"We're just finishing up the last of the preparations!" Borg informed them, "We'll be ready to fly within the hour!"
For what felt like the first time in a long time, all six of the universal travelers stood together in one room. In Borg's underground chamber, they collectively gazed out on the sight of the Universe Bounty and its completion. They watched as the Nindroids each lowered large cannons into the sides, locking them into place as soon as they landed. Large spraying machines were steadily applying a coat of red paint to the entire vessel's hull, bringing to life the ship. Each of the massive jets that were spaced along its side just to let it fly were given a deep green coating, while the large raised deck at the stern was being given the traditional black painting of the Bounty.
"...Where, did you even get all the money to build this?" Lulloyd asked in shock.
"Oh, I keep quite a large number of funds squared away for the ninja!" Borg chuckled, "After those little, erm, skirmishes out in Stiix, I decided to make sure that I could help them at a moment's notice! The ninja did save my life from the Digital Overlord, so it's only fair that I help them when I can!"
"This is… wow…" Mage blinked, "It's even bigger than Invictus!"
"And quite a bit stronger!" Borg smirked, "I used all my data I gathered from his little ambush at my headquarters to strengthen this vessel! Even the propulsion units can withstand the strongest blasts he can give you! He won't be knocking you out of the sky!"
"You have once more delivered to our exact specifications," Over nodded to Borg, "We will ensure that this is used to its fullest capabilities. Your genius is truly as extensive as they claim."
"Indeed, indeed… I assume you will require the ninja to pilot it?" Borg asked them.
"That's the plan right now," Lloyd nodded, "My friends are finishing contacting everyone they can. If all goes well, we'll have the full Elemental Alliance onboard."
"Wait, really?" Mage blinked, "You'll fit all of them on that thing?"
"It's only a few of us," Lloyd shook his head, "We'll be all hands on deck."
"No, the army we're raising is at least a few thousand!" Mage informed him, "Maybe if you squished everyone together, they'd fit on that thing…"
"...Are we talking about the same thing?" Lloyd asked.
"I believe that Mage's Alliance is the army that he was able to raise," Harumi pointed out, "You're talking about everyone you met on Chen's Island, aren't you?"
"We didn't think about the name," Mage shook his head, "Sorry! Uh… from now on I'll just call it the Elemental Army then! Easier to remember, right?"
"Well, it will hold ten-thousand!" Borg informed them, "Now, that is a rather generous estimate… it is a rather cramped fit. But I'm certain that is enough! Now, I wasn't able to test her ability to travel between worlds, as I wished, but if you were to relinquish your devices, then I will make sure that I do so promptly!"
There was a moment of hesitation around the room. Each of them looked at their devices, knowing what it would mean to give them up. They each knew that one they were gone, they would have no ability to travel freely anymore. Once they handed them over, the Universe Bounty was going to fly. They would be setting their sights firmly on the Twins.
Slowly, each of them took them off. Lloyd was first, handing his over with a nod. Mage and Lulloyd were next. Over hesitated before taking his off. Harumi and Monty both reached down and waited until everyone else had given their own up before handing them over to Borg. The man in the wheelchair took them all and quickly nodded.
"I will get right to the implementation right away!" Borg informed them, "I was forced to build that Iron Doom, now I have a chance to build the thing that will bring it down! You all should head back to my office, I've prepared several rooms for you to rest!"
"That would be best," Over nodded, "We will await for your call to begin our voyage."
Borg gave them one more nod, then quickly wheeled himself off to go and begin the work on their devices. Meanwhile, the rest of them boarded the strange underground tram back under the city and back up onto the elevator track of Borg Tower. How Borg managed to do something like this, Lloyd would never know.
Leaving behind the frantic pace at which their plans were being put into motion, the six soon stepped out of the elevator and were once more inside of Borg's office at Borg Tower. As they entered, a robotic screen lit up, informing them that the rooms on the floor below had been readied for them.
"So…" Mage blinked, "We just need to wait?"
"Yeah, I think," Lulloyd replied, "I uhm… I told my dad, to have the Shark Army ready when we get there."
"I have finished most of my preparations," Over informed them, "Right now, I simply must wait for the time to be right. I will be ready when the battle comes, without fail."
"We'll all be ready," Harumi informed them, "Nothing is going to stop us from that."
"Then… we should rest right now," Lloyd nodded, "I'll check in with Master Wu and make sure he's getting everyone together. When we get on board that ship… we make for the Corridor of Elders."
"Mhm… yeah, sounds legit," Monty yawned, "I'll be around them."
With that, the six of them slowly went their separate ways. In this moment, there was nothing more that they could do. Their plans were laid. Their destiny was soon to be at hand. Soon, they would be meeting the Twins on their turf. Soon, they would be truly in their endgame.
"Or has the blood of your father dried your throat shut as well?"
Harumi's eyes widened. The Golden Mech around her burst apart, its pieces shredded by dragon claws. Her lips opened into a primal, rage-fueled scream that blasted black lightning out of every pore in her body. Her robes turned a shining, shimmering gold that blasted heat and light all around her as she spoke before she could even think.
"I'LL KILL YOU!"
Harumi suddenly felt it in her hands. The Golden Weapons, hovering around her, shielding her. Their power arcing back and forth to her. She was the most powerful being in the universe at that very moment. The power of creation, destruction, and rage. The Overlord dragon shielded his face from her as Harumi reached back and grabbed one, screaming as she swung the Scythe of Quakes into his head. His neck snapped and cracked at an unnatural angle. The Sword of Fire burned through his wings and melted them. The Shurikens of Ice flash froze his limbs. The Nunchucks of Lightning summoned bolts that fried his scales apart.
The weapons melted. Harumi snarled, shouting as she slammed them together. The metal burned her hands and arms as it did. When the light from them blasted together faded, they were forged into a crude, sloppy megaweapon, a rough Rhotatae disc clamped in dragon jaws at the end.
Harumi plunged the thing down. She screamed in rage as she drove it hard right into the dragon's skull. The pain it caused the Overlord made him scream in such agony the entire world could hear it. The gold faded from Harumi's robes and began to drain into the weapon, as the Overlord's body melted and did the same. Light and Darkness were sealed inside, and the moment that it finished, the eyes of the dragon on the weapon turned purple. Harumi's body suddenly went lax, her strength drained as she collapsed back, falling through the air in a helpless pitch towards an infinite abyss…
"GHHUUHH!" Harumi took a powerful gasp as she shot up from the couch in one of Borg's office rooms. She was coated in sweat, her eyes wild and her hands trembling. The nightmare that had gripped her sent her heart rate pounding into oblivion.
"Just a dream, just a dream, just a dream," Harumi repeated it over and over as she gripped her head. It'd been a long time since she had that one. She used to have it every night, right after she'd done exactly what happened in it. Now, it was infrequent. But when she woke up with it, Carnelian would always hold her tight until she stopped crying. Right now, though…
Harumi went silent. She knew what this was. It was her mind, terrified about the future. Her defenses around the memory had broken down, and now… now she was terrified. And if she couldn't know the future, she could dredge it up from the past. She slowly sat up from where she lay, rubbing her head fiercely.
In Harumi's mind, there were too many questions. Too many unanswered things in her mind that left her swirling in a massive sea of doubts. Details that had yet to fall into place. Plans that were relying on other factors to fit into her own. Just hearing that that Universe Bounty, the creation that she and Over had thought of together, was even going to be named the Bounty left her in a state of near panic that she only welcomed because it distracted her from the other states she could have fallen into.
For right now, Harumi slumped back down in a small chair inside one of the many rooms in Borg Tower. The location at least held a small semblance of comfort for her. The slightly retro-esque design of the walls, the coloration of blue that seemed to infuse into everything, even the massive Borg logo on the wall all reminded her of home. If she was feeling better, she'd have said she would love to experience what it was like for Borg Industries to become the grand company that it was in her own world.
...But that wasn't something that she could think about. Instead, her thoughts were awash with the thoughts of that. Her plan would let her save her world. She'd spoken to Acronix', and gotten his blessing. As long as they got the time to send her back from Morro, they would have everything they needed. She… she would have everything she needed to save her friends.
And yet the feeling of anxiety wouldn't go away. Her rational mind was clear on why this was. She was terrified about the idea of being sent hurtling back in time, with only her own wits to save her. She had to undo whatever the Time Twins did to ruin everything. She had to be the one that made everything right again. If she failed, that would be it. She would be gone. And then… then there would be no hope. Just like…
Harumi shook her head, scrubbing her hands through her hair. She should be happy. She should be glad that she was given the chance to go and actually save her world! She was going to get… to get that chance Over never had. It was why Over had been working this plan with her for so long. He'd been the one to make her see hope when she'd given up on having any. It was thanks to him that… that she even had a chance.
So, why was she still so twisted up inside? She placed her hand against her chest. Slowly breathing in, and out. Letting her mind begin to slowly drift off into the unknown as she did. And after all was said and done, her mind simply pulled her right back into her anxiety. She tried to slowly bring her hand to her chest with an inhale, then out with an exhale. But it didn't work.
"Knock knock," Monty's voice rang out. Harumi squawked in terror as she turned to see Monty stepping through the door to the lounge room.
"Monty!" Harumi shook her head, "Don't… don't scare me like that!"
"You wouldn't have opened the door if I didn't," Monty looked to the side, "How are you holding up?"
"...What?" Harumi blinked, the question coming from him enough to make her confused, "I, what? I'm… I'm doing fine."
"Great, that means you won't mind if I do something then," Monty waved his hand, "Make room for me."
Harumi, confused, slowly stood up and moved to another chair in the room. Monty opened up the door to the room by hitting a button with the butt of Ivory on his hip, opening it to reveal the SoS propped against something. He picked both items up and walked inside the room, moving over to the large sofa in front of a glass table showing several holographic displays.
"Is that… a guitar?" Harumi blinked. Monty looked at her and sat down, propping a bass guitar up against his body. The thing was a deep brown, almost to the point of being black, fading into a slightly lighter oak color towards the fretboard. The strings looked well taken care of. At the bottom of the guitar, someone had signed the thing with a scribble of a signature.
"Yeah… Ronin got it for me," Monty sighed, "You know Cliff Gorden?"
"Yeah… he, was in those really old movies," Harumi nodded, "Before Jay took over the role for Fritz," She sighed, "Why?"
"Well, the guy who did the music for the Starfarer movies, they signed this one," Monty gently lifted the guitar up to show a signature that read 'Jay Vincent' on it, "Ronin caught me watching one of the movies and got it for me."
"Why, would Ronin steal you a guitar?" Harumi shook her head.
"Because he said I needed something to do while I couldn't sleep at night," Monty scoffed, "I don't know if you know, but ghosts only sleep intentionally. And it's hard to do. So he wanted me to do something. And Ronin has a habit of picking up kids in bad situations and helping them out," Monty groaned out, "Said 'Hey, kid, you can help make the other kids feel at home!' or something like that," Monty's impression of Ronin was so spot on Harumi had to blink.
"But, why are you showing me this?" Harumi frowned, "I thought you would show this to Lulloyd, if anyone."
"Because," Monty leaned forward, "When I was in your world, I got curios and started looking into Forte's music career…" Harumi's entire body went stiff, "And I found an interesting album by some band called Five Element Time… and guess who the main singer was?"
Harumi felt a massive blush creep over her cheeks. He'd… found out, then. She leaned forward, gripping her knees tightly as she did. She could feel the strange green dress Forte forced her into, her friends all learning the dance steps behind her with the promise this would be amazing for them. Even now she still got people who asked her to sing for them. As embarrassing as that was, to think that Monty has figured that out on his own…
"...So," Monty snapped her out of her thoughts by setting his guitar up in his lap, "Just… shut up and listen to me, got it?"
Harumi looked up just in time for Monty to move his hands up and strum the strings. The moment that she heard it, Harumi's eyes widened to saucers. As Monty began to play even more tabs for her, she couldn't help but lean forward as Monty slowly inhaled and began to sing:
"I can feel my fude pen, tremblin' once again,"
"As I try to write to you my greeting card…"
"With a fiery passion, overflowing action,"
"I will burst my words to a shining star."
Harumi leaned forward, her lips trembling open as she heard it. Monty inhaled and continued playing, looking up at her a few times before looking back down at the guitar and playing again. Harumi began to slowly mouth the words along with him.
"Your smilin' face is all that I can see now,"
"Baby, I will show you all that I can be,"
"Gonna take this chance, it could be my last,"
"Gonna turn and face towards you!"
Monty paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. As he began to sing, Harumi smiled and began to sing along with him. She couldn't stop herself from it. Monty didn't stop, instead just lowering his voice to let the two harmonize together as he played them through the chorus:
"All this love, that I feel, I will prove that it's real. I will write it down for you!"
"In the hope that you will see, baby you and me, our love was meant to be!"
"I will show you my dream, filled with love so it seems, as the words dance in my heart…"
"You can do it my fude pen, you've come this far fude pennnnn~"
"I'm being quite serious."
Harumi raised her voice, drawing out the last note. Monty kept his voice low, bringing out the sound of her own tones. Monty played a few more small chords, then he let the song slowly die down. Harumi let out a long exhale, feeling a gentle sense of calm wash over her as she was left with a smile on her face.
"That… Monty…" Harumi blinked, "Why did you…?"
"Honestly? I learned it to make fun of you," Monty leaned on his guitar, "I was gonna taunt you with it, because honestly you make yourself way too easy to mess with," He waited for her expression to sour before he groaned out, "Then… Lulloyd told me the song you were singing was your and Carnelian's song. And… right now, you don't need someone making fun of you with all that's happened to you."
"That's…" Harumi shook her head, "Monty I… I really appreciate it. Honestly. I… guess I make how worried I am pretty obvious, don't I?"
"You and everyone else," Monty sighed, "Not that it's a bad thing, though. It's not like everyone needs to hide everything all the time," Monty stared her down, "I do it because I deal with criminals all the time. But you and Lloyd, both of you gotta be something the people trust. So… you doing and just being good people, that's for you. I just find good people annoying to be around. Doesn't mean that I don't trust you."
With that said, Monty stood up, leaving Harumi stunned as he slung his guitar onto his back along with his sword. He stood up, opening the door to the room. Before he fully left the stunned woman, though, he gave a small nod to her.
"By the way… I can see why you were the lead singer," Monty muttered, "You have a good voice. Once you get your world back, use it."
The compliment was even further removed from what Harumi expected. Yet, the more she looked at Monty, the more she could feel her lips unable to stop smiling. She shut her eyes and let out a long sigh, feeling some of her tension fading as she did.
"Thank you, Monty," Harumi smiled at him. She thought of saying more, but she wouldn't know what to say. Instead, she let him leave, drifting away from the room and soon letting her slowly relax and calm down, the music drifting through her ears as the time of their destiny approached.
In another room inside of Borg Tower, this one towards the lobby and set up with a full snack bar that had already been partially raided, Lulloyd hunched over a small table. He tapped his chin a few times as he made little notes on them, then violently erased them.
"If we have two battalions here, and two there, we cover our flank, I can add some mechs here to try to offset the troop difference…" Lulloyd mumbled as he looked at a sheet of paper in front of him, "But, then we've be losing the air advantage…"
"What are you working on?" Monty called out, walking calmly into the room that Lulloyd was currently working in. Hearing the ghost made Lulloyd perk up, but simply sigh as he did.
"I'm…. trying to work out the formation that I want the Shark Army in," Lulloyd held up a detailed sheet of paper showing an aerial photo of the Corridor of Elders, "It, has some good advantages for us but… I'm not sure how I want to spread it all out. I don't know what the air situation looks like for us, and the Hammerhead dropships have to have areas to land, ground units are only going to be effective unless we support them, and that's not even taking into consideration that I have other mounted units like the Jelly Subs to worry about!"
"...Wasn't really honestly asking you about that," Monty mumbled out, "But I guess you're really serious about this whole Shark Army then."
Lulloyd sighed, leaned forward and stared at the map in front of him. He could see so many combinations and ways to actually make this work. He could put the pieces together in so many ways, but he knew only one way would make it all work And not knowing that combination left him feeling as though he wasn't working at it hard enough.
"What, do you need Monty?" Lulloyd asked, "We gave up our watches, we can't go and-"
"I already popped back home before all this started," Monty sighed, "You honestly think that I wouldn't be taking care of all of that?"
"So… is Ronin going to be there?" Lulloyd asked.
"Yeah, he is," Monty nodded, "I normally would keep him out of the fighting, but we don't really have a choice anymore, do we?"
Lulloyd didn't say anything to that. Hearing that explained the guitar that Monty had on his back. He decided not to ask about it in turn, instead focusing himself back down into his work. He needed his formation ready by the time that they all boarded and set up for the battle. He understood the location, but having no water nearby only made everything with his army harder to coordinate, and they lost an arena they'd have an undisputed advantage in, and-
"You'll do fine, you know."
Lulloyd blinked in confusion as he heard that, rotating his head to look at Monty, "W...What did you say?"
"I don't like repeating myself," Monty groaned out, "But you're not giving yourself enough credit. Just. Just take a step back and realize that you've only gotten this far because of how smart you are, Lulloyd."
"...You're, messing with me, aren't you?" Lulloyd turned back away from him, "S-Sorry, Monty, but I need to get back to this. I don't have time for-"
"I couldn't beat you, you know," Monty grumbled out, shoving his hands into his armor's belt, "With swords. I couldn't hope to beat you.
"...I-I'm sorry, what?" Lulloyd turned to face him in full, "C-Come on Monty, I'm not in the mood for jokes right now. You… you know that you have the sword, you could easily-"
"You're the most gifted person with a sword I've ever met… and you don't even flinch no matter what the battle is," Monty continued, "You don't stop and think about how crazy something is, you don't worry about whether or not you can win. You draw your sword, and you go in and fight until you've won. That's… something that not even I can say I do."
Lulloyd could sense Monty, for once, was being serious. The fact he wasn't letting the joke go after this long told him as much. He let go of his papers and turned to face Monty head on, letting the ghost see his confused and shocked face.
"Why… why are you telling me this?" Lulloyd asked him, disbelief in his eyes, "You… you never say anything good about us."
"Because I don't know how this is going to go," Monty crossed his arms, "... You heard what Oni said. He's going to make this our last duel. No clue what that means. Don't think I care. But he was willing to go for the throat already. I… need you to know that someone out there believes in you, kid."
"Kid…?" Lulloyd asked, raising his eyebrow, "Uh, you sound like-"
"Say it and we'll test if I can beat you right now," Monty put his hand on the hilt of the SoS. Lulloyd, for a moment, felt some tension. As he thought about it, though, he just smiled at Monty, an act that made the ghost blink in confusion.
"...You know I didn't come in here to get insulted," Monty rolled his eyes, then crossed his arms, "I just, I'm sick of this. Sick of watching you walk around like you have to prove yourself. You made it this far. So stop it. Stop sitting around like you're not worth as much as of. If we didn't think you were strong enough to be here, you'd be home already. Got it?"
Lulloyd smiled, "I got it, Monty," He paused for a moment, then he whispered, "You're being kinda Tsun-"
This time, Monty reached down to his hip and gripped Ivory, whipping the pistol into the air and aiming it at Lulloyd's shoulder. The action didn't phase Lulloyd this time, though, who simply continued to smile at him.
"Finish that line, I dare you," Monty grumbled out.
"...Kinda nice right now," Lulloyd acknowledged.
Monty weighed his options, then decided to let it slide. He lowered Ivory down to his hip and sighed.
"I'm going to hurry this sappy support up then. I'll give you one last piece of advice," Monty stepped forward, holding up his right hand, "The world's not perfect. But it's there for us, trying the best it can. That's what makes it so dang beautiful." A gust of wind-like flame burst out of Monty's hand.
Lulloyd's eyes twinkled with recognition, but he said nothing this time. Monty shut his hand and then rolled his eyes. He crossed his arms again, shrugging.
Monty groaned out, "Well, that's that."
With that said, Monty turned to leave the room. Before he could, though, the door to it opened up, revealing none other than Over standing in the door. Monty tried to step through him, yet his guitar and the SoS stopped him before he could. The ghost let out a tiny groan and stepped backwards, looking up at the four armed figure with ire.
"Monty, what a surprise," Over placed his arms behind his back, "I was looking for Lulloyd and heard he was in here. Is that still true?"
"He's right behind me," Monty spat, "You're not on the list."
"Well, I suppose I should let you complete it then," Over stepped aside, "After you."
Monty gave Over a long look, then he pushed past him, making sure that both guitar and sword hit him on the way out. Over let Monty get a good way down the hall before he turned to look at the ghost, his pupiless eyes focusing deeply on him.
"Ah, Monty," Over nodded, "I heard that you have come closer to unlocking the power of your blade. How goes it?"
"Better than whatever your secretive mission is," Monty waved his hand.
"Well, I think that we find a chance to test out your abilities when all is said and done," Over called back, "Would you consider a duel?"
"If you can handle losing!" Monty shouted back. The ghost rounded a corner out of sight. Over just gave a casual, dark chuckle before he entered the room.
"Over?" Lulloyd asked as the Emperor walked into the room, "What are you doing?"
"I simply came to make sure that preparations are going to plan," Over nodded, "Is everything doing as such?"
"It's… kinda," Lulloyd looked down in slight shame,. He was going to say more, but then Monty's words echoed in his mind. He looked up at Over, then tapped his papers, "I would really like your help with reviewing my strategy, Over."
Over walked over, saying nothing as he sat down calmly beside Lulloyd. As the imposing figure reached his hand to ask for his pencil, Lulloyd relented. Slowly, Over lifted the paper up and began to analyze it in detail, making small notes off to the side. Lulloyd watched in anticipation as Over slowly wrote a few more details down, laying it down and sliding it over towards Lulloyd with a nod.
"Your formation was simply missing heavier ground units," Over informed him, "I shifted some from your Crab Division. A few of those things should ensure that even if your front line is breached, your walkers, as you call them, aren't compromised."
"Thanks…." Lulloyd sighed, "I mean! Uhm. Thank you," Lulloyd looked up towards Over by rotating his body back.
"In truth, I came to make sure that you were alright," Over informed him, "I know that your father has spoken of you to be the one that leads his army into battle. Are you prepared for such a task, Lulloyd?"
Lulloyd paused, "I… think I am by now. Everyone has faith in me. And… I, think I need to have faith in myself now. But, I still am… worried about this battle. I don't know what's going to happen and that… that's making me. It's a lot."
"That is understandable," Over told him, "I figured that you would like to know that you are not alone in your worries."
"Huh?" Lulloyd blinked, "But… the only army you ever led, you just, won."
"Not me, the Overlord," Over chuckled, "I suppose you are trustworthy enough to know this, but the Overlord was afraid when he first led the Stone Army against the First Weapon Master. Regardless of where you stand on the battle, even leading an army like that, he was afraid of what it would mean to ask for them, creations of his own will, to fight for him."
Lulloyd thought about what Over was saying, "So, you're saying that, I can't worry about things? Or… I mean. It's just. I can't get it out of my head. What if the army isn't enough and, all of that."
"What it questions are the bane of confidence," Over grinned, "Lulloyd. I told you on the eve of our confrontation with the Iron Demise that you were a capable warrior. I believe that you have only now just begun to internalize this," Over reached out to plant a hand on his shoulder, "I would ask for no other commander on my battlefield as my ally, than you."
Lulloyd blinked in surprise, but the action made him raise his head up, "You mean it?"
"If I wasn't, then I would be picking a poor battle to fight in," Over informed him, "Whatever happens in this battle, I know that you will be a competent warrior, and I trust that you will be a powerful ally. Your father trusts you in more ways than you know. Make certain you acknowledge that trust."
Lulloyd thought about what he was saying. Both Over and Monty believed in him. The two people that he needed to trust in him the most were giving him their support. If both of them thought he could do this, and his father, and his friends, his allies, and everyone on that battlefield later… it had to be true.
"I will," Lulloyd's eyes glowed with a fiery determination, "I won't let anyone down."
"Good," Over told him, "Now then. No more of this planning. A commander should rest before the preparations for his march are in order," Over reached his hand out.
Lulloyd looked down to Over's extended arm. For a few seconds, he thought about what he still had yet to do, what had to be done. Then, he saw Over's grin, one that was equal amounts demonic as it was encouraging. And, slowly, Lulloyd found himself taking hold of that grip, being pulled along as the two left for their rest before the battle.
"I'll beat you this time…" Lloyd declared.
"You can try," Mage grinned, "But you won't win!"
Mage slid his piece of the chessboard forward, slamming his knight right down in the middle of Lloyd's own forces. As soon as he saw it, Lloyd's eyes bulged. He threw his head back, groaning out in defeat as Mage pumped his arm in victory.
"Hah! I win again!" Mage crossed his arms, "I told you, Sir Neuro is the best chess partner!"
"I guess…" Lloyd sighed. Somehow, he'd found himself with Mage after the group had decided to split up. Having feared that it would take too long for Mage to grasp the concept of a video game (not knowing if the others had shown him at their brief Monastery visit), he'd wracked his brain for something to play. He'd found an old chess set in one of the drawers, stunned to find that Mage seemingly knew what that game was. And now, he was regretting it.
"You want me to teach you some moves?" Mage asked him.
"No… then you'll just use them against me," Lloyd slumped forward, "This is like playing against Zane!"
"Which one?" Mage cocked his head.
"Mine," Lloyd groaned out, "You're not reading my mind, are you?"
"No, you're not using strategy," Mage shook his head, "Once I knew that, all I had to do was bait you into opening up your defense! Neuro had to learn how to use Mind by beating him at chess. I learned later that he was teaching me to reach out and read minds when I made my moves, not by hearing their thoughts, but feeling their actions," Mage tapped his head, "You don't have to see someone's thoughts to see their next move."
There were many things that Lloyd could say to that. Instead, he felt his earpiece ringing to life, and immediately he jumped up from the table. Mage just smiled at him, cleaning up the chess board with a tiny little smug look on his face. Lloyd quickly moved away and put his hand up to his ear.
"Lloyd," Master Wu's voice came through loud and clear, "We have finished gathering our forces."
"That's great, Master!" Lloyd beamed, "Did you manage to assemble the other Elemental Masters?"
"Yes, thankfully they were within reach," Wu informed him, "We have also mobilized the Serpentine in order to bolster our forces. They will meet us at the Corridor of Elders. Has your own mission been successful?"
"Enough," Lloyd informed him, "We're waiting for the first test flight of the Universe Bounty. Come to Borg Tower, we'll let you guys help out with it."
"I will gather the ninja," Wu solemnly declared.
"Alright, see you-" Lloyd was cut off as the door to their room opened, showing Monty strolling in calmly.
"Oh, hey Monty!" Mage stood up with the now packed up game set.
"Hey," Monty looked down at him, "I just remembered I never did make good on my promise to teach you how to shoot. AFter the battle, I'll take you out to the range."
"Wait, really?!" Mage blinked, "That's great! I'm looking forward to it!"
"Good, now mind letting me talk to Lloyd in private?" Monty asked him.
"Sure!" Mage turned to Lloyd, "I'll be back!" A moment later, Mage raised his head and quickly left the room.
"That takes care of that," Monty sighed. The ghost walked forward and stopped right in front of Lloyd.
"...What do you want?" Lloyd asked Monty.
"I came to apologize," Monty told him firmly.
"...You, wait, what?" Lloyd blinked.
"You and her, I swear…" Monty groaned out, "Listen. The mask. What I said to you. All about that stuff with getting over her. I get it. I was out of line. And I don't want to make this any longer than it has to be, so…" Monty rubbed his eyes, "I'm. Sorry. S-O-R-R-Y. I won't say it again. So just… make sure you know what you're doing with that mask."
Lloyd was utterly floored by Monty. Slowly, he lowered his head down, trying to figure out what he was supposed to say in response. After a while, though, he had no idea. He was just left stunned at the very concept of the fact that Monty was apologizing to him.
"Thanks, Monty," Lloyd shook his head, "I mean… thank you. I just, didn't expect it."
"You turned out way better than I did," Monty sighed, "And I'm willing to admit that. Now, does that mean you're better than me? No. But it means that given where we both started, you've made due with the better end of that stick," Monty waved his hand, "So don't go and act like I never acknowledge you hear me?"
"Yeah… I hear you," Lloyd told him, "I guess, that means that we're even now, right?"
"Mhm… just make sure if you intend to use that mask," Monty pointed at him, "You know what you're getting into. Don't go and do something stupid."
"I'll try not to," Lloyd smiled at him, "No promises."
"Good," Monty nodded, "Then I guess we should-"
Suddenly, Lloyd felt another voice buzz in his earpiece. He nodded to Monty, who spun around to look at him head on as Lloyd held his hand up. He listened to the sound on the other side, then he felt a lump rise up in his throat.
"That's… Borg," Lloyd told Monty, "It's done."
Monty didn't speak for a moment. The two of them both felt the weight of what those words meant. If Borg was finished, their time was at hand. Their destiny was on its way. And that meant… that meant their plan was about to come to fruition. That meant, for the final time, it was finally time.
"Well, that's great," Monty finally got out, crossing his arms, "Guess we should go and get everyone together then, right?"
"Yeah…" Lloyd nodded, summoning all the will he had, "Let's go."
On the deck of the massive vessel, Lloyd stood alongside his friends. Master Wu, Jay, Kai, Cole, Zane and Nya each looked around at the massive expanse of the deck in front of them. The Universe Bounty stood, fully complete, with Nindroids evacuating its interior as they readied themselves. Behind Lloyd, Harumi stood inside a massive cockpit, holding the wheel of the ship with a grimace on her face. Monty and Over stood at the front of the ship, a distance so far from the others they were almost tiny specks. Mage and Lulloyd simply looked around in awe at the ship, unsure how to believe what they were seeing.
"This thing is… HUGE!" Kai shouted, "This has to be the biggest one yet! How'd you build this?!"
"Mr. Borg likely procured the majority of his materials from the reclamation of previous failed experiments," Pixal landed on the deck on her mech, disengaging from it as she did, "As well as the rather large collection of vehicles that we continue to have little use for."
"We do go through a lot of vehicles…" Cole mumbled.
"Lloyd," Wu turned to his pupil, "Can she fly?"
"That's what we're here to find out," Lloyd nodded, "Harumi! Start her up!"
**Harumi nodded her head, seeing Lloyd waving at her from the deck. The cockpit of the Universe Bounty was designed nearly identically to the Destiny's Bounty, yet with the space even larger than it was before. The massive bubble cockpit in front of her showed the entire deck and the chamber beyond. Several other chairs were set up in front of massive monitors, showing everything from a map of Ninjago City to scanning and sonar devices, to simple video game panels. She ignored all of it as she leaned down and began to tap several buttons.
"Let's just hope she doesn't crash off the bat…" Harumi whispered, then shook her head, "Borg, are we ready to fly?"
"She is as ready as you are!" Borg's voice called out over the intercom, "Just use the startup sequence I gave you and she will fly!" Borg turned to a Nindroid, "Open the hanger doors!"
Above the group, a massive screech filled the chamber. A sliver of light began to form in the ceiling above their heads, stretching the entire length of the massive ship. The assembled team watched in awe as the ceiling split in half, folding upwards and outwards to let them see the sunlight of Ninjago rain down on them. Harumi looked up at it and nodded her head.
"Clear the deck!" Harumi gave the order, "We're preparing for takeoff!"
Master Wu hurried his pupils towards the large space underneath the cockpit, currently only consisting of a few chairs and tables. From the size of it, though, they felt more as though they were in a banquet hall. Monty and the others soon followed. As soon as they were inside, Harumi hit a button, causing massive hanger-style doors to slide closed over the entrance, sealing shut with a pneumatic hiss.
A loud alarm began to blare throughout the underground chamber. Harumi took a deep breath, focusing on her own nerves and pushing them down. She reached out with her hand, pressing down on several buttons and throwing a lever backwards. The ship wheel in front of her disengaged its locks, letting her take full control of it. In turn, the alarm switched to flashing deep red lights throughout the massive chamber.
With a pull of the wheel, the entire ship lurched. Slowly, each of the massive thrusters on the ship, all sixteen at once, engaged, causing the ship to shake slightly as they each came on. The sheer blast of heat from each of them would have made even a Nindroid flee. Harumi slowly focused her gaze forward as the large mechanical struts holding the ship in place began to retreat. Harumi focused on just holding the ship still as she did. She watched as the last of the struts was disengaged, and with one last shake, the ship was free. They were now flying under their own power. Harumi smiled to herself, then pulled the wheel back.
Another massive lurch caused the ship to begin to rise up in the air. Lloyd and the others all found their seats, holding on as they felt the ship flying under its own power. Harumi took several moments to stabilize the ship as they rose higher and higher, closer towards the light above them. The large slanted rooftop of the Universe Bounty soon began to have sunlight kiss its slanted roof.
The dirt and sand above the chamber were blasted away in a massive cloud stretching all the way around the ship as it rose into the air. The sheer noise of its engines firing was nearly deafening. Harumi flipped a switch, causing a small panel in the middle of the deck to open up into a rectangular hole. From it, a large metal pole extended into the air. When it was fully extended, she hit another button, causing massive sails to unfold, emblazoned with the red dragon that the Bounty carried with it through every incarnation.
"We are airborne!" Harumi shouted over the intercom, unable to contain her excitement. The Universe Bounty floated in the air, rising steadily higher and higher into the blue skies. In the distance, they could see Ninjago City stretching out in its beautiful metropolitan sprawl. Even then, the shadow that the ship cast on the ground below it would dwarf Borg Tower itself. Slowly, the panels in the ground below them closed up, revealing them to be located right next to the major highway that led out of the city.
"She flies! Haha, yes!" Borg's voice came over the intercom to Harumi, "I knew she would!"
"That's not the important part, though," Monty's voice came next over the system, "Now let's see if you're as smart as they say."
"Never doubt me, my ghostly friend!" Borg laughed, "Harumi, put her through the paces!"
Harumi nodded, reaching forward and gripping a large red lever. As she did, she turned to look behind her. A large glass dome concealed a large rod filled with crystalline-like shape. Between them lay the devices she and Olive had built to travel between worlds. As Harumi looked at it, she could only give herself a small nod before looking forward and grabbing the level.
"Setting coordinates to universe M-0713!" Harumi informed them, "Engaging Dimensional Warp. All access hatches closed. Initiating pressure seal. Beginning void entrance sequence!"
Harumi took one massive breath, then she threw the lever. All at once, the massive dome behind her began to crackle and burn with power, arcing out in all directions. The entire dome began to spin, causing lines in the floor to light up a deep techno blue. At the front of the ship, the massive dragon head suddenly opened its jaws, rotating the head back to reveal a small blue disc. The disc crackled to life, arcing with its own power as the entire ship began to blare warnings.
With a powerful blast, a blue laser shot through the air from the disc, striking the air in front of the ship. When the laser looked just ready to fade away, a spark in the air began to splinter open and swirl. Harumi watched in awe as a portal that looked just like the ones that they'd been using since they met Monty slowly opened. The swirling vortex grew larger and larger, the laser seemingly burning a hole open in reality itself
Harumi turned to watch as the same massive blue streaks that the Iron Doom had so infamously had began to slowly form horizontally over the sides of the ship. Harumi gripped the wheel as the alarms turned to a deep red light inside the cockpit. The entire ship began to shudder as a massive force began to pull on it, dragging it forward towards the massive portal. Her hands gripped the wheel even tighter as she forced the ship to stay stable.
"Launch!" Harumi shouted, thrusting the wheel forward.
Suddenly, the world around them crackled a beautiful and powerful blue. The lines of energy expanded until they formed a tunnel right around the ship. The force accelerated, bringing the Universe Bounty from simply stationary to hurtling towards the portal. Harumi's grip on the wheel grew tighter as she forced her eyes to stay open as the ship struck the portal.
All at once, the entire world flashed. The skies of NInjago were shot backwards behind them in a distant memory, and instead the blackness of the void embraced them. The force that tugged the ship caused Harumi's grip on the wheel to shudder, but she refused to let go for anything. She held on, forcing her grip to remain on the wheel as they rocketed forward through the void, the swirling lines of blue still wrapped around them to shield the vessel from the void.
A small dot of light ahead of them caused Harumi's eyes to shut out of pure reflex. Before she knew it, the ship hit the light, and suddenly the world seemed to be consumed in it. The Universe Bounty's jets rotated down to hover the craft in the air as it was hurtled forward out of the portal, leaving it behind to peel away from the stern of their craft. The massive vortex slowly crackled as it began to fade away, shrinking down until it was nothing more than a hole in the sky.
"Did… did we make it?" Mage's voice came through the intercom.
"I… I don't know," Harumi winced, "The light's too much."
"WELL IT'S ABOUT TIME YOU SHOWED UP!"
Harumi's body jerked to life upon hearing that voice. She forced her eyes to adjust, causing her to see that they were indeed above Ninjago City. Only instead of the smooth and slender buildings of Lloyd's home, or the imposing mountains that were her own neon-draped cityscape, the modest and blocky mishmash of buildings that Lulloyd called home were underneath them. The Universe Bounty cast its show across the downtown area as Harumi looked to locate the source of the noise.
All across the bay, the Shark Army stood ready. Piranha mechs stood lined up across the beaches and streets, snapping violently as they waited. Crab walkers scuttled across the roads and piers. Troops of almost every type were spread out among them, creating a sea of blue across the city. The entire ocean in front of the city was completely covered by half-submerged Jelly Subs. The air was filled with rows upon rows upon rows of Manta Ray Bombers, all armed and ready for war. Hammerhead dropships were dispersed among them, each filled to the brim with troops. At the center of it all was the Garmashark 2.0, the massive behemoth flanked by massive Garmamechs that each held up their shark-launchers as though waiting for the command to fire. Hundreds of war machines were all ready, waiting for their command to attack.
Garmadon's voice seemed to blast across each and every building of Ninjago City, filling all radios as it did, "BRING HIM ON OUT, YOU SLACKERS! LE'S GET READY TO LOAD UP AND HEAD OUT FOR THIS!"
The massive hanger doors opened up, allowing for the assembled group of ninja and travelers to exit. Monty and Over walked to the port side, looking over the city. They were soon joined by the other ninja and Wu, who looked out over at the world with a massive gasp of shock and awe at what they were seeing.
"It's real! We're really here!" Jay squealed out, "This place really does look just like him!"
"Wow…" Nya rubbed her eyes, "I don't believe it… another world!"
"Correction," Zane smiled warmly, "A brand new universe."
"Is that…?" Kai blinked, turning to see the massive army, "Is that Garmadon?"
Suddenly, Lulloyd walked right by them. They each turned to watch as the brick-built ninja strode across the massive length of the deck of the Universe Bounty. He slowly inhaled, then drew his sword. When he came to stand at the bow of the ship, right on top of the massive dragon head, he looked out as Harumi turned the Universe Bounty to face the massive horde of aquatic-themed ships. Harumi, sensing the need to, hit a button to cause Lulloyd's voice to project from the ship's onboard speakers.
"ATTENTION!" Lulloyd cried out.
All at once, the army suddenly froze in place. Lulloyd panted as he looked out over the entire assembled army. As he did, he saw Garmadon standing atop the shark, grinning at him. Lady Iron Dragon stood beside him, holding onto her husband's arm to stay atop the tiny perch. They both looked up at him as Lulloyd shut his eyes tightly, then he shouted:
"FORM UP BY PLATOON AND SUBMIT ALL VEHICLES FOR BOARDING!" Lulloyd shouted, "IT'S TIME WE SHOW THOSE SNAKES WHO THE REAL ARMY IS! TONIGHT, WE BOARD OUR SHIP TO CARRY US TO WAR!"
The Shark Army let out a massive cheer, a thunderous sound that shook the very bricks of the town. Harumi lowered the ship down towards the city's east side, guiding them towards the water. She hit another button, causing large panels in the ship's sides to open up to reveal massive hanger bays for the army to march into. As soon as they were close to the water, Lulloyd turned to look at the others.
"Get us ready to go, this will take more than one trip!" Lulloyd shouted at them, his grip on his sword looking ready to snap the plastic in half, "It's time to show the Twins that they're not the only ones who can march to war!"
Lulloyd stood in front of the army, his breathing calm, his mind awash with nothing but the facts of what they were doing. He looked forward across the rows of his army, and looked up towards the horizon with calm. It was time for them to end this. It was time for them to march to war.
Author's Note:
If you're into listening to things with music, I heavily recommend reading the Universe Bounty's flight to Marcus Warner - To Build an Army (Official Audio)! You can start at ** if you'd like.
Those lyrics are an English translation of "Fude Pen, Boru Pen" from K-On! For those of you who recognized that song beforehand, congrats, you're officially in too deep! But 100% of the credit for those lyrics are from kran117 on YT. Please listen to their covers, they're my favorite of all the ones that I've found.
Fanart is once again given thanks to hwompy! His character analysis is spot on and was utterly hilarious to read!
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