"It's time." Alex told them as they all sat around the conference table in Alex's office a few days later.

"It feels weird hearing that." Kobalt admitted as he looked around at the others hesitantly. "I mean I knew I was going to Earth one day and I know I was going to 'ship out' soon before…all of this happened, but it was always some day in the future. Now it's finally here." He sighed.

"I wish we had more time." Mikhaila remarked unhappily. "Especially after..."

"I know, and part of me wishes Ko could just stay here and work with us, but like all children they need to leave the nest at some point." Alex pointed out.

Igwe raised an eyebrow at the remark but chose not to comment.

"We've trained you as best we can, given the resources at our disposal." Alex told Ko. "You should be able to handle yourself down there whether you're going up against the Typhon or humans. Frankly I doubt there's any humans left that would side with the Typhon but you never know. Stranger things have happened." He admitted.

"Just what we need, human cults that worship the Typhon." Danielle remarked sarcastically. "Though I guess they wouldn't last long. They'd be lining up to get their brains eaten."

"Morgan should be able to assist you once you arrive." Igwe pointed out. "We have not had contact with him recently so we do not know his current location but we have informed all of the resistance cells we are in contact with that your arrival is imminent and that Morgan should attempt to contact you if he arrives at one of their outposts."

"And where will I be going, exactly?" Ko asked them. "Based on the map I saw before, those outposts and bunkers are spread out all across the planet."

"We decided to send you to one of the bases in the western United States, specifically the old Groom Lake installation. It's an airforce base that has a landing strip capable of handling unique aircraft. You'll be taking one of the shuttles that we used to ferry personnel back and forth between Talos and Earth so it's already outfitted for atmospheric flight and terrestrial landing strips as well as space travel."

"Won't my landing attract unwanted attention?" Ko asked.

Alex shrugged. "We have no way of knowing what kind of Typhon presence will be in the area when you arrive. We've notified the base of your arrival so they're prepping in case you draw some Typhon to the base but considering their animal intelligence it's not likely they'll be tracking incoming objects. Besides, the area is fairly isolated out in the desert so it's unlikely you'll have much trouble."

"Too bad we don't have Dahl as the pilot." Ko suggested. "I had a lot of training but piloting wasn't one of them."

"True, but we do have a neuromod that can provide you with that expertise." Alex smiled. "You won't even have to pay for it."

"Needle in the eye...wonderful." Ko grumbled. "I still flinch thinking about it."

"So far so good but what about transportation?" Elazar asked. "It's not like he can just hop on a jet and fly between the different bases to coordinate sorties."

"I remember that some time ago Morgan mentioned he had upgraded several motorcycles and small vehicles at the various bases he had visited to use ultra-efficient electric motors he designed, allowing them to run very quietly while maintaining their normal speed." Igwe pointed out. "He did not mention the amount of distance they could cover but given that standard electric vehicles were able to go several hundred miles on a single charge, I would assume they would have at least that range if not more. Assuming the resistance allows him access to one of these vehicles he should be able to outrun any Typhon he comes across and make it to whatever installation he needs access to in a reasonable amount of time."

"What about food?" Mikhaila asked. "It's not like I'll be going with him to share memories, much as I wish I could." She said regretfully.

"I wish you could be there too but it's just not safe." Ko said quietly. "The last thing I want is for you to be in danger."

Alex nodded. "We've notified the various cells about your 'special needs'. Ostensibly you need to connect to others and have memories shared in order to recharge your Typhon abilities since you won't have access to psi-hypos or any other such infrastructure there."

"Did they buy it?" Ko asked.

Alex smiled in amusement. "One nice thing about being one of the foremost experts on the Typhon is that no one's going to question you on the subject, even if what's coming out of your mouth is partial bullshit. Like I mentioned before you'll have a backpack of equipment to take with you. No weapons of course but various supplies and a small batch of psi-hypos in case you need some emergency rations." He informed the hybrid. "The trip from Talos to Earth should only take about 36 hours. Also, Danielle and Mikhaila helped create several outfits for you so you'll have things to wear along with heavy coats and boots for the colder areas, especially when you visit Greenland."

"I'll try to conserve my energy during the trip." Ko replied.

"Pillow with eyestalks?" Mikhaila teased.

The others chuckled quietly at that.

"Something like that." Ko agreed.

"Alright, I think that's everything." Alex said. "Anything else to add?" He asked, glancing about the table. Seeing only shaking heads he nodded. "Right then." He said, the others getting up and leaving the room. Ko gave him a quiet smile before making his way out of the office. As he neared the elevator he found Mikhaila waiting for him.

"We wanted to have a little get together in the lounge." Mikhaila informed him as they entered the cab. "Alex was thinking about doing some kind of big presentation, putting you onstage in front of the crew and telling them about all you've been up to before sending you off, but I told him that would just be awkward. The crew knows you somewhat but besides the updates they were getting from Alex...well it would be more of an official announcement than a going away party."

Ko nodded. "Yeah, I'd rather not be stared at by everyone." He agreed. "I tried to go around and make friends but they never seemed to fully accept me, with a few exceptions." He admitted, thinking about Joel Weeks along with the Medical staff and a few others.

Mikhaila nodded. "I'm sorry the crew didn't warm up to you as much as we hoped. I suppose a lot of them just couldn't see past the Typhon on the outside and find the human being inside."

"You did." He said softly as he kissed her briefly. "You've stood by me from the very beginning. You helped shape me into who I am and I'll never forget that. You've done so much for me Mikhaila." He murmured, cupping her cheek before kissing her again.

Mikhaila kissed him back before separating a moment before the doors opened. Making their way through the corridors they came to the lounge, the others waiting nearby next to one of the semi-circular sofas with a short metal coffee table in front of it. Danielle was already pouring something dark and alcoholic into a glass from a bottle she held in her hand before pouring some for the others.

"Come on over Ko." Danielle called out.

Ko smiled as he walked over to them with Mikhaila at his back. Mikhaila grabbed a glass and Danielle poured her some of the liquor as the others sat down on the sofa.

"A toast to Kobalt!" Danielle announced as she raised her glass. "May his journey be swift and his mission successful beyond our hopes!"

The others raised their glasses and drank with Ko smiling warmly at them.

"You carry all our hopes and dreams with you Kobalt." Igwe stated with soft sincerely. "What you have become is beyond anything we could have imagined and I, for one, will always consider that a source of great inspiration and pride."

Ko couldn't help but feel warm inside at the man's uncharacteristically gentle tone. "Careful Dayo, you'll give me feels." He teased gently.

The others laughed quietly at that and even Igwe smiled.

"We wanted to make sure you were well fed before going on your trip and also give you some going away presents at the same time." Danielle explained. "So we figured the best way to do that would be to share moments that are special to us."

Ko felt touched by the gesture as he sat down on the coffee table before them, transforming into his Phantom form. "Thank you, all of you." He insisted quietly. "This means a lot to me."

A moment later they all leaned forward with Mikhaila resting her chin against the top of Ko's head. Strands of coraline thread emerged from his head a moment later, connecting each of them to him in a glowing golden web. Focusing inward he could feel each of their minds brushing against his before they began to slowly send their thoughts through the connection to him one at a time.

Danielle went first and Ko's senses were suddenly filled with the clatter of china as he sat at the dinner table, looking at the various faces of the Sho family as they ate in their home in Japan. Home made miso soup, flavored rice, tempura, and sushi all slid along his tongue as flawless Japanese flowed back and forth between them, each one talking about their day and what was going on in their lives. It was a comforting, normal, and pleasant setting filled with the aromas of food along with the chatter of family and he could feel himself cherishing every moment before the scene gently shifted and she slowly pulled back, disconnecting herself from the group.

This time Igwe gently pushed some memories into his mind, energizing him further and filling his senses with more enjoyable moments. He found himself walking across the stage at a prestigious university wearing a square cap and gown of royal purple and gold as he accepted his diploma from the Dean, his entire body filled with unbridled excitement and a powerful sense of accomplishment. In that moment he knew there was nothing beyond his reach; with his knowledge and unique perspective he knew that his work would revolutionize neuroscience for decades to come and he was eager to prove himself to his peers. The scene faded as Igwe withdrew a moment later.

Elazar sent her memories through the connection next, the scene changing to that of a modern dojo that he knew was in Israel. He felt his body moving like elastic as her martial arts instructor bobbed and weaved in front of her, throwing quick strikes and kicks which she deftly blocked or sidestepped before surging forward with a series of quick rabbit punches before ducking under his swipe and grabbing hold of his body armor before yanking him off his feet in a rolling throw that ended with her on top of him, fist upraised before slamming it against his padded helmet, a surge of jubilation filling her.

"Nice job Elazar." He grunted as she got off of him and he got to his feet a moment later. "That's the first time you've taken me down. We'll make a Mossad agent out of you yet. Now do it again."

"With pleasure." She grinned in anticipation as they began to spar once more.

The scene faded as she also withdrew and finally Mikhaila's mind came to the fore, now all alone with him.

I can still feel the urge to do what we did before but thankfully it's not nearly as strong. She told him. It's like an urge or temptation in the back of my mind.

It'll fade in time. He assured her. Dr. Bay and Dr. Kohl will make sure of it.

I know they will, it's just hard. Mikhaila sighed. I know you said you don't remember much of what happened. Can I...show you what I felt when it happened?

Of course. Ko replied gently.

Mikhaila began pushing a stream of memories into his mind and Ko could feel his identity transitioning into that of Mikhaila's like he had done with the others. A moment later incredible euphoria hit him as the tail end of their climax surged through his mind before it became scattered. Reliving the experience as Mikhaila he could feel his identity in the back of his mind, holding his psyche firmly in place as a new mind coalesced and formed. It was an incredibly surreal experience as if a new mind had taken control of him while his own faculties were taking a back seat to what was happening. He felt his understanding and awareness expand as well as his knowledge and with it came a feeling of supreme confidence. More than that, he felt powerful and in control as if he had practiced with all of his abilities for decades until they were honed into instincts so natural it was practically muscle memory. He felt the two of them move about the room in one connected body before opening the door to see Alex's shocked face before the memories receded and allowed his normal psyche to take control once more. Even with this brief glimpse into what they had temporarily become he felt a sense of loss as if he had been diminished when the memories ended.

I understand better now. He admitted quietly. Just that brief experience from your perspective was enough to make me yearn for it. Not as strongly but still…

I felt your loss too. Mikhaila admitted. But that feeling of confidence, wisdom, and power...

It's incredible. Ko agreed. I'm sorry we can't...

I know. Mikhaila sighed. No matter what happens down there, always remember I love you.

I love you too, Mikhaila. I always will. He assured her.

Mikhaila slowly pulled away with hints of regret coloring her mind as they all sat back, glancing back and forth at each other before focusing on Ko.

"Hopefully these moments will help you during dark times." Igwe offered quietly with the others nodding.

"They will." Kobalt assured them.

The group sat there for a while enjoying their drinks and offering up various memorable moments during the time Ko had been with them, many of them humorous due to his lack of experience. After a while Ko's Transcribe chimed. Glancing at it he saw it was a message from Alex.

: Come meet me in the shuttle bay.

"Time to go." Ko sighed as he stood up. "I'll be back when I can."

"Maybe if we're lucky we'll be able to join you on Earth." Mikhaila smiled wistfully.

"I hope so." He smiled, giving her a long and drawn out hug before giving each of them a hug in turn, even Igwe. Kissing Mikhaila one last time he nodded to them before heading out of the room, the others watching him go.

Ko made his way through the various corridors, shifting back into his human form as he entered the main elevator, descending from the crew quarters area down through the heart of the station to the shuttle bay level. Passing through more corridors and waving at the various crew members he passed he entered the shuttle bay to find Alex standing there near the shuttle entrance, a filled duffel bag and backpack sitting next to him on the floor.

"I trust your little party was enjoyable?" Alex asked. "I wanted to go all out, have a whole buffet and bar, invite the whole crew, let everyone have a good time but it seemed nobody was in the mood to party."

Ko nodded. "I appreciate it. It was private but also heartfelt and I loved every minute of it."

Alex nodded with a smile. "I'm glad. Before you left I wanted to share a memory of my own if that's okay?"

Ko nodded, transforming himself back into his Typhon form and stepping up to the larger man. Their foreheads rested together a moment later and Ko began spinning coraline links between them as their psyches connected. A moment later he found himself in Alex's body watching a video feed from inside a room with various consoles manned by the others. On the screen was a Phantom-like Typhon strapped to the simulation chair with a Looking Glass helmet attached to its head.

"It's finished." He said somberly in a microphone before him. "How did it do?"

"Activation of the mirror neurons is promising. Empathy Quotient shows to be exceptionally high." Igwe stated from one of the other consoles, also speaking into a microphone.

He felt a surge of excitement fill him but he pushed it down firmly. He refused to celebrate before the results were in considering the other test subjects had ended in failure. "It probably thinks it was dreaming, that nothing it did mattered." He suggested.

"You're assuming it thinks like us." Igwe remarked coolly.

"Its life depends on it." He replied frankly. "Our too. It all comes down to the choices it made."

"It saved me from the cargo container." Igwe offered. "I would have suffocated otherwise. And later, it recovered the Leitner connectomes. They were of no practical use, except that they were deeply meaningful to me. It installed multiple Typhon-based neuromods. It could mean an instinctive return to its own kind or an attempt to integrate its dual nature. But it's most surprising act was sparing Dahl. While perhaps for purely selfish reasons, this, at least in principle, enabled others to escape Talos 1."

"Mikhaila?" He questioned, satisfied with Igwe's reasoning.

"I would have died without my medication. That wasn't easy. That says a lot, I think, about its heart. Can I say that it has a heart?" She asked. "It also found my father's records. And then...I did not expect this, but it let me listen to them despite the self-incriminating content. It was willing to make itself vulnerable. Then there was that man in Psychotronic, Ingram. It let him go...was that mercy?"

"Would you let it live?" He asked her.

There was a long pause before she replied. "Yes…"

"Sarah?" He asked. "You're next."

"The situation in the cargo bay was bad." Elazar stated. "None of us would have survived without its help and it destroyed a large number of Typhon across the station. That has to be a good sign. Further, it thwarted Dahl's attempt to use us as hostages. If it were one of my officers I would give it a commendation."

He nodded. "Danielle? What do you say?"

"It found me. It didn't need to, but it did. I asked it to stop Volunteer 37. That was dangerous. No way to be sure but I think it has a sense of retribution. A lot of humans controlled by the Typhon ended up dead. Not that it was easy to avoid but...I think it's worth the risk." Danielle replied.

"In the end it chose to activate the Null wave device." Igwe interjected. "Why? To preserve the Typhon technology? We can't really know what its motives were for anything it did."

He sighed quietly, feeling the conflict within him. All of them had valid points, including Igwe. Despite all the positive things it had done, how could you ever truly know what an alien being was thinking or why it did what it did?

"But we have to make a choice." He said heavily before looking at the screen intently. "You can hear us, can't you?" He pleaded softly. Here...I want to show you something." He said as he typed some commands into the console before him, making the simulation chair slowly spin.

"What you experienced was a reconstruction based on Morgan's memories." He explained as he typed in more commands, causing the computer screens in front of the Typhon to activate, displaying one of Earth's coral-covered cities. "This...is the world today." He said as he sent a command to turn the chair back around. "We spent years trying to put what you can do into us. We never tried putting what we can do into you...until now."

He could see the Typhon in the chair shivering slightly and he knew the reason why but he still continued to speak. "You're the bridge between our species. I need to know if you see us. I mean really see us." He insisted intently. "Take my hand if you." He said, sending the final command to make the construct hold out its hand for it to take while unlocking the arm's restraint.

The Typhon sat perfectly still as if it were frozen in the chair and he felt himself leaning forward, desperate hope blossoming in his chest.

This has to work...please let it work! Take my hand, please! He silently begged the creature in the chair.

A moment later he stared in shock as the Typhon's free arm transformed into a human hand and forearm as it reached forward to take the construct's hand. Excitement surged through him and he nearly jumped for joy, half rising in his chair before forcing himself to sit down and letting out a sigh of relief before speaking into the microphone.

"We're going to shake things up. Like old times." He affirmed, knowing it would recall those words and recognize them, perhaps even finding some comfort in them.

Turning to the others he nodded. "Deactivate the simulation and activate the speakers, I need to talk to it. Alien or not, it's going to be seriously confused after what just happened.

The scene ended and he returned to his own body as Alex spoke. "When you shook my hand in the simulation...for the first time in a long time I felt hope...real hope...that we might succeed. I knew it was still a long shot but at that moment I knew Project Cobalt was a success and I also knew that we would do whatever it took to get you ready for what was to come."

Ko smiled as they disconnected their auras. "And you succeeded Alex." He said warmly.

Alex smiled. "We'll be with you in every way we can." He insisted quietly. "Try to call as often as you're able. I know Mikhaila will be pacing the floor with worry if she doesn't hear from you regularly."

"I'll do my best to call home." He promised. "She mentioned she still feels the urge a little bit every now and then. Can you have Dr. Kohl visit her occasionally to make sure she's okay?'

Alex nodded. "I'll be sure to tell him that. Anything else?"

Ko nodded. "Take care of yourselves." He requested quietly before wrapping his arms around Alex in a hug. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too." Alex murmured. "You take care as well."

Ko nodded as he stepped back, giving him a respectful nod.

Alex reached into his pocket and withdrew a loaded Neuromod injector. "Your piloting skills."

Ko winced as he took it. "Do I have to inject it into my eye?" He asked.

"Actually I had to alter an injector for you, considering your brain doesn't map the same way as a human's does." Alex replied. "Thankfully I started working on this a while back in case you ever needed a neuromod implanted but no, you don't have to stab it into a receptor. Just expose an area of your cortex and the eye in the injector will be able to do an in depth scan to make the adjustments."

Ko nodded and began altering the dark matter around his head to expose a section of his brain before carefully pointing the injector at the exposed area and pulling the trigger. Unlike the times he had injected himself with neuromods in the simulation there were no strange scenes or voices in his mind but merely a burst of kaleidoscopic colors and a sense of vertigo as the mental pattern in the injector overlaid the necessary skills onto his cerebrum. He felt Alex grip his elbow as he staggered before his vision cleared seconds later, his balance returning.

"Well that was trippy." Ko muttered as he handed the injector back to Alex.

"Keep it." Alex insisted. "It's not like we'll have any need for it here. Plus you never know, some of the Transtar facilities might have some neuromods lying around for you to use."

Ko nodded, stuffing it into his duffel bag before picking up both the bag and backpack with a sigh. "Bye Alex." He said quietly.

Alex smiled softly at him. "Bye Ko."

With that Ko entered the shuttle, sealing the door behind him as Alex cleared the launch area.

Ko stood there, looking around at the shuttle's interior as a sense of disquiet filled him. Now that he was actually there he began to feel somewhat nervous, as if he were going out on stage for the first time in front of an audience. Shaking his head to clear it he set the bags down in the cabin before making his way to the cockpit. Easing himself into the pilot's seat he began scanning the myriad controls and readouts in front of him. For a moment he was at a loss as to what to do but suddenly something clicked in his mind as memories not his own began to guide his thoughts. He automatically knew what the steps for a preflight check were and as he began going down the list mentally he began reaching for the various controls as if he had done this dozens of times before. Allowing his instincts and the new memories to take over he quickly ran through the various checks, flicking switches and activating various systems, his conscious mind becoming more comfortable with the process as each second passed. What at first appeared to him as banks of unfamiliar controls became extensions of his senses as he recalled what each one did and why they were important. For the first time he understood just how powerful a neuromod really was. This was more than simple cerebral knowledge gleaned from book learning but actual experience from a living being who had been an expert; that expertise and wisdom were now his in its entirety without any preparation or practice needed to awaken these skills. He also knew instinctively that once the shuttle lifted off he would be able to pilot and land it with complete confidence, something that only experience could provide.

His preflight check completed Ko activated the shuttle's engines and withdrew the various clamps holding it in place as well as the gang plank. He felt the craft shudder around him as the readouts confirmed the ship was free and able to accelerate as the shuttlecraft launcher isolated itself from the rest of the shuttle bay. Once the section was sealed the bay doors ahead of the shuttle ponderously opened with a muffled scream of released atmosphere. As the doors opened fully, the last of the oxygen escaping, Ko pushed on the throttle a bit at a time causing the shuttle to slowly float forward. Moments later the shuttle's nose peeked out from between the doors before it slowly slid between them. Once clear of the station Ko pushed the throttle forward, forcing the shuttle to accelerate harder and it began to fly forward at a reasonable clip. Adjusting the flight stick he slowly swung the shuttle around to align with Earth before pushing the throttle even harder to accelerate it to near its maximum speed. Checking the other instruments he altered his flight path slightly to make sure that when he arrived he would actually meet up with the planet and not overshoot or lag behind it. Satisfied with his calculations and confirming there were no obstacles in his path he began shutting down the non-essential parts of the ship including lighting and heating. He had no need for the shuttle's interior to be lit and the ambient heat from the engine room would be sufficient for him. If a mimic could cling to the surface of an asteroid for countless eons without suffering then a slightly cold shuttle interior would be nothing in comparison. Finally he shut down the engines themselves, allowing the shuttle to drift at near maximum velocity in order to save fuel. So long as his course corrections via the various thrusters were minor he would not need them until he actually began his approach.

With the majority of the systems shut down and the engines offline an eerie silence filled the cabin, punctuated by the occasional slight creak of the shuttle itself. Through the cockpit windows he could see Earth becoming bigger, bit by bit. Folding in on himself Ko's body collapsed into a pillow with small eyestalks, his gaze half-lidded and unfocused to take in the various readouts on the console all at once. He slowly entered a sleepy daze, partially minding his surroundings but not focused on any one thing as he let his mind wander and dream.

Is this how a Typhon spends an eternity between the stars? He wondered idly.

His gaze slid upwards from the instruments to the spacescape through the viewing panes, taking in the sight of the galactic arm in all its beauty for long moments before his mind shifted and he entered into the realm of dreams. Once again he stood in space with the universe surrounding him. Instead of being shocked or annoyed like before he allowed himself to enjoy the peace and tranquility the scene brought him. While nothing in the universe was eternal this spectacle alone would persist for millions upon millions of years, long after humanity and even the Typhon became nothing but forgotten dust from the inevitable weight of time and entropy.

There was something comforting about that.

Movement nearby stirred him from his contemplation and he saw the Typhon from his dreams moving towards him, claws twitching in a predatory way. Yet he found himself uncharacteristically undisturbed by the creature's presence unlike the previous times they had met. Instead he felt a kind of detached curiosity filling him as he turned to face it.

"Fancy meeting you here." He quipped.

He felt a spike of annoyance from the creature before him as it continued to approach.

"So what brings you here anyway?" Ko asked idly.

A burst of cosmic radio static issued from the creature. Slow...stupid...prey...

"Why? Because I can think and make decisions?" Ko asked him blithely. "Does that make me slow or does it make me a better hunter?"

A louder and more chaotic burst of static emerged from the creature. SLOW! STUPID! FRUSTRATED!

Ko couldn't help but smile at that. "Come then. Let out your frustrations. Show me how slow and stupid I am." He invited it.

With a roar of static the Phantom surged forward, crossing the intervening space in an instant. However, instead of its claws piercing Ko's head they met only empty air. In the split second that it transitioned Ko had moved away, standing nearby seemingly without a care in the world.

"Care to try again?" He asked in idle amusement as he examined his own claws.

Another roar issued from the Phantom as it flash-stepped once again, violating physics and swiping at Ko but the hybrid had shifted as well, appearing behind the Phantom as it finished its teleport. Reaching forward he flicked the back of the creature's head impudently.

"Too slow." He remarked.

The creature swung back with a spin and Ko's talons caught its lashing arm in a grip like iron.

"Still frustrated?" He asked mildly.

The Phantom wrenched its arm free and began to swipe and slash at Ko with both hands. The hybrid swiftly parried and blocked each strike with focus and calm born of long training with Elazar in the battle simulations. The creature's arms sprouted blades and spikes to try and cut him apart but Ko ducked and weaved around each strike before grasping its arm. Using his opponent's weight against him he fell into a backwards tumble that pulled the Phantom off its feet, throwing it across the void to land nearby as Ko finished the tumble, planting his feet with ease as he crouched.

The Phantom roared furiously as it surged towards him again, limbs and body becoming a mass of eldritch tentacles with bladed ends as its face became a gaping maw of razor sharp fangs and white orbs, a literal creature out of nightmares. Frowning slightly Ko formed his hands into short blades and began flash-stepping swiftly as each tentacle lashed out at him. His hand-blades moved with quick precision, slicing off a tentacle each time one struck towards him as he dodged and weaved. As the pile of tentacles grew the Phantom became more and more desperate, roaring and hissing as if trying to unnerve him while its slashes became more frantic. Seeing his opponent weakening, Ko went on the offensive, using micro-flash movements to alter his position by inches multiple times each second until he was a literal blur cutting apart the Phantom's tentacles. A second later he reformed his bladed hand into a fist, slamming it into the creature's head and sending it sprawling. Glancing about at the carnage around him he nodded in satisfaction before walking over to the Phantom, it's body now much thinner and weak-looking compared to before.

The Phantom slowly struggled to its feet and slowly focused its orbs on Ko, seemingly considering him carefully. A moment later sound emerged from it and this time it was intelligible speech.

Not slow….not stupid...you are the better hunter...the better predator. It admitted with a defeated tone.

"We are the apex predator." Ko stated firmly. "I finally realized what you were. Not just a dream, not just a Phantom. Me. The me that's dark, instinctive, the other half of my dual nature as Igwe would put it."

The Phantom nodded. You understand.

"I understand that in the beginning I was fighting against myself, against what I was. A Typhon fighting itself in a desperate attempt to be human. The Typhon see consciousness as something that slows down prey, making them stupid, second-guessing themselves and freezing when action is needed. But I've come to terms with who and what I am. We're no longer halves trying to dominate each other. We're one and the same. I've proven to myself that just because I can think and reason doesn't mean I won't let my instincts take over when it's necessary. In fact I've honed my skills and instincts even further to make me that much better."

The Phantom nodded. You have and you are.

"So...come." He offered quietly, opening his arms in invitation.

The Phantom gazed at him for a moment before summoning the parts of its body that Ko had dismembered in their fight, the tentacles quickly flying onto its body and merging with it until it became full-bodied like before. Stepping forward it embraced Ko as the hybrid did the same. The two shared a hug for a long moment before Ko felt it merging with him, flowing into and throughout his body until it settled inside him.

No longer two. He thought in a mental voice that was human and static-filled. But one. We are who we are and we are complete. Perhaps one day, if we join with Mikhaila again, we can become the Ultimate as we were before.

He opened his eyes and beheld the stars once more, a feeling of calm confidence filling him as he watched Earth slowly approach.

Now I'm ready.