Part 21.1: Return of the Homies
"Do you think he's still alive?" asked a new, yet familiar voice over Cyrus' unconscious body.
"Who knows?" asked another, more gruff voice. "Then again, I didn't know we'd meet him here either, homie."
"Those voices..." Cyrus thought. "They sound so... familiar..." As Cyrus opened his eyes, the two voices stopped their conversation and turned their attention to the shizznit.
"Dude, he's gettin' up," said the gruff voice.
"Oh man..." When Cyrus regained his focus, and scanned his surroundings. He looked like he was on a rocky mountainside. He continued until he stopped at what was in front of him. He was stunned at what he saw on the two pairs of feet. One pair wore Adidas while the other wore white sneakers with a gold lining. He slowly looked up and examined the figures. The one with a pair of Adidas was a white male wearing a red Fubu sweater, green baggy pants, and a black Joker beanie. The other with white shoes was an Asian male with black eyeglasses, and a blue blazer. He wore a yellow bandanna and baggy red jeans. "Am I trippin'?" Cyrus asked himself.
"You tell us, dog?" The one with the Fubu sweater said.
"This is a strange coincidence," said the boy with the glasses.
"Jack! Lude!" shouted Cyrus.
"Long time, no see," Jack said nonchalantly. "Tight trench coat."
"Where have you been?" Lude asked.
"It's a hella long story, homes," Cyrus said. "I'll tell you, but you won't believe it! Hey wait a minute. How did you guys get here?"
"I'm sure telling of our arrival to this strange area will be lengthy as well."
"Okay then. We'll wait until we join back with the others."
"Others?" Jack said in confusion. "What are you talkin' about, bro?"
"I came here with a few comrades."
"Really?" Lude asked. "You were the only one we saw."
"That's strange," Cyrus said as he folded his arms and turned his head down. Suddenly, a small moan caught his attention. Walking around a rock was Ransack. "Ransack!" shouted Cyrus as he rushed to her aide.
"Well, I see that you're alright," she said with a smirk.
"Who's the hot babe?" Jack asked.
"Her name's Ransack," Cyrus introduced. "She's one of the people that helped me through this."
"I'm Ransack Aries. Call me a hot babe again, and I'll be sure to slit your tongue from your mouth." Jack gulped while Lude chuckled softly. "Who are these guys?"
"My homeboys from my world, Jack and Lude. But we'll talk about that later. So tell me, where's Fayt and everyone else?"
"Follow me." The four walked through the rocky terrain. In a few minutes, they found the rest of Cyrus' party. "Found him."
"Cyrus, glad to see you're okay," Mirage said
"Good to see you, too," Cyrus replied.
"Cyrus, who are they?" Fayt asked.
"Oh. Well, these are my home G's from my dimension. My good friend with the bandana's Lude Kodinjo."
"It's a pleasure."
"The guy with the beanie is Jack Ritz a.k.a. Cracker Jack."
"Hey!" Jack shouted. "It's DJ Jack, baby! Straight up, gangsta I is! All the ladies come over to this. East side, home boy! You best recognize. Master of the element four!" After the rap, Jack crossed his arms. "Do you want mo'?"
As soon as Jack finished rapping, Lude cupped his face with both hands while Cyrus put his hands on his forehead as if he had a migraine. The rest of the group gasped as they had no idea what came out of the kid's mouth. "Why must you start that insipid rambling every time we're introduced?" Lude shouted harshly.
"It's called keepin' it trill, homie. That's how I roll twenty-four-seven. That's also how it gets the chicks."
"Yeah," Cyrus said. "With a couple 5-0s, a porkchopper, the occasional stun gun..."
"It's hard to believe that we're all geniuses at a young age," Lude said. "It's even harder to imagine such a ruffian as Jack to have such an attribute." Lude turned to Fayt and the group. "Please excuse his demeanor. Though he is intelligent, he uses his mouth more than his brain."
"Man, stop gettin' heavy on me, dogs!"
"Okay, OG Loc," Cyrus said.
"I could see how they're his friends, alright," Peppita whispered to Sophia.
"My name is Fayt Leingod. It's nice to meet both of you."
"I'm Sophia Esteed."
"You can call me Ravage Zinfandel. It is a pleasure."
"Albel. You better remember that."
"I'm Peppita Rossetti. It's good to see you."
"My name is Cliff Fittir."
"I'm Sir Roger S. Huxley. I like your style Jack. Perhaps we could be good allies."
Jack shrugged. "I guess that's cool."
"I'm Adray Lasbard. Don't let my age fool you. I'm as powerful as any of you youngsters."
"I'm Ransack Aries. Then again, we've already met now haven't we?"
"The name's Rampage Driftwater."
"I'm Mirage Koas."
"It's nice to meet your acquaintance," Lude said. "Cyrus, can I see you for a second? You too, Jack."
"Sure," Cyrus said as he and Jack went a few feet away.
"Are these who I think they are?"
"That's right, they're from SO3, man."
"That's totally psyched!" Jack inadvertently shouted. The two quickly hushed Jack and continued their conversation. "What?"
"Dude, whatever you do, don't say anything about that," Cyrus said. "From what I have learned, the word 'fictional' don't apply with dimensions. Especially when the factors of time and space are thrown into the mix."
"But wait, shouldn't they be in their world? Why are they here?"
"When we get back over there, I'll tell you. And then you could tell me how you got here yourselves."
"Sounds like a good idea," Lude agreed. After evaluating their next plan of action, the trio went back over to the group.
"What was that about?" Rampage asked.
"Nothin'," Jack said. "Just some catching up. Speakin' of which, why are you guys here?"
"Well, two friends of our friends were taken by some being named Lystara Catalysta," Fayt said.
"And that's not the only reason," Cliff pointed out. "She plans on destroying your dimension and our's too."
"What?" Jack shouted. "You can't be serious!"
"Dead serious."
"No way," Lude said. "So that's why there was a wormhole..."
"You came through one of those?" Cyrus asked
"That's right. It happened not too long after we left school."
"We was ready to get back home, when one of them vortex things popped out in front of us and sucked us up like a chick at McDonalds downin' a milkshake and then sue the next day cause she gained a few pounds," Jack said. "That's how we ended up here."
"So, that wasn't the only rip..." Cyrus said to himself.
"Tell us," Jack said. "How did you meet up wit' these guys? What was it like? Did you see any hot women?"
"You horny bastard," Lude muttered, but loud enough for Jack to here.
"Come on! You want to know that as much as I do."
"Alright," Cyrus said. "I'll tell you all I can." Cyrus told Lude and Jack the entire story. He told him how Master Diogo inscribed the symbols on his arms, how he met the group, and the enemies they faced. He also told them about discovering that the universe was created by 4D beings and he also told them how they stopped the Creator and his Executioners.
"Wow... Man that's straight up 730!"
"Don't need to tell me. I'm the guy that went through all of this, and I still can't believe I'm alive."
"So you say that you can sprout wings, huh? Let's see."
Cyrus stepped back and sprouted his wings. The two were speechless as they stared at the pair of black bat wings decorated with blood red on the bottom. "Believe me now?"
"Do you think?"
"Wait," Lude said. "You said you're up against someone named 'Lystara Catalysta', correct?"
"You know something, maggot?" Albel asked. "Spit it out, and make it quick."
"Watch it skirt boy or I'll make sure that dress isn't the only thing purple," Jack threatened.
"What did you say, fool? You had better watch it."
"I'm the fool, eh? At least I ain't so damn crunk, that I dress like my mamma!" Before the two tried to kill each other, Cyrus and Mirage held them back.
"Break it up!" Cyrus said.
"Now's not the time for such bickering amongst ourselves," Mirage said. The two calmed down and turned their backs to one another. "What was it that you were saying about Lystara, Lude."
"In legend, Lystara was an ancient deity who supposedly ruled over space and time many millennia ago," Lude explained. "It was said that she ruled and destroyed different realms or shape them to her liking and stole the souls of the beings for her private collection and for strength. One day, she discovered a multiverse, a gap that bridges dimensions if you will, powered by a certain tree called Yggdrasil."
"You mean the old north smith?" Jack asked.
"He mean's the old Norse myth!" Cyrus corrected. "The north smith is Yeg Drazil, G. To think, you aced foreign mythology."
"It's a whole lot different when it's written down, man!"
"I've heard of that," Sophia said. "It's supposed to be a large ash tree that connects heaven, earth, and hell."
"So you're saying that we're in this multiverse, fool?" Albel said.
"Correct," Lude complied. "Anyway, Lystara knew that with the tree of life's power, she would gain insurmountable abilities, capture an infinite number of souls and destroy a countless array of dimensions. With such power at her command, she would've been the strongest entity in existence. Making even gods quiver."
"Diabolical," Ravage said.
"However, her plans were stopped when a group of heroes defeated her and sealed her away in a time-space for all eternity."
"Until now," Cliff said. "Looks like she's back and digging up past plans."
"But where do we go?" Adray asked. "How are we supposed to find this Yggdrasil?"
"According to the legends, Yggdrassil is at the base of a large citadel. Jack and I were just there before you arrived."
"You mean you've seen it?" Cyrus asked.
"No, we haven't," Jack said. "But we do know it's somewhere in the city."
"Do you think Nel and Maria are there?" Rampage asked.
"I'm pretty sure they are," Cyrus said. "Can you tell us where it is?"
"Hells yeah!" Jack said. "And from what's goin' on, you need all the help you can get!"
"Wait, you're not saying that–?" Fayt was interrupted by an enthusiastic Jack
"You know it! I'm gettin' amped just thinkin' about it!"
"Are you serious?" Peppita asked.
"As Jack said, 'hells yeah'," Lude replied.
"But it's dangerous!" Ravage said. "There's a high probability of you guys getting killed!"
"So what?" Jack said. "You're facin' the same odds, too. The difference is, we know the place inside-out. How else could we be here for this long?"
"For once, Jack's using common sense to make good points besides on his school work," Cyrus said.
"I never thought I'd see the day," Lude said. "But he's right, nonetheless."
"Plus if you haven't forgotten, we're kick-ass fighters ourselves," Jack replied.
"And like you said Cyrus, we're the three musketeers– well shizznits at the time. If one of us go, all of us go."
"Do you think it's a good idea?" Fayt asked Cyrus.
Cyrus thought about it for a second. "Welcome to the club, home G's."
"Alright!" Jack shouted. "That's what I'm talkin' about! Love for yo' homies, OGC"
"We will not let you down," Lude said.
"So you were talking about knowing where Lystara's citadel was?" Rampage asked. "Show us."
"Anythin' for someone as hot as yourself," Jack said in a flirting voice. The group followed Jack and Lude as they went down the mountain trail and heading south to the citadel.
Author's Note 1: A powerful enemy will return to challenge the group. This time, however, he'll be bringing back reinforcements. Will the gang be able to triumph over this opponent and his army? Or will they fall at the hands of his superior numbers? Warning: Major Crossover Alert!
Part 21.2: Mechanical Militia
The team had left the mountain range and ended up on a barren wasteland. With the tall mountains out of the way, the sky was much more visible. There were many different colored stars that dotted the atmosphere of dark purple colors. They continued their trek until they were stopped by a large mass that appeared in front of them. "What the–?" Jack said.
"Was this here before?" Mirage asked.
"No," Lude replied. "The last time we were here, the area was devoid of any obstacles."
"Look closer, maggots," Albel snorted. "Those aren't just any obstacles."
The group looked closer at the so called "obstacles" to learn they weren't just any obstructions. "Holy shizznit!" Cyrus and Jack shouted in unison.
"Those things look like battle mechs," Roger said.
"Not just any mechs," Jack said. "Them be droids. And they're blocking the path"
"Droids?" Mirage asked.
"Yeah," Cyrus complied. "The skinny ones are your regular Battle Droids. They're armed with small arms to large rifles. The ones that look like Cliff are Super Battle Droids. Not only are they stronger, but they're more aggressive and they shoot from twin blasters on their arms."
"Hey!" retorted the male Klausian.
"Well you know it's true," Jack said. "There is a strong resemblance."
"And that's not all," Lude continue. "Those are the easy ones because the Battle Droids need to function by an operation post. The Supers are sluggish and can be easily taken out. The dangerous models are the insect-like Droidekas and the human-like IG-100 MagnaGuards. Droidekas, or Destroyers, are able to curl into strong wheels that allow for quick access to areas. Their arsenals are strong shield generators that make them almost impervious to laser fire, and twin blasters attached to each arm that allow for rapid shots. The IG-100 MagnaGuards are short-range melee fighters that wield electro-staffs with skill. Even if they're decapitated, the body will still attack the target thanks to a processor in the chest."
"Hold up," Jack said. "What are all these bots doin' here anyway?"
"I have no idea," Adray said.
"Look there!" a Battle Droid said.
"Targets in sight!" said a Super Battle Droid. "Commence with capture operation!"
"Roger, Roger!" the fleet of robots said.
"Well that answered our question," Ransack said.
"So what do we do now?" Peppita asked. "We're seriously outnumbered."
"We can't fight that many enemy units," Ravage said.
"We have to," Lude said. "If we're going to save your friends, we need to fight off this army."
"Alright, let's do it!" Jack said. Cyrus pulled out his light saber and Abysmal Offender while Jack wore black sunglasses and drew two large pistols. Cyrus turned his MP3 Player to "Children's Story" by Slick Rick as Lude pulled up his sleeves and the trio joined the group in battle. "Time to bust a cap on these droids wit' Mr. and Mrs. Pump!" Jack said before a loud laugh as he followed Cyrus, Ransack and Peppita. Jack shot at the up coming droids, penetrating through the armor with special energy bullets. He attacked with a powerful move known as Led Tornado. He jumped in the air and spun while shooting the units with his pistols. When he finished, the Jack was surrounded by malfunctioned droids that fell down after a second. He smiled before nearly missing a shot by a Super Battle Droid. He jumped back and while in the air, shot the massive robot square in the head. Cyrus was surrounded by two MagnaGuards. The one on his left spun its large staff while the one on the right tried to trip him with a sweep from his lance. Cyrus dodged the attack and went for a strike with the Abysmal Offender, but the enemy blocked and the other was ready to pummel Cyrus with an overhand hit. Thanks to the wavy blade, Cyrus pushed the Abysmal Offender forward by hooking the blocking MagnaGuard's staff with the bent part of the blade. Quickly ducking, the attacking MagnaGuard swiped at the other's head hard enough to decapitate it clean off. Cyrus flipped back a few feet and used Shadow Slash. Like a speeding comet, the dark shizznit was able to slice through the two enemies. Then he was receiving fire by a few Battle Droids from a distance. He blocked the laser shots with his light saber, bouncing them back at the robots. Peppita was surrounded by a mob of Battle Droids and Super Battle Droids. Before they could shoot, Peppita forced them back with Dream Hammer. A large mallet appeared in her hands and she smashed the mechanized soldiers with powerful swings of her weapon. Once it disappeared, there was nothing but a mess of smashed limbs, guns, and other assorted parts. She was then fired upon by a number of Droidekas. The Velbaysian cartwheeled and jumped as she dodged the shots. Luckily, she was able get close to the units and attack with her Faerie Friend. A large, bear-like stuffed animal popped up in front of Peppita. The droids were confused. Peppita attacked with punches and kicks that were mimicked by the beast. In the end, the Droidekas were destroyed. Ransack faced a group Super Battle Droids that were firing at her. She rushed to the troop of robots and attacked with Shredding Soiree. Ransack slashed through the squad viciously, slicing through the thick armor plating and ripping off the vital parts. As soon as she destroyed the foes, she was attacked by a towering MagnaGuard. As the robot struck with his staff, Ransack was blocking the weapon with her Tri-Edges. The Guard swung from the side but Ransack dodged. The automaton was about to jab, but Ransack grabbed the weapon and shoved the opponent back. She was ready to slash, but the upper body of the MagnaGuard turned 180 degrees and block. Ransack then used Torment Stream. She slashed at the IG 100 model at relentless speed until the staff broke. With a quick downward slash, the robot was finished off and the battle was over as everyone else had also defeated the robot army.
"Well," Peppita said. "That wasn't so hard."
"Of course not," Cyrus said sarcastically. "We only destroyed a fleet of robots."
"That was hella fun!" Jack yelled enthusiastically. "I was all like 'you want some, bitch' and then the Battle Droid was all 'bring it on' and then I was surrounded by a whole bunch of 'em. That's when I started usin' my heat, right. Then they be all like shootin' at me, but then I be all like 'oh no you isn't'. Then I be like spinnin' all over the place while gattin' them, right. Next you know, they be all like 'Ahhhhh' and 'oooohhhhh' and then 'bleep bleep bang'! Then I land on my feet be all like 'man that was too easy'." Jack said as he brushed his shoulders. Half of the group were trying to piece together all that Jack was saying. The other half still couldn't believe that he was a genius, including Lude.
"Yeah..." Rampage said. "I'm sure you were... Whatever the hell you just said..."
"What did he say?" Sophia whispered to Cyrus.
"He does this every time he faces large numbers. It's nothin' really."
"But I wonder..." Lude said.
"What's wrong, Lude?" Ravage asked.
"Well, it's a little suspicious. Those droids said they were here to capture us. And you don't really see MagnaGuards on that many battlefields."
"Yeah..." Jack said. "Only one guy can has that type of bot..."
"Grievous..." Cyrus said.
"You mean General Grievous?" Fayt asked.
"How do you know?" Jack questioned.
"Because we faced him before on Elicoor II."
"He was really strong," Adray said. "It took all of us to take him down."
"I thought we saw the last of him," Cyrus said.
"I guess you thought wrong, worm," Albel said. "How about we pay him a little visit."
"And how do we do that?" Jack asked. "We don't even know where he is."
"I think I know," Peppita said standing on a hill. She appeared to be focused on something in another direction.
"What do you mean?" Fayt asked.
Peppita giggled. "Just look that way," she said as she pointed ahead of her. The group turned their attention to the given direction and saw a large ship docked on the ground.
"Nice work, Pep," Cyrus said.
"Is that a flagship?" Cliff asked.
"It's a Trade Federation Cruiser," Lude said.
"And not just any cruiser," Jack said. "That's Grievous'."
"The Invisible Hand," Cyrus said. "It has to be."
"Alright," Fayt said. "Let's go and stop Grievous." The group nodded and ran to the ship. The entrance was blocked by a Droideka and two MagnaGuards, but they were no match against the group.
"Okay, we're in," Jack said. "Now all we need to do is go through the hall, ride up an elevator, through another hall, and we'll be at the control room."
"Oh yeah," Sophia said. "That's sounds real simple."
"How do you guys know this stuff anyway?" Cliff asked.
"Um... Shizznit intuition?" Cyrus said.
"Yeah..." Lude replied. "We just have a... knack for this stuff."
"It doesn't matter about how they know," Mirage said. "What matters is if they know what they're doing."
"Yeah, but still..." Cliff said.
"Don't worry, dog," Jack replied with a smile. "We know exactly what we're doing." Jack then turned to Cyrus and Lude with a straight face and said, "I have no idea what we're doing..."
"What do you mean?" Lude replied worryingly.
"I mean I have no idea where the elevator is."
"Crap..." Cyrus said. "Wait, I remember. There's an elevator in the hangar bay. If we could get to the other side of the ship, we might be able to get to Dooku's chamber."
"Why would we want to go to Dooku's pad?"
"Because that room is the ship's radio communications tower," Lude said. "If we're going to find the deck, we need to take the highest ground possible. Plus, if it's able to spread propaganda up there, then it's bound to have a map."
"Well in that case, why not?"
Suddenly, loud mechanical movement was heard. "What was that?" Adray asked. "Are more of those mech soldiers coming?"
"No, the door–!" Rampage said. Before anyone could turn around, the ramp closed. As bad as that was, the group could feel the tremors intensifying before they stopped as mysteriously as they started.
"What the hell was that?" Albel hissed.
"It looks like the ship is now airborne," Ravage said.
"This stinks," Roger said. "Do you think they know we're on board?"
"I don't know," Cyrus said. "But I ain't stayin' here to find out."
"This is so kick-ass!" Jack said. "I'm actually flyin' in the Invisible Hand!"
"This is not 'kick-ass'!" Lude replied. "If anything, this is very non-kick-ass!"
"Where do we go first?" Fayt asked.
Lude sighed. "There's been a change in plans. We'll go to the radio tower. Up there, we should be able to get to the deck."
"Let's go," Cyrus said. The band ran through the halls and passageways as they infiltrated the invisible hand. As they raced through the floor, they faced countless droids and security devices that was in their way. In about an hour, they arrived at the enormous shuttle bay that was filled with all kinds of ships and ground vehicles. All Cyrus could say was a lengthened, "Crap..."
"Isn't this something," Cliff said. "Do all of these belong to the droids?"
"Yep," Lude said.
"From AATs to MMTs," Jack said. "From Spiders to Hailfires. From Starfighters to Strikebombers, they got 'em all. Especially that elevator over there."
"Where?" Roger asked. Jack pointed to the wall on the far right. There was an elevator on the far right wall. Unfortunately, two Super Battle Droids were guarding it. They moved close to the right corner behind concealed boxes.
"Damn Supers!" Jack hissed as he clenched his fist that shook violently.
"What's the big deal, maggots?" Albel asked. "Let's just go over there and turn them into slag."
"Because this floor is filled with droids all over the place," Cyrus said. "If we start screwin' around like that, the security alarms will start blaring. But you're right. We need to get to that elevator."
"We need a distraction," Mirage said.
"But how?" Roger said. "What are we going to use for something like that?" The group turned to Roger and smiled. Roger smiled back nervously.
"I'm sure we can figure something out," Ransack said smoothly.
More shivers were sent down the little Menodix's spine. "I'm not going to like this." After a few minutes of "planning", the group was able to subdue Roger on tie him to a metal pole. "Man, why am I always the diversion?" shouted Roger.
"Easy," Albel sneered. "Because you're the annoying mutant that doesn't shut up."
"Than why don't we tie you to the pole?"
"Because he's too big and heavy," Mirage said.
"Watch it, wench."
"So, you said you can really copy voices, Ravage?" Fayt asked.
"Yes I can. I received first prize for vocal mimicry at the university."
"How come you never told us that?" Rampage questioned.
"You never asked."
"Alright," Lude said. "Roger has 'modestly' participated in being the lure for Jack to wave. Ravage will imitate a plea of a battle droid to bring the Super's to investigate. Once they arrive, Albel and Cyrus will hop them–"
"Jump 'em," Cyrus corrected.
"Right, jump them. Once that's accomplished, Peppita will make her way to the elevator's controls and press the button. Once she give us the signal, then we'll be off this floor and in the communication's room."
"Are you sure this will work?" Fayt asked.
"Fayt, Lude's plans never fail," Cyrus said.
"Ravage, if you may," Lude said.
"Gladly." She inhaled and exhaled and tested her voice. On the fourth try, she sounded like a droid perfectly. "Come back here organic." The guard droids' attention turned to a plate that was wheeled from the boxes.
After the plate fell flat on the ground, Roger was waved up and down by Jack. "Get me off this thing!" Roger said in fear.
"Hey you!" one of the droids said. When the Super Battle Droids were in range, Jack raised the Menodix up. The robot guards were then pulled over by Cyrus and Albel and destroyed. Peppita hurried to the elevator and hit the button with her cape. She quickly retreated to a nearby chest and waited for the elevator door to open while surveying the area. Once it did, the Velbaysian saw that none of the droids in the nearby area were paying any attention. She spun her cape around as the signal and the other thirteen members hurried to the elevator with Roger still carried like a shish kebob by Jack. However, Roger was too high and bumped his head on the wall. Jack saw his mistake and lowered the Menodix down and untied him in the chamber, to discover that he was dazed.
"That was fun," Peppita said.
"Alright then," Cyrus said. "Going up." Cyrus pressed the button to the top floor, where Dooku's lair was. It was a long transport and the room was quiet. Jack broke the silence by whistling the first notes of the Law & Order theme. Cyrus snapped his fingers to the beat and Lude joined in with his harmonica. Roger also participated as he sat down and drummed on his hat. Everyone liked the rhythm of the music, except for Albel who stood against the corner in a stoic fashion. When the elevator reached its destination, the group walked out and the door closed behind them.
They carefully walked to the middle of the room and were quite fascinated. "For an enemy base of operations, this room shows some hospitality," Cliff said.
"Yeah," Rampage said. "Nice view, great places to crash, a young woman tied to the ceiling by a long rope..." The group saw, a body dangling from the ceiling by an electric rope. Fayt cut the wrapped body from the dangling end of the rope. Once on a floor covered in pillows, Cyrus sliced the woman out of the binding cord. Her skin was a tanned green with small dotted marking across her face. She wore a dark cloak and a long sleeved robe. When she opened her blue eyes, the first thing she saw was the red lightsaber of the dark shizznit. Without warning, the woman raised an open hand and threw Cyrus on the other side of the room. He quickly opened his wings and landed safely to the ground. The group was shocked.
"Man, what was that for?" Cyrus yelled.
"I could ask you the same thing, Sith," the woman said.
"Sith?" Fayt asked. "What's that?"
"Um... What's going on?" Sophia asked. "Who is she?"
"She's a Jedi," Jack said. "She must be thinkin' Cyrus and Fayt are Sith members."
"What the hell is a Sith, maggot?" Albel asked. "And explain this Jedi stuff."
"A Jedi is a warrior that wields an energy weapon called a light saber, the same type of weapon that Cyrus uses," Lude explained. "A Sith is the same thing, but different. While Jedi are a peaceful group that believe in coexistence, the Sith are conquerors that use tyrannical influence in forceful ways of persuasion. The other thing that ties both Jedi and Sith together is a power known as the Force."
"The Force?" Cliff asked. "You mean that thing she just did?"
"Exactly. The Force is a psychic ability that many Jedi and Sith have. It is also the energy that all living things in her dimension are made of. In combat Jedi normally use the force to weaken their opponents. Sith, however, use its power to kill an enemy."
"So how come she's attacking Cyrus?" Adray asked. "If what you say is true, shouldn't they be in no danger?"
Lude nodded his head. "Unfortunately, this Jedi is confusing them over a case of mistaken identity. While Jedi lightsabers are blue or green, blue for training Jedi called Padawan and green for Master, a lightsaber from a Sith is red. Also, Jedi tend to amputate their opponent's weapon wielding hand as a sign of honor and respect for life. Sith, on the other hand, are not too shy about murdering the opposition by slicing away at their torso or killing through decapitation."
"So this isn't looking good," Mirage said.
"There is a mistake," Fayt said to the Jedi. "Cyrus and I rescued you. We're not here to hurt you."
"He's right," Cyrus said.
"Oh really?" The Jedi woman said. "Then explain why you called in your droids?"
Cyrus and Fayt, along with the rest of the group, turned their attention to the entrance where the a pack of nineteen Super Battle Droids entered the scene. "Those aren't ours."
"Not even close," Fayt said.
"Damn!" Cliff said before punching his palm.
"It looks like we're caught," Roger said.
"Finally, some action,"Albel said. "Let's see if you weaklings are worth my while."
"Say hello to my little friends, bitches!" Jack shouted at the droids.
"Intruder alert!" said a Super Battle Droid.
"Destroy the Jedi and the other trespassers," said a second.
"Roger, Roger!" complied another.
"So you think you dropped the ball on us?" Cyrus said. "Think again!" Cyrus turned his MP3 Player to "Bat Country" by Avenged Sevenfold. He teamed up with the Jedi Knight against eight Super Battle Droids while everyone else was occupied by the other robots. The enemies launched a barrage of laser fire at the two warriors, but the rounds were blocked by the blue and red lightsabers. The two threw their lightsabers at the foes behind them, slicing the enemy units. Before the weapons returned, Cyrus spun his Abysmal Offender, ricocheting the lasers back at the droids. While the lasers were shot, the Jedi used her Force ability and threw the Supers on the right and left flanks back. More droids entered the room and set their sites on the Jedi and the shizznit. Both combatants ran in different directions of the room. Cyrus swung his lightsaber as he made his way through the wall of enemies as did his ally. When he reached the other side, the droids fell apart. Cyrus then flew up to the ceiling where he met back with the Padawan. Below them the droid soldiers were firing at the two. As the warriors blocked, the Jedi once again used the Force and clearing a space to land. The last batch of droids were destroyed by a certain swordsman's Splicer's Twist. The fight was over. Feeling fatigue, the Jedi woman knelt down. "Is something wrong?"
"It's just... those cables took a lot out of me. I have nothing to recover myself with."
"Hold on." Cyrus used his Healing spell on the warn out warrior.
The symbological skill helped Barriss regain her strength. "What was that? I feel... rejuvenated. But how...?"
"It's called Symbology."
"Symbology...? Never heard of such an art."
"Cyrus!" Sophia called. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm cool. I must say, whoever this is, she can sure fight."
"My name is Barriss Offee, Jedi Knight and healer of Mirial. I apologize for my hasty actions."
Albel huffed. "Whatever worm," he said. Barriss looked at the Glyphian in confusion.
"Is something wrong?"
"Don't mind Albel," Mirage said. "He's always like that."
"Yeah..." Cliff muttered. "A complete ass..." Albel glared at the Klausian and was about to retaliate. That was before Mirage held him back.
"I must say, you are a strange group," Barriss replied. "You fight with such primitive weapons. Your clothes are... unique." She turned to Cyrus. "Though you are different. I have never seen any humanoid with wings. You also look like a Sith, or at least a Dark Jedi, yet I do not sense the presence of the Dark Side. Then again, I cannot sense the Force from any of you. Why is that?"
"It's kinda hard to explain," Fayt said.
"What do you mean?" Roger asked. "What's so hard about saying that we came from another–?" Before Roger could finish, Peppita hit Roger upside the head with her cape.
"Part of the galaxy!" Lude said. "Yeah, we're from a different world located in an uncharted and desolate region of space which is devoid of the Force."
"Is that a fact..." Barriss said. "Again, thank you for rescuing me," she said with a bow.
"Our pleasure," Cliff said.
"So tell us," Ravage said. "Why are you imprisoned here?"
"Well, I was sent on a scouting mission to Mygeeto due to reported sightings of General Grievous. When I arrived, I was accompanied by a squad of Clone Troopers. As the clones engaged the droids in combat, I snuck into the Invisible Hand. When I was on deck, I tried to extract the information from the ship's computer. Unfortunately, I was caught by Grievous. I tried to fight him, but he was highly skilled and there was something different about him. I don't know what it is, but he was stronger than any Jedi I know."
"Don't worry, Barriss," Fayt said. "We'll help you stop Grievous."
"Thank you."
"Do you know how we could get to the Bridge?" Ransack asked.
"I have no idea. I was unconscious when they imprisoned me here."
"Alright, back to plan A," Jack said.
"What do you mean?" Peppita asked. "Wasn't this Plan A?"
"No, that was Plan B," Cliff said. "Plan A was finding the map and getting the hell out of here, right?"
"Straight-diggy," Jack said.
"But wouldn't that be Plan B because we just asked Barriss?" Cyrus asked.
"No because we came here for the map first," Sophia said. "We had no idea Barriss was stuck here."
"But still, this should be Plan A," Barriss said. "I mean it wouldn't make any sense you looked for the map, and then asked me."
"She makes an interesting argument," Lude declared in agreement.
"Forget that, maggots!" Albel screamed. Everyone turned to the frustrated swordsman. "Who cares what plan's what, let's just find the map!"
"Sheesh," Jack exasperated. "Two words, homie. Anger Management." The group searched high and low in the room. The room was bigger than they realized. They looked high, and low (twenty feet high in Cyrus' case), but they found nothing. While they searched, one unarmed droid that survived the chaos was sneaking away. Before it could take another step, a blue lightsaber flew at the robot, decapitating it, and flew back to Barriss' hand.
Roger moved closer to the sizzled remains of the robot. In its hand was a small device. He picked it up and looked at it. "I wonder what this is?" Roger asked as he gave it to Barriss.
Barriss took the item from the Menodix and scanned it with her blue eyes. "This appears to be the ship's holomap," she said. Barriss pressed the buttons from the pad and a hologram of the Invisible Hand's blueprint floated over it. "Okay, we're right here in the communications tower," she said to the group. "The bridge is four levels below our current position."
"There's no doubt that deck will be filled with droids," Mirage said.
"Of course not, fool," Albel sneered. "But don't worry, I'll make sure they don't kill you right away."
"I'll hold you up to that."
"I'm sure you will, maggot."
"What do you suppose Grievous was doing?" Fayt asked Barriss.
"Perhaps there was a deal happening on Mygeeto. Some of the companies have been known to deal with the CIS. I believe it to be something else."
"We shall see," Cyrus said. With the Mirialan Jedi Knight, Barriss Offee, joining their party, the team of fifteen took the elevator four flights down to the passageway. To pass the time, Jack and Cyrus were rapping to "Rockin' the Mic" by Richard Jacques.
The Mirialan was confused by what they were doing. "What are those two doing?"
"They're rapping," Lude said.
"I still don't get why they like this music," Cliff said.
"Tis a shizznit thing. Thy ears hath no boundaries when of 'da hood'." Everyone gave Lude a strange look. "And that's archaic English gone horribly wrong."
"So tell me," Barriss said. "Where are we? Why did you come on this ship?"
"You're not going to believe it, but we're in a different dimension," Sophia said.
"Do you mean that?"
"That's right," Peppita said. "We're here because someone kidnaped our friends. Now we're trying to save them."
"And also because someone is threatening a vast number of worlds," Lude said. "If we don't take action soon, everything and everyone will cease to exist."
Barriss was silent for a second. "Well, this is unbelievable. Not even Master Luminara would believe this."
"Who?" Adray asked.
"My teacher at the Jedi Academy of Coruscant who is from Mirial. She taught me everything I know about the Force and lightsaber combat for as long as I can remember. And even though I'm a knight, that doesn't mean there are things I don't understand. Living without the Force. Crossing to other dimensions. I don't think an event like this could be possible."
"Barriss," Cyrus said. "There's a little tip that was told from my teacher, Master Diogo. It's not what you learn from the teachings of others, the true lessons lie in life itself. That means that there are many things that one believes is unobtainable, but it is what a person has experienced that shapes there own views about such truths. That's somethin' you can't learn at school."
"Your teacher must be wise."
"Yep. And I have a feeling your Master Luminara is also wise and powerful." The group reached their designated floor. When the door opened to the new passageway, there was a number of droids that guarded it. Everyone was still and silent when they saw the slew of Droidekas, Battle Droids, and Super Battle Droids. All except for Jack who wasn't paying attention and still rapping. "Cracker Jack!" Cyrus shouted dryly as soon as he hit his friend.
"What did I do, playa?" Jack yelped. Cyrus pointed to the droids with his hat before putting it back on and his hood. "Oh... Damn!"
"I guess it's time to clear a way through these scum," Albel said as he pulled out his Crimson Scourge.
"Let's do it," Cyrus said as he pulled out both weapons. Lude, Albel, Mirage, and Ravage led the group to battle. Lude and Mirage were delivering powerful kicks and punches to the enemy units. Each blow was so strong, they broke through the armor plating of the Supers, and destroying the cables and wires. Four more Battle Droids came at the young martial artist, but they to were beaten by Lude's attack; Fatal Footwork. He balanced on his left leg and a rally of fast kicks were shot at the droids. Then he alternated his feet and sent a flurry of powerful kicks with his right leg, sending more droids to their demise. Mirage was also being approached by the enemy automatons, but were finished rather quickly by the Klausian's Acrobat Locus. She punched a few of the enemies into the air and kicked rapid with powerful waves. Then she landed hard on the floor and a strong wave of energy destroyed the last of her opponents. Albel was able to cut through the swarm with a strong Air Slash. The shockwave cleared a path through the hall. Then he used Dragon Roar. Six dragon head appeared in front of the Glyphian and destroyed the droids that were in the way. A group of Supers and Battle Droids were beginning to surround him, but they were thrown back and dismantled by a powerful Shockwave Swirl. Ravage was hacking and slashing her way through the mob of enemies. She shredded through the plating like a knife on butter. She destroyed the last remaining soldiers with her Zapmaster's Strike.
"That was enthralling entertainment," Lude replied.
"Okay," Barriss said. "General Grievous should be at the end of the hall. Straight ahead of us there will be a door that leads to the bridge." The group nodded and they went down the hall. There were no other enemies in the vicinity, which was strange to Cyrus. The team stepped into the room, which was filled with droids. Upon entry, the guns of the enemy units were readied.
"This really sucks right here," Jack said.
"Tell me about it," Lude complied in agreement.
"So, I see you have been freed, Jedi scum," a deep voice said. "Fayt and Cyrus, is it? We meet again."
"Show yourself, GG," Cyrus hissed.
"As you wish," the villain's voice said. He arose from his large swivel chair in the center of the room and approached the group. Barriss was right about before when she said the general was different. He was large than before which was because he wasn't suffering from his injury. His armor plating was all black. The lines on his skull mask were white. His yellow eyes were now blood red, darker than both Cyrus' and Albel's. His cloak too was also black. On his arms and legs, Grievous was covered with strange markings. In front of him were two MagnaGuards that were ready to protect the commander.
"Now that's what I call an extreme make over," Lude said.
"It looks like GG embraced his blackness," Jack added.
"So this is the cyborg you guys were talking about?" Mirage asked Cyrus.
"That's right. That be Grievous of Kalee."
"He doesn't look so tough," Albel said.
"It would be wise for you to hold your tongue," Grievous warned the Glyphian.
"I don't take orders from maggots like you. I will destroy you and these walking scrapheaps."
"You are nothing more than scum that I can crush without even trying."
"That's what you think, fool."
"Surrender, Grievous," Barriss said. "It's over!" A sinister chuckle was heard from the ten foot tall commander. "What's so funny, Grievous?"
"You really think you've won?" the general asked. "Pathetic! I have been watching you this entire time. The only reason I spared you up until now Jedi scum, was so I could kill you with these pests."
"I guess you're still sour about the last time," Cliff said.
"Wait... How did you get here?" Fayt asked. "And why do you look differently?"
"You can thank Catalysta," Grievous answered. "She gave me one more chance to finally bury your worthless corpses. Not only did she allow me to use the Invisible hand, but she also offered a few... modifications. Now that you have arrive, I can be rid of you all at the same time."
"Not at the least," Barriss said. In no time at all, Barriss and Cyrus activated their lightsabers and started slicing the droids. The MagnaGuards went into the defensive, but had to contend with Cliff, Mirage, and Lude.
Jack was laughing like a nutcase as he shot his pistols at the enemies. "This is the best field trip I've had in a while!" he replied in glee with a wide smile to match.
Once the battle was over, the floor was covered in oil and droid parts. However, the general was no where in sight. "Where did Grievous crawl off to?" Adray asked. Before anyone knew, a stream of electricity was aimed at one of the windows and popped it.
"That was a Lightning Blast!" Sophia screamed.
"But from what?" Lude said.
Running along the ceiling above them was Grievous who made a dash toward the window.
"Why does he always pick the window?" Cyrus asked himself before approaching the new exit with his wings out.
"Hey!" Barriss exclaimed. "I'm coming too!"
"Wait up!" Fayt said as he pulled out his Divine Avenger. Outside the window, Grievous used his grappling hook that swung him on the roof. Cyrus wasn't too far behind with Fayt grabbing his arms followed by Barriss who used her grappling hook. Sophia ran to the window too, but it was closed by a steel wall. The three met up with Grievous topside. Even though they were in the sky, they felt no gusts, much less a breeze. "You're trapped Grievous!"
"No where to run, no where to hide, GG," Cyrus replied.
"Give yourself up, General," Barriss ordered. "You loose."
"Ha! I'm not finished with you yet, scum!" said a confident Grievous. "But when I am, I will not only reclaim that lightsaber or take away your's Barriss, but I shall be sure to collect those swords as my trophies."
"You can try." General Grievous pushed away his black cape and grabbed four lightsabers, two in each hand. His arms split into four independent limbs and he activated the weapons. For a few minutes, there was a standoff. During that time, Cyrus slowly turned his MP3 Player to "Crazy Robo... Theme of E-101r" from Sonic Adventure. The battle was started when the trio charged at Grievous. Cyrus was in the center keeping the bottom two busy, Barriss was working on the right against his left hand and Fayt was parrying on the left against his right hand. The group slashed and stabbed the cyborg with powerful blows, but the attacks were being countered time and time again. It was clear to Cyrus and Fayt that the cyborg was stronger than the last time they dueled. The three were forced back when Grievous swung his spinning lightsabers while he walked back a few feet. He stopped spinning the bottom pair as he charged up a symbological attack. Barriss rushed in and ready to strike. Just before she could land a hit, General Grievous shocked her with Lightning Blast. Barriss didn't believe it and neither could the other two. "What?" Barriss said in surprise. "How are you able to use the force?"
"I'm not. This is the same power that those two fools over wield."
"Damn..." Fayt said.
"So you wanna play like that?" Cyrus asked. "I'll play with you."
The General gave a low chuckle before he charged at Cyrus. Cyrus sidestepped and slashed the hybrid droid. Grievous then tried to slice at Cyrus with his top pair of arms, but the shizznit backed away just before Barriss hit Grievous with the Force. Fayt, with his Divine Blade activated, engaged Grievous with strong blows. However, he was pushed back by a powerful slash from Grievous. Barriss kept the general busy with parried blows and powerful strikes. She landed a few hits, especially with her use of the Force, but the general was vigilant and most of the attacks were either guarded or missed the target. Fayt was able to inflict damage on Grievous with Dimensional Door. Before the general could block, Fayt had already slashed at the enemy's mid-section. After gathering his dark energy, Cyrus added more injury with a high-powered Shadow Slash. The three surrounded General Grievous and were ready to attack at the same time, The general tossed the top pair of lightsabers and made a handstand. As soon as his legs were off the ground, he caught the weapons with his clawed feet and spun. The trio were pushed away by the attack and damaged by the spinning sabers. When the team recovered, they saw the general still on his hands and ready to attack. He scurried over to Cyrus and struck with the weapons. Cyrus blocked and slashed at the cyborg. Barriss attacked with the force, but General Grievous was able to evade the attack and only crushed the ground where he was. He landed back on his feet and jumped back up. He activated the thrusters on his back and hovered in the air while charging up a symbological attack. Out of their reach at the moment, General Grievous aimed his Laser Beams at Cyrus. Before he could take flight, the attack was already cast and the shizznit was being electrocuted by the strikes. Seeing his weakened target Grievous was ready to swoop in and deliver the final blow. That was until Fayt and Barriss blocked the attack. With their strength, the two were able to shove the cyborg away while Cyrus revitalized his strength with his Healing technique. He joined up with the two once more, slashing and stabbing at the foe. Cyrus brought the airborne foe down with his Water Cyclone Flash. With each hit from his waterspout, the general's thrusters were short-circuiting. He dropped from the air and landed hard on his feet. Fayt was suspended in the air, storing energy for his next attack. The cyborg saw him in this vulnerable position and was ready to attack. He leapt up in the air, ready to strike Fayt down with the lightsaber in his upper-right arm, but Barriss threw him back with the Force. He crashed onto the roof hard. As soon as he looked up, Fayt had sprouted his wings. As a safety precaution, Cyrus flew up in the air with Barriss grabbing on his wrists. When General Grievous rose, Fayt launched his Ethereal Blast. The beam of divine energy shot at the commander. The top of the ship was covered in a powerful wave that made both Cyrus and Barriss stare in awe. When the attack was over, the Grievous stood still for a few seconds before collapsing on the roof. He was reverting back to his original form once he hit the surface and he slowly faded away. "Nice job," Barriss said. "Our work here is done. Let's go back inside and leave this ship." Cyrus and Fayt nodded and followed Barriss back to the deck.
"Fayt!" Sophia squealed in as she rushed over and embraced him.
"Don't worry Sophia," Fayt reassured. "Everything's okay now."
"What was goin' on up there?" Jack asked in an eager voice.
"It be some crazy business I'll never forget," Cyrus answered.
"Where's Grievous?" Ransack asked.
"He disappeared as soon as we finished him off," Fayt said. "I think he's returned to his dimension."
"Barriss, you said you knew a way off the ship?" Cyrus asked.
"That's right." Barriss pulled out the holomap and pressed its buttons. "The escape pods are on the bottom deck."
"Then what are we waiting for, maggots?" Albel hissed. "Let's get off this trash heap." The team left the bridge and traveled to the lower deck. They faced the enemy droids that were in their way, but they robots were of little challenge. They reached the escape pod hangar containing six vessels. Fayt, Sophia, and Cliff took the first. The second was occupied by Peppita, Roger, and Rampage. The third was used by Ransack, Adray, and Jack. The fourth carried Lude and Ravage. The fifth was taken by Albel and Mirage. The last pod was ridden by Barriss and Cyrus. After a few pressed buttons, all of the escape pods were launched and flew to the ground below.
Inside was a small window and the seat surrounded the wall. While Barriss was sitting firmly on the seat, Cyrus sat with his legs up on the chair and staring out the window while listening to "Lousy Reputation" by We Are Scientists. "You're worried about your friends, are you?" Barriss asked with a concerned look.
Cyrus nodded in compliance. "Of course," Cyrus said. "Nel and Maria helped us out of many scrapes. They're also valuable assets to our team. Without them, we wouldn't have gotten this far."
"Such loyalty is rare to find where I'm from. Ever since the war started, former ally planets and species have been destroying and conquering each other. Day after day, more people have been dying. Though I am a healer, I cannot ease the pain."
"I know what you're saying. Not only did I live in a time of war from my original world, but I also fought in one in another dimension. I still do not know why anyone starts war or takes praise for its mass murder. A true warrior fights for self-defense, the innocent, their beliefs and the people they care about. But one who kills for bigoted reasons or simple fame and glory are disgusting, dishonorable, and cowardly."
"Such as the Sith..." The two allies were silent for a few minutes. "I misjudged you before and I once again apologize. I am also indebted to you and your comrades for rescuing me. I will make it up by helping you on your journey."
"Huh?"
"Cyrus, you said that you are fighting to save your comrades and other worlds, correct?"
"That's right."
"You said it yourself 'a true warrior fights for the people they care about'. As a Jedi Knight, my duty is to help those in need of assistance. And since I'm here, I guess I can be of assistance."
"It would be a pleasure, Barriss."
"The pleasure is all mine." The Mirialan and the shizznit were silent as they smiled at one another. In about a few minutes, the escape pods had landed safely on the ground. The doors opened and the group reunited.
"Well, that was some detour," Adray said. "Is everyone here?"
"Present and accounted for," Jack said.
"But does any of us know where we are?" Peppita asked.
"I have a good idea that our path is well on its course," Cyrus said.
"What makes you say that?" Fayt asked.
"Come take a look for yourself." The group stood beside Cyrus and saw a large citadel at the foot of the hill. It looked like a large metropolis, almost the size of New York. Covering the top of the citadel was a see through glass barrier.
"It's so... beautiful," Sophia said in awe. "Is this really the center of the multiverse?"
"That's right," Lude said. "There is a large edifice at the center of this municipality."
"Man, Lude, speak words," Jack replied
"That's what I tell Ravage all the time," Rampage sneered with folded arms.
"True genius is always ignored," Ravage said.
"There's a big building in the middle of the city," Lude clarified.
"I sense a mass of energy," Barriss said. "It must be coming from this city."
"I could feel it, too," Cyrus said. "It must be Yggdrasil."
"It must be in the building," Fayt said.
"Then we have no time to loose," Ransack said.
"Let's do it," Cliff said. The group went down the hill and headed to the citadel. It was only a matter of time before the team could free Maria and Nel and defeat the terror of time and space: Lystara Catalysta.
Author's Note 2: The climatic end. Cyrus and the others are now at the multiverse's citadel. Will the gang rescue Maria and Nel? Can they stop Lystara's plans for dimension domination? Read and find out!
Part 21.3: The Showstopper
The inside of the citadel was more beautiful than it was outside. The streets were clean and were paved in brick. The buildings were also clean and painted white. It was truly a sight to behold. However, what there was one thing that everyone wondered... "Where is everybody?" Barriss asked. "You would think that a place this big would be filled with people."
"Was it like this before?" Cyrus asked.
"Ever since Lude and I first here," Jack said. "Seems all the folks wigged out."
"There may be a possibility that there was no one here," Ravage said.
"What makes you say that?" Sophia asked.
"Look around you. This place has been empty for years. Perhaps the buildings created here are embodiments of other worlds."
"If that's true, then this universe is a third level realm," Lude said. "That is an interpretation of Hugh Everett III's many-worlds interpretation."
"I've heard of that," Fayt said. "Isn't that an extension of Quantum mechanics that recognizes the existence of multiple universes?"
"Correct."
"I don't understand," Peppita said. "What does that mean?"
"That means this universe shows similar features of different worlds but gathered into one, which would also created a certain 'bridge' effect that links these areas of information," Cyrus said. A few members of the group gave blank stares toward the shizznit. "My uncle was a professor from Sac State who taught me quantum physics and theories."
"I'm sure he was, maggot," Albel sneered.
"So Lude, are we almost there?" Ravage asked.
"Our destination is just within our grasp," Lude said as he pointed to a large building in the distance.
"Let's see what it says here in the brochure..." Sophia said.
"Where did you get that?" Barriss asked.
"Oh... over there in that pamphlet holder." Everyone turned and looked behind to see a shelf with brochures.
"Go figure..." Cliff said.
"Anyways, what does it say?" Mirage asked.
"Well according to the map, the building at the center of town is called the Tower of Being. It says that all souls and dimensions start here from the roots and branches of the legendary tree, Yggdrasil."
"So that's where we'll find Maria and Nel," Cyrus said.
"And Lystara as well," Ransack replied dryly.
"Let's be on our guard," Ravage advised. "There's no telling what she'll do." The group nodded and continued their trek through the city streets. As they pressed on, there was still no sign of habitation. As beautiful as their surroundings, Cyrus, along with the rest of the gang, was distraught for his two comrades, and felt a sense of unease seeing that they were in Lystara's playing field.
After an hour of silence, their journey ended when they reached a sign saying "Welcome to the Tower of Being." The group were at awe. It was more like a giant obelisk with windows and a large door than a building. In front of the gate, the bodies of Maria and Nel bonded to large plates. Their arms were spread apart and their legs were tied closely together. Both warriors heads were drooped. In short, they were lifeless vessels. Standing on the ground taking her position in between the two hostages was Lystara. Her angel wings were spread out and the tails of her white trench coat were swaying back by a sudden gale. She had her trademark smug smile as she eyed the group. "Welcome, my opposition," she said. "I'm glad you have arrived. I hope General Grievous didn't give you too much hell."
"Nel! Maria!" Cyrus shouted.
Nel inched her head up and steadily opened her eyes half way. "C-Cyrus..." she said weakly.
"Is... Is it you...?" Maria asked weakly.
Fayt scowled at Lystara with a strong grip on his sword. "Damn you!" the swordsman shouted.
"Why such morose? Just because I threaten your existence, clone your teammate, use powerful enemies from other dimensions, critically wounded a dojo instructor, and abducted your party members doesn't mean you should act like such."
"What you are doing is inexcusable!" Fayt hissed. "You're ruining the lives of an infinite number of people and destroying countless homes! And for what? You make it sound like this is a game!"
"Oh, not at all. Don't you see that what I am doing is for the greater good? My mission is noble. Honestly, I am making the lives of everyone better by cleansing existence of all its... inconsistencies."
"You're not 'helping'," spoke Ransack. "The chaos you created must end!"
"We will not allow you to get away with such crimes," Barriss said.
"The Jedi's threatening me, what should I do," Lystara said sarcastically before cackling loudly at Barriss' statement. Barriss turned on her blue lightsaber. "Right now, I'm not the ones you should be worried about. It's them!" she said pointing to Maria and Nel. "Don't believe me? Here's the proof!" Lystara turned toward the vulnerable and raised her hands. In a short matter of time, a strange aura engulfed them and their shadows ran became long tapering trails ahead of them. Two forms were emerging from both victim's shadows and shaped into identical clones that were tweaked a bit. Maria's copy had long purple hair and a skirt that was white on top and black on the bottom half, appearing like her 4P costume. Nel's duplicate had more in common with the original except her body armor was a rusty brown and black and her hair was pale white, similar to her 3P costume. "I wonder, didn't we go through this kind of thing before?" sneered Lystara. Cyrus gritted his teeth and pulled out the Abysmal Offender. "Of course. How could I forget my dear Stratus. He was one of the best pawns I've had for a while."
"You bitch..." Ransack said with a sharp tongue.
"No time for formalities, I'm afraid. It appears my schedule is quite tight. I must be off. So long my pets." Before she left, Lystara turned her head and said, "One more thing. My clones are using the life force of your comrades. Every second that goes by, your friends become weaker and weaker while my darlings grow stronger. I would get cracking."
"Damn you..." before Cyrus could get close to Lystara, his path was blocked by the Nel replicate's blades. With a low snicker, Lystara headed into the building, leaving the group to contend with the replicates of their former comrades. "Forget it," he thought to himself. "Right now, I need to focus on these two. The more time I waste, the more energy is drained from them!" Cyrus put away his lightsaber and took out the Abysmal Offender.
"Let's do it," Lude said as he pulled up his sleeves.
"We'll get 'em out of this," Adray replied with her wand already drawn.
"Don't worry you two," Cyrus said to Nel and Maria. "Just hang on a little longer." Cyrus turned his MP3 Player to "I Never Told You" by My Chemical Romance and charged into battle with Adray and Lude not too far behind. The clones of Nel and Maria charged at them. Cyrus swung at the imitation Nel, but the clone crouched down and held her blades above her head. She then pushed him forward and tried to deliver a quick slash. Cyrus saw the attack coming and blocked the strike with his sword and pushed her away with his foot. He tried for a cross chop, but the clone jumped up and was ready to slam into him. Before Cyrus could guard, the attack had already struck and inflicted a considerable amount of damage. Then she used her Mirror Slice. She charged at Cyrus with ferociously with powerful slashes, calling upon lightning bolts and fire as she sliced at the shizznit. Though the teenage swordsman blocked some of the strikes, most of the blows hit their target, and they were strong indeed. The attack was enough to throw Cyrus back. Lude and Adray had their own problems with the Maria clone. Lude threw a valley of punches and kicks, but the strikes were either blocked or evaded and only a few hit their target. Adray also tried his best. Even with his legendary swordsmanship and powerful symbology, the copy was strong and quick and was able to throw both combatants off from time to time. The duplicate Maria summoned her Radiation Bots. Four small drones hovered around her. As she kicked the two, the robots swarmed on Lude and Adray while shooting lasers at them. Adray was ready to use a new symbological attack, hoping to turn the tide of battle. Both replicas sensed Adray gathering energy and were ready to counter. Cyrus and Lude rushed to the scene and was ready to stop the two enemies. As a diversion, Lude attacked with Terminal Perforation. Lude punched rapidly, creating a strong wall of fists. Cyrus also joined him by using Blazing Tempest Flare. The fiery tornado didn't land serious damage to the clones, but it was able to hold them back along with the Terminal Perforation. Adray was ready to use his attack known as Southern Cross. Through a large portion of his power, Adray formed a large cross on the ground. At the end of the top three ends created a powerful blasts that delivered strong damage to the copies. During the attack, Cyrus saw a thin string reflect against the light coming from the cloned Nel. It was long and connected the back of the enemy's head to the forehead of the captive original who was showing signs of severe weakness. "That's it!" Cyrus thought to himself. He also saw another thin line on the clone of Maria connected the same way. "Cover me, guys!"
"Affirmative!" Lude complied.
"On my way!" Adray yelped. Adray and Lude charged ahead of Cyrus and met up with the two cloned women. When he reached his companions and the foes, Cyrus leapt up and looked for any reflection from both strings. As soon as he saw them, Cyrus pulled out his lightsaber and slashed at Maria's cord while chopping Nel's with his Abysmal Offender. He landed crouched down with his swords crossed in front of him. The clones were still and silent as soon as he sliced the strings. That was until they collapsed on their knees and engulfed in waves of smoke. As soon as the waves dispersed, the duplicates had disappeared. The binds of the confined Nel and Maria also vanished and the two feel to the ground. Cyrus hurried to their location to check if they were alive.
"Holy shizznit!" Cyrus yelped. "Tell me you two are still living!"
Maria was the first to open her eyes. When they first opened, all she could see was a blurry and dark image. When she opened them again, she saw a clearer image Cyrus. "Cyrus..." she said. "You... You saved us."
"It wasn't me. If the others weren't here... I don't want to think about it."
"Thank you."
"I knew you would save us..." Nel's thin voice said.
"Even if time is of the essence, that won't mean I'll let anything happen to my homies."
"Cyrus..."
The rest of the group rushed over to Nel and Maria. "Are you two alright?" Fayt asked.
"We'll be okay," Maria said as she and Nel rose up.
Then she looked at Barriss, Lude, and Jack in confusion. "Who are they?"
"We're friends of Cyrus," Lude said modestly.
"From a dimension far, far away..." Jack replied. "But forget that. Right now, it's time to bust us a Catalyst!"
"He's right," Barriss agreed. "We need to catch up to Lystara!"
"Do you two think you're up to it?" Cyrus asked Maria and Nel.
"You bet!" Maria complied.
"Let's go!" Nel said. Before Cyrus left, he saw a large gem on the ground were Maria and Nel laid. He picked it up and inspected it. It was a black diamond and he sensed a strange power in it. He placed the stone in his pocket and rejoined his party. When they got to the enormous door, it automatically opened. Without wasting much time, they walked in the complex. The interior of the building was more immense than what was portrayed outside. They walked along a path that lead to a round platform. On the other side of platform was a large, shining tree that was bigger than anything they have seen. In fact, what they saw was the top half of the gigantic plant.
"Is that...?" Jack began to speak.
"This must be Yggdrasil," Mirage replied.
"It must be..." Albel muttered.
"I see that you have survived that ordeal out there," a familiar voice echoed throughout the room.
The party took their battle positions. "Give it up, Lystara!" Ransack shouted. "Stop this insanity! Now!"
"Oh I'll stop... Stop letting you live." As soon as she made that statement, a wild cackle was heard. Appearing in front of them out of nowhere was the seemingly omnipotent foe, Lystara Catalysta. Her blue eyes were glowing and the tails of her coat were violently rustling. As always, she still sported that sick grin of hers. "This is the end of the line my friends. In moments, I shall claim the power of Yggdrasil. My long awaited mission will be complete and there is nothing you can do about it! I will be the undisputed ruler of space and time. I will finally be... A GOD!" As soon as she said that, Lystara cackled so loud, the sound was deafening.
"Never!" Cyrus shouted. "Ever since we met, you have been giving us hell!"
"Not only did you try killing us on a daily basis through whoever, but you also committed heinous and unforgivable acts!" Fayt said.
"Not only did you destroy my universe, but you threatened the life of other realms," Ransack added. "We will not let you get away with that."
"Your reign of terror will come to a close!" Barriss replied. "This ends right here, right now!"
"In deed it will, and I will finally be rid of you insects once and for all! You can't defeat me, and I'll prove it by taking your souls." With that remark, Lystara pulled out her giant scythe and stood hovering a few inches off the ground. Everyone in the group party out their weapons. With "Supreme Ruler of the Nine Heavens" from Baten Kaitos playing in Cyrus' MP3 Player, the group charged at Lystara Catalysta full force. Cliff, Mirage, Peppita and Lude showered her with powerful punches, kicks, and cape swings, but Lystara blocked them with her scythe's handle, then swung it's massive blade. All four fighters were hit and fell hard on the ground. Before she could turn around, she was bombarded by bullet and laser fire from Maria and Jack. They were inflicting damage, but not enough as they seemed to be bouncing off her wings. With lightning speed, Lystara seemingly teleported in front of the gunners and chopped them with a slash from her scythe. The two suffered major damage. Sophia and Adray saw their comrades plight and were ready to aide them with their Fearie Light. Lystara saw them charging energy and was ready to attack. Luckily for the symbologists, Fayt, Cyrus, Barriss and Albel guarded the two spell casters and blocked Lystara's downward stroke. Fayt and Cyrus were able to inflict damage with their Raptor's Revenge and Side Kick, but Lystara evade. She then flew up in the air and increased the length of her scythe. She lowered the blade down to the ground and swung it left to right toward the group. This was her Pendulum Curve and it was injuring the members in the attack's path greatly, including Adray and Sophia. Barriss was able to dodge one of the strikes and use her Saber Throw. The Jedi's lightsaber was hurled at Lystara and made a direct hit. The airborne enemy turned her attention to the Mirialan and wacked her away with her scythe. Jumping toward her was Nel, Ransack, Rampage, Roger ready to strike. Lystara saw the four approaching. She raised her hand and a strong gust of wind blew the team back down to the ground below. "Is that the best you can do?" Lystara sneered to the fallen party. Mirage came up in front of her and inflicted some damage with a few powerful punches and kicks. Lystara countered with a strong blow with her scythe that made Mirage skid to the edge of the platform. Seeing the body almost ready to fall off the side, Albel hurried to the Klausian and grabbed her wrist before she fell to the abyss below. He strained as he tried to lift her, thanks to Lystara's Pendulum Curve. "Pathetic..." Lystara scoffed. She was ready to chop Albel until Cyrus and Nel intercepted her and attacked, using themselves as diversions to drive Lystara away. The foe parried blows against the Sacramento shizznit and the Aquarian spy as they to defended their share, but they proved no match by themselves and were thrown quite a distance from the enemy. Fortunately, Albel was able to pull Mirage back up while the two bought him some time. However, the Glyphian used up his strength while doing that and laid on the floor with Mirage.
"What's going on...?" Ransack asked.
"Our moves... aren't doin' shit...!" Jack said.
"It's not our attacks..." Maria said. "It's our speed..."
"She's right..." Cyrus replied. "Lystara is... using her speed and agility... We're barely... hitting her..."
"Then we need to... slow her... down and use... different attacks." Barriss said.
"The worm has some sense after all...," Albel hissed.
"And how do you suppose... we do that...?" Rampage asked. "Did you see... how she swung that thing...?"
As soon as they got up, Lystara looked at them smugly. "You just don't know when to quit, do you?" she sneered. "How amiable, how persistent." Then she guffawed. "Scratch that. It is absurd and poignant. Admit defeat and hand over your souls quietly."
"Never!" Nel shouted. "We've made it this far because we didn't give in! No matter what the obstacle or enemy, we continued!"
"Not only that, but it was our destiny that we're here!" Cyrus yelled. "It wasn't strength alone that got us to where we are now, we have faith in one another and our path was set."
"And not just that, we're fighting for our lives and everyone else's!" Maria said. "We will not go down that easily and allow you to get away with what you've done!"
"How touching," Lystara said. "You actually think that you can succeed with those silly beliefs and comradery. Unfortunately for you, it will not get you anywhere. Say good bye to your souls and your precious realms."
"Bring... It... On... Bitch!" Cyrus said with squinted eyes that made the red in them darken. The group rushed in to attack attacks. Cyrus and Fayt lead the opposition while Sophia and Adray cast recovery magic on their comrades and attack spells against Lystara. The enemy slashed at the team and defended against their attacks. However, the group seemingly managed to smother her with powerful punches, kicks and slashes. It appeared to be over, until she enlarged her scythe and spun it, generating a powerful miniature tornado around her which forced the group back. When Cyrus rose back up, he saw that Lystara was protected by some kind of barrier. "What now...?" Cyrus asked himself.
"Ha, ha! Bet you didn't expect a Nullspace Energy Shield, did you?"
"Damn it!" Lude spat.
"What's a Nullspace-whatever it is?" Cliff asked.
"A powerful barrier that is able to reform the molecular composition of any object to certain degrees. Only a few factors can penetrate it, and I mean very few."
"Shit..." Maria hissed.
"How do we get through that?" Fayt replied.
"I know a way," Cyrus said. Everyone turned their attention to the shizznit that was balancing himself on his Abysmal Offender. "We need to use hard hitting moves that cover large area or some long-range strikes which can be of service."
"That sounds like a good idea to me," Ransack complied. The entire party began to use their powerful attacks. Barriss bombarded Lystara with powerful blasts from the Force and her Saber Throw. Jack raided the enemy with his Bomb Bullets. Each time he fired his pistols, the shots made small explosions on impact. Ravage fired a powerful Zapmaster's Strike straight at the shield. Adray attacked with the Sirocco, a powerful attack where he fired himself in the air like a rocket and then slammed down on Lystara with full force. The entire field was covered in strong symbological energy and the enemy's shield was failing. Unfortunately for Adray, he laid on the ground, trying to recuperate. Albel called upon his Dragon Roar, sending a stream of dragons straight at the foe. Mirage also joined the party with her Blazing Cannon. Floating in the air, she fired a number of energy bolts at Lystara. Sophia summoned her Meteor Fall, bombarding the shielded Lystara with a meteor storm. Ransack fired Destruction Wave. She jumped and hurled a series of fireballs and beams of electricity at the shield, further weakening it. Cliff gathered enough energy to use Max Shockwave. He fired a large, powerful wave that passed the shield, but still did some damage. Roger attacked with Raging Helmet. He threw his head wear up and a dome of lasers fired, half of them hitting the shield. Peppita Pummeled the barrier through use of Fearie Friend. Rampage was able to use her Cyclone Dance, slashing vigilantly and powerfully, too. Maria launched a devastating Energy Burst, making a direct hit at Lystara's shield. At the same time, Nel used her Splitting Sky. She jumped in the sky and was enclosed in electricity, then she fired a powerful wave at the barrier. The attacks were doing serious damage to the force field, Lystara put up. However, everyone in the group were too tired to continue raiding the impenetrable dome set around the enemy, except for Nel and Maria who were giving it everything they had. In about a few minutes, their efforts were reward. Lystara's shield gave way and she suffered serious damage from the laser beam and the powerful wave.
"This cannot be!" Lystara shouted before she fired her Catalyst Beam. The powerful energy stream made a direct hit to both comrades, severely wounding them. She saw that the rest of the party was ready to deal more blows. "You will not defeat me!" With that said, Lystara was ready to use her Seraphic Storm. He body started to glow. When she lifted her hands, a large white orb formed above her. Before the team could attack, the orb fired straight into the air and smaller beams spread from the initial stream and slammed to the ground. The group tried to evade the pillars of light, but it was nearly impossible and a few were hit by the attack. When the attack ended, the platform was covered in limp bodies and deep potholes. "It's over!" shouted Lystara. "I am once again victorious!" Before she could say another word, she was silenced by a barely audible snicker from Nel. "What is so funny? You are going to die in a minute and you're... laughing?"
"You don't get it do you?" Nel said with a smirk. "Just because you think you have us doesn't mean we're done for. We will put an end to you."
"Besides," Maria added, "Aren't you forgetting a couple of people?"
Lystara scanned her surroundings, seeing the chaos she created and most of the group laying on the ground. It was after she counted the bodies that she realized something was wrong. "What? This cannot be! Where are those two go?"
Before she could continue her search, she froze from a dark laugh that was heard above her. "So much for godhood, eh Lyst?" it sneered.
Lystara looked up and saw Cyrus and Fayt hovering above them. "No!" she yelped.
"Yes!" Cyrus replied. "Lystara, you claim to be the proprietor of fate and the one who will 'cleanse' time and space and recreate it to your own taste. That is just plain wrong, woman!"
"We told you we would avenge everything you destroyed," Fayt said. "It's time for us to pay you back for what you have done."
"You cannot stop me!" hissed Lystara. "I am Lystara Catalysta! I am Alpha and Omega! I am the unsung ruler of time and space! The master of souls and the existance of life! You will not stop me!" Lystara lept towards the two, wings spread, the blade of her scythe longer, the pole of the weapon enlarged. Cyrus and Fayt had already charged up enough energy to unleash their final attacks. When the enemy reached them by a few feet, Cyrus and Fayt unleashed a devastating combo of Ethereal Blast and Shadow Blast. As the team below watched the powerful moves, Lystara was trying to push against the immense force of the energy blasts. The tactic worked to no avail and she was forced hard to the center of the field while receiving the direct damage. At the same time, waves from the Ethereal Blast and the tall pillar of Shadow Blast formed over the epicenter, the area where Lystara laid. During this time, the group was healing themselves. In a few minutes, the powerful moves ended, leaving a large crater in their wake. Standing unsteadily, was a smoldering Lystara. Her magnificent wings were beginning to loose their feathers. Her clothes were ripped and her hair was messed up. The only thing that kept her from falling back into the hole was her scythe that she balanced against. "This... This cannot... be..." she said in disbelief. "How... could I... I be defeated...? I am... omnipotent...!"
"And now, for the finishing blow!" Cyrus shouted. He landed back on his feet, and with Fayt, rushed at Lystara.
"No!" Lystara shouted. With the remainder of strength she had, Lystara raised her scythe and slashed open a wormhole and slipped through it just before Cyrus and Fayt dealt the finishing strike. "You may have won this fight, Cyrus, but I have something that makes me the true victor; your past!"
"What are you talking about?"
An echo of laughter was heard throughout the building. "You'll know soon enough once I get my vengeance. I'll admit, you damn rebels might have weakened me, but mark my words: I'll be back! And the next time we meet, let's say you'll have to watch your own shadows, insects!" Her voice faded and it became clear that Lystara had left.
"Is it... Is it over...?" Barriss asked.
"I think so," Fayt said. "Is everyone okay?"
"Yes, we are," Lude said. "But that isn't important. What matters is that we have defeated that diabolical diety."
"He is correct," Ravage said. "We have stopped Lystara from achieving her fiendish agenda."
"Man, that was some tight shit!" Jack replied. "The way we was whooppin' on her, it was so kick ass, man! And then my man Cyrus be all like, 'Yo, it's time to lay it down!' Then my homie Fayt be all chillin' and sayin' 'Time to bust yo' ass up!' Next thing you know, boom-bang-bizzle-blast! Man that was some good shit, dogs!"
"I see that you were really enjoying yourself," Cliff said.
"So, what do we do now?" Nel asked.
"We need to find our way out of here and get home," Maria asked.
Suddenly, a large rip opened behind Barriss. "What the– it can't be!" she said in surprise.
"What's wrong Barriss?" Sophia asked.
"I can see... Mygeeto." The group bunched to Barriss' location. The wormhole showed a large city maintained on pillars built above the clouds.
"It's so beautiful," Peppita said.
"Where did this thing come from?"
"Perhaps it was the power of Yggdrasil," Cyrus said. "After all, it is the plant that links other worlds."
"Well, now that my mission is complete, it is time for me to return and head for Coruscant."
"Thanks for all your help."
"Don't thank me. I am glad that I got to meet you, even if our time was brief. However, I have a feeling we will cross paths again soon."
"You can count on that." Cyrus held out his arm and Barriss replied by shaking his hand.
"Farewell." With that good-bye, Barriss ran through the wormhole which closed after her entry.
"Say, home boy," Jack asked.
"Yo, somethin' wrong?"
"What are you going to do?" Lude asked.
"Well, since Lystara swore her return, it's best that I stay with these guys."
"Are you serious?" Cliff asked.
Cyrus turned to the Klausian and grinned. "Straight up, dude. Not only could I learn more stuff, but I'll also improve my skills just as Master Diogo have me do."
"Then we're stayin' too," Jack replied.
"Say what?"
"That's right," Jack said. "What's the point of going back? I mean, everythin' was dull and boring. Nothin' to do but pick up chicks and having to put up with Schwarzenager. Why do we need to go back, anyway? We're geniuses, dammit!"
"I guess someone will have to watch you guys," Lude said. "The last thing we need is for you two doing something insane."
"Can we, please..."
Fayt thought about it. "Well... You did help us through everything we came across..."
"You three proven to be powerful allies, despite your age," Adray said.
"Plus, we wouldn't have been able to fight off Lystara without your help," Nel said.
"True, true, so very true," Jack stated 'humbly'. Lude elbowed him hard on his arm to quiet him.
"I guess it's okay..." Fayt said.
"Sweet!" Cyrus yelped in glee.
"All right!" Jack shouted happily.
"This is going to be an adventure in itself," Lude replied.
"We want to stay as well," Ransack said.
"Thanks to Lystara, our worlds are nonexistent," Ravage said.
"Please let us," Rampage pleaded.
"It's only fair, I suppose," Maria said.
"Okay!" Ransack said. "Well what are we waiting for? Let's get going."
At the center of the platform, a wormhole that showed the Palmira Plains, opened. One by one, the group went through the portal until all sixteen members made it through. Once they arrived, the team headed to the Royal City of Aquios to report everything to the Queen about defeating the Creator and their victory over Lystara. News of their travels spread fast throughout the land. On that night, the group was treated to a celebration for the challenges they faced. Also, they decided to stay for a week on Elicoor II as a vacation. For the first few days after their victories, Cyrus was busy. He helped Lude open a dojo in Arias that taught different self-defensive styles. He also spent time with Roger and Jack who started preaching the many teachings of Snoop Dogg (I couldn't help but to put this stuff in). Aside from that, Cyrus spent his free time training and listening to his MP3 Player. However, what he didn't know was that his vacation was going to be cut shorter than he expected...
Author's Note 3: Well that's the end of this story. Finally, our tale of Cyrus has come to an end. NOT! As soon as I submitted this chapter, I will submit another story in the Kingdom Hearts section by the end of the month. So, the saga continues here just where it leaves off. Think you can handle this one. Also, I like to thank all of you guys who have read my story and thanks for the reviews.