"God… That was disorienting." David said as he slowly opened his eyes and looked around. "What the hell…? What is this place? Where are we?"
"I think this is the Portalstone room underneath the mansion." Ace said.
'Uh...better check again." Jexi said as they were in a massive white space.
"This...is the foundation of the new universe." a voice said as Barl stood on the stone platform with the Portalstone embedded in his forehead.
"Barl… What have you done? This time you've gone too far." David said.
"Your words...no longer have any meaning to me. I told you before...I made a promise and I will keep it." Barl said.
"But this isn't the way to do it!" Hope said. "We told you before, you can't just make the perfect universe without any evil in it!"
"That will not stop me from trying." Barl said.
"If you think we'll just let you erase everything, all the memories we made, and the people we've met…. You're out of your damn mind." Ace said.
"Those memories only apply to you. All we know is the Lost. And we will never go back to that dangerous place." Barl said. "Besides...are you going to stop me? Even knowing my barrier is stronger now?"
"That doesn't matter. You underestimate humanity's will. It doesn't matter how many times we get knocked down, we get back up stronger than ever." David said as he envisioned the Olympic trophy. "I know this better than anyone."
"It's about time you got out of my sight. Besides...all of you leaders are alone." Barl said raising an arm as a projectile bounced off his barrier as he looked to the side. "What?"
"You're wrong. They're never alone!" a voice said as Mayumi stood there.
"But...I banished all but them to limbo." Barl said. "How is she back?"
"All I saw was this bright light and...my first instinct was to swim towards it." Mayumi said.
"Hey, she's not the only one." a voice called out as Ken stood nearby. "We wanna join in too."
"We better give this all we got." Pai said.
"Ken...Pai…" Cheetah said as Bahn defended her from falling debris.
"How can I call myself a badass if I can't defend my pals?" Bahn said.
"Bahn, too. I don't know what's going on, but it looks like things are looking up." David said.
"It's about to go even higher. Look!" Hope said as Jin, Xiaoyu and Batsu appeared.
"I'm here for one thing: to bring everything back to what it should be." Jin said.
"If someone helps me, I need to help them back. That's my rule!" Xiaoyu said.
"Believe me. I'm gonna pay back the debt I owe you guys ten times over!" Batsu said.
"Hahaha! I don't owe anything to these people. I make them owe me!" Heihachi said joining them.
Akira and Ryu arrived after.
"I'm just here to follow the tenet of the supreme warrior." Akira said, tightening his headband.
"This fist is not for killing...it's for taking action." Ryu said.
"Impossible… all of the martial artists?!" Barl said. "What is happening?! How are they coming back?"
"It's cause of us...we're the shining beacon that all of them are swimming back towards." Jexi said.
"Thanks to the bonds we share with them, they light the way home for them back to us, no matter what." Ace said.
"Then I'll just have to sever those bonds!" Barl said creating a spiked barrier and launching it at the leaders, but it was shattered apart by a large fist.
"How am I going to be Pirate King without my friends here?" Luffy asked.
"Please...I'll become king once I take this guy down." Kidd said.
"So immature. However, these people aren't exactly fish we can just let swim away on their own." Law said.
"No matter where you go, no matter what happens to me… I'll always follow you, Kidd! Faffaffaffaffa!" Killer said.
"No… I won't let this continue." Barl said as he started creating enemies. "I'll fight these small numbers with larger ones." he said before some of them were shot.
"This where the party is? I don't have an invitation." Dante said.
"Good thing we're here to crash it." Lei said.
"Amazing. A completely isolated space." Rikiya said.
"The higher ups are going to have a field day with a report about this." Anastasia said.
"Oh? Then I guess we better clean up some of this rabble, then." Elena said.
"There's nothing amazing about this. I don't want to be here another minute." T-elos said.
"Well, I like it. I think I'll conquer and plunder it." Devilotte said.
"Nothing can come about a world of pure stagnance. Evolution is how the worlds continue to thrive." Leopardmon said.
"The people's souls and the worlds are under my protection. We will not let you erase them from existence!" Lenneth said.
"We swore to our dear leaders and champions that we will stay by their sides until the end. How can we do that if we can't help them when they need us most?" Zamazenta asked.
"I will not allow this land to be destroyed. Too many lives are at stake!" Leonora said.
Barl summoned another horde of enemies, but another group of allies arrived to take them out.
"Police officers like us can't let civilians handle all this by themselves." Chun-Li said.
"Ah, I wouldn't worry about those guys though. They're pretty tough." Bruno replied.
"Yes. They have overcome so much. This is nothing to them." Zacian said.
"Yeah...they never give up even when they're on the ropes." Asta said.
"All of us are as incredibly stubborn as they are...well...most of us." Yuno said.
"Yeah! So when we see somebody trying to mess with the Multiverse…" Eddy started.
"...we will defeat them with everything we have!" Ed finished.
"Well said, gentlemen! It's time to put an end to this!" Double D said.
"We're comin' for you, Barl! We won't let you destroy everything we have!" Hope said.
"You...I will not let you!" Barl said entering Diamond God Mode as he created more enemies before a couple were shot and slashed.
"This is not part of the mission. This time it's personal." Jill said.
"For me, this is just another part of the job. And I'm ready for it." Zero said.
"We're not gonna hold back, this time we're going all out!" Leviathan said.
"Dwarven Vow #2: Never abandon someone in need. That's been my motto ever since I met these guys, and nothing's going to change that!" Lloyd said.
"After everything that's happened, I will never waste this second chance Ace gave me." Tsuki said.
"Neither will I, sister. Let's both do our best!" Corona said.
Barl summoned a group of Gnosis, but KOS-MOS arrived with another group and swiftly defeated them.
"I have judged my given mission as still incomplete." KOS-MOS said.
"Yeah...and something tells me the biggest scoop is yet to come." Frank said.
"You can't get rid of the worlds...it's one big wonderland out there." Carrot said.
"I have been given sentience for a reason. To decide my own destiny. And it's certainly not to bow to the likes of you!" Fulgore said.
"No matter what happens, I want to live in these worlds with everyone else. We will protect the worlds that we have sworn to defend!" Colette said.
"There's still so much I want to see with everyone, I promised my Dad I would continue growing as a person." Ajna said.
Barl raised an arm to try and strike only for a boulder to hit his barrier as he saw Shizuo and Dhar.
"This may not be Ikebukuro...but I know a smug bastard when I see it." Shizuo said.
"I should thank you, Barl. You gave me one more chance at the life I had. But… I will not allow you to continue this twisted path." Dhar said.
"You never should have come to my castle at all!" Barl said as his barrier was struck with lightning.
"Come now...is that any way to treat your former guest? Even if he was supposedly a prisoner." Ainz said.
"Heh...looks like this eye of mine will come in handy after all." Juri said.
"You either fight, conquer or accept fate. Giving up never works." Vashyron said.
"We have to fight to find the answer. That's what battles are for." X said.
"Yeah. Fighting isn't about cold logic." Lady said coming up with Leanne and Zephyr.
"We'll never run! Not until this is over, because we have something to protect!" Leanne said.
"If I'm gonna die, I wanna die with courage. Otherwise, it's pointless." Zephyr added.
"If there's one thing you should know Barl…" a voice said as Simon appeared. "It's that you don't screw with an Umbran Warlock."
"That doesn't frighten me." Barl said as more of his enemies were slashed down.
"You think you're god now? Please. Don't be so cocky." Naofumi said.
"Living or dead, I got to take care of my friends." Hsien-Ko said.
"I don't plan on losing any of my teammates here." Chris said.
"I'll always be Naofumi's sword, to the very end!" Raphtalia said.
"Yeah. And I'll always pull the carriage for master." Filo said.
"I will admit… I was a little scared when I lost my body all the way back then…" Sachiko said. "But after all of that, there's nothing I'm afraid of now!"
"That's right! We all have the right to decide our futures! No one should ever dictate our lives!" Luke said.
"I made a promise to Zelos, that I would always be by his side, for I love him with all my heart." Selena said.
"Your vision is only one possible choice for a future, but only people make that choice!" Tear said.
"Shut up!" Barl said summoning a swarm of Soul bees, but Demitri appeared with another group to cut them down.
"The dignity of the Maximoff clan rides on this conflict." Demitri said.
"All I wish for is a world where humans and spirits can live in harmony. I can't accomplish that if there is no world to base it on." Jude said.
"Tadah! The Bonne Air Pirates have entered the scene." Tron said.
"We'll do our best, miss Tron!" the Servbots said.
"This shall be a grand finale." Bloodless said.
"I already said the weakness of people's hearts causes things like this to happen. So, I'm going to do my part and end this madness for good." Genis said.
"This should settle things." Barl said summoning a Vajra before it was killed.
"The God Eaters are ready for action. How did that sound?" Lindow said.
"Guess it's about time to repay some debts." Soma said.
"Fenrir Branch 1st unit is kicking off our mission." Alisa A said.
"Uh-uh, sorry, but that victim card isn't going to work anymore. That doesn't even come close to justifying the things you've done." Zelos said.
"Shall we get started? The night won't wait for us." Morrigan said.
"Grrr." Barl said. "Let's see how you handle THIS!" he said summoning some Shielders, but they were quickly dealt with.
"I'm gonna become the world's greatest swordsman one day. I can't afford to lose even once." Zoro said.
"Do what you want, mosshead. I just can't let these monsters harm a beautiful woman." Sanji said.
"Yeah...but we're mostly doing it for the friends we made." Scorpia said.
"There is no beauty to be found in any of this. It's time for your delusions to disappear." Crusadermon said.
"I will not submit!" Barl said summoning Coco Tapiocas, but those were defeated as well.
"Objection! The witness leading this is a murderous psychopath who also smells bad!" Xiaomu said.
"With this mike and my dances, there is no friend I can't save." Ulala said.
"Don't forget me and the magic of my music. Shaka!" Hestu said.
"As Lord of the Spirits, I shall put all of my power into this fight, for humans and spirits alike!" Milla said.
"There's only one fight left, huh? In that case, I better go all-out!" Zephron said.
"We're all strong, were good and were all really happy, you know?" Neneko asked.
"Okay everybody, you can relax now. Sea-Ra is on the scene!" Mermista said.
"This chaos...this isn't what we in Ouma wanted." Saya said.
"We will ensure the world's protection. That I promise." Emiya said.
"Nu wants to live in this world with everyone. Nu can't let down Ragna!" Nu said.
"As the Knight of Loyalty, I will stick my life for these guys, come what may!" Dynasmon said.
Barl tried Summoning Steam Beasts and Kouma next, but they were taken care of by all four members of the Imperial Assault Force.
"If things get tough, you gotta keep smiling! That's how we do it in Texas." Gemini said.
"The future needs our protection." Sakura said.
"We can't die here. We need to survive and protect the future." Ichiro said.
"No matter how thorny the path, we must push through." Erica said.
"One day man shall look to dawn, without need to fear the darkness." Shanoa said.
"As Leader of the Royal Knights, it is my solemn duty to ensure the prosperity of all worlds. My sword shall be their guiding light!" Alphamon said.
"I have overcome so much in my old life to make things better for Elle…" Ludger said. "But with this second chance… I will finally fight this battle for myself!"
"There is no fear: compared to the flames of the devil, this is nothing." Imca said.
"One person can only do so much. That's what I've come to learn." Kurt said.
"All that matters in battle are the lines being drawn." Selvaria remarked. "So now… I will
fight to ensure those lines remain, even if it means defying god."
"I've decided to use this power to help my friends." Riela said.
"Such are the bonds between us all. Sorry I'm late." Reiji said.
"This world...what kind of place is it?" Valkyrie asked.
"I like to travel but...think I would prefer the documentary." Kaguya N said.
"As the sworn guardian of Melemele, it is my duty to ensure no harm comes to it, no matter who I must face!" Tapu Koko said.
"You just stay still right there, Barl. I'm coming right up to kick your face in!" Saki said.
"Come fellows! This battle is not over yet! Don't give in until your legs are but dust!" Sidon said.
"The magical force in this realm is rising. This would never happen normally." Cyrille said.
"Okay ladies and gentleman. Need any help?" Haken asked.
"Well I'm here. You better thank me." BlackRose said.
"For my friends, sister, and all the people of Orsterra. I will protect this world!" Ophilia said.
"I'd hate to just run without doing anything." Toma said.
"I will fight alongside those who have stood by me. That is my code of chivalry." Arthur said.
"I don't know how much help I can be, but… I know that I can't allow things to go this way. I'll show you Goron strength!" Yunobo said.
"Curse you all, I will not yield!" Barl snarled, before he then sent a assortment of enemies surrounding him, as they were destroyed by a barrage of physical and magic attacks.
"This kind of distortion doesn't suit people like us. We prefer the worlds we travel to be intact." Mei stated firmly.
"You know, I just got to liking this place as it is." Reimu remarked, before raising her gohei. "And I'd be damned if I let you erase that, just because you're not happy with the way things are now!"
"King Barl… I know that it hurts to accept all of this, but what you're doing isn't helping everyone.. I suppose you wouldn't listen then." Rachel remarked. "That only means that I have to beat the truth into you then!"
"Heh. Looks like someone here has lost the plot. Don't worry though. This is nothing new to people like us." Antonio grinned. "Besides, I've fought many people with lofty ambitions like you, what's one more for the road?"
"Barl… I'll end this, for the sake of the knights that requested you to be stopped before you run amok." Gus answered. "This reality… I'll take your will and fight evil as long as I breathe. I can't let you do all of this."
"I understand the situation, and I will fulfill the task placed on me." Reginn said.
"I don't want to lose all of these people. They have shown me so many new memories." Freyja said. "And now, it's my turn to return the favor."
"If you believe that I'll let you do as you please, then you're mistaken. A Herrscher like me is not an opponent you would blindly challenge." Kiara remarked. "Allow me to demonstrate it, as our allies break your efforts in impeding us."
"I pity you, Barl. The fact that you let your own wish corrupt you, has turned you into what you were against in the first place. Loss and grief is natural, but denial like this… It only hurts people." Weiss stated.
"Diamond God, Sapphire God, who cares what you are? I live a world where gods like you are common. If you want to get a reality check from us, who I am to judge? Either way, you're going to be black and bruised when we're done smashing you a new one." Chen smirked.
"I once had a king like you, Barl. He was much like you, willing to pay any price to achieve peace. However, not even he went that far. When I failed him… I swore that I wouldn't let another fall like him." Lingyue remarked. "Barl, in honour of those who believe in you, I'll show you the light that has opened all of our eyes."
"Yo, Barl, been a while." Mugen stated. "I gotta thank you for giving me the chance to finish things up with Richard. You were a decent guy, for those ambitions of yours. Shame that I can't repay that hospitality, considering that you're going to purge reality itself into a blank slate."
"I have yet to repay Siege and my master Akuma for everything they have done for me." Ryojima remarked. "I will slay even gods like you to ensure that they will be repaid. Prepare yourself, BARL!"
"Any normal person would've just lost their mind through all of this. But not us! We'll see this through to the end!" Reisen remarked. "I have finally found purpose once again… and I will not lose it, no matter what we face!"
"You will not ruin this world that my brother has accustomed to!" Heiwa Alter snarled. "I don't care if you're some almighty god or the embodiment of this reality… No-one will ruin my brother or the things he cherishes… NO ONE!"
"Brother, everyone…" Heiwa remarked. "I will fight to help keep this world, these beautiful worlds where my dear friends come from. I'm scared of our enemy… But I'm even scared of what could happen, if I gave up…!"
"Sister… Your feelings… I have received them." Richard Alter answered back. "Barl, it seems that you are inching towards the point of no return. If you will not stop, then I'll end you as soon as you pass it."
"Hel once desired to bring all to an end…" Ragnarok stated. "However, it is not the way, Barl. You only bring yourself grief and misery, even to those you sought to give a future too. I implore you, turn back from this, cease all of this…"
"This is the path I chose. I will not waiver from it!" Barl said, sending out a trio of Nemesis, before they were cut down.
"You help me, I help you. We all have to pitch in." Alisa B said.
"We have to work, fight and think together." Flynn said.
"We have to see all this through." Estelle said.
"Even if it is to change the world, no one man should hold this much power." Aya said.
"No matter who we fight, I will stay all the way to hell." Sanger said.
"I will not let these freaky things ruin my life!" Celty typed.
"This is pretty awesome. Like a final boss fight." Rainbow said.
"Be that as it may, I will protect the plains." Lyndis said.
"It's time we turned the tables on this guy. We can't back down now!" Skjotr said.
"We cannot lose this battle. If we do, all will be lost." Freya said.
"This place is nothing but a disoriented mess. It has no place here." Leon said.
"This is way beyond anything we've been through, but we'll still win this just like last time!" Stahn said.
"Hey, don't forget about me! I'm expecting something big out of this." Rutee said.
"By the stars in the sky, I'll stay here till the end." Yuri said.
"Even when the light is consumed by overwhelming darkness, the sun will rise." Kite said.
"Let's show this so-called king what we're made of!" Al said.
"Alright! Everyone is here!" Hope said.
"Not everyone, you still don't have… Huh? What the?!" Barl said as he found himself surrounded by the leaders' Pair Unit partners.
"What were you going to say?" Aqua asked. "Hope is right. Everyone is here."
"This crisis is how I got my start… I won't let you take that away!" Titanica said.
"I wouldn't look the Dark Majesty in the eye if I went through all of that just to die here. So, I'll keep pushing, so that we all survive!" Belladonna said.
"I'm...I'm gonna risk it all for this alliance." Indigo said.
"I'm going to follow the path set for me. By my friends, not by what I've become." Morph said.
"This is all starting to become surreal… But I can be sure of one thing. We have all united for one cause...to defeat you!" Naomi said.
"This group changed me. I won't let you change the world." Volta said.
"Maybe you're right… Maybe humans really are a scourge. But that's what they chose to be! You have no right to decide anyone's fates!" Spade said.
"You're on the path to becoming a tyrant, so we're going to have to beat some sense into you." Bardock said.
"I wish to see the vastness of the worlds with my own two eyes, and my friends at my side." Kaguya H stated. "After all, I made so many friends, it would be a shame to lose them all if I gave up here.
"Yes, we will not allow you to remake it all as you see fit just because you don't agree with something." Allison remarked. "We all have our regrets for how the world has turned, but that only means we should look to make a better future."
"We will face what lies in front of us head-on, and with no fear of who we face." Sectonia said. "That's why I speak for everyone when I say… We decide our own future!"
Final Chapter
The Winged Wanderers
"Well then, time to save the Multiverse!" Ace said.
"The promise...I will keep it. I won't let you stop me here!" Barl said as his barrier seemed to glisten like a jewel as it started firing shards of itself at the group.
"Watch out!" Aqua said as everyone evaded.
"The only way we're gonna end this is if we separate the Portalstone from Barl!" Hope said.
"How do you propose we do that? The guy is protected by that barrier and Ty got hurt trying to break it open." Indigo said.
"Hmm… This may be a big risk, but…" David said. "If I can undergo Sapphire God: Armament, and gather everyone's energies, I should at least be able to make a dent in it."
"Like a Spirit Bomb attack?" Hope asked. "That might work."
"Best option we have." Richard shook his head. "How much time do you need?"
"Depending on who's energy I'm gathering, about half an hour, but I'll be completely open when I'm in that stance." David said.
"I've got tons of Iddhi, I can help." Ajna said.
"You can borrow my strength anytime, David." Hope said.
"Alright. Everyone, buy me some time." David said as he underwent Sapphire God: Armament and raised his clawed hand up.
(Cue BGM: Ikari (Extended)- Death Battle OST)
Ajna took up her meditating stance as she began glowing. Hope joined in as he produced his Spectral and Elemental energy as it coalesced around David, Ajna releasing her Iddhi orbs as it joined as well.
"30 minutes." Ainz said. "That's as much time as we can possibly buy the boy."
"Heh...is that all? Bet I'll crack the thing open before it's up." Jexi said entering Golden God Burst Mode.
"Crack it? My barrier...is as strong as a diamond now." Barl said, firing multiple projectiles.
"Naofumi!" Theo called.
"Airstrike Shield!" Naofumi said as the barrier pieces were going at it. "Second Shield!" he said making a second one after the first one broke.
"AFFA TADAAG NAPTA!" Simon called, summoning Hekatoncheir as he launched his fists at the barrier from all directions.
"Weak…" Barl said, knocking the demon away. "You all are weak!" he called out as blood seemed to be falling from his right eye.
"Just as I thought...he's straining his God Mode." Jexi said.
"If this keeps up, he's gonna kill himself." Aqua said.
"We just gotta keep buying time for David and them." Aya said.
"Everything we've got…. Let's give it to Barl!" Titanica said.
Everyone then engaged Barl in an all out attack.
"Weak...quit...getting in my way!" Barl said, knocking them all away.
"You're one to talk." Saki said. "Hiding behind that barrier like a coward."
"We're gonna bust it down, and drag you out!" Connor said, blasting rounds from his Magnum and rifle at Barl's shield.
"Yeah...calling others cowards...that's how you all deal with your own weaknesses." Barl said as the barrier morphed into an arm as it pounded down on one of the platforms. "We all have the abilities we are born with. I'm just using mine."
"Does he ever shut up?" Lei said.
"Fine…" Barl said. "I'm done fooling around." he said as the barrier started to morph and change before it stood there in a humanoid shape with Barl at its heart. "Ultimate Color Fighting Elite Art: Barrier Man."
"So, he's going for that route, huh…" Siege remarked, before he then transformed. "Well then, I suppose that this calls for a bit more power to shake him up."
Siege then immediately rushed up, before he then went for a series of energy blasts and barrages across the humanoid form of Barl's barrier, hoping to keep him busy for the time being.
"What the?" Jexi said seeing the humanoid unharmed.
"My turn...Barrier Man's...Barrage!" Barl said as it started throwing multiple punches.
The punches ravaged the landscape, raining down on the platforms like a meteor shower. Many of the group were able to escape to other platforms while the fliers came up to safety.
"We need to keep hammering him. I've got a bit of a charge attack myself, but I won't need long. Just keep him from smacking me around!" Richard called out.
"You heard him, let's make a crack!" Connor said. "Ed!"
"What do you need, friend?!" Ed called.
"Use all your power and force to smash right into the center of that construct! Then others will follow you and keep hitting it!" Connor said.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Titanica asked.
"Trust me. Ryo taught me this." Connor said. "Attack the same spot over and over, and it'll crack!"
"Then the time is now!" Ed said as he charged at the construct. "Prepare yourself, evil king, for your defeat!"
"Don't get in my WAY!" Barl said, manipulating the barrier man's arms to block Ed.
"Simon! You gotta lock down his arms!" Connor said.
"CANILU!" Simon called, summoning Hydra as she used her tentacles to bind the Barrier Man's arms.
"I am Ed! Cheese and Macaroni!" Ed said surrounding himself with ki and going to maximum speed. "Behold! My ultimate headbut attack! Ed Charge!"
Ed then smashed his head into the barrier man's chest with everything he had. The Barrier Man wobbled in place. "Friends, the time is now! ATTACK!" Ed called out.
"GOOOOO!" Connor yelled as the strongest members rushed in to attack. Luffy in Gear Fourth, Law and Kidd were first.
"Alright, Room!" Law said creating a space in front of the spot Ed hit. "Gamma Knife!" he said, striking at the area.
"Punk Rotten!" Kidd said slamming into it.
"King Kong...Gun!" Luffy said, also striking it.
"Gwah!" Barl lurched as the barrier man barely held up. "You….!"
"At the very least, I can grant you a quick death." Selena said. "Finishing Strike!" she called, slicing through multiple directions before impaling her sword into the ground. "Mercurius Blade!" she called, causing a large rose of ice to form before bursting into petals.
"Haaaaaaaaaaah!" Asta called diving in in Devil Form. "Let's go, Yuno!" he said to Yuno, who was in Spirit Dive Mode. "Black...Meteorite!"
"Spirit...Cannon!" Yuno firing a blast of spirit energy.
"That's gotta…" Asta said as they saw a small crack form. "Yes...we...what?" he said seeing it seal itself.
"If it cracks... then I'll repair it even stronger. I'll make sure...I never fall again!" Barl said.
"Ishihara, we can definitely use it right about now." Belladonna said.
"3 minutes left… Almost done! Just a little bit more!" David said.
"Chronos!" Al said, summoning her Persona. "Take this! Cross Fortune!" she said as the attack struck the same spot.
"Dynasmon, Leopardmon!" Crusadermon said.
"Yes!" Dynasmon said.
"On it." Leopardmon said as they all reached X-Antibody form.
"Fist of Athena!" Crusadermon called, driving her pile bunker into the spot and causing a crack.
"We can't let up!" Dynasmon said. "We must continue."
"It's pointless." Barl said as the crack repaired itself as it was being struck. "You cannot destroy it."
"Even if that's true… we won't give up!" Aqua said firing spells.
"David's counting on us. And nothing is impossible to do!" Titanica said.
"It's like a member of Ishihara's crew likes to say." Cheetah said. "The impossible is possible, all you have to do is make it so. Belladonna, I can feel he's almost done charging. We have to create an opening!"
"I'm with you Cheetah!" Belladonna said.
The two cat beastkin ran up adjacent platforms and leaped into the air.
"This is...absolutely pointless!" Barl said, knocking the two cats into the ground. "I've...had enough. I'm ending this now." he said gathering energy in the palm of his hands.
"That's my line...Barl." David said.
"Hey! We're all set!" Hope said.
"Go get em, David!" Ajna said.
In Sapphire God Armament, David's Ice Reaper claw had a large amount of power in it.
"You...will never see the light of day ever again. Now...Supreme...Barrier Cannon!" Barl said, firing right at David.
David's energy forms into a sphere in his clawed hand as he charged straight at the cannon. Both collided with one another as their energies collided and sparked. While the arms were cracking from the energy, so was David's Ice Reaper Claw.
"Hey, Daves! Heads up!" Richard shouted, before he finished his own charge, before then aiming towards the centrepoint of the clash of power. "Arcana Beam, Full Power!"
He then fired a massive Arcana Beam right into the centre of the clash, as its energy pressed against the cannon's power, slightly easing it back, as David pressed forward with the momentum of the attack.
"Hey...don't think...you can do it on your own! Now...go...13 shining stars of Justice!" Jexi called out as he fired thirteen projectiles into the attack, empowering it more as the joint attack was pushing back against the barrier as it started to crack more.
"My barrier...it won't...I can't let it…" Barl said, trying to keep it from cracking before one of the arms broke off. "No…" he said as the rest of the Barrier Man followed.
"Barrier Man is shattered. Finish it!" Hope called out.
Barl was stunned as he saw the blast coming at him. "Looks like...this really is the end. I've seen so many things from this...but now those things come to see me fall. Heh...now that...was a great line." he said as the attack hit him dead on as a flash of light filled the space.
(End Song)
"Why… Why do you keep opposing me?" Barl asked David. "We both… We both wanted the same thing."
"You're right… I too desire a world much like yours." David said as he reverted and clutched his arm. "But… Like I said before back in Etheria, forcing good intentions on others is no different from an evil act. It will lead you to become something even worse than the people you despise."
"He's right...but tell me...justice...do you really care about it?" Jexi asked.
"To be honest...no. Truth is...I did all of this...just so they wouldn't leave me." Barl said. "I just didn't want to go back...to those days of being alone."
"But that's the thing… You didn't have to be alone. You could live anywhere you want." David said.
"Actually...I can't. This barrier...it also serves as a lifeline. If it's not up, I can't survive outside the Lost Universe." Barl said. "That's why I wanted to make a new world...one where I didn't have to keep it up. Where we could all live happy lives."
"Barl...then just make one around your head!" Ty said. "Start over and live your life!"
"I'm fairly sure he would have done that if it were that easy." Mark said. "...Right?"
"Hehehehe...a barrier around the head." Barl laughed. "I'm such an idiot. I didn't have to do any of this."
"Ty is right. No one should have to be alone. You don't have to form a barrier around you to block the pain of the outside world." David said.
"That's right. as long as you keep them close to your heart, you'll never be alone." Ace said.
"So...go and live it." Theo said. "We'll even help with that first step." he said as they offered their hands to him.
"Well...it's time….let's go." Jexi said.
Barl was hesitant before reaching out a hand as a light filled the area.
"Again with the lights?" Connor said before a number of them found themselves outside of Hyrule Castle.
"No… We're really back this time." Cheetah said.
"The Redux...has ended. And all people who were affiliated with the first crisis have been returned to their worlds except the ones who are members." Barl said.
"So they've gone back to their normal lives." David said.
"Until it happens again. But until then, yes. They have all returned to their normal lives." Barl said.
"So it's over." Ace said.
"Yes...it is." Barl said.
"So, what're you gonna do now?" Hope asked. "There's so much stuff to do in the Multiverse."
"Now that...is a true mystery, isn't it?" Barl said as he started to walk off. " Maybe I'll see what mysteries they all have in store. I'm done...living in nothing."
The group then saw Barl off as he began his journey.
"I'm really happy for him. He changed his ways and is now free from all that pain." Hope said.
"Hopefully everyone else is too." Mayumi said.
"I'm sure Aimi is waiting for you back home, Mayumi." Titanica said.
Barl was soon a good distance away from the castle as he looked back and smiled.
"Where do you think you're going?" a voice said as he turned to see the Knights of the Lost standing there.
"You don't need to follow me anymore. I am no king." Barl said.
"Yeah well, maybe we aren't following you. Maybe we're just happening to go the same way." Rebellious said.
"And perhaps… we want to show you the worlds we come from." Index said.
"You can't order us not to go the same way." Brave said.
"Indeed...after all..we are supposedly friends after all." Slayer said.
"Wait, you could speak the whole time?!" Aimi said in shock.
"Of course I could. I just preferred to not speak...since I have a problem with people." Slayer said.
"Oh you…" Razor chucked. "You're a shy reaper, aren't ya?!" he laughed.
"I had no idea. So all this time you were just quiet and reserved, Slayer?" Solace asked.
"I'm...sorry for fooling you all like that." Slayer said.
"Heh...well...let's be off. Our sightseeing tour...now begins." Barl said as they disappeared over the horizon.
Back with the group…
"Well...it seems all has finally been settled." Ainz said.
"Yep. Oh wait, there was one thing on our minds before we got roped in all of this." Zamazenta said.
"Right...we forgot to check on the Champions and the king." Jexi said.
"The Four Champions?" Ace asked.
"Yes. Long story short, we were sent 100 years into the past to avert their deaths." Cheetah said.
"The Age of Calamity." Ace said. "I guess I missed out on something big."
"Hmm...yes. I suppose we did." Dhar said.
"Sorry but...were you asking about us?" a voice said as they saw a familiar Zora nearby.
"Dear sister, thank goodness you are okay!" Sidon said.
"Mipha… It worked. We really did it." Zacian said.
"You did an amazing Job, little guys!" Daruk said. "Thanks to you, we have our lives back! King Rhoam is even alive too!"
"But before we could tell you, a temporal displacement occurred, and you didn't arrive back." Urbosa said. "We had assumed something went wrong and you were distracted by a crisis."
"Something like that." Zacian said.
"We searched all of Hyrule for you but didn't turn up a thing until we saw you all land in front of the castle." Revali said.
"I am still glad that it all turned out to be a success. We were all worried about your fates as well." Milla said.
"Why is that?" Mipha said.
"Well… let's just say that sometimes, Multiverse Theory can be a real nail-biter." Hope said.
"It would appear that is the case." Ludger said.
"Ludger?!" Shanoa said.
"Yes...what's wrong?" Ludger said.
"It's just that… Well, you were kind of dead before it all happened too." David said.
"Barl said anyone involved with the incident was returned. Meaning the original 19 pairs and solos. With the people from Ikebukuro as well. Meaning...anyone else wasn't affected by it." Dhar said.
"It's true." Bloodless said.
"But that's a good thing. This means you get to live again. Vera and Elle would be very happy to hear that." David said.
"You know...we should celebrate. I mean we did save the Multiverse and all." Al said.
"Heck yeah we should!" Eddy said. "Party on the Galaxy King! Everybody's invited!"
"Oh yeah, let's party!" Hope said. "Jexi?"
"Yeah." Jexi said as an entire party was set up in the center of the castle town as Jexi stood on top of a statue with a drink. "Okay...in the battle against the Lost Universe...WE WON!" he shouted as they cheered.
Things then kicked off as they all enjoyed the victory.
"Damn...can't believe these chumps managed to survive it all." Kidd said.
"Well that's no way to talk about your new team." Jexi said.
"My what? I never agreed to that! Tell them, Killer!" Kidd said seeing Killer eating some pasta through his mask. "You're seriously gonna ignore me!?"
"Haha… I guess he really likes my pasta carbonara that much." Ludger said.
"Incredible...he really does eat with that thing on." Theo said.
"Besides...what would you even do? Go get your ass kicked by Kaido again?" Jexi asked. "Get arrested? Seems like you have very little choice."
"Whoa, woah. Really egging him on there." David said.
"Grr...you make a good point there. Especially considering what he's recently gotten up to." Kidd said.
"Uh… what do you mean?" Hope asked.
"You probably don't know...but Big Mom also made it to Wano too." Kidd said.
"She's still up after all of that? It was a miracle surviving against her the first time we dealt with her." David said.
"So...they're emperors. They'll just end up fighting." Ty said.
"That's what I thought. But...they did something really unexpected. The two of them...formed an alliance." Kidd said.
"Figured that would happen. There were hints that they were once from the same crew." Cheetah said.
"But still, having to deal with both Big Mom and Kaido at the same time… Now that they're in an alliance, liberating Wano just got a bit harder." David said.
"Liberating Wano? Are you serious? I already told you I'd be the one to take down Kaido!" Kidd said.
"Cool it for a second, will ya? I've been thinking about it a whole lot, ever since I found out that Wano's shogun sent Killer to...well, kill me. I'm not sure what reason he had, but if I'm caught in his crosshairs, then, you know, I can't just ignore it." David said.
"David's right. Now that Orochi's made a move, we'll of course have to go there sometime in the future." Hope said.
"That'll be interesting." Ace said.
"Damn it." Kidd said.
"So...what's it gonna be?" Jexi asked.
"Fine...we'll join your stupid team. But only until I get revenge for what they did to my wingman!" Kidd said.
"Sounds fair, right?" Ajna asked.
"That's fine with us, it's your business after all, Kidd." David said. "Speaking of recruitments, what's next for the Champions and the guys we brought here?"
"For those not looking to join, I can handle getting them back to their homeworlds." Theo said.
"Well… it's been quite a journey we've been through. I do need to return to Flamesgrace." Ophilia said.
"We're from here, so we're fine." Revali said.
"What about you, Bloodless?" Hope asked. "You've got nowhere to go, and Bael's dealt with."
"That is true. I suppose I'll tag along with the young nephilim's group." Bloodless said. "I have nowhere else to go, and fighting with you all has really changed my view. If you'll have me, Ace Neptune… I would very much appreciate it."
"I'd say welcome aboard." Ace said.
"And of course Lei's comin' with us too, right Saki?" Aya asked.
"Yeah, it'll be like old times." Saki said.
"Dhar...whatever you…" Ajna said.
"You're joking right? I braved the Lost just to make it back to you. Why wouldn't I come with you?" Dhar asked.
"Welcome back, Dhar." Ace said. "Despite what Yozora told me, I'm glad you're back with us."
"Yozora? The guy from the video game? He's real?" Theo asked.
"It's hard to explain. But he did tell me this." Ace said. "He's going to fight you guys. Someday."
"I see...so you somehow ended up in Quadratum." Lenneth said.
"Quadratum?" Ace asked.
"Think of it as an alternate reality. In your system...it would be in universe -10, so to speak if such a thing exists." Lenneth said.
"A Negative Universe? Is that even possible?" David asked.
"Negative universes are only a theory. They've yet to be proven to actually exist." Ainz said.
"(But… I know what I saw in my dream was real. I was in Shibuya, and yet it felt different.)" Ace thought.
"So, you think Ace is correct? You think Yozora will actually appear one day, and challenge us to a fight?" Hope said.
"Probably. Although if his testimony is to be believed, he will face us within our minds." David said.
"Yozora was thought to exist in a game. So consider the world he comes from as a sort of...negative reality. A non reality if you will." Ainz said. "Even if these negative universes actually exist...there is no way to actually go to them since they're on a different side."
"Like a fictional world." Ace said.
"Exactly. We can go to multiple worlds, other universes, dreams, memories and data because these things exist on our side. Traversing reality itself...that's something incredibly difficult." Ainz said.
"What about the Power of Waking?"
"Only if you want to lose your place in this world." Ainz said.
"I think we're getting too deep into this, guys." Hope said.
"Yeah, Hope's right. We shouldn't concern ourselves with that kind of stuff right now." Zamazenta said.
"Right...I'm sorry." Ace said.
"Don't worry about it. For now, let's just celebrate. We've won a big battle. And now, it's time to look ahead to what new adventures may come our way." Hope said.
"We now go on to greet a new dawn." Ace said.
"Gardle, Demigra and Barl...three enemies in one go. Looks like peace is in our future." Ty said.
"Yep." Siege nodded back. "And trust me, Demigra was a real thorn. Might be more like him in the future, but that really relieved us of the stress of demon invasions everywhere…"
"Speaking of which… where are you guys heading?' Kaguya asked. "Sorry that we weren't there to hear most of it, we were enjoying the victory feast."
"I think I'm gonna head back to Tokyo for a bit and handle damage control there." David said.
"Theo, Naofumi and Myself are going to head back to our respective guild branches, and make sure our locations are unharmed." Ainz said. "Oh, that reminds me… I wonder how our young witch in training is doing with the others that appeared."
"Witch in training?" Hope asked.
"Yeah, we got an intern before going to see Ainz. Her name's Luz Noceda. She's a student to a friend of Ivy's. So we agreed to have her intern at the guild." Theo said. "I was so concerned with what was going on, I forgot she was still back at the guild with David's class, Emi and Rimuru."
"Wonder what they're all up to right now?" Hope asked.
Back at said guild…
"Okay...and here we go…" Rimuru said in his slime form making something with thread. "Tokyo Tower!"
"Yeah...uh...I don't get it." Luz said.
"Same here." the rest of the class said.
"What? Come on!" Rimuru said.
"I told you that trick was played out." Emi said.
"This coming from the girl who would show herself off back in high school." Rimuru said.
"H-hey, hold on a second! What proof do you have?" Emi asked.
"Please, we knew each other back in those days. I know what you were like." Rimuru said.
"Really...this from the guy who has an elf fetish." Emi smirked.
"What? No way you'd…" Rimuru said before she showed a photo of an elf on a computer screen. "Gah! How did you…"
"Snuck into your old apartment before Chikasu destroyed your computer." Emi smirked. "Gotta say, she's really pretty."
"Oh, you crafty witch!" Rimuru called out.
"Okay...this is sort of entertaining." Akira said.
"Hopefully everyone else will be coming back soon." Luz said.
"Knowing a certain someone we know, I'd bet this whole thing has been resolved already." Tsubaki said.
Back with the group…
"So...guess we'll be going our separate ways for awhile." Jexi said.
"Yeah, it would seem so." Ace said. "But where should we all meet up again?"
"Let's have that to be determined." Mark said. "For now, we'll keep in touch and, when the time comes, we'll all find a place."
"And if there's any trouble that any of us have… we'll be there for any of you." Hope said.
"Definitely." Theo said. "Until we meet again."
"If we meet again, know that we'll work together quite well. Expect a few newcomers by then." Richard smiled back.
"Heh, this was a nice adventure. Stopped a well-intentioned extremist from wiping the multiverse clean, and got everyone in the fight to contribute. All in all, I enjoyed working alongside you all. No wonder you all are great heroes… heh." Siege answered back.
"Trust us, Siege. This kind of stuff is par for the course for people like us." David said. "And what about you guys?" he asks Mipha and the others. "A lot has changed since those days."
"Indeed. It is pretty clear that our place is no longer of this world. Our time has already passed." Revali said. "So begs the question. What shall we do? Well, I have already made my decision. Surely David, your team could use an archer of immense skill like myself."
"Wait, you want to follow me, Revali?" David asked.
"Why else not? You do have Teba with you, and he is my successor. Having me will double your greatness." Revali said. "And I will advance Vera's archery mastery to even greater heights."
"Heh...of course he'd say something like that." Mayumi said.
"But I think it's a good opportunity. Over the course of both of our trips here, he's someone that a lot of us have grown to appreciate." David said. "We shall accept your offer, Revali."
"As I assumed you would." Revali smirked.
"Mipha, Urbosa, Daruk, what will you guys do?" Hope asked.
"While there is no need for the Champions...we do have some responsibilities to this world." Urbosa said. "Obligations we must see to."
"Yes. Surely we have a lot to catch up on, Sidon." Mipha said. "But make no mistake. We'll meet again one day, I'm sure of it."
"Yes. It was also very good to see you again, Mr. Kresnik. Er… Sorry. I mean, Ludger." Vera said. "Make sure you say hi to Nova when you get back to Elympios, okay? She… She really misses you and can use some company."
"I will. It was nice to see you all again too." Ludger said.
"We're glad to have you back, Ludger." Milla said.
"Same." Ludger said.
"Well...off we go." Jexi said as the groups split off on their own ways.
Elsewhere in the Lost Universe…
"Demigra, Gardle...now this Barl…." Ehto said. "Seems my competition has finally fizzled out. All that remains is that boy Theo."
"Sir...we still lack manpower." Sentibug said.
"True...but thanks to what happened...our numbers just increased once more!" Ehto said standing before the large number of lost beasts. "I promise to let every one of you out, but this is not for free. You must fight, kill, slaughter. You must do this...until all worlds are enveloped in chaos and the star warrior is dead!" he said laughing as they just snarled and roared.
Rulers of the Lost Saga: Concluded
Next Week Starts…
The Mythos Rising Saga!
