Hey guys, this is 1602jaw. Bringing you some more new content that will likely question your sanity.

In all seriousness, congrats to those still reading this. We going to end this season based on my terms, and these terms...well, it's going to be one big of a trip.

Anyways, let's begin with some reviews, shall we? This will be quick.

Thenewsubwayguy: Yeah, that's pretty much why I chose him. I need some villainous characters to stir some conflict. And trust me, the idea for him will be wack.

Memeking the Third: Yep, revenge at it finest.

TheMasterkat: Can't blame ya for feeling that way. Chris isn't meant to be sympathetic in the slightest, knowing what he did.

NondescriptNorbert: Mmmm, yes...interesting.

Guest: Nice cast suggestion.

Guest: Sounds like a hilarious idea. I'll totally think about it.

Well that was quick. Let's begin!


The warmth of air awoke her entire body.

The soft smell of fruits and sugar ease her mind.

She can barely see but she can hear finely, as she heard the sound of beeping, techno swirling, sounds of unrecognizable murmurs, and a slow wind.

Her vision give her two blurry scenery.

Pink, blue, and brown.

She groan to herself, uttering a few words, "Ow f**k, my head. Why do I keep waking up with a headache?"

Once she manage to regain her sight, her reaction were based off confusion, startle, and puzzle.

Looking down at her were robots bears, resembling teddy bears no.

Each having different colors, and each having different sizes. Some were thinner, while some were chubby.

Feeling a little startle, she back away a little until one of them spoke, holding it hand out to reassure her, "Relax, we won't hurt you".

"Won't hurt me? Who are you guys?" Ryuko asked them.

"We are the Ro-Bear Berbils".

"Ro...what?"

"Ro-Bear...Berbils".

"Ro...Bear...huh?"

The pouncing of their name perplex Ryuko a little, having no idea what Berbils even means.

"Forgive me for asking", The Berbil then asked, as the other Berbils remain silent, "But who are you?"

"Me? I'm Ryuko Matoi".

"Ryuko...nice to meet you", He said, holding out his hand for a handshake, "We glad to have a guest here".

The rest of the Berbils look at one another and repeat her name, as if her name seem to peak their curiosity.

She look around, noted she's inside some kind of hut. A huge one, in fact. The hut was made with clay and dirt. There were roots and some grass, pebbles, and cracks.

The hut was round and massive. There was a warmth and ease condition inside, feeling as though she step in a garden.

The smell was thick and sweet, with no sign of stench.

There were open windows, clay vases, tables with weird fruits, and machines. Lots of em.

As for what the machines serve, she wasn't sure, as her thoughts didn't had time to comprehend every surrounding.

"What just happen?" Ryuko asked herself, "How did I end up...here? whatever this place is?"

Placing her hand on her head and rubbing it, the Berbil told her, "We find you unconscious, laying on our land, along with your friend and a vehicle, which seem to have crash into one of our huts. As for where, your on Third Earth".

"Third Earth, huh", Ryuko replied, "I seem to recall coming to this place before by a sh*ty challenge. God, I'm beginning to feel like hurling right about now".

Ryuko said, putting her hand on her belly.

"Well do not worry", The Berbil said, "At least your safe with us".

"Yeah, I guess so", Ryuko said, then coming to a realization. She ask him, "I mean you guys do seem harmless, despite looking weird. No offense".

"None taken, friend".

"Yeah...yeah-Wait, did you say friend?"

"Of course, we refer any stranger as friends".

Ryuko shook her head, telling him, "No, I mean't by what do you mean by friend. Like the friend you mention I was accompany with".

At the first the Berbil has no idea what she's saying until he finally gets it, "Oooooh, you mean him. Sorry about that, we thought you were referring to us. Want to see him?"

Ryuko nodded, "Uhh...yeah".

She got up, looking at herself and noticing she is wearing a white, raggy shirt that barely reaches her lower belly, and long, brown pants.

Before she could follow the others, a small, blue Berbil ( Possibly a child ) hand her the cloth that were neatly folded, along with her blade.

"Here you go, all nice and folded", He said, leaving after she took it.

"Uhh, thanks", She replied, still perplex by this.

She wonder where she is and how she got here. The only thing she can even remember is the party incident, which she can barely remember or even recount.

Then again, this didn't surprise her. After all, nothing seem to fazed her that much, as she would quickly get use to it despite the oddity of the situation.

After she's done dressing up, she head outside.

The sun bother her. She shield her eyes with her arms, feeling the brightness overcoming her.

Finally she lower her arm down to take a look at this place.

The area was flourish and green. The grass was soft, the boulders were filled with shrubs, and the sky was blue. It seems to be a village, located in a slope it seems.

There were many giant huts. Each huts were different from one another. They were all round, some being massive than others. They were clearly made out of cements, and seem to have some open technological machinery attach to them.

The trees were exaggerated. Twist and turn, they contain what appear to be yellow, red, blue, and green fruits with curvy stripes on them. As for other trees, although sharing the same feature, were wooden and contains red leafs.

As for the folks here, some Berbils were casually walking. Minding their own business while some were riding in odd vehicles with sucking tubes on them.

She assume they were harvesting the fruits, indicating by seeing some of them being near the trees containing the fruits and sucking them inside the tube.

"Well this isn't weird so far", Ryuko remark, "Nice weather, nice smell. Not too bad so far".

She turn and look around, then noticing one of the huts to be...extremely off.

Such as there being a car stuck above a hut, implying the car may have crash into the hut from the sky.

Only three Berbils were station on the roof, trying to figure out how to remove the vehicle and repair their hut.

Several Berbils gather there, a bit puzzle by it.

Despite not remembering what happen, Ryuko quickly figure it must've happen due to...her, "Oh...sh*t...I'm gonna guess that had something to do with me being here".

Her attention move to one of the Berbils gesturing her from a near by hut, along with many Berbils that were also gather there.

Having a feeling one of her competitor would be there, she approach over there.

As she enter, she was met with a surprise scene.

There on the hay bed is Armin, who seem cheerful as he is seen petting several smaller Berbils, laughing, and even lifting one of them one.

The smaller Berbils don't seem alarm. In fact, they seem to share the same reaction as he does.

This surprise Ryuko, as she rarely seen Armin smile at all, possibly due to his timid nature.

As for the hut itself, it looks the same. Minus the machines.

Soon Armin took notice of Ryuko, "Oh, hey Ryuko! Your awake!"

"Armin?", Ryuko replied, as she begin to approach him several Berbils were staring both her and Armin, possibly out of curiosity.

"Glad to see you alright. Thanks to these guys. They are so adorable", Armin remark, lifting one up to face him.

"Uhh right", Ryuko said, "Armin, do you remember what just happen...last night or something? I think whatever happen back on the submarine must've cause us to blackout without memories".

"Uhh..I can't remember exactly, no".

"We can answer that", One of the brown Berbil explain, "While we Berbils were all sleeping, we heard a loud crash coming from one of our huts. It seems you two have crash your vehicles here while seemingly drunk out of your mind".

"Yeeaaaah...I kinda figure that out once I got out", Ryuko replied, feeling a little shameful, "Sorry?"

"It's okay. We Berbils knew it wasn't intentional", the brown Berbil said, trying to reassure her for the damage.

As the Berbils left, this left Ryuko and Armin some alone time.

"They seem...calm from seeing one of their huts being damage", Ryuko remark.

"Yeah, I guess they were just so happy to see some guests in their village", Armin replied.

"And you don't mind it?'

"No, not at all. Matter of fact, I feel...how do I put it, happier than ever?"

Ryuko shrugged, "Maybe?"

'Heh, I guess this is the only time I didn't felt any stress or urgent whatsoever".

"Guess so", Ryuko said, wanting to move on with the important aspect of this weird situation, "Anyways, let's focus on a more...important matter".

"Like getting back home?"

"Like getting back home, yeah".

"But how are we going to do that?" Armin asked her, "I mean, if we on a different planet, that mean we have to find some kind inter-dimensional travel device".

"Maybe. I don't know, let's just check the car. I'm certain there maybe something that could help us".

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure about it", Ryuko said to him, then proceed to head out.


After lower the vehicle down from the hut for examination, seven Berbils check everything from the interior to the exterior.

They pull out everything that includes pipes, a broken steering wheel, an exhaust pipe, propellers, some crack bottles, and a radio.

One of the green Berbil approach Ryuko.

Ryuko and Armin, watching the entire scene unfolded in front of them, awaited for them to be finish, alongside other Berbils that were watching.

Ryuko asked the green one, while the rest were done, "Find anything?"

"No, unfortunately it seems everything has been damage once you arrive", He replied, "We try everything to repair it but with no use".

"Aww sh*t", Ryuko mutter, feeling disappointed.

Armin asked, hoping to be some good news, "Well did you at least notice anything that seem..I don't know, weird?"

"None. We check everything, and nothing".

"Ok, I'm out of ideas here", Ryuko said to Armin, "Got any?"

"Uhhh no...don't got any".

"Perhaps we could help", The Berbil intervene, "Across the distance is a tower, belonging to our allies the Thundercats. Maybe they could help you get back home".

"Oh really?" Armin asked, feeling some hopefulness.

"Yes, they help anyone that are in need of assistance. Though nowadays , they seem more busy of dealing on more important matters".

"What do you think, Ryuko?" Armin asked her.

At first, she wonder if these allies of the Berbils could help them. She was a little uncertain but seeing they in a dire circumstances, she replied, "Well we don't have much of a choice. Guess we could meet...whatever these guys are".


It's been four hours since their departure from the Berbil village.

Before they left, they were given supply of food, and were warn to be wary of unexpected strangers, as it is a common occurrence on Third Earth.

So Ryuko and Armin left off, while saying thanks and goodbye to the village that aided them.

They were now in a open, grass field.

The sound of a creek can be heard.

It was vast, stretching the land so much farther away for them to reach the other side.

The sun remain bright, the sky remain blue, and the clouds were moving slowly.

The wind proceed with slight breeze.

Ryuko and Armin were still walking on the dirt road.

"Nice for them for giving us food and some directions", Armin remark, "I kinda wish we stay there for a little while".

"Yeah, well like you say gotta keep moving if we going to get out of here without trouble", Ryuko told him.

"Your right. Still, it nice we encounter something that isn't dangerous. Who knows, we may encounter more friendly and less weird folks around here".

"Let hope so. I don't want to do more fighting. Just want to win this thing and that's all".

As they continue off, they encounter many things throughout their journey.


First they travel through the harsh, jungle forest leading them down a slope.

The trees were tall, the vines tangle everywhere like webs, the leafs were massive enough to pain the sky as green, the stench was thick, and there were many flies.

Each flies were big and small.

The small one seem to be the most common, as they all gather to Armin.

Armin kept swapping them off, as he cough several more.

Ryuko uses her blade to slice the leafs off in their path, including the insects.

She look back at Armin, who was a little behind but still catching up. She felt concern but she continue the path.

As stopping now would be a huge nuisance for the insects to bother them again.


Second they journey through a landscape of mountains and rocks.

Steaming rocks.

Armin was beginning to get worst, with a tired look, narrowing eyes, and sweats dripping.

Ryuko was sweating but not a whole lot to bother her.

As they continue to make their way, they are being watch by some giant, rock figures. Poking out from the cliffs.

She notice them as she turn to look up, seemingly puzzle.

But what makes her more puzzle is she can see a black fox standing on top of the cliff, hidden between the rock people.

This didn't last long, as Armin suddenly slip into a huge crack.

Ryuko took notice and grab his hand before he fell then proceed to pull him up, away from the abyss.

She look back up, only to see the giant rock people and the fox creature were gone.


Third, they go through the sand landscape, where a sand storm has arrive.

Ryuko uses her arm to block the sand away from touching her eye, as she shovel her way through.

As for Armin, he too did the same but quickly fell on the deep, sand ground, "Ryuko!"

Ryuko heard her friend distress voice and reply back, "Armin!"

She ran back to him and carry him on her back.

Although it created a much harder situation for her to continue, she didn't really care.

Her priority is to keep moving, even with them now being slow.

As Ryuko continue onward, she notice something in the distance.

The same silhouette of the fox.

It disappear but she figure it could be Torrica. As for what reason, she isn't certain.


They were now in a huge raining shower in the middle of a giant mushroom, grass area. They took shelter under one the giant mushrooms.

Night overcame. The cold breeze enter.

As the campfire illuminated in the dark blue, Ryuko and Armin were sitting on logs.

Trying to get warmth from the heat emitting it.

Ryuko sigh, "Probably should've stay a little longer at the Berbil village".

"That's what I thought", He said, coughing a little.

She then look up at Armin, asking him, "Feeling alright?"

Armin nodded back, lifting his glance up to her, "Almost. Thanks for helping me up back there. I was almost drowning in sand if it wasn't for you carrying me".

"Hey, no problem", Ryuko replied, still looking down at the fire.

There was a moment of silent. No one said a word.

Armin, not wanting to make a really weird scene, try to stir up a conversation, "Man, I didn't expect the tower to be this far. I could've sworn it would take us like less than hours to get there".

"Yeah...I thought so too".

Armin smile, expecting a more response.

But his smile quickly faded once he notice her expression.

Her face is gloomy. Just a tired and dull expression.

She stare at the flames, seeing the sparks and feeling some warmth coming from it.

Although Armin wasn't going to assume it at first, he knew what Ryuko is feeling at this point.

A sense of doubts, questioning, and ponder.

He also notice that Ryuko hadn't spoke much after they embark.

And even she does spoke, it's kept in a minimum.

"Is everything alright?" Armin asked her, feeling a glimpse of concern to her, "You seem...down".

She didn't look at him.

Instead, she kept her eyes on the flames.

However, she did replied quietly, "It's nothing".

As if not wanting to stir too much into her own personal...struggle.

"Are you sure? You can tell me".

She sigh, "I say it nothing. I'm just...a little tired, that's all".

"You...don't seem tired. You seem more...depressed than usual".

She didn't want to talk more after what they had been through the past months.

After what Chris put them through and what she witness, there was no reason for her to discuss this. And Armin knew of this.

So he decided to discuss it anyways, not wanting to make this situation awkward as it seems, "Ryuko, I know it seems...unfair that one of our friends are gone but dwelling too much of it won't fix anything".

"Okay fine! It is that, alright", Ryuko replied, getting up as she continue with what she's going to say, "I just can't believe Brendan would walk out like that. It's not his fault. He doesn't deserve this".

"It's his decision. There's nothing we could do about it", Armin told her, "Now I don't know what Brendan experience back there, but if it did affect him so much then it's his own right to quit".

"Brendan and I made it this far! Gone through hell, even. If Chris hadn't chose that sh*t castle to be the challenge or worst, Aqua existing, none of this would've happen"

"Even so, it wouldn't change anything", Armin told her, "One of us will still get eliminated, wether it due to our own term or something else entirely".

"So what?! We just let it slide and move on?"

"It the best we could do, Ryuko".

This cause her to remain silent for a moment, as Armin continue, "Ryuko, Regardless of Brendan, Wendy, and Mako lost, it not entirely anyone fault besides Chris that they got eliminated. The most important thing to do now is...well, keep moving forward".

"And what's the point? What outcome will it be? Does it even matter if we win or not? After all the sh*t we gone through? After all the friends we lost? "

"Ryuko, sometime the best option is to remain hopeful. Otherwise, thinking unfairly about this won't help anyone, including our friends".

There was no response, as if this conversation is over.

As if Ryuko didn't want to continue further.

Knowing this, Armin gave a sigh and was beginning to feel tired, "How about you get some sleep? Want me to be the lookout?"

"I'm not tired", She replied, sitting back down with her leg cross and her arms folded, "You can get some shut eye. I'll be the look out".

"Thanks", He said, but before he could shut some eye, he gave one more comment to her, "You know, it not as painful as losing a friend forever".

"Why's that?"

"Well...I don't want to bring this up since it personal but...to be real, I'm kinda relieved that all of us are still alive after what we been through. Back in my world, I lost some of my comrades. Some even closest to me. Do you know how it feels to lose someone forever?"

A long pause begin.

Until Ryuko broke the silent, "Yeah...yeah, I know the feeling".

"Just be lucky we made it. In fact, maybe we may meet our friends again, once this is over".

As Armin fell asleep, Ryuko continue to staying awake in the night.

She continue to remain a lookout for tonight, continue to keep the fire up with a stick.

She was conflicted. Not to anyone, but to the role she's playing.

After what happen back in the realm and the castle, she felt as if her role was nothing more but to ruin her life. Ruin others, and for what?

She wasn't sure.

However her thoughts begin to be dreary.

She barely has her eye open

She wasn't sure how long the night is or how time work on this planet.

As soon as she blink one, two, and three, she saw it.

Torrica, standing there and looking at her with a blank expression.

She was...surprise to see him, muttering, "Torrica".

"I notice you made it this far, friend", It replied.

They stare at each other silently, as Ryuko turn to check if Armin is still asleep.

She was correct, as she turn to face Torrica, still whispering to it, "Well isn't it obvious as to why? And also, what are you doing here?"

"To check on you. Tell me, do you still have it".

"Have...what?"

"The stones".

She knew what it meant. She pulled out the three pieces and show it to it.

Torrica was satisfy, with no change of facial expression and remaining the same, deadpan look, "Impressive. So it is progressing".

"Progressing what?", She asked, demandingly, "What exactly do you mean by that?"

"It seems like the right time to speak", Torrica begin, "Upon your awaking, there will events unfolding soon. One you must prepare yourself to".

"Prepare for what? You aren't telling me anything specific, so why be so anonymous about it?"

"Because if I tell you more, it defeats the purpose of progress and life", Torrica replied, "It is for you to understand by yourself, to know when the time comes".

"I...don't understand. After everything I been through, you really expect me to know everything? I'm not some messenger, you know. I'm here to do my own thing. To compete on a dumb show".

"I understood...but why insist your reason. Why begin to feel...doubtful, tired, not certain of everything? Why keep the stone around, if that's the case. Why bother keeping it a secret?"

"Because...I didn't want anyone to get distracted, including me. I didn't want anyone to get involve in my affair. I also heard you told me to keep it a secret for the right time. Right time for what, exactly?'

Torrica remain silent.

She sigh and easer her voice down, as she continue to have a talk with it, "You know...right now I'm feeling some...doubts...about wether or not my journey will do any good, or even have a impact? Because I'm not even certain what to think. Should I even continue or not?"

Torrica continue, "I cannot blame, nor fault for your reason. If you insist to focus on your own affair then be it. I cannot interfere your actions. Destiny is only dictate by the action of one or many. Everything that will happen will happen, no matter if the outcome is different. Everything serves a purpose and no one can't escape from it".

"So...what your saying is if I literally told everyone where I really been, give the stones up, and just continue on with my life, nothing changes?"

"Yes...and no. Like I say, it can go to different ways but the end result will be the same, somewhat".

"Somewhat, what?"

"That...is up for you to debate".

Torrica then turn around, indicating it ready to go.

This left Ryuko in a state of mind, wondering more and more of his meaning. This confuse her sanity. She even question her own sanity a little.

But before it could do so, Ryuko asked one more question, "Wait, I got one more thing to ask, and it's...really important".

It stopped, not turning it head around, waiting for her to asked Torrica a question.

"Why do you want me to do it? Why chose me? What makes me special to do this...weird task for you?"

"You...have a role. Everyone has a role. Your role will be known soon but for now, I can only tell you this. You are only part of something greater".

This surprise and puzzle Ryuko, "Greater?"

"Your soul, friend. Right now, it is up to your decision. Move forward or end it. Your choice".

As Torrica begin to distort, Ryuko asked one more, "I want to know something quick. Do you know about...the Third one?"

Torrica remain silent, as it disappear into the darkness.

Ryuko was left there, stunned.

From all the experience she witness from being on Cruise, she still wonder about everything.

She sat there looking up in the star sky.

Seeing the vast stars staring down to her. She then pulled out the three pieces of the shards.

Ryuko look at them, seeing them glow to her eyes.

She felt a sense of comfort from it. And even, a little confidence.

Knowing that she's near the finale. There is a sense of wonder if either of her choice will matter at the end.


Running in darkness.

Running from the thundering applaud of the lightings, as she ran in fear and stress.

She doesn't know why she's running, all she knew there were dangers.

Familiar danger.

She stopped and look around.

Glaring the mist around her.

Her blade out, her breathing becoming heavier, and sweating intensify.

There was a sinister laugh coming from behind her, "Where do you think your going, Ryuko!"

The voice came from Mon*star! Who uses his thrusters to blast himself at her.

She jump and flip in the air and land back on the ground, as Mon*star turn around and fly at her.

Soon he wasn't the only one Ryuko faces.

"Ahahahahahahahahahaha! Think I'm a coward, huh?!"

Another laugh is heard.

She look up in the sky to see Cobra Commander riding in a jet, fire at her with lasers.

She dodge it, then jump out of Mon*star range where she landed back on the ground again, this time running away from Cobra Commander.

As she ran and ran, she felt urgent.

She felt distress.

Just then, she hear another laughter coming from her right and a ray of blast attack her.

She dodge, as the direction of the blast reveal itself.

Ratar o, holding his two daggers and laughing at his core, "Miss me, Ryuko?!"

He shot more rays at her.

She continue to jump back, dodging it.

As she turn, she is greeted by the running speed of Hammerhand!

His hand form a punch and was ready to beat her, only for her to jump in the air.

Once she landed back down she heard a voice.

This time it wasn't laughter but a cold, stern, and grim voice, "Do not think of escaping. There's no possible escape from your demise, madam".

She turn around to see Lustor Corropt! His sword out, as he ran to her.

She dodge it, backing away from the two swings until she is struck down by red lighting.

She scream in agony, causing her to kneel down.

"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! The stones! Will be ours to take!" A voice cackling voice.

Revealing from the mist is Cherieng, in her grotesque form.

She blasted more red lightning at her, as Mon*star, Cobra Commander, Ratar O, Hammerhand, Lustor, and Cherieng all corner her, laughing as she scream.

Her scream was a cried to put an end to this.

An end of all this.

But at the same time, she didn't. She wanted to stop this. Stop it all. Ending and stopping are two different meanings from her own dream thoughts as laugh became more and more louder until eventually...it's gone.

The laughing, the shock, their shadows, the mist. They were all...gone.

Then a light shine onto her. She lifted her head to see what appear to be a diamond shape stone, flashing it's ray of light onto her.

She stare, looking at it in awe until it begins to flicker and disappear, turning everything into...darkness.


The sound of morning.

The feeling of morning.

Ryuko moan, opening her eye to see a blur.

She expected to see the blue sky. Instead, she see something blocking it.

Something resembling figures.

Then she heard a voice.

A voice not belonging to Armin, but to someone.

"Get up now!"

After regaining her sight, she saw them.

What appear to be two individuals.

It was Deathtime and Ibich, members of the Black Hole mercenaries. They aim their weapon at her face, as she started to regain her clear sight.

Not knowing who they are she quickly startle back, "What the f**k?!"

"Ryuko!"

Hearing Armin voice, she turn around to see him. Armin being caught by the neck from the staff of Mist Strucker.

Armin clench both his hands on the pole, trying to release himself from being choke but with no use.

Instead, he try to call out Ryuko name, trying to warn her.

"Stay where you are, lady", Ibich told her, with his gun poking straight up her chin, as she was ready to use her blade at them, "Don't try to make any move or else we going to give your friend a little makeover in his eye".

"Ryuko, do what they say", Armin said, still being held hostage.

Though Ryuko wanted to fight back and save her friend, she knew the terrible outcome of it. Not to mention, she wasn't sure who she's dealing with, so she drop her blade, pleasing all three of them.

"Ha! Good" Ibich grinned, "Now get up. Both of you are coming with us".

Ryuko comply. She got up, as Armin is let go from his restraint.

There he cough a little. Ryuko wanted to go check on him but was push by Ibich gun, telling her, "Keep moving. We don't got all day here".

Armin quickly got up and was push by Mist Strucker staff to follow them, as Ryuko blade was picked up by Deathtime.

Soon they made their way through the grass field until making it to the forest.

From their, Ryuko and Armin destination was change.

Instead of following straight, they were force to follow a different path.

A path leading to a forest.

As for the forest, the trees were short. Making the height of it to be same as a house. The leafs above cover the sky, allowing some sunlight to be shine upon. There were bushes and boulders with shrubs.

While they walk, Ryuko and Armin converse to one another. Whispering, as to not get the attention from them.

"Armin, are you okay?" Ryuko asked him.

He replied, "Yeah, I'm fine. Almost choke back there but not too bad overall".

"Any idea who these guys are?" She asked, looking directly at the three of them from the back and from the front.

"No. All I seem to remember is the Berbils warning us about obstacles. And I assume they were referring to these guys".

"Well whoever they are, I'm having a bad feeling about this", Ryuko said.

Soon they arrive in a clearing.

A ship resembling a saucer, and other members of the Black Hole mercenaries, awaiting for their arrival.

These include Sardonyx, Toukkh, Doomslash, Condeir, Mother Hollow, Soulestor, and Luddi.

As for the ship, Ryuko and Armin were memorize by it. For some reason, they seem to recognize it before but aren't certain where.

Sardonyx approach them, asking them in a irritated tone, "Where have you guys been for nine hour straight? How long does it take to use potty breaks? And don't try to make an excuse for slacking off".

"We won't but we did find what we been looking for", Deathtime replied, moving out of the way to reveal Armin and Ryuko.

This surprise Sardonyx a little, "Wait, you actually find them? Huh, that was...uhhh..kinda surprising".

"Yeah, we find them camping", Mist Strucker replied, "It seems to me these two didn't have someone to be a lookout".

Ryuko sigh to herself, feeling a bit embarrassed since she may have drifted asleep, "Damn it".

"Well that's good to hear", Sardonyx said, "Guess we didn't have to resort to terrorizing a near by village then".

"Umm excuse me, who the hell are you guys?" Ryuko asked him sternly, which seem to freak Armin out, based off her sudden tone.

"Ryuko! Maybe it not the right time to ask that in that tone!", Armin told her.

Sardonyx chuckle a little, possibly out of amusement as he approach her and replied, "Well you seem like a perfect person to brawl with. The names Sardonyx, and these are my friends. We are simply known across the multiverse as the Black Hole mercenaries".

"What?" Ryuko asked.

"Yeah, I know. Naming our group off our species name may seems weird but trust me it has a nice...uhh...ring to it".

"How?"

A long silent came until Sardonyx sigh and replied, "Ok fine, it's mainly because I'm lazy to come up of a name. There, happy?"

"Uhh..no, not at all".

This gave him a hard headache. He facepalm, then resume talking, "Okay, okay let's not get sidetrack here. The point is...we are hire to capture the two of you".

"Capture? For what?" Ryuko asked him.

"No idea", Sardonyx replied, "But our boss did say he'll pay us with all the riches that could last us about ninety infinitive century. But anyways, lucky for you two because you may not know me but I do know your friend".

"Friend?" Ryuko was put off by it, even Armin.

"Yeah, do you guys remember a kid name Brendan?"

The mention of his name made her gasp in her own thought. This shock her but then it also trigger a memory.

The ship. The ship from where she and her friends teleported in. She even recognize some of the members, most obvious Mist Strucker and Luddi.

Even Armin quickly remember it.

Sardonyx notice their pause and shock expression, as he grinned and said, "Oh, so you guys do remember him. I guess you two remember our ship as well, knowing all of a sudden you guys teleported in one of our hall".

After that long pause, Ryuko broke the silent and asked, "What do you know about Brendan?"

"Listen, originally I was going to kill you two as a way to get payback on your friend. You know, spite him and all that but then we got contact to hunt you guys and yeah, what a coincidence. Us wanting revenge and all of a sudden, we got this assignment that involve you two".

This cause him to laugh a little until finally saying, "Anyways, just be lucky you didn't get Count Suffer to hunt you guys down. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here to spare you".

"What are we going to do, Ryuko?" Armin whisper to her, feeling worry.

"Just remain calm. I'll think of something".

"Boys! Put these two in the cell", Sardonyx told the three of them, as he head to the ship.


Ryuko and Armin were thrown into a dark room, as the door closes in front of them.

The room, and like many others in this ship, was white.

It was dark, only having minimum light being projected from one rectangular window.

Ryuko quickly got up and ram at the door, trying to ram it down with her arm.

Unfortunately, there was no use. She did it four time and nothing work.

Just then, they felt a rumble. Causing the both of them to be thrown to the wall and to the ground, as the ship begin to fly in the sky.

In the main control room, Sardonyx and others stare at the giant screen, awaiting for someone to appear.

Soon a disfiguring image appear until it finally became clear.

Mumm ra, in his red robe and hanging wrappers, showing his glowing red eyes.

"Mumm ra, sup pal! How ya doing?" Sardonyx greet, trying to act as nicely as he attempted to do.

"What is it do you want? Did you find them?" Mumm ra asked, getting straight to the point.

"Why, of course", Sardonyx replied, "It was pretty easy and a huge surprise too. Three of my guys literally find them camping".

"Did one of them have...them?"

"Them what? Gums or something?"

"No...the stones...did one of them have it?"

"Ehh maybe? I don't know, You did told us to capture two people identical to your description. You didn't say anything about pieces".

"Bring them to me directly. I will interrogate one of them, and then you will be pay handsomely".

After Mumm ra fade away in the screen, Deathtime asked the leader, "What do you think our boss want with these two?"

"Don't know and don't care", Sardonyx replied, turning around to face them, "Probably something we shouldn't think about. After all, clients isn't our top priority. What is our priority is creating our own casino empire".

"Oh please, it's always you and your casino dream", Mother Hollow comment, as in the background Soulestor is seen examining Ryuko blade, seemingly admiring it.

"Hey, casino are awesome. They like space arcades or space Chuck e Cheese, only for fancy people who want to waste their lives off by getting stinking rich".

"If you ask me, I don't get why he couldn't do it for himself", Mist Strucker asked, mockingly, "After all, isn't he suppose to be a sorcerer? An all powerful one for that?"

"Dude, enough with you deep hatred of magic", Sardonyx told him, bothering Mist Strucker, "We get it".

"Am I the only one feeling a bit concern here", Deathtime asked them, sounding a bit worry.

"Why?"

"I mean...these two seem like teenagers. Don't you think it's a bit worryingly what our boss may do to them?"

Unlike the members of his, Deathtime was more...sensitive to this idea. And Sardonyx knew this. He felt a little pity.

"Deathtime, we been over this", Sardonyx approach him, "No matter what happen, it none of our business. Now tell me, should you be more worry about getting your life back or two strangers related to a kid who I swore payback?"

"Uhh...the first one?"

"Good boy", Sardonyx smile and pat him on the hips, then resume back to the screen, "Anyways, let's keep the ship on coarse".

( Back in the cell ).

Ryuko and Armin were sitting on the ground behind the right wall, trying to think of a way out but at the same time wondering who wanted them.

Despite their current situation, Ryuko is irritated by the fact her blade is took away, "If those guys try to use my weapon for something sh*tty, I'm going to-"

"'Ryuko, relax", Armin assure him, "Don't you think it best we figure how to get out of here instead of...uhh..making things worst?"

"I'm not trying to make things worse. I'm trying to get their attention, and when one of them open this door I'll try to tackle them".

"And your sure it's going to work? Because I'm pretty certain these guys do not look easy to take down".

"Worth a try".

"Ryuko, come on..."

After some moment of thinking it through, Ryuko sigh knowing full well Armin is correct, "Your right...fine, well...try to come up with something".

She focus on their circumstances, regardless of the disadvantage they are in.

"So any idea?" Armin asked her.

"What? You asking me to come up with something?"

"Ok sorry, I just...wanted you to calm down. Do you got any ideas".

"Nothing", Ryuko replied. "Doubts there's any secret entrances around".

"Why would you assume that?"

"I don't know. With how many f**k world we gone through I expected something like that".

"Well we got to think of something. I don't know what's going to happen next but I'm certain it's not going to be good".

As they ponder over this, Ryuko kept wondering more and more what the Black holes are taking them.

She wonder if it had something to do with the three pieces of the stone she got.

Matter of fact, she check her little pocket on her shirt and can feel it still being there. Still undamaged and having no cracks. But somehow, she can feel smoke, despite not emitting it.

Although not certain, she get the feeling that someone could be after the stone.

It may seem conflicted to think but the possibility of it could be true.

Just in case, Ryuko turn to Armin who was facing to the ground, "Armin, I need you to do something for me. It's...very important".

"Hmm, what is it?"

"Remember the stone me and Brendan told you about?"

"Uhh yeah?"

"Well I need you to hide this for me", Ryuko told him, holding out the three piece.

Armin eyes were at awe to it, memorize by it even.

"Why?" He asked, as Ryuko hand it to his hand, pressing his palm to it.

"I don't have time to explain but if anything happens to me, make sure you hide it no matter what. I get the feeling someone is probably after it".

Armin remain confuse but seeing Ryuko acting serious, he felt understandable as to why.

With how much things may confuse them, Armin will always try to listen and do what he must to keep him and his friends alive.


Soon the ship was flying above the vast sand land and heading in the distance of a dark, black and purple pyramid.

A pyramid blocking the sun, as the sky is shielded off by the black, thundering clouds hovering above it.

Four obelisk projections stood on each corner side from the pyramid.

The pyramid was guarded by giant robots with laser canons attach to their shoulders.

There were flying ships, patrolling around the pyramid, each resembling different type of flying animals such as crows and vultures.

On the balcony facing the Black Hole ship that was long distance away stood two figure.

Mumm ra and Pumyra.

"It seems the mercenaries have return", Mumm ra remark, "I knew hiring them would be greatly beneficial to our cause, knowing their reputation".

"But they stated they found them while they were camping", Pumyra said, crossing her arm, "I highly doubt it hold any solid truth on their reputation".

"It doesn't matter. What matters more is the captives. I am more interested in meeting with the girl, based off the Berserkers report".

"You really think the girl has some kind of connection to the stone?"

"Likely. But there is another thing that pique my interest. One told by an old friend of mine".

"Old friend?" The mention of 'friend' seem to perplex her a little, "I never thought you had friends before".

"Ally to be precise. She is only a few who has hold any loyalty to my conquest for order. Ever since we finally made contact again we discuss further remarks from the past centuries, which cumulated into us working together again".

"Can you tell me who she is?"

"That...will wait. For now, I must greet our new guest".

Before Mumm ra leave to his corridor, he turn his head a little to her and said, "Oh, and I suggest you do not made any contact with our two guests".

"Why?"

"Because if things gone terribly wrong, then I may have to resort to more...drastic measure".


Cut to a huge, dark, and metallic interior of the hanger, dozens and dozens of lizard army clad in armor and wielding laser rifles await the arrival.

The hanger contains many bridges to accommodate for more smaller ships. As for the ground, it's mainly serve as cargo transportation or to serve as more landing spot for bigger ships.

In this case, the Black Hole ship arrive as it enter slowly and hovering until it finally break out the metal plank onto the floor.

They're standing in front of the plank was a big, massive lizard who goes by the name of Slithe.

As the Black Hole mercenaries walk down with the prisoners, Slithe confront the leader, asking him as he look down at him, "Did you got them assssss Mumm ra order?"

"Uhh yes, it's right in front of you, fata**", Sardonyx retort, gesturing at Ryuko and Armin, both at awe and bewilder by their surroundings.

This seem to offend Slithe, growling his teeth, slithering his tongue at him, and pointing at him, "Watch your tongue, youth".

"How about you watch where you pointing, fatty. You body may not comprehend your fat movement of yours".

Slithe hiss at him, "Dare disrespect me again, and I will violate your corpse".

"Aww cute. I love you too", Sardonyx sarcastically said, then getting straight to the point, "Now where's Mumm ra at? I got his captives here. He better have our fortunate".

"Unfortunately for you, Mumm ra demand you to bring the girl to him in person", Slithe said, grinning and chuckling.

This made Sardonyx unhappy, as he groan and rub his face down, knowing he hate these type of clients, "He's one of those type of clients".

He turn around to look at his crew, telling them, "Ok, it seems like we going to be here for a while".

This doesn't seem to sit some of them well, mainly Condeir who groan and said to him, "Awww but I got a dinner reservation for my disc!"

"Well too bad. Suck it up, Condeir!"

Armin was quickly pull away by two lizard army, as the rest of the Black Mercenaries take Ryuko to a huge, triangular corridor.

Before she left, she took one look at Armin.

Both having worry over their faces, and hoping both of them will turn out okay.


Cut to the main lair room of Mumm ra.

The room was huge, hall like. There seem to be a pyramid shape screen attach next to the tomb.

It has enough space to create a ominous and eerie echo. An echo of voices.

Voices not heard but felt.

It was metallic. The well was massive, built on the floor bridge.

Four statues surrounded it. A Lizard, a Jackal, a Ape, and a Vulture. Both wielding weapons and pointing it at the well of souls.

They remain hidden in the darkness. Only half of their blank faces are seen from the light emitting from the well.

As for Mumm ra, he awaits for the mercenaries arrival, along with the girl.

He stare down at the well, seeing the glowing, purple, and steaming water produce the sounds of screaming souls.

It pleases him. Giving him warmth in his own mind.

He begin to hear multiple echoing footstep coming from his left direction.

He turn and saw them, approaching him with Ryuko.

For Ryuko reaction, she was a little intimate by him, even feeling uncomfortable. At the same time, she remain cautious and calm.

"Ah, welcome back my friend", Mumm ra approach them, "I am pleased that you have find them. I knew hiring you would be the best option".

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, thanks for the compliment", Sardonyx replied, "Now where's our payment".

"You will get your earnings. For now, I must meet this...stranger I have been told of".

Mumm ra slowly approach Ryuko.

She stood still, as he examine her surroundings. Grinning, as Ryuko can only look upon his glowing, red eyes.

From what she can remember of this interior, she remember this man to be Mumm ra, indicating by his voice and eyes.

Mumm ra walk around her. His head tilted up to look at he and his hands were hanging.

He spoke, feeling pleased by it, "Ah, her description was true. Young, reckless looking, and quite...attractive".

Ryuko grunted a little. Shiver, even.

She wanted to struck him for that comment.

She wanted to. But alas, she can only restrain her hateful inner for later.

But one comment bother her.

The mention of 'her'.

She wasn't certain but she seem to believe the mention of this 'her' must connect to Cherieng.

Likely, in her thoughts. But she remain slightly skeptical, as she saw that Cherieng had her own secret intention. Not to mention, there was no indication that Cherieng still has connection to Mumm ra.

But then again, she doesn't know a whole lot.

Knowing about the stones and Mumm ra and Cherieng, she was fully prepare but at the same time what Mumm ra is going to do to her.

Mumm ra was near Sardonyx, commenting to him of her, "But I am not interested in woman. Tasteless as I am, I'm more interested for...something greater".

This seem to relieve Deathtime, "Phew, for a second there I actually thought you were going to-"

"SILENCE!" Mumm ra raises his voice at him.

Deathtime startle a little.

Mumm ra glance to Ryuko, grinning at her, "Perhaps I haven't introduce myself yet. I am Mumm ra, the ever living. Conquest of bringing order to the universe".

Ryuko didn't respond. She gave him a stern look.

Mumm ra continue, noticing less of a response and seeming intrigue by it, "Ah, the silent treatment. Of course, keeping your little secret from me I get it. Kinda remind me of Hyakkimaru, even.

"Who the hell is Hyakkimaru?"

"One of my victims I fail to obtain", Mumm ra simply replied, not wanting to go into further detail, "Now you may vividly remember me from long ago, but you may remember someone else. Someone you may have met".

Still no response. It was as if Mumm ra try to get her to talk by taunting her.

"Ooooh, quite the commitment to stay silence. Maybe this may trigger your memory. Cherieng".

She knew it! She grunted a little louder, even mutter her name which caught Mumm ra eyes.

"Cherieng".

His grinned extend a little and his eyes widen, "Aha! So you do know her. Cherieng was right".

"Cherieng?" Sardonyx asked, turning his glance at him as if he is familiar to that name, "You mean that old hag who rip us off?"

"Yes! She was one of my ally long ago, along with my other allies", Mumm ra replied, then turning to face Ryuko again, telling her, "Perhaps now it is the time for you to speak, young one. There's no need to keep it a secret from me, I already know what your hiding".

No response, once again.

Mumm ra slowly drop his grinned. He begin to feel irritated, not playing nice anymore.

He lifted his skeleton hands and struck her down her knee by red electrical shock.

She scream for a moment, breathing heavily as smoke begin to emit from her back.

"As I expected. Refusing to speak, hmm? Well, perhaps some shock may make you talk".

She scream, as more bolts were striking her down.

He hit her more and more bolts until she finally replied with, "Go to hell!"

This cause Mumm ra to stop and listen, seemingly amuse by her speaking.

"If you want to know where I'm hiding it, I'm not telling".

"Ah, foolish girl. Despite me knowing you have them, there is something else I need. Your memories and...yourself".

"Yourself? What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, so you don't know. She and the Berserkers told me everything such as when you use the stone for yourself. At first, I thought it was impossible but then I remember how the stone function. And you have something inside you. Something that pique my curiosity".

"Grrr, whatever your babbling about I'm not talking!"

"Heh, her tone kinda seem similar to you in a way", Sardonyx remark to Mother Hollow, who seem to see as offensive and quickly slap his head, "Ow! Don't slap the leader, Mother b*tch!"

Ignoring his comment, Mumm ra continue to struck Ryuko more lightening.

she scream, feeling the bolts piercing through every part of her body. Through her veins, through her head, through her heart as well. She can feel as if vibration of needles were slowly drilling inside of her.

"I will make you talk! After I learn what you know, gain what you have, and take the three piece for myself I will destroy everything you ever love!"


In the prison cell, Armin can hear the echoing scream of Ryuko.

It was vague but he can hear it.

Armin begin to feel more and more scare.

Worry even, as he try to think of a way out of this.

"Ryuko", He mutter, looking up to hear the scream. He then thought, "I got to do something. I can't just stand by and let her be torture by these...these monsters".

The agony pain disturb him. So much, he try to ram his arm at the electrical bar but it only shock him, causing him to be flung back against the wall.

Two lizard guard chuckle with amusement, as Armin pressed his left arm, feeling some burn.

He felt stupid from doing that. However, it wasn't important to make a fool of himself. He was desperate.

He sat there behind the wall, thinking to himself, "Don't just give up now, Armin. There's always a way to get out of these situation. At any moment, Ryuko will likely die. And I can't let that happen".

Just then, he can hear a whistle and footstep.

He lifted his glance up to see Soulestor approaching his cell with a tune and smirk expression.

The two guards hold out their weapon, in which Soulestor try to act casual and civilize to the lizard men, "Greetings my mutant friends. Would both of you mind be leaving I would love to have a little chat with the prisoner".

"Sorry, no visitors", One of the lizard men said.

"Pardon?"

"Mumm ra orders. We don't allow visitors coming by here to meet our prisoner".

"You mistaken. Mumm ra has given me, specifically me, to keep an eye on the boy".

Both of the lizard men look at each other confuse, with Soulestor continuing his saying, "Now if you want proof of me telling the truth, I suggest you two talk with your leader, Slithe".

The lizard men have no comment, with one of them scratching their helmet from confusion.

"Don't just stand there! Get going!"

Startle, they ran pass him, forgetting any common sense behind Soulestor sarcastic and deceiving tone.

He approach the cell, as Armin can only see and hear his voice speaking, "How you do, my young laddie? Pleasant place around here, isn't it? It seems to me you are in quite a hurry to save your friend. How adorable".

"Tch, shut up!" Armin replied, getting up at him.

"Can't really blame you. I seen folks going mad or looney whenever the sound of their love one can be heard screaming. Ruining their pure hearted mind, just to hear the vocal of torture being felt. It's always amusing to me".

"What do you want?" Armin asked, rightfully acting angry from his comment, "Are you trying to taunt me? Is that it?"

"Oh...yes, maybe", Soulestor replied, "But I have other intention of meeting you. One that may...shock you, even".

Armin was put off by this, asking, "What?"

"Opps, pardon my mysterious ways for confusing you. Where's my manners? Allow me to introduce myself", He place his right hand on his chest and did a little bow to him with his left arm open. His cape hanging, as he reveal his name to him, "I am Soulestor, Sardonyx personal advisor, and his...negotiator, even".

"I'm..I'm confuse", This was the only response Armin could thought of.

"You see mister boy I have a small proposition", Soulestor goes straight to the point. Wasting no time, he said, "I will help you and your girl from being tormented by Mumm ra. In return, you give me one or both your boots".

"Boots? Why do you need my boots?" Armin asked, skeptical about his deal.

He knew full well he couldn't trust him. His grinned, his eyes, the way he spoke in a classic horror tone that is quite similar to Vincent Price.

There was literally sinister tone surrounding him.

"Explanation. Always wanting some explanation", He replied, having his arms crossed behind his back and walking back and fourth while remaining eye contact to him, "It's nothing devilish, if you came up with that assumption. I much prefer this to be...beneficial between you and I. Boots are a unique thing in certain markets, and I can sense a desperate man needing some boots for a child. Or even a gift for their own father.

He then begin to act sobber, turning around to face away from Armin sight, "Imagine, benefiting to those who are unfortunate, lad. Those who cannot afford fancy things. Those that have to survive based on what life dictate. In all honestly, life is just sad".

"Your not exactly answering my question", Armin replied, not falling to his absurd trickery.

"Fine, if I'm honest it something...personal. Nothing more, nothing less. So do we have a deal?"

Armin thought this over.

Again, he isn't willing to accept his deal. His demand was absurd and odd. He can't be sure if he's willing to help, he doesn't know a whole lot about him/

However hearing the cried of agony, he cannot keep waiting. He need to get out of here right now.

He replied to him, as Soulestor grinned from his response, "Ok, I'll give both of mine to you, knowing my Corps would totally get mad about it".

"A wise decision, young one. A very wise one", Soulestor chuckle, then he proceed to pull a portal gun out of his cape.

As the holographic cell turn off, Soulestor said to him, "here's your way out. It only has a small juice left for you to escape. Use it wisely".


Cut back to Mumm ra, after a long tense of the pain felt by the shock of electric bolts Ryuko lay there.

Twitching, her eyes remaining shut, her teeth clenching trying to fight the pain away, and her back emitting more smokes.

She groan as Mumm ra said, "Still unable to tell me?"

He chuckle, seeing the agony Ryuko went through amusing him. The Black Holes mercenaries won't faze by this, with the exception to Deathtime covering his eyes with Luddi looking up at him in confusion.

Ryuko responded, opening her left eye and glaring at him with determination and hatred, "F**k you! I been through worst, you-"

She was interrupted by more shock striking her down. The booming light casting, flickering and revealing the faces of the horrifying looks of the statue.

There was no pity, no remorse, just frustration and enjoyment for Mumm ra.

She kept screaming more and more. Her thoughts were holding any life within her.

While Mumm ra continue to torture her, Sardonyx interrupt, asking in a hurry manner, "Uhh Mumm ra, sorry to cut in but how long do we need to stay here? Because as professional mercenaries, we are kinda in a hurry. Not to mention, you still owe us those amounts".

Mumm ra didn't response, leaving him awkwardly disappointed, "Ok, guess your busy then...great...just...wanna to know".

But behind the corridor, Armin peak to see the whole scene happening.

Holding in his frustration and desperation to go out there and save Ryuko, Armin think fast to come up with something.

He has no boots, only holding what appear to be a portal gun given by Soulestor.

He look at it, saying to himself, "Soulestor said I only have one chance to use this. I don't know how to use or where it'll take us but I need to get us out of here no matter what".

He took a deep breath. He wonder if he's going to survive from his upcoming action.

Afraid, yes. Nervous, obvious.

Soon he took an ounce of courage, as he scream and ran at the scene.

Mumm ra stop who took notice, as Armin hold out his fist and was ready to punch him in the face, "LEAVE RYUKO ALONE!"

Unfortunately, he too met the same fate as Ryuko as Mumm ra quickly shot electric at him, flung him near the edge where the sliding, metal floor stop him from reaching the bottom.

"Foolish boy!" Mumm ra said, looking at Armin who quickly got up, ignoring the burns and severe pain after the shock.

Mumm ra didn't seem bother by the fact he's here, free from his cell while the Black Holes Mercenaries were slightly surprise to see him.

"Attempting to save your dear friend by striking me ahead. How stupid of you to think you have enough strength to take me on", Mumm ra mock, "I don't know how you manage to escape but since your here, I may use you to convince your friend to talk".

Soon Ryuko regain consciousness and lifted her head to see Armin standing up and facing off Mumm ra.

Her first thoughts were confuse and worry.

Then she notice he's holding what appear to be a portal gun.

Not caring where he got it, she's more concern for his well being than hers.

Wasting no time, she quickly got up while they were distracted and with her full force, she punches Mumm ra, causing him to knock down on the floor.

The others were shock, as Ryuko grab the blade away from Mist Strucker and ran to Armin, who called out her name, "Ryuko!"

"There's no time! Let's go!' Ryuko shouted, grabbing Armin by the hand and storm off into the corridor.

Mumm ra, slowly getting, shouted at the Black Hole mercenaries who were all standing there completely baffle, "What are you idiots standing there?! After them!"

"But what about our payment?" Ibich asked, concern more about their equal profit.

Sardonyx slap him, telling him, "We aren't going to get anything if you shut up and get your skirts, bare ass after them! Now go!"

He shouted, as all of them head to the corridor to ensure the recapture of them.


Cut to Ryuko and Armin, they were still running through the corridor, while being chase by the lizard troopers and the Black Hole mercenaries themselves.

"Stop right there idiots! There's no where to escape!" Sardonyx shouted.

"Where are we going Ryuko?" Armin asked her.

"The same thing I'm asking you, considering your holding one", Ryuko told him, referring to Armin portal gun as he waste no time and shot a portal in front of them.

Both of them jump into it as the portal disappear out of sight.

This cause everyone to stop and Sardonyx to give a huge stomp on the ground out of frustration, "God damn it! We lost them!"

"Told you should've just fly at them", Mother Hollow comment.

"Shut up!" Sardonyx told her, "F**k! Ok, the biggest question is who the hell gave one of them our cheap portal gun?!"

"Uhhh I think it's probably Soulestor", Deathtime said, "He wasn't with us during that whole interrogation thing".

"Darn it! When I find him I'm going to fire him this instant!"

"But..but Sardonyx, who's going to do our finical stuff?"

"...Sh*t, your right".


Armin and Ryuko teleported out of there, somewhere in a different place.

A loud honking is heard.

A gleaming ball of light is seen.

A screeching wheel became known, as Ryuko and Armin quickly step out of the way from a moving vehicle passing by them.

They move on a sidewalk, where they can hear the voice of the driver passing through, "Outta the way, a**hole!"

They were stunned by what just happen. But soon, they find themselves in a different world from Earth.

There they stood on a sidewalk in a busy road. It seem to be a huge city, based off the size to the many buildings near them. Some were tall and towering, others were short, some being smaller to even reach the sky.

Their designs were glimmering, deco, pale white and yellow. Some resemble block of gold, silver, and cement.

Some have sculpted patterns and small statue of figures plaster on top of the building, on the corner side, or rarely in the bottom half. These figures as such include birds, weasels, foxes, and snakes. Some seen running, some have diamonds as pair of eyes, and some looking different based off design or color such as most of them having a simplistic look, having sharp angles.

Some have giant bill boards, signs, and posters, showing different type of ads or products. Or even showing the establishment or company name on them. Each of them have different vast of colors. Red, blue, green, and white. Some show images, some don't. Some of them are tall or short, and some have lights on their surroundings to make them stand out.

The buildings lower area have different type of doors and windows. Some have steps, some are long or short, some show people dinning or the products themselves.

As for the windows from above, they were brightly lit. Some windows were open allowing music or conversation to be heard.

On the sidewalk, there were light post with yellow light emitted through those globe glass, trashcans, parking bikes, internet poles, food stands, news pads stands, and bath room booth.

Dozens and dozens of civilians walk by, showing off their clothing which some consist with a coat, hats, dresses, uniforms, or even suits.

Not all of them were dressed like these. Some stand out from others such as some not resembling humans and some wearing helmets or mask, or even entirely dress in a astronaut suit. There are even some that wore just typical, normal modern clothe; But most of the populate seem to be deprive from old fashion wares.

Matter of fact, the entire scenery seem to similar to a 1930s and 40s American city, if it was set in a futuristic setting.

The vehicles passing by, showing off the vooming sounds and bright light emitting from them, resemble those of Ford models, Cadillacs, Chevrolet and other old vehicles that would've been seen odd and outdated, if not for them having no wheels and only hovering above the road as they drove by.

Most are not accurate to the period but it does seem to be inspire by it.

As more automobile passes by, parking near the sidewalk, or even stuck in a busting traffic, Ryuko and Armin were push by the continue movement of several people.

Deciding to not stand there, they began walking their right direction, wondering what to do and where they are.

"Where are we?" Ryuko asked Armin, looking around the place and seeing right ahead to be a intersect, "Where did your portal gun took us?"

"I-I don't know", Armin replied, having no idea as they pass by four men dress in a red uniform, resembling a WW2 officer if it was clad in red, "The portal gun doesn't have any coordinates. It seem it took us to a random location".

"Well could it take us back to, I don't know, Earth?"

"Sorry, I think it ran out of power".

"What?" Ryuko asked, stopping and turning to face him.

"Look, I was given by one of the Black Hole gang who exchange it by taking my boots", Armin replied, with Ryuko looking down to notice he's barefoot, "Granted, I don't know why he need them but the point is, he told me I only have one chance to get us out of here".

"And took his offer?"

"I was desperate, okay".

Although Ryuko was a little baffle, she quickly get over with it and said to him, "Well...thanks you for helping but right now, we need to focus on our...current situation".

"But Ryuko, we don't know anything about this place", Armin told her, as they resume back to walking, "For what we know, it could be a world where killing someone and violating them is consider art and legal".

"I know. That's why I'm trying to think for a moment here, so the only thing we could do now is to try to lay low, act natural, and try not to cause a scene".".

"That's...your solution?"

"Not a perfect, I know but it's the only solution I got".

Finally they made it to the intersection. A huge traffic is blocking the path for all of the roads.

Honking and sirens can be heard, the sound of angry drivers swearing, and yellow can be seen, and the civilians on the sidewalks await for the traffic to move and drive off.

Some were tired, with some sitting down by a near by bench or on their luggages.

Some couldn't wait longer, and walk through the traffic, with a few bother drivers that were not happy seeing their vehicle being touch.

There were some patrol vehicles dealing with the large traffic. But despite the assistance, the traffic continue on.

This didn't seem a huge issue for Ryuko, who stood there and look on both side to see a clear glance of the city.

On both lanes, the structures were all equally tall. Towering so much it reaches the night, dark sky.

They all have different billboards, windows patterns, and architect, with some having no windows and resembling more of a theater.

In the distance were more ray of lights, flickering balls of yellow and red.

This felt more home of a 1930s and 40s Hollywood depiction of the city in the future, or even a world fair representation of the future.

But what caught her eyes were the civilians, especially those wearing the red uniform she saw earlier.

The red uniforms have symbols of a lightly red bird on it, having wings open and having the beak pointed upward.

They seem to be walking pair, possibly coming out of duty and hanging out with their comrades. They were everywhere in trucks and vehicles driven by one of them, walking by with a wife, kids, or even other friends that do not wear the same uniform.

Some were drunk, dancing and holding out bottles which didn't seem to bother some of the folks.

Some were walking in lines, possibly due to their strict nature.

There were others that wore the same uniform but with different touches and matches, such as there being some wearing green and having a symbol on their upper arm which shows a snake towering over a planet.

There were many of these uniform men. And this seem to trigger a little curiosity to Ryuko, as if...she remember seeing these type of uniform before.

Seeing this to be a perfect time to talk with Armin, she asked him, "So...uhh...are you alright being barefoot?"

"Excuse me?"

"Not in a fetish way, just in a...common sense way for better context".

"I'm fine with it. Don't know why you have to ask that".

"Look just ignore what I just said, okay?"

Armin shurgged.

This only intensify the awkwardness.

He then look around the city, remarking to Ryuko, "Say, do you notice something...odd about this place".

"Uhh no. It just a huge city. Why do you ask?"

"Well notice there's a lot of guys wearing red and green uniform. Do you think we're in some kind of...dystopia civilization?"

"Hmm, based off our experience, I wouldn't be surprise if that the case".

"Yeah your right", Armin said, as he check his pocket he realize something, "Oh, I just forgot".

He pulled out the three shards that were given to him by her.

She turn to notice them, and Armin handed it to her, "Here, I think you need this".

"Sweet, thanks Armin", Ryuko accept, taking it and putting in her pocket, "Glad you manage to kept it".

"Your welcome but...may I ask you something?"

"Hmm?"

"What's the deal with them, anyways? Why is everyone all of sudden after it? I mean, the rat guy you told us about was after it, along with the alchemist".

"That's... what I'm wondering too", She replied, simply put as she still trying to keep a secret but still wanting to give a somewhat reasonable explanation, "I'm still trying to figure it out. The problem is every time I do, it keeps giving me more problem to solve. I just wish everything was this simple, you know".

"Can't blame you. After everything, I'm debating wether it was a good idea or bad idea I left my post to compete for this".

"Wait, you left your post?"

"Uhhh...what I meant to say is-"

Just then, Armin heard a voice calling out his name, "Armin!"

It was a voice filled with relief.

Armin look both way for the voice. And as he turn, he saw where the voice is coming from.

A man wearing all blue clothing and a cape. He wave at him, calling his name out one more time to get his attention, "Armin! Hey, it's me!"

Armin, feeling a little confuse, asked, "Uhhh, are you referring to me or-?"

But before he could finish, the man quickly run up to him and gave a manly hug, which got Ryuko attention.

"It so good to see you again, pal! I was really worry they got you guys", The man said.

"Uhh who the hell are you?" Ryuko asked him, as some of the civilians passing by seem to took notice to this odd scene.

Puzzle, the man release Armin and asked them, "Wait, don't you guys recognize me?"

"Ummm no?" Armin replied.

"Seriously? None of you remember me? Back in the casino we were partying, enjoying the night out, and all that crazy stuff? None of you remember it?"

They both shook their head, having no idea what the stranger is even talking about.

This left the man completely turn off, expecting them to remember anything that happen.

Then he remember, "Ooooh...oh! I get it now".

"Get it what?" Ryuko asked.

"Allow me to re-introduce myself, young lady", He begin, "My name is Lando Calrissian, famous card player, veteran leader against the Empire, and popular gambler".

"Uhhh...nice to meet you?" Armin replied, scratching his head.

"So anyways, I see you two don't remember much, correct?"

"Uhh yeah", Ryuko replied, "Wait, you remember what happen to us last night?"

"Of course!" He replied, with open arms and a smile, "I still remember how you two were crazy last night. All gamble and all laughing. It disturbing but amusing at the same time".

This seem to bring some hope to Armin, knowing if Lando does remember what happen before they could solve everything what happen and try to get out of this mess.

"Ryuko, you know what this means?" Armin asked her, "He could tell us everything what happen last night".

"Say, you two seem like you need some refreshment", Lando said to them, getting their attention, "How about I'll tell you both at the cafe. My treat, if you don't mind".

"Uhh sure, why not", Ryuko replied, as Lando pat her on the shoulder and gave Armin a nudge near his arm.

"Good decisions. Let's go", Lando gesture them to follow, returning from the spot they were teleported at.

As they follow him, a mysterious figure, clad in trench coat hid in the ally, as he heard everything what they were talking about.


The cafe was located in another intersection.

This intersect was much smaller and has less traffic. It is somewhere on the left turn lane, located in the front point.

The cafe itself was made out of hard, dark wood. It has four windows, each on either side.

Design wise, it is model off an old, Edwardian architect. The words 'cafe' on the windows and window door has a fancy, curve to it painted in red.

Cut to the interior. The interior has red carpet floor, the chairs, counter, and tables were wooden, there are many 19th century lamps set up on the tables , counters, walls, and even on chandeliers.

The amounts of table sets up are twenty eight, with the exception to booths which there six of them in the back.

There were wooden support beams, giant coffee machines in the counter as they were combusted, filled with pipes, and resemble golden tubes.

The walls were decorated with photos and paintings. Photos showing celebrities in black and white, or previous workers or customers. And as for paintings, it mostly shows landscapes from forest to deserts.

As for the public, tons and tons of civilians came to this cafe.

Some were enjoying pleasantly and calmly, while others laugh and became reckless, possbly due to most being men wearing green and red uniform, possibly being part of the military from the indication of their symbols.

The cafe was filled with officers, soldiers, and a few civilians.

The civilians consist of middle age men dressed in suits and attires. Sitting together and smoking, puffing out gallons of smoke in the air which spread due to the fans.

Other consist of just pilots, small furry aliens, or regular teenagers.

But most of it are cover entire with soldiers and officers, being either high ranking or low ranking. They would drink gallons and gallons of coffee or any liquor they brought in, trying to chat with the female waitress ( Which there seem to be nine of them, with the exception of two men station in the counter ), laugh together either by jokes or events, or simply discuss political topics.

In the back, old rag time piano music is playing.

Play by a drunken officer, sharing the same red uniform like the others only with a cap on.

Lando, Armin, and Ryuko were seated in the front row, near the window and near the door.

Lando begin retelling of the previous event to Armin and Ryuko, "So there I was in Las Vegas, trying to make sure my gambling tricks were still intact. It's been a while now I have ever done gambling. And while I was there, I met you kids. You were acting weird, crazy, and super insane. I'm not quite sure if you guys were taking drugs or not".

"Seems like we did", Ryuko said, "Consider Chris new friend was a lunatic".

"Umm, didn't he say it not technically a drug?" Armin asked her, "I think I still remember him saying that".

"Pretty certain he made up that bullish*t to us".

Lando continue onward, "Anyways, I was literally in hot water right about now, if your friend Armin hadn't step in and literally got me out of a terrible circumstances".

"Wait, I did?" Armin asked, baffle by it as he wasn't the type to be interested in gamble.

"Yeah, you did. Afterwards, I invited you guys for a little celebration trip. We gone out, do some wacky misadventure, and I remember you saying wanting to do more gamble. Now I was a little dumbstruck at first but you kept insisting. So I let you and surprisingly enough, you manage to score a lot".

"Score a lot? I...don't seem to recall doing all that", Armin said.

"Drug trip, remember?" Ryuko remind him.

"So anyways, while you and I were enjoying a lot of card games and stuff like that, your friend Ryuko told cut in and told us she saw something particular weird".

"What?" Ryuko asked. After hearing and barely understanding, the most stand out was the mention of her seeing something, "What do you mean by that? Seeing something particular weird?"

"I thought the same thing too, until you begin describing it. Couple of white masked men in armor, taking a couple of bag figures into a shuttle. You told me in the casino while returning from hurling up. At first, I thought you were still in your trans but then I took a second thought about it, and..."

"And what?"

There was a slow pause during the drowning of laughter and music.

After a long minute had pass, Lando finally replied, "Well...that's where it ends".

"What do you mean that's where it ends? You do remember what happen to us, right?" Armin asked him, a bit confuse by the reply.

"I do. After your friend told me this, she started acting crazy. Took you away and ran off".

"Wait, I did just that?" Ryuko asked, a little stunned by it, "How? Why?"

"I don't know you were acting paranoid", Lando replied, "You were spurring all sort of nonsense like avoiding the green suit guys or red suit guys, whatever you were saying. All I can say is after you guys left, I try digging further investigation on what you just saw; And apparently, I came to a conclusion you may have what lefts of the Empire".

"Left of the Empire?"

"It a long story but all you need to know is these guys were once a powerful empire in my galaxy until eventually they were defeated, and left to be discarded. What you may have discover must've trigger you to act crazy".

"Wow, soooo I guess that explain how we end up where we are?" Armin said, feeling conflicted on this matter, and quite puzzle, "I mean it doesn't really explain much how we got into a car and crash on Third Earth".

He was unsure to conclude this confusion, consider there were still some unanswered questions.

As for Ryuko she was dumbfounded beyond all belief. It was hard to try to think of this after hearing what happen that night.

Everything from them going gamble to her acting crazy and paranoid. She kept wonder wether or not if it true, and if it is true why?

Then it struck her. Lando mention her being scare of two color uniform.

Looking to her surrounded, she does notice it fit with her description. The men all around her were wearing one.

Was that the reason she freak out?

Her mind is in a spiral.

"Anyways, sorry if you guys don't remember anything", Lando responded, feeling bad for them having forgotten everything, "It the best I could do trying to explain all this".

"It's fine, it just...man, it really hard to remember all this", Ryuko comment, "I'm not even sure if it true or not".

"Believe me, I never fabricated anything, Only if I'm in a tough situation".

"So what are you doing here, and what exactly is this place?" Armin asked him.

"This place? It's a city state called Vauhzass, somewhere on a planet I forgot the name of", Lando replied, "This city belongs to two organizations. Blood Birds and Kraits".

"Blood...birds? Sounds familiar but I can't wrap my head around it", Ryuko mutter.

"As for why I'm here, I was trying to investigate a little further on her description. Based off my curiosity state. The shuttle she mention was probably a Lambda-class T-4, and the only place that still sell those after the Empire has fallen came from near this place. I thought I could check here and do a little check up. That's when I saw you guys. Oh, and by the way, where were you two anyways?"

"It's a...convoluted story to tell", Ryuko replied, "Basically we encounter some robot bears, some mercenaries, and a creepy Mummy".

"Really? Man, you guys been through some strange stuff".

"Not faze by that much", She replied, casually, "We been through much worst".

"Tell me about it", Lando agree, "I avoid many strange creatures. One example is when I got wrap up in a mining situation, chase down by the Empire, and almost got devour by a void, tentacle monster".

"Gosh, it's really hard to think of anything right now", Armin remark, placing his hand up his forehead and looking down, "Can't believe all of this happen because of Chris trying to cheer us up in the most absurd way as possible".

"Oh yeah, now that you mention it", Lando said, "I did heard something what your host said while I first met you guys".

This caught Armin direct attention, including Ryuko.

"Huh, really?"

"Yeah, say something about declaring a new challenge. Possibly about meeting him at a...uhhh...tropical...island, I think?"

"Tropical island?" Ryuko asked.

"It technically not a tropical island. More or less, a fake one set up in...Washington state? I don't know, I didn't had time to hear that whole stuff he said".

"Did he say anything else?"

"Nope, that's pretty much. I kinda assume you guys were competing on something by him mentioning it, correct?"

"Uhh yes! We were!", Armin replied, quickly. Getting up and putting both his hands down on the table.

The mention of Chris and his words were enough for them to understand what's going on. They knew earlier on it could be a challenge but they weren't quite certain.

Now that Lando had explain everything, they were certain enough to get back home without filler.

"Woah, calm your tone kid", Lando replied gesturing Armin to ease down, which he did, "I was just asking. Also, you really need some shoes, pal. Don't want to walk around barefoot".

"Oh man! Ryuko, we got to get going, fast!' Armin said to Ryuko, acting very in a hurry.

Ryuko remain calm and confuse, asking, "What?"

"If what Lando saying is true then we gotta get going", Armin then turn to Lando, asking him, "Hey Lando, if you don't mind, can you take us back to Earth please?"

"Uhh sure, for a friend. I really enjoy being accompany with you guys after all. Matter of fact, I was thinking in-"

'That's great to hear! Thanks", Armin took a glance to Ryuko while standing up.

Instead of an expression of confidence, relieved, or anything that seem to indicate a fast positive, he only saw a serious, conflicted expression.

Confuse, Armin asked, "What's wrong Ryuko? Is there something you want to say?'

"Armin...I don't feel like leaving right now".

"What? Why not? Don't you want to make it to the final two?"

"Yes but there something...I'm not sure about", Ryuko replied, "It hard to explain it but somehow, I don't think we need to leave yet. I get the feeling we need to...uncover something, or at the very least, finish a clear subjective".

"Ryuko, you aren't making any sense. I mean, none of the stuff we been through make any sense so far but this...this is just-"

"Ludicrous? Yeah, I know".

"Then...what do you want us to do?"

As Ryuko think this over. Thinking what to do. Thinking what will happen if she choose not to continue with their challenge.

Soon Lando caught his attention to a certain alarming scene.

Near the door, three figures came in.

One was Pokerface, and the other two is Buzzsaw and Mo-Lec-U-Lar ( Note: If you anyone remember, they from Silverhawks, and have made appearance in previous chapters ).

This cause Lando to act nervous and a little scare, as he quickly gesture these two attention to the three figures that are walking toward them.

"Uhh I think Armin is right. I think we shouldget going, fast", Lando told them but it was too late.

Pokerface saw them and confront them.

Ryuko and Armin quickly recognize them before during that whole multiverse craze.

Although they knew they were no good, they remain silence as Pokerface said, "Well, if it isn't Lando and his pals of cheaters I see".

"Pokerface, uhhh..nice to see your face again", Lando nervously laugh and smile at him until converted back to awkwardness, "All classy and fancy".

"Yes, nice to see you after you two cheated me twice back there".

"Listen Pokerface, we won fair and square", Lando told him, trying to make an excuse, "You don't need to act all fuss about it".

"Oh yes I can. I'm not pleased by the results, Lando. I'm here for a rematch".

"Look Poker, I can't deal with that now. Maybe next time or something, I'm kinda busy here".

"There's no next time, Lando", Pokeface tap his cane, with Mo-Lec-U-Lar holding out a pistol and Buzzsaw aiming his saw blade at them, "I suggest both of you to come with us so we could handle this privately".

"As hell we will", Ryuko responded, readying to pull out her blade but was stop by Armin, indicating by his warning face to not provoke them.

Pokerface gesture his cane to follow quietly, as they got up and are push toward the door.

As they did, pushing by tons and tons of uniform men, Lando try to figure a way out of this situation.

Soon he saw the bar counter and notice three red uniform mens and one green uniform man right ahead of him.

The three of them have brown hair, with one of them having a curly mustache.

The green uniform man was young ( Seem to be around his 20s ) and have a straight, blonde hair.

The three of them were looking down at a black and white picture of a female woman, while the green uniform was just minding his own business and is drinking coffee. What caught his eye was a photo stuck in his pocket, which shows the same woman from the earlier photo.

Believing to be perfecting timing, Lando whisper to Armin, "Hey, I got an idea. This may sound crazy but it may work".

He stop and tap the green uniform man, getting his attention and telling him, "I don't want to cause any trouble pal but I think you should look at what those three guys are doing".

Lando is grab by Poker.

And as they were near the door, the green uniform man took notice of the three men and saw them laughing and acting flirty to the same woman, which causes the man to be furious.

He confront him and tap one of their shoulders, "Hey!"

The man turn around to face him, still smiling and asked, "Yeah?"

Instead of a response, the green uniform punch the man in the face, causing the man to fall back and bump into Pokerface, losing his grip of Lando.

This caught everyone attention in the cafe, as the green uniform man shouted, "That's my wife you stinking Blood Bird f**k!"

Not wanting to ignore that force of a punch, the red uniform replied angrily, "Oh yeah! Take this, you little, Krait sh*t!"

He tackle him down, which causes an uproar of fighting between both side of red and green.

One green smash a red with a bottle, another a red step on the counter and jump onto two unexpected green.

This gives Lando, Ryuko, and Armin to quickly escape as Buzzsaw and Mo-Lec-U-Lar are stuck in the middle of a fight.

The three of them ran away from the cafe.

As they ran through the crowd of people while vehicles are passing by, Armin asked Lando, "What did you just do back there?"

"I saw one of the guys looking at the other guy wife by a photo", Lando replied.

"And you came to that assumption?"

"Look, it best if we get out of here fast. I don't want to be involve in another gamble situation", Lando then pause and call out a taxi, "Taxi!"

A yellow taxi stop for them, as Ryuko and Armin quickly enter the back seat, Lando head to the driver, telling the driver, "Sorry pal, I need to take your car?"

"Uhh what?"

"LANDO!" A loud, shouting voice is heard.

Pokerface and his two boys are chasing after them.

"There's no time!" Lando proceed to open the door and throw the driver out.

But before he drove off, he throw some cash to the puzzle driver.

They drove pass Poker and his gang.

As they drove Armin asked Lando, "Where are we heading?"

"Somewhere further away here. I park my ship somewhere in a abandoned industrial area. I didn't want my ship to be easily detected, you know".

Just then, they felt a bump. And as Lando look behind, he see Pokerface and Buzzsaw driving after them in a car, as it seems to be dose in yellow, indicating Mo-Lec-U-Lar has transform and are after them with full speed.

"Crud! Forgot one of them can manipulate it own self", Lando said, focusing his attention to the road, "Hold on tight, I'm going to try to out maneuver them".

Increasing the acceleration speed, they turn right into a intersection.

He swiftly move the wheel, avoiding collisions with the other vehicles and civilians.

He kept driving straight, all a while passing through many of the vehicles. He didn't care if the authorities will get involve.

His biggest concern is to avoid being capture by Pokerface.

As they kept driving, dodgin, ignoring the honk, and passing through every vehicle, Poker behind them ram at them.

He ram four times right at them. Every hit creates a thump, and every time they hit Poker laugh from the fun of it.

"Any idea how we going to get rid of them?" Armin asked Lando.

"I don't know. Find something to throw at them!"

"Like what?" Ryuko asked him, "This is a taxi vehicle. You expect us to find something that may stop them?"

"Uhhh yes! Every car has to have some sort..thing to block, look! Just find anything, will ya!"

Ryuko and Armin look around to see if there's anything to throw at them.

Armin notice there are a pile of cans and thought this could be useful to their advantage.

Back at the Poker car, Mo-Lec-U-Lar was starting to get irritated by Poker driving.

"Would you stop ramming me at them?" He told them, "My head is going to suffer a concussion".

"Well what do you expect me to do?" Pokeface asked, "Speed pass them and possibly ram them ahead, possibly crashing them and killing us both?!"

"Rah! Let me solve this! I'll use my saw blades to damage their tires!" Buzzsaw said, laughing.

"They don't have tires, Buzzsaw", Pokeface told him, point blank.

"Oh...well I'll use my saw blade to damage their out of shells!"

"I'm pretty certain it wouldn't do much other than giving it a scratch you know".

"Wait, look out!" Mo-Lec-U-Lar shouted, as dozens of cans are thrown at the windshield, causing Poker to lose control and spin until crashing near the sidewalk where many onlookers escape unhurt.

"Woohoo! Way to go, Armin!" Lando cheer Armin, after seeing his actions.

However this relief of confident soon worn out, as the taxi car begin to move slower and slower.

Suddenly it fall down, as many of the vehicles pass by them.

confuse and in disbelief, Ryuko asked Lando, "Don't tell me it ran out of gas".

"Well indicated by me unable to make it start, I think it pretty obvious", Lando replied, hitting the wheel out of frustration, "Damn it!"

"Now what?" Armin asked him, "How are we going to get to your shuttle".

"Simple. By walking, of course", Lando said, then noticing from the car rear that Poker and his gang are still alive and are seen running after them, "Because right now, thinking and sitting in a car won't do anything good, now come on!"

They got out of the car and ran into the crowd, in a attempt to blend in and escape being seen by them.

Just then the crowd became larger and larger.

There were more people running to their direction. Children's were gesturing among other children's to join along.

Many of the vehicles park either near the sidewalk or in the middle of the road.

At first, the three of them were confuse for this sudden rapid growth.

But their attention is soon gain as the sky became dark, indicating to be already night time.

Airships, ships, planes, and other flying object can be seen above, flashing down white lights.

It didn't became clear until they heard music. Marching music. The sounds of trumpet and drums can be fully felt, as soon as they reach to a stopping, and from there they knew what's going on.

A parade is happening.

A huge parade was going on in front of them. In the long road that gain more attractions and more lights than any part of the city.

As for the parade itself, it shows a huge march of both the red and green uniform mens, marching alongside each other while holding up laser rifles.

They wore helmets marching their attires but no mask.

Many of the crowds cheer for them, throwing flowers and flakes, yelling at their names which indicate either it from their friends or family members.

Some of the crowds wave flags up, sharing the same symbol on their uniform.

Matter of fact, the tall and towering buildings have flags hanging up there, showing the appreciation and celebration to the troops down there. People from windows were showing some supports by throwing the same things that were thrown down in the road.

There were men holding up flags while marching. There were vehicles pulling air floats that shows a giant serpent and a red bird.

Even four airships are there, showing flags with the same image.

A marching chorus can also be seen, playing the trumpet, saxophone, and drums.

It seem to be playing the national theme, mainly for the Blood Birds.

Lando, Ryuko, and Armin are in front of the parade, with Armin asked Lando, "Now what? What do we do?"

"We cross over there", He replied.

"What?' Ryuko asked him, utterly concern and dumbfounded.

"It's our only chance".

Having no choice, the both of them slip from the crowd unnoticed and attempted to try to go pass through the marching band, only for them to be greeted with more crowd of people pushing them from the side.

Straying them from reaching on the other side, as they are being pull by tons of people who seem to be attracted to a certain thing in the way bag of the parade.

They can't see, nor can they look behind them to see what the people are pulling to the side.

They struggle to pass through, as more and more people join the crowd, as if being excited to see a popular figure.

The three of them were stray away from one another. It was difficult to know where they due to the crowd.

Even Armin calling out her name, "Ryuko!"

Didn't made it quicker for her to appear to next him.

Speaking of, Ryuko was pushing and shoving her way through, trying to see where she is and figure out where Armin and Lando, "Armin? Lando? Where are you guys?"

Then she bump into something.

She felt a body stopping her. She looked up to see a figure standing in front of her. A towering figure, wearing all black like a long robe or coat.

Ryuko stare at what appear to be a pale head. It's eyes were pure white, with the exception to those red, spiral pupils. They were rigged looking.

His small mustache, his huge grinned.

Something about it made her remember.

A memory from the castle.

A memory of that...fox.

She stood there, frozen. Looking at it. She can feel the attention it gaining.

It then proceed to have it right hand out, as it slowly press it on Ryuko head, giving her a pat.

She doesn't know why, nor does she feel...scare.

She felt puzzle by it.

The next thing she knew, she was pull off by Armin.

They were both now out of the crowd of people, and were now in the ally of the street, away from the huge parade.

"Ryuko, are you alright? Speak to me?" He asked her, as she soon regain her sight.

She pressed her head, shaking it off and groaning, "I'm fine, thanks".

"What happen back there? You were gazing off".

"I...don't know. It probably nothing".

Ryuko quickly got over it.

As they heard Lando whispering to them near a open door, gesturing them to enter in this random building.


The random building they enter was a hotel. A long, deco yellow structure with a giant red sign on the top which read, 'Endless Relaxation at Nick!'

The hotel contains twenty two levels, excluding the basement. With the twenty one levels being the rooms for the guest stay while the first level is mainly for the counter, plus dinner and breakfast area, lounge area, smoke area, small stores, and a pool.

After entering the building, Lando quickly ask the client for a room to stay, and they were select to the top level.

They stay in a room, facing toward the vast city.

The city illuminated tons of lights, from yellow to white to green and red. Lights coming from either the buildings or the moving vehicles.

There were many aircrafts in the sky. Some resembling Zeppelins while others resemble giant red vessels.

Ryuko stood near the balcony. The wind blow to her, feeling a slight breeze. The sound of busting traffics, musics, and talking can be heard down there despite being way on the top level.

These distraction didn't bother her. What bother her was Lando description.

She kept wondering wether or not it means something. At first, she wanted to investigate further but her other side want her to leave this place.

As she sigh to her, looking out in the distance Lando was inside peaking through the door eye hole, as Armin sat at the edge of the bed.

Two beds with white, clean sheets and a red blanket. The room was warmth, with some cold hidden in it. There was a flat, glass plate screen, being the TV. There was a writing table with a chair, a painting that shows a green landscape, a cabinet place between the beds with a lamp on it, a wifi password code card, a ice bowl with two paper cup place on the cabinet, and a mini refrigerator.

There was a bathroom, a closet, and a old radio.

"No sign of Poker and his guys", Lando said, looking at Armin, "Guess we safe for now".

"How long do we need to stay here?"

"I don't know. Right now, we'll just stay low. I can't contact most of my high officials. Not with me being in hot water right now that could ruin my image".

After Lando said that, he notice Ryuko was at the balcony. Looking very...unhappy or gloomy, "Say, what's with her? She's been acting very...odd since we got in here".

"I don't know", Armin replied, "She's been acting weird ever since Brendan gave her those shards of...stones".

"Stones?"

"It's...a long story but all you need to know is we get into some terrible circumstances that usually revolves around these rocks".

"And why's that? Does it has something special in it or what?"

"No idea. I usually just go along with it but right now, I'm beginning to question it".

"Well...whatever those stones are I'm getting a feeling you guys are in some serious danger", Lando said, "More danger than I am".

"What do you mean?"

Lando was hesitant of revealing this matter, as he told him, "It's...best if we talk about this outside on the road, okay?"

"But..what about Poker and his gang?"

"Don't worry...I'll keep a close eye in case if they do show up".

Armin, feeling the need to get some boredom out of the way, accept his request, and the both of them walk out of the room, leaving Ryuko alone.

Ryuko stood there as she did not took notice of their leaving.

She remain...ponder to herself.

Ryuko decided to speak with one person she know. And that person is Senketsu.

"Hey...Senketsu", Ryuko spoke, as the shirt begin to wake up and open it eye, "Can I...talk with you for a sec?"

"Uhhh...what is it now? I was having a wonderful dream", Senketsu yawn, "It was me, being wear upon a sweet, sweet...hot body".

"Yeah...enough with your perky comments, okay?"

"What? No outrageous comments?"

"I'm...not in the mood", Ryuko said, "Now listen, I want to ask you something. It's...about the stones and Torrica".

"Oooooh, your still hung with that, huh?"

"Yes, I'm...a little confuse by what had just transpire. I mean seriously, I literally suggested we should stay, rather than returning home yet. Armin and that other guy started to think I'm weird. Am I acting weird?"

"Uhhh...I mean, with how many weirdos we encounter, how many world be been through, and not to mention you are literally talking to a shirt I'll say...maybe?"

"Look it just...there's something up about my current situation. Something I can't...describe".

"Can't describe? What do mean by that?"

Ryuko proceed to pull out the three shards and show it to him, noticing how they are emitting smoke, "It these. Somehow, I'm getting a feeling this place must have something to do with it that I'm not entirely sure about".

"Your not sure if this rock...crystal thing does this before?"

"It's not that, it the weird feeling I'm getting from it. Not to mention, before the hangover I was acting...strange. Maybe it has something to do with these stones, I don't know".

"Huh...well, if it is bothering you, why not talk this out with blondie? Maybe he could help you".

"I can't".

"Why not?"

"Remember? I can't tell anyone or else they get too skeptical about this to the point I have to reveal my secret to them. And it's not just that, I don't want them to get into any more trouble because of me".

"Well it seems to me you aren't doing a swell job based off where we are".

Ryuko sigh, "Yeah, can't argue with that".

Senketsu can see Ryuko was having a hard time about this.

He asked her, "Hey, is everything been alright with you? I mean, based off your tone I'm going to guess it involve this whole, weird...journey you've gone through".

"Yeah...it's pretty something like that", She simply replied.

"Well regardless with everything, just know everything will be okay at the end. I guarantee it".

This seem to warm Ryuko up a little, smiling to him.

But this warmth soon end, once a unknown voice caught her attention, "You know I'm not the type to wait around until notice".

She quickly turn around to see a man in the shadow.

Wasting no time to react, she grab her blade that was on the edge of the bed and pointed at him, demanding a question, "Who the hell are you?!"

"Relax, I'm not here to hurt you", The man reveal himself, by turning the lights on.

He was black, wear a black and green outfit, and wielded a green ring.

Ryuko was...perplexed by him.

"The names John Stewart", John introduce himself, "Green Lantern of Sector 2814, or in other terms, Green Lantern of Earth".

"Green Lanterns...never heard of you guys", Ryuko comment.

"Seriously? You never heard of a Green Lantern?"

"I'm from a different universe", Ryuko replied, "You really expect me to know what a Green Lantern is? Also, you could've just knock instead of entering in like a creep".

"Sorry, I was in a hurry".

"Riiiight", Ryuko said, "Anyways, what do you want?"

"I want some answers", John explain, "I been tracking you guys down back at the casino before you two disappear all of a sudden. You were rambling about being chase or something like that. You see, I was task to investigate in Kraits activity".

"Kraits activity?"

"Yeah, apparently there's been reports of missing people, and some of them believe to link to Kraits, especially here. Afterwards, those who are suspicious about it went missing as well. So I expect you may have encounter some kind of illegal activity".

"Look whatever you want, I can't help you. I can't recollect much what happen back there".

"Well you got to remember something", John said.

Ryuko remain silent.

It's clear to John that Ryuko has no memory of what just happen. Not wanting to bother or make Ryuko feel uncomfortable, John decided the best option is to leave, "Okay, I understand. If you do find any suspicious activity, just notify me by any means. I'll be staying here for a while until I'll crack this case".

As John leave the room, Ryuko sat on the edge of the bed. Still confuse and curious as ever, plus a bit stressful now that she got herself more involve into another affair.

Not wanting to think too much of everything, Ryuko decided to take a nap as a way to ease her tension thoughts down.

Laying on the bed, she begin to close her eyes and sleep.

As she slept, she can feel the breeze sweeping through her as she begin to feel nothing and hear nothing as the blackness consume her vision.


She awoke, but not on her bed. She awoke in the empty streets. There was no sounds, no people, nothing.

She can't seem to see Armin or Lando around as well. Nor does she see any lights. The city seem abandoned.

She stood up, slowly as she look around the place. She notice she's in the same spot near the hotel but everything seem grayish.

As she begin to walk down the road, she begin calling out for someone, "Hello? Anyone? Armin? Lando?...Green Lantern guy? Anyone here?"

Looking around and hearing no response, Ryuko begin to feel...worry.

That is until her gaze is caught by an ally way which shows a familiar figure.

The pale fox or in other term, the Third one.

The creature stare at her with a grinned. They stare at each other for a small moment until finally the creature begin to turn around and move into the darkness.

Although utterly confuse and perplex, Ryuko had no choice but to follow it in the ally.

As she follow, she can see the ally and the buildings soon disappearing.

She continue to follow the pale creature through the darkness, having no idea what to say or how to interact.

She can only remain silent for now.

Soon she begin to feel something...smoking.

Her pockets.

She pulled out the three shards, noticing they are smoking and also glowing a lot more.

Soon everything was blue and white until finally they stopped.

Stopping at what appear to be old abandoned structure. It seems to be merely an apartment but with close examination, there was a hatch glowing red.

Ryuko has no word, other than looking down at the creature who has no grinned. Instead, it stare at her with a blank expression.

It's eyes with it same reddish, crooked, and spiral design gaze to her, and soon...it consume her.


She awoke! Gasping for air as she catch some breath.

She has no clue what she witness. She is utterly...memorize by what just happen. But with all that just happen, Ryuko felt a tiny urge.

An urge to...find this building and hatch.

She doesn't know why but she know it hold great importance.

But as soon as she got up, she can hear a click.

It sounded like...a weapon.

Then she heard a female voice that said, "I suggest you stand still".

She turn around to face the door, and saw a woman clad in armor. She wears a mask with one reddish monocle. She has expose, spiky black hair. She seem to be in her 20s, based off her skim body.

She aim at her a box like machine gun. It seems as though her entire body was plastic, with no skin beneath it.

Sensing danger already, she attempted to move her hand near her blade but was stop again by her voice, "I say stand still, or else your entire body will be part of the room".

"Just who the hell are you?" Ryuko asked her, "Are you part of Pokerface guys or the Black Holes guys?"

"Please, as if I'm interested in working for either these clients", She told her, sounding pretty annoyed she brought it up, "The names Guhhate. And all you need to know is you need to come with me, along with telling me where the blondie is".

"Why?"

"I don't know, I'm just a contract mercenary doing my job so come with me now".

But before Ryuko could think of something, Guhhate is quickly shot from the back by a green blast.

It struck her down, allowing the person to reveal itself to be John Stewart, using his ring to save Ryuko life.

"Go! Now! I'll hold her off", John said.

With no question ask, Ryuko grab her blade and ran out of the room, as John is left to deal with Guhhan who is getting up and regaining conscious.

"Green Lantern", Guhhate said, very annoyed, "Ugh, and I thought I wouldn't have to deal with one of you guys again".

"Hold it, Guhhate", John told her, "Now you better tell me why you were after her, and who send you".

"You really expect a middle class mercenary to tell? I got no time to tell you this, Green Lantern!" Guhhate use the dial on her machine gun, which she proceed to spray yellow flames at John.

John uses his shield to block it. And although it holding it off, it wasn't enough as the cracks begin to form.

He slid a bit backward, as he struggle to hold his position.


Outside on the road near the hotel, Armin and Lando were returning back after a small stroll around the area, and some converse to one another.

They stroll through dozens of people, ignoring the honking and lights sliding through on the road, and haven't notice Poker and his gang around yet.

"Whoa, so that's why you didn't continue working with the Rebels?" Armin asked, quite surprise by his reason for leaving.

As for leaving, despite having a good reason due to the New Republic in his galaxy or universe forming he has a personal reason for why.

"Yeah, got lots of stuff to deal with", Lando replied, "Lots of debt to owe. And to be frank, even with me being well known, it doesn't really allow me to avoid certain controversy".

"Interesting", Armin comment, "I never know much about outside galaxy affair, mostly because...well, I'm from a a exclusive place".

"Understandable kid. You know, I like you, despite your memory lost. If I was still part of the New Republic, I could've contact my forces and help out your trouble with uhhh...what do you call those giants again?"

"Titans".

"Oh yeah, Titans".

"Well...thanks, I really appreciate but I don't think my friends could handle such...advancement, if you know what I mean".

"Got it", Lando said, "Say, mind me asking something. Ever been interested in the gamble business?"

"Uhhh...no".

"Your sure? I mean, I know you don't remember much but I could use you, and probably friends to help me built up a nice, swift and clean empire. It will be amazing".

"Umm...thanks but I'm not much interested in that. I'm mostly interested in learning more of the outside world than be part of it".

"Alright, it's up to you, kid", Lando said, fully acceptance to his denies.

As they finally reach the entrance of the hotel, Ryuko ran out of the door and is quickly face toward Armin and Lando, who she almost startle them.

"Whoa, easy there Ryuko", Lando gesturing her, "What's...uhh...going on with you? Did we ran out of ice from our room or what?"

"Armin, we need to go", Ryuko told him, which puzzle him.

"What?" He asked.

"We got to go, come on", Ryuko said, having no time to explain she grab his left hand and try to pull him to follow but Lando cuts in.

He asked her,"Whoa, what's the big idea here?"

"Look I don't have much to explain. All I can tell you guys you need to follow me".

"Why? Is it because we're in danger?" Armin asked her.

"Yes! Now let's go".

"Now wait, you can't just drag my friend with you. I don't know what's going on here but-".

"There's Lando!" A familiar startle Lando, as he saw Pokerface and his boys catching up to them.

"Uhh...on second thought, lead the way, girl!"

Ryuko nodded as she gesture the both of them to follow her, as she ran straight through on going traffic.

Many of the vehicles stopped, or went pass them while honking at them.

Armin and Lando, having no choice, follow suite. Some of the people were shock by this, as Pokerface and his boys attempted to catch up but was stuck in the crowd.


Back to John Stewart, John remain struggle to keep up with the shield.

Deciding to move on with a different projection, he turn the shield into a fist and punch Guhhate straight out of the room and out on the balcony.

Guhhate uses her jetpack to float in the air before she even plumber downward.

"Freeze! Don't try anything that could put you in more dire consequences", John warn her, aiming his ring.

"As if consequences is my concern right now", She told her, "My priority is getting pay here, so if you don't mind letting me go-"

"I'm not allowing you to go anywhere", John said, "You still have something to tell me about your client".

Guhhate, not wanting to deal with this, throw pebble bombs in the room and fly off.

The beeping begin to sound faster, as John use his ring to create a bubble as although it prevent a huge explosion, it did cause a huge blast sound which causes John to be flung backward near the hallway door.


Meanwhile, Ryuko ran through the crowd and through the traffics in search for that certain structure.

The structure with a hatch in the alleyway.

Ryuko can't explain. She needed to find it for whatever reason.

Armin and Lando follow but were falling behind due to avoid traffics and pushing along crowd of people.

"Ryuko! Slow down! Where are you going?!" Armin shouted, having no clue what Ryuko is doing.

"Your friend is beginning to scare me, kid", Lando commented.

Ryuko didn't respond. She continue moving forward until finally seeing the abandoned structure she saw from her dream.

It was identical.

Luckily, there was no crowd of people around or vehicles passing by.

She quickly move her way to the hatch.

The hatch also look identical. The main different was tons of dust and scrapes revealing in certain area.

As Armin and Lando catch up, Ryuko grab the crane and proceed to pull it open.

Armin try to catch a breath, as Lando confront Ryuko weird action, "Lady, are you mad or something? We almost ran into traffic back there".

Ryuko didn't respond. She continue to pull, feeling the weight of the hatch lit overwhelmingly heavy.

"Ryuko, are you even listening to me? What's the big idea here?" Lando asked her.

"Look I don't have time to explain here. I got to open this".

"Like what? You aren't really making any sense", Armin said.

Ryuko kept pulling and pulling until eventually she manage to rip it out, which startle and baffle them.

After throwing the hard hatch open, she proceed to jump in.

Armin and Lando simply look at each other, and follow her, with Lando thinking no big deal as long they are not in clear sight for Poker gang to notice.


After entering it, they were greeted with a room already been lit.

They look at a gray room. It was a little dark, only lit by a hanging lamp in the ceiling.

In the center were round panels, with two open entrances. There were many buttons, switches, and small screens plaster on here.

There were four support beams, showing some cracks and wares.

One wooden door is located at the far left, a giant screen is located in the front.

The room was unknown to them.

"What is this this place?" Armin asked, with Ryuko taking a closer look to the panels.

"A security room, I guess", Lando replied, despite his answer, still had no idea.

Ryuko was looking at the panels and then at the screen.

She doesn't know why but she gets the feeling that her dream and the creature was her guid to something important.

The feeling...she's getting close to the truth.

And what truth? She isn't sure.

"Ryuko, what are you doing?" Armin asked her.

"Just...checking...that's all", Ryuko replied.

"Checking for what? You...you acting really weird, Ryuko. What's even-"

"I suppose you need some clear understanding to know what's going on".

Startle, they turn around facing the other door to see a figure in the shadow, dress in trench coat.

Ryuko, acting cautious, hold out her blade for any action to come.

Instead, the figure respond, "I suggest one of you to lower your weapon if you value you and friends life".

"Just...who the hell are you?!" Ryuko demanded answers, as the figure stood there in darkness.

"You may not remember me. You may not understand me yet but I am known for many things that are beyond your reach of consciousness".

"That...voice", Lando said, grabbing Armin attention, as if he heard that voice before.

This even got the figure attention, "Yes, it seems one of you do acknowledge me, somewhat".

"You know this person?" Armin asked Lando, who froze there for a moment.

Indicating by his pause, wondering wether or not if this is the same person he know or not.

He then responded, "Yes...yes...I do. He's one of Blood Birds cruelest generals".

"Correction! Cruelest and intelligent. Allow me to introduce myself", The figure came out of the shadow.

It was the same trench coat man before, only now he remove his hat and now holding a pistol at them, "I am General Baron D. Grave. Highest member of the Blood Birds itself. Neither of you know me, with the exception of the Rebel leading cost, Lando. But you may remember this name, Aqua".

This became a shock of revelation to both Armin and Ryuko.

Aqua had mention about the Blood Birds before.

But this came a shock, as they didn't expect to encounter someone who knew Aqua.

"You know...her...how?" Ryuko asked him.

"We figure that out once we track down where her and her friends were", Baron explain, "Before that, they appear right in front of my vessels. And soon, my new objective came to be because of that very incident".

"New objective?" Ryuko mutter, then asked, "What do you mean new objective?"

"Ever since that incident, I was put in a new assignment", Baron said, moving his way to the panels as Ryuko back away from him, along with Armin and Lando, "Me and my generals were order to do some investigating of this matter, and what we find is...quite intriguing".

"Intriguing?" Armin asked.

He then put his focus on Ryuko, asking her, "Child, I suspect you are hiding something. Mind pulling it out".

"Pulling out what?" Ryuko asked him, remaining cautious.

"Don't play dumb. You know what I'm referring to".

Ryuko was hesitant but she knew if she refuse Armin and their new friend could be kill by the man pistol.

She took one glance at Armin, then she proceed to pull out the three shards, showing it to the Baron.

Baron was memorize by it.

At awe by it even.

Lando is confuse by this. He didn't speak up, instead continue to remain silent and watch the entire scene play out.

"Ah, still welled preserve", Baron comment, "I can feel..it power".

"Just what do you want?" Ryuko asked him, lowering her hand down and gripping the shards.

Baron continue by saying, "What I want is simple. The stone".

"Figure".

"Wait a minute, why do want with it?" Lando asked him, deciding to intervene this confusion to his own mind, "In fact, what's even going on here because I am in a state of confusion here".

"Access archive 43!" He called out, which seem to trigger a projection to the screen.

The room became dark, as the screen warp and faded into a multiple clips of footage.

These footage includes from Earth past to other Earth to even files and photos, including sounds accompany with it.

They were clad in black and white.

The first footage shows thousands of Blood Birds troops saluting to their flag, all while fire and burning of books can be seen, as it cuts to footage of the battlefield, showing ships dropping bombs and mens shooting.

Ryuko, Armin, and Lando turn to face the screen.

As they watch, Baron begun with his exposition, "Blood Birds have been around for infinitive century''s, earlier in the days of sound became rare. It is founded by the belief of preserving and discarding. Those that are useful, we keep. And those that are not, well...we discard, abandoned. Left to rot in time until forgotten.

The screen cuts to footage of generals and officials greeting with other human high officials, possibly from other nations or universe.

"When I was appointed I took the job to organize attacks, make deals with certain universe empires and nations. I was then appointed to a much higher rank, more higher than my previous duty before I join the Blood Birds. A duty I remark as petty, nothing more than chores for me to do for a nation I stood up for".

Cuts to a scene where two scientists are piercing syringes to a struggling and violent patient, strapped on a metal table, screaming in agony inside a pale room/

"As I took a higher rank, I took the new assignment as well. It was then I became more and more intrigue by my investigation. So much so, I attempted to track down every stones with less results".

"Less results?" Ryuko asked him.

The screen then cuts to footage of figures running through a crowd in a modern city. It then shows photos what appear to be twins of a sibling, with both having tails, having feline like features, and smiling at the camera, while posing to one another.

Under the photos reveal a signature name, which read, "Thundercats for life".

It then cuts to a smug shot of Don from the Ridonculous Race.

"I've came sooo close to capturing another but it became too futile, due to a certain interference".

It then cuts to a footage angle from a security cam, showing the outside of a road where two figures are seen running.

One was clad in a blue, red, and white suit with a mask while the other was wearing black and having a metal arm.

"When I research further, I came to another interesting route. There were many connections, tracing back during World War 2 on Earth when Hydra became the first to have any involvement".

Cuts to a picture of a man name Red Skull, looking sideway on top of a debris.

Then it shows a footage of Hydra armies, saluting and crying out, "Hydra!" repeated over and over again.

After that, it cuts to a photo showing the same man dress in a similar red, white, and blue costume but look different from the time period.

He's join up with other group of men, including two aliens wearing green suit and a ring. There's also another man wearing a jetpack and a golden helmet.

The photo was taken in England, 1943.

"From there, everything started to come together. The meddling of a mysterious portal machine, added in with the Decepticons new weapon and the stolen technology".

The screen flicker and shows footage of a battlefield going on between giant robots. One from the angle of a human that shows Autobots and Decepticons fighting.

Another shows the cameraman struck by a huge explosion from a ship above.

It then cuts to a picture of a boy, wearing a helmet and a cape, all while not noticing a camera taking it.

Then it shows another picture, this time a mug shot of Chris Mclean.

"That is when I realize everything begin to make sense. The machine, the stones. They were adding up something. Far greater than I could even comprehend".

"Is it me or am I the only one thinking this is nuts?" Armin whisper to Lando.

Both of them were in disbelief by hearing and seeing all this.

"Kid, my thoughts exactly", Lando replied.

As they watch on, Baron kept on speaking, "I discover much more. Events such as those of the Namora incident, and the incident from Whole Cake Island were leading up to something".

The screen cuts to a photo showing the cast of Total Drama Everything 2 taking a group photo at Egypt, with a zoom in shot to Lammy.

Then it cuts to a wanted poster showing a picture of Gjira, with a reward being forty five infinitive million credits.

"I came to a conclusion that the stone will be the final piece of this puzzle. Once it forge together and harness by an individual, a new order will rise".

"What do you mean by new order?" Ryuko asked him, calmly.

Armin notice her grip clenching together. Seeing the shaking of anger.

He don't know why but he get the feeling Ryuko seem to be at a boiling point, possibly having enough with this.

Ryuko understood all this. Everything. She fully knows it but at the same time was completely dumbfounded.

She doesn't know why but her dream may have warn her about this.

"Ah, that meaning is up to the user. To me, a new destiny. And to the Blood Birds, a new power to be preserve! I seen your journey, child. Your step. Your every action. I seen it all. Choose by giving me the shards and you will see your path!"

"THAT'S IT!" Ryuko shouted, as she scream and charge at him with her blade.

The Baron, not fazed by this, quickly move out of the way, as she land the blow on the panels, causing the screen to go black.

"Refuse, I see?" Baron asked, smirking.

"You think I give a sh*t about bringing order and all that cr*p?" Ryuko responded, harshly.

"No, it's more or less seeing the new evolution from it", Baron said, "Think about it. If you join forces with Blood Birds, all the trouble you have gone through will be worth it".

"Sorry, not a damn chance. I'm not allowing anyone ruin me and friends day even more so f**k off!"

Baron face remain blank, as do with the room remaining dark.

Just then, Ryuko felt a pinch and a numb coming from her neck.

Armin and Lando can feel it too until all of a sudden they all slump on the ground.

With Ryuko hands releasing her grip where the shards are.

Before Ryuko could fall into a deep sleep, Baron gave a chuckle and said, "What a unfortunate choice, Mrs. Ryuko".


Groaning and feeling dreary, John slowly but surely awoke.

His eyes opening up, his right hand pressing his head, as he soon got up and muttering, "Mercenaries. Always have something up their sleeves".

After seeing the room looking disarray, with everything being flat upon the wall John realize something, "Ryuko".

He left the hallway and head down the exit, as he stood out of the hotel, looking around to see where Ryuko and his friends are.

He knew they would've run far but as for where, he isn't certain. He didn't had enough time, due to be occupied with a mercenary.

"Should've end the conflict earlier", John thought, thinking how stupid it was back there.

Just then, he receive a beeping noise coming from his ring. Lifting his hand up, he responded, "Hello?"

The ring project a hologram, showing a squirrel dress in the same black and green uniform, "Sup".

"Ch'p?" He was a bit surprise, as he didn't think anyone would contact him during his investigation besides the Guardians.

"Hey John, the Guardians want to know what's taking so long with your investigation. Got any updates?"

"Some", John replied, "I manage to track down two witnesses here. Unfortunately, I got up caught up with another mess, presumedly hired Kraits to cover something up. As for what, I don't know. Right now, I'm trying to search for those two once again".

"Well...good luck with that. If you want reinforcement, the Guardians are willing to send for you".

"No thanks. I think I could handle this myself".

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah", John replied, then noticing Pokerface waiting for someone to return as he tap his cane.

Soon Mo-Lec-U-Lar and Buzzsaw return to meet.

Suspicious and knowing who these guys are, John told Ch'p, "I'm going to call you back later. See ya".

After turning it off, he approach the three of them. As he was approaching, he can hear what their conversation is.

"What do you mean, you back down?" Pokerface asked Buzzsaw, "Are you saying you literally run away after seeing them being carry away on a truck by Kraits?"

"Come on, I may have gotten myself into more trouble with the. authority", Buzzsaw replied, "But with high official military soldiers, no way. That's where I cross the line".

"Idiot! If Mon*star was still here, he would've force you to attack them".

"Excuse me, gentlemen", John cuts in, which startle Buzzsaw a little but not to Pokerface, "Hi, I heard you three were talking about Kraits and someone being carrying away".

"Mind your business, Green Lantern", Pokerface said, pointing his cane at him, then lowering it down, "This is merely our personal affair, not for someone with authority like you to be involve".

"Look I'm just here for some question", John told them, "I'm not here to cause any trouble. So if one of you please mind tell-"

"Listen, if you don't back off I'll have my boys do it for you".

"Is that a threat?"

"Oooh you bet it is", Pokerface snap his finger, which cause Buzzsaw to understood the signal and approach John with his saw blade buzzing.

John quickly uses his ring to pin the robot down, getting the attention to some of the public.

Pokerface, realizing how futile it is to deal with a Green Lantern, attempted to run away but was trip and fell on the ground, thanks once again to John ring.

Many of the public were confuse and concern, either for the well beings of Poker and his boys, or the Green Lantern. Some quickly ignore it and resume to their normal activity.

John approach Buzzsaw and once again, asked, "Now I'm going to ask you again. What did you saw that involve Kraits?"

"I...saw them carrying...the girl, the boy, and Lando into a green truck".

"Green truck", John then asked, "And where did the green truck go?"

Right on cue, John heard a engine boost and turn around to see a green truck flying off into the distance.

Figuring there's no use in interrogating them, he release them and follow the truck.

But before he did, he use his ring to turn himself invisible, not to be notice or detected.


Waking up from Armin worry voice, "Ryuko! Ryuko! Wake up!"

Ryuko regain consciousness.

She saw Armin right beside her. She then see Lando at the metal door.

It seems they are in a dark cell. There was no light, other than the slot hole of the door. The interior are made out of stones, with nothing in it but shackles and bones.

Ryuko find herself on the ground, next to Armin who smile in relieved, "Ryuko, thank god your awake".

She touch the ground, then feeling her blade right by side her.

She turn to him, asking, "Armin...where are we?"

Armin helped her up, explaining to her, "In a cell. We try using your blade to get the door down but with no luck".

"Yeah, because a sword will defiantly get this darn door down", Lando sarcastically said, kicking and pushing it.

While Lando did just that, Armin asked Ryuko, "Anyways, what were you doing back there? And what did the Baron mean about your...journey?"

"It's...probably not important", Ryuko told him, "What's more important is trying to figure a way out".

"But Ryuko, I already know that. I'm just...wondering because with everything going on, you kept acting weird".

Ryuko admit to that.

She knew what she was doing would effect others viewpoint of her but she didn't seem to care.

This concern Armin, even to Ryuko herself.

However these feelings were push aside within her heart.

All she can respond with, "Armin...everything is going to make sense later but right now, I need your help to get us out of here".

"Ryuko.."

"Armin, I'm asking as a friend. I don't have time explain everything but just know, it's...something personal to me, alright".

Armin remain still, uncertain yet to respond.

Lando, not wanting to deal with this dramatic sense, told them, "Listen you two, I don't care what personal heat you guys are doing but maybe put your focus on us avoiding what sinister plan we're going to endure".

Then suddenly the door flung open, causing Lando to step back out of startle.

There at the door was a man. He was slim, wearing a cap and has tons of arsenal on him. He have sun glasses on him, seem to be smoking by a cigar, and is holding a grey gun with no details on it or even a trigger.

He spoke in a raspy voice, ordering them, "Ok suckers. Get your butts up and follow me".

The three of them look at each other and follow the man out.

Along with the man were two Krait guards, wearing the same uniform but this time wearing helmets, and wearing mask and goggles.

They were led through a hallway, filled with pipes, machineries, and passages leading other path. The entire scene was is made up of green metal.

As they were leading they can hear opera music, echoing throughout the interior.

Soon they reach to their destination.

Small steps to a huge, long wooden door.

As the man push the door, they were greeted by a surprising sight.

It was a cylinder, long room. From top to bottom, it was a huge tube. The top has a glass dome, revealing the morning sky to come.

The room has a long, silk wooden table with plates, folded napkins, spoons, forks, and knifes that are set up evenly.

Five candles are set up, made with the drip of soft wax. Under the table is a red carpet.

There were many antiques here, which includes a knight armor on the left near the huge door, cabinets containing rifles and swords from the 17th and 18th century.

On the right was a 19th century phonographs, playing the same opera music, with the vocal done by a Italian female.

It was sorrow, bleak, and dark in nature.

Around the surroundings were the flags of Kraits. Four of these are seen hanging above.

There were no paintings. Instead, there was a giant, glass window showing a outside scene of a industrial machinery going on. Red, orange, and yellow are spark from the darkness sight.

A sight being seen by a figure that stood there watching.

She was slim, has a pointy nose, has long green hair and long green robe. She is pale, with her entire body made up of wires. Solid and sharp wires. She wears long, black boots resembling to what SS soldiers would wear during World War 2.

She took notice of the three of them and soon greeted them with a blank eye but also a small smirk, "Welcome, my fine guest. I was expecting you. I hope the background sound doesn't bother you while we chat".

"Vile", Lando mutter in complete shock, as if he knew her too.

She gesture them to sit, as they do.

Armin and Ryuko sat together on the same side on the left, while Lando took the right.

The woman name Vile sat at the back, as the door behind them closes.

The food presented to them were small, red steak completed with mash potato, gravy, and two pieces of tomato.

"Lovely, isn't it?" Vile said to them, referring to the food, "I must say, I have always been admiration for dishes made with passion, especially from those that do care for the less".

"Who are you?" Ryuko asked her.

"Forgive me for not doing this earlier", She said, "I am Vileka. Zen Fuuillia. But you may call me by my simple name Vile. Commander Vile".

"Vile...kinda on the nose, don't you think?"

"Yes, it does sound like it", She replied, "I see you have met my bounty hunter, Tale Snuke. One of the more...cheapest bounty hunter I could acquire".

"Commander Vile", Lando said, after finishing chewing his food, "I didn't expect to meet he leader of the organization".

"Lando Calrissian", Vile look directly at him, dropping the smirk, "How fortunate to see you here. Former Rebel leader, the most infamous gambler from your galaxy".

"I didn't think my other career would be largely well known".

"Well thanks to our connection with the Blood Birds", Vile said, taking a tip from her whine glass, "I manage to learn more about you. It pleases me and disappoint me you gradually move away from the newly built Republic".

"I got other things to do, Vile".

"I see", Vile said, putting the whine glass down and cutting her steak as she continue speaking, "Now then, it comes to my attention that the two of you are...stuck, perhaps. Correct?"

Ryuko and Armin look at each other, unsure how to respond.

Armin simply gave a nod.

She then continue, after taking a bite of the steak, "Interesting...Baron has told me everything. He told one of you have a certain role to play".

"You know where the Baron is!" Ryuko got up and slam both her hands on the table which cause a shook and two gaurds behind her to aim their weapon.

A click is ready but Vile gesture her guards to lower their weapon and for Ryuko to sat back down.

Ryuko knew the Baron has the stone. She wanted to find him, get it back, and punch him.

Unfortunately, she is in a tight spot right about now.

Armin pull her down gently, as Vile continue with Ryuko restraining her frustration and anger, "As I was saying, I'm certainly impressed how you made it this far, Mrs. Ryuko. If I wasn't cold, I would've even congrats you and free you but I am not, now am I?"

"I doubt you could help us, even if you aren't an a**hole", Ryuko said, taking a whole small steak and ate it, grudgingly just to mock her.

"Oh, but I am not. I am simply not evil, nor cruel as what everyone would think".

"Think?"

"Let me tell you this", Vile explain, "Who built this city? Who give these men purpose? Who share the profit? Are these the act of what you refer to as 'a**hole?'"

"Listen Vile", Lando told her, "Everyone can make excuse and try to do some good but that doesn't ignore their own faults. And I'll be frank, I'm not perfect either".

"Neither am I, Lando. That's why I bring you three here, to discuss a certain happening back on the casino".

"Casino?"

"I'm sure some of your memories aren't clear up. Let me explain. One of you have seen my men, along with the remnants of the Empire transporting the homeless to the shuttle, based off the report I receive".

"Wait, so you are up to something".

"Correction, Lando. I knew the three of you would discover my operation. That is why I bring you here to discuss a deal. I will hand over what you want, if you do not speak of this to anyone".

"And what if we refuse?" Ryuko asked her.

"If you refuse then you'll be part of my operation".

"What is your operation?" Lando asked her, "What are you doing with the remnants of the Empire? I thought you prefer working for the weak".

"Weak means present. I would've join the Rebel side but they refuse my help. Now I'm helping the old Empire rebuilt itself. The New Order refuse my aid as well, so does many in your galaxy. The Empire will soon be my ally, along with the others, once this new operation of mine begin. As for what my operation, it is going to be both a usage of propaganda and a bid for more trust and credits".

"So you going to make some kind of propaganda film?"

"Sort of like that. It's more of a documentary", Vile explain, "My plan is to use the subject I require to be use in a arena, where the footage will be taken of the horror of nature, and allow the horror to recruit more men into joining the organization. We will tame nature itself, and make nature pay for all the atrocities. As for the Empire and other bidders, they will bid on who will win. The beast or the subject. If either of them win, I'll gain the credits I need. If neither won, well I may lost the credits but at least I gain the trust from my new allies. The footage will be edit in a way to gain more supporter, either sympathy for the unfortunate subject or victory for the subject if won. It's a win-win situation for me".

"But why go through all this?" Armin asked, "Why not just make footage of actors fighting a fake beast and just use that?"

"Are you stupid? Idiots will discover the fraud behind it. I must make it as realistic as possible, if I must gain more supporters".

"For someone that doesn't see themselves as evil, you sure act like one", Ryuko said.

"Sacrifice must be made. The slaves are...lifeless, have no purpose, and are willing to die. You should be grateful, as more kill equals less to steal the hunger from the unfortunate".

"Your insane", Lando told her, feeling quite disturb by her.

Regardless to him knowing her, this was the first time he met her in person, and now he seem to fully regret it.

The way she stare at one of them, showing the small pupils and deep brow piercing at them.

"Maybe, but it is the blame of nature itself", Vile said, "Nature has ruin everything, including me. My body was not like this. I believe my body was stolen for no damn reason, other than to set an example. That is why I believe mother nature should be overthrown, and be control by a new force such as me".

Just then, four troops enter the scene, as they grab Ryuko, Armin, and Lando by the arm.

"It seems it time, my friends", Vile said to them, getting up and wiping her mouth with a napkin, "In the morning, the three of will be greeted by your fellow new friends. I'll be watching you fight for my guest entertainment".

"Tell me where the hell is Baron is or I will-" Ryuko threaten but was cut off by Vile slap in the face.

"The Baron will be more pleased to see you die, if you will survive. He highly hope so. Just be lucky that he allow you to keep your weapon for the arena, child. Now then, take them away!"

After the troops took the three of them out of the room, she remain still at the table.

Standing there and hearing the back door open behind her.

Two figures appear.

One on the left was Guhhate.

On the right is a man wearing a fur coat, with a hat on and long, raggy pants. He wear a long hat, has a black mustache, and long yellow hair.

Without turning around, she said to them, "Allazan! Guhhate! Glad you two have arrive. I have a simple assignment for the two of you to do".

"Anything you say, my lady", Allazan grinned, the one with the hat and fur coat.

"I want your, Allazan to control the beasts. Keep them tame. As for you, Guhhate. If anything happen's make sure our captives are...eliminated".

"As you wish, Vile", She replied, clicking her machine gun.


The three of them are thrown into a different cell.

This time it has bars, the ground contain hays, and everything in here only have candles to support some light.

Ryuko got up and ram at the close gate, trying to shackle the bars off with no use.

She kept hitting it. No budge.

"When I get my hands on him and that b*tch! I'm gonna-", Ryuko was cut off by Armin.

He told her, "Ryuko, enough already. It's not going to help us if we keep acting like this way".

"Yeah, we need to figure a way out of here and get help", Lando said, looking around, "I do not want to be involve in some bidding, fighting ring, racket".

"Well don't you have some kind , I don't know, small, hidden communication device or something like that", Ryuko asked, still clenching on the bar, "Didn't you mention you were a Rebel leader?"

"I did but I don't carry some small device around me every time. What, you expect me to carry something occasional?"

"Let's all calm down here", Armin told the both of them, "Maybe it's best if we think this over, rather than argue over it".

"Ryuko?"

A voice is heard. A vague one. Ryuko, Armin, and Lando turn around, facing the darkness of the cell.

A figure appear out of the shadow, revealing itself.

This reveal made Ryuko gasp from stunned, as her eyes widen by the sight of it, "Wendy?"

Standing there is Wendy, who too is shock and stare at her, while holding her axe.

They stare at each other, completely frozen by seeing them for the first after so long of competing on that ship. Even Armin was completely put off.

"Wendy, your-" Before Ryuko could finish, Wendy step forward to her slowly, dropping her axe on the ground.

"Dude, it's..it's been a while I seen you", Wendy gave a slight relieved gasp and laugh.

Ryuko immediately ran up to her and gave her a tackle hug, "Wendy!"

It been so long. So long they have became friends, and now that they have finally been reunited. There was no overcame faults in her.

Instead, Ryuko gave a sounding cry to her, no tears came but only a relief of cries, "Wendy, thank god your here! I f**king miss you!"

"I miss you too, dude", Wendy replied, feeling too tighten by Ryuko hug, "Think you could ease your relief down a bit".

"Oh, uhhh sorry about that", Ryuko let go, giving her time to breath a little as they got up, "How did you end up here?"

"I wouldn't say I'm the only one here".

"It's Ryuko!" another voice is heard, and out of the darkness reveal more familiar faces.

Sammy, Tokoyami, Beastman, Yuka, and Lindsey. All there facing them.

"Sammy, Tokoyami...you guys are here too?" Ryuko asked them.

"Uhh yeah, kinda surprising, isn't it?" Sammy replied, smiling and rubbing her arm awkwardly.

"Lindsey! Yuka! Your guys are alright!" Armin said, smiling at them in relief, as he is then hug by Lindsey, pressing his face near her chest.

"Your alright too! I'm so glad!" Lindsey replied.

"We were worry about you guys", Yuka said.

As Armin is being hug by Lindsey, Beastman stood there awkwardly rubbing his left arm, "Uhhh...I'm here too..you know".

"How did you guys got here?" Ryuko asked Wendy.

She replied, "Long story short, Chris teleport us here by 'accident' and we were kidnapped, and in prison for god knows what".

"They also fed us space Taco Bell", Beastman shudder, "It was humiliating. We all refuse to speak of".

"I have to agree", Tokoyami also shudder, but completely forget about it, once Sammy walk near him and wrap her arm around his body, "At least I have Sammy with me".

"Yeah, at least we have each other", Sammy replied, looking at him.

Both giving each other a smile and begin kissing.

This made Lando completely uncomfortable and confuse, mostly on the whole entirely scene before, "Sometime I do not want to know much about inter-species relationship"

"OH MY GOD! IT LANDO CALRISSIAN?!"

Their attention is turn to the other cell.

Now noticing two figure chain up on the wall.

One is Peter ( From Total Drama Endless ), and the other is Wendy ( From Total Drams Infinite 1 and 2 ).

The joyful Peter commented, ignoring the terrible situation he's in, "Oh man! This is nuts! Aha! I can't believe I'm in physical contact with Lando himself!"

"What in the Light Day what?" Lando mutter, very startle and confuse.

Ryuko and Armin recognize them before, with Armin commented, "Hey, it's Peter and...uhh...the other girl?"

"You know them before?" Wendy asked Armin and Ryuko, as she and the others are completely confuse, since they haven't gone through all the crazy events that have happen.

Ryuko nodded, replying, "Me and Armin met one of them while we were trying to search for their pet on our ship. And here's a crazy surprise, they from another reality where they compete on the same show as we do".

"Wait, seriously?"

"Not me", Peter corrected her, "I'm mostly an intern".

"Except me" TDI Wendy added, "I'm actually am a competitor...well, was until I got voted off".

"I'm sorry but who are you and where your from?" Armin asked her.

"Oh, I'm Wendy, and I'm from Total Drama Infinite", She replied.

"Yep, and I'm from Total Drama Endless! Aka, the one with Conner" Peter added, then moving onto a different topic, "Anyways, I am so THRILL! Meeting Lando Calrissian in first person! Oh man, this is both the best and worst day mush together!"

"Uhh...thanks?" Lando replied, "Wait a second, did you mention Chewie?"

"Umm yeah. He's one of the interns on Endless".

"Now hold up, that's impossible. I didn't hear Chewie working on some different reality show job".

"Dude, it possible this is a different Chewie from a different reality", Peter said, "Also, CAN I WEAR YOUR CAPE?!"

"What?"

"Sorry, sorry, I meant to say...can I please wear your cape?"

"Uhh how about later", Lando replied, feeling more and more weirded out by everything.

"Ok, I am...super confuse right about now", Wendy comment, asking Ryuko, "What happen to you guys while we were gone?"

"It's a long, complicated story. All you need to know is sh*t happens, our host became a sadistic d*ckhole, we were tangle up in some huge multiverse trip, we fought a galactic gangster, some rat, dealt with a samurai and...Nui, and our Cruise ship got destroyed by some pirates, and we are now living in a submarine", Ryuko replied, "Oh, and unfortunately Aqua is still in the game, so there's that".

After all this simple explanation, this left Wendy completely in silent, along with the rest of them, as this bring up so many question in their mind.

And Ryuko understood that, replying causally, "Yeah, figure you would react to this".

"And I thought my home was this questionable".

"How did you guys end up here anyways?" Sammy asked them, "Did you guys also got kidnapped?"

"That...is also more complicated".

"More complicated?" Peter asked, across the cell, "How? Did you guys also go through a multiverse craze or what?"

"No, it's not like that. All I can say is Chris put us into more trouble than ever. That's all I'm going to say because explaining the details will literally give me a headache".

"Jeez, I don't know if we are lucky enough to avoid all that from what Ryuko mention", Sammy commented.

"So what did the Kraits did to you guys?", Armin told them, "Did any of you find a way to escape?"

"Uhh none", Wendy replied, "To be honest, we try everything but it usually end up us falling back into the cell. As for what these guys did to us, they mainly fed us and keep saying we'll be fighting in the arena soon".

"And the worst part is..." Lindsey shudder, "They cut off the internet connection! Look! I can't even text back Tyler!"

After she said that, she pull out nothing and believe to be tapping on a phone that isn't there.

Much to the disturb and quite frankly, confusion among the new guests.

"Is she...alright?" Armin asked Yuka.

"Uhh...no, no she isn't", Yuka replied, "She's been acting like this since day one".

"Day one? Seriously? Like how long?"

"Ten minutes at least".

"Ten minutes?! Just without her phone?!" Armin asked in disbelief.

just the idea of someone losing sanity real quick because of losing their personal item.


Somewhere in a different room, the Baron is seen puffing smoke and looking at a figure being restraint in a machine within the shadows.

All while his general partner, Meel is seen pouring scotch in a glass cup, while commenting, "This has been the most weirdest, most disturbing, most absurd things to come out of our task, General Baron".

"Yes, indeed", Baron said, "Now that I got the shards, I will report our completed task to our leader. I feel our leader will be pleased by this compromise".

"Ah, whatever", Meel said, looking upward at the shadow figure, "It does...uncomfortable, knowing our next phase of action".

"Please, once this is over we won't have to worry about our actions".

"I'm not worry about that. I'm worry about what this...child posses. Are you certain he has some kind of connection?"

"Highly certain. I have done many experimented on children's before in search for knowledge of innocents during the trouble year of my universe war. And now that I require one that interest me, I'll shall begin my next task".

"Interesting", Meel said, "Just why are you more interesting in experimenting or in better terms, torment the youth".

"Because I believe that the youth have some unlimited, hidden energy in them. If I can require it, I may learn and use it for my own life".

Just then, a Krait officer enter the room and did the salute, "General Baron! And General Meel! The arena show is about the begin!"

"Thanks you, I'll shall be there", Baron replied, turning toward Meel, "You?"

"No thanks. I need to go back to my office and take another dip of liquor".

"But you already did that?"

"Well what do you expect from someone who hadn't been promoted".


The sky was almost morning.

An imperial shuttle flew through the forest area, and heading to an open, round area.

The area was circular, with everything being industrial.

The giant pit contains dozens and dozens of bridges, which from a high point of view would seem like metal worms or pipes connecting to every dirt wall.

At the center is a giant, dome like structure. A open, glass window is located at the top, while the sides have nothing to indicate a open scene.

Only hangers are seen. They were massive, square interior, enough room for giant vessels to fit in. There were torrents attach on every sides, with giant canons attach to it.

Flying, fighter aircrafts resembling triangular shells patrol the area. Beaming down lights into the pit, as they all swarm in pack.

As the Imperial shuttle enter, so do enter Vile.

She enter to greet the bidders.

Many mechanics, officers, and soldiers roam around the hanger, either doing their job or merely checking everything remain secure.

The shuttle doors slide open, as a man dress in black uniform and cape, came down along with two Stormtroopers joining him.

Vile confront him with open arms, as she bow to him, "Ah, Moff Gideon. I am grateful to have one of the surviving higher Imperial here to witness a grand sport. Oh, and also to discuss our deals".

"You better hope this bidding rackets of yours is worth my time, Mrs, Vile", He told her, as he made his way.

Vile join up to him, as she continue to speak with him, who didn't seem interested in facing her.

"I assure you, Moff", She said, "Our deals will be worthy for your Empire to benefit off".

As they enter the passage way, John oversaw everything that happens as remain hidden under the railings, "So I knew there was something up about this. I got to contact the others".

But as soon as he does that, he felt a quick knock out at the head, putting him out consciousness.


He awoke, finding himself strap between his arms and legs on a mechanism.

He is strap on a metal table. Up there he can see a pointing ray, shooting out a yellow laser beam to the bottom of his foot, slowly moving upward to him.

Looking around, he realize he's in a metal room, with only one control panel being there.

He then realize his ring is on the control panel, and try to get himself out.

Thrusting as he did, but there's no use.

Soon Baron and Meel enter the room from the sliding door, greeting him with a taunting voice, "Ah, fellow Green Lantern. It is quite unexpected to see one here, sneaking around without being detected. You should've remain invincible, friend".

"Yeah...well my ring needed some time to power down. You know that".

"Of course, I knew", He said, approaching the control panel, "I once admire you lanterns before you sided the enemy side in my universe. It deeply broken my heart to see your core abandoned our nation for the enemy".

"We sided them because you were experimented on innocent people".

"Yet that justify your core suppose crime before. Such as sending out Manhunters that almost wipe out half of your galaxy".

"That was a long time ago. Things change".

"yes...yes, it seems", Baron said, "Be lucky the laser ray is only farther away to touch your doom. Any moment, the captives will meet their demise, and my task will be fully completed".

"Your task and this racket of their won't happen", John told him, "Sooner or later, the Green Lanterns will discover I'm missing. And once they do, it over".

"Ha! They won't. We know how to get rid of Green Lanterns whereabouts, and their ring permanently. We Blood Birds know everything", Baron then begin to laugh then turn to General Meel, "Meel, make sure this Lantern suffer slowly. I'll be at the arena to see the action".

Before the Baron left, he gave John one last say, "Farewell Lantern, and may your soul be place in better or worst care".

As he left, Meel speak with John out of pure boredom, saying, "Well...guess it back to me doing another of his stupid duty, I guess".

"You seem to really hate working with him".

"Of course I do! It should've been me getting promoted, not him".


Back in the cell.

Ryuko is seen sitting down alone in the back, while her legs were folded.

Ever since they reunited, they were trying to think of a way out.

As they did, Ryuko remain silent and isolated from the others, making Wendy feel concern for her friend.

She asked Armin, "Uhh...what's been up to Ryuko lately?"

"She...doesn't seem to want to talk about it", Armin replied.

"Talk about it?"

"I don't know. Ever since the merge and incident back on the castle, she's been acting strange", Armin replied.

"Really?"

Armin nodded, "Yeah, I guess due to the lost of two of her last friend, she acted very...how I can put it, eerily odd".

"Strange way to put it like that".

"Maybe you should go talk to her", Armin told her, "I have no luck in trying to speak with her, so...maybe if you could talk to her or something, that would be fine".

"I guess so", Wendy said, "After all, she is my friend. I think she just needed some familiar company".

As Wendy approach Ryuko, the others remain silent and pondering while Peter whistle the tune of his favorite song.

Ryuko was looking down on the ground, pondering to herself, "I got to get those shards back. What if I'm getting nearer? Near the end? Maybe, I don't know. I just need to grab those shards back, before anything bad happens".

"Hey dude, what's up".

"Ah!" Ryuko was startle, getting up her feet, "Don't scare me like that".

"Dude, relax...sheesh, I was just checking", Wendy assure her.

"Sorry..sorry...kinda got overreacted right there".

"I'm pretty certain you did".

"Anyways, what do you want?"

Wendy asked her, "I just want to talk with you. You've been acting kinda weird so I thought I could come over and speak with you. You know, like a friend".

"Oh...uhh, thanks, I guess but I'm not in the mood to talk".

"Why?"

After some silent, she finally talk to her, "Ahhh, I don't know. it's a little...uncomfortable for me to speak about it. I don't know how to describe it. I'm just a little...secure".

"What do you mean?"

"Look I love to tell you but I don't know if you'll fully understand what I'm going to say, especially now since-"

"Go on dude, I'm not going to judge you", Wendy told her, "If your not in the mood to talk, then that's fine".

"Your certain?"

Wendy nodded.

Hesitant came to Ryuko.

After some time of thinking about it, Ryuko finally begun, "Well...fine. You see...I've...been through a lot lately".

"Tell me about it".

"Ever since those days spent on that cruise ship, I've gone and witness a lot of things. Losing some of my friends like Mako and Brendan, having to deal with Aqua and Chris sh*t, and having to fight for my life. It's a pain in the a**. At this rate, I'm not sure what to think. All I can think of is moving forward and remain sane throughout this chaos. Regardless, there was one thing that kept bugging me throughout this journey".

"Dude, what are you saying?"

"Wendy...you may not believe me, and...you may have tons of question which I can't blame you", Ryuko told her, "But since I'm in the final four, and since I'm not sure wether I'm going to win or not, there is...something more important I have to do. Something you need to understand".

"Understand what?"

"I...got a secret, and it's...a secret I been holding ever since the merge. I don't know what but all I know it serves some importance. I can't tell you what but whatever I'm going to do, can you...at least understand why I'm doing. Please?"

After some long silent, Wendy replied casually, "Uhhh..sure, I guess".

This surprise Ryuko, "Really?"

"I mean, yeah. It's your secret. If you have something to do, then I'll support it in anyway...if it isn't bad or anything.

"No, no, it's...not".

"Are you sure because-"

"I'm sure, okay!"

"Fine, just asking".

An awkward silent broke out between the two.

Having a clear understanding to one another, Wendy asked Ryuko in a attempt to move to a more lighter topic, "Soooo dude...if we ever get out of here alive, and if you ever manage to win or not, do you want to visit my place and hang out?"

"Uhhh sure, that's cool. I'm mean, it sounds more better than here, I guess".

"Totally...well, if you ignore some of the weirdness in my town", Wendy told her.


The trumpets is heard.

The flags of the Kraits were pulled down from all angle.

The giant, glass dome above shine down the blue sky into the arena.

Surrounding it were seats for the soldiers of Kraits to cheer and watch. The seats were on a deco block platform, that stood 90 feet above the surface ground.

There were approximate fifty thousands seats, with one seat saved for the best at the left side center, stood a huge booth which was 200 feet height. The booth has a green tent, with beverages on trays, two fire candles sticks, and a basket of chocolate. That one was saved for the leader of the Kraits, along with her associates and bidders.

These include Moss Gideon, along with a green holographic, spider drone which projected the face of Arnim Zola from Hydra, three San Shyuum prophets from the Covenant Empire, a floating hologram projection of Dr. No from Spectre, and another hologram projection of Destro from M.A.R.S Industries.

They all have their reason for being there, either for dire needs or curiosity sake.

As for the field itself, Ryuko, Armin, Lando, Peter, Wendy TD Infinite Wendy, and the others were led through a dark passage.

There they can hear the crowd. They can see the light through the tunnel. They can even hear the sound of music, booming and triumphed.

Some were scare like Lindsey, others were worry but remaining assertive and calm throughout.

While they were marching out, Ryuko asked Wendy, "Soooo...do you have any idea what we are up against? Because I assume you did fought in the arena, right?"

"Dude, this is literally the first time I'm out of my cell. I have no idea what's in store for us".

"I just hope it's something harmless", Lindsey said, "Like...uhhh...football. Yeah, arena usually equals sports like football".

"Uhh no, I'm pretty certain arena, in their term, means fight to the death", Peter told her, "Which I'm going to guess that's the case".

"Come on, let's try to act a bit more confident and optimistic", TD Infinite Wendy said to them, "We all been through stuff like this before. We can beat this".

"The kid's right", Ryuko agree, "We all need to stick together, if we going to survive this".

They all nodded, with Armin breathing heavily but his hand is grab by Ryuko, staring at him and giving him an ease of comfort, knowing they will get out of this.

This seem to work, as Armin nodded and gave a smile.

Soon they were now out in the arena.

The music continue as the troops return back to the tunnel, where the metal gates close behind them.

Ryuko and the others look around.

There was another gate right in front of them. Being the entrance to their upcoming beast to fight.

Then the music ends and the crowd became quiet, as Vile spoke, "Welcome to the demise! It is my greatest pleasure to allow these unfortunate souls be the sacrifice for our survival and amusement!"

The crowd once more cheer and clap, as she continue once it dye down, "Let us commence with this show! But before we do I must warn the warriors that what they will face is much greater than death itself".

"Huh, where did I heard that line before?" Peter sarcastically muttering, getting pretty old by that line.

"Bring down the weapons and release the beast!" Vile commence, as the four horns sounded.

The gates was raised.

Weapons were thrown out near them. These include swords, spears, and knives.

Soon the creatures appear from the entrance and onto the area where no shadow shielded them.

The first creature was huge. Towering over the victims, it has sharp claws that could pierce through bullets, five eyes, a huge grinning mouth with sharp teeth's, flocks of furs covering half of it entire body, horns poking out from it heads, and black armor attach around it's body.

As it took three steps out, it began to roar from it screeching voice. It was a crossed between a whale and vulture sound.

Another creature appear from behind it.

It has bat like wings, has no feathers but fur, has a machine gun as a tongue, and has one horn that shoots fire from it.

The last creature resemble a Komodo Dragon but much huger, sharing the same size as the first creature.

There were many mechanical torrents attach on it back, with pipes puffing out black smoke and steam.

It has no eyes, just a opening metal mouth.

Whenever it chomp, it creates a clanking, snapping noise.

From the sight of it, they were all shock, as the crowd burst into cheering, bidding on who will win.

The guests or the beasts?

"I say, you have the most interesting choice for a match, Mrs. Vile", Moss commented.

"Not highly impressive with my creation but not too bad overall", Arnim Zola added, "I hate to say it but I bid a bit more on the guest side of things".

"You can thank me for these creation, boys", Allazan said, "I took some liberty to create these beasts".

"Well if Spectre ever need these type of beast", Dr No comment, "We may call you. I am quite bidding on the beast as they are most interesting thing about this".

Back in the pit, Lindsey hid behind Armin, Ryuko wasted no time and attempted to jump herself onto the stand and get Baron.

Unfortunately, she is shock down on the ground with Wendy coming to her aid, "Ryuko!"

"Grrr, what the hell?" Ryuko mutter, looking up and nothing a warping effect.

It seems as though there is a force field set up.

As Wendy came to her and help her up, she asked her, "Dude, what were you doing?"

"Sorry, I thought I could've try at least take down the leader more quicker", Ryuko replied.

"You know for someone that state we should stick together you sure did abandoned us back there", Sammy point out.

"Hey! I said I was sorry!"

"Uhh let's not worry about that and worry about that thing coming right at us!" Peter should, pointing up to see the bat like creature swirling at it with it horns spurring fire at them.

They all jump out of the way, as the bat creature fly back up again, fortunately missing it.

The others quickly grab a weapon, each equipping a sword, spears, or knives.

Lando and Peter threw the spear at the giant creature.

It did nothing but cause the creature to slowly grab Peter, with Lando having been too late to save him.

"Oh god! Help!" Peter cried for help, as the giant creature begin to stare at him, "I do not want to be use as a Kenner action figure!"

Lando threw more spears at it, a long with Lindsey and Sammy.

The giant creature roar at them, using it left hand to swing at Lando, who quickly dodge it by rolling himself outta there.

Armin quickly got snatch by the bat creature.

He scream, as the creature fly above.

Hearing the distress, Tokoyami uses his Dark Shadow to save Armin.

It fly after the bat creature until eventually getting near it side.

The dark shadow proceed to try to grab Armin but was block off by the screech and using it machine gun to fire at it.

Dark Shadow duck below and pop right in front it, as it tackle the bat like creature which dropped Armin.

Armin was luckily saved by Wendy catch, who ran, jump, and grab him. while bending down from a cannon shot by the Komodo dragon torrents.

Ryuko uses her blade and ran at the Komodo dragon.

She dodge every fire.

From one to three.

She got nearer and nearer. Jumping in the air and landing on the Komodo dragon she proceed to pierced it through.

Unfortunately, it did not penetrated through.

As such, she felt the rapidly shook of the creature, as she is thrown and fell on the ground, with the dragon using it every cannons to fire at her.

She quickly got up and ran, only hitting it at the wall.

As for Yuka, TD Infinite Wendy, and Beastman.

Beastman attempted to use his animal mind control on these creatures with less results.

He place two fingers up his head and close his eyes in a attempt to force them to bend to his command.

Again, nothing works.

"Come on, Beastie! You gotta keep trying", Yuka encourage him.

"I can't! Something is controlling these things, and I can't go through!" Beastman replied.

TD Infinite Wendy look around to see if anything is controlling these beast then perhaps it could put an end to this.

She glance all over the area until spotting the balcony stand platform.

Behind Vile, Baron D. Grave, and a couple of others she notice Allazan, who is seen laughing and waving his finger around in the air, as if controlling the beast.

"I got it! That person up there", TD Infinite Wendy pointed, "He's the one controlling them".

"Are you sure?" Yuka asked her.

"Yeah, I'm perfectly certain", She replied, "We just need to find a way to stop him".

On the balcony stands, Vile and many of her guests remark and discuss the whole battle going down there in the pit.

"There isn't any bloodshed happening", Baron said, impatient, "I was told by you there will be bloodshed".

"You must be patient, Baron", Vile replied, "The sooner a body drop, the faster a blood will be drop. Allazan knows this. He's well known for his controlling of beast".

"Frankenstein beast, my lady", Allazan state, still swinging his finger up and not taking his eye off from the battle, "I can only control ones that are reborn, not ones that are freshly alive. Now if you wondering mister Baron, my job wasn't easy to control monstrosity like these. They require efficient work like me".

"Efficient. Hmph, I doubt it", Baron said.

"Excuse me?" This didn't sit well for Allazan asking him, "Do you think my practice is idiotic?"

"None at all, Allazan. I only merely express some doubts about your statement".

"Enough with the talk", Vile said, "Let us continue watching. I can already see a few of them are backing down".


Back to the torture room, John still struggle in a attempt to escape.

He kept moving his hands, trying to squeeze out of the cuff but with no luck.

Soon the laser is almost near his body, as Meel watch on with boredom. Drinking a vanilla milkshake, as he look on with a deadpan look.

"I got to get out of these cuffs", John thought to himself, "If only I still have my ring with me".

"This is getting boring", Meel commented, "I could've speed things up but no, Baron have to order me to keep it slow. That dumba**"

As he said that, a Krait trooper enter, saluting him and said, "Meel! You have a call from the leader".

"Finally, something to get out of my boredom", Meel replied, "I'll be right there".

After the trooper left, Meel then told John, "If the Baron comes back, don't tell him why I left".

"Why? Because I'm going to die?"

"Exactly", He said, leaving the room.

After he left, John attempted another try.

He carry on with his escape attempt, and still nothing.

Just then, he heard a vent shaft drop down.

He look to his rear ride to see Ch'p floating down, with his ring punching the vent down.

"Ch'p!"

"Grateful to see me here", Ch'p said, grinning, using his ring to incinerate the cuffs.

This releases John out of his restraint. Getting up and asking the floating squirrel, "How did you find me?"

"Obviously. You send out a signal before you even call us. You know rings could track other rings".

"Right...forgot about that", John said, grabbing the ring and turning off the machine, "Did you contact the others?"

"Yeah, I did".

"Good because we need enough Lanterns to shut this racket down".

"With a warrant?"

"With a warrant, yes".

As soon as he said that, Meel return without looking straight, saying, "Alright, it seems my boss contact me about a couple of controversial tweets I made. Not sure if I believe them or-"

Before he could finish, he pause and stood there as he saw John free along with a floating squirrel, right beside him.

After a long silent scene, Meel finally replied, "Awww...f**k"

And John proceed to punch him in the face.


Back in the pit, the giant beast, still holding Peter, shook and throw him at Sammy who was push down by the sudden catch of him.

"Really wish I have my weapons right about now", Peter groan, getting up with his hand place on his forehead. Sammy follow, and soon they are confronted by the beast huge foot, readying to stomp on them.

They clutch together and scream but luckily, Wendy came to the rescue and uses her axe to hold it off.

She clench her teeth, struggling to hold it, "Get out of here! Quick!"

They did just that, running out of there as Wendy let go and jump out of there before she could even get stomp to death.

As for the flying creature above, it has been dealing with Dark Shadow.

Both swirling, both using their hands to strike to one another.

With one using it machine gun and flame thrower horn to attack it.

The Dark Shadow quickly dodge it, and struck it with it head, knocking out the bat creature down on the ground.

As for the Komodo dragon, it began to fire more shots at Ryuko direction.

Ryuko kept flipping and jumping from every blast cause by it.

One blast almost caught her, causing her to scream and fall on the ground, tired and exhausted.

Despite her condition, she remain tough.

She got up, supported by her blade as she and the others were corner in circle by the three beasts.

"Great, now what?" Peter asked them, "Do we keep fighting or try to find some way to stop this because without my blaster or any super magic miracle, I'm kinda in a difficult spot right about now".

"We need to stop that guy who's controlling these things", TD Infinite Wendy pointed at Allazan.

"And how do you suggest we do that?" Ryuko asked her.

"By getting him down here, duh".

"You are near the end, my friends!" Vile speak to them, getting everyone attention, "Give up and your death will be swift and painless".

"Hey Vile!" Ryuko called out, "No offense but I think your choice of creatures are getting dull right now".

"Uhh yeah! Why not bring down an actual warrior!" Wendy added, "That way, it'll make things more...exciting".

"And awesome too!" Peter said, as everyone stare at him, "What?"

The crowd seem mixed, even Vile was a bit hesitate. On one hand, they know about the operation and adding another foe will likely defeat the purpose to all this. On another, having another foe could boost their propaganda, as having someone on their side defeat these captives will surely boost moral.

Regardless, Baron seem differ and asked Vile, "Commander Vile, you do not dare listen to their obvious taunts?"

"No...but why dismiss an opportunity", She replied, grinning then resume back to speaking her voice out loud, "Very well then, I'll grant your request but do note this will be the last pity I will ever give".

She then turn to Allazan, who seem on aboard with this idea of hers, "Allazan! Would you do a favor for me-"

"Show these honkers a good time? You read my mind perfectly, missy", He replied, running off the balcony and jumping into the pit.

The word 'missy' made her expression frown and sigh, "Do not ever call me missy".

In the pit, Allazan crack his neck and his knuckle as he approach the cast with a grinned and a snark, cocky tone, "Why, look what we have here. A perfect match to a perfect man like myself. I'll admit, I'm impressed you guys manage to fight these licker things of mine without backing down".

"Uhh...your welcome?" Peter replied, having no idea how to respond.

"But now it's time to end this. You want excitement, I'll give you excitement!" He clapped both hand, as soon the three creatures begin to fall apart.

The scraps of them then proceed to be pulled in by Allazan, raising both his hands to create something beneath him.

Something much larger.

Every scraps, eye, fur, and skeletons conjoined together to form a giant serpent.

It roar, as the giant serpent look down at them. Whenever it moves, it creates a shrieking noise like a combination between a collision iceberg and a child screaming.

"Sooo what's your next plan?" Ryuko asked TD Infinite Wendy, with everyone looking afraid right about now.

"Oh...uhhh...yeah, I may have not thought this through".

"Introducing my newest creation!" Allazan announces, "The Coil Razor!"

Just when things seem dire for the captives, a green light can be seen on the top balcony.

Unnoticed by Vile and her guests, a voice can be heard telling them, "Freeze! This racket of yours is over".

They all turn and notice the Green Lantern himself, John Stewart.

Aiming his ring at them, as Guhhate aim her weapon to him as well. As for Tale Snuke, he continue to puff out more smoke. Still remaining causally smoking.

"Ah, a Green Lantern", Vile said, grinningly, "What brings Green Lantern of Sector 2814 here?"

"You know why I'm here. And it not just me either".

Right on cue, some of the Green Lanterns reveal themselves that hidden themselves among the crowd.

There were forty four of them present, with each ring lighting sparking great relief and hope to the captives down there, and a great distress to Allazan.

Peter was beginning to have a organism, by commenting, "I think I reach pure peak of amazement here".

"Commander Vile", John begins, "You are here by under arrest for involving in alien trafficking, money laundering, and participating in a illegal, bidding ring! I suggest for you to surrender your forces".

"You can't arrest me, Green Lantern", Vile told him, "I am the leader of Krait, higher position in galactic affair, and close ally with the Blood Birds. You cannot dare arrest me for these claims".

"True, but I do have the right and warrant to shut down this operation", He retort, "Not to mention, you are comply to hold accountable, wether you are within your sector or not".

Vile growl at him, realizing her plan has been discover and ruin.

Not wanting to back down and feel defeated, she replied, "If that's the case, then be it that way! Guhhate!"

Guhhate change the knob of her machine gun and shot out yellow flames, complete with bullets to strike at John.

John quickly shield himself by projecting a green wall. He stand against the attack, struggling to hold onto it until finally he has to jump back off the balcony.

Landing in the pit as the generator creating the force shield soon got destroyed in a explosion, done by the raiding down of Green Lanterns from the sky.

Crashing down from the glass dome, and soon a huge battle abrupt.

The soldiers pulled out their laser rifles, switch to yellow color, and began firing at near by Green Lanterns.

The Green Lanterns defended themselves by creating anything, mostly laser beams, shields, or simply stuck them into a ball.

As a battle ensue, Allazan beast begin to act panic, causing it tail to smash at the balcony.

Vile and the others ran and dodge it. The prophets were unfortunate enough to not make clear and were quickly killed under the tail.

As for the hologram, they too were destroyed. Moss quickly gotten up, as he gesture his troops to leave.

This cause the pile of rubble to form a slope, allowing Ryuko to get up there and get to Baron easily, "Baron!"

Wasting no time, she ran at the slope while Allazan uses his beast to drill his way out of there from the mids of the battle.

Wendy caught on this and shouted, "Ryuko! Dude, wait up!"

She and the others follow suit.

Back on the booth, every bidders that were there disperse leaving Vile and what's left of her troops to remain.

As Commander Vile slowly and drearily got up, with her left hand press on her head.

She soon notice the captives reaching to the top, and she quickly ran off into the mist of the smoke cause by the huge battle damaging the arena.

John saw her and goes after her by flight, having not yet acknowledging the captives, "Your not getting away that easy, Vile".

As for Baron, he soon got up. When looking at his right direction he saw Ryuko charging after him with her blade, "BAAARROOON!"

Baron swiftly dodge her attack and head to the nearest exist he saw.

"Your not leaving that easy!" Ryuko shouted, as she chased off him, while Wendy try to stop her and wondering the reason for her sudden gripe of running off in anger.

"Dude, wait! Where are you going?!" Wendy asked out with no response.

"Annnnd she's gone", Sammy sarcastically said, "So much of sticking together".

Wendy then asked Armin, "Do you know what's up with her?"

"I don't know. All I can say she seem very over protective with those three stones", He replied.

Although not a clear answer, Wendy didn't want anything bad happen to her friend.

So she turn around and face the exist where they head off. But before she could go after Ryuko, she told her friends, "I'm going to go after her".

"What? But Wendy, there's like tons of Naz- I mean, Krait guys roaming around here!" Sammy stated, "You may get kill!"

"Don't worry about me. I can handle this. You guys go right ahead", Wendy said, as she run off into the tunnel, "I'll figure a way to get back to you guys!"


Running and catching up, Wendy catch up to Ryuko who ran through the dark, metal tunnel.

Explosions and gun shot can be heard from other places. Echoing throughout the tunnel.

"Dude! Wait up!" Wendy call out, as they head from one turn to another.

Ryuko didn't had time to wait. She must retrieve the stone back no matter what.

She turn left then right, then she walk down four stairs until reaching a hallway dead end with the left side having a door.

After that long chase, she knew where the Baron has run off to. She know it in her soul.

As she approach the door, Wendy manage to catch up to her.

She grab her hand in a attempt to get her to stop and listen, "Dude wait! You need to slow down".

Ryuko nudge her hand out and continue forward.

Knowing Ryuko cannot be stop, Wendy follow and try to talk to her, "Dude, you got to slow down for a bit."

"I can't right now. It's really important".

"Dude, what so important?".

"I'll...explain things later", Ryuko finally reaches the door and kick it open.

The room was a lab. The interior was white, has a table with lab equipments, machines, devices, and test tubes, and there seem to be a mysterious figure, restrainted between it limbs on a huge machine.

It strap on it legs, it arms, and half of the upper head, including the eye.

It seem to be a boy around twelve year old, and wearing only a underwear. The boy also has mechanical limbs.

Ryuko and Wendy were disturb by this scene.

Soon Ryuko eyes was caught to Baron, who is seen holding a pistol at them. Clicking the trigger as in his right palm holds the three shards Ryuko has been after.

"I suggest you two back away now", Baron warn.

"What the? What's...going on here?" Wendy asked, "What is this?"

"It is none of your business, child", Baron said, "Now I advice you two to back away if you want this lad to live".

While distracted, Ryuko ran at him and kick the pistol out, and put her blade up against his neck, scowling at him, "The stones! Now!"

He release his grip of the stones, landing them on Ryuko palms.

She got it and notice something odd about them. They were smoking, which isn't new as she saw them smoke before. But they were a lot more rabid and more massive than before, creating a huge glow which made the stone look almost pure white.

"You are a fool...wasting your time to continue with this task of yours. You are a fool!"

However this didn't distract her from seeing the young boy, and asking Baron, "Shut up! Explain yourself, what the hell is this about?"

"You mean that...child?" He asked, referring to the subject being restraint.

"Wendy, find something that could free him", Ryuko told her, "Now!"

Without question, Wendy look around and notice a switch on the left.

She head to it and turn the switch down.

Steams puff out of the restraint until eventually the boy is release.

He is saved by Wendy, catching him and trying to softly put him down.

The boy was barely standing still, as his eyes remain close.

"Hey...kid...are you alright? Do you need help? Speak to me?" Wendy asked the boy, having no clue what to do in this situation but ask this concerning question.

She gave the boy a single shook.

The eyes begin to slowly blink until a groan can be heard from him.

This bring relief to Wendy and Ryuko.

"Ryuko, he's breathing", Wendy told her.

But as the boy begin to regain consciousness, Baron begin to chuckle as Ryuko blade was now touching near his skin, "Of course he's alive. Killing him would be merely a normal habit of mine, child".

Soon the boy begin to speak, asking Wendy, "Where...am I?"

Then he begin to lift his head up, looking at her and now having a clear sight of everything, "Who...are you?"

"It's going to be alright", Wendy assure him.

Baron begin to laugh, as Ryuko turn to face at him and asked him, "What did you do to him?"

"Ah, nothing a whole lot. Just kidnapped him from an island, gave him an overdose of pills to put him a deep sleep, and did...well, some experiment on him before everything went to hell. It was my duty to connect the stones and the boy, as I have notice a deep connection between one another".

"Uhh dude, sorry to interrupt but I think he need something to cover himself up", Wendy cuts in, still holding the boy as a attempt to keep him balance, "Because I am feeling really uncomfortable by just holding him".

Ryuko turn her attention back to Baron, telling him, "If you think I'm going to let you go that easy for harming a kid-"

"Ha! Please! You won't have much time to kill me. At any moment, a huge rubble will cave in, and all of your friends will die".

"Seriously dude, I think this kid need something to wear", Wendy reminded her, feeling really uncomfortable and embarrassed.

Ryuko was tempted to kill him but knew it will be a waste of time.


Cut back to Lando, Armin, and the others.

They were all running through a hallway.

Running pass Krait troopers that didn't bother catching them. They were all concern on dealing with the Green Lanterns and getting out of here alive.

"Any idea where we going?" Armin asked Lando.

Lando replied, "We need to find a secret tunnel or some kind of exist way. I don't know where we going but I'm having a feeling we may or may not get out of here alive".

"Couldn't we get the Green Lanterns to help us?" Lindsey asked.

"Uhh no...it best if you guys stick with me", Lando replied, laughing awkwardly as if hiding something that could be seen illegal by the Green Lantern eye, "Don't want to be involve in my affair".

"What?"

"Nothing!"

Soon they are confronted by a huge problem.

They stopped and stare at four, dark passage way, leading to the unknown.

"Crap, seems like we have a little problem on hand", Lando remark.

"Now what?" Peter asked him, "Do we split up or stick together because I'm kinda in the ladder here because you know, it's kinda cliche and pretty dumb if we do just that".

"Well it's pretty obvious", Lando said, "Guess we just have to split up".

"Knew you were going to say that".

"Beastman, Yuka, and Wendy will go to the left", Lando said, "Tokoyami and Sammy, take the middle left. Armin and Lindsey, you guys take the right. Me and Peter will take the middle right".

"Heck yeah! I'm with Lando! Woohoo!" Peter exclaim, as everyone look at him awkwardly, "Uhh, what I meant to say is...cool...that's...cool".

"Uhh...yeah", Lando replied, weirdly.

"But what about Ryuko and Wendy?" Armin asked him, "Shouldn't one of us check on them?"

"Kid, we don't have time for that. I'm sure they doing alright without us".


( Back to Ryuko and Wendy ).

Baron is being tied up on a chair by Ryuko.

"Restraining me would not do much against your objective, woman", Baron said "Sooner or later, I will get free. And you and your friends will suffer for this".

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, mind shutting the f**k up please?" Ryuko replied, nonchalantly.

While she's doing just that, Wendy was waiting for the boy to re-dress himself back up from behind the machine.

Apparently they find his clothe by coincidence which was neatly place in a cabinet.

"Thanks for retrieving the right clothe for me", The boy thanks them, "I didn't expect it to be here".

"Uhh yeah, I kinda knew it based off the size", Wendy replied, scratching her head, "By the way, I didn't catch your name kid".

The boy came out. He is wearing a helmet with horns and a cape. He replied, "The names Reg. Just Reg".

"Well...nice to meet you Reg", Wendy said, casually as Ryuko appear next to her, finishing up.

"Yeah, nice to meet you too", Ryuko added, "Now let's get the hell out of here. I hope nobody find this creep once this whole sh*t blows".

"Totally with you dude", Wendy said.

The both of them ran out of the lab and reach the stairs.

From there, they ran upward to where they came from. While doing so, Wendy asked Ryuko, "Hey Ryuko, any idea how we going to reconnect with our friends and get out of here?"

"Easy...I don't know".

"Pfff, figure".

"Oh come on, at least we save a kid here".

"Speaking of", Wendy turn her attention to Reg, then asking him, "How did you got here?"

"Just like everyone else, I guess. Only...I got restraint on a machine. It didn't put me through much pain though".

Finally they reach the level where they were at.

They ran through the hall, ignoring the explosions being heard and the thousands of rubbles laying everywhere they came across.

While stoping at a two passage way, Wendy look around and notice a door on their right side which has a sign reading, 'Mess Hall'

"Dude, maybe our friends are in there", Wendy pointed.

"Your sure?" Ryuko asked her.

"Yeah, I mean it seems like it", Wendy said, "It obvious a perfect choice for gathering".

"And just what if we go in there and encounter tons of troops aiming right at us?" Ryuko asked, having some doubts about it, "I'm not coming off rude here but I'm highly certain they may not be in there".

"Dude, it worth a try", Wendy proceed to kick the door open.

As soon as they enter, they were greeted with not a mess hall but instead, a open crack which shows an entire battlefield going on outside.

It shows Green Lanterns from many sectors taking down aircrafts from the sky, and torrents and soldiers on the ground, firing beams after beams on their enemies.

It was a blue sky tainted by black smoke, Green Lanterns, aircrafts, beams, and lots of explosions.

This came to a surprise to them, even to Ryuko.

"Okay, I totally didn't expect that", Ryuko said, as they return to the hall and close the door shut, "Now where to next?"

Suddenly they felt a huge rumble until the ground below them crumble, causing them to fall.

Reg, remembering his own ability, use his one hand to eject a grapple.

He grab the edge, as Ryuko and Wendy grab him.

They were hanging above the ground, as it seems the bottom levels where the halls and rooms suppose to be are now gone, as they hang there while surrounded in a open space.

Seeing that they not too far from below the ground, they gently drop down.

There was no exist around, due to be block by the rubbles.

"Ok then...guess there's no way out besides up", Ryuko commented, after examining the place.

"And how do we get up?" Wendy asked.

"I could use my ability again", Reg suggest, "Though the problem is I'm not sure it'll be enough for me to fully get back up there, due to weight and stuff".

"So best option is...break a hole?"

"I mean, that seem to be about right", Reg explain, "I do seem to remember having an ability to shoot a huge beam out of my hand".

"Wait, really? Sweet, can you do it?" Wendy asked him.

"Unfortunately", Reg replied, "There is a catch to it. If I did use it, I'll likely black out for about two hour. Not to mention, I'm not sure if my blast may kill anyone near by. I don't want to struck someone unfortunate enough to be near it".

"Hmm...good point", Wendy said, then turn to Ryuko, "What do you think?"

Ryuko attention gaze to something else entirely.

At first she thought he was a poor soul being experimented on by the cruel Baron. She still doesn't know much about him, however she still remain feeling sorry for him. He remind her of Brendan and Steam Lad.

But when close glance, Ryuko notice something that bothers her. His right arm, or what's left of it.

There was no hand, it seems.

Reg only has one hand.

This made her wonder why but at the same time, she wonder if it has some connection to the...stone.

Matter of fact, she remember hearing Torrica mentioning the right time. What if this is the right time?

However this thoughts of hers didn't go further as of yet, as Ryuko is interrupted by Wendy, asking her, "Uhh dude, are you alright?"

"Uhh..what?"

"You been looking looking at the kid arm, dude. I'm beginning to feel concern about you".

"It's...nothing! Sorry, it...uhhh, what are we talking about again?"

"Umm sorry to cut in but shouldn't we be more concern about those three guys standing right in front of us", Reg point out.

"Yeah, you should listen to the kid, Ryuko", Sardonyx said, tauntingly.

They turn and are startle to see Sardonyx, Mist Strucker, and Deathtime right in front of them.

This was even more shocking to Ryuko, who recognize them before.

"Hi, miss me Ryuko?" Sardonyx sarcastically said, "I'm guessing you do. You know, since it been like a while we last met. Was it yesterday ago? I don't know".

"Awwww...f**k!" Ryuko mutter, getting the attention of Wendy and Reg.

"I'm...going to guess you know them, right?" Wendy asked her.

"Yep", She nodded.

"And I'm going to assume they not-?"

"Not good? Yep, you got that right", Ryuko replied.

"Am I the only one confuse here?" Reg asked.

"Yeah, you kinda are...just like every f**king sh*t".

"You know, I'm getting the feeling you losing it at this point", Sardonyx remark.

"How the hell did you guys got here?!" Ryuko asked, demanding for an explanation.

"By accident, duh", Sardonyx replied, "We came here to rest while searching for you guys, and all of a sudden there was a huge Green Lantern battle going on. Now I actually thought it was just that, some cool battle then I saw you three through one of those open cracks and...well...you know the rest".

"Sh*t"

"Yeah, perfect respond right there", Sardonyx said, "Oh, also I forgot to mention but our client kinda change his mind and want us to steal the stone. So yeah, there's no biggie. Give us those three shards, and we'll happily leave you guys alone...sort of...depend if I'm in a good mood or not. And don't even try starting a fight with me because if you do, there's a hundred percent possibility your friends aren't going to make it out of here alive".

Ryuko gasp, "My god...the others...you don't mean-"

"Yeah, my guys are out there dealing with each of your friends", He replied, "Except for Condeir. He's...off doing something".


( Somewhere off ).

At a fancy diner somewhere off on a random planet, Condeir appear at the table.

He is seen exhausted, while one of his disc is sitting on a chair.

"Sorry my dear", He apologize, "My business was taking too long so I have to hurry up and-WHAT IN BLAZING?!"

His shout is referring to a figure sitting next to the disc and wrapping his arm around it.

The man wore a fancy outfit, has slick black hair, a curly mustache, wearing shades, and have a mechanical, black arms.

"Hello Condeir!" The man said in a hardcore French accent, "Nice to see you here!"

"Sondeir! How dare you sit next to my dearest wife!"

"Ahahaha! You were too late to hit it off with your reservation, Condeir! And guess what? It's not you who lost a reservation to your favorite disc. You lost everyone!"

"Sondeir, I will kill you if you-"

"Once again, Condeir! You are too late! Ahahahahahahahahaha!"

"Arrraaaggghhh! Damn you!"


( Cutting back ).

"What the f**k was going on over there?" Sardonyx asked, dumbfounded. Referring to that cutaway scene that he somehow saw.

Ryuko, Wendy, and Reg were a little put off by his reaction.

Even Mist Strucker and Deathtime stare at him awkwardly.

He then realize he's getting off topic and resume back to where he started, telling them, "Uhh anyways! If you don't want your friends to get hurt then I suggest you hand over those rocks to us".

"Ggr, as if! You know my schtick!" Ryuko replied, holding her blade out and position herself for ready to fight, "I'm not going to easily hand it over to you guys! Besides, I know full well my friends could handle you losers".

"Dude, I know you trying to sound cool and all but I'm pretty certain Lindsey, Yuka, Armin, and Sammy aren't going to be a match against guys like these", Wendy told her, "Because I assume these guys have weird powers and stuff".

"Wendy!"

"What? I'm being honest here, dude. Like no offense to my friends, it just...Lindsey isn't really much of a fighter type. She's more of a model type".

Ryuko sigh, "Can't argue with that".

"Yeah, she got a point", Sardonyx said, "I mean, our gang is literally name Black Holes. Meaning our power come from Black Holes, which means you guys are going to get your a** kick if you don't give those stupid rocks to me".

"Not a chance!" Ryuko replied back, "If you want it, you going to get pass by me!"

Wendy sigh, knowing what's going to aspire next as she hold and grip her axe, "Welp, I knew what's going to happen next. Hey Reg, do you know how to fight?"

"Uhh yeah", Reg replied, "I hope".

Making Sardonyx sigh, and rolled his eyes down, "Fine! Be it that way. Mist Strucker, you take down the edgy one. Deathtime, you take down the boy. I'll take down the ginger one".

"Aww but I don't want to fight a kid", Deathtime moan, "I'm a elementary teacher, mercenary not a child abuser".

"Oh come on! You fought my brother and several other kids before!"

"Yeah, but most of them are either spirits or immortals".

This made Sardonyx groan, deciding to appease his complaint, "Fine, you'll take the ginger one. I'll take the kid".

"At least it a little better".

"God, I wish I still fight the hot one", Sardonyx mutter.

As Ryuko lunge at him with her blade.

However her blade soon met with Mist Strucker staff. Clashing together, with Deathtime aiming his weapon and shooting a beam at Wendy, who quickly dodge it by jumping and flipping backward.

Landing back down, Deathtime continue to fire at her with more beams.

She quickly dodge it, as Deathtime approach her to get a closer aim.

As for Reg, Sardonyx charge at him, head pushing him way back through the walls without him reacting to it in time.

"Reg!" Ryuko called out, as she is deflected every attack from Mist Strucker staff.

Wendy and Deathtime, while continue their own fight, they felt a rumble until finally the floor crack, causing the both of them to fall at which Ryuko unfortunately saw and can't do anything about it yet, "Wendy!"


( Cut to Lando and Peter ).

They are still roaming through the heavy, tumbling passage way.

Ignoring the outside battle raging on, Peter begin to act stoke by being partner up with Lando.

"You know it's been an honor to meet you in person, Lando", Peter said, "I mean like, wow after everything I've been through, this is so far both...insane, traumatic, and cool at the same time".

"Listen pal, I love your compliment and all but can you at least save it once we out of here", Lando replied.

"Uhh sorry, I'm just...really thrill to meet you", Peter said, "Say, can I ask you something? Why did you wear Han Solo outfit from Empire Strike Back? Is it because it feels good or you have a weird fetish with friends outfit. I mean, what's with that?"

"Didn't I tell you to save it for later", Lando replied.

"Oops! Sorry again, got a little too excited right there".

"Yeah, you really need to-Wait a second, did you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"Footstep".

Right in front of them, a figure emerge from the shadow, revealing to be Soulestor, grinning and holding what appear to be a solid whine cup.

Knowing there is something suspicious, they back away as Soulestor introduce himself to them, "Hello there. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Soulestor, and you two are within my grasp".

"Woah, nice...uhh...accent you got there", Peter comment, "Vincent Price fan?"

"Correct", Soulestor pulled out what appear to be a whine bottle and pour black liquid in it, "Care for a drink before we...pardon our peace?"

"Yeah right", Lando replied, "As if I'm taking chances of having a drink with some sinister fellow. Don't think I'm fool enough to fall in your trap, pal".

"Yeah! You weird looking...pointing nose...thing", Peter said, as in a attempt to insult him but came out awkward instead.

With Lando looking at him.

"What? It the best I could come up with?"

This only made Soulestor chuckle and remark, "You are a...colorful fellow. Perhaps you need some sweets. How about trying my special liquid of mine?"

"Uhh no thanks", Peter replied, "Obvious why because...you look evil".

"Awww are you sure? It's quite a wonderful taste. In fact, many of my guest drank it and seem pleasantly enjoy it".

"Not a chance pal, already told ya".

"What if I told you it taste like a first class Doctor Pepper? Would that still interest you?"

A sudden pause struck, as Peter stood there smiling and having both his fist on his hips as if seemingly refusing and still remaining standing by his claim.

Until he whisper to Lando, telling him, "Ok, I am a little tempted on tasting it right about now".

"Seriously?" Lando whisper in disbelief.

"Well he did say it has a higher class...quality to it".

"Oooooh, I'm sensing a tiny bit of curiosity", Soulestor remark, taunting him.

"Come on man, this is obviously a trick", Lando told him.

"Yeah! I know!"

As much as Peter want stick by that he cannot help it.

The description of it and the thought of it kept bothering him to no end.

He cannot resist it.

"Sorry but I can't help it. Gotta try it for curiosity sake!" Peter run off.

As Lando reaches his hand out to him, "Peter! No!"

Unfortunately, it was too late.

Peter grab the cup and drank it. Swallowing every drop until he is finally finish.

He took one lick and sip, and remark, "Huh...taste like Pepper...only...a little thick I made add".

"You should try another one", Soulestor suggest, pouring another to his cup.

"Sure, thanks pal", Peter, foolishly not aware, drank it and suddenly, he collapse on the ground.

His eyes remain widen, as Lando became dumbfounded and distress, "Peter!"

"Ahahahahahahahahahahahaha! I knew his Earth 80s culture knowledge would work against him!" Soulestor said.

"What did you do to him?"

"Oh, I simply immobilize where he is unable to think, move, or have a will on his own. I can diminish his entire inside by the liquid he drank, or I can set him free, wiping out the liquid out of existence".

"Then let him go!"

"Can't do. I have a job to do", Soulestor said, "Rise! You zombie filth!"

Peter arose. His eyes were open wide in a blank expression. Both his arms were out and hanging, with his hands forming a grab.

Lando back away, sensing trouble as Soulestor laugh to his demise, "Now then, attack! Make his death entertaining for me!"

"Yes...master", Peter replied, turning around and approaching Lando slowly.

Lando, although finding him really annoying, didn't want to harm him.

Instead, he is attempting to figure a way to free him from Soulestor control.


( Cut to Beastman, Yuka, and TD Infinite Wendy ).

Beastman sniff as they ran through the passage way.

They felt small rumble but not too much to bother them.

"I can smell..air", Beastman claim, "Dirt air to be precise".

"Don't you mean fresh air?" TD Infinite Wendy asked.

"No, just dirt air. Possibly the result of the battle going on outside".

While Beastman led the way, Yuka begin to feel worry.

Not about her own life but mostly for someone else she cares deeply.

"Mmm, I just hope my brother is alright", Yuka said, "I miss him so much".

"Hey, we'll be alright", TD Infinite Wendy assure her, "As long as we make out without problem then we'll see our love ones again".

"Yeah, I just hope isn't drop somewhere that is more terrible than here".

They reach to a split end. There were two passage, with each leading to the same outside path by the sense of Beastman.

However, each leads to different result, as Beastman said, "Both of these lead to the outside".

"So that's good, right?" TD Infinite Wendy asked.

"No...I smell...trouble".

"Trouble? What do you mean trouble? Like Krait guys trouble or-?"

"He means us!" A voice is heard.

Startling them as they turn around to their right to see two figure appear from that passage.

A grinning Ibich and a hand on hips Mother Hollow.

The three of them back away with Beastman holding out his arm to protect the girls, as the two strangers slowly approach them.

"Who are you guys?" Yuka asked them.

"Allow us to introduce ourselves", Ibich replied, placing his hand on his chest, "I am Ibich! Master of trickery".

"And I'm Mother Hollow", She replied, nonchalantly.

"We are hire to kill you, under the order by our boss".

"You mean Vile?" TD Infinite Wendy asked him.

"No! I mean, knowing her she would order something like that", Ibich said, "No, we are merely hire by the leader of our gang".

"Simply put, we just doing our job", Mother Hollow said, straight forward.

"But why?" Yuka asked.

"For credits, duh".

Beastman growl.

Though a beast, Beastman refuse to allow the two girls be in harm ways.

"Girls, you better get going", Beastman told them, "I'll deal with them".

"Are...you sure?" TD Infinite Wendy asked, concerned.

"You may get kill", Yuka added.

"I'll be alright, just go!"

The two girls look at one another, hesitant to leave their friend. But they eventually listen to his request and ran to the left passage.

"Aha! Aww, seems like the furball has a soft spot after all", Ibich remark, "Let me handle this, Mother Hollow. I think I got a few tricks up my sleeves".

"Whatever", Mother Hollow said, pulling out her phone and looking and texting at it, not caring to be involve in a fight, "Have fun with it".

"Oh I will!" Ibich said, turning his glance to Beastman, "Okay mister beastie. You may seem vicious, strong, and very scary but I got lots of tricks that you can never escape f-"

Before he could finish, Beastman lunge at him and tackle him.

Scratching, beating, punching, clawing, and bitting him, all a while Mother Hollow lean near the wall and checking on her phone.

"Aaaah! F**k! No! No! Aaaarrrrgggh! OW! OW! Help! Help!" Ibich cried out, while being shook and bite by Beastman like a wild animal.


( Cuts to Yuka and TD Infinite Wendy ).

The two of them kept running, even reaching to a more open space.

This interior was rectangular. The two sides of walls were more further away, there were many cylinder crates scattering with some stack on one another, and six entrances with four on each side.

They kept running, looking back as Yuka asked her, "I hope Beastman will be okay. Those guys back there seem tough".

"Hey, I'm sure he's going to be alright. We just need to-", Her sentences stopped once she turn back to face where they going only to be stopped.

Startle from the sight of it.

Toukkh and Luddi are standing there, blocking their path.

They stare at each other in silent for a long moment.

None of having nothing to say.

Only Yuka whisper to TD Infinite Wendy, telling her, "They seem scary. Do they have any connection to those two back there?"

"I...guess so".

After a long moment of silent, TD Infinite Wendy break he silence by asking, "Uhhh...hi? Ummm...Who are you two?"

Toukkh begin to speak, albeit a more monotone and quite tone, "I am...Toukkh...and right beside me is Luddi. We're mercenary, and are here to...stop you".

"Stop us? Wait, your guys are with them back there?"

"Indeed. We are order by our boss. Or in this case, my friend".

"They seem...eerie", Yuka remark to TD Infinite Wendy.

TD Infinite Wendy turn to face Toukkh and continue to talk to her, seeing that they seem a little more reasonable and harmless, "Uhh...you guys don't seem like mercenaries".

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you guys look more like regular civilian".

"Hmm, I guess I can't blame ya", Toukkh replied, with Luddi looking at her then looking back at them with a blank expression, "I'm not much of a fighter, except for my other side".

"Your other side?"

"Yes, my other side. Though it pains me to do this, I must comply with his needs", Toukkh said, using both her hand to grab the cranes connected to her neck.

TD Infinite Wendy felt a compactly of weary and danger.

She told her, still trying to act peaceful and reasonable, "Wait! You really don't have to fight us, if you don't want to".

"Sorry but I must", Toukkh said, as she twist the crane, creating a screeching noise, sounding like rusty, hard metal pushing on a cement floor, "It's my job after all. I gotta prevent you from leaving".

"Come on, can we talk this out? I mean, you seem like a nice person".

"I'm been call like that before. And each time I hear it, I always feel...sad a little".

Feeling there's no use in talking, the only chance for TD Infinite Wendy to do is warn Yuka, whispering to her, "Yuka, I think you should hide".

"What?" Yuka asked, in disbelief.

"Look I don't have time to explain but please do this for me. This is likely going to get grizzly".

The final creek is heard.

Puff of smoke same out from Toukkh neck device, as she begin to violently shook and drool. Her left eye twitch, as her head turn down and then lift up, facing the ceiling.

As Wendy back away and Yuka hid behind one of the crates, Toukkh mouth begin to open to reveal another mouth poking out,

This time it has long, thin sharp teeth.

The second begin to form a grinned, as more and more of it reveal itself to be a figure.

A figure coming out, revealing to be pale, have long spiky hair, and red pupils.

As soon as it came out, the entire body of Toukkh disappear.

Instead it was this figure.

A pale creature of Toukkh.

TD Infinite Wendy was shock to see that.

The creature then lunge at her, pinning her down as Toukkh roar at her, revealing no tongue but a empty void.

"Ok...guess talking is out of the question then", TD Infinite Wendy thought.

Then pale Toukkh lunge at TD Infinite Wendy, pinning her down.

The pale Toukkh roar at her with the abyss mouth open, showing nothing but the teeth.

TD Infinite Wendy proceed to use one of her abilities by shouting, "Sky Dragon's Roar!"

A gush of swirling wind produce from her mouth, getting pale Toukkh off her and accelerating her up in the ceiling.

It only gave TD Infinite Wendy enough time to get up, as pale Toukkh return back down, lunging back at her with her claw like hands out.

TD Infinite Wendy quickly move out of the way, as the impact created more wind cloud than ever.

After it clear, pale Toukkh proceed to charge right at her.

Her speed was enough to butt heads at her, knocking her near the wall.

TD Infinite Wendy slump on the ground, as pale Toukkh laugh and once again charge at her with accelerating speed, all while Yuka watch on with a horrified and concern look.


( Cut to Sammy and Tokoyami ).

They reach to a huge, empty hanger. There was no aircraft in sight, and there seem to be no one.

As for the hanger itself, it was massive. The hanger entrance and exist was square and enormous, showing a huge battle going on outside.

Everything was steel. There were support beams, two railings above, several loads of crates and armory, and tons of black stains, possibly the results of some kind battle happen inside.

"Well, at least it's not another hallway", Sammy said to Tokoyami, with him looking at her, "My legs is beginning to cramp if I keep running".

Tokoyami look back to the hanger and said, "I seem to sense danger around here. My Dark Shadow seem to feel it too".

"Uhh...yeah, I'm sure it's the battle going on outside", Sammy told him.

"No...something different than that".

Suddenly, Tokoyami push Sammy out of the way as a huge crash came upon their position.

The smoke from the impact clear away, revealing Doomslash. Using his fist for landing, as he stood up then turn his head around to face Tokoyami and Sammy, who were in shock by it.

Sensing danger, Tokoyami step first to protect Sammy, as Doomslash flung his cape to point his finger at them and respond, "Saludos por tu fallacimiento!"

"What the heck is that?" Sammy asked.

"I don't know", Tokoyami replied, "All I know is based off his appearance and action, I assume he's not friendly".

"Correction! Yo soy Doomslash!" He introduce himself, flinging his cape again, as he position himself to lunge at them, particular Tokoyami, with a attack.

He proceeded with exceeding speed.

Tokoyami push Sammy outta the way with his Dark Shadow and jump in the air, once Doomslash went pass him.

After landing back down, Doomslash turn around and grab his hat. He then proceed to throw it at them.

The hat is coming right at them like a saw blade.

Tokoyami quickly dodge it by moving to the right, but soon it came back to him.

Fortunately, Dark Shadow manage to deflect it by punching it in the ceiling.

"Impresionante. Más impresionante", Doomslash commented, seemingly impressed.

Soon the hat return to Doomslash, as he grab it and toss it away. Then he proceed to release his cape, twist his neck, and cackle his knuckles.

At first Tokoyami seem confuse but soon begin to realize what he's doing, "It seems to me he's going to fight me with his muscle, and without his powers. I don't know who this guy is or why he's here but this man is much stronger than I expected".

After Doomslash finishing his warm up, he then proceed to charge at him.

Tokoyami uses his Dark Shadow to project the dark abyss.

An ability that creates a black projection that cause the surrounding to turn dark and allow the victim to be unable to see or do anything.

In this case, he did just that but instead of being wrap into it, Doomslash went through it with his fist and went face to face with a shock Tokoyami.

Doomslash then raises his fist and punch Tokoyami in the face, flinging him back.

Tokoyami manage to stand position, as Doomslash once again charge at him with his fist raise up, only for Tokoyami to quickly dodge it by moving fast on the left.

Doomslash swing and jump, lunging at Tokoyami.

Tokoyami uses his Dark Shadow to shield him, as the shadow strike Doomslash half way through his face, breaking part of the mask.

This didn't bother him, as it only reveal half of his face. Only his eye is expose.

Tokoyami move once more, as Doomslash fist met the ground.

It seems that despite Tokoyami having the most powerful ability to defeat any opponents, Doomslash seem invincible to his attacks.

Doomslash arose from the rubble and stare back at Tokoyami, showing no emotion of anger and tiredness.


( Cut to Lindsey and Armin ).

The two of them were walking causally through a tunnel of stairs. Deep down away from above.

They were both having a conversation, mostly on what Armin has been doing for the past month or so.

Lindsey was blow away by the information given by him, asking him, "So you guys gone through a multiverse trip?"

"Uhh yeah".

"That's...sweet", Lindsey said, "I wish I was there to join the ride. It sound amazing".

"No, it wasn't", Armin replied, "It felt more hellish than anything amazing...well, except for a few friends we met, and that's pretty much it".

"Did you guys took any selfie?"

"What? No, we didn't. Do you really expect us to bring a camera and...uhhh...what do you call those device things?"

"Phones?"

"Yeah, phones. Do you really expect us to bring those?"

"I don't know. I always bring something important in case if I need makeups, selfies, and my swimsuit".

Armin facepalm, now remembering his friendship is like with Lindsey, "Why do I feel like I'm lucky I live in a more less primitive world. No offense".

"Ha! Your funny. I don't even know what offense means".

"Of course you don't".

Finally they reach the bottom level, and what they find was astonishing.

There was a train, covering entirely in iron armor. There was no windows, no expose mechanical machineries.

It was just a long train, with a scope poking out at the top and first front of the train.

"Oh my god", Armin remark.

"Yeah! Oh my god! It's a snake!"

"What? No! It's not a snake! It a train!" Armin told her, "You know what this means? We can get out of here. We have to gather the others".

"You right! I'll pull out my phone", Lindsey said, pulling out nothing and pretending to dial something then put her hands near her right ear, while Armin stood there very...perplex and dumbstruck.

As she wait for a respond...still waiting...still waiting...still waiting...still waiting...still waiting...still waiting...still-

Armin sigh and said, "Forget it, I'll go find them by myself. Just stay where you are, and check if the train still operate".

After he left and return to the tunnel stairs, Lindsey continue to wait...and wait...and wait...and wait...and wait, until she finally realize there's no connection, "Darn, no connection".


( Cut to John Stewart ).

Emits of the battle, John Stewart search everywhere in the hallway.

Using his green ring, he projected light to search for Vile. Going through the entire vast rooms of support beams, all while ignoring the battle going on outside.

"Where are you, Vile?" John shouted, "You can't hide too long here! Sooner and later, you going to come out!"

An echoing, cackling laugh can be heard. Echoing throughout the interior darkness.

John shows no fear, only caution. He knew who Vile is and what she's capable of.

After the laugh, a voice is spoken, revealing to be Vile, "John, John, John, you really expect me to turn myself over that easy?"

"No, I expected some resistance besides running away".

"Tch, Tch, even if I'm taken in there's always a chance of me getting out. You know that".

"I know, and that's why I'm going to make sure you stay in bar long enough".

As John took one step, a sound of swirling, wrapping, vines, and wires can be heard.

Before John could react, he is attack and tangle by the ejections of vines attaching him. It wrap around his legs, his torso, his arms, and even cover his ring.

John struggle to get out but was quickly consume by this much vines, as Vile appear from the shadow, using her hand to create more vines as she cackle another laugh.

"I got you now! John!" Vile said, "Tangle up in my grasp!"

"Grr, I don't think so!" John shouted, as he use all his power withen his ring to blast the vines off, releasing him.

To much to the shock of Vile, she began to hid back in the shadow, after John try to use his ring to grab her.

"Great, this isn't going to be easier than dealing with the Shark", John thought.

He follow her through the tunnel where he saw the slither of her silhouette went.

He ran until reaching a huge room. This time the room was filled with pipes, connected everywhere.

As John walk around, being cautious to Vile attacks.

He begin to feel as if he's forgetting something.

Just then, he heard a screech as he look up to see Vile lunging at him.

John quickly flung back as she landed on the ground, creating a screeching noise from the impact.

"Give up! Vile", John told her, "You only making this harder for ourselves".

"No...I'm only making this hard for you, John!" She replied, charging at her.

And while the battle is ensuing, Guhhate is hidden up in the pipes, looking down and readying to strike.


( Cut back to Reg ).

Hiding for his life, Reg hid behind some machineries that were generators with pumping wheels attach on them.

They were in a huge, abandoned industrial room. Although unclear what it is, Reg assume it to be a generator room.

The room was massive, featuring forty generators spreading across the area.

There were railings, with some being broken. Dust were common to many of the machineries. There were empty crates everywhere, junks of scraps and bottles, and hanging from above were hooks and wires.

It wasn't entirely in darkness, as on each side from above were shatter windows, producing some light but not too much on it.

Sardonyx is roaming around in search for Reg, all while taunting him, "Come out! Come out! Show yourself, pussy!"

Every time he's near, Reg keep moving from one hiding spot to another.

"You know! You begin to remind me of someone I know. Someone who hides in the darkness, doesn't talk back. You remind me a little bit of my brother".

As he walk, he heard a shovel from behind and blast it. Nothing, as he continue on with his talking, "Or my brother friend, by appearance. Always avoiding me, always hiding away from me. Me and my brother weren't always like this. Sure, he was more shy than you, consider he can't talk but overall he was a chill guy".

He turn and blast another generator. Smoke clear and nothing.

Getting a little irritated, he fly up to get a good look, trying to observe the ground below, "Just when things were getting better, he literally quite me. Now, it's more or less quitting his mercenary duty but I believe he just straight leave me. Thinking this job seem...immoral, or something like that he would've say. I know it's his opinion but come one, he was he and I were the power house, and after he left I feel...well, abandoned".

He begin to blast every generator, blowing them up, creating small explosion until Reg is seen flung out from it.

Smiling, he flew down at him, using his foot to step on Reg as they proceed down into four levels. Reaching the fifth level, which was abandoned cell hall.

Then Sardonyx proceed to grab Reg by the neck. Lifting him up and said to him, "But hey, at least I have Toukkh with me. That's all it matter".

Reg try to think of a way to avoid this.

He flung his legs up to give a kick. It works, releasing the grip from Sardonyx as Reg uses his only arm to eject a grapple and lifted himself out of there.

Sardonyx, dropping the smile and putting on a more rage mode, fly after him.

Before Reg could reach to where he started, he is tackle upward.

Reaching to a extensive height where they go through the ceiling and up into the sky.

"Let see if your grapple arm can save you from this fall!" Sardonyx said, as he kept flying way up to the sky.

Before they reach where the destruction below is simply a dot, Reg uses his fist to punch him downward.

Accelerating their fall, as Reg quickly uses his arms again to grab the crack ceiling before he hit the ground, as Sardonyx fall into the abyss.

Reg assume he's finish. Deciding to not waste time and return back to Ryuko.

Unfortunately, Sardonyx return from the abyss which caught Reg completely off guard as Sardonyx fly in the air and lunge back to Reg, kicking him straight down into another cell, this time it was filled with people.

People from different kinds, clad in drags of raggy clothings.

They were shock, as Reg slowly got out of the rubble. Then he he is kick back down by Sardonyx boots, causing him to let out a small scream.

"You know if I wasn't soooooo douche right now, I would've end this fight and let you live", Sardonyx told him, "Too bad I'm not that type of guy".

The prisoners that were there were scare but at the same time were very concern for the boy.

Reg look around, noticing the bars door.

He uses his arm to eject and grab the railing door, then pull it back fast, as Sardonyx didn't had time to react, and instead got hit in the face by it.

"Ow! What the f**-!"

Then Reg proceed to kick him upward, sending him fly in the sky as Reg got up and jump up high, leaving the prisoners to look onward with astonishment but at the sometime, realizing they free to escape, as they all run out of there, crying out, "Freedom!"

Sardonyx regain his mind as he stop mid air in the hallway.

As he look down, he is met by another socket punch by Reg.

He didn't have time to react, as Reg landed on the wall and jump again, giving him another punch.

Reg did it again and again from the ground and from the wall and ceiling, giving realizing the only way to defeat Sardonyx is by his own quick ability.

After punching eight time, Reg complete the final blow by fling himself in the air and using his fist as a rocket, bringing Sardonyx down.

Way down through the sewage, as Reg jump and landed back on the ground with the knock out Sardonyx laying in the rubble.

Reg catch some breath, exhausted from that fight.

"Gotta get back to the others, and see if they okay", Reg said to himself, as he use his grapple him to get himself out of there.

Sardonyx regain his consciousness, groaning and coughing out dust as he arose from the rubble, "Thats it...screw this job. If Mumm ra want it then he'll have to do it himself".


( Cut back to Wendy ).

Deahtime continue to fire shot in a random hallway.

Wendy dodge it by jumping or doing the flip.

She ran through one hall to another, like a maze.

Trying to avoid Deathtime.

"Hold still! At least pretend to get kill!", Deathtime shouted, running around in a maze.

He hold his blast, creating a laser to penetrate through every wall.

As Wendy desperately run, avoiding getting touch by it and quickly duck down.

Wanting to get over with it quicker, Wendy decided to resort in talking him, using it to distract him while trying to come up of a way to get rid of him easier, "Hey dude! How much does your boss pay you to do this?"

"Are you referring to my boss or-"

"Yours!"

"Uhh...it's usually the minimum range of a school teacher", Deathtime said, as Wendy begin to crawl as he stood there and speak, "Three million credits".

"Wait, three million credits?" Wendy mutter in disbelief, "Oof, no wonder my teachers at my schools look grumpy".

"And honestly, I kinda knew my boss was just screwing with me. I mean, I would've prefer like an average six or seven million credits. Not three. I only let it slide because he pay for most of my food. You know what I'm saying?"

"Yeah dude, totally got that", Wendy took a small peak, seeing she's in a circle where Deathtime is out there and she's within the ruin walls, as he look around to see where she is, "Say, mind telling me what's...uhhh...your early days as a Elementary school teacher? Because that's got me kinda interested".

"Uhhh...I don't know. I'm not comfortable revealing my personal information".

"Awww are you sure?"

"I mean I could but it's kinda...personal to me".

Wendy sprung out with an axe, screaming.

He turn around and aim.

Instead of Wendy using her axe to strike him, she instead strike the ground.

This perplex Deathtime, asking, "Uhh...you missed?"

Without realizing it, the ground where he is standing on begin to crack. Soon it collapses, with Deathtime falling into the hole as Wendy jump to the nearest remaining ground to safety.

"Man...I'm starting to feel bad taking him down...nah".


( Cut back to Ryuko ).

Mist Strucker swing his staff in the air, then proceed to aim and strike black lightings at her.

She jump back from three strike, then she lunge at him with full force. Making contact with their weapons.

They hold their weapon intact to each other, as Ryuko commented smirking, "What's wrong? Can't release some kind of storm or something that big?"

"Oh please, I would've done it if it wasn't for my boss requesting to keep it down to a minimum!"

Soon they depart away, as Mist Strucker continues, "Though I do have other tricks up my sleeves".

"Heh, show me", Ryuko said.

Mist Strucker raises his staff up. Soon the tiny black orb begin to consume the staff. Then it continue to consume his arms until they were split into four.

Four arms holding black blades, which shoots more black lighting at Ryuko who deflect them by two.

Mist Strucker then proceed to rotate his hands blade like helicopter blades, and began to charge at her.

Before Ryuko could position herself for an attack, Mist Strucker suddenly fell as the ground below him collapse, sending him down in the bottom.

Ryuko stood there, completely...shock by it, "Well...that was unexpected".

While she stare down at the hole, Ryuko heard a voice calling out to her, "Ryuko!"

She turn and saw Wendy and Reg running to her until stopping, fully relief to see each other.

"Wendy, Reg, your guys are alright?" Ryuko asked them.

"Yeah, gotta say my battle with Deathtime was pretty easy", Wendy replied.

"Mines...not so much", Reg said, "But at least I made out of there alive. That's for sure".

"Good to hear", Ryuko replied, "Now let's go find our friends".

Just then, they heard a sinister laugh echoing throughout the massive space.

Looking above and around to see where the laughing is coming from. Reg felt afraid but Wendy and Ryuko stand guard.

Then the laughing stop and a voice begin to speak.

A voice Ryuko felt...familiar.

"I should've known my best group of people will most likely fail. I guess it's time for me to do the job myself!"

"Show yourself! Dude! We aren't afraid of you!...whoever you are" Wendy shouted, holding her axe out as the laugh continue.

The laugh continue to get louder and louder.

Then a huge wind is felt. Ryuko, Reg, and Wendy could barely see what's going on.

All they can see is a black smoke forming in the center. A huge smoke forming a tornado until finally the same voice spoke, "Ancient Spirits of Evil! Transform this decay form to MUMM RAAAAAAAAAA! THE EVER! LIVING!"

The smoke shatter, revealing Mumm ra! This time in a different form from his weak one. He was huge, muscular, has wings, having a gauntlet attach to his left arm, and wore a helmet.

"Mumm ra!" Ryuko exclaim.

"Uhh let me guess, another guy you know right?" Wendy asked her, sarcastically as Ryuko replied nodding to her, "Dude, how many enemies you made?"

"Uhh...about a lot, really".

"I am through messing with you", Mumm ra said, "Right now I am going to kill you and take the three shards of the Soul Stones for myself, requiring half the power I needed to not only destroy the Thundercats but also rule Third Earth permanently".

"If you think I'm willing to give up by fear, not a chance", Ryuko told him.

"Uhh...yeah! Like he say", Wendy added, "We aren't afraid of you, based off your cripple...red eyes...sharp teeth...and huge...body".

"You really aren't making this better", Reg comment to her.

"I know!"

"Hmm, then perhaps I needed to convince you in a more...different solution", Mumm ra hold up his left arm showing the dark, crippling, and gothic look of the gauntlet, as he hold out a stone, fully in piece and showing no cracks.

this stone has a round shape to it, showing visible electrical marks and circuits on it.

Once he place it on the gauntlet, a huge purple light emit from it, and soon his entire body is engulf with a light ray of flames, with lightning shooting out, and the sound of hard electrical flow can be heard with thundering roar.

Mumm ra scream, not in agony but with power. Power as his body is soon transform. From one to another, armor begin to form.

It became similar to his gauntlet. Gothic and dark.

New robes is form, his face is cover entirely in a mask which shows a skull and two pair of glowing red pupil inside a dark abyss eyes.

His skull also appear on his chest. His wings, instead of wide, were pointing upward and were thin.

Soon the transformation become finish, revealing Mumm ra new form. His more powerful form yet.

This left Ryuko, Wendy, and Reg intimidate, shock, and most of all...fear.

But Ryuko, refusing to reveal fear, simply comment, "...yep, not intimidate at the slightest".

"Allow me to show you the full extend of my Tech stone power!" Mumm ra then proceed to raise both his hands and strike bolts of lighting at them.

Ryuko quickly push Wendy and Reg out of the way, as she is struck by it, flung her back near the entrance.

"Ryuko!" Wendy shouted, as Mumm ra begin to remark from Ryuko action.

"How pathetic. You willingness to protect those you love only make your journey pitiful".

Ryuko slowly got up, ignoring her smoke on her back as Mumm ra continues, "It remind me of how foolish the Thundercats were, clinging on hope they'll find the last stone only to suffer through my domain alone".

"Shut up", Ryuko mutter, as she remain up due to the support of her blade as she cling onto it, while not facing him face to face.

"Do you really think you could continue with this. After everything that the universe put you through, you think you could ignore the pain and continue this dumb journey of yours. Do you?"

"I'm not going to back down or let you try to put me down quick", Ryuko replied back, "I am going...to...kick your cripple, ancient a**...just like how I dealt with everything I endure".

"And how will you do just that? Your already in the brink of death under my hand", Mumm ra state, "Even if you use the three shards you have it won't be enough to defeat me with the full power of the Tech Stone!"

After some hesitation, and some long silent, Ryuko replied with, "Then I'll do whatever it takes to get you down".

Soon she flip her blade into a smaller one, place it to her wrist bracelet, and slid it through until it click.

Then a transformation happen, as a needle pin her skin which cumulated into spreading the blood and white ray of light to cover her entire body. Red strains of lines strap her in place, as the light vanish, revealing herself in her Goku uniform, with her gripping the scissor blade.

Wendy and Reg were blown away by this, being the first time to actually see her in her Goku uniform.

As for Mumm ra, he wasn't faze off by this. Instead he pull out the Sword of Plundarr! Spinning it, and positioning himself for a fight, "Interesting. You think having your skin expose will protect you from the might of Mumm ra?!"

"If it means protecting my friends then yeah!" Ryuko shouted, as she charge at him with her blade out, readying to strike.


( Back to Tokoyami and Sammy ).

Tokoyami continue strike more to Doomslash.

Doomslash deflect every hit and kick attack from him but also from Dark Shadow.

It became a worryingly concern for Sammy to watch behind the crates, as Tokoyami is struggling to take down Doomslash.

He had no idea what his weakness is. He try everything but it seem to not work.

He begin to feel tired. Even his Shadow begin to get frustrated over Doomslash combat.

After a long deflects and strikes, Doomslash decided to begin his other move as he grab Tokoyami by the neck.

Dark Shadow charge at him, only for Doomslash grab it face and throw it on the ground.

Then he proceed to use his foot to stomp it with incredible and hard impact.

"Cra*p, there's no way to defeat this...thing", Tokoyami thought to himself.

Soon he begin to feel a choke in his neck.

A tight squeeze, as Doomslash stare at him menacingly, saying nothing.

It seems as though Doomslash had enough, and decided to end this right now.

As he squeeze his fist into Tokoyami throat, Sammy watch on with terror.

"Oh no! Oh no! I gotta do something", Sammy said to herself, "Come on, Sammy! Think of something!"

She desperately look around until spotting a ranch.

Although knowing it wont do much against Doomslash, she knew it was her only chance to stop Doomslash from killing him.

She quickly grab it, and snuck her way through the crates for the perfect time to strike.

As Tokoyami gasp for air, Doomslash finally said to him, "Este es el final, Cuervo".

But before Doomslash could finish the job, Sammy jump out and shouted his name, "Hey Doomcock!"

As Doomslash turn around, Sammy hit him with a ranch.

It obviously did nothing.

"Uhh...heheheheh...crud...totally forgot. No super ability, heheheh...heh", She replied, awkwardly.

Without warning, Doomslash flick her away, causing her to be flung at the wall.

"Sammy!" Tokoyami exclaim, giving him enough momental to use his Dark Shadow again.

This time, his Shadow was strong enough to push Doomslash upward, causing Tokoyami to be release.

Ignoring wether or not Tokoyami got him, he ran toward Sammy aid.

He came to her, putting her body near his hand and gently giving her a shook, "Sammy, are you alright. Speak to me?"

Sammy begin to open her eyes, looking at him and asking him, "Did I..did you...we got him?"

"Why...did you do it? You could've gotten yourself kill".

"Better than letting you and your birde friend die".

He sigh in relief, smiling back to her. Then they kiss, as the explosion in the background trigger from the huge battle still ensuing.


( Back to John Stewart ).

"Die!" Vile lunges at John with every wires and coils she got.

John deflect by projecting a wall stopping her.

Guhhate appear from behind and shoot flames at him.

John move his ring and shielded, only for him to be smack away by Vile.

He's is thrown through every pipes that hit him, until finally stopping at a wall.

Falling down and creating a crack from he wall, the two of them approach him slowly as he begin to get up and aim his ring at them.

The exhaustion can be felt within him, telling them, "Stand back! Don't make me to do this!"

Suddenly the glow emitting from the ring begin to flicker out, much to the shock to John, "Oh no".

"Ahhhh, it seems your hours were up, Green Lantern", Vile commented, "Now die!"

Before Guhhate could use her machine gun to spray him with bullets, she is knock down by a green punch.

To the surprise to everyone, Ch'p came to the rescue with his ring, flying toward them with the lantern.

This gives relief to John, "Ch'p!"

"Here! Catch it!" Ch'p waste no time and throw the lantern to John.

He caught it and place his ring in, saying as the glowing beam of green is emitted, "In Brightest day, in Blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, beware my power! GREEN LANTERN LIGHT!"

The final line strike, as the green light shines bright as John remove his hand from the lantern and proceed with his duty on dealing with Vile.

Vile, blinded by the light, had no time to react as she is greeted by the fist of the Green Lantern.

Striking her one, two and three times up in the chin.

John then proceed to projected a green dome, trapping her in as she bang the projection for freedom.

As for Guhhate, she continue to blast Ch'p with her yellow bullets.

Aiming it at him on every side as he ran, until finally Ch'p uses his ring to punch her, sending her to the wall and knocking her out.

"Phew, that was easy to do", He commented, looking at John, "Sorry I didn't came to your aid, sooner".

"It's alright", John replied, giving the imprison Vile to Ch'p, "Just take her and leave. Call the rest of the Green Lanterns we got her".

"What about Guhhate?"

"Leave her. She's not in our warrant".

"Oooh, okay. But what about you? What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to look for...someone that needed some help. I get the feeling they in danger".


( Back to TD Infinite Wendy and Yuka ).

"LEADING SKY ARROW!"

The thrust of massive wind shot at pale Toukkh from the ceiling, as she plumber down.

None of these attack affect her, as she go through with ease, and TD Infinite Wendy dodge her impact away.

"Darn, she's so strong. All my attacks did nothing to stop her", TD Infinite Wendy remark, as pale Toukkh charge at her and kick her against the wall.

She is then pinned by pale Toukkh, as she stare at her with the red, crooked pupils staring at her.

It open her mouth, readying to bite her. TD Infinite Wendy quickly deflect this with another spell of hers, "Sky Dragon Roar!"

More massive wind blast from her mouth, pushing pale Toukkh.

As the fight continues with pale Toukkh coming right after her with more swift claw attack, Yuka continue watching. Hoping for TD Infinite Wendy to win, and wondering how she could help.

"Wendy needs my help. I have to do something, fast", Yuka ponder over this.

But as she ponder under the crates, she notice someone is looking at her from the right.

She turn and see Luddi.

Startle, she back away as Luddi continue to stare at her with a blank expression.

Her pupils begin to swirl, then it begin to lit up in flames, getting Yuka attention.

Her fear is gone. She is merely now in a trans, caught by the eye of Luddi.

Meanwhile, TD Infinite Wendy try her best to dodge every attack by pale Toukkh.

She kick pale Toukkh out of the way, as she notice Yuka being trap within the watch of Luddi.

"Yuka!" Sensing danger alert, TD Infinite Wendy begin to spark another spell, "Sky Dragon Roar!"

The gush of wind hit Luddi, freeing and allowing Yuka to escape unhurt.

Although it saved Yuka, TD Infinite Wendy was too distracted over her safety, as pale Toukkh charge at her with her mouth open.

Yuka took notice and quickly ran to her.

TD Infinite Wendy turn around but it was too late for her to react.

Yuka push her to the side, being the one to be tackle down by pale Toukkh, who after pinning Yuka down proceed to bite her on the shoulders.

Yuka scream in agony, feeling the teeth pressing in her skin, crying out from the pain.

"Yuka!" TD Infinite Wendy came to her rescue and kick pale Toukkh out of the way.

As TD Infinite Wendy pick Yuka up they were now corner around by pale Toukkh, who roar at them with a terrifying screech.

And as for Luddi, she approach them with the blank stare at them.

As TD Infinite Wendy and Yuka back away, trying to figure a way to stop this a voice can be heard, up from the ceiling.

"Okay Toukkh and Luddi, play time is over", Sardonyx said down there, floating in the air as he descend down to meet the two of them, who were quite confuse, "It seems our duty here is over. Now let's go. I don't want to deal with any Green Lanterns that spotted us".

Pale Toukkh approach Sardonyx, as she begin to sniff him and look at him like a animal.

"Knock it off, Toukkh. Come on, we don't got all day", Sardonyx said, grabbing her hand and leaving, as Luddi join with them.

This left Yuka and TD Infinite Wendy stunned and relieved at the same time.


( Cut back to Armin ).

Armin is catching some breath after running so long through the hallway.

He place his left hand on the wall, then gasp for some air as he is still determine to find Ryuko and the others.

"Oh my god...oh my god..." Armin. said, "I gotta slow down for a bit".

Once armin grasp enough air, he resume back to running.

He was now in a different area. Instead of a hall, it was a hanger, showing the bottom empty without ships or vessels, or anyone station there. Armin is running on the railing.

But as soon as he ran to the middle, a serpent like beast penetrated up from behind.

He turn around, startle as it reveal to be Allazan, riding on his creature.

"Ahahahaha! Greeting laddie! Didn't expect to encounter you here", He remark, "Oh well, I might as well do some fun before I leave. Get him, Coil Razor!"

It roar as it descended back down.

Armin knew this is trouble, and kept running.

He ran as hard as he can, ignoring the beast behind him coming from up and down, as it taunting him with it cried and laughter from Allazan.

Soon he made it into another passage but it didn't prevent from Allazan catching up, as his beast manage to slither right in there.

"Don't think I'm doing this out of revenge, boy! My pet is really hungry! I hadn't fed it for weeks, you know!"

Armin can feel the creature almost touching him from behind, as he ran more and more until he has an idea.

An idea that's so risky that it could work.

Armin look around and notice there were many open doors, possibly leading to the same door.

Without pondering too much on it, Armin jump into one of the dark doors, completely stopping the beast, and disappointing Allazan, "Awww, trying to escape, huh? What a pussy. Those doors don't lead anywhere but to the same hallway".

"Good to hear!'

"Huh?" As he turn around, Armin jump from the near door next to him, and tackle him, sending the beast to a violent panic.

Allazan kick Armin but he manage to grab the side of the beast, and jump back on, punching Allazan in the face.

"You want to play dirty? I'll show you dirty!" He blew his mouth like a whistle, sending the beast to drill to the ground once more, as Armin clench onto it.


( Back to Lando and Peter ).

Lando is being choke to death by Peter, using both his hands to choke him down on the ground, as Soulestor watches in amusement.

"Ahahahahahahahahaha! Oh how ironic! The fan killing his idol...I think", Soulestor commented, "It's quite poetic, even".

"Yes, master", Peter replied.

"I wasn't talking to you".

"My bad, my master".

"You know I must admit, I didn't think you would be foolish enough to drink it", Soulestor said, "Considering the taste can be anyone wildest dream".

"Yes, my master".

"You really don't have to call me master all the time. I already knew that".

"Peter...Peter...you got to fight this", Lando said, barely catching some breath, "Remember who your choking to..."

As soon as he said that, Soulestor felt a slight vibration coming from his cape pocket.

Pulling it out reveal to be a phone as he answer it and receive replied.

After hearing it and putting it away, he sigh in disappointment, telling them, "Well it seems our fun have to end, friend".

He then click finger, releasing Peter from his trans as he gasp afterwards.

"See ya soon, friend", He said, walking away into the darkness, leaving Peter and Lando alone.

"Oh...god...man, that wasn't docter Pepper at all", Peter said, "It taste more like Diet Coke than Pepper".

"You idiot! You try to kill me".

"Hey, I was in a trans".

"Whatever. Let just get going before we delve into more trouble".


( Cut back to Beastman ).

Inich is still being maw by Beastman, screaming in agony and terror as he is being shook by Beastman mouth like a wild dog.

While that's going on, Mother Hollow remain on her phone, as she receive a text message from Sardonyx which reads, "Hey Mother Hollow, get your a** back on the ship. We'll leaving".

She responded with a text, as Ibich is thrown near her, smashing in the wall and slump down on the ground, "Sure thing, jacka**".

"Protect me! Protect me!" Ibich hugged Mother Hollow leg which annoyed her to sigh, as Beastman await for more rounds.

"Ggrrr, well...want another round with me?" Beastman asked, taunting them.

"No thanks, we got a message from our boss to leave", Mother Hollow replied, lifting her hand up and shooting a black ray which incinerate the ceiling above.

She then fly off, with Ibich clenching on her leg, as he asked her, "Why didn't you interfere in my fight! I almost got kill back there!"

"You said you can handle this".

"Yeah...well...I meant to say-"

"Look, you want me to drop down with that beast or what?"

"No! No! Just...get us out of here!"


( Back to Ryuko, Wendy, and Reg ).

Ryuko lunges at Mumm ra with full force and a blade pointing at him.

Mumm ra retort against that with a spin of his sword to create rains of lightings to strike her.

She dodge every last of them, and as she is ready to strike him, Mumm ra dodge it and move to the other side, missing her aim.

Ryuko didn't gave up. She charge at him, as Mumm ra shoot more electrical bolts at her.

She dodge every attack, as their blade made contact.

With contacts come with the lighting sparks coming out of it.

Ryuko proceed to strike her blade at him but Mumm ra kept deflecting it with his blade.

They dual to each other, creating a reddish and purple light show, as each strike creates a loud, booming thunder. All a while Wendy and Reg hid, watching on with worry look.

"Impressive! For someone wearing less armor, you are a skill fighter", Mumm ra remark, "But let see if you could survive more of the Tech Stone power!"

After releasing their blade from one another, Mumm ra proceed to shoot more blast of lighting at her, in which she dodge it by jumping away from it.

She slid, as she huff from all the battle coming from him, feeling exhausted but at the same time willing to take down the mummy once and for all.

"Just give it up, already", Mumm ra said, "Your strength does not match with my own, as you can see".

"F**k you! I can keep up with this all day!"

"Your still confident enough to defeat me", Mumm ra commented, "You even more brash than Lion o was. He was always determine to defeat me, determine to find the last stone. And look what we have here, not a single trace of him in sight".

"What are you even babbling about?"

"You keep reminding me of him. Although I don't know where he is now, this only gave me a chance to continue my search for power!"

As he said that, his hand begin form a spark of the same blast from before.

Before another strike can me made, a serpent suddenly pop from the ground from behind Mumm ra.

Much to the shock of everyone, the serpent fell onto Mumm ra as he scream, crushing him beneath.

After the smoke is clear, a unconsciencess Allazan is slump on the beast, as Armin came out, gasping for air.

"Armin!" Ryuko and Wendy shouted, surprise to see him, with Reg looking onward confuse by this.

"Hey guys", Armin replied, "Did I...missed something or what?"

"You missed something alright!" Mumm ra voice is heard, as Armin is shot down by an electrical blast by him, rising from the body of the create.

"Armin!" Ryuko cried out in stunned, along with the others as well.

Filled with fear, concern, and rage, Ryuko charge at him but was struck back by Mumm ra, striking her with more bolts to cause her to drop down.

"Foolish girl!" Mumm ra said, stopping, "Your foolish friend wasn't enough to put me down. I could've kill him, but where's the fun in that if I kill you instead. The only one who stood in my way".

As Mumm ra begin to charge his sword to increase more bolts for the final blow, Ryuko stood there.

She can't back down. She can't ever back down. She must try to figure a way to defeat him. To save Wendy, Armin, and Reg.

Then she remember. The three shards of the Soul Stone.

She still has it.

As she pulled them down, she see they were smoking harder than before.

She knew it was the right time to use them.

As she got up, she grip her hand containing the three shards and stare at Mumm ra.

After full charge, Mumm ra begin his ultimate blast of strikes at her.

Quickly, she use the three shards to put it on her bracelet, as she hold out her blade to shield her.

As the lighting gotten closer and closer, it strike but only minimum as Ryuko full armor being fully pure white, shielding her hardest away from all the gush of electrical bolts shooting at her.

She stand on her guard, refusing to back down as Mumm ra continue to push more and more, roaring at his highest power, "Those three shards aren't going to be enough to protect you!"

"Try me!" She retort, grinding her teeth, as her blades remain her defensive shield against it.

Despite her confident, she knew the three shards won't be enough. If it was full restore then it could've been equally powerful enough to defeat him.

While that is going on, Wendy and Reg watches on, as Wendy wanted to go out there and help, even if it would kill her.

As for Reg, he too wanted to. But due to the request of Ryuko, they can't.

But this didn't seem to care to him. As he look down to his only hand, looking at it, and getting the feeling he must intervene.

He ran to Ryuko, with Wendy shouting out to him, "Dude wait! What are you doing?"

"I'm going to save her!" Reg simply replied, as Reg join with her.

Ryuko look at him and asked, "What are you doing?! You going to get yourself kill!"

"I'm leaving anyone to die", Reg replied, as he lifted his hand out, readying to release his own type of power.

His hands made a warping noise, as sparks of flames emitted from the hand. And then, it blast.

Creating another boost in blast against Mumm ra bolts, pushing it against him.

During this, Ryuko stare at him, and stare to his right, lifeless limb of his.

She realize something during this. The meaning of Torrica saying from the realm. The right person, the right place, the right time. It was clear to her.

All of it.

From the beginning to end, to her thoughts to action, she fully understand it now.

However this revelation is put aside, as she and Reg scream to fully deflect the full power heading their way, back to Mumm ra.

Mumm ra, realizing this, was in shock and didn't had time to react, as he is struck by his own attacks.

Striking him by an explosion, causing him to be flung at the wall, creating a hole and smokes from the impact.

Armin soon got up and was fully awake, seeing the impact of it all, as Ryuko and Reg stood there gasping for exhaustion.

Wendy, totally stunned by this, gave a huge cheer for her friends, "Yes! Woohoo! Way to go, Ryuko! and Reg!"

The both of them look at one another, relieved by the fact it has ended. Looking at each other and giving a smile, until Ryuko sub-come to all the exhaustion and collapse on the ground.

"Ryuko!" Before Reg could check if she's alright, he too felt a slight dense of dreary and collapse, much to the concern of Wendy and Armin.

"Ryuko! Reg!" Wendy called out, as she head to them, coming to their aid, as the last thing Ryuko could see were her, and the three shard of the Soul Stone laying near her within her sight.


Ryuko slowly regain her conciseness. Feeling dreary as soon as her eyes open.

Once she begin to fully awake, her sight met with a new surrounding around her.

The area she is in is vast. There was darkness, no sign of light or life.

As she got up she felt a warm ease of coldness. A coldness only felt during the snow or winter days.

She look around, wondering where she is.

Then her eye sighted something in the distance.

A long lines of light, visible to the naked eye.

Feeling the need to go there, she begin her walk. As she walk through the vast darkness of days she begin to see something familiar. Blue, light butter flies. There were few, but they all swarm in the sky.

Voices can be heard from them, each being unknown to Ryuko thoughts.

"Yuesi, we started this together"

"Might as well end it together".

"Dunno. But if I don't, it was nice knowing you..."

"I not sure if you can blame us though. We are as saying goes, only human".

As she got more closer to the light, she can see what it is.

A long train. With no end, and no start. The carriages were wooden, model after the 19th century. There were many lamp candles light up, which explains the light being produce.

Having a feeling she needed to go in, she enter in one of the carriages.

After she enter, she could make out what the interior looks like. There were seats like up behind the walls, each having green cushions and pillows. Everything was green. There was no paintings, no designs, no crumbs or dust. Just a empty, clean carriage with the smell of a oak tree.

One realization came to her once she enter is she felt the train is moving. It wasn't moving when she first made contact, but now she begin to feel a movement.

She walk through the carriages, trying to figure out what until she saw a familiar creature.

Torrica sitting on the left side of the seat, not noticing her or even turning around to see her. Instead, it stare at the other side rear window, still with a deadpan expression.

Figuring she needed to sit down, she sat down next to it.

She knew why it here, and she knew what's going to happen but she isn't certain for what.

After some long silent, Torrica begin to speak, "Experience, isn't it. Have you ever felt the need to know and understand. To know what the future is and how to understand it?"

Ryuko remain silent for a while until finally speaking up, "I don't know what your talking about".

"I understand...even I know and cannot know both".

"Where are we going exactly? And what is this?"

"This place may seem familiar, but as for where that is something for you to assume and decide".

As Ryuko look around, as she turn around to her right her glance is met with the same pale fox she saw before. The Third one, grinning and huffing.

At first, she was a little startle but remain clam as she continue to look on at the rear window, now seeing dozens and dozens of butterflies in the sky.

She wasn't sure if Torrica notice the creature or not but she has a feeling it does.

"Does this bring comfort?" Torrica asked her.

"Huh?"

"Does this bring comfort? Everyone has a definition to what their comfort is. Do you know?"

"Well...I guess it kinda does", Ryuko replied, then asked Torrica, "Say..Torrica, can I ask you something".

"Yes?"

"Did my journey meant something. After everything I gone through, did it...matter to anyone what I'm doing?"

"It matters depend on what you see it. Curiosity can peak in different ways from good or bad. It is essential part of everyone path, my friend".

"I see what you mean. But..even if my path comes to an end, what will I do now? Start a new path or something?"

"The choice is for everyone to choice. Your choice here will be the final decision, and afterwards there will much for you to pick your own new path, yes".

"And...what if I'm tired with these paths".

"Then that shall be your choice".

Torrica then hop down from the seat, along with the Third one whom skip forward, going pass Torrica in the process.

"I must be going now", Torrica said, "I hope the very best luck for you".

But before Torrica could leave after turning around, Ryuko asked, "Where are you going exactly?"

"Hmm?"

"Where do you go next?"

"That is something for which the universe to dictate. As for where, there is someone sharing the same conflict like you. One from a different reality".

"You know, you seem to act like a mentor to everyone".

"I am many things, Ryuko. It is up for you to assume".

As soon as Torrica turn away, the carriage, the train, the vastness of the dark disappear in the white abyss.


Once the light is gone, Ryuko felt beneath her a cold metal.

She can hear...voices...dozen of them, as soon as she can see the blur scene of the surrounding.

As soon as she regain sight, she saw everyone looking down at her, with Wendy being right on her side.

"Guys, she's waking up!" Wendy said, laughing in relief with everyone else glad that she's alright.

Wendy hug Ryuko tightly, "Dude!"

"Wendy...Armin...you guys..."

"We fine, dude. All of us".

"Uhhh, mind..letting me go".

"Oh, uhh...yeah, sorry about that", Wendy release her, as Ryuko got up and looked around the surrounding. It seems she's in the control room of a train. Everything was metal, with the control pads having tons of switches and buttons.

As for the window, it shows them heading to the small light in the distance.

Everyone was there. Alright and okay.

"Where...are we?" Ryuko asked one of them.

With Lando replying, as he's the one at the panel, "We on a train, kid. Heading straight to freedom".

"We were so worry about you, Ryuko", Sammy said to her, "We didn't think you guys would actually survive from that...grotesque thing".

"You mean Mumm ra?" Ryuko asked her.

"Wait, that's his name?"

"Anyways, that was super awesome what you did back there", Peter commented to her, "Kicking Mumm ra butt and all. I wish I was totally back there".

"Umm...yeah", Ryuko replied, weirded out by his excited tone.

"We just glad your okay", TD Infinite Wendy told her, "I was totally afraid you didn't make it. Guess I was wrong, after all".

With all this commotion of her being alright, there was one thing that bother Ryuko, as she asked them, "Where's Reg?"

"Oh, he's right over there", Peter pointed at Reg, sleeping on the ground on the right side, "He's still out of commission".

"That's a relief", Ryuko sigh.

Then Armin came to her, tapping on her shoulder as she turn to see him.

"Umm excuse me, I think you were missing something", Armin said, holding his hand out to show the three shards of the Soul Stone.

This surprise Ryuko a little, "The stones".

"Yeah, I manage to grab them for you. I thought you may needed it back".

As soon as she grab it, she proceed to look at Reg, now knowing what to do, "Yeah...yeah, guess so".

"By the way, I know this may sound like not the right time and all but if we ever make it out of here do you think you still interested in competing".

"What do you mean by that?" Ryuko asked, puzzle by it. Even the others were too.

"I'm just asking since...after all this, I'm a little worry that you may not be able to go on competing for the final two".

"Armin, I'm not going to back down from a competition. We made it this far, so we'll end this whatever it takes".

This bring a smile to Armin. He was fully concern that Ryuko didn't seem to be interested in competing, but now that she responded like that way, it seems everything will turn out okay.

Suddenly the train stop.

The cargo train stop mid through the track bridge, causing everyone to feel the tremble effect of it.

"Uhh...what's wrong this time?" Lindsey asked Peter, who check the amount of power it contain.

He replied, "Oh crud, I think we ran out of fuel".

"Awww seriously?" Sammy asked, "Just when everything is turning okay, now it the right time for bad things to happen?

"Guess we'll resort to walking then", Ryuko said, "Come on, let's go".

They got out of the train and are soon out in the clear open.

They were on a metal bridge, across more bridges leading to some kind of forest area.

Near their left is a giant dam.

And as soon as everyone got up and made their way, with Wendy carrying Reg on her back, the scream of Lindsey can be heard.

Her scream stopped everyone, as they look upon dozens of Blood Bird armies blocking their path, led by General Baron D. Grave, who grinned to their fail escape.

Behind them, more Blood Birds soldier appear, aiming their weapon at them.

At the far distance from behind, Meel is seen grinning as well while holding a pistol and aiming it at them.

Both sides are block, as the soldiers slowly approach the cast from either side.

The cast were exhausted, worn out from all the fighting.

Regardless, they remain strong will despite their circumstances.

"Stay behind me", Ryuko told them, being the first one to face Baron.

"There is no escape, Ryuko!" Baron said, "You'll give us the stones! There's no escape from this".

"I think you should totally do what he say, Ryuko", Lindsey told her.

"Still no chance, Jacka**", Ryuko replied to him, "If you want the stones, let us pass".

"Ahahahahaha! Don't take me as a fool! My men will fire at one of your friends, if you dare denied me once again! Now, the stones!"

Ryuko was in a tough spot.

She look around for anything that could saved her friends out of this.

Her attention is turn to the dam, noticing the gallon of water. Enough water to break the bridge and consume some of the soldiers.

It's a risk to her thought but there was no choice. She was desperate.

As they both are back up from both sides, Ryuko hold her grip on the blade and whisper to the others, as Baron is getting closer to them, "Guys, this may sound insane but I need all of you to grab onto the bridge, fast".

"What?" Wendy asked, a bit confuse along with everyone else.

"Just...do it all of you. I got an idea. And it's one insane idea".

None of that have a clue what she meant but once they did, they soon became baffle by it.

With Sammy commenting, "Ooooh god, I know where this is going".

"Hey Baron!" Ryuko said, as she hold out her blade to him, "You want the stones. I'll give it to you...IN HELL!"

As Ryuko throw her blade to the dam, Baron smile drop after realizing what she's doing, "No! NO! What are you doing!"

The blade hits it through, as the crack begin to form from it, and then...it breaks.

The dam collapse, releasing the gush of water spilling onto them.

Lindsey scream, hugging Armin as the waves soon collided with the bridge, causing it to break in half, sending half the screaming troopers away.

As for the bridges, two of them remaining hanging, as Ryuko, her friends, Baron, and three troops cling onto the railing.

Meel manage to step back from the wave attack, as well as the rest of the troopers, with the train still remaining intact on the railing.

Tokoyami grab Sammy hand who was hanging, TD Infinite Wendy and Yuka grab onto Beastman back, and Lindsey remain hugging Armin head, blinding him from seeing anything.

Wendy still clench on Reg near her chest, and as for Baron he was near the bottom, near Ryuko.

Ryuko manage to hang out, due to her manage to quickly snatch her blade back and using it for support.

"Men! Begin firing them down!" Meel order the troops.

"But sir, there's a likely chance Baron may get shot", One of the troops claim.

"I don't care, just do it!"

The troops listen to their command and fire.

They quickly climb up, as shots being fire. Luckily most of them didn't hit any of them.

Only the unfortunate three troops were shot, with one being shot so bad he slip and fell into the running wave of water.

As they all continue to climb up, Baron begin to use his pistol and fire at Ryuko.

Firing three shots wasted the bullets, as none of them even remotely touch her.

Realizing that, he proceed to grab Ryuko foot and attempted to pull her down.

She struggle to kick him back.

Eventually, she slip and fell, only grabbing Baron cape to pull him down along with her.

They both grab the railing fast, as Baron proceed to strangle Ryuko with one hand.

"Give me the stone!" Baron shouted to her, "The stones belong to the Blood Birds!"

"Grr, it belongs to someone else! Someone that isn't an a** like you!"

As Ryuko retort, she use her blade, still gripping it and slice his hands off that was choking.

Baron scream and fall, now having been consume within the watery waves.

Afterwards, Ryuko attempted to climb up. Relieved that the Baron is gone.

Unfortunately, her slip causing her to fall too.

Instead of being consume by water, she was hanging upside.

Thanks to Reg, manage to wake up just in time to use his grapple arm to grab her.

Despite that, the cable connected to the railing soon detach, as the railing they are all on soon fall.

Some of them scream as it fell, disappearing into the fog below.

Meel and his men expected them to be dead, only to be shock by a huge surprise.

They were all lifted up inside a green ball, due to the projection of a ring.

A ring done by John Stewart himself, floating in the air and manage to arrive just in time to save them.

As for Meel, knowing the trouble situation told his men to retreat, only to be greeted once they turn around to see more Green Lanterns aiming their rings at them.

It seems as thought everything has come to an end.

With Peter excite fully laugh to see the Green Lanterns arrive to their rescue.


Later after the Blood Birds forces were taken away for question, the others were settle down near the cliff of a forest.

There the Green Lanterns patrol the area and fixing the dam, as John spoke with them about everything that happen thus far.

Lando was the only one acting nervous, as he is tightening his collar and looking away whenever John made eye contact.

"So let me get this straight, all of you have dealt with each member of the Black Hole mercenaries, with one of dealing with a mummy", John then asked, for clarify, "Is that correct?"

Wendy: "Yeah, pretty much".

Sammy: "True on that".

Ryuko: "Totally".

Peter: "Can I have your autograph?"

"I know it sounds really absurd", Ryuko said.

"Absurd? Heh, I heard more absurd things, kid", John replied, feeling not fazed off by the report. He was a little more curious about the description of their encounter, more so what they encounter, "Believe me. I'm just glad all of you are alright".

"Sooo what will happen to the Krait and Blood Bird guys?" Wendy asked him.

"No idea", John replied, "It's up to the galactic governments to decide, not us".

"So there's a likely chance they going to avoid their crimes?" Ryuko asked, crossing her arms.

"Maybe. I get the feeling Kraits is going to be watch on for a long time right now", John said, "Anyways, I heard some report that some of you have been...missing from their reality?"

"Oh yeah! Are you guys willing to take us back to our home?" TD Infinite Wendy asked him, hoping it to be true.

"Sure, with enough power in my ring I could take guys to each of your home in no time".

"That's great!"

"Uhh...yeah, heheheh...yeah, that's...uhh...pretty good", Lando responded, scratching his arm.

John begin to quickly recognize Lando and said, "Wait a second, I know you before. Your Lando Calrissian".

"Uhhh...yeah..I am...glad you notice".

"Forgot I notice you here. Since you are here, why not shall we discuss about your...illegal trespassing".

"Trespassingt? Heheheh..what do you...heheheh", Lando awkwardly laugh, twisting his collar, "What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. You don't have a permit to come here".

"Well...uhh...you see", Lando try to com up of a quick excuse, but then notice his shuttle hidden behind him, and realizing he had just coincidentally park there, "Hey! look! My shuttle is over there. What a coincidence. Welp, thank you for helping me but I'm going to check on my shuttle. Be right back".

Lando ran to his shuttle. But before he did, he came to Armin and shook his hand, "Oh, and goodbye my friend. Stay safe! Until we meet again".

After that, he then run off, leaving everyone completely confuse and perplex.

"Huh...well he was interesting", Armin remark.

"Anyways...I'm going to talk with my other Lanterns", John said, as he left, "I'll be right back".

"Phew, finally...", Peter sigh in relief, after all the stuff he had to go through, "Glad everything is over. I can't wait to get back home and tell Conner about everything what I been through".

"I'm pretty certain most of us have a lot of things to explain back home", TD Infinite Wendy said, "Especially Carla. She's probably worry sick about me".

As they all converse on another and remark on what had happen, Ryuko notice someone is missing within the group.

She turn around and saw Reg, sitting on the timber.

It seems Reg didn't seem at all interested in talking with the others, as he sat alone.

Ryuko approach Reg, asking him, "Hey...uhh...are you okay?"

"Umm yeah, just...waiting", Reg replied, "That's all".

"You don't seem the socialize type, huh?"

"I'm...not much of a talker, usually".

"Yeah...anyways, I want to thank you for helping me back there by the way. It's...uhh, really appreciated, especially since that blast could've almost kill us".

Reg nodded, "True, but I didn't want to see anyone die. I actually hesitant wether or not my incinerator could've work in that fight but I was too concern over your life that I didn't really think before I actually do it".

"Can't blame ya, kid. I sometime did the same thing. A lot of time, really".

"Heh, yeah..." Reg said, smiling to her.

Feeling it to be the approbate time, Ryuko then said to him, "Anyways, there's...something I need to give you".

"Hmm, really? What is it".

"It's...really important but I want you to keep this", Ryuko kneel down, then proceed to pull out the three shard and show it to him.

To the surprise of the both of them, Reg quickly recognize them as he grab them, "Hey, it's the charms that Riko gave me".

"You know them?"

"Yeah, my friend back at home gave it to me as luck. That is, until unfortunately I lost them. How did you find it?"

"I was given by it too", Ryuko replied, as Reg examine it.

"I don't seem recall having three but whatever", Reg said, shrugging it off, "Thanks for giving it to me".

"Your welcome, there's also something I need to tell you".

"And what is that?" Reg asked, putting the three shards away.

"It...may sound weird but it something I need to tell you. I think it best if whisper to you".

"Well it can't be weirder than this".

As Ryuko whisper to Reg ear, his reaction goes by follow. He went from perplex to...surprise...and relieved, and then confuse...

After it, Ryuko proceed to pat him on the back and got up, and regroup them, leaving Reg curious on what Ryuko had told him about.

As she rejoin them, Wendy asked her, "What did you told Reg about?"

It seems as though they notice her conversation with Reg, and were curious as well.

"Yeah, and why did you hand the stones over to him?" Armin asked her.

"Well...it's a long story but since I'm not sure how long we may be there I might as well tell all of you on my weird...actions lately".

"Finally, well this better be good", Wendy said, as Reg rejoin them with Ryuko begin to explain everything about her secret, tracing back to the merge.


In space, the Black Hole ship fly through the great vast black matter, defeated and wasted.

Inside the hallway, Toukkh and Sardonyx are seen waking together.

It seems Toukkh has reverted back to her old self, saying to Sardonyx, "Thanks for reverting me back to my normal self. It felt...comforting to wear my cape again".

"Yeah, whatever".

Toukkh turn to him, remarking worryingly to him, "You seem...angry. Is there something wrong?"

"Oh, no. None at all. It's like I'm piss off I got my a** kick and wasted my entire day off working with some stupid, cranky f**k mummy".

"Maybe you should take a day off".

Before he could replied, Soulestor enter the scene from the sliding door, greeting him, "Hello my master".

"Get the f**k out of the way. I'm not in the mood to deal with your complaint about getting pay less", Sardonyx responded.

"As much as I wish to put out a complaint, I have some other matter to discuss. One that may...interest you".

"Pff, whatever. Just show me what it is. And it better not be a freaking meme video".

Soulestor gesture him to enter the sliding door where he came.

They enter, as Sardonyx and Toukkh were both surprise to see this.

The room was dark but lights emitted from five tubes place in the way back. The tubes contain water like liquid, with inside showing giant, deform humanoids connected with wires.

Each humanoids were different from one another, with some having giant heads, open eyes, or even large limbs.

The tubes are connected to a machine, located on the left side.

"What the hell is this?" Sardonyx asked Soulestor.

He replied, "Remember I told you I took on many jobs. One of which include DNA engineering?"

"Uhh...yeah, you never shut up about it, why?"

"Hmm, well...let just say everything will always have a small sample. Small enough to be hidden within a boot. As for why, let just say I have a personal project to preform. One requiring me to do...alone".


Meanwhile, back to Mumm ra lair.

Pumyra await for her master to return inside the chamber.

She waited, until seeing the black smoke appear, revealing Mumm ra in his weak form.

"Lord Mumm ra", Pumyra then asked, as she approach him, "How was it. Did you got the stones?"

"No...unfortunately, I did not. But I did, however, discover something else. Something...interesting".

"What do you mean?"

Mumm ra head remain facing down, until he begin to chuckle and lifted his head up to see her, grinning underneath his hood, "Pumyra, my dear. I have a special assignment for you".


And there you have it. The first part has been complete.

And boy was it so hard to make. Then again, I can pretty much say that to all my previous chapters. Seriously, they were not easy to make. This one literally reaches above my normal word count. beyond 40,000 word mark.

I apologize for taking so long to make this. I really want to give this fic a great send off before the second season begin.

But anyways, it seems Ryuko journey has been complete. What will happen next for those who wonder? Welp, stay tune for more as things will make sense later on, either the easy way or the hard way.

I may have say this before but I'm going to put all my spin offs on hold until I finally completed this fic.

Here's a preview what's going to happen next.

It's Aqua turn to shine, and what better to put the focus on her is for her to run from the Nevada to Washington state while avoiding everything that are coming after her including Feral Zeke, Cherieng hired mercenaries and bounty hunters, and so much more. Along the way she meets many allies, including Tom Anderson from Beavis and Butthead, Zach Xigma ( Memeking the Third OC ), and of course...SPIDER MAN! It's going to be a huge road trip, everyone. And yes, expect tons of karma hitting at her.

Also, here's a update on the new cast so far.

Kris ( Deltarune ).

Tom Anderson ( Beavis and Butthead ).

Bolo ( Shantae ).

Molly McGee ( Molly McGee and Scratch ).

James Bond ( James Bond ).

Lando ( Star Wars ).

Egon ( Ghostbusters ).

Filburt ( Rocko's Modern Life ).

John Silver ( Treasure Planet ).

Keep it up. Send me any characters suggestion through PM or review because it is not closing up until the end of this season.

Stay tune for more.