(Heads Up: As of now, DSX64215 hasn't caught up, but this chapter continues plot threads he's not handling. Plus, this ties a bit into Chapter 38 of Our Anti-Hero Academia along the recent WNN releases.)

[Opening: Project M Theme]

FusionFall Infinite

Season 7

Chapter 47: Life Goes On


[Beverly Hills, California]

"I'm here on CN-Zen Kuro, namely in sunny California where it is chaos. Russians are attacking the city, but they're being repelled." Raditz said as a dead Russian landed in at the Saiyan's feet with his neck broken. "Why they thought they could fight this world's America and Japan…I'll never know."

People were either running in fear or sitting on lawn chairs eating popcorn. Raditz walked over to someone beating a Russian mook into the wall.

"You sir, do you have a minute to talk to the news?" Raditz asked.

"Depends. You guys with WNN?" The man asked.

"Yes sir. Tell us your name and what you do." Raditz remarked.

"Jase O'Conner. My occupation isn't all too important." Jase remarked.

"Mr. O'Conner, can you give us an opinion on the matter of these Russian invaders?" Raditz said.

"They're using clones." Jase said.

"What?" Raditz said.

"You know…like Stormtroopers. Apparently, whoever ruling Russia is this world made a clone army." Jase said before pulling a heavy pistol and blowing the mook's brains out. "I'm not impressed."

"Well, back to you…Krillin." Raditz said to the cameraman.

Jase was quite frankly tired. He wanted to go home and cuddle with the three most important women in his life. At the moment, said three women were with him fending off the last of the Russian invaders. Sam was panting mostly annoyed as much as the others.

"I'd say we're too old for this shit, but we're all barely hitting our late twenties and I suppose Russian soldiers isn't all too outlandish." Jase remarked as Sam planted her foot down on the head on one.

"It is when they drag us away from her children to waste time with them." Sam said worriedly as he brushed the side of her.

"I find it funny that out of the three of us, you were the first to get pregnant…by accident." Clover said snickering.

Sam had been the one most adamant about when she wanted kids and it was rather irony the pregnancy that led to their daughter was an accident. The son was Alex was the only one planned which Sam saw the irony in. Clover was the only one who did not have a kid as she insisted on living out her twenties before getting pregnant.

"Laugh it up, Clover, you know what they say about karma." Sam warned.

"You could end up pregnant by accident too." Alex joked as Clover rolled her eyes.

[Neo Bayview, Outer Towns]

At this point, Ryker was seriously wondering why they thought they have their 'revolution' on his universe. Finding out that the clones could go down by bullets was he saw both a relief and an insult. He was expecting this to be a distraction for someone to try to steal the Metsu Emeralds, but that attempt never came. When the final clone fell, there was no celebration…only annoyance from everyone that their time was wasted. No one was really in the mood to make jokes about considering the actual threats already facing this world. The dregs of the Cult of Combination, the Elvillitrix, and Rendo Nexus were on some people's mind more.

The fight was over, and they were on the beach making sure that any stragglers were put in dirt.

"You guys, ok?" Ryker said walking up to his friends.

"No worse for wear…" Garnet said throwing a clone aside.

Tsubasa walked over as looked wistful.

"It's funny, our last fight together is…this farce." Tsubasa said darkly chuckling at the situation.

"Last fight? Oh no, you and Pearl are leaving." Ryker said surprised to hear. "What brought y-No, that's not my place to ask."

"It's ok. Pearl and I have been seriously considering leaving CN-Zen Kuro. Both of us want a change of pace…and better opportunities for our daughter. Pearl's getting fed up having to deal with every chump wanting to attack the place. It was bad enough with Chris-Clan cultists." Tsubasa admitted.

"Don't remind me…I want to forget those cultists even existed." Ryker said. "So how soon are you leaving?"

[Cues: Steven Universe OST – Peedee's Blues]

"Tomorrow." Tsubasa said as Ryker left him behind. "Ryker?"

Garnet and Amethyst were quite shocked themselves as it was setting in that the trio was splitting up. They never thought it could happen or that it would. Ryker was silent and took to the skies silently seeking out Pearl who was right outside of home hurling several clones in a dumpster before he floated down. His landing got her attention.

"Tsubasa told me you were leaving town. I get it." Ryker said quietly as she wordlessly hugged him. "I'm going to miss you."

"You too." Pearl said quietly being breaking the hug.

The two began walking back into town and both had a cigarette lit in their mouths. They had not actually smoked one in several months…the last time seeming so far away to them. Both had a similar reason of their partners requesting they cut down.

"Ryker, thank you. For being there and showing me the world beyond. I don't even want to know of what I'd be without you." Pearl said taking a drag.

Ryker blow out smoke.

"Same here. It's all sinking out that the Squadron truly is dead. It's a shame you'll be leaving Jade Company." Ryker said he dangled the death stick between his fingers.

"Jade Company was built on the ashes of the Squadron…and Fusion Force. Two dead teams that were practically zombies. But for a purpose. I just feel that me and Tsubasa are ready to hang the weapons up to raise Jewel even if it means leaving CN-Zen Kuro. I just feel it's time for me to retire while I and Tusbasa are still healthy." Pearl said looking up at the setting sun.

"That's fair. You deserve it." Ryker admitted.

"And I believe the alliance can handle RN without me. I just feel I've given all I could." Pearl said as she flicked her cigarette in a nearby trash bin.

"And you've given your best, and I thank you for it." Ryker said before using a bit of ki to vaporize his cigarette. "We didn't get along always, but we both matured. Considering Tsubasa was never really a fighter, I get your desire to walk away. Rai's going to miss Jewel."

"She'll miss him too." Pearl said.

"Maybe…I should try to reach out…to Peridot and Lapis. I know she's president now…but I feel I need to reach out as she hasn't been talking to Amethyst lately." Ryker mused coming to a stop. "I already did so with Bismuth…but that's mostly Pink trying to make peace."

"If you want my advice…extend the branch and see if they take it." Pearl said as she continued walking. "Be seeing you."

[Music Ends]

As she left his sight, he looked his BlackTab and dialed a number. He was not sure if she would even pick up…and he prayed she would.

"Hello?"

"Lapis…you still have it active." Ryker said gently.

"I do…and you called at a good time. Peridot could use a friend now…she's not doing so hot." Lapis remarked.

"Where you guys want me to meet?" Ryker asked.

"Bubbles is doing a food run for us. I'll text her to wait for you. She's over at Wing Kingdom in the Inner City Core." Lapis said.

"On my way, later L." Ryker said before hanging up.

He took off to skies but not before shooting Garnet a quick text that he'd be out.

[-o-]

[The Wilds, The Core]

Under the now night sky, a bluish silver Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 had been speeding through the worn trails in a bit of hurry. It's decal on the sides with dark blue bunnies. Inside, Bubbles was driving with Ryker in the passenger seat.

"You take pretty good care of your ride." Ryker said attempting to make conversation to kill the silence.

"Thanks. I ended up winning two other cars in the races, but I always make sure to rely on Snow Bunny." Bubbles said being rather chipper. "I haven't exactly been seeing you around the races lately."

"Yeah, I've been busy with raising lately and training to better control Super Saiyan Blue. Things are coming along…plus I could work on my businesses. With everything that's happened, I realized I needed to get means for revenue. Something to make a nice nest egg for my son." Ryker mused. "Besides with Neo Bayview being a beach town, I took advantage with the Malibu Club."

"That's you!" Bubbles said surprised. "I didn't peg you for an 80's guy."

While he technically still had investments and ties to Morebucks' company, he wanted investments that there more were 'his own' and he had more direct control over.

"I'm not, but I figured it made for the perfect gathering place. XanTech sells the means for you form a business on another universe with assets from the GTA Universe. It was costly, but honestly it was worth it. Considering that club, the boatyard, and that medical marijuana pharmacy cost me damn near an arm and a leg, I'm working to make my investment back." Ryker said with a chuckle. "So how about you? How's bodyguarding the president?"

"It's a job. Not many people want to up to try something when we're on the job." Bubbles said. "But…President Periwinkle isn't doing so hot."

"Lapis mentioned that. What's up?" Ryker asked.

"Between you and me, I don't think she was ready for having to weather the storm that came in her term. She had to deal with all this drama and she's overworking herself. I personally feel the Japanese PM is taking advantage of our president being a people pleaser. Himiko Toga's burn notice fully processed today." Bubbles said.

"What about Fenix?" Ryker inquired.

"He called to resign form his position before they could officially terminate him. A lot of people were protesting the decision…long enough for him to resign. While he did not get his severance package…he avoided a burn notice." Bubbles explained. "Barely."

She took a breath before making a few turns.

"When it was found out who hired him, Inko's been on Periwhite's ass to form a team to go after her. Peridot's been trying to work it out…and she's been shutting people out. With the Chris Chan cult, she moved to the bunker here…it's not healthy. We're here."

The abandoned Acorn Flats had never been rebuilt leaving it desolate and a scar of the old wars and conflicts. Ryker was not too surprised a base of sorts was built here considering most people considered it, the nearby Pimpleback Mountains, and the Haunted Ridge…haunted. Only people around were the Plumbers in that base up on the mountains. Out from the ground rose a freight elevator that opened up for Bubbles to drive into…taking them down to the bunker.

Underground, the place was what he expected for a bunker but it was chilly the moment he could got out.

"Damn." Ryker said. "If I knew it was going to be cold, I would have worn different clothes."

"Sorry about that…" Bubbles said getting the food out.

"It's no big deal…I have clothes stored on my BlackTab. Point me to a bathroom." He said as she pointed to one.

He went on and quickly came out having changed to a black polo shirt under a blue Utility Buckle Tab Jacket that he zipped up, beige pants, and brown boots. He kept his fingerless gloves and his wedding ring on. His sword was on his side as he walked in with Bubbles.

"I brought the food and Ryker Blackthorn as requested." Bubble said.

The base clearly was a former Kids Next Door base repurposed with a few upgrades here and there. Lapis came over and hugged Ryker, simply happy to see her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't make an effort sooner. I had my fam-"

"Don't apologize. We were all busy." Lapis said.

Lapis simply looked winded as her hair was a bit messy and her suit was rather rumpled. Peridot looked for worse as her hair was completely down and frazzled. Bags were on her eyes as she sat at a desk looking through papers.

"Peridot!"

She paused to see Ryker look at her.

"What are you doing here? I can't be see-"

"Look, personally. Fuck what the politicians think of me being here, I came because you clearly need a friend right now." Ryker touted. "You're clearly exhausted."

"How sweet of you to be concerned, but…I just got so much on my place. I still have to deal with Prime Mini-"

"Why are you letting her walk all over you? Peridot, you need to tell her to stop and cut her losses. Considering it's clearly not about avenging Overhaul, they're after the Red Phoenix Pirates to sate their damn egos." Ryker remarked.

"See it's not me saying it." Buttercup said taking her food. "Besides we have bigger problems."

"While I would want to mention them, now's not the time. I need to talk to you, Peridot. One on one." Ryker said as Peridot waved off for the PPGs to step out of the room.

"Let me start by saying I'm sorry I threw you under the bus. Reconnecting with Amethyst has made be realize that was a shitty thing to do to save myself." Peridot said.

"To be fair, I wasn't exactly having a good rep at that moment." Ryker said. "I count my blessings I didn't face any shit for that scheme aside from allegations."

"Between you and me…selling that 'problematic issue' to Joshinari probably for the best. At least with that issue faded, the people's public opinion of you can go up to a reasonable level." Peridot said before stopping herself. "But…let me put aside from the politics to say I'm so happy to see you. How's the team?"

"Amethyst is still living in a van near my house. Pink's in charge of my new weed shop. Ruby and Sapphire look over the boatyard. Jasper's learn to relax more. Garnet's fine…but Pearl's leaving town…and the planet." Ryker said taking a seat.

"I'm sorry to hear that. She give a reason?" She inquired as she took up the food Bubbles brought for her.

"She was ready to retire from Jade Company. She and Tsubasa. They both to focus more on raising their daughter and they feel they need to leave Zen-Kuro to do it." Ryker remarked. "Despite this, I'm happy for them. I had time to think about it...I feel that as badly I'd like my old team to stay together…but maybe it's for the best that didn't happen."

Peridot was feverishly eating before stopping.

"Spoken like a good leader." Peridot said as Lapis came in.

"Peridot, can you please take a rest after you eat?" Lapis said as Peridot continue to eat. "You need some sleep."

"Even leaders need their rest, Peri." Ryker said before getting up. "So, I'll leave you to that. We can talk another day."

Ryker was escorted out as Peridot finished her food before calling up PM Midoriya.

"Hello, Prime Minister Midoriya. I'm going to flat out say it to you. No, I will assist you in going after the pirates nor Toga. Toga already has a burn notice. … Yes, I am aware Fenix was able to dodge getting one himself. Look, you want them, then hire your own bounty hunters because the US has already done what we were supposed to do. I'm not helping your organizations chase people who bruised your ego. Goodbye." Peridot said before hanging up.

Peridot turned off her game and lumbered into her bedroom before kicking off her heels and throwing off the blazer before falling on the bed passing out before even hitting it. Lapis simply left Peridot to rest as she closed the door.

[-o-]

[The Wilds, The Core]

Ryker was actually at Leaky Lake merely watching the lake from the bridge only to sense another presence in Saki who floated down next to him. Saki had updates for Ryker, mostly with the investigation of the remains of the Cult of Combination. Ryker quietly listened to take it in. While it was a relief to know who was left of the cult was not going to be a problem towards them…those that joined Rendo Nexus were.

"Speaking of RN, getting information on their activities is getting harder. All I'm getting at this point is what universe they pillaged lately. Their raids have caused an uptick in small-time raiders scavenging what's left to sell on the black market." Saki said bluntly. "If we want better information on RN's plans, we either need to find a member we can bribe for information, plant a spy, or…well."

"What is it?" Ryker asked.

"Maybe get your cosuin to help...I know RN has to pay their taxes." Saki suggested.

"No dice. She's supposed to be neutral and unless RN's violating the rules…she can't help us." Ryker explained. "As for planting a spy, there's merit. And I got a few ideas…I…"

He was cut off by his cell phone to see he saw Evie was coming.

"Speaking of Katsumi…"

He answered.

"I got some good things. I managed to recover Overhaul's body from V-2406. Rittled with bullets, but usable. I'm on my way to Planet Creation to deliver the body. Hopefully, Dymmi recovers." Katsumi said excitedly. "How's things with RN?"

"Like shit. Getting information is getting more difficult." Ryker mused.

"Well, I can't help on that end. Good luck." Katsumi said before hanging up.

[Cues: kudasai – the idea of you]

"You know Saki, we have something in common. We're both clinging on in part to our past." Ryker said as they began walking on the trail. "Pearl's leaving…"

"Frankie decided to stay on that vacation planet with her kids. She got a job there. Mifune and Elsa Lynn decided on staying with her." Saki said as he looked up at the starry sky. "All and all, it feels like everyone is slipping away. This universe was supposed to bind us together…not drive us apart."

"You got Mandy, she loves you." Ryker said assuring him. "I say that about Garnet."

"You and I both know our wives have our backs." Saki said looking at his wedding ring. "I'm excited again to be a dad."

"How soon is she due back from the time chamber? I know you guys didn't go immediately when you guys found out she was preggers in January." Ryker inquired.

"Reservations. We wanted to the one that…my geist clone. You know, one in Naruto's skin. But his universe is under lockdown…and apparently there's something major going down." Saki said a bit concerned.

"How's Maylene?" Ryker asked.

"She's fine. She lost her job at the Battle Academy after it's destruction. Budget cuts. But she'll be fine…she's a fighter like her old man. She got another teaching job…this time in Herkleston." Saki remarked. "So, she's sliding to reserves for the team."

"Right now, we need to consider getting members to join Jade Company." Ryker said thinking it over.

"Wait, don't you have a cousin? Tatsuya Blackthorn?" Saki asked.

"I completely forgot about him. It's been years since I've seen him. Last, I remember, he had a girlfriend…and a four man team." Ryker said thinking it over. "Actually, he would be the best choice."

Saki gotten his BlackTab. Ryker had entrusted Saki and Mandy with one of their own months prior, and it always got a smirk on Saki's face.

"I'll get some people to gather some intel on what he's been up to. And by the way…happy upcoming birthday." Saki said. "Your 24th birthday's only a few days away."

"Shit, it's been that long." Ryker said thinking back.

Saki communicated with a few people on his BlackTab before getting several responses back on what he needed.

"From what information I got, he's still traveling around...not much on where." Saki said as Ryker shrugged.

"I'll call him tomorrow." Ryker said with a sigh.

[-]

[Music Ends]

[In Space, Between Universes]

Transports ships, cruisers, and Arwings all under the Order of Reality were returning to the fourth dimension. Katsumi the Second was in the midst of talking to Dimentio via the ship's communication network.

"You have it?" Dimentio asked hopeful.

"Yes, I've informed Dr. T.M.S. to assemble the doctors and be ready as I'm on my way back." Katsumi II said as she piloted her ship. "Things are going to work out for your daughter. I…"

[Cues: Neon Genesis Evangelion OST - Marking Time, Waiting for Death]

Her ship caught a distress signal as her monitor showed a wrecked ship floating with a symbol too familiar to her.

"Oh no…" She said in panic.

"What is it?" Dimentio asked.

In a panic, she made orders for her men to retrieve the ship which contained an escape pod. Inside was a man who stood at six feet with lightly tanned skin with blackish-red hair. His clothes were a wreck, but the forehead protector and his BlackTab were a clear giveaway.

"Tatsuya!" Katsumi screamed.

"He's hurt, badly." The medic said as Tatsuya opened his eyes.

"Tatsuya, it's me…it's your sister!" Katsumi said in a panic.

"We got a problem…the Roundtable is coming after us." Tatsuya said coughing up blood. "Damn it…Aizen ran my shit…and killed my team."

"The Roundtable?! Aizen?" Katsumi said she put her ship on autopilot.

Tatsuya forced up to grab his sister by the collar.

"Black Air Force One Activity Incorporated. It houses the Roundtable of Black Air Force Energy. They're crazy and they don't give no fucks! They're coming after us…I don't know why, but they're coming for everyone in the Blackthorn Clan…" Tatsuya said coughing up blood as he spoke. "Avenge me…kill Aizen for me…"

He passed out and she heard an explosion from Dimentio's line.

"We-a got a problem!" Mario said running up to Dimentio. "We're being invaded!"

"Who?!" Katsumi/Dimentio roared.

Before Katsumi II could find out…the comm line cut.

[Music Ends]

"You don't think they'll attack-"

Katsumi took control her airship and raced forward putting a bit more speed. She did not Jeremy finish his sentence. Right now, her whole family was in danger…and unknown to her…it was more than just her family they were after.


(A/N: Yeah, Pearl and Tsubasa are taking their exit with Jewel, and right on time considering we got bad company. While the RN plot is on the slowdown, I realized I could take advantage to introduce something to celebrate both Ryker Blackthorn and Steven Universe Blackthorned's birthday which is March 20. As if when this is released, this is released a bit before that. Can't believe it's been that long, but this reveal is going to affect everyone: The Blackthorns (except Ace), Geist Naruto, The Anti-Hero Trio, and others. Who on the Roundtable is going after who? I guess if you want details, you'll have to stick around with me and my fics. Season Seven is on! (In about ten minutes after this chapter was posted (3/17/21): Chapters 2, 33, 34, 37, 38, and 39 will be edited for grammar and errors.))