Chapter 9: Mobotropolis Under Siege
Master Link showed up from the south, walking alone toward the city. Caleb took notice and smirked. "Finally decided to show up..." he said. "I was starting to think you'd never show up here!"
Stopping in front of Caleb, Master Link glared at him. "I have come here to give you one last warning: get out of this city, or all hell will break loose!"
Caleb shook his head. "You do not scare me with your empty words! Even if you destroy a thousand Outcasts, ten thousand will take their place. You should give up and join our ranks while there is still time for you!"
Master Link narrowed his eyes and shook his head. "I will never turn to your side, and I made a promise to fight every last one of you as long as I have a breath in my body!"
The Outcasts burst into laugher. "I don't get it." Caleb said. "Have you come to fight...or are you a messenger?" he taunted.
Master Link's temper started rising. "This is your final warning. Will you draw back from Mobotropolis?"
Caleb smiled. "Of course not!"
Master Link closed his eyes and sighed. "Then...there is no other way."
Behind Master Link, the Zephyrus and the Omnirus appeared, firing their cannons at them, striking on either sides of Caleb, who groaned in pain and fell on his knee. Master Link kicked him in the face, knocking him back.
Thunder clapped above, and lightning split through the heavens and the earth. The clouds started to rain heavily.
Caleb kicked Master Link back and jumped back on his feet, frowning. The cannons fired again, killing off several Outcasts with every strike.
Aboard the Zephyrus, Vampire Master Link looked down at the battlefield, his face completely void of any emotions. Oz stood a short distance behind him, watching as the water triggered his transformation, turning him into a Saiyan as it always had since he'd fallen into the Cursed Springs.
Caleb smiled. "You've got guts coming here..." he said. "But you still cannot beat me! Show him the prisoners!"
Immediately the Outcasts pushed several prisoners forward, including Knuckles and many other Mobians and humans he didn't know.
Caleb smiled. "If you do not retreat this instant...I shall slay them all!"
Master Link looked at them, and saw the desperate looks on their faces. Silently wishing he would either back off or attack. Either way, Master Link knew he had to act quickly.
"Well?" Caleb demanded.
Master Link closed his eyes. "Let them go..."
"Ten seconds! Walk away or they die!" Caleb boomed.
Master Link nodded.
On the Zephyrus, Vampire Master Link stared down at them. "What the hell is going on?!"
Anthony Bault looked. "What is he onto this time?" he asked, and teleported to the Omnirus.
Deadly Warrior shrugged. "He knows what he's doing..."
Anthony shook his head, and teleported in for a closer look.
Master Link stared at Caleb, trying to come up with a plan when he heard Anthony speak to him telepathically. "What are you up to?"
"He's got prisoners...I can't attack him as long as he's got them!"
Anthony appeared beside him, looking straight at Caleb.
Caleb laughed. "You've finally decided to show up..."
"Release them..." Anthony said.
"How about not?" Caleb smiled. "Not that you'd be able to do anything about it!"
Master Link sneered behind Anthony, staring at Caleb with disgust.
Caleb chuckled. "You shall all die...just like that foolish Poseidonian girl you had, Link!"
An aura exploded around Master Link as he went Super Saiyan. "Why, you..." he charged at Caleb, slamming into his gut, and throwing him back.
Anthony Bault activated his Gamemaster armor and fired a ki wave that paralyzed the Outcasts holding the prisoners, then drew his sword and faced the other Outcasts. Immediately they were on him, pushing him backwards with massive force.
The Zephyrus and the Omnirus started firing everything they got at the Outcast horde.
Vampire Master Link jumped off the Zephyrus with Oz, and landed on the ground with great power, sending cracks in every direction. He got up and quickly blasted his ki at the Outcasts who were right on him. Oz spread her wings and rose off the ground, grabbing Vampire Master Link's waist by her legs and pulling him off the ground as well.
"Take me straight ahead!" VML shouted, firing at the Outcasts. A fiery arrow tore through Oz's wing, sending both VML and her slamming onto the ground. Immediately the Outcasts were all over them, crushing them.
A sudden glow surrounded the two, and blasted the Outcasts away, tearing them apart. Deadly Warrior glared. "You are not hogging all the fun to yourselves!"
VML shook his head. "There's plenty left for everyone."
A huge explosion shook the ground underneath their feet. Several forms appeared lead by Omega, blasting immense beams of energy at everybody.
"Hello..." Omega said, landing in front of Vampire Master Link. "I got the Old Council to join us. I also contacted the Rift Hunters, but they seem to have quiet a lot on their hands already, fighting their own battles against the Outcasts."
"Well I'm glad they didn't kill you..." said VML. "Still, that wouldn't make much of a difference if you don't stop talking and start fighting!"
Omega nodded and drew two blaster, aiming and firing at the oncoming Outcasts.
Gamemaster Anthony Bault felt like he was being torn apart and crushed at the same time as the Outcasts continued charging forward, with him trapped among them and getting beaten up from every side. He shouted in agony, and tried to concentrate for a second, which would be enough for him to teleport the hell out of this mass of Outcasts.
Master Link crashed through the walls into the Royal palace, and Caleb followed, grinning. "Had enough?"
Master Link shook his head and wiped the blood from his face. "I haven't even started!"
Caleb charged at Master Link, sending him all the way through the corridor, then charged at him, hitting him with awesome force in the gut. Master Link spat some blood. Caleb laughed. "Pathetic little human...that is all you are in the end. A mere human who decided to be a hero and save the world." He twisted his fist, which was still on Master Link's gut. ML screamed in pain. Caleb started punching him with his other hand, sending him through the wall behind him.
Master Link fell within the throne room, which was dark, gloomy and completely trashed. He was breathing with difficulty and bleeding all over. Caleb stood over him, slamming a foot down on his shoulder and pinning him onto the ground. "It's over, Link..." he said. "You should realize that by now."
Caleb twisted his leg, crushing the shoulder. Master Link cried in agony.
Caleb smirked. "If you beg now...I might make your death a swift one...unlike her death!"
Master Link felt his rage build up rapidly. He closed his eyes and grabbed Caleb's leg, twisting it and throwing him off. He got up, his aura brightening and growing. "Do not even mention her again!"
Caleb laughed. "Oh, I hit a soft spot, didn't I?"
Master Link shouted, and his aura flared. Caleb just watched. "Is this all you got? Leveling up?"
Master Link, now Super Saiyan level 2, smiled and stared at Caleb. "I've got a lot more..." he started glowing and stepped toward Caleb, who stepped forward as well. "Give me your best shot, human!"
Master Link fired a golden beam of energy at him, sending him crashing through the wall.
The Outcasts attacking Anthony looked up at Caleb, who slammed into one of the Palace towers, destroying it. Anthony gasped, unable to believe that they stopped. He struggled away from their grip, and concentrated, teleporting onto the Zephyrus and collapsing.
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FINAL BATTLE PART ONE: SUPER SAIYAN MASTER LINK VS. CALEB
Battlefield: Mobian Royal Palace
Song: The Kinslayer by Nightwish
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
Master Link stood on top of a tower within the Royal Palace and stared at Caleb standing on top of another tower. He smirked and uncrossed his arms, then took off, charging at Caleb. Caleb charged at him right away.
They collided over the palace, and Caleb knocked Master Link down through the dome. "GAH!"
Master Link slammed onto the floor, sending great turmoil throughout the palace.
Caleb crashed down on top of Master Link, knocking him down several floors.
Master Link groaned in pain but managed to throw Caleb through the wall. He followed and smirked. "Caleb...it seems your time is over!" he grabbed him with his good hand and threw him upwards through the ceiling.
Caleb flew back on top of a tower and breathed deeply. "You shall never be one to take me down!"
Master Link fired a huge blast at the tower, destroying it.
On board the Zephyrus, Piccolo sat Anthony up. "Take this..." he said, holding a Senzu Bean in front of his mouth. "It'll make you feel better!"
Anthony ate it, and felt himself regain his strength. He stood up and looked at the Mobian Royal Palace, which was being destroyed bit by bit. "WHAT?!" he shouted, and took off the Zephyrus, heading straight toward the battle.
Caleb appeared behind Master Link, and grabbed his crushed shoulder with his hand tightly, ripping the shattered bones out. Master Link shouted in agony.
Deadly Warrior narrowed his eyes and gathered energy, then fired it at Caleb.
Caleb threw Master Link straight at the ki energy, which exploded upon impact. Master Link fell into the Mobian palace like a rag doll.
Master Link landed on the ground, and heard Mazada's voice in his head. "ML..."
He sighed. "It's hopeless to fight his like this..."
Mazada growled. "I have a plan. All I need is your concentration for a few moments..."
Vampire Master Link glared. "This can't be!" he shouted, and jumped toward Caleb, followed by Oz. "Gilder, give me as much firepower as the Zephyrus can possibly have!" he shouted behind him.
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FINAL BATTLE PART TWO: SKY FIGHTERS ALLIANCE AND HEROES OF ARCADIA VS. CALEB
Battlefield: Mobian Royal Palace Ruins
Song: End of All Hope by Nightwish
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
Anthony Bault fired a wave of psionic energy at Caleb, knocking him back. Deadly Warrior flew over Caleb and fired some raw energy at him, knocking him down toward the Outcasts, who were being annihilated by the Old Council.
Omega stared up and fired his cannon at Caleb, knocking him back upwards straight to VML, who fired an energy beam at Caleb and stared at the two flying ships.
Suddenly Caleb reached up and grabbed VML's throat, and tightened his grip on it. Oz jumped on his head and sank her claws down into his skull. "Let him go!"
Caleb arched and grabbed Oz off his head, and slammed her onto the ground. Staring at VML he smirked. "You care for this one as well..."
He raised his foot and went crashing down toward Oz. VML shouted and stormed after him. Caleb swung his arm at him, knocking him away and speeding downwards straight at Oz, who cowered on the ground.
A hand grabbed Caleb from behind and pulled him back with incredible force, then turned him around. "You are NOT touching anybody else!" Mazada shouted, and punched Caleb in the jaw.
VML breathed out and looked at the Zephyrus, contacting its crew telepathically. "NOW!"
On the Zephyrus, Gilder turned the ship sideways, revealing the cannons.
"MOONSTONE CANNON!"
"DRAGON CANNON!"
"JUSENKYO CANNON!"
"MASTER CANNON!"
In unison everybody shouted. "FIRE!!!"
The Omnirus fired their cannons at the same time, aimed at Caleb.
VML dived down and grabbed Oz, then moved away. "Everybody, leave this place NOW!"
Mazada held Caleb firmly in the way of the cannons.
"You fool!" Caleb shouted. "You shall die with me!"
Mazada smirked. "No, I won't..."
Caleb was hit straight on, and shouted as the energy from the explosions pushed both him and Mazada back through the palace, tearing it apart as they went.
Master Link sat up weakly, wincing from his shoulder. He managed to get on his feet and turned around just in time to see the energy closing in on him. He closed his eyes and sighed, feeling the heat from the energy increasing. He opened his eyes to find himself surrounded with light.
"So this is what dying feels like..." his voice echoed around him.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
Over the ruins of the palace, Anthony Bault stared down in disbelief. "Mobotropolis..."
VML appeared beside him, holding Oz in his arms. He watched the beam of energy sweep across the city, wiping everything in its path and making its way onto the horizon, where it exploded, showering everybody with bright light.
"Merry fuckin' Christmas!" he shouted at it.
Oz opened her eyes and looked at him. "What happened?"
He smiled. "It's over..." he said. "Let's return home..."
"Home?!" Deadly Warrior protested.
"Yes...I have found a home elsewhere..." VML replied. "I'm sorry, guys. That is where I belong now."
"Can you put me down now?" Oz asked.
VML put her down and looked at Omega, who blinked. "Need help with the portals?"
"Please..."
Clicking several buttons on a device, Omega opened a portal. "I wish you didn't have to leave..."
VML put a hand on his shoulder and smiled, then walked into the portal, holding Oz's hand.
Mobotropolis, although in ruins, has been freed of the Outcasts. This, they knew, was the first step toward drawing the Outcasts back where they belong.
Master Link showed up from the south, walking alone toward the city. Caleb took notice and smirked. "Finally decided to show up..." he said. "I was starting to think you'd never show up here!"
Stopping in front of Caleb, Master Link glared at him. "I have come here to give you one last warning: get out of this city, or all hell will break loose!"
Caleb shook his head. "You do not scare me with your empty words! Even if you destroy a thousand Outcasts, ten thousand will take their place. You should give up and join our ranks while there is still time for you!"
Master Link narrowed his eyes and shook his head. "I will never turn to your side, and I made a promise to fight every last one of you as long as I have a breath in my body!"
The Outcasts burst into laugher. "I don't get it." Caleb said. "Have you come to fight...or are you a messenger?" he taunted.
Master Link's temper started rising. "This is your final warning. Will you draw back from Mobotropolis?"
Caleb smiled. "Of course not!"
Master Link closed his eyes and sighed. "Then...there is no other way."
Behind Master Link, the Zephyrus and the Omnirus appeared, firing their cannons at them, striking on either sides of Caleb, who groaned in pain and fell on his knee. Master Link kicked him in the face, knocking him back.
Thunder clapped above, and lightning split through the heavens and the earth. The clouds started to rain heavily.
Caleb kicked Master Link back and jumped back on his feet, frowning. The cannons fired again, killing off several Outcasts with every strike.
Aboard the Zephyrus, Vampire Master Link looked down at the battlefield, his face completely void of any emotions. Oz stood a short distance behind him, watching as the water triggered his transformation, turning him into a Saiyan as it always had since he'd fallen into the Cursed Springs.
Caleb smiled. "You've got guts coming here..." he said. "But you still cannot beat me! Show him the prisoners!"
Immediately the Outcasts pushed several prisoners forward, including Knuckles and many other Mobians and humans he didn't know.
Caleb smiled. "If you do not retreat this instant...I shall slay them all!"
Master Link looked at them, and saw the desperate looks on their faces. Silently wishing he would either back off or attack. Either way, Master Link knew he had to act quickly.
"Well?" Caleb demanded.
Master Link closed his eyes. "Let them go..."
"Ten seconds! Walk away or they die!" Caleb boomed.
Master Link nodded.
On the Zephyrus, Vampire Master Link stared down at them. "What the hell is going on?!"
Anthony Bault looked. "What is he onto this time?" he asked, and teleported to the Omnirus.
Deadly Warrior shrugged. "He knows what he's doing..."
Anthony shook his head, and teleported in for a closer look.
Master Link stared at Caleb, trying to come up with a plan when he heard Anthony speak to him telepathically. "What are you up to?"
"He's got prisoners...I can't attack him as long as he's got them!"
Anthony appeared beside him, looking straight at Caleb.
Caleb laughed. "You've finally decided to show up..."
"Release them..." Anthony said.
"How about not?" Caleb smiled. "Not that you'd be able to do anything about it!"
Master Link sneered behind Anthony, staring at Caleb with disgust.
Caleb chuckled. "You shall all die...just like that foolish Poseidonian girl you had, Link!"
An aura exploded around Master Link as he went Super Saiyan. "Why, you..." he charged at Caleb, slamming into his gut, and throwing him back.
Anthony Bault activated his Gamemaster armor and fired a ki wave that paralyzed the Outcasts holding the prisoners, then drew his sword and faced the other Outcasts. Immediately they were on him, pushing him backwards with massive force.
The Zephyrus and the Omnirus started firing everything they got at the Outcast horde.
Vampire Master Link jumped off the Zephyrus with Oz, and landed on the ground with great power, sending cracks in every direction. He got up and quickly blasted his ki at the Outcasts who were right on him. Oz spread her wings and rose off the ground, grabbing Vampire Master Link's waist by her legs and pulling him off the ground as well.
"Take me straight ahead!" VML shouted, firing at the Outcasts. A fiery arrow tore through Oz's wing, sending both VML and her slamming onto the ground. Immediately the Outcasts were all over them, crushing them.
A sudden glow surrounded the two, and blasted the Outcasts away, tearing them apart. Deadly Warrior glared. "You are not hogging all the fun to yourselves!"
VML shook his head. "There's plenty left for everyone."
A huge explosion shook the ground underneath their feet. Several forms appeared lead by Omega, blasting immense beams of energy at everybody.
"Hello..." Omega said, landing in front of Vampire Master Link. "I got the Old Council to join us. I also contacted the Rift Hunters, but they seem to have quiet a lot on their hands already, fighting their own battles against the Outcasts."
"Well I'm glad they didn't kill you..." said VML. "Still, that wouldn't make much of a difference if you don't stop talking and start fighting!"
Omega nodded and drew two blaster, aiming and firing at the oncoming Outcasts.
Gamemaster Anthony Bault felt like he was being torn apart and crushed at the same time as the Outcasts continued charging forward, with him trapped among them and getting beaten up from every side. He shouted in agony, and tried to concentrate for a second, which would be enough for him to teleport the hell out of this mass of Outcasts.
Master Link crashed through the walls into the Royal palace, and Caleb followed, grinning. "Had enough?"
Master Link shook his head and wiped the blood from his face. "I haven't even started!"
Caleb charged at Master Link, sending him all the way through the corridor, then charged at him, hitting him with awesome force in the gut. Master Link spat some blood. Caleb laughed. "Pathetic little human...that is all you are in the end. A mere human who decided to be a hero and save the world." He twisted his fist, which was still on Master Link's gut. ML screamed in pain. Caleb started punching him with his other hand, sending him through the wall behind him.
Master Link fell within the throne room, which was dark, gloomy and completely trashed. He was breathing with difficulty and bleeding all over. Caleb stood over him, slamming a foot down on his shoulder and pinning him onto the ground. "It's over, Link..." he said. "You should realize that by now."
Caleb twisted his leg, crushing the shoulder. Master Link cried in agony.
Caleb smirked. "If you beg now...I might make your death a swift one...unlike her death!"
Master Link felt his rage build up rapidly. He closed his eyes and grabbed Caleb's leg, twisting it and throwing him off. He got up, his aura brightening and growing. "Do not even mention her again!"
Caleb laughed. "Oh, I hit a soft spot, didn't I?"
Master Link shouted, and his aura flared. Caleb just watched. "Is this all you got? Leveling up?"
Master Link, now Super Saiyan level 2, smiled and stared at Caleb. "I've got a lot more..." he started glowing and stepped toward Caleb, who stepped forward as well. "Give me your best shot, human!"
Master Link fired a golden beam of energy at him, sending him crashing through the wall.
The Outcasts attacking Anthony looked up at Caleb, who slammed into one of the Palace towers, destroying it. Anthony gasped, unable to believe that they stopped. He struggled away from their grip, and concentrated, teleporting onto the Zephyrus and collapsing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
FINAL BATTLE PART ONE: SUPER SAIYAN MASTER LINK VS. CALEB
Battlefield: Mobian Royal Palace
Song: The Kinslayer by Nightwish
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
Master Link stood on top of a tower within the Royal Palace and stared at Caleb standing on top of another tower. He smirked and uncrossed his arms, then took off, charging at Caleb. Caleb charged at him right away.
They collided over the palace, and Caleb knocked Master Link down through the dome. "GAH!"
Master Link slammed onto the floor, sending great turmoil throughout the palace.
Caleb crashed down on top of Master Link, knocking him down several floors.
Master Link groaned in pain but managed to throw Caleb through the wall. He followed and smirked. "Caleb...it seems your time is over!" he grabbed him with his good hand and threw him upwards through the ceiling.
Caleb flew back on top of a tower and breathed deeply. "You shall never be one to take me down!"
Master Link fired a huge blast at the tower, destroying it.
On board the Zephyrus, Piccolo sat Anthony up. "Take this..." he said, holding a Senzu Bean in front of his mouth. "It'll make you feel better!"
Anthony ate it, and felt himself regain his strength. He stood up and looked at the Mobian Royal Palace, which was being destroyed bit by bit. "WHAT?!" he shouted, and took off the Zephyrus, heading straight toward the battle.
Caleb appeared behind Master Link, and grabbed his crushed shoulder with his hand tightly, ripping the shattered bones out. Master Link shouted in agony.
Deadly Warrior narrowed his eyes and gathered energy, then fired it at Caleb.
Caleb threw Master Link straight at the ki energy, which exploded upon impact. Master Link fell into the Mobian palace like a rag doll.
Master Link landed on the ground, and heard Mazada's voice in his head. "ML..."
He sighed. "It's hopeless to fight his like this..."
Mazada growled. "I have a plan. All I need is your concentration for a few moments..."
Vampire Master Link glared. "This can't be!" he shouted, and jumped toward Caleb, followed by Oz. "Gilder, give me as much firepower as the Zephyrus can possibly have!" he shouted behind him.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
FINAL BATTLE PART TWO: SKY FIGHTERS ALLIANCE AND HEROES OF ARCADIA VS. CALEB
Battlefield: Mobian Royal Palace Ruins
Song: End of All Hope by Nightwish
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
Anthony Bault fired a wave of psionic energy at Caleb, knocking him back. Deadly Warrior flew over Caleb and fired some raw energy at him, knocking him down toward the Outcasts, who were being annihilated by the Old Council.
Omega stared up and fired his cannon at Caleb, knocking him back upwards straight to VML, who fired an energy beam at Caleb and stared at the two flying ships.
Suddenly Caleb reached up and grabbed VML's throat, and tightened his grip on it. Oz jumped on his head and sank her claws down into his skull. "Let him go!"
Caleb arched and grabbed Oz off his head, and slammed her onto the ground. Staring at VML he smirked. "You care for this one as well..."
He raised his foot and went crashing down toward Oz. VML shouted and stormed after him. Caleb swung his arm at him, knocking him away and speeding downwards straight at Oz, who cowered on the ground.
A hand grabbed Caleb from behind and pulled him back with incredible force, then turned him around. "You are NOT touching anybody else!" Mazada shouted, and punched Caleb in the jaw.
VML breathed out and looked at the Zephyrus, contacting its crew telepathically. "NOW!"
On the Zephyrus, Gilder turned the ship sideways, revealing the cannons.
"MOONSTONE CANNON!"
"DRAGON CANNON!"
"JUSENKYO CANNON!"
"MASTER CANNON!"
In unison everybody shouted. "FIRE!!!"
The Omnirus fired their cannons at the same time, aimed at Caleb.
VML dived down and grabbed Oz, then moved away. "Everybody, leave this place NOW!"
Mazada held Caleb firmly in the way of the cannons.
"You fool!" Caleb shouted. "You shall die with me!"
Mazada smirked. "No, I won't..."
Caleb was hit straight on, and shouted as the energy from the explosions pushed both him and Mazada back through the palace, tearing it apart as they went.
Master Link sat up weakly, wincing from his shoulder. He managed to get on his feet and turned around just in time to see the energy closing in on him. He closed his eyes and sighed, feeling the heat from the energy increasing. He opened his eyes to find himself surrounded with light.
"So this is what dying feels like..." his voice echoed around him.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
Over the ruins of the palace, Anthony Bault stared down in disbelief. "Mobotropolis..."
VML appeared beside him, holding Oz in his arms. He watched the beam of energy sweep across the city, wiping everything in its path and making its way onto the horizon, where it exploded, showering everybody with bright light.
"Merry fuckin' Christmas!" he shouted at it.
Oz opened her eyes and looked at him. "What happened?"
He smiled. "It's over..." he said. "Let's return home..."
"Home?!" Deadly Warrior protested.
"Yes...I have found a home elsewhere..." VML replied. "I'm sorry, guys. That is where I belong now."
"Can you put me down now?" Oz asked.
VML put her down and looked at Omega, who blinked. "Need help with the portals?"
"Please..."
Clicking several buttons on a device, Omega opened a portal. "I wish you didn't have to leave..."
VML put a hand on his shoulder and smiled, then walked into the portal, holding Oz's hand.
Mobotropolis, although in ruins, has been freed of the Outcasts. This, they knew, was the first step toward drawing the Outcasts back where they belong.