it my power can't get any higher?"

Future Zamasu smirked. "It's because your feeble world is on pause. It seems the creator gods of your universe decided to withdraw and pursue other interests. Yes, very much a mortal behavior indeed. When one loses interest in a toy, they leave it for the next shiny thing."

"B-But, this isn't supposed to happen…"

Goku Black chuckled. "Except your limits, weak Vegeta."

"Weak…? You dare call I, the Prince of all Saiyans, weak?! No, I don't give a damn about how far my other self has come! He can keep his blue hair and god power!" Vegeta (Abridged) ranted on.

"Or, are you just mad because another you and Goku surpassed you, leaving you in the dust to reflect on your failures?" Goku Black taunted Vegeta (Abridged). "Oh wait. That's right. It's because it's Goku that manages to one-up one way or another."

Hearing his Saiyan rival's name, Vegeta suppressed her urge to rage out and took a deep breath.

"Hm? What's wrong with you?" Goku Black asked.

"You shouldn't have said the Goku button," Goku (Abridged) stated.

"Goku… button?" Black was confused by what Goku (Abridged) implied.

Boom. Vegeta went full-powered Super Saiyan and let out his universal scream, which everyone, including the Phantom Thieves, the Vein Remnants, and their closest allies could hear. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

xxxxx

Manhattan, New York City, United States/(EST)

Satanael ΩX and Yami Satanael ΩX briefly ceased their epic dragon battle.

"Did you hear that?" Satanael ΩX asked, hearing the ungodly scream of unbridled rage and anguish.

"I felt that," Yami Satanael ΩX added.

xxxxx

Chinatown/Manhattan, New York, United States/(EST)

During their fight with Janemba, Goku and Vegeta halted their next team attack.

"What the heck was that, Vegeta?"

"That's the other me? Will someone shut him up?!"

xxxxx

Vegeta (Abridged)'s scream could be heard throughout the universe as even the Yami Matter took notice. It whispered in silence as if to say, "What the devil is that?"

xxxxx

As he ceased his scream of unrelenting anguish, Vegeta (Abridged) panted hard. "Because I don't need to become a god to defeat you! I am my own god because…" With anger swelling up and bursting like a volcano, Vegeta (Abridged) erupted with fury. "I AM THE HYPE!" He powered up and with it gained enough momentum to fly right into Goku Black, delivering the strongest punch he could deliver.

However, much like before, Goku Black didn't flinch from his punch.

"B-But, how? How are you so much more powerful than me?! I'm supposed to be the hype!"

Goku Black chuckled amusedly. "Because Vegeta, a rose by any other name is…" He quickly shoved a Ki blade through Vegeta (Abridged)'s chest. "...is still Goku!" With that, he kicked Vegeta (Abridged) down toward the ground where he crashed in a heap.

"Huh. Different timelines, same results. Huh, buddy?" Goku (Abridged) asked.

"Fuck…" Vegeta (Abridged) groaned as blood squirted from his chest wound. "...you."

"I'll give him aid!" Future Mai offered as she ran over to Vegeta (Abridged).

"Anyone wish to be made an example of?" Future Zamasu asked.

"Why not try me?!" Goku (Abridged) shot up, attacking Goku Black with a flurry of punches, which Goku Black effortlessly parried.

Goku Black chuckled while parrying every one of Goku (Abridged)'s blows. "Your power hasn't grown any since your universe went on pause!"

"You know when I expected Goku Black, I kinda expected you to be…"

"What?"

"I dunno? Black, but you look white. Or Asian. Or, whatever we're supposed to be. What I got was Evil Goku. Nega Goku. Or Ukog."

"Are you done, mortal?" Black Goku asked.

"Goku is the new Black."

Goku Black quickly punched Goku (Abridged)'s gut before blasting him away. As Goku Black turned, WarGreymon flew head-on with the villainous Saiyan. WarGreymon thrust his Dramon Killer claws at Goku Black, who effortlessly dodged. Spinning his whole body like a revolver, WarGreymon quickly went for a Great Tornado. Bracing himself, Goku Black crossed his arms and absorbed the impact from WarGreymon's blow.

"Is that the best you've got, mortal lifeform?" Goku Black smirked.

"Holy crap, he tanked WarGreymon's attack!" Taichi exclaimed. "C'mon, buddy! Hang in there!"

As WarGreymon went on the offense, Goku Black amused himself while punching and chipping sections of WarGreymon's armor. WarGreymon quickly took to the air and amassed a concentrated orange sphere. With it, he tossed his Gaia Force toward Goku Black, who caught and punched it right back at WarGreymon.

"Move!" Taichi called out.

When WarGreymon evaded his own attack, Goku Black teleported in front of him and cut him with his enhanced Ki blade, now resembling a scimitar. After cutting him repeatedly, Goku Black waited a few moments as rosé exploded from WarGreymon's body.

"WARGREYMON!" Taichi shouted as his partner collapsed to the ground.

"Get him, MetalGarurumon!" Yamato commanded his partner, who took to the air and engaged Goku Black.

As the fight went on, Future Zamasu observed his counterpart dodging and breaking through MetalGarurumon's ice attacks with ease.

"Heh, everything's going as planned. In no time, they'll be worn down and then we can finish them off with our divine merger. Luckily, we were able to procure that other Broly and brainwashed him with the Yami Matter's assistance," Future Zamasu said.

"Hey, mind if I cut in and listen to your elaborate scheming?" Spike interjected as Future Zamasu intently glared him down. "Sorry, but I couldn't help but you mumble something about a divine merger. What do you mean one of those fusion things?" He noticed the Potara earring on Future Zamasu's ear. "Ah, I called it."

"Mortal vampire, why is it you share my divine voice? Explain."

Spike shrugged. "Who knows? What? Aren't you supposed to know? You're a flipping god. You're supposed to know all."

Future Zamasu scoffed. "You've got a mouth on you, creature. Your kind has sinned for crossing the fine line between mortality and immortality. The irony is that despite your immortality, you're still susceptible to death if a mortal exploits your very weaknesses."

"Well, we're not perfect, but vampires are a pretty intriguing bunch. We're immortals, but not gods. We still need to feed. What makes you special? You sit on your throne and prattle on about your godhood. Whoopie, tell it to someone who cares."

Future Zamasu scoffed, channeling Ki into his hand. "How about I silence you so I don't hear my voice from your abhorrent mouth?" As he swooped down to attack Spike, Future Trunks intercepted him with his sword.

"I think you've said enough, Spike. I've got this."

"Don't let me get in the way!" Spike scurried off.

"Trunks, your head will be placed on a pike on my ascended throne!" Future Zamasu threatened.

"Not if I can help it!" Future Trunks wildly swung his sword, forcing Future Zamasu to withdraw into the air. He quickly pursued the rogue Supreme Kai. Jiren flew up and slammed an elbow into Future Zamasu, sending him sailing back. As Future Trunks prepared to stab him, Future Zamasu discharged a barrage of Ki blasts to occupy the half-Saiyan with.

"You talk down to mortals, but how about facing one whose power rivals most of the Gods of Destruction?" Jiren challenged Future Zamasu. "Even your immortality cannot save you from the justice I'll bring forth to you!"

Future Zamasu scowled. "You're Universe 11's strongest being." As Jiren flew headlong against him, Future Zamasu produced another Ki barrage, which Jiren effortlessly plunged through. "Damn you!"

Meanwhile, Goku Black shattered MetalGarurumon's Cocytus Breath. Much like he did to WarGreymon, Goku Black slashed him apart with his Ki scimitar.

"No, MetalGarurumon!" Yamato cried out.

"I've got to help him, Taichi!" WarGreymon flew in and aided MetalGarurumon.

In a fight that resembled Raditz vs. Goku and Piccolo, the unstoppable villain dodged the hero tandem's attacks. At one point, MetalGarurumon fired missiles from every compartment on his body while WarGreymon unleashed his Grey Fire. Goku Black quickly tossed a wave of Ki that wiped out MetalGarurumon's Grace Cross Freezer and WarGreymon's fireballs. Then, Goku Black added the exclamation and fired off a dark variation of Goku's signature technique: the Black Kamehameha. With a mighty roar, the Zamasu-possessed Saiyan fired a black energy wave, which critically put down WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon.

"NO! WARGREYMON!"

"METALGARURUMON!"

As Taichi and Yamato hurried over to their defeated partners, Goku Black was then met with a Death Beam, which he knocked away. He turned and faced Freeza and Cooler.

"Did you have your fun with those pets? Because it's time I stepped in," Freeza evilly chortled.

"Hey, he's mine first, Freeza!"

"I won't argue with you if you wish to get killed first, brother."

"I will show you my golden form is superior to yours."

Chuckling, Goku Black beckoned the two brothers. "Why not you both attack me? Freeza, the proclaimed evil emperor of Universe 7. Yes, you were quite a terror and systemically helped purge mortal worlds for your personal gain."

"What of it? And why would a god such as yourself need to take Goku's body? I can understand why, but if you believe yourself to be above us mortal, then why acquire the body of one?" Freeza questioned Black's motivating factor.

"Because Goku committed the gravest sin of crossing the immortal threshold. He's a mortal who acquired the power of a god. However, the Saiyans are a mortal race who've shown me unlimited potential. I couldn't bear to stand by and let this opportunity slip by to acquire Goku's mortal body."

Freeza shook his head. "I suppose that's as good an excuse as any, but unlike you, I've learned to tap into my full potential without stealing my enemy's body. Now bear witness my full power!" With that, the space tyrant transformed into his Golden state. "Behold, True Golden Freeza."

"Bring your worst, tyrant," Goku Black beckoned him as the two came into blows. When Goku Black fired off his Black Kamehameha, Golden Freeza expelled it with his Golden Death Beam.

While Goku Black and Golden Freeza traded attacks, Cooler watched with anger swelling within him.

"Curse you, Freeza! You will not take all the glory and I refuse to fall further behind you!" Cooler bellowed as a golden aura enveloped him, transforming him into His Golden state. "Move aside, Freeza! The true golden emperor has arrived!" He propelled toward Goku Black and punched him in the side.

Dazed by Golden Cooler, Goku Black was then blasted away by a combination of Golden Freeza's Golden Death Beam and Golden Cooler's Darkness Eye Beam. Quickly recovering from his fall, Goku Black used his anger and channeled Ki into his hand, manifesting a rosé-colored sickle. Hastily flying at the brothers, Goku Black attacked him with his Sickle of Sorrow. While madly swinging his sickle, Goku Black struck down Golden Cooler. Golden Freeza kept up with Goku Black, firing continuous Ki blasts.

After Future Mai treated the two Abridged Saiyans, they stood ready to fight again.

"I'm so going to get that rosé-haired, British accented cheap imitation of yours Kakarot and I'm going to break every bone in his body!" Vegeta (Abridged) declared.

Goku (Abridged) chuckled. "Be my guest, Geets."

Future Mai balked at the Abridged Saiyans. "Are you two insane?"

"No, I'm a Saiyan," Goku (Abridged) corrected her.

"Oh good grief," sighed Future Mai.

During his exchange with Future Trunks and Jiren, Future Zamasu telepathically reached Black.

It's about time to enact our next move.

While still contending with Golden Freeza, Black replied. Fine. Then once we're united, we shall crush these mortal vermin like the insects they truly are!

xxxxx

Letting out a thunderous bellow, Broly (Original) invoked the deep reserves of latent Legendary power. His hair grew long like a Super Saiyan 3, even going down his back. Broly (Original) achieved his God state. He quickly propelled toward Super Saiyan Cabba, hitting him with a powerful clothesline.

"Hey, you big brute! Up here!" Caulifla called out, turning Super Saiyan 2 as she kicked Broly (original)'s face. To her dismay, the behemoth stood unfazed. As he reached for her, Caulifla spun away and avoided his reach.

However, Broly (Original) flew up and headbutted Caulifla, sending her crashing to the ground.

"CAULIFLA!" Kale screamed. Seeing her friend in peril caused her mind to fracture as he transformed into her Legendary Super Saiyan state. With a mighty roar, Kale lunged at Broly (Original) and pushed him back with a powerful rush.

Slightly dazed by Kale's sneak attack, Broly (Original) snarled at a female mirror version of himself trading blows with him. As Broly (Original) covered up, Kale pummeled him with earth-shattering blows, which sent shockwaves that went through Broly (Original) and wiped out surrounding infrastructure.

"You dare to copy me?! I'm the one and only true devil!" Broly (Original) chastised her.

"No! I am!" Kale roared, grabbing Broly (Original)'s face. "Don't touch my Caulifla!" When she tried to crush Broly (Original)'s head, Broly (Canon) watched in awe as the two Legendaries pummeled each other.

At that moment, Broly (Canon) reflected on his fight with Super Saiyan Blue Gogeta. When he unleashed his full, unbridled power, his physique grew ten times as large and his hair turned spiky green. Watching Kale and Broly (Original), Broly (Canon) felt the urge to join in.

As Broly (Original) rebounded, he charged bright green energy from his hand and blasted Kale back with his Eraser Cannon. After blasting her back, he charged and blasted her again. Then, he snatched her face and slammed her hard into the ground. The savage Saiyan then proceeded to stomp Kale's prone body.

"GET OFF HER!" Broly (Canon) roared as he transformed into a similar fashion and achieved his Wrath State. He hastily rushed at Broly (Original) and hit him with a clothesline, pushing him off Kale. As Broly (Canon) went straight for the other one, Caulifla recovered Kale.

"Hey, are you gonna be ok?! Kale!"

Shaking in her friend's arms, Caulifla muttered. "Sis, I'm sorry. I let myself go off the handle."

"Hey, the fact you're talking to me now shows me you've controlled it," Caulifla smiled, brightening Kale's demeanor.

As she powered down into regular Super Saiyan, Kale saw Caulifla holding two Potara earrings.

"Those earrings!"

Caulifla grinned energetically. "What do you say? Ready to kick that big jerk's butt as one?!"

Nodding, Kale grabbed a Potara. "Yeah!"

Meanwhile, Broly (Canon) and Broly (Original) collided head-on as their heated clash ignited a devastating shockwave that swept through the vicinities within and outside Chinatown. As Broly (Canon) unloaded with strong punches on Broly (Original), the God-powered Broly snatched his counterpart's hands and fired an Eraser Cannon at him. While managing to absorb Broly (Original)'s powerful blasts, Broly (Canon) projected a green barrier, repelling Broly (Original).

Having witnessed his own energy shield used against him, Broly (Original) fired numerous blasts, taking out the beams being launched from Broly (Canon)'s energy shield. Broly (Original) rushed at his opponent with incredible force, using his own body like a battering weapon to inflict considerable damage to Broly (Canon). After hitting Broly (Canon) with his Gigantic Press, Broly (Original) launched a green energy sphere that converted into a massive energy bomb, which exploded in Broly (Canon)'s way. Once laying out Broly (Canon) with his Omega Blaster, Broly (Original) prepared to finish him off.

"Struggle all you like, you imposter, but in the end, you will still die!" Broly (Original) taunted him.

"No, this won't be enough! Broly (Canon) slowly pushed back against Broly (Original)'s energy sphere. Then, at that moment, he opened his mouth and charged a green sphere, blasting Broly (Original)'s attack away. After using his Gigantic Breath, Broly transformed into a Super Saiyan and tossed his own Omega Blaster, one much stronger than Broly (Original)'s variation. Quickly overwhelmed by Broly (Canon)'s sphere blast, Broly (Original) was brought down.

Letting out an intense roar, Broly (Canon) collided with Broly (Original) and grabbed his face, smashing him through concrete walls. Then, grabbing Broly (Original)'s left leg, Broly (Canon) tossed him around like a ragdoll and smashed him to the ground, using him as a giant flyswatter. He then tossed Broly (Original) far back and got down on all fours. Intensely gritting his teeth, Broly (Canon) charged at Broly (Canon) and fired a green ball of Ki, converting into an energy wave that smashed into Broly (Original). Following his Gigantic Omegastorm, Broly (Canon) finally let loose his fury and transformed into his 'Legendary' Super Saiyan state.

"You… and her… look just like me…!" Broly (Original) gritted as his head tiara started to crack.

Broly (Original) and Broly (Canon) charged into each other, delivering body shots and devastating blows. Their impact blows and intense auras wiped away their surroundings. When both went for an uppercut, both hit their marks and uppercut each other. Both fired Omega Blaster. When their attacks collided, the Saiyan duel appeared to be a standstill, but Broly (Canon) gained leverage. Broly (Canon)'s attack overpowered Broly (Original)'s and sent him flying back into a wall.

"It's over!" Broly (Canon) roared, preparing to lob another Omega Blaster.

Suddenly, Broly (Original) was struck by a barrage of blows, stunning him for a moment. Then, a flash of green light flew by him at blinding speed. He saw Super Saiyan Kefla, the Potara Fusion of Caulifla and Kale, standing between the two Brolys with arms crossed.

"Hey, I hope you don't mind if I cut in?! Super, big guy? Remember those two girls you were beating up? I'm them! We're one! I am Kefla!" Kefla boasted and pointed to Broly (Original). "You're finished, you big brute!"

As Broly (Canon) approached her, Kefla waved him off. "Thanks, big guy, but we've got this. You did plenty to damage him." With her eyes set on Broly (Original), she ran at the behemoth and bombarded him with a barrage of rapidly fired energy waves. After overwhelming him with continuous blasts, Kefla hit him with jab-like punches in succession, creating thin wind-like blows that impacted Broly (Original)'s massive body.

Broly (Original) roared. "...you runt…!"

"And now to polish you off!" Kefla declared, amassing a cluster of green and red Ki blasts from her hands and fired them on Broly (Original). Further going all out Kefla's Gigantic Burst overwhelmed Broly (Original). One of her blasts broke Broly (Original)'s forehead tiara, cutting off Future Zamasu and Black's mind control.

With the mind control tiara removed, Broly (Original) regained his bearings and looked around.

"W-What happened? Last I remembered…" Broly (Original) suddenly came to a realization he was captured and turned into the Zamasu's tool. "They took control of me and…" As he raised his head, he saw Broly (Canon) and Kefla in front of him. "They sent me to attack you and the others… but I only ever wanted Kakarot."

"Hey, whatever you have against Goku, you need to let it go, because we have bigger issues at the moment. Namely Zamasu and Black," Kefla said. "C'mon, what do you say we kick their butts? And what's better than one Broly, but two?"

"Two?" Broly (Original) looked up at Broly (Canon). "You're strong… even stronger than me."

Broly (Canon) frowned. "Join us. Let's bring those two monsters down together."

Broly (Original) conceded. "Yes, let's go. I want to get my hands on that evil Kakarot lookalike."

"That's the spirit! Now, let's get our asses moving!" Kefla rallied the Broly duo.

xxxxx

Outside of the Chinatown vicinity, Janemba warped his surroundings, converting his surroundings into his dimension. Giant multi-colored jelly stones bounced around. Goku and Vegeta flew around the stones and headed straight for Janemba. Before Janemba could disassemble himself, Goku teleported behind him with Instant Transmission. Charging up his Kamehameha, Goku blasted Janemba from the rear while Vegeta unleashed his Big Bang Attack. As their attacks collided, Janemba's body contorted as he stumbled around.

Then, Hit used his Time Skip to hold Janemba as he bypassed the reality warping demon. Then, Hit struck him with quick and precise strikes, which messed the monster up. However, Janemba's regeneration kicked in and he disassembled his body into pieces before reappearing in front of Hit. Before the demon can blast him, Ultimate Gohan and Super Saiyan 2 Gohan (Abridged) launched simultaneous Kamehamehas at the demon. Goku and Vegeta then got in front of Janemba, preparing to finish him off with a combined Kamehameha/Final Flash.

Suddenly, Janemba let out a resounding roar as the space around him shifted. In a blink of an eye, the space darkened. Janemba's lighter colors became darker. As a result, he turned into Black Janemba.

"Oh no! What now?!" Gohan (Abridged) exclaimed.

Suddenly, giant heads resembling Janemba popped out and fired mouth beams at the Saiyans and Hit. Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Gohan (Abridged), and Hit flew around, evading the devastating beams. Hit used his Time Skip to bypass through and eliminate the Janemba heads. When he tried to use it on Black Janemba, Black Janemba disassembled himself and bypassed the time manipulator.

"He got through my Time Skip?! Impossible!" Hit shouted.

"Hit, behind you!" Goku called out.

Heeding Goku's warning, Hit whirled around as Black Janemba slashed him with his sword. Hit narrowly dodged as the sword delivered a shock wave that cut through the dimensional fabric. Hit imbued energy in his fists and tried jabbing Black Janemba, but the demon dodged his every blow. Black Janemba then tail whipped Hit away.

"Let's go, other me!" Gohan called out to Gohan (Abridged).

Gohan (Abridged) followed Gohan as they doubled teamed on Black Janemba, who simply toyed with and parried their blows.

"Kakarot, let's use that stupid dance and fuse," Vegeta suggested.

"Wow, really? You're the one suggesting it?" Goku blinked in bewilderment.

"Yes, now let's hurry! Your son and the other Gohan won't last much longer!"

"Right! Let's do it!" Goku replied as he and Vegeta performed the Fusion Dance, and got it right this time.

"Fuuuusion! HA!"

A blinding flash of light enveloped the two Saiyans. As they joined as one, a sole Saiyan warrior stood in their place.

"Yes! I am neither Goku nor Vegeta! I am the one who will defeat you! I am Gogeta!" The fused Saiyan roared and, after a blue & purple aura wisped around him, he immediately turned Super Saiyan Blue.

As Black Janemba knocked away the Gohan tandem, he turned and discharged multiple mouth blasts at Gogeta Blue. The blue-haired warrior swiftly dodged the demon's beams and swatted away a few of them. Swinging his blade, Black Janemba tried cutting Gogeta into pieces. Gogeta used Instant Transmission to evade the dimension slicing waves.

Black Janemba then produced a clone and sent it to attack Gogeta Blue. As the Janemba came into contact with the Saiyan, Gogeta Blue one shotted it into oblivion. Black Janemba created four more and sent them at the fused Saiyan. Gogeta Blue quickly vanished and delivered multiple invisible blows, wiping all four out with Punisher Drive.

As Black Janemba disassembled himself, Hit used Time Skip to trap him.

"I've got you now!" Hit declared, but at the last moment, Black Janemba vanished and teleported behind Hit.

Saving Hit at the last second, Gogeta Blue then dove in and kicked Black Janemba far back. Gogeta Blue quickly rocketed toward Black Janemba, who summoned the fat Janemba to obstruct his path. As fat Janemba telekinetically tossed the colored stones, Gogeta Blue charged up his Super Kamehameha and wiped out fat Janemba.

Acting on desperation, Black Janemba summoned everything, including a giant kitchen sink to block Gogeta Blue. Gogeta Blue effortlessly destroyed every obstacle. Having grown tired of the reality warper's desperate attacks, Gogeta Blue cut straight to the chase. Black Janemba raised his sword and summoned thousands of glass-like shards at the fused Saiyan. With a mighty push, Gogeta Blue wiped out the shards with a Big Bang Kamehameha. He shot forward, delivering a knee to Black Janemba's chest, breaking his sword into two. Then, he performed a bicycle kick to Black Janemba and followed up with a series of kicks and punches at rapid speeds.

"It's over for you, Janemba!" Gogeta Blue then raised his hand, forming a rainbow-colored energy sphere.

When Black Janemba recovered, he prepared to disassemble. Gogeta Blue quickly picked up on Black Janemba's movements. With luck, he crushed the sphere, whipped over to his right side, and tossed a scattered energy blast, which slammed into Black Janemba. Letting out a blood-curdling roar, Black Janemba's body was obliterated and purified into sparkling lights. With Janemba removed, his reality warped dimension went with it, restoring many areas of Manhattan to normal.

"Whew, that's that," Gogeta Blue smirked, glancing over to the Gohan duo. "Are you two ok?"

"Yeah, thanks, Dad," Gohan gave a thumbs up.

"Wow, I had no idea dad and Vegeta could possibly do that!" Gohan (Abridged) was flabbergasted.

"Well, let's keep it a secret between us, ok?" Gogeta Blue playfully smirked.

"Hey, we've still got Zamasu and Black to deal with. We better hurry," Hit said.

"Right, I'm on my way over there!" Gogeta Blue nodded as he headed toward the central Chinatown area.

xxxxx

Back in Chinatown, the course of the battle took a bitter turn of the worst. After Future Zamasu escaped Future Trunks and Jiren, the rogue Supreme Kai convened with Goku Black, who forced himself to withdraw from engaging Golden Freeza and Golden Cooler.

"What the hell are those two up to now?!" Taichi wondered, eyeing the two villains.

"No good, no doubt," Yamato scornfully eyed Future Zamasu and Black.

"Shit, they wouldn't be doing what I think they're doing! Not this time, Zamasu!" Future Trunks flew up to stop Black and Future Zamasu, but Black fired a Ki ball that knocked the half-Saiyan away.

"Do not interrupt our divine ritual, sinner!" Goku Black said.

As he removed his Potara earring, Future Zamasu placed it on his opposite ring. "Behold, the end for you all." With their Potara earrings glimmering, Goku Black and Zamasu were forcefully pulled into each other. Then, in a blinding flash of divine light, a single being in his brilliant splendor and radiance materialized.

With his arms stretched out, Fused Zamasu resurfaced. Future Trunks, Future Mai, Jiren, Golden Freeza, Golden Cooler, Goku (Abridged), Vegeta (Abridged), Taichi & WarGreymon, and Yamato & MetalGarurumon stood poised to face their gravest challenge yet.

"I thank the Yami Matter for granting me another opportunity to purge your mortals from this plane of existence! It's too late for repentance because I've decided your fates," Fused Zamasu opened his eyes, giving a malignant smile. "Judgment day has cometh for you all."

Looking over behind a wall of debris, Spike muttered. "Welp, bloody hell we're screwed. At least I, James Marsters, can get killed by James Marsters. Oh the irony."

xxxxx

Outside the Great Pyramid of Giza/Cairo, Egypt/ (EET)

Upon arriving near the location of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Prometheus ΩX and Funeral Parlor (Tsugumi, Shibungi, and Argo) confront Yami Prometheus ΩX and the Spinosaurus. Before focusing on the enemy, Prometheus ΩX surveyed the familiar pyramid setting, which brought back memories of her Palace.

"Wow, this does remind me…" Prometheus ΩX quickly shook her head, returning to the present at hand. "Anyway, we're here, Yami me!"

Yami Prometheus ΩX gave an evil and depraved smile. "Aww, what's wrong? Does this place bring back bad memories?"

Prometheus ΩX scoffed as she conjured her laser sword. "Please, that's all in the past. Now, draw your lightsaber!"

"Heh, so be it! I'll make short work of a simp like you!" Yami Prometheus ΩX drew out a red laser sword.

"Who are ya calling a simp?!" Prometheus ΩX shouted as she and Yami Prometheus ΩX briefly engaged in a lightsaber duel.

"Shit, we've got company!" Argo pointed toward the charging Spinosaurus.

"Ack! An extremely pissed off dinosaur heading our way!" Tsugumi cried out as she and her colleagues rolled away from the Spinosaurus' jaws.

Quickly arming himself with his friend, Oogumo's cannon, Argo aimed and fired at the Spinosaurus. "Eat this, you big ass lizard!" However, the beam only incurred the Spinosaurus' fury as it charged at him.

"It didn't work!" Shibungi cried out.

Tsugumi wailed. "Waaah! Please go away!" She tossed various objects at the Spinosaurus to drive the sail-backed dinosaur back, but to no avail. When it opened its jaws, the female hacker and her two friends screamed together. "AHHH!"

"Tsugumi! Argo! Shibungi!" Prometheus ΩX cried out, but when she tried to save them, Yami Prometheus ΩX cut her off and swung her red laser sword at her. Prometheus ΩX fought back with her laser sword.

Just then, another dinosaur rolled in and slammed into Spinosaurus, knocking the sail-backed behemoth away. Much to Funeral Parlor's surprise, their savior was the T. rex.

"Wow, it's Rexy!" Tsugumi enthusiastically cheered for the tyrannosaur as Rexy swung her mighty tail and battered the Spinosaurus' face with it.

"Took her long enough!" Argo spat out.

Shibungi added. "Don't complain. Be glad she came through for us."

"Then, let's give her a hand!" Argo roared as he fired another cannon blast, which struck the Spinosaurus. Tsugumi offered the assistance, activating and conjuring cannons from a portal, which fired lasers that stunned the Spinosaurus. Shibungi fired powerful rifle shots, taking out the Spinosaurus' left leg.

As Spinosaurus collapsed, the T. rex stomped on the sail-backed dinosaur's chest and crushed it beneath her mighty heel. When the Spinosaurus tried fighting back, Rexy bit down on the Spinosaurus' head and delivered her powerful bite force, crushing its skull and delivering the killing blow. Lying dead, the Spinosaurus' corpse was beneath the T. rex's foot.

Rexy let out a thunderous victory roar.

"Yeah, way to go, Rexy!" Tsugumi cheered for her.

"Hey, doesn't her roars remind you of Shendu's?" Argo reminded them of one of Ayase's masters.

"Yes, you're right. Very similar roars if I might add," Shibungi added.

"Hey, guys! Let's go and help Futaba! She's gonna need us to help beat her nega counterpart!" The female hacker reminded them as Funeral Parlor headed off to assist Prometheus ΩX.

Meanwhile, having relocated inside the Great Pyramid, Prometheus ΩX and Yami Prometheus ΩX paused to catch their breath.

Prometheus ΩX heard Tsugumi's voice through her earpiece.

"Hey, Rexy came and helped us beat that Spinosaurus! We're on our way over! How are ya holding up?!"

Prometheus ΩX answered with a calm chortle. "Honestly, it's not looking good, but I'm not down yet."

Yami Prometheus ΩX darkly chuckled. "Poor Futaba, you need friends to bail you out."

"But, you're just a freaking manifestation of my darkest insecurities brought to life by the Yami Matter. You have outside help, too."

"True that," Yami Prometheus ΩX shrugged as she readied her red laser sword. "So, shall we continue our duel, shut-in princess? Do you miss, mommy?" As she said this, her face morphed into Wakaba's and taunted her with the woman's exact voice. "A pitiful girl like you is not my daughter! You killed me, Futaba! YOU KILLED ME, YOU LITTLE BITCH!"

Having been exposed to her mother's face and voice, the Yami Matter toyed with her emotions. Shaking with anger, Prometheus ΩX reacted with contempt. "SHUT UP! YOU'RE NOT MY MOM!" Screamed Prometheus ΩX as she and Yami Prometheus ΩX resumed their Star Wars-styled duel.

xxxxx

Hong Kong, China/(HKST)

As they arrived in the center of the metropolitan area, Kamu Susano-o ΩX, Yusuke, Kuwabara, Hiei, Kurama, Scarlet Witch (MCU), Vision (MCU), and Shendu (Jackie Chan Adventures) scoured around for their enemy.

"Greetings, we've been waiting for you," a distorted voice similar to Kamu Susano-o ΩX addressed them.

"There you are!" Kamu Susano-o ΩX growled, turning around and facing his Yami counterpart.

"Slow on the uptake, Yusuke?" Yami Kamu Susano-o ΩX taunted him.

"Wait, which one? I'm Yusuke, too, jackass!" Yusuke rebuked the Yami Phantom Thief.

"I think it should be obvious who he's referring to," Kurama muttered.

"He's certainly not addressing you, fool," Hiei scoffed.

"Geez, and you call me slow, Urameshi?" Kuwabara stifled a small chuckle.

"Shove off, jerks!' Yusuke retorted as he turned and faced Yami Kamu Susano-o ΩX.

"So, it's just you then?" Scarlet Witch asked Yami Kamu Susano-o ΩX.

"I'm all that's needed to defeat you bunch," Yami Kamu Susano-o ΩX nodded, drawing out and brandishing his katana.

Shendu dropped into a fighting stance. "Don't underestimate. He not only exudes the Yami Matter's power, but he is an extension of it, too."

Yusuke took on a battle stance. "Thanks for the heads up, big guy. Never thought we'd team up with one of the Demon Sorcerers."

"Well, you've managed to earn the respect of many demons," Kurama stated.

"Moreover, I'm only here as a favor to Ayase, who I trained in the demon arts to prepare her for this final Yami Matter event. She's doing me proud with the techniques I've taught her," Shendu firmly professed.

"I hate to cut into your conversation, gentlemen, but here he comes!" Vision called out as Yami Kamu Susano-o ΩX lunged at the group.

With a swing from his katana, Yami Kamu Susano-o ΩX collided head-on with Kamu Susano-o ΩX. Kamu Susano-o ΩX countered with his Usumidori katana. As the Kamu Susano-o ΩXs traded katana strikes, streams of dark light wisped around the vicinity, alarming the Spirit Detectives, Scarlet Witch, and Vision.

The Yami Matter conjured black faceless shadows, prompting the Spirit Detectives, Scarlet Witch, and Vision to blast and slash the Yami Matter entities. Amassing spirit energy, Yusuke purged the Yami Matter entities with his Spirit Gun. Scarlet Witch disintegrated some Yami Matter with her telekinetic powers. Vision fired a beam, which tore through and wiped out the anomalous entities. Conjuring the power of his Talisman, Shendu dispelled the Yami Matter entities.

As Yami Kamu Susano-o ΩX conjured Bufula, Kamu Susano-o ΩX cut through the ice with Vicious Strike. Kamu Susano-o ΩX quickly lunged at his Yami counterpart and struck him with a flurry of katana strikes.

Conjuring nine shadow clones, Yami Kamu Susano-o ΩX sent them to deal with the Spirit Detectives, Scarlet Witch, and Vision. The three remaining clones contended with Shendu.

"There shouldn't be any interference from your colleagues, Yusuke," Yami Kamu Susano-o ΩX evilly smirked and clashed with Kamu Susano-o ΩX again.

"That's fine! I'll defeat you with my katana!" Kamu Susano-o ΩX retorted, swinging his katana and jumping around Yami Kamu Susano-o ΩX's gunfire.

xxxxx

Kampala, Uganda/(EAT)

As they were dropped from a portal into Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Seiten Taisei ΩX, Black Panther, Killmonger, Shuri, Okoye, and M'Baku watched various wildlife running from an evil source. They noticed the Yami Matter's influence spreading and turning the beautiful savanna sky into pitch darkness. A giant thunder blasted the ground, startling Seiten Taisei ΩX, Black Panther, and the others.

"Come out! We know you're there!" Black Panther called out the Yami figure, who emerged.

"Shit, you knew I was there? Feh, oh well, nothin' can be done," Yami Seiten Taisei ΩX scoffed, brandishing his staff as he pivoted toward Seiten Taisei ΩX. "Oh hey, loser me. How's that leg of yours?"

"It's gonna be in much better shape after I kick your ass with it!" Seiten Taisei ΩX retorted, readying his staff for battle.

"Heheh, then bring your worst, dude!" Yami Seiten Taisei ΩX whirled his staff and conjured a thunderbolt toward Seiten Taisei ΩX, who stopped and redirected it with his staff.

After dodging his own redirected attack, Yami Seiten Taisei ΩX hopped on a dark Nimbus-like cloud and flew around shooting thunderbolts at the group. Black Panther, Killmonger, and their company took cover, avoiding the lightning blasts.

"Yo, get down here and fight!" Seiten Taisei ΩX jumped toward his Yami counterpart and kicked him off his cloud.

Black Panther and Killmonger charged at and attacked Yami Seiten Taisei ΩX, who fought them off with his staff. As Black Panther slashed him with his claws, the Yami Phantom Thief beckoned to the Yami Matter sky as black bolts rained down and purged sections of the earth.

"How dare you desecrate these beautiful lands!" Okoye scornfully berated Yami Seiten Taisei ΩX.

"Unforgivable!" Shuri cried out.

Yami Seiten Taisei ΩX nonchalantly shrugged. "Like I care. The Yami Matter wants everything erased from this shithole world." He beckoned Black Panther and his group to attack him, but Seiten Taisei ΩX fired an Electric Kamehameha toward him. He quickly jumped up, evading Seiten Taisei ΩX's attack. "Nice try, loser! Ya missed me!"

"I wouldn't say that, asshole," Seiten Taisei ΩX smirked as he motioned his electrified beam to turn around and collide with Yami Seiten Taisei ΩX's back.

"Ugh! Damn, you sneaky bastard!" Yami Seiten Taisei ΩX snarled.

"How did ya like that?!" Seiten Taisei ΩX taunted his Yami counterpart, who fumed angrily and attacked Seiten Taisei ΩX with thunderbolts.

"Come, let's give him an assist!" Black Panther beckoned his group to help Seiten Taisei ΩX contend with Yami Seiten Taisei ΩX. Along the way, more black bolts rained from the Yami Matter sky, preventing Black Panther and his cohorts from reaching Seiten Taisei ΩX.

Seiten Taisei ΩX clashed head-on with Yami Seiten Taisei ΩX. The latter sneered in his face and laughed maniacally with a crazed grin.

"C'mon, face facts! You're a loser! How about I shack up with dear Miyako and rock her fuckin' world?! The bitch deserves a bad boy like me who can give her a good time!"

Upon hearing these disparaging remarks about his girlfriend, Seiten Taisei ΩX roared furiously and unleashed a powerful lightning aura, which enveloped the two.

"YOU KEEP MY GIRL'S NAME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH, ASSHOLE!" Seiten Taisei ΩX screamed, colliding with and causing an electric explosion spread over the national park's vicinity. All that Black Panther and the others can see is a glowing dome of electrical energy blocking from off.

"We can't go further, T'Challa!" M'Baku yelled.

"What do we do now?" Shuri asked him.

"We wait out until the evil one runs out of power," Killmonger suggested.

Nodding, Black Panther painstakingly watched Seiten Taisei ΩX doing his best to drain out his Yami counterpart's output. "Be careful, Sakamoto Ryuji." He bowed his head, giving Seiten Taisei ΩX room to wear out Yami Seiten Taisei ΩX.

xxxxx

Bangkok, Thailand/(ICT)

As he dropped through a portal, Mercurius ΩX met with Captain Marvel's cat, Goose.

"So, it's just you and me?" Mercurius ΩX asked, glaring suspiciously at Goose. "Hey, I don't like that look you're giving me! C'mon, let's stick together!"

Suddenly, a powerful wind knocked Mercurius ΩX and Goose back. Mercurius ΩX hopped into and grabbed Goose and landed on a temple's rooftop. They looked up as Yami Mercurius ΩX emerged from a Yami Matter cloud.

"Hehehe, lookie what we have for?" Yami Mercurius ΩX snickered, flinging explosives with his slingshot.

Quickly grabbing Goose, Mercurius ΩX jumped over a barrage of explosives. Then, Mercurius ΩX fired back with his Sudarshana slingshot. Yami Mercurius ΩX jumped over incoming explosive pellets. As Mercurius ΩX placed Goose down safely, he and Yami Mercurius ΩX took out their scimitars and engaged in a sword duel.

"Heheh, not bad for a child!" Yami Mercurius ΩX taunted him.

"I'm not a kid! And you're just the Yami Matter taking my form! I've already beaten one copycat version of me before and I'll do it again!"

Yami Mercurius ΩX chortled evilly. "Please, cat. You'll never get rid of the Yami Matter! Your entire dimension is but a playground for me before I grow bored and find the next best universe to play with!"

Charging at his Yami counterpart, Mercurius ΩX attacked him with reckless abandon. "We'll never lose to you, Yami Matter!"

As their swords clashed, Yami Mercurius ΩX sneered in his face. "Oh yes you will! It's only a matter of time…!" Suddenly, a monstrous mouth lunged at him ready to eat him whole. He sprang back and hissed.

"YIKES! Thanks for the save, Goose! I almost forgot you could do that," sighed Mercurius ΩX. "It's been a while since I last saw your movie."

As Goose stood firmly beside Mercurius ΩX, Yami Mercurius ΩX pointed his scimitar toward them. "When this is over, I'll personally be glad when I purge you!"

"Bring it, you faker!" Mercurius ΩX snarled as he and Goose hissed back.

xxxxx

Melbourne, Australia/(AEDT)

When Loki ΩX arrived at an empty Queen Victoria Market, he was met by Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, Barret, and Red XIII. Before they had a chance to interact, a destructive wave headed their way. Loki ΩX and Team Avalanche spread out, evading the wave as it laid waste to an entire street block.

"Not bad. Your dodging technique is on point," eloquently remarked Yami Loki ΩX, who appeared before them. He came dressed in Akechi's old Crow attire.

"That's my…!" Loki ΩX gasped.

"Yes, your old attire. I thought it quite quaint if I wore it. What do you think? It's the outfit you wore when you betrayed the Phantom Thieves, Akechi Goro!" Yami Loki ΩX playfully laughed.

"Shut up! Remove that garb now!" Loki ΩX angrily demanded as he brandished his red serrated blades.

"Fine, you're no fun when you're like this," Yami Loki ΩX sighed, removing his red beaked mask. As Yami Matter engulfed him, he changed to his dark Crow wear. "There. Are you happy now?"

"Prepare to get minced by me!" Loki ΩX gritted as he dashed forward and swung his serrated swords at Yami Loki ΩX, who countered with his blades. "DIE, YOU FAKE!" He screamed, intensely grinding his teeth as his facial features contorted, showing his depraved side.

Yami Loki ΩX shoved his face into Loki ΩX and cackled maniacally. "I highly doubt you have the resolve to defeat your inner darkness, Akechi!" When Team Avalanche headed them off, Yami Loki ΩX briefly acknowledged them. "Oh, don't think I haven't forgotten you. I brought an old friend who's dying to see you!"

With that, the Yami Matter clouds shrouding the sky produced a portal, releasing the silver-haired Sephiroth. Alarmed by Sephiroth's unexpected arrival, Team Avalanche stood ready to fight their nemesis.

"Cloud, we meet again," Sephiroth calmly smirked, casting a piercing gaze with his Mako green eyes at Cloud and his entourage. He saw nothing but contempt for him.

"Sephiroth!" Cloud roared as he sprang up and swung his Buster Sword at Sephiroth, who countered with his Masamune blade. "This time you're not getting away!"

"The Yami Matter brought me here so I can offer you another chance to change fate," Sephiroth smirked.

"And the answer is the same! No!" Cloud scornfully rebuked.

"What a shame," Sephiroth swung his Masamune, unleashing a powerful force that swept Cloud back. He heard the whispers of the Yami Matter, which no one else but Yami Loki ΩX can hear. "Yes, fate has been decided then."

Yami Loki ΩX quickly pushed Loki ΩX back and attacked him with his blades. "Heheheh! Yes, fate has been decided for each of you that resists it! I intend to purge your universe the same as I did with countless other dimensions! You will share the same fate that befell that corrupted Norse Realm!"

As he fought back with murderous intent, Loki ΩX slashed at Yami Loki ΩX. "That will not happen! I, a man who's aiming to redeem himself, will ensure this world doesn't meet its end!"

"Become a better man than Shido Masayoshi?! Hah, don't make me laugh!" Yami Loki ΩX taunted him, who responded by aimlessly slashing him with his serrated swords.

"Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP! DO NOT SAY HIS NAME!" Loki ΩX recklessly attacked Yami Loki ΩX, who played into his insecurities like a tool.

xxxxx

London, United Kingdom/(GMT)

Upon arriving outside the Tower of London, Anat ΩX met with Sinon and Tsunemori Akane (Psycho-Pass).

"Hey, we're glad you came," Akane said. "We've been in pursuit of my old enemy Makishima."

"I just finished off Death Gun before coming here. My friend, Leafa, got rid of Sugou," Sinon informed Anat ΩX.

"That's good. I can't believe some of us are law enforcement working together here," Anat ΩX said.

"Well, I'm not an officer, but I'm aspiring to be," Sinon stated.

"I'd change aspiring dreams if you wish to stay alive," a man's voice, which Akane recognized, interjected as the trio turned around and faced Makishima (Psycho-Pass) walking toward them.

Akane instinctively pulled out her Dominator. "Makishima! Don't move!"

Makishima raised his arms. "Do you still intend to end me, Tsunemori?"

"Don't bother getting answers from her, Makishima. Officers like her don't need a reason to kill people like you," another voice belonging to a young woman spoke up.

The group turned to see Yami Anat ΩX, who was then joined by Kuhouin Arisa.

"It's you!" Anat ΩX angrily yelled at her Yami counterpart.

"Hello again, Niijima Makoto," Yami Anat ΩX acknowledged her. "I take it you're ready to get humbled again by me?"

"That's not going to happen, Yami Matter! This time I'm here to beat you with my fists of justice!" Anat ΩX boldly declared.

"Of course, a former student council president with no dignity would say that," Arisa scoffed, brushing her long hair back. "Fists of justice? How uncivilized."

"You're Kuhouin Arisa from Guilty Crown!" Anat ΩX recognized her.

"Yes, and the Yami Matter told me you mentioned me during that convention."

"Wait, you heard and knew I mentioned you?!"

Furrowing her brows and grinding her teeth, Arisa at Anat ΩX with contempt. "Yes, I know! The Yami Matter knows all! You even said verbatim, "I do remember that show had a student council president. I think her name is Arisa? Yeah, but I'm a much better student council president. That Arisa girl went completely crazy." Yes, that's exactly what you said!"

Upon hearing this, Anat ΩX gasped. "Oh god."

"You really believe that nonsense you've spouted from that uncultured mouth? And I've seen how you've been brought up! How is it an uncultured woman like you turn out to be a better student council president than me?! It's wrong! I am more ladylike and cultured than you!"

"Well, at least I never leave and betray my allies like you did and go off the deep end! I am living a good life with Haru-chan and Louis!" Anat ΩX angrily rebuked, causing Arisa to frivolously laugh.

"Now, you want to rub your success in my face. Well, you're not going to be any good to them after I kill you, Niijima Makoto!" Arisa maniacally laughed, conjuring her Void - the Shield of the Coward.

"And I'll gladly back you up, Miss Arisa," Yami Anat ΩX evilly smirked. "Niijima Makoto must pay for her privileged life!"

"Go ahead and hate me all you want. It's not going to make a difference because I believe in my convictions!" Anat ΩX passionately cried out as she came into blows with Yami Anat ΩX. Both fighters traded fisticuffs while Arisa stood poised holding up her Void barrier.

"Kill that bitch! Make her suffer!" Arisa cheered on Yami Anat ΩX.

Makishima confronted Akane and Sinon. As Akane prepared to shoot him, Makishima ran up and grabbed her, but Sinon cut him off and fired a shot, which he narrowly dodged.

"Not bad for a child," Makishima smirked.

"Thanks, Sinon," Akane said.

"Sure, maybe I can learn a thing or two from you," Sinon added. "Now, let's bring this monster to justice!"

Meanwhile, Anat ΩX unleashed Flash Bomb. intending to take down Yami Anat ΩX. However, Arisa's Shield of the Coward absorbed the explosive blow, saving Yami Anat ΩX at the last possible second.

"Ugh, come on!" Anat ΩX scowled.

"Ohoho, nice try, you undignified brute," Arisa coolly smirked while Anat ΩX fiercely punched her Void.

"One way or another, you two are going down along with the Yami Matter!" Anat ΩX openly declared as every punch matched her intense fury.

xxxxx

Near the Eiffel Tower/Paris, France/(CET)

As a portal dropped them in front of Paris' famous landmark, Astarte ΩX, Matoi Ryuko, Kiryuin Satsuki, and Altair (Re:Creators) arrived to face off against Yami Astarte ΩX and Kiryuin Ragyo. Astarte ΩX and her group meticulously glanced over the darkened sky.

"Yes, isn't it beautiful? The Yami Matter's influence has reached this human infestation faster than I could ever imagine!" Ragyo evilly and delightfully chortled.

"And it's already a matter of time before this universe is purged by my presence," Yami Astarte ΩX coolly smirked. "What do you make of it, Okumura Haru?"

"No, this is wrong," Astarte ΩX dismissed her Yami counterpart and Ragyo. "We've seen what you did with that other world! We won't allow you to destroy our universe! There are loved ones I must protect!"

"Aw, too bad you couldn't prevent your father's death. Too bad," Yami Astarte ΩX taunted her. Her mincing words unnerved Astarte ΩX, making her tightly grip her Fleurs du Mul ax. "Now, how about we cut straight to the chase and commence your execution, Okumura Haru?!" She quickly readied her ax and swung it at Astarte ΩX, who stopped her attack with her battle ax.

"You will not defeat me, you cheap imitation!"

"I'm more than just your shadow. I'm your living and breathing insecurities come to life!" Yami Astarte ΩX taunted her. As she gained leverage on Astarte ΩX, Yami Astarte ΩX tripped her up and swung her ax down.

Astarte ΩX quickly rolled away, avoiding getting cut into two.

"Now, my daughters. Shall we celebrate our reunion with a duel to the finish?" Ragyo insisted.

"Bring it, bitch! I'll happily kill you again!" Ryuko said, activating Senketsu and invoking her Kamui Senketsu.

"I will not acknowledge a monster such as you as my mother! Now, face your execution by my hands!" Satsuki declared, activating Junketsu and invoking her Kamui Junketsu.

Standing side by side, the sisters flew head-on and attacked Ragyo. Ryuko slashed Ragyo with her completed Scissors Blade while Satsuki cut the former Revocs CEO with her black-bladed Bakuzan. Altair joined in, assisting Ryuko and Satsuki against Ragyo. When the trio became too overwhelming for Ragyo, Ragyo quickly flew into the air, laughing maniacally.

"Yes, you want me to go all out and finish them off?" Ragyo cackled, hearing the Yami Matter whispering to her. "Don't worry. Their deaths will be most gruesome!"

Just then, the Yami Matter produced a portal. Coming out of this portal is a Harime Nui clone, which is then merged with Ragyo.

"No, she can't be…!" Satsuki exclaimed.

"Yes, now behold the pinnacle of my absolute power!" Ragyo declared as she merged with the Nui clone and transformed into her Shinra-Kōketsu form.

"Damn it all! Not this freakin' form again!" Ryuko snarled.

"Worry not, Ryuko. You can still invoke the full power of Senketsu?" Satsuki asked her sister.

"Well, yeah."

"Do it. And I'll be fighting with you."

"How? You don't have…"

"Just watch," Satsuki smirked. With that, her Kamui Junketsu glowed with immense Life Fiber energy coursing through and empowering her. She immediately invoked her Junketsu Shinzui form. To reflect her full-powered transformation, her hair turned pale blue.

"Holy shit! Since when can you…?!" Ryuko balked at this.

"Since recently, thanks to the powers the Elite Four and my other colleagues bestowed to me," Satsuki revealed.

"Interesting, so now you've achieved a power similar to your sisters. No matter. It won't be the world of difference! I will be the queen that tramples over my rebellious daughters!" Ragyo declared, dive bombing toward the sisters.

"Hurry, Ryuko!" Satsuki called out.

"I'll hold her off!" Altair quickly intercepted Ragyo with a barrier. She then summoned a barrage of swords and manifested a circular shield with them. As she held off Ragyo, Satsuki transformed into her Senketsu Kisaragi form.

Scowling at Altair's constant intervention, Ragyo roared. "Get out of my way!" Then, as she called upon the Yami Matter, a rain of black beams bombarded the Paris landscape and knocked Altair back.

As Altair landed near the sisters, she conjured a portal, which from it emerged a hundred swords.

"Are you ready to avenge our father?" Satsuki asked.

"Let's put this bitch down for good!" Ryuko declared.

With that, the sisters glided high into the air. Before they engaged Ragyo, Altair unleashed her sword barrage. Ragyo quickly evaded and moved through Altair's swords, but Ryuko and Satsuki simultaneously attacked her head-on with their blades.

"Let's end this once and for all, my daughters!" Ragyo roared as she, Ryuko, and Satsuki zipped around the dark sky as their powers sent shockwaves throughout Paris.

Meanwhile, Astarte ΩX and Yami Astarte ΩX's axes clashed together. As they bounced away from the other, Yami Astarte ΩX readied her artillery cannons and fired her Yami ΩX Triple Down. As Astarte ΩX moved away, she blasted her with her ΩX Triple Down.

"Give up, Okumura Haru! You're fighting a losing battle!" Yami Astarte ΩX tried dissuading her from continuing their fight.

"I won't! I won't let you erase everyone I hold dear! I will protect them all!" Astarte ΩX resisted, relentlessly opening artillery fire on Yami Astarte ΩX. "But, we are for certain to erase you permanently!"

xxxxx

Dubai, United Arab Emirates/(GST)

The setting for their forthcoming battle is in the heart of the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. Many civilians were evacuated for this Yami Matter incursion.

Standing united in the city is the collective unit of Tennyo, Sion, Ivy, and the other Vein Remnants (Stinger, Hound, Engineer, Jack, and Eva), the SWO's leader Shinomiya Ayase, the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Loki (MCU), Valkyrie, Saitama, Genos, Tatsumaki, Garou, Fubuki, Blue the Velociraptor, and the Justice League (DCAU).

Before the epic battle could commence, Saitama broke the silence and asked the utmost important question.

"Who are we fighting again?" The Caped Baldy asked everyone else.

"Do you not remember during the briefing, master?" Genos gazed dumbfoundedly.

"For the last time, Saitama, we're fighting Thanos and Darkseid's forces!" Superman (DCAU) yelled out in annoyance.

"Oh right! Thanos and Darkseid! Um, are they strong?"

"Without question, Saitama," Captain America (MCU) remarked.

"Like really strong?"

Iron Man sighed. "Yes, very strong, Caillou."

Tatsumaki shook her head. "Can you be this dense, baldy?"

Fubuki added. "And to think I almost recruited this man."

Ignoring the conversation, Ayase firmly remained resolute, ready to face the forthcoming challenges. Blue walked by Ayase, making clicking sounds.

"What's wrong, Blue?" Ayase smiled, caressing Blue's head. "Don't worry. We're going to pull through this, girl. I promise."

Then, she noticed Tennyo and Sion standing opposite from her. For a moment, she noticed Sion giving her a momentary glance.

"What?" Ayase blinked at him.

"Nothing, you just remind me…" Before Sion could finish, an immense beam of light crashed into the earth in front of them. Every hero quickly turned and faced the Yami Matter's chosen collective: the unholy alliance of Thanos (MCU) and Darkseid (DCAU).

The two alien warlords stood at the forefront with their armies behind them. They menacingly glared down their main adversaries: the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and the Justice League. Among the army are Thanos' children, Corvus Glaive, Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw, and Cull Obsidian. Ego and Hela are also seen among the villainous forces.

"Thanos," scowled Thor, who gripped Mjølnir tightly in his hand and looked to smash Thanos' head in his majestic hammer.

"Ah, so the raisin face is Thanos! And the other stone-faced dude is Darkseid, right?" Saitama figured them out.

"You've got to be kidding me," Batman muttered.

"Greetings, Superman and the Justice League. Today, your blood will stain the earth today and your graves will be erected by us," Darkseid (DCAU) stated ever so calmly while describing their imminent deaths.

"Avengers and Guardians, I intend to bury each of you after I'm done beating the life out of your frail bodies," Thanos (MCU) said, hefting his double-edged sword to use against his foes.

"Hello, son. You're looking well!" Ego jovially addressed Star-Lord, who aimed his guns toward him. "Whoa, hey! It's not my fault you turned me down just because you miss your mommy!"

Upon seeing Thor's new physique, Hela scoffed with haughty chuckles. "My, my, did you let yourself go since we last met, Thor?"

Loki (MCU) chuckled a bit, getting an incensed glare from the Odinson. "...heh, sorry."

Thanos noticed Loki (MCU). "So, you're alive again. No matter, I'll gladly snap your neck like a twig."

Hulk angrily retorted in his normal voice. "That's not happening today, Thanos!"

Charging up his heat vision, Superman's eyes burned red. "Darkseid, we're putting you down for good!"

Iron Man charged up his pulse hands. "Guess who's back, Thanos? Ready to fizzle out again?"

"Don't worry, Tony. This time we'll remove him without anyone sacrificing themselves," Captain America firmly gripped his shield.

Winter Soldier readied his M249 Paratrooper SAW. "Ready to make this happen, Steve?"

Before Thanos and Darkseid made their next move, they heard the whispers of the Yami Matter communicating with them. The alien warlords both nodded, menacing grins curving across their faces.

"Yes, their blood shall be spilled," Darkseid menacingly grinned.

"And their bodies will be lying prone as we stand over them," Thanos muttered. Then, as he raised his double-edged sword, he beckoned his children to charge forward and attack the heroes.

Hela and Ego also joined in.

"Justice League, move out!" Superman called out.

"Avengers…!" Iron Man shouted.

"Assemble!" Captain America finished.

"SWO, initiate the enemy forces!" Ayase hollered as everyone on the hero side quickly intercepted and engaged Thanos & Darkseid's forces. In no time, the Chitauri and Parademon infantries were the first to fall.

Tennyo, Io, Iron Man, Captain America. Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel, Saitama, and Garou took on Thanos and Darkseid.

Superman dove into and slammed head-on with Darkseid, who traded fists with the Man of Steel. When Darkseid fired his Omega Beam, Superman countered the villain's rays with his heat vision. With help from Captain America and Captain Marvel, Iron Man blasted Thanos with his pulse beams. Thanos blocked the beams with his sword.

After Darkseid turned his Omega Beams around, they struck Superman's back. After stunning him, Darkseid clocked him with a backhanded fist. Then, Saitama quickly swooped in front of him.

"And you are?" Darkseid asked in befuddlement.

"Just a hero for hire," Saitama plainly said.

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck Darkseid, knocking the alien warlord back. Turning his head, Darkseid saw another Lightning Thorn thrown by Tennyo. As the lightning blast collided with him, Darkseid raised his hands to absorb it. Utilizing Brainiac's enhancements, Darkseid unleashed his Agony Matrix, which Tennyo and Ivy avoided getting pulled into.

As she jumped high into the air, Ivy slammed her halberd into the ground and activated her Ivy-Type Blood Veil, quickly springing spikes from the ground that trapped and ensnared various Parademons. She even managed to trap Darkseid, but the Apokolips ruler burned through the entanglements with his Omega Beams.

"Tch, this might not go well," Ivy gritted as she and Tennyo held their ground against Darkseid.

Just then, a Batarang collided with Thanos' back and exploded. Drawing his attention away from Tennyo and Ivy, Batman arrived on the scene.

"You again," Darkseid scowled.

"Yeah, it's me. Oh, and you forgot my friend," Batman smirked.

With that, Darkseid spun around and was met with an earth-shattering blow from Superman's fist. The Kryptonian's punch sent Darkseid sailing back.

"Hey, Supes! Mind if I tag in?!" Saitama offered as he followed Superman.

Meanwhile, Thanos was managing to hold off Iron Man, Captain America, Captain Marvel, and Garou. When Garou attacked the Mad Titan with his Whirlwind Iron Cutting Fist, he broke Thanos' double-sided sword. However, Thanos still managed to smack Garou away with his sword. Captain Marvel punched and dazed Thanos. Then, with her help, Iron Man and Captain America slammed the Mad Titan through a wall.

Then, Tennyo arrived and blasted Thanos with Lightning Thorn, blasting away heaps of debris that fell on top of the Mad Titan.

"Nice shot, miss," Captain America acknowledged Tennyo, who shared an endearing smile with Steve.

After laying Thanos out, the four heroes waited as Thanos popped right back up and wiped some purple blood from his lips. With a menacing grin, Thanos beckoned the trio to physically engage him again. Iron Man, Captain America, and Captain Marvel gladly obliged and attacked Thanos.

xxxxx

Meanwhile, Sion split up from Tennyo and Io as he followed Ayase, the Winter Soldier, Falcon, Doctor Strange, and Martian Manhunter. He spotted them fighting Ebony Maw. The Black Order member levitated into the air and used telekinesis to his advantage, tossing heaps of debris at the group.

"Ayase, keep your guard up! The enemy is close to you!" Tsugumi alerted Ayase through an earpiece communicator.

"Thanks for the heads up, Tsugumi!"

"Oh shit, Sion's in trouble! Get to him quick, Ayase!" Argo barked.

When a large piece of debris headed for Sion, the Revenant prepared to smash it with his Ogre-Type Blood Veil, but Ayase intervened and kicked it so hard it shattered to pieces.

Taken aback by Ayase's heroic feat, Sion watched her land beside him.

"What? Not even a thank you?" Ayase asked, firmly taking a fighting stance.

"Are you getting cute with me," Sion scoffed.

"What? No!"

"Hey, pay attention, you two!" Tsugumi chided them via Ayase's communicator.

Just then, Ebony Maw repelled half of the group with his telekinetic abilities, save for Martian Manhunter and Doctor Strange. Manhunter telekinetically caught some of the debris and tossed it aside. Doctor Strange reversed the trajectory of the flying debris and deflected them at Ebony. Ebony levitated away, evading the debris being thrown back at him.

"Hey, are you ok?" Winter Soldier asked, helping Sion up.

"Thanks, but don't worry I've taken worse," Sion replied.

"That could've gone worse," sighed Shibungi from Ayase's communicator.

Ayase was back on her feet. "That cheap shot! Why I oughta…!"

"Ayase, can you hear me?! Are you ok, girl?!" Tsugumi's voice was heard through Ayase's communicator.

"I've taken worse bumps, but I'll manage," Ayase calmly replied.

"Be careful when engaging him, Ayase. His telekinetic abilities are beyond imagination," Shibungi warned her.

"Yeah, don't get too reckless out there, ok?" Argo told her.

Tapping her communicator, Ayase smirked. "There's no need to worry, guys. We'll take him down." With that, Ayase took a fighting stance and jumped up, landing on some floating debris, which was lifted by Ebony and Martian Manhunter's telekinesis. "I'm so glad we have a telekinetic on our side. Thanks for the assist, J'onn J'onzz!" She called out to Manhunter.

"J'onn is such a sweet Martian. Leave it to him to give a lady a helping hand," Tsugumi commented via Ayase's communicator.

"Hold on! Are you crazy trying to fight him head-on?!" Sion called out as he jumped up and ran across a bridge of floating debris. As he reached Ayase, they both attacked Ebony.

"Watch out for his telekinetic abilities, you two! Ayase, I know you've honed your fighting skills beyond human capabilities, but remember your limits!" Tsugumi coached Ayase through the fight.

As Ayase ran at the Black Order member, she landed consecutive punches and kicks, which the alien parried with his kinetic abilities. When he threw a rock in front of him, he guarded himself against Ayase's blows. However, Ayase fiercely kicked and shattered the rock barrier with her Void legging. She then followed through and punched Ebony's jaw, dazing and knocking him back.

"Holy shit…!" Sion gaped in shock at Ayase's physically capable of fighting and damaging the Black Order member. Quickly coming to his senses, Sion ran up to Ebony and slashed him with his Regicide Blade.

"Ugh, you ungrateful Terrans!" Ebony hissed.

"I shouldn't be surprised. You were trained by many people," Sion remarked, standing side by side with Ayase.

"I wouldn't have attacked him if I wasn't," Ayase replied, raising her fists to fight.

"You will regret your actions!" Ebony growled as Sion and Ayase rushed forward to attack. When Sion reactivated his Ogre-Type Blood Veil and Ayase prepared to strike, Ebony telekinetically tossed Sion and Ayase into mid-air. He then unleashed a telekinetic wave, further repelling them far back. Amid their fall and Ebony's kinetic attack, Ayase's breasts jiggled around.

"Oh shit, Ayase! Sion!" Argo yelled out.

"They've crashed a few kilometers from where the others are currently engaging the enemy!" Shibungi called out.

"Oh no, Ayase!" Tsugumi shrieked.

As they crashed on an office rooftop, Sion and Ayase fell on top of each other. To the shock of both, they accidentally kissed each other's lips. Jerking her lips away, Ayase flipped out at the realization.

"...what?! What the fuck?!" Ayase spat out.

"Heh, what's wrong? Did 'Shoe' never kiss you?" Sion sardonically taunted her.

"You asshole!" She screamed and threw a punch, which Sion blocked with ease.

He playfully smirked. "Did anyone tell you your lips are hot and sexy, babe?" As he elicited an angry scowl and blushing cheeks from Ayase, he further escalated the situation. "I wonder if your foot smells and tastes so erotic."

"Ugh, gross! Have you ever heard boundaries, you sick fuck!" Ayase snapped, swinging a fist at Sion, who once again blocked easily. As she kicked him off, both glared daggers into one another. If looks could kill, both were ready to murder the other. In Ayase's case, she wanted to strangle Sion. Sion simply looked to humiliate her further. "What the fuck is wrong with you?!"

"I could say the same to you. What do you see in 'Shoe'? You two are supposed to be together, but yet I doubt either of you kissed or fucked each other! I mean, what guy would do that with a girl as smoking hot as you?! A pansy that's what!"

"Listen, what goes on between me and Shu is none of your business!"

"When it comes to relationships, I make it my business."

Ayase scoffed and pushed past Sion. "Whatever, it's my business and we have more important matters to worry about that!" As she walked away, he grabbed her arm. "Hey, let go! Don't get any wrong ideas like possibly replacing Shu!"

"Like I'd ever…" Sion growled.

Suddenly, Ayase heard some giggling and snickering through her communicator. Scowling, she heard her friends making light of her situation.

"Oooo, what's going on here? Are we having a lover's spat?" Tsugumi was heard teasing her friend.

"Lover's spat…?! As if! No way would I dump Shu for this creepy asshole!" Ayase angrily spat out.

"I dunno. You two were arguing with an old married couple. I definitely felt more heat between you two than you ever had with Shu," Argo added, further adding fuel to Ayase's fire.

"Come you two, let us get serious here," Shibungi calmly remarked, trying to ease tensions.

Almost wanting to facepalm, Ayase growled. "You three knock it off! Nothing is going on between this jerk and me! Besides, he already has two girlfriends! Why does he need a third wheel?!"

Hearing this, Sion corrected. "First off, Hifumi and I are an item. Second, Io is just our friend."

"Ooo, sure. Friend. Like I'm supposed to believe in some creepy perv? That Io girl has such huge knockers I bet you couldn't help yourself and rock her world already! And that Hifumi girl, I don't know what she sees in you!"

Sion frowned. "She genuinely loves me. And she's a hell of a whole more woman than you could ever hope to be, Shinomiya Ayase. Besides, I don't need a third wheel nor do I need to be with someone who reminds me of my old flame."

Upon hearing this, Ayase was befuddled. "...what? Old flame? What the hell are you talking about?"

"Exactly what I said!"

"Hey, Ayase! I made sure to take a picture of you and Skyler's kiss! I don't know if it's just me, but you look like you enjoyed it!" Tsugumi prattled through Ayase's communicator. "Here, Argo and Shibungi. What do you make of this?"

As she listened to their snickering on the other line, Ayase became flustered where her entire face turned bright red.

"Damn, Ayase! You got more lip action from Skyler than you ever did with Shu!" Argo teased her on the other line.

"I must say, your reaction in this picture is quite priceless, Ayase," elaborated Shibungi.

"Ugh, will you three shut up?!" Ayase furiously screamed, resisting the urge to tear off her earpiece communicator.

"Can't face the facts, Ayase?" Sion chuckled, causing her to whip around and grab him by his shirt. As she gave him a look that could kill, he rolled his eyes. "Please, I've been scared off by worse." He pushed her hands away. "Look, when I said you remind me of someone I used to date, I meant it. She looked like you. She has the same breast size as you. Her skin tone is like yours. You have her hairstyle. Even your voice and personality is exactly like hers! We even had arguments like this before! The only difference is her hair was black. And man, she had such a smoking hot body back then. I miss her. The moment I saw you, I was reminded of her."

"Who was she?"

"Besides my old flame? She and I went to the same high school. We dated for a while. Then when graduation happened, we broke up, but the night before we had sex," Sion reflected on his relationship with his previous girlfriend. "It was a night I'll never forget. I remember how her feet tasted and her lips pressing on mine. Hell, when you and I just kissed, it sparked memories from that night."

Ayase fiercely eyed his direction. "I'm not her."

"I know, but you remind me of her. And guess what? Her first name was Ayase."

Hearing this, Ayase's angry scowl faded, replaced with bewilderment.

"When we argued just now, it all came back to me. For a moment, everything went full circle. It felt like she came back to reunite and fight alongside me… then I realized it was not her. You check off on all her features, except her hair color and feelings for me."

"I...I had no idea…"

Sion nodded and smiled dismissively. "No, it's fine. You had no idea. This Ayase was someone special and helped shape me into the person I am now. It's thanks to her and our time together that allowed me to open up to other relationships. Namely my relationship with Hifumi."

"And Io?"

"No, she's like our partner more than anything. Although, yes I've had sex with Io with her consent."

"Why are you telling me all this?"

"Hey, you wanted to know about me and why I'm the way I am," Sion nonchalantly shrugged.

"Well, at least you're open and honest… but…" Ayase quickly snapped and pointed at him. "Don't ever kiss me like that again!"

"Hey, blame that alien freak for knocking us away. That was an accident and no I had no intention of kissing you before he knocked us far away."

"As you say…"

"So, I'm sorry."

Hearing this, Ayase let out an exasperated sigh. "You're unbelievable." Her scowl was then replaced with a smirk. "But, I can't help but see you as a guy with bigger balls than Shu." Initially disliking Sion for his disparaging remarks about Shu and treating her with disrespect, she found herself warming up to the Revenant's passionate aura. But, what truly won her over was Sion's admission about his girlfriend sharing her name and attributes.

"Hey, we need to regroup with the others," Sion suggested.

"Oh yeah! They're going to need help!" Ayase nodded. "Say, just one last thing."

"Yeah?"

"This other Ayase, where is she nowadays?"

"Who knows? For all I know, she's living her life peacefully without me in the way. This is not the life I'd want to drag her into," Sion openly confessed.

"Then, just for this occasion, can I be her?"

Sion chuckled. "Oh please, you'll never replace my Ayase."

"Asshole."

"But, yeah whatever makes you happy."

As soon as she heard him say this, Ayase affectionately smiled. "Thanks, Skyler Jones."

When he heard her call him by his name, Sion momentarily remembered the black-haired Ayase in his mind. He remembered their last kiss leading to their mutual break up.

Then, as they put their differences aside, Sion and Ayase stood with their backs facing the other. Ayase's Void legs brimmed with rejuvenated light. Sion held his Regicide Blade. They lifted their heads and turned around, smiling at each other affectionately.

"Are you ready to kick their asses, Sion?"

The Revenant howled with unbridled passion. "Hell yeah!"

The two then stormed back into the battle against Ebony Maw.

xxxxx

Cull Obsidian relied on his brute power, throwing heaps of debris at Hound, Hulk, Drax, Mantis, Ronin, and Green Arrow (DCAU). While Green Arrow and Ronin fired explosive arrows to take out hurtling debris and rocks thrown by the alien brute, Hulk collided with Cull and pummeled him with vicious body blows.

When Cull grabbed Hulk's arm, he prepared to throw him. Drax came up behind and shoved his combat knives through Cull's back. Whipping around, Cull tried grabbing Drax. Mantis hovered behind Cull and placed a mind paralysis technique on the alien.

"Now, you're done!" Hound declared, summoning his Hound-Type Blood Veil. Sending his hound heads to grab Cull, the brutish alien quickly pushed back. Hulk helped bring down Cull and staggered him with a powerful uppercut.

Shifting into his Envoy of Luke gear, Hound attacked Cull with his hound heads again. When Cull tried fighting back, Green Arrow and Ronin's arrows pierced through his legs, cutting off his mobility.

Roaring with ferocity, Hound transformed into the Successor of Persian Urine. The bear-like Doberman flew right into Cull and chomped off the alien brute's right arm. Then, Hound unleashed his Savagery of Marchosias, as a bear spirit engulfed Cull Obsidian and wiped him out.

After roaring with the Hulk, Hound transformed back to his Envoy of Luke form. He crouched down while catching his breath.

"We did it. Thanks for the help," Hound offered his gratitude to the Avengers and Guardian members.

xxxxx

Engineer and Corvus Glaive engaged in a quick blade duel. Using his sword for defense, Engineer evaded Corvus' glaive. Finding himself outmatched by the Black Order member, the Revenant was backed into a corner. When Corvus went for his head, Genos swooped down and fired energy beams, knocking Corvus away.

As the glaive wielder recovered, he noticed a giant looming shadow over him. Gazing up with shock, Corvus saw Giant-Man bringing his foot down to crush the alien like an insect. Corvus quickly rolled away, barely avoiding being crushed under Giant-Man's foot. Suddenly, Wasp, in her miniature state, flew around smacking and blasting Corvus' face. Swinging his hand around trying to catch her, Corvus continued being blasted.

Then, a streak of red light slammed into Corvus. Before the alien can even react, the red streak slammed into him from all over. Unable to keep up with the speedster, Corvus was beaten around by a barrage of blows from The Flash (DCAU).

"Hey, over here!" Flash waved to him.

When Corvus swung his glaive at Flash, the red streak quickly sidestepped him.

"Nah, over here!"

Corvus attacked again, but his glaive went through Flash's after image.

"Dude, you're totally slow! Like I'm not even trying!" Flash yawned, jogging around Corvus. When the alien fired a beam from his glaive, Flash moved away and unloaded a flurry of punches on Corvus.

Having given Engineer to recover, the Revenant shifted into his Envoy of Mark form. Then, as he activated his Ogre-Type Blood Veil, Engineer ran at Corvus and knocked the glaive from his hand. Having disarmed the Black Order member, Engineer transformed into his Successor of Babylon Leo. The winged Barbary lion roared and slashed Corvus with his claws. With a mighty roar, Engineer finished off Corvus with his Vapula's Roar, obliterating the alien away.

Shrinking back to normal size, Ant-Man gave a thumbs up. "Wow, I didn't know you could grow big, too!"

"But he turned into a big lion, Ant-guy. You just grew big," Flash said.

"It's Ant-Man," sighed the Avenger.

"Either way, that's an incredible power you wield," Genos stated.

As he turned back to his Envoy of Mark state, Engineer modestly chuckled. "No need to give me all the credit. We beat him together."

xxxxx

Proxima Midnight skillfully fought off Black Widow and Gamora. Black Widow rebounded and swung her batons at Proxima, who dodged Black Widow's weapons. Gamora fought Proxima hand to hand for a bit. Just then, Black Widow shocked Proxima with a taser-like projectile, stunning the alien warrior. Gamora then kicked Proxima away.

Suddenly, Stinger attacked Proxima with her Stinger-Type Blood Veil, Barely evading the Revenant's metal tail, the Black Order member backed away. Stinger quickly fired off bayonet shots, driving Proxima back.

After being overtaken by the two former assassins, Proxima found herself face to face with Tatsumaki, who glared at her with a deadpan expression. As Proxima ran over to attack her, Tatsumaki quickly overwhelmed her and pinned the Black Order member down with her telekinesis. Then, she telekinetically tossed Proxima into the air. Taking full advantage of her older sister's momentum, Fubuki manifested a tornado, capturing Proxima and throwing her higher up.

Flying down with her magical mace, Hawkgirl (DCAU) clobbered Proxima and knocked her to the ground.

"Alright! Way to go!" Stinger hollered.

Tatsumaki turned to Stinger and checked her height. Then, she came to a startling realization. "Hey, you're almost as tall as me!"

"Yeah, we are about roughly the same height."

"It doesn't matter! Oh god, it's about freaking time I met someone who shared their grief with me!"

"Over what?"

"Being mistaken for a kid, especially by that Caped Baldy!"

Stinger blinked. "Really? I mean, my friends don't think I'm a little girl or anything. Though, some other people think I look too young for my age."

"I totally get that," Tatsumaki gasped. "Say, you wanna be friends and talk things over?"

"Sure, but let's get rid of her first," Stinger suggested as they watched Proxima getting up and fighting off Fubuki, Hawkgirl, Black Widow, and Gamora.

"You fools will never defeat a member of the Black Order! I shall stain this ground of your remains and…!" Not getting a chance to finish her threat, Proxima felt her body being crushed by thousands of pounds thanks to Tatsumaki's psychic power.

"She's all yours, new BFF," Tatsumaki offered Stinger the finishing blow.

"Thanks!" Stinger happily accepted as she invoked her Envoy of John state. As Tatsumaki telekinetically tossed Proxima Midnight into the air, Stinger fired at Proxima Bullets of Aramis from her bayonet and shoved her metal tail through the alien warrior's torso. Before finishing her off, Stinger transformed into her Successor of Alexandra Panthera. The snow leopard tossed Proxima off her metal scorpion-like tail and delivered her Ose's Vespula Strike, bisecting Proxima Midnight. Letting out her final scream, the Black Order member dissolved into black dust and perished.

"You command such great power," Hawkgirl admired the Successor's majestic presence.

"Never thought I'd see a girl turn into a giant snow leopard, but I've seen stranger things," Black Widow remarked.

"Same," Gamora concurred.

"Aww, but you're bigger than me now!" Tatsumaki whined.

"Hehe, I see you made a new friend, dear big sister," Fubuki playfully teased Tatsumaki.

"Ugh, shut up, Fubuki."

As she let out a muffled snarl, the Successor shrank down to human size and became Stinger again. The Revenant stood up and let out a deep sigh of relief.

"Nah, I can switch between forms," Stinger reassured Tatsumaki. "And that takes care of her."

xxxxx

As Sion and Ayase returned to the battle, they witnessed Ebony Maw and Martian Manhunter telekinetically attacking each other. Down but not out, Winter Soldier, Falcon, and Doctor Strange prepared to fight back.

"Glad you two are back," Doctor Strange acknowledged the duo.

"Sorry, we were delayed," Sion apologized.

"Yeah, delayed," Ayase scoffed. "Strange, how is J'onn holding up?"

"He's holding his own, but Ebony's discovered J'onn's pyrophobia."

"That's not good! C'mon, Sion!" Ayase beckoned the Revenant as they headed off to aid Martian Manhunter.

"Hey, are you still able to go, Sam?" Winter Soldier asked as Falcon stood up and readied his wings.

"Yeah, let's do it, Bucky!" Falcon glided into the air toward the fight.

As Ebony manipulated Martian Manhunter and probed his fear of fire, Ayase hastily jumped in and kicked Ebony away. She then hurried over and tended to Martian Manhunter.

"Are you ok, "J'onn?" Ayase asked him, helping him up.

"I am now. Thank you, Ayase."

While Ebony recovered, Sion stepped in his way and shot his Stinger-Type Blood Veil, attempting to stab the alien. Ebony quickly levitated into the air. The Revenant jumped up and invoked his Hound-Type Blood Veil, using his hounds to ensnare the alien. Ebony telekinetically threw debris at the hounds as their teeth crunched the rocks. Ebony telekinetically grabbed and tossed metal projectiles at the Revenant, who batted them away with his Regicide Blade.

"I'm done looking at that ugly face of yours!" Sion shouted as he invoked his Envoy of Matthew state. Imbuing his Regicide Blade with white light, he quickly lunged and slashed Ebony. A blinding flare of white light cut through Ebony, causing blood to gush out from his chest.

After injuring Ebony with his Will of d'Artagnan, Sion didn't stop there. He transformed into his Successor of Julius Deinos form. The others, especially Ayase, marveled at Sion turning into an allosaurid theropod. Letting out a high-pitched roar, Sion charged into and headbutted Ebony, sending the alien flying into the air.

Ayase watched in awe over Sion's Successor transformation. "Just what in the hell is this guy? A vampire that can turn into a freaking dinosaur?!"

"Ayase, let's take advantage of this situation!" Doctor Strange called out as he ensnared Ebony with a mystical rope.

As Falcon flew up carrying Winter Soldier, Bucky fired shots into Ebony. Then, as Martian Manhunter phased behind Ebony, the Black Order member was psionically stunned by Martian Manhunter. J'onn then phased his hand through Ebony and grabbed his heart, squeezing it and inflicting excruciating pain to the Black Order member.

"Heads up, J'onn!" Ayase called out as she dove into Ebony and cut his throat with the bladed part of her Void boots. Upon slitting his throat, the alien's blood spilled out.

Finally, as Sion turned back to normal, he came up behind Ebony and bisected him in half with his glowing Regicide Blade.

"See? That's how it's done?" Sion remarked.

"Yeah, yeah, nicely done, Sion," Ayase sardonically remarked.

"Hey, not bad, kid," Winter Soldier complimented Sion.

"Well, first off, I'm not a kid. I'm set to be engaged," Sion said. "But, thanks, Bucky. My fiancée and I are fans of you and Cap."

"J'onn, did that bastard take advantage of you?" Ayase checked with Martian Manhunter.

"I'll be fine now, but thank you for your concern, Miss Ayase."

"Hey, Sion," Ayase addressed him in an innocent tone.

"What?" The Revenant asked.

"Help me here with J'onn."

"Oh, sure," Sion replied as he approached Ayase and Martian Manhunter.

"But, Mis Ayase, I…" J'onn noticed her giving him a wink and closed his mouth.

"Ok. So, what did you need…" Sion coughed and doubled over as Ayase quickly elbowed his sternum, applying damage to a pressure point in his body. As he fell to his knees, Ayase boldly stood over him with arms folded.

"There. Now, we're even!" Ayase chastised him.

"Ugh, what?! But, I already apologized!"

"Yeah, but I have my pride to maintain."

"What did you do…?" Sion groaned, rubbing his sore spot.

"The wonders of Amazonian training with Diana and mystic dueling with Master Shendu. They taught me to exploit an enemy's pressure points," Ayase pointed to him. "Even vamps aren't immune to me finding their pressure points!"

"Great, I better be nice to you from now on. Why didn't you use it before?"

"I… Well, you caught me off guard and I was shocked by the moment," Ayase tried excusing herself, which got an eye roll from Sion.

"Yeah, right."

Smirking, Ayase helped Sion up. "Hey, chin up. We still have a war to finish. The Yami Matter certainly won't rest until we're all done for."

"Yeah, we've gotta get to Hifumi, Io, and the others."

"And we will," Ayase then turned on her communicator. "Hey, Tsugumi, we just cleared this area here. Where are you now?"

"Still in Egypt! It's getting hectic out here! So, you beat that telekinetic freak yet?!"

"We did. We're heading out to fight Thanos and Darkseid."

"Please be careful, Ayase!" Tsugumi pleaded as the roars of Rexy were heard in the background.

"Ready to fight the big guys, partner?" Ayase winked at Sion.

"Let's raise some hell," Sion replied earnestly.

xxxxx

Jack, Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Groot, War Machine, John Stewart, and Blue put up a resistance against Ego, who manipulated the encompassing area and tossed slabs of terrain at them. As Jack sprang forward, he cut through some flying debris with his sword. Star-Lord flew around and fired lasers into Ego, who regenerated after every shot. Rocket and War Machine blasted away Ego's constructs. John Stewart provided cover, using his Green Lantern (DCAU) ring to forge barriers for his allies.

"Stay behind me, everyone!" John called out.

"Hey, dad! Why don't have some son and father bonding?!" Star-Lord challenged Ego.

With a menacing sneer, Ego flew up as he and Star-Lord engaged blows. Ego tossed energy tentacles to grab Star-Lord with, but Quill blasted away the tentacles. As they came into blows, Star-Lord and Ego landed a flurry of punches. At one point Star-Lord punched Ego so hard, half of Ego's human face broke apart, revealing his true celestial energy form.

"You should've joined me, Quill! We could've ruled the universe together as father and son!" Ego barked at him.

"My dad died sacrificing himself for me!" Star-Lord yelled as he and Ego came into blows again.

The Celestials both shapeshifted. Ego turned into a giant glowing ball. Star-Lord turned into a Pac-Man waka waka construct. They collided, creating an explosive shock wave that shook the entire vicinity and enough to break John's barrier.

"Quill!" Rocket called out. "Hey, Groot, where's the explosive?!"

Just then, Blue came running with Groot riding him.

"Good girl, Blue! Groot, do you have it?!" Rocket asked his tree friend.

"I am Groot!"

"Toss it to me!" Rocket said.

As Groot tossed him a small metal orb, Rocket snickered.

"Wait 'til Ego gets the worst case of cosmic indigestion," Rocket said as Star-Lord and Ego crashed to the ground. "Quill, here catch!" He tossed the orb to Star-Lord, who slipped it in his pocket.

Standing up, Ego fired light beams at every group member and pulled them toward him.

"I'm going to enjoy feeding on all of your essences!" Ego boasted.

"Sorry, but I'm not on your menu!" Jack roared as he invoked his Drake-Type Blood Veil, transforming into his Successor of the Drake form. The large dragon and his hound heads inflicted a devastating triple bite force, striking Ego with his Slavic Fangs.

After knocking away Ego, the three-headed beast charged toward the villain, who forged a barrier to protect himself from Jack.

"Quill, do it!" Rocket cried out.

"I am Groot!"

Blue shrieked loudly, encouraging Star-Lord to use the bomb. Taking heed of his friends' encouraging pleas, Star-Lord activated the timer and flew into Ego. After some struggle, Star-Lord shoved the explosive device inside the Celestial.

"Hey, dad. Did you know we can make devices that can wipe out Celestials like you?"

"Since when?!" Ego roared.

"Since now," Star-Lord flipped him off.

"QUILL!" Ego roared as the dragon quickly expelled blue flames from his mouth.

After being engulfed by Jack's Fafnir's Breath, the explosive device went off and exploded, wiping out every trace of Ego's existence. Green Lantern quickly contained Ego's explosion and formed a green cube, preventing the explosion from taking out the entire group. Taking cover, Jack transformed back to his normal self.

"Hah, yeah! Eat that, bitch!" Rocket hollered. "Hell yeah! We did it, Groot and Blue!" He high-fived Groot.

"I never would've imagined teaming with a teaming raccoon and a tree," John remarked. "But, then again I work with Kilowog and other alien species."

War Machine chuckled. "Look at it this way, John. We're African American men who did our time serving our country, joined a team of superheroes, and ended up teaming with a bunch of alien weirdos." This enlightening statement got a half-hearted laugh from John.

"That's true, Colonel Rhodey."

Blue ran over to Star-Lord and received a head pat.

"And you, my good sir! Why didn't you tell us you could turn into a big three-headed dragon?!" Rocket approached Jack.

Jack quietly smirked. "I wanted to surprise you, I suppose."

"But, you did come through for us. Thanks," War Machine added.

"No problem. Now, we have to find Eva and the others," Jack said, picking up his sword.

xxxxx

Meanwhile, Eva, Thor, Loki, Valkyrie, and Wonder Woman (DCAU) evaded Hela's manifested blades, swords, and spears from her body. When she summoned metallic blade-like structures from the ground, the group avoided getting caught in her trap. Manifesting Mjølnir's power, Thor fired a bolt and wiped out Hela's blades.

"Ah, you have your hammer back, Odinson," Hela acknowledged the very same instrument she destroyed.

"Mjølnir and I will never be apart again," Thor firmly stated as he summoned Stormbreaker. Brandishing his dual weapons, the Odinson flew at Hela.

While defending from Thor's attacks, Loki forged multiple illusions of himself in an attempt to throw her off. She flung various blades at the Lokis, taking all but one. The real Loki tossed a knife that deflected Hela's blade.

"What was that pitiful display, Loki?! Surely you aren't trying to humor me?!" Hela chided the trickster.

"I wasn't trying to humor you. Look up," Loki tilted his head.

As Hela heard a battle cry, Wonder Woman swooped down and punched Hela, sending the Goddess of Death crashing to the ground. The Princess of Themyscira hastily flew headlong into Hela and smashed her into a wall. Wonder Woman then unleashed punches on Hela. Hela rebounded and manipulated the spikes on her crown. Her spikes flew at Wonder Woman, who fought them off.

"The Princess of Themyscira thinks she has a chance against me, a Lady of Death?!" Hela boasted, flinging blades and spikes at Wonder Woman.

Crossing her arms, Wonder Woman deflected most of Hela's projectiles, save for a few blades that did pierce her skin. Readying a large blade, Hela flew up to stab Diana with it. Then, Valkyrie dove in and cut through her spike with her sword.

"What?!" Hela was taken off guard by Valkyrie's intervention.

"Diana, Thor! Take her down!" Valkyrie shouted.

With that, Wonder Woman flew at Hela first and ensnared the Goddess of Death with her rope. As she flung Hela around, Diana tossed her up to Thor, who smashed her with Mjølnir. Hela crashed to the ground.

"Thank you, Odinson," Wonder Woman nodded.

"It's my pleasure, Princess Diana," Thor jovially replied.

As Hela stood, she manifested more blades to attack her enemies. Then, Eva transformed into her Successor of the Throat form. The Revenant repelled Hela and her blades with a whirlwind attack. After knocking away Hela with force, Loki snuck up and ran his dagger through Hela's back.

"Loki…?!"

"Farewell, sister," Loki smirked as he slipped away, allowing Thor, Wonder Woman, and Valkyrie to finish Hela off.

"Thank goodness, we beat her," Eva deeply sighed as she turned to normal and almost collapsed from exerting her Successor powers.

Just then, Jack arrived just in time to catch Eva.

"Jack!"

"Hey, don't overexert yourself, love," Jack smiled affectionately as he picked up and carried Eva. "Don't forget. We have a child back home waiting for us."

"Yes, our shining beacon of hope," Eva nodded, kissing Jack's lips.

xxxxx

The Roman Colosseum/Rome, Italy/(CET)

Upon arriving outside the Colosseum, Anastasia, Nadia, Kirito, Asuna, Eugeo, and Alice watched the sky darken. Making its presence felt, the Yami Matter opened up a portal and released two agents to deal with the Princess Elven and Sword Art Online group.

Kirito and his friends immediately recognized the faces of these agents.

"Quinella?!" Eugeo exclaimed in shock.

"Gabriel Miller!" Kirito growled intensely.

"Greetings, Eugeo and Alice. It's good to see you two and Kirito again. It'll be a pleasure to kill you with my bare hands," Quinella calmly chortled.

"Let's not get greedy, former Administrator. I have Kirito and Asuna. You may do as you please with these other four," Gabriel insisted as he transformed into his transformed state: a large black angel with white outlines, a black halo, and a visage with glowing white eyes and mouth. "Come forth and meet your end!"

Anastasia turned to Nadia. "You ready to show them what we're made of?!"

"Let's do this!" Nadia replied. "Kirito, Asuna, I'll help ya kick the angel freak's ass!" With that, she aided Kirito and Asuna against Gabriel.

"We appreciate your support, miss," Alice acknowledged Anastasia as they and Eugeo battled Quinella, who gracefully fought them off with her sword. During her sword battle with Alice and Eugeo, Anastasia fired a barrage of arrows at Quinella.

Batting away Anastasia's arrows, Quinella chuckled. "A valiant effort, elven woman, but not good enough!" She dashed forward and slashed at Anastasia.

"Ah!" The Elven woman cried out after being felled by Quinella.

"Anastasia!" Nadia shouted, leaving herself open as Gabriel blasted her back.

"A foolish mistake to drop your guard amid a battle, Elven woman!" Gabriel chided her as Kirito and Asuna fiercely attacked him.

"Take this!" Alice roared, swinging her golden sword at Quinella, who countered with her blade. When Eugeo ran toward her, the former Administrator parried his attacks with another blade.

"I'm impressed. You've gotten better my former Integrity Knight!" Quinella complimented Alice. "But, you and Eugeo have gotten in my way for the last time!" As she prepared to finish them off, an arrow shot through and ripped off Quinella's right hand, disarming her. "What?!"

As Quinella turned, Anastasia was back on her feet with her bow out and another arrow readily forged.

"You insufferable elven whore!" Quinella screamed with fury, her face contorted to match her anger.

However, before she could retaliate, Eugeo shoved his sword through her torso. Then, Alice raised her sword, imbuing with brilliant golden light. With a swing, Alice unleashed her Burst Element and purged Quinella away.

Meanwhile, Kirito and Asuna fought off Gabriel, who fired back with a barrage of dark beams. Evading the dark angel's beams, Kirito and Asuna prepped themselves to deliver the final blow against their enemy. However, Gabriel hastily flew at them and attacked with ferocity, lobbing a combination of fire, lightning, and various elemental projectiles at the duo. When Gabriel tossed a powerful bolt at Kirito, Asuna quickly threw herself in front of Kirito and took the blast for her lover.

"Asuna!" Kirito shouted as he rushed and fiercely slashed at Gabriel, who dodged and parried the Black Swordsman's attacks.

"Surely this isn't enough, Kirito?!" Gabriel taunted him.

After being healed by Anastasia, Nadia recovered. With her whip, she ensnared Gabriel's right arm and pulled him away from Kirito.

"What?! You're still able to fight? No matter, you're just an Elven pestilence," scoffed Gabriel.

"Heh, we'll see who laughs last! Get him, you two!" Nadia called out to Kirito and Asuna.

While Kirito and Asuna prepped their final attack, Nadia beckoned Anastasia over. The Elven Princesses pressed their hands together, performing their beautiful duet as the Virgo and Libra symbols glowed across their bosoms. Drawing energies from their symbols, the Elven Princesses combined their weapons and recreated their crossbow. With the crossbow, they fired their Divine Alf Arrow as it pierced through Gabriel's body.

"Ergh! Still not enough to defeat me…!" Gabriel snarled, trying to pull the Elven Princesses' arrow out.

After treating Asuna, she and Kirito quickly dove and delivered a double sword strike into Gabriel. Combining their finishing blows with the Elven Princesses' arrow, Kirito and Asuna performed a miraculous finishing blow, landing 9,999 x 2 damage to Gabriel. Overwhelmed by their devastating finisher, Gabriel bellowed in defeat and dissolved into digitized dust.

"Alright, way to go, Kirito and Asuna!" Eugeo cheered them on.

"Well done," Alice nodded, smiling to Kirito, Asuna, and the Elven Princesses.

As the darkness in the sky slowly dispersed, Anastasia and Nadia smiled at each other.

"Our work here is done, Anastasia!" Nadia winked.

"Yes, let's rejoin the others," nodded Anastasia.

xxxxx

Meiji Shrine (明治神宮)/Kyoto, Japan (京都, 東京)/(JST)

Assembling near Meiji Shrine, Tamamo, Brave, Presto, Nicola, Li-Ming, Aurora, Karen, Mina, Kyosuke, Maria, and Miriam confronted Dominique and the demon god Bael.

"We meet again, Miriam," Dominique coyly smiled.

"So, the enemy has revived you and Bael?!" Miriam shouted furiously.

"Why yes, and with Bael revived, we intend to destroy you and your new allies here. Any last words before you die?" The traitorous exorcist performed an exorcism spell before attacking the group.

"Yes, let's fight to our heart's content and enjoy ourselves!" Evilly cackled Tamamo as she got on all fours and combined the Nine Tails' powers with herself. A dark cloak of Ki enveloped the Impulsive Gambler, transforming her into the Nine-Tailed Fox.

Roaring with sheer ferocity, the Nine-Tailed Fox charged into and clashed with Bael. Taken aback by the Nine-Tailed Fox's presence, Miriam sensed an immense dark aura radiating from the nine-tailed beast.

"You mean to tell me we had a demon on our side?" Miriam asked the Gamblers and Successors.

"She's on our side. Trust us," Presto pleaded to Miriam.

"Yeah, Yumeko is many things, but she won't turn against us," Brave said with a fierce outlook on their situation.

"And half of our colleagues here possess abnormal abilities beyond human capacity, but yet we're here to fight for the sake of good," Mina reassured Miriam.

As Kyosuke transformed into his Yokai Shift form, he joined Maria, Nicola, Li-Ming, Aurora, and Karen on the attack against Dominique. Amid the battle, the exorcist used spells to counterattack their abilities. Kyosuke unleashed a flurry of devastating blows, which Dominique stopped with her exorcist spells. The exorcist then halted Kyosuke's next attack and neutralized him with exorcism.

Taking on his Successor of the Breath form, Nicola delivered a powerful punch against one of Dominique's barriers. Li-Ming summoned her Twelve Zodiacs, the Shēngxiào, to surround Miriam.

"Let her have it, Shēngxiào!" Li-Ming commanded her twelve spirit animals as they fired at Dominique with converging beams of light.

Unable to react in time, Dominique jumped up and avoided the Shēngxiào's attacks. She was then met by Aurora, who transformed into the Successor of the Ribcage form. The giant wolf caught Dominique with two electrically-charged blasts. Using an alchemy barrier, Dominique managed to absorb most of Aurora's attack. Waving her white mage staff, Karen launched a white light beam that slammed into Dominique's barrier. Seizing the opportunity, Miriam jumped up and used her Conjure Shards on Dominique. At which point, the Shardbinder cracked through Dominique's barrier and repelled her. As Dominique fell, Maria readied her rapier.

"A Spaniard…?" Dominique fiercely eyed Maria, who fiercely attacked the exorcist with her rapier.

Meanwhile, the Nine-Tailed Fox tackled Bael, who then summoned two other heads. Joining Bael's central red humanoid face is a feline-like creature and a green toad-like monster. The three heads slammed into the Nine-Tailed Fox, knocking her down. Upon summoning their Guardian Spirits, Mina & Saoirse, Brave & Janomecho, and Presto & Kato combined their Living Weapon abilities to hold off Bael. This gave the Nine-Tailed Fox enough time to recover as she lunged into and bit on Bael's frog head.

"No, we won't fall this easily!" Dominique declared as she jumped onto Bael's humanoid head and merged with him. "WE WILL NOT ALLOW YOU DEMON PESTILENCE TO RUN AMOK!" She yelled as Bael turned its heads and fired simultaneous beams at the group.

As the group evaded Bael's devastating beams, Li-Ming sent the Shēngxiào to fly around Bael and Dominique. While the twelve divine animals utilized their powers, the group once again attacked in unison. Miriam, Brave, Presto, Mina, Kyosuke, Karen, and Maria targeted Dominique. The Nine-Tailed Fox, Nicola, and Aurora, being the largest of the three, tackled Bael's three heads.

Trying her best to fight off multiple opponents, Dominique used every exorcist spell to repel them and defend herself. However, Miriam counteracted the exorcist's spells with her shard abilities, including producing a circle of paintings, which doubled for a barrier for the Shardbinder.

"This isn't over!" Dominique cried out as Miriam broke through her defenses and shoved a shard through her body.

"But, it is for you!" Miriam berated Dominique.

After performing a divine incantation, Li-Ming invoked the Shēngxiào's divine powers to subdue Bael's central head, granting the Nine-Tailed Fox to purge the demon lord's power. In no time, the Yami Matter's power was removed from Bael, causing him to dissolve into black matter.

As her body started to dissolve into black dust, Dominique smiled at Miriam.

"Well done, you've bested me again… Miriam…" Dominique weakly muttered as she vanished without a trace.

"Way to go, Li-Ming!" Nicola called out, giving the Chinese girl a thumbs up. As Li-Ming ran over to him, he scooped her up with his large hand. She quickly hugged and kissed his face. "Aw, gee. Thanks."

"That's the end of this skirmish," Maria said, turning over to Mina and Kyosuke. "We should go and cover more territory while purging these black matter entities."

"I was going to suggest that," Mina nodded.

As Brave and Presto turned toward the Nine-Tailed Fox, the beast roared into the Yami Matter-filled sky.

"Heh, show-off," coolly smirked Brave.

xxxxx

Osaka Palace (大坂城)/Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan (中央区, 大阪市, 東京) /(JST)

Upon arriving near the Osakan landmark, Mayura, Tanuki-Ō, Shinya, Reiko, Emily, Davis, Rin, Coco, and Astral Chain Siblings confronted Yoseph.

"It's you! So it managed to revive you?!" The male sibling angrily called out the man who used him and his sister for his self-serving interests.

"You're the last person we'd ever see again!" The female sibling cried out.

"The Yami Matter has given me a chance to finish my work. Now, let us recreate the ark!" Yoseph declared as black matter consumed him changing him into Noah Prime. He quickly teleported behind the group and unleashed astral energy.

Mayura quickly pushed Tanuki-Ō away from Noah Prime's attack.

"Kirari?!" Tanuki-Ō was taken aback by Mayura's selfless move.

"I can't let a rival of mine die on me, now can I, Terano?" Mayura smiled before summoning Tengen Kujaku to attack Noah Prime. At the same time, Tanuki-Ō sent Narikama Tanuki to support Mayura's Guardian Spirit.

Readying his gun, Shinya fired multiple laser beams that collided against Noah Prime, but it did little more than annoy the highly evolved entity. When Noah Prime tossed an astral wave at Shinya's direction, Reiko conjured a white barrier, which dispelled Noah Prime's attacks.

Having transformed into the Successor of the Claw, Emily flew headlong into Noah Prime and slashed him with her claws. Noah Prime quickly parried her strikes. Raising his warhammer, Davis then lunged behind Noah Prime and bashed his head. Coco fired multiple rounds with her pistol. Running up to Noah Prime, Rin drove her Japanese greatsword through the entity's torso. Then, Noah Prime teleported away to another side.

"Damn it! None of our attacks did anything?!" Emily cursed.

"Why you…!" Rin growled, but Davis stopped her.

"Hold it, Murasame," Davis beckoned Rin back.

Just then, the Astra Chain siblings stepped up and confronted Noah Prime. Utilizing astral-like chains from their wrist devices, the siblings summoned their Sword and Arrow Legions, which they used to fight Noah Prime with. Although Noah Prime was still faster, the siblings' Legions fared more effectively while neutralizing his attacks and defending each other. At one point, the siblings fused with their Legions, initiating their Legion Fusion.

"Ready, brother?" The sister asked, taking a fighting stance.

"Let's end this!" He responded as they flew at and clashed with Noah Prime. Now better able to keep up with Noah Prime, the siblings unleashed a flurry of fast attacks.

While attempting to keep up, Noah Prime fought back with the same ferocity. Mayura and Tanuki-Ō sent their Guardian Spirits to assist the Astral Chain siblings. Reiko provided barriers to her friends. Shinya and Coco fired shots at Noah Prime. Emily, Davis, and Rin rushed toward Noah Prime. Spinning forward, Emily delivered a claw strike into Noah Prime's chest. Swinging his warhammer, Davis smashed the sweet spot where Emily struck Noah Prime. After delivering a shattering blow to Noah Prime's chest, Rin shoved her sword through Noah Prime.

The siblings then shoved their astral chains through Noah Prime and ripped out the core of his being. Brimming with Yami Matter, the core was then purged by the siblings.

Realizing he has been defeated Noah Prime collapsed and dissolved.

"Woo! Nice work, y'all! We kicked serious butt!" Rin raised her Japanese greatsword.

"If it wasn't for these two, I don't think we'd stand a chance," remarked Coco.

"Nonetheless, we've beaten it," Davis simply put.

Reiko ran over and hugged Shinya. "Oh thank goodness! I'm glad you're ok!"

Shinya hugged her back. "Yeah, I… I mean, we couldn't have done it without your barriers. Thanks."

Mayura propped Tanuki-Ō back in her wheelchair. "Well, that was quite a riveting experience, wouldn't you say?"

Tanuki-Ō scoffed, veering away from looking Mayura in her face. "Yeah, well… anyway, shouldn't we be looking for Yumeko and her friends?"

"Oh, I'm sure they're fine. If I know Yumeko, she's having the time of her life right now," Mayura coolly smirked, looking up at the Yami Matter-filled sky. "Isn't that right, Jabami Yumeko?"

xxxxx

Manhattan, New York City, United States/(EST)

Another individual sat to observe the proceedings of the ongoing skirmishes spread across New York. Much like Beerus and Whis, Yuu found himself thoroughly entertained by the Ethereal War.

"This is quite an enthralling show. You know how to entertain us watchers, Yami Matter," Yuu murmured. A composed and relaxed smile adorned his face. He shifted toward the Yami Matter-infested sky. "For the record, my stance is neutral on what you choose to do with this universe. I have no personal stakes. Whoever wins means nothing to me. I'm going to disappear along with the others once this war is over. After all, we're all just cognitions in your little game." He heard distorted whispers in his head as the Yami Matter communicated with him. "Yes, I realize I'm a fictitious character like the rest involved in this war. I know a few key individuals from my series that's involved in this conflict. There's that young woman named Shinomiya Ayase, who's now fighting alongside your enemies."

Taking out a handheld device, Yuu conjured a visual showing Ayase aiding Sion and Tennyo fighting alongside Io. Another visual showed the Phantom Thieves, the Vein Remnants, and the Elven Princesses' participation in the Ethereal War.

"All of the key players are fighting for their lives. It won't be long until they confront you, my dark friend," Yuu smirked. "Yes, do what you want with my personal enemies. Although, I am curious why Ouma Shu isn't around. Do you know Yami Matter?"

He received no response from the anomalous force.

"Hmm, now you've piqued my curiosity."

As Yuu maintained eye contact with the Yami Matter, dark clouds shrouded over the Big Apple. Behind this veil of darkness, the Yami Matter's presence manifested with three heads and three sets of glowing red eyes scanning over the Ethereal War. Some unearthly beast growls emanated from the entity hidden behind the thick cloud.

"I'm now everywhere. I'm in the hearts of little children, in the souls of the rich, I'm the inferno that makes people kill and hate, the cleansing fire that will cure the world of weakness. They're just sinners. I am Sin," Yuu translated on the behalf of the Yami Matter. "Ah, now the kid's gloves come off? This should be intriguing. I wonder how many bodies will start to fall on the heroes and villains' sides?" Yuu surmised with a neutral expression.

xxxxxx

Chapter Soundtrack

The Final Battle - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate OST - Meeting and interacting with Ayase's group. Preparations for the final YM event battles. Scene of the crossover cameos battling against the Yami Matter forces in videos on phones and Fyu-Neru's screens.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms - 3594e Opening Theme - Hiroyuki Sawano - Shinomiya Ayase's theme. Ayase's flashback of her and Tsugumi's encounter with Future Cell, and both women are being saved by Future Trunks and Future Mai. This song is a representation of Shinomiya Ayase's character and reputation.
* (Note: By listening to this song, it illustrates Ayase's character of the difference between her and Hifumi's theme songs (Muramasa - Dim Twilight A and Muramasa Arrange Album - Dim Twilight), and the differences of the Skyler's interactions with two Japanese goddesses (Hifumi and Ayase (and Hanazawa Ayase)). The woman vocals (especially from 1:54 to 2:11) from 3594e Opening Theme - Hiroyuki Sawano as you listen to this song can also hear and imagine us of Ayase herself letting out her valiant and victorious voice like a crimson goddess leading her forces to victory.) *

DIABOLIC - Marks no Yama OST - Hiroyuki Sawano - Goku Black and Zamasu freeing Future Cell. Future Cell's intentions to overthrow the gods and Future Zen'ō once he achieves his perfect form.
Ivan Torrent - One Of Us (feat. Julie Elven) - vs. Yami Persona's Ascendancy (Yami Anat ΩX, Yami Astarte ΩX, Yami Loki ΩX) the second time in separate locations alongside their forces (Ragyo, Makishima).
The Enigma TNG - Neon Tokyo - vs. Yami Persona's Ascendancy (Yami Satanael ΩX, Yami Hecate ΩX) alongside their forces (Goku Black & Future Zamasu's group, Embryo, Mysterio and his Sinister Six) in New York City. vs. and obliterating Future Cell.
Galeem - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate OST - vs. Yami Persona's Ascendancy (Yami Prometheus ΩX, Yami Kamu Susanoo-o ΩX, Yami Seiten Taisei ΩX, Yami Mercurius ΩX) the second time in separate locations alongside their forces (Thanos & Darkseid's group). Sion and Ayase's personal and special interactions.
Dharkon - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate OST - vs. and defeat the antagonistic crossover characters (Quinella, Gabriel, Dominique, and Yoseph).

xxxxxx

A/N: Wow, that was a daunting chapter to write but at the same time one of the most ambitious entries I've written!

Yes, we've officially entered the final stretch for Urban Legends: the Final Yami Matter even, AKA the Ethereal War. Strap yourselves in for more crossover character interactions and battle scenes!

If you thought this crossover craziness was overwhelming, man this is nothing compared to other multi-crossover events I've written in previous fanfics. This is less strenuous. And a few reviewers who've been following me for a long time know this. Right, Allfather-Ford? Chaos? Jeffrey? And others? But for those who only discovered me exclusively through Urban Legends and now Akane no Mai? You're in for some madness.

So, do you recall all of the comic book/anime Urban Myths that appeared during some chapters? Namely the scene where the group watched the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie? When they visited the Sailor Moon cafe? Went to see Avengers: Endgame? And went to that wrestling event? There were characters on posters, billboards, cardboard stands, or simply appeared out of thin air? Those characters manifested from people's imaginations to counteract the Yami Matter's existence. Initially blocked out from helping the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Gamblers by the YM. However, as time went on and our heroes conquered the YM events, the YM's barrier weakened and as a result, the SWO crossed over into our heroes' reality.

Now, why was Shinomiya Ayase and Funeral Parlor selected to be leaders of this resistance? For starters, my friend, Allfather-Ford, is a huge Guilty Crown fan (despite having some grievances with the series), and he recently regained his muse for that series after watching YouTube videos of a Guilty Crown Mobile game and in this game, it showed Ayase using her Void to walk and fight. This supplied Allfather-Ford with the incentive to utilize that character and refocus on correcting the flaws GC had as a whole, especially with its main character Ouma Shu being a less than stellar character (ok, he was whiny and even teetered into unlikeable 'Wanna-be Dictator' territory during the second half of the show). So, he proposed we use Ayase and turn her into the ideal heroine, which the show failed to do, and to give the other members of Funeral Parlor some moments of shine without Shu, Gai, and Inori imposing on their character developments.

With Guilty Crown's 10th anniversary coming up next year, Allfather-Ford thought now was the best time as any to incorporate these characters. And this isn't the first time I've utilized these characters in previous fanfics. They've been featured in previous crossovers and AU fanfics (including a few of Ford's own stories), but this is the first we'll be utilizing the closer to canon concepts. Ideally, we're using Ayase and Funeral Parlor during post-GC.

To further illustrate Ayase's growth into a leader, she was trained by various heroes and warriors in this shared fiction universe. I mean, let's be real. Getting trained by Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Iron Man, Buffy, Shendu, Ange, and various other masters through a variety of arts and skills is going to do wonders for someone who's only relied on her Void to fight her enemies. Though despite her strength growth, as shown in her encounter with Future Cell, she's not yet at a God/Dragon Ball-tier. Ideally, I'd like to improvise Ayase into a Sarah Connor/Ellen Ripley type of character for this arc. And this is another chance as Allfather-Ford put it: "...to redeem GC from its mediocre status."

Yes, I know implementing GC characters this late in the game might come off shoehorned, but as you can tell, I haven't completely shifted the narrative from the cast we've been following for the past 27 chapters before this final arc. The Phantom Thieves and their allies still have moments, especially meeting with and fighting alongside the crossover characters. Heck, Sion/Skyler and Ayase's interactions were a highlight for me. There was even a tie-in to Skyler's ex-girlfriend sharing Ayase's likeness and name. So much so he brought this up to Ayase. The poor girl got so flustered and confused. Luckily, she paid him back for that accidental kiss!

Will this affect Skyler's relationship with Hifumi? Nah, I doubt it. Hifumi is a very understanding and pragmatic woman.

Anyway, there were a lot of crossover scenes to be had! Besides GC, we have Dragon Ball, MCU, DCAU, Spider-Man, Buffy, Cross Ange, Digimon, Final Fantasy VII, One-Punch Man, Sword Art Online, and various other representatives. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Though I did get excessive with Dragon Ball, it's not often I write these characters (not counting the Digimon Expies based on them from my Digimon Fusion Kai/Ascendancy fics) and when I do, it's only for events akin to this. And to spice things up, I've incorporated a few of their Abridged counterparts. Sadly, since TFS stopped making full episodes (not counting the Shortz) beyond the Cell Games, they're weaker than their mainstream counterparts and get called out for it.

My favorite bits involved Future Cell's arc. The poor bug never faced such humiliation in this chapter. Yes, the Perfect Cell and Kermit bits are nods to DevilArtemis' interpretations of said characters. I had fun writing the Spider-Man rumble against the Sinister Six. Vegeta (Abridged) getting humbled for his hubris by Goku Black was great. Taichi and Yamato meeting Goku and Vegeta was another favorite moment of mine. Reasoning being? Mainly because in my aforementioned Digimon Fusion Kai stories, I made Taichi a Goku Expy (minus most of his naivete) and Yamato a Vegeta Expy (where I had to create a split personality for Yamato that's closer to the Vegeta character). Yeah at long last, the two main guys of Digimon Adventure meet the iconic Saiyan duo. Fun interactions. And yes I know none of the main UL characters were involved. Eh, it doesn't matter. I enjoyed writing these parts.

However, during the fight with Yami Hecate ΩX, we had some Buffy and Cross Ange action, especially Buffy and Faith saving Angel and Ange's sister shifting from heel to babyface. The real shocker is the Yami Matter picking the First Evil as its chosen avatar. Both are similar in the fact they can recreate the dead (going as far back as the First Yami Matter Event when the YM revived John Dee and Edward Kelley to fight our heroes; and in this chapter, Futaba's Yami clone morphing into Wakaba) and spawning Yami versions of the Thieves' Persona's Ascendancy forms.

So from the beginning of Urban Legends (and carried over from Persona Vein), our protags have had their lives toyed around with and manipulated by an entity that's essentially been Buffy's Greater-Scope Villain/Final Boss, but not really since the YM is merely using the First Evil as an avatar form. If this had been truly the First Evil, PV/UL/AnM would've been right at home in the Buffyverse, but making Buffy and her Scooby Gang real life characters instead of fictitious ones. Hell, the Revenants could be established as a breed of 'artificial vampires' from another realm, which Buffy and her friends would find intriguing. But, that's neither here nor there. It's just a thought process.

I also enjoyed writing the MCU/DCAU/OPM team-up with Skyler, Hifumi, Io, and Ayase. The interactions with Skyler and Ayase made for entertaining moments. And unlike Shu and most other characters of his ilk, Skyler shows us he's not one of those demure male leads and indeed thinks like a hot-blooded guy, going as far as saying his ex-girlfriend from high school had a 'smoking hot body' like Ayase's.

Originally, during Loki ΩX's fight with his Yami counterpart, it was just going to be those two, but I added Team Avalanche and Sephiroth as last minute additions. And no, it couldn't be just because… I recently finished a certain JPG remake. No siree. (shifts eyes away)

The stuff with Anat ΩX, Sinon, and Akane was interesting, too. Considering the recent police brutality stuff we've been exposed to lately (and in recent years), it makes you wonder if these three have/might have regrets joining a police force? I don't know myself. Makoto wanted to be one to honor her late-father's memories, but I would think she'd be a righteous officer and would be dead against corruption and abuse in any police force. I think her late-father would be against corruption as well. Who's to say? For now in this story, she's just starting in her first years and hasn't gotten to that breaking point. One day down the line, maybe she turns to detective work. Ok, I'm going off on a tangent, but Makoto also meets Arisa from Guilty Crown, pitting two former student council presidents. Arisa gets jealous of Makoto. Things are going to escalate between these two and Makoto's Yami self. Oh, wouldn't it be something if Yami Anat ΩX summoned Makoto's father to mess with her head?

Finally, the Yami Matter is watching with Yuu, who just like Beerus and Whis, is just an observer. And we get a glimpse of the YM's other avatar form. Hmm, what has three heads and three sets of eyes?

Anyway, that's a lot to discuss. Thankfully, the next chapter will just be Ethereal War scenes and no set-ups/flashbacks (although this chapter had just two flashbacks and it was before the first set of the battles). The second part is where things are going to escalate.

Two chapters left and this story will be finished.

Until the next chapter, send a review and see you for the next update!