The curtain was rising for the final act of the war on Delta Ridge. The members of Eden's Zero, Eclipse Arc, and the Resistance split into two teams with different objectives. The A team was tasked with breaking through Prometheus and Pandora's forces, while the B team was tasked with luring in and taking down the Golden Knight Gear. Back at the Resistance Base, Kleene and Laguna were holding the fort. There were a few members, including Stella that were still fighting back tears. Laguna watched… "They are strong. They're holding their tears back well, even now."
"We can't let those tears be for nothing." Kleene said with a slow nod. "These people have fought so hard for the last two years. Even if we can't get the Black Moon Star piece here, we owe it to them to at least liberate this planet."
"Yeah." Laguna nodded in agreement. Even though these two didn't know the Resistance for very long, they felt that sense of responsibility on them.
"Ugh…" Medi was one of the few left behind. She was still examining the bodies of the two scouts that were dead. "I just don't understand…"
"What's wrong, Medi?" Stella was the one to approach. Since she lacked the spirit to go out and battle, she decided to try and help however she could. "You've been stuck on this for a while…"
"Because I can't figure it out." Medi closed her eyes. "These two were our best. They would never let something sneak up on them and kill them like this. I can't imagine it. According to what Sister told me, they didn't die instantly. But it was still pretty fast…"
"Claw marks, right?" Stella closed her eyes as well. "I haven't seen any type of enemy android that uses claws. Blair was suspected, but…" She glanced over to Blair, who was just minding her business not too far away from Kleene and Laguna. "She doesn't look like to the type to kill a person….well, not willingly?"
"I know what you mean." Medi said with a slight smile. "But…I have had a terrible thought. I wonder if it's something Sarisse knew as well…"
"…That we have a traitor in our midst?" Stella was well aware of this. Geno was listening from afar, just out of curiosity. They were trying to keep this particular topic quiet. "Sarisse felt burdened by this knowledge. It's…still a little hard to know for sure. The Goldstones could just be trying to divide us from within. Or they could be right. Unfortunately for my sister, she couldn't afford to believe that scenario…"
"She shouldered a lot…" Medi looked down. "What do you believe, Stella? Your opinion is just as important as anyone else's."
Stella remained quiet for a moment. Her gaze went down to the ground, mulling it over. "It's always been something I considered. I felt awful when I allowed that thought to enter my heart. We're all fighting for the same thing. So why should I begin suspecting that one of my close comrades wants our downfall? I know my sister felt the same way, but her role as the pillar of strength for us…she couldn't voice those thoughts. It would cause a panic. Even if she doubted someone, she could never show it. Me? I wanted to take that burden for her. Not because I doubt…but because I want to trust everyone beyond a shadow of a doubt. And yet…I just…don't know who could do this…"
"…" Laguna overheard the conversation. His eyes closed. Truly, it was a difficult situation, especially when he barely knew any of the people in mind. That being said, a few simple words came from him… "Tears don't lie."
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Team A: Shiki, Rebecca, Jinn, Casey, Lowell, Tristan and Asuka. The gate to Echo City was opened which was more than enough for them to start their assault. Shiki took the first steps into Echo City. The city was surrounded by a large wall which impeded previous charges for the Resistance before, but that was no longer an issue. Now, all this team had to do was clear the way for the final charge tomorrow. Echo City was not too dissimilar to Bluegarden, however the residential area had many more small homes. The biggest building was in the center and their ultimate goal: The Communications Tower. "We're finally here." Shiki said while staring at the tower in the distance. His eyes then went down to the streets in front of them…all crawling with skeleton androids waiting for them. On the streets, to the roofs…they were everywhere. All of these androids were most likely powered by the Black Moon Star…
Asuka stepped forward, glaring at all those androids in front of them. She wasn't really interested in them…she wanted the Goldstones. "So we just have to get rid of these guys?" She cracked her knuckles. Whatever came next, she couldn't afford to lose to anyone or anything. Not after the death of Sarisse.
"Just?" Rebecca said with a sweat drop. She had the Happy Blasters at the ready, but the numbers before them were much more than she expected. "No, you're right. This is the only thing we have to do!"
"From here, this street is a straight shot to the base of the Tower." Tristan said. "That being said, I suspect we'll be ambushed every step of the way."
"That saves us time." Jinn said calmly. "We won't have to go looking for them if they just come to us. They may have quantity, but we have quality."
"Are we sure this'll be alright though?" Lowell questioned. "We can't cause too much of a scene so early, right? Otherwise we might have to deal with that Golden Knight Gear, and that's the other team's job."
"Don't worry about them." Shiki said with a firm nod. "The Shining Stars and Weisz are all there. That mission will go off without a hitch! I believe in them, and they're believing in us to take out this crowd!"
"It's all about efficiency." Casey said calmly. "We all have our parts to play. But don't forget what we're all truly here for." He pointed to the top of the Communications Tower. "The Black Moon Star piece that sits at the top of that tower. It's just a matter of who grabs it first. Us or you?"
"You sure know how to look ahead…" Rebecca pouted. But there was no time for infighting. The Skeleton Androids were charging.
"Here they come…!" Shiki said while rearing his fist back. Gravity appeared within his hand and he thrust his arm forward. "Time for you to get out of our way!" Shiki punched the air in front of him, the gravitational force from this motion so strong, it blasted away dozens of skeleton androids their way, even going as far as to dent a few houses. Shiki was kicking off the start to the final battle with a bang!"
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Up above on the highest floor of the Communications Tower were the Goldstones. They could see signs of fighting in Echo City below them. "Looks like the fighting's started." Max said while practicing his aim. If he so wished, he could take a few shots here and there…but that was no fun. They already made it this far after all. "I'm surprised the Resistance actually managed to pick themselves together after the other day."
"I thought they were going to crumble after the death of their leader." Athena said with a curious tilt of her head. "But I suppose their new leader was able to rally them just as well. Hahaha…I wonder if this'll be better or worse for them."
"Should we go down there and wrap this up? This is probably their heaviest hitting force." Kamara suggested, but Athena shook her head.
"No no, it's too soon for us to get involved just yet. They still have a number of obstacles to get through." Athena said with a causal flip of her hair. "Supposedly, the Blue Bomber won't be showing up. I guess we wounded him so badly he died shortly after we had to flee."
"Really? That's a little disappointing." Max said. "I wanted to see him kick the bucket at least. But I suppose that's one less problem for us to deal with in the end, so I won't complain."
"He was a nuisance." Kamara said quietly. "We've been on this boring rock for long enough. I'm ready for this battle to end."
"Don't worry, dear sister." Athena said with a gentle smile. "By this time tomorrow, this war will no doubt come to an end. And I assure you, we'll be getting our cut no matter what."
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"OUTTA THE WAY!" Shiki pushed ahead, taking the lead in the charge. He jumped into the group of Skeleton androids that sought to attack him, crossing his arms over his chest. "Magimech Attack: Gravity Center!" A force of gravity expelled from Shiki's body, throwing the enemy forces in every which direction, even throwing them through some buildings.
"Hey, some of us actually live here you know!" Asuka said with a shout, pushing her electrified fist into an android.
"Sorry…!" Shiki said with a quick bow.
"Apologize when we're done!" Rebecca exclaimed. She was firing off multiple shots at the incoming enemy androids. Her marksmanship ensured that no enemy got too close, and any ranged enemy was beaten to the punch before they could even fire. When things looked a little dicey, she used Cat Leaper to evade danger, but that's when she found herself surrounded. "Heh, are you sure you wanna do that!" Her legs shifted and she took a wider stance, both Happy Blasters extended outwards. "Bullet Festival!" She spun around, rapid firing multiple ether bullets. Those bullets flew everywhere, leaving very little safe space as multiple androids were shot directly and collapsed to the ground. "Hehe."
"Nice job, Rebecca." Jinn said while leaping over head, swinging his arm down. "Skymech Ninjutsu Attack: Sky God's Slash!" This single swipe of his arm prompted a powerful slash of wind to appear, slicing through the ground and numerous androids in one fell swoop.
"Steel Creation: Lance!" Tristan took the offensive as well, thrusting his arms forward. Multiple steel lances emerged from his palms, striking and piercing through the skeleton androids that fought against them. They were making good progress.
"This is…going pretty well." Lowell said. It was a little scary to admit that, because he was expecting this opening to the final act to be that much harder.
"Don't jinx it!" Asuka exclaimed. But it was too late. A shadowy figure swiftly leapt through the carnage, kneeing Asuka in the stomach with enough force to send her flying into a building a ways away. It happened so suddenly, the others were surprised. "Agh!"
"Asuka…!" Rebecca was going to be the one to check on her. With Cat Leaper, she could cross that distance in an instant.
"Rebecca…!" Shiki shouted, immediately preparing to make chase along with Jinn and Tristan. But they were all suddenly cut off by a wall of flame encircling around them. "Huh!?"
"These flames…!?" Tristan glanced around. They were completely unfamiliar.
"I'll take care of them!" Jinn said while leaping into the air. "Skymech Ninjutsu Attack…" However, before he could finish, Jinn found himself encased in a bubble of some kind. It was surprising and the moment he let loose his wind Ether Gear, the bubble expanded…before shrinking and popping, violently throwing Jinn elsewhere. "Gaaah!"
"Jinn!?" Shiki gasped.
"I would be more concerned with yourself than your friends." An unfamiliar voice said. A large, humanoid android walked in from the flames. This android was tall in appearance, red in color, with two rings of flame circling around his body. His aura deemed that he was an imposing figure.
"Who are you!?" Shiki glared towards the intruder.
"It won't matter, because he won't last long!" Tristan said while throwing an attack towards Apollo. "Steel Creation: Iron Fist!" A gigantic fist of iron rocketed from Tristan, aiming to slam into Apollo's skull to crush him.
"My name is Apollo Flame. I am one of the creations of Prometheus and Pandora, built to ensure the Resistance never reaches that tower!" Apollo Flame clenched his hand into a fist. To show that his power was not to be trifled with, he clenched his hand into a fist. The orange flames around them quickly turned pitch black, incinerating everything within a nearby radius. The steel that Tristan created melted before it could even reach Apollo.
"The flames are that hot…!?" Tristan said, beginning to sweat for a number of reasons.
"I have been bolstered by the power of the Black Moon Star!" Apollo exclaimed. "My flames burn even stronger than they normally did, and this amount of firepower is more than enough to burn you to cinders!"
"Tristan, keep clearing the path." Shiki said, already sweating just from the sweltering heat. "I can take care of this guy. He's in our way, after all." Tristan, knowing that his Ether Gear was useless in this scenario, decided to leave things to Shiki, leaping out of the ring of fire…
"Do you think you can defeat me? My ring of fire will expand and consume this city within mere moments." Apollo Flame said smugly. "Soon, this entire City that you're fighting to protect will be nothing but ashes! That will be quite the sight for-!" Before he could finish, Shiki's leg hit his cheek, causing him to fly back a few feet before he caught himself. "You…!?"
"Cities and homes can be rebuilt." Shiki was still sweating heavily, but his hand was curled into a determined fist. "The people who are fighting…I swear I'll bring them back home, no matter what!"
.
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"Ow…" Asuka was reeling from being slammed into a building like that. "Where did that kick even come from!? I swear…!" She looked up, only to see an android with a goat design, donning martial artist attire, coming down from above with an axe kick. Asuka realized she was too late to move and tried to block, but she felt herself move. Just in the nick of time, as the android's impact created a crater in the ground. "W-What the…?!"
"Are you okay?!" Rebecca asked. "That was way too close…"
"I'm fine…" Asuka said, a little resentful that she needed saving again. She came here to help, not to be a liability! "
"Impressive." The android said while pulling into a fighting stance, bouncing around while staring at the two women before him. "My name is Foo. I will be the one to orchestrate your defeat today." There were black sparks coming around the android named Foo, signifying that whatever power he did possess, was greatly enhanced by the power of the Black Moon Star.
"Careful…" Rebecca told Asuka. "Whatever's up with this one, it looks strong…" Based on the size of the crater Foo left in the ground, Rebecca was already dreading what it would feel like to get hit by one of those attacks.
Asuka wasn't blind. Foo was absurdly strong. But as she saw it, he was just another obstacle to be defeated. "Okay, Rebecca. Let's make short work of this guy."
"Yeah! He's standing in our way after all!" Rebecca said with a nod.
"Hm…" Foo looked between his opponents. "I see. My orders were to ensure that nobody gets beyond me. So I will ensure that you fall here. Two on one….even with your numbers…" Foo thrusted his palm forward, the sheer force of his action creating a shockwave that knocked Rebecca and Asuka off their feet and through the wall of a building that nearly collapsed on them. They were able to escape the rubble, but it was clear just how powerful this android was with that strike along. "…We cannot consider this a fair fight."
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"What the hell was that…" Jinn groaned. One minute, he was trying to extinguish a fire. The next, a bubble appeared and threw him clear across the city. When he looked up, he could see a small figure atop a building.
"Did you enjoy my Bubble Pop?" The android said. This one was smaller than normal androids, only coming up to the waist of an average person's waist. It was that of a humanoid crab, his arms pincers. "I am Cancer Bubble! And I will not allow a single one of you past me-ebi!"
"Tch, just my look I get stuck with the freakiest one here." Jinn said while rolling his eyes. But despite that, he knew not to take this one lightly. After all, he could visibly see that Cancer was powered by the Black Moon Star. Prometheus and Pandora were truly getting too much mileage about of that mere fragment. "Let's make this quick."
"Ebi ebi! Indeed!" Cancer said while multiple bubbles appeared around his body, all of them tinted black in color. "You'll be snipped in two before you even realize it!"
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Casey and Lowell were standing before two skeleton androids, but they were vastly different from the rest. One was black and the other was white, but the two of them had gigantic yellow fists on their left and right arms respectively. They were both charged with the power of the Black Moon Star and as individuals, they were probably the most powerful androids present…but they were pair. Their power as a duo was infinitely scarier. "I'm Gemini Black!"
"And I'm Gemini White!" The two androids said one after another.
"And together, we are Gemini Thunder!"
"Eesh…" Lowell was sweating. He could feel the Ether those two androids were radiating together. "Think it's better if we split 'em up, Captain? I can take one…"
"Do you really think you can beat us with a Divide and Conquer plan!?" Gemini White laughed in Lowell's face. "All you'd be doing is delaying the inevitable!"
"And we'll shock you to death the moment your feet even start moving!" Gemini Black said while laughing in tandem with his twin. To illustrate their point, black lightning sparked wildly around them. The lightning was so strong it broke the ground apart, even destroying a few buildings in the process.
"That won't be necessary." Casey said while folding his arms over his chest. Despite the destruction happening within mere feet of him, he was undaunted by the challenge he was about to impose on himself. "I alone am enough for the two of them." The moment Casey said this with such conviction, Lowell already knew not to intervene at all. This was Casey Aster's fight and his alone. At last, the Captain of the Eclipse Ark was going to make his stand.