"Apocalypse Battles: Legend of the Crystal Warriors"
'Stage I: Blind King'
Written by: Chief Aki
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Disclaimer: All respectable characters are owned by their creators. All other characters are owned by me and may not be used without my explicit permission. No money is being made here.
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First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.
-Epictetus
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Episode VII: New Alliances, Old Friends
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Star smiles as she walks through its great halls, the smell of newness and freshness around her. She walks down a long corridor heading towards the door at the very end, stopping before it. She takes a deep breath, before opening the door. Her green eyes widen in amazement of the room, slowly stepping in. The room is very similar to the control room she had at the old Command Center. She gazes up to see two chairs placed on an upper level, and on the highest level, a single chair stands, her chair. Star slowly walks up the steps taking in everything. It has taken weeks and weeks of nonstop hard work but at last the new Space Knight Command Center has been completed. This command center has a new array of communications and defense weapons which her father and herself developed. She smiles to herself on how her mother complained about how her and her father are so much alike. She continues making her way up the steps, stopping at the second level, looking at the two chairs before her . One would've have belonged to Ringo, if he was still alive, but now, it belongs to Yumi, if they can find her, and the other to Ness. She makes her way up the rest of the steps to the third level, examining her seat. She carefully sits down in the chair, seeing how it feels. She leans back in her chair, relaxing in it.
"Comfortable chair?" a man's voice asks startling her.
Star turns around in her chair, to see Ness staring at her. Her green eyes soften, as he slowly walks to her side, and turns around, looking down at her console.
"You are up early this morning," he states calmly.
"Yeah, I wanted to see it before all of our Space Knights move in here, you know," Star replies softly, "I didn't sleep that well the night before anyways."
Ness looks down at her with his emerald eyes, "Is something bothering you?"
She shakes her head, "No, not really."
He takes her chin in his hand, raising her head so he can look at her. She stares at him a bit curiously and a bit sadly.
"Something is on your mind," Ness says, "What is it?"
"Just wondering about Saber and Evil, that's all," Star answers, giving in, "They've been quiet for awhile, so I was just wondering…"
"Hmm..I see…" Ness speaks softly, knowing there is something else as well but drops it for now, "By the way, what are you building at the other construction site."
"The other construction site?" Star asks, trying to sound a bit clueless.
"Yes, the one I saw you at with your father the other day," Ness tells her, letting her know there's no way to avoid it.
"It the construction of the academy," Star answers.
"The academy?" Ness asks puzzled.
"Yes, the Space Knight academy," Star replies, "The one we had talked about, remember?"
"Oh, yes, I remember," Ness speaks calmly, "But I thought you ditched the plan because the government didn't give you the money."
"No, not really, just put it off for awhile longer that's all," Star says, "Now, that my grandfather is back in control of the remnants of the people on this planet, my family must find a way to help the people. The Space Knight academy is one way of helping them. The future Space Knights must learn to do things much earlier and be stronger than us if we're going to win this war."
Suddenly, a blinking light flashes on her console. Star and Ness both look at each other for a moment, before she presses the button next to it, answering. The vid screens screech to life as a young male Space Knight appears.
"Oh, Chief!" the young man says starled, and salutes.
"Is something wrong?" Star asks in an authoritative tone.
"No, just doing last minute checks on communications, Chief," the man answers, "Sorry."
"It's all right," Star soothes the young Space Knight, "Are we good to go?"
"Yes, ma'am," the Space Knight answers, "The supplies are already beginning to arrive."
"Good. Open the gates," Star orders, "It's time we let our Space Knights come back home."
"Right away Chief," the man acknowledges and the screen goes black.
Star leans back in her chair as Ness smiles at her. She lets out a soft sighs, staring back into his green eyes, as rays of sunlight dance into the control room. Ness turns and walks down to the second level, finally sitting down in his chair, and glances back up at Star smiling.
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Sara hums softly to herself in the lily field. She reaches over, picking a fragrant white lily. A smiles spreads across her lips as the wind plays with her snow-white hair. She is so immersed in her trance of happiness, she doesn't hear the sound of footsteps behind her.
"Lalalala," Sara softly sings as she sticks a lily behind her ear, and the footsteps stop unnoticed to her, as a figure studies her.
"Fly me to the moon," Sara sings to herself, "And let me play among the stars."
The figure steps out from the shadow of the tree into the sunlight. David stands there, his blonde hair blowing in the breeze. He quietly watches his girlfriend sing to herself.
"Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars," Sara continues on in her happy world, "In other words, hold my hand. In other words, come and kiss me."
David smiles to himself, closing his blue eyes, hearing the words. Sara picks up another lily, smelling it, before sticking behind her other ear.
"Fill my heart with song," Sara croons, "And let me sing forever more."
David softly walks toward her, while her back is turned. Sara's white hair plays gently in the wind.
"You're all that I long for, all that I worship and adore," Sara lulls with her eyes closed, "In other words, please be true. In other words, I love you."
David kneels down, wrapping his arms around her. She opens her blue eyes, startled.
"I love you too," David says warmly, kissing her.
"David, you scared me," Sara tells him softly, leans back into him.
"You're in a good mood today," David whispers.
"Yeah, I am, especially when I'm with you," Sara tells him quietly, "What are you up to?"
"Just came to see you before I leave for the Command Center," David answers, as he lets go of her, standing up.
Sara stands up, looking at him with her crystal blue eyes. He chuckles at her softly.
"What is it?" Sara asks curiously.
"You look so cute, with those lilies in your hair," David replies with a smile, which causes Sara to blush.
He reaches over and kisses her softly, "I have to go before the Chief and Commodore cream me, I'll see you later, okay?"
Sara nods, "All right."
David smiles at her, before running off. Sara watches his form disappear across the field, before she twirls around, erupting into a fit of giggles.
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Ariadne sits in the chair of her room, reading a book. She glances up from it, sighing, and looks out the window, staring into the depths of space. Ariadne is now worried, she hasn't heard from Cain in two weeks, not since he said Larissa was theirs. The ship has passed the many of the moons of Neptune, the planet of sea, sister of Pluto. She has seen and passed Nereid, Triton, Proteus, and now the ship is approaching Larissa. Cain and his forces has gone on ahead, to establish forces on the other moons of Neptune. She gazes at the non-spherical and heavily cratered shape of Larissa as he mind wanders. So much has happened in this past month, her queasiness growing worse and sometimes better, varying from day to day. She noticed she has put on a little weight, but not much for anyone else to notice. Inside of her, their baby's heart has already started to beat, and forming its limbs as well as organs. A lot is happening to her and their child, but she only wishes Cain were here with her. Ariadne wipes away a tear, as she remembers Brisa, a young sorceress who is also a doctor checked up on her. She closes her dark eyes remembering everything that Brisa told her, and what to expect. After she left the medical bay, she returned to her quarters and cried. Why was Cain always out there doing the work? Why can't Hera do it, she's old enough isn't she? Did her father know that she needs Cain here with her?
"Cain, please come home," Ariadne says, almost pleading.
Suddenly, there is a ring at her door, and she stands up walking slowly to the door. Ariadne opens the door to stare straight into a man with green eyes and black hair. For a moment, she thinks it is Cain, then getting a better look at him, realizes that it isn't. She lets out a disappointing sigh, as she gestures the man to come in.
"Valin," Ariadne speaks softly, "Any word?"
"It's good to announce that Naiad, Thalassa, Despinna and Galatea are in our control, Lady Ariadne," Valin states, "Naiad base has been contacted by General Maia, the rings of Neptune and the planet itself is secure, for Lord Saber has returned from the planet, and is on his way here."
"Good," Ariadne says, releasing a sigh of relief, "What happens now, Valin?"
"Well, we're heading for Uranus and will be meeting up with the military forces at the orbit of Saturn," Valin answers her, "Phase three and four of your father's plan will then be complete.
Ariadne shudders at the mention of the military. She doesn't like their leader, General Pablochiva, one bit, something about him, gives her the creeps.
"Is something wrong, Lady Ariadne?" Valin asks, gazing at her with green eyes.
Ariadne shakes her head, "No, it's just that man, Pablochiva, gives me the creeps. Something about the way he acts just gives me the creeps."
"I know what you mean," Valin acknowledges, "He gives me the creeps just by looking at him."
Ariadne giggles, then turns to look out the window, noticing that the ship and the rest of the fleet is moving. It will be only a matter of time before they will reach Uranus, the planet of sky, and Cain will be torn from her arms again.
"We're leaving," Ariadne speaks in a soft tone, thinking out loud.
"Is there anything else you want, my lady?" Valin inquires in submissiveness.
"No, there is nothing else, thank you," Ariadne tells him, "you may leave now."
Valin bows and exits her quarters. Ariadne sighs and turns staring out into the deep black vastness of space. She stares on endlessly, not knowing how long she is standing there. Suddenly, her eyes are torn from her gaze to the door coming open, spitting into her room, her tired-worn husband.
"Cain!" she cries, rushing into his arms, and begins to sob.
"Whoa!" Cain says as she nearly knocks him over, then notices her crying, "Ariadne, what's wrong?"
"I missed you soo much," Ariadne sobs, "I was so frightened when you didn't call me! I thought there might have been an accident..and you might be hurt or worse…or maybe you just didn't care at all!!!!"
"Shhh….." Cain soothes her with a comforting hug, "There's no way I would go down that easily, so don't worry about me getting hurt…and why wouldn't I care? I love you Ariadne. You're my wife and the mother of my child…I will always care what happens to you….no matter where I am or where you are….because I love you. Don't worry, I won't be leaving for awhile, that I promise."
"You mean it, you'll actually be staying?" Ariadne asks, looking up with hope in her eyes.
"Of course, why would I lie to you?" Cain says softly, kissing her on the forehead, "Calm down."
After hearing his soft and gentle words, Ariadne stops crying. He continues to hold her in his arms, running his fingers through her long, silky black hair.
"You look tired," Cain says, looking at her, "You should get some rest."
"I know," Ariadne states smiling, laying her head against his shoulder.
"Come on," he utters softly as he hoists her up in his arms.
Ariadne grazes her forehead against Cain's neck as he carries her. He softly steps in their bedroom and settles her down on the bed. She gently looks up at him, while Cain slowly pulls up the covers, and faintly caresses her cheek. She sighs placidly, closing her dark eyes, trying to relax. Her husband sits by her side, gazing down in worry, until she falls asleep. Cain quietly leaves her side, storming out of their quarters, now determined to find her father.
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Celebrations are in order at the Command Center, for the long awaited opening has begun. People quickly run to and from the city in cars and trucks, in anything they can find, moving their newly acquired personal belongings to their quarters. Laughter sounds through the reborn halls as reunions of long lost friends and the meeting of new acquaintances happened in this grand place. In the control room, Star dozes off in her chair, after a long day of running to and from and back again to her beloved second home, now being finally able to relax. One of the doors hisses open into the slightly darkening room, as Ness strolls in, gazing at some reports. He looks up as if to say something and notices that Star is in a middle of a nap. He smiles warmly at her, as she continues to doze. He walks up the steps, stopping to lay the reports on his console, before walking up to her side. He watches her sleep, with his sparkling emerald eyes.
"Star? Star?" he asks in a whisper, attempting to wake the sleeping beauty, but to no avail, "My poor Star. I can't blame you for being exhausted."
He kneels down, looking at her seemingly peaceful face, making him forget for a moment that there is even a war raging outside these safe walls. Then, he stares about the room, making him remember that this is only a moment of temporary peace. The room is so still, being that Star and Ness are the only two in the room. He slowly shakes his head smiling, before carefully hoisting her out of the chair. Star lets out a soft sigh as he carries her in his arms. Ness heads down the steps, exiting the empty room, heading down the corridor to the elevator. He stops momentarily, watching his fiancé sleep peacefully in his arms.
"You look like such a angel," Ness whispers in her ear then steps on the elevator, "Level thirty-three."
The elevator moves down the shaft, the numbers counting down endlessly, until the number thirty-three appears on the screen. The door hisses open as Ness calmly steps out, and Star softly stirs but does not wake. He slowly makes his way down the corridor, which seems quite empty, unlike the lower levels of the Command Center. He walks to the very end of the corridor, stopping in front of the door. He carefully slides the keycard that he's been holding in his hand through the slot, and the door calmly opens. He glances at the dark room with his green eyes, as he enters, making his way over to the queen-sized bed. Ness gently lays her down on the bed, and brushes the rebellious strands of her green hair away from her face. He takes off his vest, and gently covers her up with it as she curls into a ball in her sleep. Ness sighs softly, knowing it's not much, but it's the best he can do for now.
"Sleep well, my shining Star," Ness whispers, kissing her on the cheek.
Her love watches her for a moment, before quietly stepping out of the quarters to let her sleep in peace. A peace, which he feels, she truly deserves. Ness walks back down the corridor and gazes up and sees David leaning on the wall, a bit of a smile on his face, and causes Ness to mentally moan. He wonders what smart-ass comment he'll have to put up with now. David turns and stands in front of him, his hands in his jeans' pockets.
"D-boy, can we talk?" David asks, staring at his commanding officer with his blue eyes.
"Uh, sure," D-boy answers a bit confused, wondering what this is all about.
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Inside the depths of a cavern, thousands of hungry cries emanate through its thick walls. A giant cocoon glows in the middle of it, a shadow of a figure residing within it. The main cocoon is surrounded by smaller cocoons. The cries rise and fall with each passing glow of light. Suddenly, the cries cease, as a voice calls to them to quiet.
"Shh, my children, time is almost near," the woman's voice says, "Your mother will awake soon, just hang on a bit longer, my darlings."
The cries increase, beckoning her to be free, so they can be set free. They sense their mother's approaching rebirth. She has waited so long for this day. She began to evolve after the birth of her first litter of children. Some are evolving with her now, evolving to her previous state.
"It's time now, precious ones," the voice says through the nest, "Your wait will now be over. We will begin the work our beloved master wants us to complete."
The children's cries reach a high-pitch state as the middle cocoon rocks back and forth as the figure begins to push its way out. Suddenly, a green clawed hand rips out of the cocoon. The cries sing out in excitement, their mother is awakening. Another green clawed hand appears, ripping the cocoon in half, a figure shooting from it. She spreads her green angelic-looking wings, her body nude, her skin seemingly leather-like as if it is some type of armor. Fire flashes and surrounds her hands, as her long blonde hair flows around her. She raises her head, opening her cruel blue-green eyes. Genesis Angel has evolved to a completely new level.
"Ahh, my darling sister," Angel says, thinking of Yumi, "Would you like to meet your family before they tear you apart?"
The cries are heard through the underground caverns, as they welcome their mother back happily. Their mother, seemingly like a goddess representing death and destruction. Her sadistic laugh echoes through the corridors.
"Come, my children," Genesis Angel cries out as the cocoons begin to hatch, "Let our blessed work begin."
"Mother," A female voice echoes through the corridor as the great demoness turns around.
Genesis Angel turns to look at a female figure, that looks like an exact copy of her when she was in her less evolved state, the only difference is the long jet-black hair.
"Tanith," Genesis Angel says to her first born, as Tanith stretches her black wings.
"We'll be going to see Aunt Yumi, won't we?" Tanith asks with a devilish glint in her eyes.
"Yes, we shall," her mother answers evilly, "Gather your sisters and brothers, we shall have our reunion now."
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Shara Summers gazes out at the setting sun, and softly sighs. She turns around slightly as she hears footsteps approaching and sees Cid walking towards her. Her eyes turn back to the setting sun as he sits beside her.
"What is the Queen up to?" Shara inquires in a quiet voice.
"She's trying to see if there is any survivors left in the city after the battle. She'll probably come here within the next few days," Cid answers in quiet voice.
"I see," Shara states in a whisper, curling up in a ball as the breeze plays with her silver hair.
"Shara, what's wrong?" Cid asks in worry.
"I'm just wondering about the little girl, Ellis," she tells him, her gaze still on the sun, "Where will the poor child go? She has no one but us."
"I know," Cid says sadly, "You know, I was with her yesterday, and for a minute…"
"You thought she was Clio," Shara finishes for him, tears in her blue eyes, "I can't believe even after all these years, that she's gone. I remember when she was so tiny, and when I held her for the first time, and…and…"
Shara's blue eyes fill with tears as she tries to finish her sentence. The more she tries, the more she chokes up. Shara bursts into tears, as Cid reaches over to hold her, rocking her softly back and forth. Cid looks at the setting sun, fighting back tears of his own. Shara lets the tears flow, as she feels the comfort of being next to him. Her sobbing recedes as the distant sounds of footsteps ring through their ears. She looks at him, wiping the tears away. Both of them stand up, seeing two figures approaching.
"I hope we're not interrupting anything," a man's voice calls out.
"Nah, Ben is that you?" Cid asks as the figures become more distinct in the setting rays of the sun.
"The one and only," a woman's voice replies to Cid's comment as the two people become clear to them.
"Lily," Shara says, "It's good to see you again, and you too Ben."
Ben nods in response, his crystal blue eyes sparkling at her, his brown hair sunning in the gaze of the yellow star. Lily smiles, closing her blue eyes, as long black hair whips around her.
"It's been a long time," Bell tells the both of them.
"Almost too long," Cid answers.
"Shara, you okay?" Lily asks, noticing her eyes are a bit puffy.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Shara replies, "Just a little stressed that's all."
"Shara? Is it okay if I talk to Cid alone?" Ben asks, gazing at her.
Shara looks up at Cid as if in question, then looks back at the young man, "Yeah, I guess. Don't take too long."
"All right," Ben answers with a nod.
Lily and Shara stroll off, as the gentle breeze plays tug-of-war with both the girls' hair. They walk in silence, each other's thoughts wandering. Lily then gazes over at her friend.
"Shara, are you sure you're okay?" Lily asks with concern.
"Yeah, I have a lot on my mind." Shara answers softly.
"I bet you do," Lily agrees, "With the Amazons relocating here and all."
"Yeah," Shara says quietly.
"Lady Shara!"
Shara and Lily gaze up, to see a little blonde girl running towards them. Shara kneels down and holds out her arms, as the little girl rushes into them. She encases the child in tight hug, picking her up.
"Ellis! What are you doing here?" Shara asks the small child.
"Two people wanted to see you," Ellis tells her, and turns and points.
Lily and Shara look up from Ellis to see two figures before them.
"Lani, Jonathan, there you are," Lily says, then looks around, "Where's Anna and Leona? I thought the two squirts were with you."
"Oh, those two," Lani says, "They took off somewhere."
"Knowing those two Amazons," Jonathan comments nonchalantly, "They're out shopping. Those two seem to be more interested in shopping than fighting."
"And they happen to one of the most gifted soldiers around. Who would've thought?" Lani finishes with a shrug.
"They like to fight. They just don't show it," a man's voice interrupts and they all turn to see Cid and Ben approaching.
"Hey, you," Cid says, ruffling up Ellis' hair, and causes her to giggle, and Shara smiles slightly.
"We better go, before it gets completely dark," Shara says as she holds Ellis in her arms.
"Right," the others answer as they all walk off.
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D-boy gazes out the window of the café, watching mothers and their children walk down the street. His thoughts travel back to Star, hoping one day, children will be part of their future. He smiles softly, thinking about it.
"D-boy?" David's voice call out, startling him from his thoughts.
D-boy gazes back at the younger man, taking a sip of his coffee, "As you were saying?"
"So, what do you think?" David asks.
"What do I think?" D-boy says, thinking a moment, "I think you got it bad."
"Really?" David inquires.
"Mmmhmmm…" D-boy nods, and takes another drink of his coffee, "Once you fall in love with a Summers' woman, your life is never the same. Trust me, I know."
"I'm sure you do," David acknowledges with a smile, taking a drink of his latte.
"Don't get smart with me David," D-boy retorts with a smile, "I may be older now, but I'm still young enough to kick your scrawny ass across the cosmos and back."
They stare at each other for a moment, before erupting fits of laughter.
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Cain walks through the bowels of the Radam ship, a determined look on his face. He heads straight for Golbez's control room. The guards tell him to stop, but he throws them aside. He flings the doors open, looking straight at a startled Golbez. Once his initial shock ended, Golbez's eyes narrow at his son-in-law.
"How dare you barge in here," Golbez says calmly and sternly, "It better be something damn important."
"It is," Cain says, his green eyes narrowing to slits, "You're going to have find somebody else to lead your troops and pull your strings. I'm not going to do this any longer. Ariadne needs me, and by Ariadne's side is where I'm going to stay. So, you better put Hera out on the field, because this is the last time I go out there."
"So, you want me to forfeit my whole plan, because you don't want to go," Golbez states, "you want me to turn back because you can't. Cain, you should know better than to come here and ask that. Hera is not ready, she hasn't enough experience like you have had."
"Oh, shove that line of crap!" Cain argues, "The only way for her to get more experience is to let her out in the field. If you don't let her go now, she will be the downfall of our plan. She needs experience to grow, that's the only way."
"Fine," Golbez says giving in, knowing that Cain isn't willing to give up, "I will let her go out, but you must come back into battle soon, I will not have her lead this whole escapade, do you hear me?"
"Yes, sire," Cain answers, kneeling before him in respect, "After Hera has capture Uranus and Saturn, we will speak again on how this should be dealt. Until then, I do not even want to hear a word about me going out. If you'll excuse me."
Cain stands up, and walks out, closing the doors behind him. Golbez stares for a moment, before laughing out loud.
"He's learning fast where he belongs," Golbez says to himself, "that's good. He might still have some promise yet. He could be a decent ruler after all."
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Night falls on Crystal Island; stillness purges the air, as the moon glitters down with heavenly bliss, concealing the hidden darkness scouring around the people of this sacred place. Figures move silently among the brush and dark streets, staying from view. People go on oblivious, as the life of night began, even though they sense tension and silliness in the air. The stillness caused by death itself.
Meanwhile, Cid stands out from his balcony, gazing down at the city. He feels the strange feeling again, like he had with his first battle with Genesis Angel. Something isn't right tonight; he can feel it in the air. Yet, he feels comforted, as if he knows something or someone, a feeling he gets when he's around other children of Amazon sorceresses. It I s a weird feeling to feel comfort yet fear. Shara approaches him, and looks at him, before gazing down at the city as well.
"Something's wrong, isn't it?" Shara asks.
"Yeah, you can feel it too?" Cid questions her, not even bothering to look at her.
"I feel weird. Cid, what's going on?" Shara asks worried.
"I don't know, but I don't like it." Cid says quietly, "Where's Ellis?"
"She's asleep, in the other room," Shara answers, "Why?"
"Lock the door," he tells her, "I think something's going to happen, and I don't want her caught up in it. She's safer here."
"Right," Shara nods, and hurries over to the door to their bedroom, locking it.
"Something really bad is happening, Shara." Cid admits to her, "And it scares me, because whatever it is, it's not going to be pretty."
Suddenly, an explosion is seen rocking through a section of the city, as the alarms in the Crystal Palace go off. Cid looks at Shara, who nods, and the both take off, running out of their quarters. In the distance, figures raise to the sky.
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Down in the city, D-boy and David stand up abruptly as the explosion is heard, and people go running through the streets. The two men run out of the café to find out what all the commotion is about.
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Meanwhile, as the Command Center, celebrations are cut short as the alarms sound there as well. Star shoots up from her bed, waking from her sleep. She look down, seeing the black vest, and picks it up off the floor.
"Ness," Star calls out in a whisper.
She lays it on the bed and jumps up, taking off for the control room.
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Amongst the burning flames, a figure stands on top of a crumpled building, letting out a sadistic laugh. She unfurls her green angel wings, raising her fire-engulfed hand in the air.
"Come, my children!" Genesis Angel laughs evilly, "Destroy, destroy and kill!"
Many figures cry out as they suddenly race through the streets, destroying everything in sight. Another figure hovers over Genesis Angel and lands beside her.
"Tanith," Genesis Angel calls out.
"Yes, mother?" Tanith replies.
"You're with me," Angel orders, "I have a little surprise in store for our friends."
"As you wish, mother," Tanith says in response, before both of them take to the skies.
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Meanwhile, Tekkaman Scimitar tear through the skies, following his instincts once again, Rapier by his side. They see the explosions rip through the city, and all of a sudden stop, the land returning to the peacefulness it was once before. The two tekkaman hover within the light of the moon, between the palace and the city itself.
"Why did they stop?" Rapier asks.
"No kidding, and who was it that stopped?" Scimitar asks as well, wondering what the answer is.
He sees various streaks of light, coming towards their position, and figures it's the rest of them. The battle seems to be over, but the feeling in his soul remained, and he doesn't like it one bit. There is something strange going on and Scimitar knows it. It is the calm before the storm. Winter is the first to reach the pair.
"What's going on?" Winter asks them.
"That was quite strange," a familiar voice cries out, as the three turn to see Tekkaman Blade and Tekkaman Summer.
"Summer!" Winter cries out, rushing into his arms.
Summer holds her, "You okay?"
"I don't know. I'm getting really bad vibes, can't you feel it?" Winter asks fearfully.
"Feel what?" Starlight asks as she approaches, "Has anyone seen the enemy anyway? Scanners couldn't get a fix on the attackers. It all happened so fast."
The other tekkamen shake their heads, and Summer looks back down at Winter.
"I don't get any bad vibes, babe," Summer tells her.
"We do," Rapier answers for both her and Scimitar.
"Something's not right," Scimitar states.
"Isn't weird how only Amazons and those related can sense it? And no one else?" Winter asks, turning back to look at the two.
Down below, two soft giggles are let loose as two pairs of eyes watch the unsuspecting group. Suddenly, a figure flies up out of the trees and with a laugh spin in a ball, unfurling her black angel wings. The group gasps startled and horrified as they recognize the familiar razor sharp tail and blue clawed hands.
"It can't be," Winter says, holding on to Summer tightly in fear," Genesis Angel."
"Well, you all must have met here to die. How lucky that I should be the one to do it for you."
"Is it just me, or does her voice sound different?" Rapier asks in confusion.
The creature's long black hair blows in the cruel breeze. The light of the moon illuminate her ghostly figure.
"Whoa, she even dyed her hair," Summer comments, "You didn't have to go all that way to impress us. We already hate your guts."
"You are complete fools," says a certain high-pitched voice which they all instantly recognize and makes the hair on the back of their necks stand on end.
"It…it…can't be," Rapier says nervously, before they all turn around.
A green colored figure smiles at them evilly, as she raises her hands in the air, and the becomes engulfed by flames. Her green angel wings stretch out as her long blonde hair plays with the deathly breeze. Her blue-green eyes stare coldly at her opponents as suddenly, distant explosions are heard in the city as the attack resumes.
"But, how…?" Starlight asks, glancing at the two separate figures.
"Tanith," Genesis Angel says, "Destroy the little green-armored tekkaman first."
"My pleasure, mother," Tanith answers as she lets loose an evil smile.
"Mother!?" the tekkamen say in shock.
Tanith flies upward in a spiral, emerald and ruby energy gathering around her. She holds up a hand to the sky as the energy gathers around it.
"Star Blast!" Tanith says as she throws the energy ball at the group.
"Scatter now!" Starlight yells as the energy screams toward them.
The group disperses as a blast of energy shoots by them, colliding with the side of a cliff. The boulders resulting from the impact, fall into the forest below.
"As for you," Angel cries, looking in the direction of Tekkaman Winter, "You've plagued me long enough."
Tekkaman Winter hovers motionless in fear as streams of water whirl around their enemy. Genesis Angel's hair flies up as the water whirls faster and faster, until it collects into a giant bubble.
"Shabon Soul!" Angel screams as her blue green eyes shoot open, as the attack hurtles straight for her victim.
"Winter! Look out!" Summer cries, as she looks at the blast of water heading towards her, frozen to her spot.
********************************
Ben and Lily rush through the fire breathing streets in search of their attackers. Unfortunately, they've been keeping a low profile, and neither of them has been able to pinpoint one.
"I don't get it," Ben says, "How can anything disappear that fast."
"Just like it can appear," a voice says, that makes them both turn around.
"What the…" Lily says practically speechless.
The figure as it appears looks half human and half something else. The creature has the upper body of a woman, with huge talon-like hands and the lower body seems to be some type of weird tail, that no person can describe unless they saw it themselves. To Ben and Lily, she looks like some demented mermaid from the depths of deep space in a bad science fiction movie.
"Boy, are you one ugly…" Ben says.
He's unable to finish his sentence as the creature attacks them both. Ben is able to dodge the attack since he's far enough away from it. Lily dodges the first swipe of the clawed hands, but is unable to dodge the second since she's too close to the enemy to get away. It picks her up, squeezing her tightly. She wiggles in pain, as the creature hissed at her, revealing two sharp canines that reminds her of vampires. Lily screams, as anyone would be if confronted by Genesis Angel's demon spawn.
"Lily!" Ben screams out as the creature holds her up in the air.
"Ben! Help me!" Lily cries, then lets out another piercing scream as the creature opens its mouth wider, with a devilish glare.
"Damn you! Let her go!" Ben yells at the creature as he prepares to throw a giant shuriken.
The creature screams at him, as if in challenge. Her pink hair writhing with life as she continues to squeeze Lily to death. Ben throws his weapon, cutting off both of its arms. Lily falls hard to ground, as the creature recoils in pain; its body twisting and turning as the orange ooze flows freely from its shortened arms. Lily screams, trying to get the hand off her, and Ben rushes to her side, pulling the thing off of her. The creature, angry about what has been done to it, rushes at them both in a blind fury. They both look up and Lily pulls out her handgun, shooting it. The laser rounds hits straight through it, but to no avail, the creature keeps coming. Finally, a shot connects to the creature's head and it falls down dead.
"Are you all right?" Ben asks, gazing from Lily to the dead creature; its blood pooling all over the ground.
"Yeah," Lily says breathlessly, nodding.
Several growls from the darkness end their moment of relief as more demon spawn appear, wanting revenge for their dead sister. Ben and Lily quickly stand up, their backs to each other, facing their enemies.
"Looks like this is it," Ben says calmly.
"Ben…I…" Lily tries to say.
"You don't have to say anything," Ben replies, glaring at the creatures.
"Right," Lily acknowledges.
The creatures begin to close around them both. They prepare themselves to end it all with dignity and go down fighting. A warcry interrupts them before anything happens and a dark figure is seen under the light of the Moon, raising a sword in the air. The figure soars down, and slices a figure in half and the shot of a gun is heard, as the blade makes contact. The creature backs away instantly from their new opponent. She stares at them with cruel green eyes as her long light brown hair whips in the bloody breeze, a orange-colored gunblade in her hand.
"Lani!" Lily cries out.
"You two should know better than to go off by yourself," Lani answers Lily's statement.
Multiple laser bullets rip through the air, as many of the creatures fall dead in agony. Jonathan appears, his fiery brown eyes showing the lust for blood and battle, and cockily brushes his fingers through his brown hair, hoisting his machine gun up on his shoulder.
"Heheh, you all didn't expect that now, did ya?" Jonathan says cockily.
"Jonathan, behind you!" Lani cries out in a warning as a creature raises up behind him.
"Wha!?" Jonathan yells, startled and turns around.
"Arrrggghh!" a woman's voice sounds as the clinging of a blade slicing and a gun going off are heard at the same time.
The creatures fall down in two, as young blonde woman stands amidst the flames. She gazes at her comrades with her blue eyes as her wavy blonde hair flows around her. Many of the creatures charge to avenge their fallen siblings until a circular object slices through them all, curving back around, as another woman jumps down from the top of a rubble pile that was once a building. The object returns to the lock mechanism strapped to her lower arm, latching in place. With her free hand she brushes her mousy brown hair out of her face.
"Anna!" Jonathan cries, "Thanks for the save!"
"A Blastor Edge, that only means," Lani says calmly, looking in the direction of the rubble, "Leona."
"Well, hello to you too," Leona says calmly.
"Now, now, calm down," Anna replies, "We got bigger problems."
"What do you mean bigger problems?" Ben asks a bit confused, "It doesn't get any bigger than this does it?"
"I hate to say it, but those are the weak ones," Anna answers, "You should see the more powerful bastards. They're even more ugly and a bitch to kill."
"You mean like me," another evil voice says and the road explodes upwards.
Another monster appears, even uglier and nastier than the ones before. The figure definitely female, but there was a big glob of ooze replacing its legs. It has two blue clawed hands that are razor sharp, and other arms sticking from every which way. It looks at the group with cold dark eyes and white hair snaking through the wind.
"Unlike my sisters and brothers, I will destroy you," the creature tells them, floating in mid-air.
"So, these are the ugly son of bitches you were talking about," Lily says.
"Yep," Anna says, taking a fighting stance.
"Now, it's time to DIE!!" the creature yells and releases multiple blasts of energy.
The small group of warriors dodges the best they can under the circumstances. The creature laughs as it keeps up its relentless attacks, weakening the group, until they can hardly stand. She reaches out with one of her arms to destroy one of her victims when she howls in pain as a whip wraps around it, ripping it off.
"What was that?" Ben asks astounded.
Another crack of the whip is heard as it wraps around the creature's neck. The creature struggles as they all look up at the young warrior attacking the beast, and their mouths drop in amazement. The next sound that is heard is the cracking of the creature's neck as it falls into a heap on the ground.
"It's.." Lily says in amazement
"...Her.." Lani says, finishing for her.
Another crack of the laser whip is heard, as a young woman stands atop a building surrounded by flames. Her long blonde hair, held up in a ponytail, plays stiffly in the wind, while her pink dress flows freely, revealing the bare skin of her legs. She looks at them for a moment, before bright lights flash in the distance. Signals of another battle taking place, a very heated battle. She takes off like fire, speeding across the city in search for her next target.
************************************
"Energy Arrow!" Tanith screams, and releases a bolt of energy.
The screams of energy hits Tekkaman Summer in the back, causing him to fall into the ground, in a pile of dust. The other tekkamen try to rush to his aid, but are stopped by Genesis Angel, the fire around her hands glowing brightly.
"I wish you would just die already," she growls, as the fire wildly burns, increasing, "Fire Hurricane!"
A comet of pure flames shoot forth from Genesis Angel's hands. The remaining tekkamen dodge the blast. The flames crash into the ground, sending the forest up in flames.
"Blade, we have to do anything," Starlight says, taking her position next to him.
"Yeah, but the last time we faced her, we were defeated," Blade mentions, trying to keep his eyes on both of his opponents, "And now, she's stronger than ever."
"But, we have to think of something. Winter and Summer need our help," Starlight says, looking at the prone forms of her sister and Tekkaman Summer on the ground.
Tanith giggles as streams of fire dance around her. She brings up her hand to her face before shooting it outward, pointing it at her enemies. The streams of fire flies in the direction that Tanith points in.
"Fire Arrow!" Tanith yells, laughing.
"Rapier, look out!" Starlight cries, noticing that Rapier is caught up in its path.
"What!?" Rapier yells in surprise, turning around.
The fire ribbons engulf her, as she lets out a scream of pain. The black tekkaman loses consciousness, her body diving towards the ground. A blast of dust and fire illuminates the skies as she creates a huge crater as her bed. The light of the flitting fire illuminates her dark figure.
"Rapier!" Scimitar cries out, seeing her fall.
He flies down, trying to reach her. Genesis Angel sees that spinning around flower petals floating up in a storm, surrounding her.
"Oh, no you don't," Angel says, "Flower Beam!"
Streams of flower petals, fling at the remaining standing tekkamen, blinding them temporarily. They try to brush them away, caught up in the storm.
"Now, Tanith!" Genesis Angel orders to her daughter.
Tanith raises her blue-clawed hand in the air, streaks of water gathering around. Then, she lowers her arm, pointing a finger at the petal storm. As the geysers of water begin to combine.
"Water Dragon!" Tanith yells as the streams of water begin to form the shape of a dragon.
The flowing dragon opens its mouth as it cuts through the petal storm. Scimitar turns to see the dragon take him over and he is shot backwards into the side of the cliff. He becomes unwedged from it, letting out a moan, before collapsing down to the ground.
"Hmmm..this is almost too easy," Genesis Angel says, "Can't you give us any type of challenge at all?"
Blade and Starlight brandish their lance, their back to each other. They take fighting stances as they face both opponents. Tanith and Genesis Angel glance each other, smiling evilly, before glaring at the last of their victims. Tanith holds her hands up in the air, lightning and fire gathering around her, mixing into a giant ball. Starlight instantly recognizes the attack as the one Genesis Angel used on Blade the first time they fought.
"Blade, get ready to move," Starlight mutters.
Tanith lowers the ball of energy to in front of her chest, as Starlight prepares herself to move. She thrusts her arms forward, releasing the blast of energy.
"Ruby Lightning!" Tanith screams.
"Now, Blade!" Starlight says, taking off.
Starlight shoots to her left, while Blade moves to her right. The energy dodges right in-between them. Genesis Angel moves slightly, letting it harmlessly pass by, but she was already prepared for this. She crosses her arms as pure energy circles around her. She spins around, and thrusts both arms forward as the energy emanates a bright light and roars towards its prey.
"Crescent Typhoon!" Genesis Angel yells angrily.
Blade barely dodges it, and turns to see it head for Tekkaman Starlight, whose back is turned. He watches horrified, unable to do anything, as it smashes into her. Her head flings up, her back arching from the blow and she drops her lance. Her cry of surprise of pain rings through his ears as her green hair flows lifelessly every which way.
"Starlight!" Balde cries in anguish, as her body suddenly falls heavily, crashing into the flames below.
He turns, glaring at Genesis Angel; his green eyes flashing angrily. Tekkaman Blade lets out a battle cry as he charges at the demon goddess. Tanith in response to Blade charging at her mother, summons another attack. Wind whips around her as she raises both her hands to the sky, then in a large arc, swings them in front of her body.
"Emerald Typhoon!" Tanith screams as her attack aims for Blade.
He turns around, and takes the brunt of the blow, growling as he tries his best to absorb the shock of it. Meanwhile, Genesis Angel takes after him, with his back turned and all, raising her clawed hand to strike. Unfortunately, he senses it, quickly moving out of the was, but not fast enough. She slices through his armor, as her talons scrape across his scapula, and he grits his teeth in pain. He quickly whirls around, gripping his lance tightly, only to see dark colored energy coming straight for him as he hears the demon's familiar scream.
"Chronos Revolution!" Genesis Angel roars.
"Icicle Onslaught!" Tanith yells, surprising Blade.
"Wha!?" Blade says, then cries in pain as a shard of ice bury itself in his other shoulder.
He hears both of them laughing insanely, as he plummets into the ground, weakened by the double blow. He struggles to get up, determined not to lose. He gazes over, and sees Starlight's prone form, as mother and daughter demons laugh in triumph.
"Starlight, Starlight," Blade grits, "You have to wake up."
A moan escapes from her, as she begins to move, "Blade…"
Starlight slowly gets up to her knees, regaining consciousness. She sees the shard of ice sticking out of Blade's right shoulder, being painted red with his blood.
"Oh, Blade," Starlight cries weakly.
"We can't give up," Blade tells her in pain, and struggles to stand.
Starlight looks at the others, all conscious but unable to move, too weak to even stand. She tries her best to stand along with her lover, but the attacks had quickly drained of her energy and can not. The tekkamen look on helplessly at their attackers, when suddenly, a crack of a whip is heard, and it appears from nowhere, wrapping around Tanith's leg, sending her crashing to the ground.
"Tanith!" Angel cries out.
"Can it be!?" Winter asks, a bit of hope in her voice.
The young woman that saved Lily and the others in the city before appears out of the darkness. She stares at Genesis Angel with cruel blue eyes, as she cracks her whip again, this time in challenge.
"I never believed you would go this low, Genesis," the woman says crudely.
"It is…it's Queen Aeris," Rapier says in a painful whisper.
"Queen Aeris?" Blade asks, a bit confused.
"Yes," Scimitar replies as he rolls over in pain, "Aeris Highwind, Queen of the Amazons."
Tanith, meanwhile, struggles to her feet, and shakes her head, when quick movement grabs her attention. She looks over in the direction of it and sees nothing. Then, all of sudden, out of the corner of her eyes, she sees it but is too late. She can't even describe it, all she sees is the fist, before it pummels her straight in the face, and sends her flying once again. She lands, skidding across the ground. The all look at the young man, dressed in black, who just hit her as his black hair blows effortlessly in the fiery breeze. He smiles a bit smugly as he opens his blue eyes, cracking his knuckles covered by black gloves.
"It's not my nature to his a woman," the man says, "But I'll make an exception in your case, for bitches like you."
"I don't believe it," Scimitar says sitting up, regaining his strength, "Cloud Leonhart."
"The late Queen Jocasta's son," Rapier says breathlessly, "He's really here."
"How dare you!" Genesis Angel grows angrily, and charges at Cloud for hurting her child.
"I don't think so!" a woman's voice cries, a voice that seems all too familiar to Tekkaman Blade and Starlight, as Genesis Angel goes flying.
She crashes to the ground next to her daughter, holding her head. A young woman stands against the ghostly moonlight, her shoulder-length brown hair whispering in the wind, as she holds a giant nunchaku.
"It's…" Starlight says, unable to finish her sentence.
The woman opens her eyes, revealing their blue color, "It's been a long time, Blade."
"…Tina…" Blade says in astonishment.
"Miss Corman!" Winter cries out happily.
Tina jumps down to Cloud's side. Genesis Angel jumps up suddenly, much to Tina and Cloud's surprise. Suddenly, a bellowing shot is heard, and she cries out in pain, stopping her attack, as orange blood gushes from the gaping wound in her shoulder, as the laser shot impacts with it, and is nearly decimated. Everyone turns to see a young man holding a shotgun in his hand, with his eyes close, the golden hair illuminated by the playful rays of the moonlight.
"Barret," Tina says softly.
A growl is heard, as Genesis Angel hovers, holding her wounded arm. They all turn to look at her, her back to the demonic flames engulfing the forest and the city.
"You think you can defeat me?" Genesis Angel says, gritting her teeth in anger.
"It ends now, Genesis," Aeris says, her voice starting to drastically change.
"What's going on?" Summer asks.
"It's Siren," Winter answers, "She taking hold of Aeris body!"
"She's what!?" Summer yells.
"She's possessing her," Rapier clears up.
Aeris' golden hair flows upward in the breeze, and she opens her eyes, no longer the crystal blue color, but a shimmering gold. A golden aura begins to surround her, as she raises her hands to the sky. Aeris or rather Siren, gazes down intently at Genesis Angel.
"Like I said, this will end now!" Aeris/Siren speaks, "Light Cross!"
Sparks of light ignite across the immediate area, everyone turns away so as not to be blinded. Tanith and Genesis cry out as they are blinded temporarily by the light. After the lights disappiate, they both shake their heads, trying to focus their eyes.
"Whoa," Starlight says, as she saw the display of power.
Meanwhile, hundreds of figures rise to the sky, heading towards the battle. Genesis Angel's children sense the distress of their mother and their elder sister. Genesis Angel growls as dark energy gathers around her, condensing into a tightly knit ball.
"Death Blaster!" she screams, letting the energy explode towards the group.
Aeris/Siren throws out one of her hands and golden light, weaving like ribbons emanates from her, and surrounds the group. The light brighten and the ribbons form a dome over them.
"Barrier Shield!" Aeris/Siren yell, moments before Angel's attack hits them.
"Siren!" Scimitar yells.
"Aeris, hang on, you can do it!" Rapier yells with him.
"Cid."
"Siren, what is it?"
"She's more powerful than I am."
"But, how's that possible?"
"I not at my full power yet, and I sense her power growing stronger. I will not be able to stay Aeris' body much longer. She can't hold on like this, and I can't not sustain her."
"Siren, don't give up, we need you."
"I won't be able to do this alone. Find Lily, she's the key to Neptune."
"You're quite the power one, Genesis Angel," Siren/Angel says to her opponent, "For being half-Amazon, will you dare betray your mother?"
"Hmph, you're not my mother, and I am not an Amazon!" Angel retorts, "I am a Radam, as are my children! True Radam!"
"True…Radam?" Starlight asks herself, puzzled.
"Then, I shall treat you as a Radam, my child," Siren says calmly.
She notices the hordes of creatures approaching the barrier to destroy her. Genesis Angel laughs as a warped ball appears in front of her, as her blonde hair writhes with life in the still air.
"Space Reflection!!" she screams.
Aeris/Siren's golden eyes widen, and she strengthens the barrier. She grits her teeth as she tries to keep it up. A earth shattering scream is heard, more Aeris than Siren's, as they fall to their knees. But, still she holds up her hands in the air, keeping up the barrier.
"Aeris!" Cloud yells.
"Hang on!" Tina cries.
"Siren!" Scimitar yells in desperation, knowing they can't go on like this.
Suddenly, Ben and the others reach the barrier, killing the creatures along the way.
"Ben!" Rapier says, "Siren, I don't know if Siren can…"
Cloud, meanwhile, gets up and rushes to Aeris/Siren's side.
"What are you doing?" Aeris/Siren asks him weakly.
"If you need strength," Cloud tells them, placing his hands on their wrists, "Take mine!"
"Cloud, you mustn't" Siren/Aeris tells him.
"Don't worry about consequences!" Cloud yells at them, "Just do it!"
They nod at him and the golden aura begins to surround him, as the barrier glows brightly as it begins to strengthen again. He grits his teeth as he feels the strength being drawn from him, but he must do this, not only for Siren, but for Aeris as well. Tekkaman Scimitar looks up at Lily remembering the Siren's words.
"Lily!" he yells, "You have to help Siren now!"
"But how!?" Lily asks in confusion.
"The Key of Neptune, you must use it, hurry!" Scimitar tells her.
"I'll try," Lily replies nodding.
Lily's black hair flies up as the sounds of Genesis Angel and Siren's intense battle rage through the air. A small penlike object appears in front of her, the sign of Neptune glowing on it. She had never been able to use it before now, so why has it chosen to appear to her now? Can this be the time on need? Lily begs in her mind, for Neptune to help her. Her mind clears, as she is taken to the deep depths of the ocean, where a gentle light pulses. Lily floats to the light, reaching out her hand, trying to reach it. She hears the voices, telling her she can do it, and she begins to float faster towards the light. Lily feels her heart lift of burden and she bursts into the light. In the physical world, Lily grabs the key and geysers of water spring up around her. She holds up the key in the air, her eyes still closed.
"I summon you, Guardian of Neptune! Shiva!" Lily yells, then opens her blue eyes, "Diamond Dust!"
Rays of light shimmer down as tiny snowflakes fall down, dotting the burning landscape. A figure floats down, spiraling, and begins to slow down and opens her arms as Shiva reveals herself. Her blue hair flows in the wind, as she begins to twirl around again slowly, particles of ice gathering around her outstretched hand. Shiva spins faster, then stretches her arm out to full length, and releases the energy. It streams towards its victims, freezing everything in its path. Genesis Angel and Tanith stand there, as they erect shields around themselves.
"I can't believe they're still standing," Winter cries out.
"I don't get it! What won't she die!" Rapier says angrily.
The ice from Shiva's attack shatters, and Genesis Angel's children who were in the lower levels of their evolution were frozen solid and shattered with the ice. Their mother lets out a cry of anger as she feels the death of her children. Water whips around her violently, as she growls, her green angelic wings stretching out to full length.
"Submarine Spray!" she yells in pure fury.
The water blasts towards Shiva and Siren, in retaliation for what was done. Siren was protected by her shield but Shiva was outside the barrier. Aeris/Siren and Cloud close their eyes and concentrate, as the golden aura surrounding them, glows brightly. The barrier enlarges and encompasses Lily, Shiva and the others. Aeris/Siren's body begins to shake as Cloud feels the reserves of strength within him being drawn out faster, but not fast enough.
"I can't hang on any longer," Aeris/Siren tells him
"Yes, you can," Cloud grits through his teeth, "Don't give up."
Ben gazes up at the two, knowing the two won't be able to keep this up for long. He looks at the creatures surrounding them, knowing he must join the fray to end this. Another object just like Lily's appears in his hand, except with the sign of Uranus on it. Wind spirals around him as a golden light emanates from the object he's holding.
"Siren! Cloud! Weaken a spot in the shield right above me!" Ben orders them.
"What for!?" Cloud questions startled by the remark.
"Just do it!" Ben yells and holds up the object straight above his head, "I summon Pandemona, Guardian of Uranus!"
A blast of wind shoots from him straight through the shield. A whirlwind goes into the clouds and disappears.
"Tornado Zone!" Ben cries out, as a tornado descends next to the shield.
The tornado rips through the burning forest, sprawling the demon spawn everywhere. Suddenly, Pandemona soars down through the eye of the tornado as it disappears. She takes in a deep breath as a great wind is produced, sucking up all the debris.
Starlight watches from inside the barrier as she uses her lance as a staff and leans upon it. Blade stands by her side, protectively, unable to believe what he's seeing. Many of the Genesis Angel's children are sucked up in the fray, and twist and turn in the aerial whirlpool, crying out. Tanith and her mother dig their claws into the ground, sliding from the power of the wind, watching in horror as the creatures are sucked into Pandemona. The wind dies down and everything is quiet. Pandemona takes in another deep breath, then blows it out, pushing everything that she has sucked in, back out. The blast of air hits Tanith and Genesis Angel and they are blown away by its sheer power, screaming all the way. Summer and Winter watch them fly by from inside the barrier.
"Bye bye!" Winter yells to them.
"Have a nice flight!" Summer yells, "And tell the moon I said hi."
Ben and Lily stand there, as if some kind of trance. The planetary keys glow brightly yet calmly.
"Whoa," Lani says nearly speechless.
"And the kick is good," Jonathan states watching them go.
As the threat disappears, the wind dissipates. Pandemona and Shiva disappear silently and the keys' light no longer pulses. Both Lily and Ben shake their heads, coming out of their trances. Aeris/Siren lowers her arms, releasing the barrier.
"Siren...Aeris.." Cloud speaks softly as he places his hands on their shoulders, "Are you all right? Say something, please."
Aeris' eyes turn from the golden color back into her original crystal blue. She stands there as if almost in shock unaware of her surroundings.
"What's going on?" Rapier questions.
"Siren's left her body, returned back to her sleep," Scimitar answers for her, "For now, the awakening is near if she is now able to possess one of us."
"I see," Rapier whispers.
Aeris' head tips back as they speak and she falls back, collapsing. Cloud catches her in his arms and gently holds her, gazing down at her unconscious form.
"Aeris? Aeris!?' Cloud calls out her.
"Don't worry Cloud," Scimitar reassures, "She'll be fine, once she had her rest."
Cloud gazes up at the tekkaman before nodding and stands up, Aeris hoisted up in his arms. The sky growls dangerously dark around them and a snake of lightning comes slithering down with a large crashing sound. Teardrops from heaven slide down from the sky. The flames of fury sizzle and die out bringing a hope rebirth to the land, as their embering hearts begin to die.
"Oh, Tina," Starlight says quietly.
Tina looks straight at Tekkaman Starlight. She observes her, with a strange look on her face.
"Do I know you?" Tina inquires.
Starlight looks as Tina as if she is in shock. Blade lays his hand on her shoulder in comfort.
"She doesn't know you in your new tekkaman form," Blade soothes his love, then looks over at Tina, "It's Star."
Tina's eyes widen in amazement, "Star?"
Starlight nods and Tina jumps up, hugging her.
"It's been so long. I've missed you so much."
"We've missed you too, Tina," Starlight says, and hugs her back,
"How are you two?" Tina asks, "How's Mac?"
"Mac..." Starlight starts to say, but cannot finish.
"Mac was killed, Tina," Blade blurts out, holding Starlight in comfort.
"Mac's gone?" Tina questions in shock, tears starting to build up in her blue eyes.
Blade nods, pulling Tina in a comforting embrace as well. The rain pours down heavily, as silence mourns its victims. He gazes down at the woman, who he's always thought of as a sister.
"As least, we have each other," Blade says softly, trying to console both women.
"Jamieson, Mac and Ringo would want us back together," Starlight utters softly.
"Yeah, so would Maggie and Balzac," Tina adds, which causes both Blade and Starlight nod in agreement.
"So, you'll rejoin us?" Blade asks quietly, "You'll become a Space Knight again?"
"What makes you think I wouldn't?" Tina inquires, with a slight smile on her face, "And miss out on all the fun. I wouldn't dream of missing a second chance."
"Now, all there is now, is to find the rest of our new generation," Starlight comments in soft tone, "Then, we'll be whole again. It was what Mac wanted the most.
"Let's go find them," Tina speaks in an assertive tone, looking up at her two old friends, "Let's fulfill Mac's final wish."
"Right," Starlight and Blade answer at the same time.
The rain pours softer as the three remaining first generation Space Knights band together once again for a common cause. The younger tekkamen look at the three in silence as the vow to find those lost is made. A vow to bring about a new order of Space Knights, and renew the passionate fight that all their friends have died for and left behind. And a vow, to have the old and the new generation as one.
******************************************
There are always two choices, two paths to take. One is easy. And its only reward is that it's easy.
-Unknown
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