Chapter 252: Shin Epilogue, Lost Odyssey to the Riddle of The Never Ending Story.

The aftermath from the Secret Wars was in ways even more traumatic then the previous Cosmic war with Zannacross. Despite this war feeling forever, it lasted less than a week. But while that was far shorter then the war with Weil Zabi's Zeon Federation, and the armies of darkness commanded by Xehamaru, Darth Damonus, Xiza, and Zannacross himself, the "Secret War" left a even amount of greater trauma on the people.

For they no longer could be assured it would be the last one, and the very foundation of what most beings believed in had unraveled.

The fact that unlike after Zannacross's defeat, the One Above All did not revive anyone further showed that what most would call " God" had showed he truly no longer cared about anything in the universe other then that it still existed, further rattled the faith of the populations of entire galaxies.

Despite this, the heroes of the universe did what they could to get people through this time of chaos.

And while there were difficult changes that were made to deal with the new reality, and countless people differed on what would be the best way, even if these people were embodied to not concede with no central authority to answer to, in time, the chaos settled.

While there were many somber times, such as the funeral for Master Myers and the others that died like Yuna, Gouken, Tidus, Ben, Lacus, and the others were determined to prove there resolve and not all that they lost be in vain, and was able to keep the universe at peace, peaceful enough, that the savior of the universe and his fiancé were able to organize there wedding.

Despite how much there was to juggle, the two were determined to have the wedding be both personal, and live up to the hype of the champion of the light's wedding countless people had.

At last the day had arrived, and thousands were coming to the royal chapel Marrymore Neo Arcadia branch, countless news stations were covering the event.

One reporter, Dent Rickmen had his crew just as more transports were descending into the chapel's docking bay.

Just as people started to step out Rickmen adjusted his hairpiece to make sure it was set right and flashed his prime-time grin." Good day folks! Dent Rickmen here, ready and more then willing to make sure you get the best coverage for the most amazing wedding in history, courtesy of the WOLF network!

Unless your viewing this in the archives I think its safe to say most of are viewers have had a wild few months with the massive changes that have come on every level. But despite these changes, we got some merry few hours ahead as at last its time for the all-star team of Ben Auro and Lacus Raystar to fulfill their marital vows!

Sure, many would say they are so in love they are already married, but there is nothing like officially becoming husband and wife, at least that's what my last wife Gloria kept saying. But anyway, even if not everyone can make this special day, anyone that can, HAS! But don't worry, that's why we are here to give you all at home the next best thing! How's it looking Allie?"

The camera quickly changed to a large black colored reporter. As soon as he was on Ally responded with a blunt."Its looking Merry!"

Dent chuckled as he leaned in." Well I would hope today would be a merry day Ally but c'mon, anything more precise to stand out from well,normal weddings?"

"Well…I'm really damn sure the cake just looked back at me."

"Ally, I thought we agreed to not get drunk till after the vows?"

"No I swear the cake's alive man!"

"Well, it's a big universe out there. Still, if this is true how about a close up?"

"I don't know, the cake's giving me a really evil eye Dent!"

"You know Ally, Scherbatsky apply for a promotion and has been showing a lot more moxy then you as of late."

"All right I'm on it! See, the cake's, AHH!"

Before the camera could turn Dent only saw frosting on the screen. As he heard a munching sound the reporter from the WOLF network just sighed." Sorry folks, we have some…technical difficulties as Ally seems to have stumbled, or sneak in a snack.

Oh? Don't worry, we got some highlights to cover, because I spy with my little eye both Ansem Zeon and his son, the man most say is the second-best fighter in the universe, and the number one human fighter, Ezan!"

The reporter was correct, for where his camera next pointed to a shuttle with the Zeon symbol landed, with the Nightingale and Tallgeese III mobile suits descended out of it. Ansem and Ezan shortly exited, with Char, Zechs, and the former Dead-Cell members Sage Harpuia, Fefnir, and Leviathan all walked out to escort them.

Despite his age, the reporter was up to the super elite warrior by the time he left the shuttle. As the sliver haired man noticed Dent the reporter smirked." Howdy there Zeon's! Care for a talk?"

Ezan gave Dent a detached glance before after a few seconds Ben's rival replied with a monotone," I came here for a friend's social call, not to conduct an interview. If you want such a thing from me, you will have to make a formal request."

"Oh I know that mister Ezan but today's a special day, can't you give are viewers a moment of your time? Many are still curious about you and the other former Enji Knight's thoughts on becoming the Agents of S?"

The sliver haired man looked down for a moment before he grasped his fist tightly." What of it? Trivial public matters and semantics change all the time. But its irrelevant if the public calls us Enji Knights of the Enji Order or Savor Agents from the Agents of S, we are still warriors of justice that defend the innocent and make criminals answer for there crimes."

"Heh, as one of the best in your profession I can understand trying to keep it simple. But seriously though, I'm sure someone like you must understand how even if you think your job is the same many view you "pros" in a different light.

After all the Enji Knights were the holy warriors chosen from heaven, but the Agents of S are just very powerful mercenary's that act however they see fit if they say they need to act "In the name of Justice" or, in the name of whoever can best hustle them into what they need to see as " justice".

Sure the Enji acted in sync with the Lylat Kingdom the majority of the time, but now that the Lylat Kingdom has changed to the Lylat Network Alliance, and the structure of the universal government has changed to a much more decentralized shape, you realize there are much less laws that the entire universe agree on now yes? And because of that billions now wonder where your loyalties are just to those that will pay you the most. In the end that just makes you, huh?"

A coughing noise from the transport distracted the reporter, but when he turned back to Ezan, the sliver haired man had his Sharingan out." I assure you I see things very clearly Mister Rickmen.

People were at odds with the Enji, and there will be people at odds with are current shape. But no matter what, we will deal with the agents of evil. That's all I have to say at the matter. I'm here for my friends, and my girlfriend needs my attention far more then you. So, unless your eager to replace your camera, that will be all."

As Dent gulped a weak giggle broke the tension." Oh be nice Ezan. He's just doing his job and all. Let him off easy for me ok? After all today's suppose to be."

A cough broke off the sentence and Ezan swerved around to see Aeris walking out of the shuttle. In her arms was a white, obese cat with large, green eyes and gray accents on his face, ears, tail, and three of his feet. His upper-right paw was the only exception to this, as it remained white.

The Cetra coughed a bit and staggered before Leviathan helped balance her. Ezan saw his lover smile as she pet the cat. She finished smiling at the the blue haired woman before smiling at him even more." Sorry about that, still getting over that bug I had. C'mon on Ezan don't be all frowns, today's a happy day! Besides we got to take notes! C'mon, set a good example for Rollo here."

"Heh, as you wish Aeris. I still intend to honor Julius's wish, and see his cat is treated fairly. And in the end…we are quite done here." The reporter smiled before he cleared his throat." Ah, glad to see your doing well Miss, would you."

Ezan grasped his fist tight enough for the reporter to notice before he cringed." I was just thinking maybe AFTER the wedding we could do an interview about a new special we are doing?"

As Aeris giggled uneasily Ansem patted his son on the back." Its ok Ezan, you two go ahead while I'll throw these men a bone to cease the barking."

Ezan nodded before helping Aeris go down. Dent flashed a grin as the couple went off, and as he nodded to his Camera men the former fonder of the Zeon Federation sighed." To be clear mister Rickmen, I'm not going to give a full interview, just propose your soundbite of the day and let's be done with this."

"Heh, right to business. All right, the most pressing question I have for you is are you happy that you more or less saw your big original dream, your government breaking away from the Lylat Kingdom at last coming true? I know its more like the Lylat Kingdom dissolved into the Lylat Network Alliance, but having the universal central government dissolve into a universal support agency to let every world be bound to nothing but the limits of there own power is kind of what your group kind of wanted right?"

"Heh, well I assure you the ideals I, Zum Deikun, and others had greatly contrasted over what Weil Zabi and others ultimately really wanted. And even so, I would not say I wanted things to unfold quite like this. But after all, I'm not the man I was back then, and many men change their views over time yes?

I'll say, that there is a bittersweet feel to seeing your dreams go down the road of twilight and give you things you thought you wanted in a way that displeases you.

I suppose, that's what compromise does though yes?"

"Heh, that's my take when reporters from other networks get the interview, I wanted first. Still, don't you feel just a little vindicated that you were right that central governments are all just lies held together by force and that this lie fell apart like all the others?"

As Ansem folded his arms and prepared to answer a witty female voice cut in with a dry," You can think what you like but we prefer not to see the Lylat Network as a act of failure, just a need to change to be more honest about how things are. I mean, I guess since I'm in charge for now I might be bias but just my take on things."

Dent swerved around and saw the person who cut in was Leia Solo, with Luke, Lando, Chewbacca, Mara Jade, Jaina, Ben Skywalker, Kyle Katarn, C3P0, Artoo-Detoo, and the rest of there group walk up before he winced. "Oh, sorry Chancellor Leia, I assure you I meant no disrespect!"

"That so? Cause I remember seeing more than a few interviews where you called me a crazy shrill clone that would doom us all if I had power."

"Hahah, I'm sorry you saw it that way. Once the situation on Chrono Phantasma was made clear to me my stance, evolved. But you must admit, asking people to vote for a person who says they are from the past could make more then a few wary."

"Oh I know all about doubting clones, after all in one of my lives Palpatine came back as a clone, not to mention the whole Clone Wars thing. I knew I was not the first choice, but I was betting that being an outsider, and the different perspective I had could be of value. And, since its been a crazy time, guess enough people decided to go with the crazy choice.

Heh, just glad people picked the good crazy instead of some of the really dumb crazy choices people have went with over the years. Well, I know everyone's not happy but aside from a few "Scuffles" war has not broken out and the economy has not collapsed despite the transition seems I know a few things eh?"

"I'll admit I was a bit of a skeptic Chancellor Solo, but you incite kept things together and after everything people value results over words these days."

"Well, when you have two lifetimes of experience with politics, you pick up on what to do, and a lot on what not to do. Even if it was not enough back then, at least it was not for something."

"Well I'm sure all who are not fond of galactic anarchy are glad you are not all talk. One last one before I let you go. Do you think all the changes made after changing the Lylat Kingdom to the Lylat Alliance are working as you envisioned when Atem did his abdication of the throne, and you reformed the galactic government?"

"Well…I admit I can see a bit of the future with the "Force", but I can't nearly see that far ahead. Atem was a good man and I'm glad he helped me adjust to my new settings.

But he gave up the leadership because just like when the Lylat Republic turned to the Lylat Kingdom, he saw a change was needed.

I respect him as much as I respect my father, but he deserves to enjoy his time with Lilandra. We both are content with how things are now, its not perfect but its holding together, and that's a win where I come from.

As for how it lasts, well I personally hope it lasts longer then the New Republic lasted before the First Order broke it. Still, the Lylat Alliance addresses the problems that the Lylat Kingdom had but nothing's perfect. No matter how ideal laws and rules are, the reality is that a perfect law will only work if people live up to them and enforce them.

This reality is why the Lylat Alliance is less about a universal central government then about giving every planet the means to realize their full potential, with enough strength to not be bullied by any would be thug who would rather see everyone's potential be about serving them."

"Well, since you got the backing of the Agents of S that seems like a sure plan Chancellor. But many do wonder if this can last beyond the time when such a cast of legendary warriors are alive."

Luke chuckled before he looked up at the chapel to see Ezan and Aeris walk up the chapel." No matter how great a thing sounds at the time, nothing really remains the same forever. Everyone that though otherwise, paid for it one way or another.

I know I did, that's why I want to atone for my mistakes not by just going poof but by trying to do what I can to make sure to get things right.

I and my fellow Jedi from a different era will do all we can to contribute to things. But, whatever their official name is, with so many hero's that care about peace around, I don't need the Force to have a good feeling that despite everything, things will be all right."

Kent saw Luke, Leia and the other's confidence before he chuckled." Strong words Master Skywalker. But nevertheless can you really be so sure after you failed so totally, hey!"

Before he could go on Chewbacca roared and swung his paw, a strike that while casual, was enough force to hit the camera man's camera and smash it into the wall. Mara Jade saw the Wookie shrug before the red-haired woman smirked." In case you're not fluent in Wookie, Chewie meant he was hungry. And so am I so let's go in already fly boy."

The children of Darth Vader nodded, and as everyone walked to Merrymore, C3P0 saw Kent's bafflement before the protocol droid sighed." I'm so sorry for his temper tantrum. He found out there was another Chewbacca that was a co-pilot around that Doug Fitter's ship for a time and he's annoyed he's being associated with a copycat who is linked to the man who " Broke the universe". Despite all that's changed as of late, its still a fact that Wookie's do take a while to calm down yes?"

R2 whistled in agreement as the two left.

Dent saw everyone leave him before he gave his reporter a dejected look." What are you waiting for? See if Ally is out of that cake already! Er, back after some adds folks!"

Meanwhile, Ezan and Aeris had arrived at the doors to the chapel, and to their relief Cloud, Tifa, Squall, Rinoa, Zidane, Garnet, Senel Coolidge, Chloe Valens, and many of their friends was waiting for them.

Zidane was playing ball with Tiffney alongside Wakka. After seeing his squad made walk up the tailed man grinned." There you guys are! Was starting to wonder if you seriously were going to just skip the whole thing cause it was not "your style". Heh, you own me ten gill Wakka." The former captain of the Besaid Aurochs blitzball team moaned before forking over the cash.

As he got a scornful look from Lulu, Aeris giggled." Sorry to keep you guys waiting Zidane. This one's on me. I was just, more sluggish then I would have hoped I would have been."

Tifa saw her friend cough before she sighed." No worries girl. We all know your still recovering. Thankfully Lacus made sure the wedding planner took that into account since so many of her friends are all…" Adjusting" to the change done to them. Anyone that wanted to come is not going to miss out."

Ezan saw Tiffany play with Wakka's child before he smirked." I see Auro is trying his best to make this live up to his proclaim to make this wedding live up to how much he loves Lacus. Is there everything he would say there would be?"

"Heh, don't know man." Zidane threw out." We have not gotten in yet. Seems even though we are VIP's we have to wait around! This a wedding or a roller-coaster?"

Before Ezan could respond a new voice cut in with a wry chuckle." Sorry to keep you all waiting Zidane. Its mostly just a matter of securing the food. Some of it tried to make an escape before Toriko subdued it. He vows that once everything's " Cooled" all of the food will be normal.

But, while the Gourmet Hunters are assuring us none of their meals are a hazard, once they are fully cooked, things have chanced since they last prepared there meals. Alas, it is what it is."

Everyone looked up to see James had walked in from the chapel doors. Since the end of the Secret War, and Master Myers's death James had cut his hair and grew a short beard in the same style as Master Myers, wearing a purple and red uniform that resembled his Enji outfit with a bit more regal look to it with nods to Magneto's attire.

His wife was with him, and had her child in her arms.

As James walked down, with his parents, Polaris and some of Magneto's former reformed Acolytes like Voght, Exodus, Colossus, Cyclops, and a few other former members of X-Force like Gambit, Bishop, Forge, and Domino were around him.

Cloud saw James's grin and smirked back." That so James? Is being Ben's best man being too difficult a mission? I'll be happy to lend a hand."

"Thanks Cloud but no worries its under control, within the expectations I had for such an event. Even as big as it's gotten, Lacus and Ben's wedding is not quite as immense as insuring the Lylat Alliance Network and the Agents of S operate smoothly in our sector.

That while also insuring that planet Krakoa is successfully developed to be the true planet those of the Homo Superior race can call there own to honor my uncle's dream."

"To top it off your adding fatherhood to the stuff your juggling, and I know from personal experience how much that job can be."

"I would be lying if I said it was easy Cloud. But, I swore to Master Myers I would not balk from any of my responsibilities. With creative thinking, I intend to keep that promise."

James was about to say more before his wife giggled. She comforted her child as she walked up." Well thanks to are families covering him he's been able to pull it off. But its fun, Lucas gets to see all these cool things, right?"

As the baby coo'd out a happy tone Squall chuckled." Looks like the kid is having a good time. What? Ben end up booking a full circus or something in there?"

"Heh, now that everything's cleared up feel free to see for yourselves."

"No offense mon but first thing I'm seeing is the food." Wakka threw out." This heat's making me starve!"

"If that's your wish, go on ahead." James made a welcoming gesture and his comrades entered Merrymore. As soon as they entered there were exotic colors in all directions. Aside from all of their comrades and friends the men and woman who saved the universe saw James was not kidding about how exotic the food was.

As soon as Ezan, Cloud, and the others entered they saw that Mario's old friend Pauline, the woman Mario rescued from Cranky Kong, the original Donkey Kong and current mayor of " New Donk City", the city made as a proof of the friendship between the people of the Mushroom Kingdom and the people of the Lylat Kingdom, was in the center of the room with others singing her hit song," Full Jump Up, Super Star Concert", while Zelda was also playing "Sarah's Song" for a few children in the right most section of the chapel.

As they did, Mario, Luigi, Link, Donkey, Dixie, and Diddy Kong, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and a few others seemed to be chasing food that was trying to fly away.

As the group entered Toriko, now wearing a business suit, saw everyone and flashed a wild grin." Ah great, everyone's entering just as the toppings are finished! Who's ready for one hell of a full course meal?

The last few months me and my pal Komatsu have gotten ourselves fully up to date for all the new ingredients in the universe and got something special!

The first dish, the hours d'oeuver of the full course meal is…the king of all corn! Popped B.B corn and chicken beast quiche! And that's topped with the legendary seasoning Melk Stardust!

They also have crayfish cod and five-tailed eagle meat, the first ingredients Komatsu watched me harvest! Dish two, the soup of the full course meal is the century soup! Its steam is like the aurora borealis! In place of bread, the soup comes with medical mochi wrapped in echo seaweed!

On my world this legendary mochi saved all of the people in the world from the four-beat's poison! The third dish is the full course's fish dish. Grilled demon shell and king vinegar sauce! It's a revived fish that once was extinct! There is puffer whale, shining goumami, madam fish, and another! The different parts of the demon shell called for different cooking times!

Dish number four, the meat dish, is steak made from the perfect elephant: The end Mammoth! And it's served with a slice of the phantom garlic, meteor garlic! Stuffed with Jewel meat and Garara gator, which is the prey I scored with Komatsu on are first job together!

Anyway, the next part of the Full Course is the salad, and its made of the king of all vegetables in Gourmet World, the Ozone Grass! And all of that is just to lead up to the coup de grace, the desserts with such flavor that they come alive!"

James was about to say something when the group heard a shrike. Ezan glanced to the right to see the yell came from Amy Rose.

The reason Sonic's girlfriend yelled is that the sprinkle's she was about to eat wiggled, and suddenly came alive. Just as they darted to the table Yoshi got some with his tongue, a result that only made Amy Rose scream loudly.

As James glanced at Toriko the blue haired man winced." Sorry about that, Zebra must have used the wrong vibration to subdue the Fudge Crickets. But hey, small price to pay to have the ultimate meal ever right!?"

Aeris giggled tensely before she cleared her throat." Nice job going the extra mile mister Toriko. Just…one question though. Is there just maybe a vegan option?"

Toriko, Sunny, Choco, and Zebra all paused before they looked at each other and shrugged." Sorry miss, not really my thing. I think those turtles are handling the Vegan course."

Cloud chuckled as he saw some of the other food being offered like some of Donkey Kong's Golden Banana's, some fruit from Yoshi's Super Happy Tree, some of Sonic's most liked Chili Dogs and more before he crossed his arms." Living food aside, I'm impressed. Figured Ben would do something more pasta focused but guess he wants to have something for everyone. Heh, just another area he's grown in."

"Oh there is still plenty of pasta Cloud." James threw in wryly." Ben respects the Gourmet Hunter's talents, but made it clear he and Lacus wanted their personal chefs for their favorite dishes to honor previous vows."

As Cloud sighed Ezan snickered." That does sound like a very Auro thing to do. And since it's his wedding I suppose its his right. Well, they say the bride makes the rules, but I suppose it's encouraging they were able to work an arrangement.

Working out a way to make as many people happy as possible, seems the two are still deadest on fulfilling their duty, no matter how much changes. Well, at least nearly everyone that could made it."

"Heh, can't have a real party without all the guests right Ezan?" Senel added. As Ezan nodded to his former teammate the former Enji from the "Orerines" 's eyes softened." I still miss Shirley's sister Stella, but I hold on to her memories every day."

His wife Chloe jabbed him in the stomach as she rolled her eyes." Come on Senel she died years ago! There is honoring the dead and honoring them a little too much."

As he winced Kirby swallowed the portion of the End mammoth Toriko gave him, which was the size of a small house, and just sighed as he joined Cloud." I'm glad there's enough food for everyone, but I'm still sad people missed out on it. I'm going to miss those eating contests."

As the group in front of the pink hero felt a wave of somberness, a new upbeat voice cut in." Ah don't be frowning like that Kirby! We might not be able to have the same kind of eating contests but we still can-do arm wrestling and other stuff with my new body!"

Everyone glanced to the right to see a lanky man in a tuxedo walk up. Kirby saw the man with long poofy blue hair walk up to him before he rubbed his head." Huh? Sorry mister I don't mind having fun with others but normally I like to know them a little first."

"Oh come on Kirby its me Hiryuumon! I just got my new human body when I downloaded my mind so I could regain part of my former life as Daigo remember?"

"Oh THAT's what happened to you? I thought that Bio-Hybrid stuff meant you became food! I mean I did not see you after that! Oh right that's because you look like this now!"

As Hiryuumon face palmed Meta-Knight sighed." Forgive Kirby sir Daigo…our friend was eating when he was informed of your metamorphosis and misheard. He's been stress eating more then usual, but to be fair its been stressful times for all of us."

"Heh, no problem Meta-Knight. Don't worry Kirby, its still me, just me mixed with another older part of me to be more, me."

"Ah I know how that feels after finding out about all the stuff with Android 21 and Void Termina! Well, glad your happy with your new body!"

"Same here. I miss the tail at times but its good feeling more, me."

Cloud saw Hiryuumon/ Daigo smirk confidently before he smirked back." I am glad James and Doctor Robotnik were able to pull off this new Bio-hybrid body for you. Though, in some ways I wish this new body was during peace time, instead of well, how things are now."

"Ah but if I became a human randomly that would be really weird eh Cloud?" Ben's Digimon partner replied before he flashed a green wrist band." Besides, not like I can't do anything in a fight anymore. I can still become Shinryudramon again by using a Bio Hybrid D.N.A. Full Charge."

"It worked in the tests." James uttered calmly." Though I rather hope you won't have to test it out live to soon. Just, be careful when you go on your trip my friend."

Tifa saw Hiryuumon nod before she raised an eyebrow." Wow, you're really going on your own? Hope you will be ok. I mean, I know your tough but just, be careful who you talk to, you know? Hope Ben and Lacus won't be to lonely without you."

"Thanks Miss Tifa, but your sounding like Lacus did! Not like I can't call right? I been with Ben for my entire life, this life at least.

But, I have to go visit my old home on my own. Even after how much time its been, I have to do this on my own to make this my own. Heh, Moz will still be around so Ben and Lacus don't have that empty nest syndrome thing."

Tifa giggled as she squeezed her child fondly." Oh, it has to happen to everyone, long as it does not happen to soon. Well, it will be another decade or so before me and Cloud have to deal with that."

Tiffany giggled as she hugged her mom." I don't want to wait that long mommy! I want to leave the Chocobo nest to get my own Materia!"

"Tiffany, keep that up and you won't be leaving the nest for two decades!"

"No fair!"

Rinoa was one of the many who giggled from that display, before the woman formerly from the Forest Owls winked." Hope you enjoy the time away from "home"! Heh, if it does give them "Empty Nest Syndrome" maybe it will push them to roll out the next Auro eh?"

Hiryuumon blinked for a few seconds before he shrugged." Um…sorry Miss Rinoa but you lost me. Roll out the next Auro? Shadow Clones don't really work that way."

"Ugh, or next Raystar or something. C'mon I meant if they are going to have a kid! You can spill, I swear I won't tell!"

As Squall gave her a look Riona winced." What? I'm serious!"

The former Digimon just laughed as he backed away." Oh that? Um, the boss has not said anything about a kid. Between all the other stuff going on I think work stuff and the wedding are the only things Lacus and him are focusing on right now."

James saw a few curious glances head his way before the red-haired man sighed." He's correct, if your crossing your fingers for any surprise revelations, you will be disappointed. Ben told me more then a few times that he wants to wait till things are settled and things" Calm down" before they even think about a child."

As Riona pouted Garnet chuckled." Well, I can understand that, but you seem to be handling the juggling act well James. I don't know, sometimes being forced a new challenge can get you to understand what's really important. Well, we will see soon enough."

Zidane laughed as he patted her on the back." Heh, you got it girl! I mean, maybe in a year or so for me but when the time is right that treasure will be nabbed and all!"

Garnet just giggled, causing the tailed man to wince." Um, when the time is right, right? Seriously Garnet your starting to freak me out."

Ezan saw Zidane turn pale before he chuckled." Looks like your going to have a whole new mission to deal with soon enough my friend. Well, when its their time, it will be there time, Auro does have a lot to handle."

"True, and I can't blame Lacus for wanting to focus on one thing at a time." Aeris added." I, I wish my body would recover faster, if then I might have wondered if I was ready for motherhood myself."

Ezan saw Aeris looked sad before he grasped her warmly." Don't worry, you will. And whenever you're ready, I'll be ready. Just, one step at a time."

"Heh, thanks sweetie, at least Rollo is a good warm up right? Ah well, speaking of that guess us bridesmaids should go see the bride to be to get this party rolling eh?"

"Heh, have to hand it to Lacus." Tifa threw out sassily." I was freaking out right till I said I do but even though her wedding's way bigger in scale she seems to have been way chill about it."

Ezan closed his eyes before shrugging." Planning wedding's is not my specialty, but based on how I seen the two act the last few months, they seem to be treating all of this as a side show."

Noctis walked up before raising an eyebrow." Ben's treating his wedding as a joke? That's not good."

"Really Noct?" Prompto threw out as he casually took a few more photos." I mean, c'mon dude, you were just treating the wedding like something your dad was making you do! You did not really seem to big in a hurry even when the Regalia broke down near Cindy! At least I had the excuse of trying to win Cindy over!"

Noctis saw Stella giggle before he looked flustered." Well, maybe being away from Lu, Stella for so long made me detached from the whole thing but, clearly is not the same with Ben."

"Its, not like that Noctis." Aeris answered as she sighed." Its just that, planning a wedding is a lot easier then planning on keeping universal society together. Well, one way or another, the spotlight's shinning right on them so hope they are feeling ok. Ah well, lets find out eh?"

Tifa nodded before the two-woman made their way to join the other bridesmaids, and the bride to be.

At the moment Lacus was going through her part of the preparations before getting ready to become Miss's Auro.

Her mother, her sisters', KOS-MOS, Ben's mom, and her bridesmaids, Terra, Collette, Velvet, Zelda, Samus, and Milla were all around her helping things get ready. At the moment Lacus looked at herself and saw her wedding dress, an elegant white dress inspired by the attire of legendary hero Neo-Queen Serenity, with platinum diamond laced threads across her limbs, and opening in her back for her to let her angel wings up.

Her mother helped her put a tiara on her head, and as she adjusted it Lacus looked at herself in the mirror and smiled." Its perfect mother. Despite all the chaos as of late, as long as another planet does not suddenly descend, this just might come off as a fairy tail wedding after all."

Jane smiled before she squeezed her child warmly on the shoulders." Its what you deserve dear. After all you been through, and all you and Ben did to keep things together you deserve one perfect day."

"Heh, I had many perfect days in the downtime mother, this one's just a day a lot more can share. But if it goes well it just might be your perfect day to eh? Hope I don't catch you daydreaming about this being your prefect day while I say I do."

"Oh, let's put that uncouth business that horrible "Swan" made me do behind us yes? I shamefully had some repressed resentment cause a mess, but any parent worth a damn has enough grace to not let his or her failures project on to their children, only there hopes.

I know I put pressure on you Lacus, but its always been because I wanted you to soar like the star you are. And your soaring as high as you can get dear."

Lacus looked at the necklace she had on, remembered how long she had the Golden Imperia Crystal and sighed." Heh, some would say I've soared so high I'm going to take a dive. After everything that's happened, it's a full-time job just for people to keep having confidence in us, or well, anything."

Shion took a glance at her data pad before she shrugged." It's the cold hard facts sis, government, religion, after the collapse of heaven people are having trouble mustering the will to believe in anything beyond what they can hold."

Sarah saw her older sister's blunt expression before she rolled her eyes."Seriously sis?"

"What…that data's spot on."

"Maybe but its still not the facts that are needed on a wedding day Shion! Don't worry Lacus, everyone will see this and be inspired by just how awesome you guys are! Seriously though, don't worry to much about trying to make Ben's dream wedding come true. After all, Ben's a lot nicer then Brad, but even so don't just let him lead on everything like that crazy plan he had."

"Thanks Sarah…but no matter how cool a moment is, its hollow if there is no follow up. I, get what your saying sis, but you misunderstand. We both came up with the idea together, we both were so worried about people being abused one way we forgot about how they could be abused another. Heh, and how come I can't want a nice wedding myself eh?

This wedding's not just for us to just stroke our ego's, it's to make clear that for all of the chaos, this is the start of an era of peace and prosperity.

Even, after all that's happened, this is not the time for history to regress…I won't allow it. Cosmos, gave up everything and did it with a smile because she had faith we could keep things together. For her, and all the woman who believe in me, I have to live up to that trust.

I still feel like I dropped the ball right off the gate. Right after Cosmos entrusted things to me, only a few minutes later heaven fell to pieces…because of what Doug did. Heh, not like I had enough to atone for right?"

Velvet chuckled before she cracked her neck." Take it from someone who's spent most of her life obsessed with atoning for her own failures Lacus. Just cause you screwed up once it does not mean you have to take the blame for everything that goes wrong.

I thought I was resentful, but Doug was so resentful he reshaped the whole universe to his rage. Or...he was just brain damaged.

Either way, you did not see it coming, it was out of your hands, so all that there is to do is move on. You and Ben and the others have been doing that so, you don't feel bad about anything, not today at least."

"Velvet, thank you."

"Heh, I had help learning how to move on, figured I pass it along."

As Lacus smiled Terra went over to her former teammate." Lacus, you done more then most have attempted in there entire lives. Many would just want to run away but you're still charging forward."

"Heh, I suppose ran away enough eh Terra? I know how isolated and repressed I felt all those years I was with Brad, and I want to make sure no one has to go through that again. But, all of this has made me realized just how difficult this is going to be.

The truth that in the end Brad was behind this, just made me fully see the depths that people like him, people consumed by rage, hate and warped privilege will cling on to things.

The fact that as a mere specter he was able to con a deity and nearly destroy everything just out of spite and greed, shows how easy it is for things to fall apart. I, I hate to admit it but Brad was right about one thing.

He, he did badly traumatize me, and, because I wanted to make sure I, and no one else had to go through something like that again I think without meaning to I pushed Ben to far.

I refuse to think that its impossible for things to get better, that woman must always suffer sexism and all that's related to it because" That's just the laws of nature".

Still, Doug forced me to see that the problem is not really solved when everyone is just forced to accept everything, as some would put it that's just,"Flipping the table". If, I realized that sooner, maybe Yuna, Muzét, Tidus, Grand Master Myers, Master Yamamoto, Beerus, and so many others would still be alive. Maybe if,"

As Lacus grew more remorseful Collette smiled and braced Lacus tightly." Don't blame yourself for what Brad did Lacus. That's what that monster wants you to think. Everyone makes mistakes, but those like Mithos or that Artorius wanted from the start to take away everyone's freedom while you and Ben really thought you were helping people have free lives more liberated from people's misunderstandings.

You guys just got to not get confused and remember not to settle for shortcuts like Mithos and all the others."

"Heh, your right Collette. I saw just how bitter those like Ragyō were, but no matter how much one suffers, it does not give them permission to kill everyone. No matter how many times men let me down and disgust me with there actions, I know that solutions like the ones Ragyō and wanted are not the answer.

However satisfying it would be short term for some, it would just be the opposite extreme that pricks like the ways Brad, Zamasu and others desired to treat woman.

I want to find a way to make things equal for both sides so that neither sex or race feels like the repressed one! I, know its still possible to find the true solution to that, somewhere."

KOS-MOS nodded before the armored female android expressed emotion and smiled." Have faith Miss Raystar. I won't lie, the odds of your success are not ideal, but not impossible. You just need partners that share your conviction to support each other. Thankfully Ben Auro's data indicates he is all but an idea match for such a venture."

Lacus giggled as she leaned back." Thanks KOS-MOS. Heh, are reasons may differ but Ben wants to find a way to make that reformation to. To make sure those like him, the one's society deem" weak" are not automatically treated like outcasts, not those fated to be isolated, bullied.

Well, we both share the same passions, he's head over heels for me for more than five years straight and we like enough of the same things to not struggle to agree on what a fun day is so, just maybe this marriage will work out.

Whis spooked me a little when he showed just how bitter he was being with Beerus for most of history. But, then I realized he never really chose to be with Beerus, it was a destiny that was forced on him, Valdos, and the others.

But maybe Ben saw me as his dream girl from day one, but he and I choose each other. It was not like Brad who wanted to stick a leash on me to control his" prize", he wants to be with me, not control me.

Heh, if he's going out of his way to try and pull off the most epic wedding in the universe, I don't think he will want to botch this anytime soon."

Ben's mother was the next to pat Lacus on the shoulder as the older woman smiled." Trust me hun, Ben's love for you is as authentic as it gets, much to the cringe of my husband.

I'll make sure to give my son a clear idea on what a husband is supposed to do so he does not get the kind of lazy men like Jack's brother in law got with Max's mom. Though, I admit, I'll have to read up on how immortal relationships work."

"Heh, its fine. This will be an adventure both of us will go down together. So, we about ready to get this show on the road before I over think one thing or another?"

KOS-MOS looked outside the door before she glanced at Jane." 2B and Aegis are informing me Aeris and Tifa are arriving. They are sorry for the delays but illness delayed Miss Gainsborough."

"Its fine KOS-MOS. I know, many people have had a lot to deal with. Luckily we planned for this right? Still, lets check with dad and see if we are good to go. In many ways things are more unclear than ever, but one thing is crystal clear.

I'm ready to start the next chapter of my life. So, ready everyone? I, might need help with this dress, its, really um, formal."

"Heh, after how many times you gritted it and bared it Raystar I was half expecting to not even bother wearing anything for the wedding."

As Lacus saw her mother blush, the angel winked." Te-eh, I think the bachelor party took care of the wild part Velvet. It might be more comfortable to be nude then weighed down with all the excess, but sometime the weight has value. I want to show the whole universe I'm willing to bear the weight to live up to expectations.

But, one thing at a time. For now, lets just hope no one loses the ring eh? I'm, rather sure Ben would not let that happen but, Sonic and some of the others might get to excited.

Heh, well I knew what I was in for when I said yes. After all, long as they are not to wild it makes thing fun right? Heh, no matter how he might stumble, he always ends up making things fun."

Aeris and Tifa entered the room and the bridesmaids all prepared the bride to be to go through the last preparations before beginning the wedding.

As Lacus did all she could to not let her fears sabotage her excitement, her lover was at the moment going through the last few things he needed to do before he went through with one of the things he dreamed about for most of his life, marrying the woman he loved.

Ben's dad, X, Mario and Luigi, Sonic, Lloyd, Luke Fon Forbe, his father, and even Max were helping the owner of the Divine Mugen Nova prepare to kick off his wedding.

At the moment Ben's cousin was helping him with his suit before the former bounty hunter smirked." C'mon cuz be honest, rather hardcore to not let death stop a cousin from being there eh?"

"Heh, guess the" Terror of Death" title stands out even more eh? Seriously though...thanks for going the extra mile Max." Ben answered peacefully."

"Eh...I missed enough stuff in your life so just making up and all. Besides, since scoring that Time Patrol gig allowed me to score some perks. Me and Trunks have the whole buddy cop thing going on."

"Damn...sounds like you got a lot of time on your hands eh Max? So, that means your going to the future now?"

"Not that simple Ben. But, I'll tell you more after your honey moon. For now, the only history worth covering is your wedding man. You did it Ben, your courage was the magic that made your dreams reality, your big dream's coming true.

I admit when you first talked about marrying Lacus I thought it was more then a long shot you would marry some one as high up on the food chain as Lacus. But, after one hell of a push, you made the impossible, possible."

Ben's dad chuckled before he helped Ben with his collar. "Well, when you put your mind to it you can pull off a hell of a miracle. You still can only barely tie knots but at least you managed to improve on your romance skills enough to pull off what counts.

Still, for god's sake get your buttons straight before you go out! The whole damn universe will fuss about you looking sloppy for your big wedding! See now, to me, that button is in the worst possible spot."

"Really dad...now?"

"Of course! The second button is the key button. It makes or breaks the shirt damn it. Look at it, it's too high, it's in no-man's land."

"Haven't we had this conversation before?"

"Course we have, cause you have not listened damn it!"

"Sorry dad, I'm just have more then a little on my plate today."

"Bah, just for today I"ll let you get away with that son. Ben, I know I ragged about you never giving up on Lacus for years, but it was only cause I did not want you to get hurt. But this time I'm happy you proved me wrong boy.

No matter what's going on, nothing else can get in the way of a father being happy at seeing his boy become a man and get married. I know how much us Auro men overthink things, don't let anything else get in the way of what's going on Ben. "

"Thanks dad. Heh, despite everything, you do know your wedding stuff. Well, looks like its time to get this show on the road. Everything set?"

Sonic looked out one window, then in a burst of speed appeared on the other side of the room before he flashed his trademark thumps up." Just did a sonic check man, its all looking good!"

Mario jumped down before he tucked his hat in." Me and a Luigi just checked all the a decorations and its all a set! Even Bowser and Wario are a behaving!"

X nodded as the Maverick Hunter gave Ben a thumbs up." Zero, Protoman, Mighty Number Nine, and Axl are all reporting nothing looking fishy on any area Ben. We are good to go."

"Sonic, Mario, X, thanks guys. All right then, time to open the next chapter that will be the rest of my life, as a married man."

"Don't get to excited Ben. Marriage is a big step in a man's life but it does not change everything. For humans at least, it does not transform you. Just shows the man you are."

Max chuckled as he looked up." You know the old saying a man's true nature is revealed when he's given power? Same can be said to when a man's married. Does not fix everything, but it shows the world the kind of man you are."

"Thanks Max. Well, time to show Lacus and the whole universe what kind of man I am eh?"

"Don't worry old bean, by the time this is over the image will be quite clear." Ben saw it was James who said that, and as James, Ezan, Hiryuumon, and Cloud entered the brown-haired man smiled." Hey guys! How's it looking?"

"Not one thing is out of order Auro." Ezan uttered flatly." Though, I did find it odd you served the food before the ceremony."

"Just, wanted everyone to not be to hungry during the ceremony, it might run a tad on the long side."

"Well, normally such things might be a bit tacky, but I get what your going for Ben. To give people something they will remember for ages, to give them a moment of hope, talk about double duty."

"Thanks Cloud Sensei. Well, despite how much everything has changed, time to make clear that heroism, love, that has not changed. Alright, so anxious I'll talk in circles for an hour so, guess we should get this show started eh?"

James checked his codec before he smirked." Things are good on Erich's end. It's a little early but, lets get this ride under way eh? After all, we held this off long enough."

"Heh, no doubt James." Ben answered eagerly. He saw everyone looking at him before he took a deep breath and nodded. With one last check, Ben and his friends and family walked out the room. After saluting a bunch of soldiers outside, and waved to a few of his friends outside.

At the end of the hall was Axel. The former Dark Enji saw Ben walk out before he smirked." God damn Auro, you got a look that people will have memorized for the rest of there lives. To bad I can't be part of the shot but guess I drew the short straw eh?"

"Hahah, sorry Lea nothing personal. Just, so many spots before they trip over each other yah know? I mean I swear you will get in all the group shots and everything."

"Its cool, I know how it works. Heh, Xemnas did all kinds of stuff with missions. I would get stuck with Larxene because no one else wanted to hear her go off. Its cool, to be honest if I did get into the in crowd I would be late. Just, stuff has come up. With how things are, things go off track."

"Its ok man." Ben uttered keenly." Stuff happens. It's nothing to bad is it? Even if its my wedding, would be rather bad if the hero of justice just looked the other way from injustice eh?"

"Heh, cool it man. Nothing big like that, just on the personal scale. As you know, with how things ended up, there has been all kinds of grief for me, Aqua and well, anyone who was close to Doug. After all, no matter what his real reasons are, millions, if not billions still have not gotten over one guy broke heaven."

"Trust me, I know full well what you mean. But wait, you said Aqua. IS, this about her? Is she ok?"

Axel looked uneasy as he looked down. Just as the others were going to ask more a new voice added,"Don't worry guys, I'm ok. Its nothing bad, just, stuff I had to deal with you know?"

The husband to be and his entourage all saw Aqua walk up. The blue haired woman was in an ocean blue dress with pink gloves before she gave the Enji a short curtsy." Sorry, hope Axel did not give you guys the wrong idea. I know you guys had a lot going on."

"Aqua…yah…with the transformations the Enji Knights and the Lylat Kingdom went through, along with the entire universe, time has just flown by. But, I'm sorry we did not have much time, I know you had a lot to go through."

"Don't feel sorry about anything Ben. To be honest I just wanted time away from the light to think about things.

Nothing traumatic, it's just, the past few months I met a new friend. Victor Makishima. He's not done anything "Big" in his life, but we, related on a lot of things and helped each other go through the painful times we been going through.

Since, I don't have any relatives I brought him as my other plus one. Ben, I know your about to get married but, could you just talk with him for a second? He, always wanted to meet the legendary savior."

"That so? Well, we are ahead a little bit so sure have time for a quick meet and greet. Will be good for the whole clip show part of the day and all."

"Heh, thanks Ben. Don't worry, Victor's not the kind of guy who likes to drag things out. He's a guy who likes his privacy to if you don't mind not making the meeting very public."

"Oh, camera shy eh? That's fair, don't want to drag anyone into what they don't want. Alright let's go."

Aqua smiled, and as she lead Ben to the right Cloud smirked." Aqua, Axel, glad you were able to make new friends in this, chaotic time. What's this Victor like?"

"Beats me." Axel quipped out as he looked up." Aqua and him met in the Orphanage she was giving supplies to on Exitar, on that Knowhere space colony. That Star Lord dufus introduced them at a bar. Seems like a quiet guy who can hold his own but keeps to himself."

"Yah…he does not like to make a scene, but he makes his will clear when he has to. Ah, he was waiting in here."

Aqua lead Ben and the group to one of the many side rooms in the Marrymore Neo Arcadia branch chapel. It was a side garden for people to have lunch during the days when weddings were not being performed.

Most people were already getting seating for the ceremony, but Ben saw a lone man in black leather casually drinking a bottle while looking at the sky.

The leader of the Justice Force also saw the man was being harassed by two Koopa's in chef attire who seemed to have just ran into the chamber. The shorter of the two Koopa's just gasped for air before pointing furiously at Doug." CHEF TORTE! That is Zee one who took the cake!"

"YOU FOOL!" The Koopa known as Chef Torte roared out." That's part of the ultimate cake for the ultimate wedding!"

The man in black just chuckled as he leaned back." Chill out dude, its food and food is meant to be eaten right? I'm not staying long, so figured I would nab something before my time here is done."

"FOOL! Your arrogance could ruin the masterpiece!"

"You need to chill out man, if you can't handle imperfections your going to fall to pieces one way or another."

Ben saw the man's casual demeanor before he raised an eyebrow. "This, is your new friend Aqua? He, does give me a lot of Doug vibes."

Cloud eyed the man carefully before he raised an eyebrow." Wait, he almost looks like that John Wick commando. Wait, no one killed John Wick's dog again did they? Damn it we do not need that kind of drama today."

Chef Torte saw Ben and gasped." No, now the host is seeing this disgrace! Do you realize how much trouble you're in fool?"

"Man your uptight dude. If he really cares about what's right he's not going to snap over every thing that goes off track, right "Hero"?"

Ben already was feeling something weird, but felt even more on edge as the man fully stood up. The man had wirily black hair and a short black beard. His eyes were black to, but the grin, the half-lopped smile he gave caused Ben, James, and the others to freeze in their tracks.

Chef Torte quickly bowed before muttering," We are SO sorry for this! This savage took the cake before Zee saw it! For a while Zee thought it was that wild Pokémon that was,"

"Its ok sir." Ben answered calmly as he walked forward." No big deal, really. I'll just talk with this fan for a moment and we will use magic to fill it up ok? Hey Dad, can you take most of the others to tell everyone we are almost ready? Don't want to crowd the fan you know?"

"Oh, sure Ben. Might as well tell mom things are set eh? Wow, this fella really looks like Doug if he dyed his hair but, big universe right? Just don't get your suit dirty, trust me that's a horrible way to start a wedding."

Ben saw his father and most of the others go on till only Ezan, James, Cloud, Hiryuumon, Axel, and Aqua were in the room. When Ben saw who was left he took a deep breath, and slowly walked forward." Dad's right, it sure is a big universe. People are bound to look somewhat alike, just one big cosmic joke when a new face looks like a friend."

"Damn man, you already drunk before you get hitched?" The man with the black beard threw out crassly." Cause, you say I look like a friend, but you're not sounding happy about it."

"Well, the fact of the matter is, last time I had a surprise reunion with a friend he nearly broke the universe."

"Heh, was that him or was he being controlled?"

"I thought he was being mind controlled, but later on, he seemed to break heaven itself so I don't know."

"That's a lot of anger you have man. To be frank, legendary hero or not just cause its your wedding day seems mighty rude to be mad when your mad with someone else."

"Fair point, I am sorry for that. So, your Aqua's new friend?"

"Yup. You can call me Victor, Victor Makishima. Just a guy who likes keeping things simple."

Ezan eyed Ben and Victor carefully before he glanced at James, Cloud, and Hiryuumon.

The men gave each other troubled glances before the sliver haired man had his Rinne-Sharingan spawn." Enough with this farce! No matter what you call yourself or what color you change your hair your soul wavelength is precisely the same as Doug Fitter! So answer yourself Fitter, for you have a lot to answer for!"

Victor, or to be more precise Doug, looked down for a few moments before he chucked." Man Ezan, your eyes really do spoil the punchline. What, you guys got your get out of death acts, only fair, only equal that I got one for myself."

"You KNOW that's not the reason we are upset Doug!" James coolly interjected." Your casual demeanor is grossly ill fitting! If your you, and not some clone from someone else meant to throw even more chaos into the universe then if your truly more oblivious then we thought if you don't understand what you did."

Doug just sighed before he looked back at the sky." Seriously James? After all this time, you find out I'm alive and the first thing you do is diss me? Always looking down on me! Tsc...guess that good will faded really damn fast.

I'm no fool, I know just what I did and I was hoping my friends would not be all bratty about things not going there way and move on."

"Move on?" Ezan threw out." Fitter…have you just been laughing alone somewhere in a bar since what happened? This is not some thing so trivial as a championship bout or something, you shattered heaven!

Based on what the reports the angels gave, you had the chance to put the Dimensions back in their proper alignments, but you purposely broke realms apart! When you did that, you restructured the very nature of the universe.

Because of what you did, Aeris and countless others across the universe had their energy be fractured. The woman I love like always keeps a strong front, but her health has NEVER been the same since!"

"Ezan…I am legit sorry she and all the others had to go through some pain. But that being said, she can still live life right? You should be grateful that she,"

In an instant Ezan punched Doug in the face. As Doug staggered back the sliver haired man had his aura form." You think its just the common cold? Keep mocking the love of my life's condition and I will make my point with my blade."

"I'll give you that punch for free dude but you seriously got to chill! Even if she and others lost their fancy angel powers she can still do good right? I thought these were supposed to be peaceful times right?

So she does not have to put herself out there anyway, and if there is trouble be a man and step up! The price was worth it to at last flip the table on things."

"You really think that Doug?" Cloud added as he walked up tensely." Doug, I don't know if you grasped what happened, but when you caused that dimensional shift, you caused so many of the souls in heaven to be erased! You really that callous about killing so many?"

"The thing is Cloud, is that all of those souls were already dead! How many of those souls you even know?"

"Damn it Doug...Zach's soul and my mother's soul were just some of the ones that got erased!"

Doug saw Cloud look at him with more hate then he ever had before he chuckled bitterly."Don't take any pleasure in that but its still the cold hard truth that they were already dead. I know you guys mingled so much with Heaven that you lost sight of what it means to be alive, but the dead don't, or at least they should not have priority over the living!

At some point, time has to march on, no matter how many refuse to accept it. Tell me this, did one living person die from what I did? If not, then I don't have any regrets.

Sure they were good people, but there time has past. One thing for those like Goku or Max who keep on fighting to go the extra mile, but most of those souls that were dancing to the same recycled memories for millions of years would have wanted to reincarnate anyway if they were not stuck in a loop, so I just gave them a kick in the ass to get a move on, so life won't be chained by the dead one moment longer!"

James took a deep breath before he stroked his new beard." I'll give you one thing "Victor", while countless people were terrified by falling angels and all the other stuff that happened, not one mortal seemed to have died from the change directly. But that does not mean no damage was done.

You caused the very fabric of cosmic law to be restructured, including the very nature of life and death! Even now the angels are not sure if heaven can ever properly be rebuilt without Cosmos. And now that the after life has been splintered into various other realms life and death are not, consistent.

Entire galaxies now seem to follow the rules that were once nearly exclusive to the Farplane on Spira.

Even after all these months we are still realizing the extent of the damage your act caused. This cataclysmic event some are calling the "Death Stranding" formed "Beached Things" invisible creatures originating from the "Beach", a unstable dimensional space said to be the link to the rift in the shattered heaven and hell— to begin roaming world after world.

Because this unstable space keeps shifting, its so far random which planet will be effected, like a horrible storm that can hit anywhere in the universe.

"BTs" are crazed souls that are caught between life and death. They cause explosions we are calling "void-outs" when they consume the dead by nerosis , and produce rain known as "Time fall" that rapidly ages and deteriorates whatever it touches!

The populations of entire planetary systems are now mortified of dying in such a state. Thus... they are trying to take over worlds to ensure they have land where they can " properly" die.

Many planets that's dead are not linked to another realm properly are now are wondering if they can directly harness the dead like it's just another natural resource.

We are doing all we can to make sure corporations on some worlds don't make people pay for the souls of their loved ones, for the power over death as well as life!

Because the rules of life and death are not consistent, there have been many tense ways of judging someone. Multiple judges, as if death was another trail in court.

Unofficially there is now a Supreme court of the dead, where the "chief justices" include former judges like King Yamma, but others worthy enough for the task such as Hela, Cerion, Rauru, Metatron, and others.

We even have had Kira be the tie breaker in some cases. But based on the way heaven is currently not as united, many trials no longer judge a person's life but just how they are at the moment. In many worlds, a person is no longer judged by the rules of heaven, but by one race's customs."

"Heh, all and all, as a whole, the stuff about there being no central authority on the dead sure sounds good to me." Doug threw out." Outsiders don't have any business judging what they are not part of, its only fair. If this is what it took to make most in the universe realize they don't have the right to judge someone they are not like then honestly its all worth it to me.

One's own tribe should be the only one to decide how things go with there kin, even how they die without outsiders trying to control what they don't know about. Sure it would suck if rich dudes monopolize death but like everything else just got to make sure they can't pull it off right? It means it will never be something taken for granted, it will always be something you got to fight for instead of having blind faith!

Besides, always thought it was the arrogance of the privilege to judge a person based on there past. Even people who commit horrible things are not always like that. Sometimes good folk have no choice but to make a horrible choice, and would do good if they could.

That's why, a person should have to face what they do, but only be judged by how their heart and their actions are that very moment!

A person might have done good in the past, but we all seen they can still be horrible in the future and use there past as a shield to never have to be called out for how they are acting. Having things be like this, are just one step closer for things to truly start being more equal for everyone!"

"Doug, is that all you really cared about in the end?" Ben uttered bitterly as he walked forward." Sure sounds like you changed things to favor how you think you are! I thought we moved past the bad times and reached an understanding. But, just when things looked like they were going good, you, you did what you did…you ruined everything!"

"That's what you call me bailing everyone out from dying!? Seriously moaning that I spoiled your unrealistic fairy tale happy ever after and not counting the good I did?

Because of what Zannacross and Brad did this was going down no matter what, so I did what had to be done. But all the thanks I get is being called a bigger traitor then Kira, then any other dude in history! It was one thing for random people, but thought at least my friends would try and defend me and not also label me the biggest sinner in all history!"

"How could we do that Doug when as far as everyone saw it you killed Master Myers to force your way on the universe!?" James blurted out bitterly.

Doug saw James's anger and cracked his neck." You really think I did that James?"

"No Doug, we don't." Ben interjected as he got between them." Its just that's how most people saw it and we had no real way to prove them wrong.

I tried to say that Brad still had a hold over you and that it was his last ditch way to gain revenge on everyone from behind the grave. I tried to defend your honor but most would not hear it."

"Well thanks for a half assed half hearted try to not feel bad, but the truth was, no one was controlling me. I made my choice out of my own free will. But I did not kill old man Myers. He tried to take it all on himself, but frankly he cashed in on his luck beforehand.

He, he could not handle the force needed to get the job done, he died in front of me. Truth is, cause he died hell bent keeping his ideals alive, and dying cause of it that I threw out every last doubt to do what I had to do. As much as he might not like it, his naive dream of utopia is dead! No matter how much you hated it it was the proof everyone had to see that the mandate of heaven was over! At long last utopia is seen as much as a joke as all the other stupid cons parents tell there kids so the universe can stop living a lie and live as how we really are!"

Ben saw the raw passion in his former teammate's eyes and grasped his fist tightly."Doug…I'll take your word on not killing Myers…but if that's the case, then what the hell were you thinking!? I though that all that doomsday stuff was Brad messing with your head!?"

"Damn it, all this time and you still only saw what you wanted to see from me! Yah, willing to go all the way to Armageddon was Brad! But…but making the less hard core full genocide version of it come true was all me! Brad was the one who wanted to kill everyone and everything to get what he wanted, but I DID want to change things if I had the chance!

Before you ask no, I did not want to kill Myers and Gouken just because they nagged me. But I'm not gonna deny that a part of me is glad that every single " Mentor" I had is dead, that there is no one from my past left to have that hanging over me.

Just so we are clear I was not wanting to kill every figure who had authority over me, but I wanted freedom from all chains in my life no matter what. And I saw my chance, and sure as hell took it! You thought because you split me and the Chaotic Comedian I was just going to be your side kick again bro? Like hell! The anger I had for society was raw, more real then anything! Brad directed it in the worst way but the anger was mine!

And so since I had a way to get my shot in a less extreme way I took it. Don't act so prissy just cause you got more work to do now! Stop deflecting and just be honest with yourself for once!"

"I have been honest Doug! All I ever wanted to do was live up to my job and make the universe a more peaceful place, a place of harmony were scum like Brad don't get to have there way bullying the weak! You think I don't like saving people?"

"I know you like being the hero Ben, but for the wrong reasons! Damn it Ben, maybe you tell yourself that you want to be a " Symbol of peace" every damn day, but just be honest damn it! Just for once tell me what you want to do! Just admit that's the cover story, that you just wanted to have the universe the best way it could be for you!

You say its to stop people like Brad, but to you ANY one that's not on board with what you want is like Brad! After all that you done, you think stunts like this wedding of yours will make people think your like them? Everyone knows you and Lacus are all but gods now!

Stop being a jackass and being half assed humble about it and just be up front with how you really treat those "mass's" you wanted to brainwash to being how you wanted them to be!

Just admit you think your word should be treated as the word of god already! Stop lying because you want to feel good about yourself and just admit your just a dick who worms out of tough talking what he really wants so he beats around the bush every moment he can avoid having to feel bad!"

"You keep saying that I'm lying to myself, but it feels like we are playing ping pong with who's the one really lying Doug!"

"Seriously? How about the one who's lying about trying to force his way on everyone else?"

"Damn it Doug, people did like the plan, millions of people!"

"And they were ALL wuss's who could not man up and deal and just wanted to have life on autopilot!"

"So I have to value what your side thinks all because my side valued what you don't like? I know I was wrong Doug, but I took the path with all the most respectable people across the universe thought was a good idea.

Maybe not everyone liked it, but no one ever does. If every single person had to agree to everything nothing would ever get done. So it always comes down to going with people who seem to know what they are talking about and going with it."

"Maybe so, but you still have to talk with the rest and tell them the honest truth and not a fiction!"

"Damn it Doug, as we both are seeing, one man's truth is another man's fantasy.

People live their lives bound by what they accept as correct and true. That is how they define reality. I interact with people in the reality I see as true to me. I try to lead those I interact with to how I see reality, but it can't work if they won't try and reach out."

"Tsc, so you see whatever you want to as true and revise everything that you said and did to how you wished it was over sucking up and keeping it real? "

"Not at all, it just means I'm trying to stick to my values Doug even if they are not easy to make come true! I know I messed up, but you never even bothering to back me just made it worst!

Why can't you even bother to try and think I'm serious about what I say I care about? Why did you never even try to trust me? Even before I went forward with the Matrix Connection, you did not even try and be on the same page with me.

Damn it, if you were around to give me feedback from the start, we could have figured out Brad was messing with you and then none of this might have happened!"

"Damn it Ben, your really blaming me for you not figuring out you were doing something wrong? If you don't have the instincts for that, your views really are hardcore messed up.

Yah, if we were more open with each other from the start maybe this would have went down differently, but you picked your path from the start and if you expected me to be eager to be on board, if you really thought I was just your sidekick that would just tag along and get in line no matter what then you never really understood me and always just saw what you wanted to see!

After all, even before you went full" Brave New World" you were keen on going down a path I was not down with.

Because even before that I knew it would never work! Cause its just a dream, that's all it ever was! This whole point was to make the universe just wake up and see life for how it really is! Why else would you try and take away people's freedom's when you said said your protecting them eh?"

"Because its the best option I could think of! I admit, I picked the wrong choice Doug cause I got anxious about screwing up! But you never took seriously how much pressure there is trying to lead everyone! You just blew it all up!"

"That's because there is no way for everyone to be united under one leader man! No mortal, no matter how high there power is or how thought out there plan might be can lead everyone! Anyone that tried was just a smug jackass who was full of him or her self. Even God does not really lead, in the end when you cut all the religion crap, God truly leads like nature leads.

Total harmony between everyone ain't natural, cause people from different turfs have different conflicting wants based on how there turfs are! People work together if they are going to die but other wise tribes are always going to put there pack's success first, and everyone else's happiness second.

If shaking up the very fabric of life is what it took to get everyone to realize that, then that's the breaks. So fellas, I don't really feel bad giving a more hectic workload if it will get your eyes out of the clouds and back on the ground once and for all."

As Ben's jaw dropped Hiryuumon cleared his throat before he went up." C'mon Doug, you really don't get why the boss and everyone else is so hurt? Its not just a little more work! By the time I got my new body up and running the people of the universe had already lost faith in the Enji, the angels, the Lylat Kingdom and everything else!

Because Cosmos was no longer around, they no longer trusted the Enji or King Atem, or anything that was linked to the angels.

King Atem just about gave up and helped Miss Leia reform things to the Lylat Alliance Network while the Enji because these agents of S guys! I don't know all this politics stuff but everyone's worried if wars are going to start down the line! I mean, we already saw some worlds are getting really bad virus's because of all this cosmic " Scourge" and " Black Scrawl" stuff going around! I seen some guys just randomly catch on fire after they sneezed!

Even when Lacus and the others heal the sick, when they leave it comes back! People have been so freaked out that they are just hiding in there homes, with no movies, sports, or any group stuff at all because they don't trust anyone! People are blaming everyone else so much that if we just sit back a lot of people could die!"

"Heh, I don't want people to die Hiryuumon, but I do prefer if people are honest about themselves over living a lie, and in the end honest hate is better then all the fake freind crap. All that they lost, none of it really matters."

To his shock Hiryuumon, despite now having a human shape grit his teeth so tightly that he nearly still seemed like a dragon." None of it mattered? Doug, I at last got my memories back of my time with Seyia.

But before I could have a chance to catch up with them, there souls were erased, because of what you did! Now, now I'll never have the chance! Maybe not everyone agreed with Ben's idea but at least some did! You, you took so much from the entire universe without asking anyone!"

"Dude, I am sorry you lost the chance, but you just have to deal with being content with what you have. Even if I'm hated till the end of time, everyone will just have to deal with the fact that sometimes what you want is taken away and you have to accept what you still have or you will lose that to. The entire universe will just have to accept what they have and make the most of it.

Even if it sucks that a good chunk of people are hunkered down over virus's and all this other Death Stranding stuff, at least this means it will force them to not be distracted and think about what matters and what's just god damn fluff.

Let's be real guys, the fantasy had to die sometime. You have to accept that you or anyone else will never be seen by everyone as a hero and that your going to be the seen as a natural enemy.

I know your serious about protecting the weak and the "innocent" Ben, but the "innocent" are not everyone in the universe, and some times people just have so much pride that they rather risk there life then have someone save them. That don't make them evil by default though, just makes them different, something your going to have to accept.

In the end the Enji and all those other big orders of " justice fell apart because you all refused to accept things were not as simple as you wanted it to be.

I know you worshiped hero's Ben, but you better realize that you may be a champion of the weak and innocent but that does not make you a hero, just a champion for your "tribe".

Superhero's that are loved by everyone are a myth. The reality is every tribe has there champions that they count on to protect them while other tribes champions are out to harm them in one way or another. That don't make it evil by default, its just how people naturally act and anyone who don't see things for how they are fall no matter how hard they dream otherwise.

I noticed all those big galactic orders all fell apart once people did not give them what they wanted and there dreamy ideas crashed head on with the reality of life.

These "Peacekeeper groups" like the Green Lantern Corps, the Jedi, the Power Rangers, the Witchers, and the rest of them were all ran by some super smart elite guy or pack of guys who wanted to enforce their way on people.

But even if it did good, even if it did save lives, in the end, a lot of folk hate elites telling them how they should be.

That's why people resented whenever some old dude like" Yoda" or "Zordon" or "Ganthet" or "Yen Sid" or whatever tells them how they should be and some hustler is able to get enough folk to help them take them down.

Sure, he or she ends up being a jackass who screws the people over but, that's the circle of life, people got to learn for themselves how things go.

See, in the end the angels realized that people resented some high and mighty wise-man telling them how to act, so when Cosmos told Myers and the others to form the Enji Knights, this time it was not just some random old person trying to impose his isolated ideas on what is right using " Teenagers with attitude" as his pawns, but the word of god laying down the law.

The angels realized how much folks rally behind religion, and tried to use it for good, cause one thing to defy a stuck-up elitist, but another to be a sinner and defy god.

Cause we all had that holy backing, a lot more folk gave the Enji good will, and behaved like how the angels wanted them to. But then you and the angels alike all had to get greedy and not feel the peace we had as good enough, and so a lot of people woke up to what was a dumbass fantasy and wanted reality."'

"That's what you think this all is Doug?" Ben grit out with repressed anger." Just "keeping it real?" I know I went to far ok? But to just give up on universal peace, to say that it's impossible for society to be a place where people of all races and conditions can get along is to say evil won!"

"Ben, if you're seriously going to be looking over the universe you got to wake up already. Its not evil, its not darkness, its nature. The whole point of this was to wake up everyone and grow up to start living by how reality is, not some naive fantasy! Paradise is a dream, and a perfect utopia is just a con!

Things don't have to be the living hell Brad wanted, but you all got to admit your dream of a utopia where no one ever gets hurt is even more of asinine joke then Brad thinking he could just always beat everyone and everything his way to get what he wanted!

Long as people are alive, they will think differently from their experiences and value different things! That's going to cause conflict, that's just what life is!"

"So your saying its impossible to stop war, to help people? That being a hero is just a con and that we are powerless?"

"Did I say that? Hell nah. But its impossible to please everyone, its impossible to save everyone so would be a whole lot better to just be honest so everyone know's how things stand! People can do good, but its just trouble when folk start thinking they can make there crazy dreams a reality.

Would be better to know that no one, no matter how strong, will be ever able to please everyone."

"If that's what message you wanted to send across Doug, then good job because that's what most of the universe thinks now! Because of what you did, the majority of the universal governments have given up on hoping for a better future!

My greatest fear about society, the collapse of the politics of inevitability and the transformation into another experience of time: the politics of eternity is getting closer and closer to being the norm across most of the universe.

Already, so many are just giving up on any shared vision of the future and are just fulling diving into a never ending dive into the past.

Whereas inevitability promises a better future for everyone, eternity places one nation at the center of a cyclical story of victim-hood.

Time is no longer a line into the future, but a circle that endlessly returns the same threats from the past.

Eternity politicians spread the conviction that government cannot aid society as a whole, but can only guard against threats. Progress gives way to doom.

Everyone was united because it really looked like the universe at last was going to move forward to a utopia. But now that dream's been dashed, and with that gone, so many worlds already are consumed with nostalgia.

Instead of a search for new-ness, its a proliferation of nostalgia. I seen by now that there are two types of nostalgia. The healthy one I followed, " reflective nostalgia is the one that focused on the individual, that uses ironic stories to try and narrate the difference between the past, the present, and the future, to see the truth and find a way to a better future!

But the nostalgia so many people have now is the more harmful one, restorative nostalgia. This is the fixation to rebuild a lost era with paranoiac determination, uses pose as " truth and tradition," obsesses over grand symbols and relinquishes critical thinking for emotional bounding. Doug...unreflective nostalgia can breed monsters.

The last thing anyone who clings to these phantom, fabricate past wants is facts, they just want to feel like winners, reality be damned!

Instead of anything based on facts...race after race is just giving up on anything logical to just go through life drunk on a delusion!

Doug, because of what you did, so many populations have given up on a future and only see life as one game, one they want to win, to damn with what it costs to pull it off.

Damn it, it's taking everything we all have to keep another war from breaking out all over the universe! Just like that, all the various empires think now its clear " they" are the rightful top dogs. This wedding, part of it is to remind everyone there is something more then chaos in life."

"You mean making everyone know loud and clear who's above them eh man? That's why your throwing this super shinny wedding dude? To stop war and make people happy enough to chill out all there lives? You're just conning yourself. No matter what you do, no matter what anyone does, their is gonna be war! Its just the cycle of life Ben. The sooner you and everyone else accept that war is a part of life the better.

Hell, trying to deny it just makes it worst because its treated as special. People who don't know the taste of war treat it with far more hype than it deserves.

But if it treated not as a con, not as some thing that will change anything, but just another thing that will happen, like the seasons of nature, then people will stop hyping it and get it over with."

"Damn it Doug!" James fiercely interjected." Your treating war, and all the despair and pain and death it causes as a game!? Are you just refusing to look at how many are going to suffer and die because of what you did?"

"I know damn well people are going to die dude. But if all the dreamers and others who can't take how life really is die forever so that men can be how they naturally are, then to me that's worth it.

No matter how much you wish other wise life IS a game James!

War's part of that game, and like all games there are winners and losers. But because people are allowed to get to delusional they go for all that genocide and racist crap because they think if they go hardcore enough it will be the last war that leads to paradise and that means nothing's off the table.

But if everyone is forced to see things for what they are, they will be forced to be humble. Instead of treating it like all or nothing, they will treat war like loosing a game.

They will moan about it, but then get over it. And on the flip side, the winners will have their time in the sun, but be forced to know it's not forever, enjoy it, and then move on.

This way everyone will be more equal! Everyone will have to face that nothing last's forever and just be humble enough to enjoy the good times while it lasts instead of being deranged enough to think they can hold on to the spotlight forever if they just be hardcore fanatical about it.

Won't be perfect, but nothing is, and this fair honest equal cycle is better than any sham! Ben, James, I know how much you, Myers, Atem, Lacus, and ALL the others dream of this moment where everyone is best buddies, but that kind and gentle world where this is no racism or repression or any of that can only exist in a dream!

Yah, in times like when Zannacross wanted everyone to die, everyone did not want to die and fought together to keep from dying! But your fooling yourself and everyone else if you think that good will lasts after that. And if you keep up that kind of stress to force everyone to be together your just as bad.

You keep going on about the truth, but the real truth is that not everyone defines the truth the same way!

If there is no true destiny anymore, then what's the appeal to facts if they can't prove you are getting what you want? Why would a guy down on his luck want facts if all they do is say your doing worst then your parents? Why should we just get in line to true the facts, the media, the academics, the think tanks, the statesmen, when all they say is that we suck?

If the best life has to offer is the joy of pure emotion without sense, if enough people don't have any stakes in any larger evidence-based future, then who are you or anyone to tell them what's real?"

Max saw the zeal in Doug's eyes before he narrowed his own." Doug...you know I don't see things as tidy as Ben does. Even so, my cuz and I are on the same page about how important the truth is. Kira made my life hell to keep people from thinking his lies were not how things went down.

The truth is important Doug...its important that jackass's don't get to just say reality is whatever crap they feel like! Ben messed up but while he was naive as hell about it he was never trying to kill anyone."

"Max...I know your head's not in the clouds dude. But with all due respect, you let your own life's story cloud your eyes. If you think killing a man's soul is not as bad as killing there body your just as bad. To be frank anyone who thinks that way is my enemy even if that's most folk in the universe.

You were hardcore hanging on to make everyone see Kira for who he truly is, but the cold hard truth is, that it was your power, the power of your passion that made people see the truth.

How many people really are able to say what the truth is either without there own power or getting someone else's power to back them up.

As much as people like to think otherwise, one man's truth is just what a lot of strong guys and gals work on together to push on others. Everyone should just accept that everyone sees things differently unless someone else forces there truth on them and deal with it.

All you guys kept making people think this dream of yours was the only truth there is because it was" peaceful."

But I forced all these naïve dreams to end! I destroyed the romantic dreams everyone in the universe had so that everyone at last will just live as things really are!

You wanted to be the last hero so bad Ben? Guess what, you got your god damn wish because no one that knows how this went down will ever believe in a hero again...everyone is going to see that hero's are just the champions of one tribe and if your not defending what one group wants, your not there hero, just that tribes attack hound!

So, are you going to man up and admit I was right or are you going back to dreaming up some way that sounds good to you?"

"Damn it Doug." Ben seethed out." You kept acting like I was forcing my way on the universe. But I did work with countless others to form an idea! But you, you forced your sole wish upon all life!"

"Heh, yah I acted without asking anyone, but I did what I thought was right and trusted my gut, end of story. I saw how you looked after we beat Brad, I known you long enough to know what you were thinking just by how you were looking and talking.

You thought just because Brad messed with us it proved you right and that people who thought like him had to be "patched" out. So, I took that option away from yah and everyone else! What Brad did pissed me off without a doubt. Even so...I rather risk him or someone like him messing with me then ending freedom, then ending what it means to live!

Ben, you always looked at this the wrong way. You thought this was a grand crusade, a quest that if you just pushed to the finish line would make everything perfect and then your job would be over.

But your wrong dude, dead wrong! And that's because you still don't get what people really want! Stories may have a beginning, a middle, and an end, but it's not the end that's always important, but the middle, the ride you take before it ends!

The catharsis, the joy someone gets when something is completed can feel good if the payoff is right sure. But, its not always a conclusion folk want.

Nah, they just want to feel some progress, even if its not final. Long as it's a little better than it was before, don't matter if it lasts, or even if things go backwards long as it can go up again.

Ben…if you really want to be the hero you say you want to be you have to accept that no matter how long you drag out this immortal life of yours it's a job that will never REALLY end.

Most cops don't get into the job thinking they are going to stop crime forever, they just want to do there part right to have pride and go to work every day doing what they can, before getting up the next day to do the same as long as they can.

No matter what anyone says, only way you can do this really right is to accept what you can and can't control.

You have to stop being afraid of what can go wrong and try and clamp down so hard you break something! I noticed you still have the Divine Mugen Nova around you every single time your in public! Tsc, you still have to remind everyone how much power you have. You and Lacus refused to give one lick of power up, to pass on the load."

"Why would we with how things are?" Ben stated plainly as he glanced at his blade." It was one thing when we thought everything was going to be peaceful, that the fighting was over.

But now, now we don't know what threats there are, only a fool would be careless now. With Cosmos gone, the people need a symbol of justice and peace that will make them feel safe, that's what I and Lacus now are to the entire universe."

"Heh, you really think that's true? Or you just can't give it up that spotlight? Who's the fool Ben, the man who thinks he can control everything or the man who accepts what is out of his hands and is at peace with it? I seen you guys still have all that Sibyl System crap on world after world! You thought you could just go back to business as usual?"

"Of course not Doug." James answered flatly." We truly have discarded the Homeostasis Matrix Aixom Connection. But we can't just rip apart everything in a moment. There is enough chaos as it is and for all its faults the Psyco Pass systems do help prevent crime and suffering!"

"At the cost of freedom? Your all so god damn afraid of chaos, but chaos is life so get over it! The sooner you all just accept you can't control everything; the sooner things can finally be to how they should be! Or are you just going to go full fascist the moment one more blowhard gets elected?"

"Doug, if you know me at all you know I value my friends. That's why I'm not going to dishonor what Master Myers died for! I won't dishonor my friends either, I won't dishonor what they fought for and act like there choices were worthless by calling freedom worthless!"

"Yah, I know you care enough about your buds to not want to diss them. But tell me this Ben.

You say you won't go declare yourself the divine universal " Final" Emperor to not diss your friends. But what happens after most of those friends die off of old age?

What happens when they are mostly gone and all that's left is the job to honor a random man's freedom? Are you going to throw in the towel, or give up having reasons to "Hold back"?"

Ben was motionless for a moment, before he looked up in the sky." I don't know the future Doug, because of what you did, the universe has the possibility to go all kind's of directions.

After most people I know are dead, after most people don't know me other then as being the protector of the universe, I'm sure there will be…some reason to keep honoring freedom. No matter what, I will never let the universe be destroyed by chaotic selfish acts."

"Freedom is the only thing needed, period!" Doug yelled out furiously. As everyone looked at him closely, he started to laugh bitterly." Forget it bro, your face says it all. You like when the little kids or when the dames can be saved so they can praise yah, but when its some stubborn old timer you just want them out of the way as soon as you can. Well now you can't pass the buck on to anyone else dude!

Now that old man Myers and Cosmos are both gone and Atem and most of the others are stepping down there's no one else to hide your choices behind. Now, now there's no one to blame but your own bad calls with no one to pass the buck.

You said you did not want to rule before but you were just to god damn lazy to do it without someone else doing the messy stuff. Well to bad man. You wanted to be the big shot? Now its ALL on you so if you can't take it just give it all up!

That's just the thing...its clear as day by now you want to pass the buck on to as many pepole as posslbe so you don't have to be the one to take the blame, but me, I won't deny a part of me is content that all the old men and everyone above me, all of heaven really is no longer ever going to try and call the shots for me, now till the bitter end its no one's show but my own! You may be brave in some things Ben, but your still as scared as a god damn boy to make something your own and own up to it.

But the freedom of making my own path means more to me then everything! Till you embrace your gut without needing anyone else's backing, then to me it don't matter if you have all the powers of a god, you will never be a real man to me!

I always knew you were an anxious guy, but even with all your power, you really have no faith unless you can control as much as you can grasp in that Self-Righteousness hypocritical hand eh? You really will never feel at ease just leaving things up to chance?

I remember you never once went to a party unless you had to."

"Seriously Doug? I been taking part in social events again and again for the sake of my duty the past few years!"

"Oh I noticed Ben. But I'm not talking those stiff " Formal gigs". I'm talking about raw parties where the sound is loud and the dancing is hardcore!"

"Damn it Doug, you know I never, ever liked those kind's of parties! They are to loud, to chaotic. Parties are suppose to be about meeting people but its to loud to do that."

"That's just your problem Ben, you just don't get it. Its not about talking, its about seeing how people move, how they express there soul man! And even after all of the skills you mastered, you still limp around like a dead fish in a rave Ben. Cause in the end you can bust a fight move but you never go with the flow and just let loose to the moment.

You never drink or take drugs because you can't stand not being able to control yourself, you can never just go with the flow and trust instinct for one single second. Honestly Ben, I truly pity that to you, all you done is not enough, that you will never trust chance.

I know you think you have the best intentions Ben, that you want to protect weak people from the wrath of the strong.

But you hate people like Brad so much, you hate confident people that no matter how you tried to justify yourself, you would only feel at ease if chaos was destroyed.

But there is going to be chaos, I'm going to make sure of that so you're just going to have to deal. I know you and the other former Enji are going to try and still keep up law and order across the universe.

But because you're so afraid of chaos you will let things slide. And because of that, there will just have to be a few people going around who are not afraid of causing chaos to mix things up to be true" Equalizers".

And since I'm rather big on that kind of thing, reckon I'll have to at least keep an eye on things to make sure enough people can do just that."

Cloud looked at Doug carefully before he grimaced." Doug, you seriously think the Enji were just puppets for the rich? Are time as teammates started because we fought against Weil Zabi and the others who just wanted the "Freedom" for the rich to bully the weak into submission."

"Yah, we did Cloud. And not going to deny we did right and I had a blast doing that. But the truth is, they are not always such obvious pricks like Weil, Xiza, and the others during the war.

There are a lot more subtle rich pricks out there that now know to screw people just enough to get what they want without looking like a comic book villain, or breaking laws.

Those people set things up so that honest folk have no choice but to be losers cause it will "disturb the peace". Well, even if it causes a mess, someone has to do it, and since I have the power, like it or not I'm up for the job."

James saw how fiery Doug looked and took a deep breath." Doug, we all know how devious scammers can be, but there is no reason to go at it alone! I know you were revolted at are choices but the only way forward is to go forward together!

With your incite we can have even more proper data to make sure things go correctly! All this time, nations fall because people misjudge the formula for prosperity, that poor development is caused by bad economic polices and institutions, and passions gone awry.

We were all impatient, but this forced us to see that engineering prosperity has no easy solution, that there is no true way to lift a nation from poverty to or posterity over night, or even over a few decades.

Attempting to engineer prosperity without confronting the root cause of the problems, extractive institutions and the politics that keeps them in place, is a central requirement for any true success.

People like you that can understand the root cause of conflict is what's vital for success. That's why its for the best if we go forward as true comrades!"

"Heh, flattered your even pretending to offer me that after all I did, but I'll pass. The only way I can do that is if you truly are ready to let go James. And I can see, even if you guys say or think it, you're not.

You guys by now have just about all the knowledge of the history of the universe. But you lack the fire, the passion, the instinctual belief to truly learn. I never believed in god even after seeing angel's guys. But I believe in life, and have faith in passion!

You think cold logic gives you an advantage. But to truly move forward it takes more then acting with that knowledge, it needs belief, requires faith that it can happen on its own, and sacrificing your own comfort for that faith before people will truly trust someone without power! That's why no matter what you say, I'm never going back to doing things how they were before again.

If nothing else, but to make sure all the privilege is not on one side. Ben, for years we went back and forth over how I think things really are best for people, I think I figured it out.

I'm no communist, I don't think people should share every single thing cause people have to pull there own weight and its only right people deserve what they own.

But at the same time people don't deserve to just control every single thing they can see no matter what they done! Its not natural, its not right.

What I hate more then anything guys, is privilege. People deserve being rewarded for what they did, but people with privilege exploit it to get what they don't deserve naturally because of some con or another. I hate unnatural privilege, and want to end it even if it broke the universe.

No matter what good anyone does, it never gives them the privilege to have that one great act be an excuse forever, even if a person saved the universe once or twice!

Ben, no matter how many times you save the universe, it will never give you the privilege to force people to think how you want to think!

That's why I ended the "Divine privilege" angels had over all other folk. Now angels are not naturally God's winners! Now...now angels are just people who were lucky enough to live long enough to have a more morally healthy state of mind but are arrogant enough to think they naturally are better because of it. Meanwhile demons are no longer special but just assholes who get carried way with there emotions till they need to be put down like the rapid dogs they are.

I forced the very fabric of life to change so that all the privileged assholes no longer can look down on folk like me and see how things really are!"

"Damn it Doug, is that ALL you think good people are, lucky people? Not everyone of us had a good upbringing but we still ended up as good people! People like Cloud and,"

"Save the speech I heard it before bro. Cloud, Zidane, Vincent, Zero, Samus, Squall, Yuri, and all the others got a sucky hand, but they found someone that kept them over the edge. Some people are just ass holes, but some guys and gals seen as villains just found nobody to help them out of there pain and so they lost it, simple as that.

Even the guys you worshiped like Superman, Goku, Luke Skywalker, and even old man Myers could have been total dicks instead of hero's if they met different folk. If they missed one bump in the head or met one fella over another, men known as saints easily could have been the worst of the worst.

In the end, a man has his own choices but there is only so many choices they can make when there are no good options.

People thinking otherwise is what let so much god damn privilege make things more complicated then it should be, and I'm not going to stand for that.

That's why, I'm going to be the troll that spoils the mood, the Equalizer that shakes things up for people that are abusing their privilege, even if its lawful, even if it causes chaos! That's the only way for there to be true balance, for the underdogs everywhere to get their shot."

Ben was motionless for a moment, before he grasped his fist tightly. He grit his teeth as he slowly walked forward." Doug, your right about a few things, but dead wrong about others.

Its fair that I don't have the right to enforce my will on everyone no matter how much they can vex me. But how come you have the privilege to solely decide what is "fair"?

Even if I'm stronger then just about everyone but a handful of people, I'm accountable to all kinds of people. But your sounding like you just want to be accountable to your own ideology and nothing else.

Did you really think you could just go get to judge what is right by yourself? Doug, if it was just us going on doing your jobs like before that might be something, but this is far, FAR more then that. You don't seem to grasp what you did, so let's make this clear.

You freaking broke heaven and altered the very nature of the universe Doug! I'll trust you about how Myers died, but no matter what the reason, you altered the very fabric of existence!

If ANY one outside here knows that Doug Fitter is alive they will never be content till they know your answering for what you did!"

"Tsc, so you're just going to treat me just like Brad because it's not what you want to hear just so you can keep up your image?"

"Don't you understand Doug? The only way this does not end horribly wrong is if you turn yourself in now. That's the only way this can be fixed, that's the only way it can be, huh?"

In a flash Doug grasped Ben's sword arm and forced the limb up. Doug grasped Ben's limb up, and as the two men looked each other in the eye Doug's eyes glowed as embers of raw energy danced out of his eyes." THERE IS NO FIXING THIS BEN! I'm never going back to how things were, so look at who I am now! All of you see me not as you want me to be, BUT HOW I AM!"

Doug's aura blazed out, and suddenly his eyes were glowing red. As his aura kicked up the peddles into the air he grit his teeth." No one will be going after Doug, cause as far as everyone knows, Doug Fitter is dead! While I regret how it went down, I won't deny that part of me enjoys that there is no one left to lecture me. With Myres, Gouken, my old man and Cosmos all gone, there is no one left that has any moral right to judge me! I'm Victor now, I got my fresh start to leave ALL of my baggage behind! I won't be judged because of the past or of some future that might never exist, only by how pepole value how fun a present I can give them!

Victor Makishima is a dude who can protect himself, a man that's nothing special but will kick someone's ass if they are being an ass! And when push comes to shove, no one's going to walk over him, because I got a bit of a perk from causing that cosmic revolution!"

James quickly scanned Doug's red aura before he cringed." No…the particles being emitted from that aura, it's the Omega Effect! The same energy that only was emitted from beings of darkness such as Darkseid…and Zannacross himself!

That outburst on planet Vampa was not just a random side effect of the "Death Stranding" after all! No, when you did what you did, that mass of energy did have some of Zannacross's essence! Doug, you absorbed part of his essence!? That, that means you're the new devil of the universe?"

"Don't call me what I'm not James. Yah, I got a bit of the essence of darkness absorbed into me.

But I'm no god or devil, just a man! I'm not out to spread darkness or death, just life and freedom!

I'm not plotting anything like Zannacross or any of his demons yah hear!? I don't want to rule over anyone.

I don't want any tacky castles in hell, or have assholes worship me to feel tough cause they are nothing on there own! I'm content having nothing but a few simple possessions to my name, crashing from place to place like a nomad that is keeping it real, drinking around.

I just want to see freedom, and have the power to smack down any jackass who thought he was entitled enough to force what he or she don't have the right to enforce.

If people call me the devil because of it, so be it, I don't care what anyone thinks but I'll do what I think is right. The way I see it, if you and Lacus are clinging on to godhood, only fair someone other then Kira has something on par to hold you accountable.

I don't have anything close to Zannacross's control over reality, but now with this here Omega Effect I'm rather sure I can come close to unleashing a hell of a force of entropy nearly like the God's of Destruction to smack down any roadblock trying to keep me down.

Between that and my Ultra Instinct, I'm never going to be able to be treated as a after thought again!

So guys, listen the hell up. I don't want to kill anyone, I don't want any pain in the ass Empires named after me and I don't really even want to hurt anyone to much.

But your going to have to deal with the fact that I'm gonna be the equalizer to the whole universe, I'm going to break any force that's making things uneven for any one side and everyone will just have to accept they are going to have to share!

If you think I'm the only one keen on being a "Equalizer" then just maybe not all the former Enji that retired really threw in the towel eh? Go ahead, push your luck and see just how many really back you bro! You said you wanted to be the last hero dude? Well you got your wish, even if its not how you thought it was going to go! Ben...the time of the hero is over, at least in the way you and old man Myers saw it. You guys promised so damn much and now you could not deliver so good luck having anyone trust a hero for a long ass time " bro."

Course, that's how it should be. Not going to say hero's never do good, but one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist, right Cloud? Main point is your never going to be everyone's hero Ben, just accept your out for your tribe, or I'll smack you till you fess up all you really care for!"

Ben realized Doug's grip on his arm was to tight for him to break out of, and saw ice was coming out of his former teammate's arm before on instinct had an energy sword rise out of the ground.

Doug intercepted it, and had the blade erode as his hand discharged raw destruction energy into the sudden projectile.

Ben saw the wild look Doug had in his eyes and took a solemn sigh as he got into a fighting stance." Damn it Doug, you really are obsessed with freedom this much, to the point that you would become the devil and spread chaos?"

"If it's what it takes to make things free, then hell yah. You know, on one of my jobs I remember some priest ranting about how in the old days, the devil was not the embodiment of evil, just another one of God's agents tempting people to put them on the spot and lay out things for how they are.

That's how I see myself, and I don't really care what others think that looks like even if everyone else in existence says I'm wrong.

When I was doing that delivery job I thought I had freedom, but even if I could go anywhere I want I still was at the mercy of the privileged elite to do well.

But now, now I'm not doing things by there terms, I'm only doing things by my terms, and if that appeals to people then that's fine because I only want to spend more time then I have to with those I like being around.

Gouken will be happy, I'll be teaching people how to fight, and how to stand up for themselves.

Sorry it's not your fairy tale ending guys, but I'm going to be defiant to order itself for as long as I live!"

"Damn it Doug…so in the end you got drunk on power and are full of yourself eh? Even if you got a fraction of Zannacross's power, that's not enough to get you out of this! Even if you make this a pain, you will answer for what you,"

Before Ben could go on and prepare to strike, bell sounds went out. Ben and others saw transmissions form their friends asking them if everything's ready before Doug just blurt out laughing." That so man? Cause sure as hell seems like you're in the middle of something.

I swear I don't want to hurt anyone, but I damn sure am going to defend myself. I'll do what I can to not harm anyone, but no matter what its going to make a mess, and just might ruin your grand wedding you been putting together! I know how badly you wanted to prove to Lacus and everyone you could pull off the perfect wedding bro, so guess you have to choose what's most important to you?"

"Damn it Doug, you choose to meet me now just so you could have a way out?"

"Guess I was not random after all eh Ben? What's it going to be? You going to try and win this to prove your point or let things go?"

Ben sensed just how many people were around him, and sensed the depth's of Doug's power before he yelled out in frustration.

He lowered his sword before he gave his former teammate a bitter look." Damn it, damn you Doug! If this was any other time I'd settle this, but Lacus deserves the best. But I swear to god, this is not over!"

"Heh, course its not over man! Heh, well if nothing else you take your girl seriously eh? Tsc, just have one last thing to ask before I bolt dude. Ben, if Lacus was not with Brad, but some decent fella what were you going to do? You lucked out that the girl you never got over ended up being with a monster, but what if she was happy? Would you still have kept fighting a loosing battle?"

Ben was shocked at the sudden turn before he looked at his blade." I mean, if Lacus was with a good person, I would have respected her happiness. I guess, I would have looked for someone, someone else that I could have gotten along with. Someone who was not a liar like Larxene, someone who I could have,"

"Made you happy? Heh, tall order since you did not even know what you wanted. Lacus was, IS your dream girl, and you would have kept chasing that dream till you died refusing to see" normal" gals like Wendy as pepole worth talking to. You got lucky, many don't get there dream to come true and just wake up and move on.

What if you had to move on and move away from what you thought you enjoyed and moved on to what you needed? What if you gave up impossible dreams an just stopped caring about every damn thing and just enjoyed the small pleasures life can give you if you just let it?"

Ben got angry again as he raised an eyebrow." What is this Doug? One last troll before you bolt by making me doubt things before I get married? The reason I love Lacus is because I never felt more complete then with anyone else. After all you done, I won't let you try and take what I have away from me!"

"Tsc, so are friendship and all the times we enjoyed chilling was nothing worthwhile eh man? Guess its true, bro's before hoes since you refuse to even think of any other way to live. Just another example of how you refuse to be honest.

Ben, aside from Lacus, Max and your family I reckon I know how you think more then most, and that's why I know your full of it.

You and me both were looked down on when we grew up, and had little we could do but take it. My dad was rougher then yours, but I admit he was respected by more folks then your old man seemed to be, or at least that's how you saw things.

Seems like that lack of respect your entire family had, that shame, that desire to prove you belong on the top as someone who was wanted, really became the core of your identity bro. It took being the chosen savior of the universe till you thought you were anything but a nobody.

But then you let that become your entire identity, thinking you could only be a savior, and not even bother to try and have value just as a normal person that others want to be with.

Why else would you never even think of giving up your power? Is it for" peace" or, because without Cosmos and the Enji order as it was, you would go back to being a nobody?

I get it Ben, you had no power and no respect from anyone for so much of your life that you craved it badly. But you did not want to be the" bad guy" so you wanted to want it the "right" way so all the" Good people" would like you at last.

That's where are values differ dude, cause I only really cared about having the power to be free to live my life how I wanted.

Be honest Ben, Brad's done ton's of messed up stuff, but like Idious said that time, you hate him most of all because deep down he's what a part of you wanted to be, a guy who took what he wanted and had the skill to keep it no matter who did not approve."

"That's not true Doug, that's to horrible to say even as a bad joke!"

"Cause that's not what a hero says right bro? Cause a hero does the right stuff and so folk give him what he wants because he deserves it for doing things the right way right?

Just be honest to me for once Ben, just be honest that even if you spent years making up excuses in your head, deep down, all the hero stuff is a mask! Cause as Idious showed, past the mask is a bitter angry person who always resented being the" Loser" and wanted to be the "winner". Since you thought you just don't have the natural things people want you wanted to grasp anything that would make you "desirable", like being a hero.

You saw how many of your family lacked things people wanted and just lived out as loners and thought it was just part of your bloodline legacy. So you just gave up and thought you could make up for it by obtaining something that would give you value.

But have you seriously not learned anything yet? No matter how much power someone has, no matter how much they " know" or "own", people just go to who they like being around with and all the stuff can't last if they are not likeable.

You hate Brad more then the devil bro! But deny it all you want, but he is right that its just the cold hard truth that many don't care what sins someone does to others as long as they personally enjoying being around them and they get treated right around them.

No matter how you hate it, that's just how folk act. You tried to rewrite reality itself so that people would change, but how about just, being likeable?

Don't feel like I'm picking on you with this, I reckon everyone that acts all noble is hiding a selfish reason, but I just want you to admit to me what you really are. That when your trying to come off as the champion of peace your just trying to defend the outsiders like your self, and anyone that's down with that, making everyone else the enemy instead of just someone with different values.

You know, I swear to god I would give up this power if you gave up yours and we just went on a road-trip with as normal fellas who had to win over people with nothing but there likeability alone, forcing you to not have any excuse but to just be a person that can win over people just because they naturally want to.

But let me guess, your never going to risk not having a advantage again and have to just rely on natural skill! Your never going to leave Lacus for the guy who broke heaven with his dill of a will eh?"

Ben saw the passion in Doug's eyes before his own eye twitched." This all just some big joke to you Doug? You act like its just some switch to turn on! You have no idea, how hard its been my entire life! You really think you know how everything should be eh?

You really think anyone wants to not act in a way that makes them shunned, like they are just not flipping the right switch in there head because they like being isolated!?

I know how frustrating it is, that's why I want to make things better for all those people who suffer in a world that shuns them!"

Damn you, damn you Doug! You keep saying I think I'm god, when you think you know the best on everything! The method was wrong yes, but is it really so wrong for people to be able to understand each other better? For people, to not have to be alone?"

"It is if its not real man, that's the breaks. Its only worth it if its real, not some thing forced from a outside source. Again, if it means this real understanding only lasts a short while, then it is what it is.

I don't think I know everything Ben, just how people act, because unlike you I keep things real.

Tsc, clearly your not going to admit your wrong today so that's all there is left to say.

Heh, but one day your going to admit you were wrong Ben.

One day, we will talk things over a drink and laugh at how much we all cared about superficial crap, and who knows, if I do what I set out right maybe everyone but the stubborn morons will laugh over drinks over everything they made a big deal out of as life itself at last moved on.

But till then, I'm so damn done hanging around places reeking with hypocrisy and privilege! C'mon Aqua, time we get on to a party that welcomes are kind."

The others were shocked as Aqua sighed, but then walked over to Doug.

The blue haired woman gave a sympathetic smile to the others. "Axel, everyone, sorry for this. You're my friends, but when push comes to shove I have to side with Doug. I have to side, with my family."

Axel saw Aqua rub her stomach, and Doug's grin widened before his jaw dropped." Aqua, no! You, you did not tell me it got that far!"

"I did not mean to hide this from you or anyone else. I just found out myself."

Doug just sprouted a toothy grin before he yelled at the top of his lungs." Booya! Even if its not officially going to be a Fitter, the tribe's going to be growing!"

Cloud looked at Doug carefully before he winced." Doug…you and Aqua are having a child? I hope you realized what raising a child can be like under the life you seem dead set on living?"

"Course I do Cloud. But I don't care about any official titles of marriage or anything when I care about things that are real! No matter how you try, I'll never stop trying to equalize life. Ben, you being stubborn is how you pushed through to get what you want.

But in the end while you care for your friends, you made it clear anyone that's not your friend is an obstacle to subdue.

Sure, you don't want to kill the one's that ain't trying to kill you, but you find every possible way to gain control over who you don't like instead of just dealing that you have to compromise with what you don't have the same respect for. Your gonna have to this time Ben, your going to have to take how things are."

Max saw Ben was looking upset before he cracked his neck." Doug…you sure as hell are determined to go down the path you believe in. I can respect that, though from experience I know I was so stubborn I missed a lot of important things."

"Maybe Max…but right now I don't have a single doubt about what I have to do. I'm sorry it came to this, truly."

"I get it man, you got to do what you got to do. But Doug…I respect and even sympathize with your ideas, but I'm still loyal to my pack. If you endanger what I care about, don't doubt I'm going to show my fangs and get the job done. Push comes to shove, your going to find that after everything, you drew the bad beat card in life."

"Got it…but if your cousin can't let go of things, my hand will be forced."

"Well, guess that's why I'm sticking around to make sure things don't go to hell on my watch. You can try and hide, but just maybe we will have that drink one day."

"Looking forward to that, no joke their Max."

Doug saw Ben, Cloud, Ezan, James, and Hiryuumon were all giving him various hurt and angry looks before he chuckled." Guys, I know you think I betrayed you all badly, but one day your going to thank me.

Ben, if everything you wanted went as you wanted it, you either would have been bored out of your mind or not think anything at all. Your all going to thank me one day for keeping you on the level, you will see I was right!

Your all gonna see that I,"

"In a flash Ben suddenly came down from above Doug, with the Divine Mugen Nova coming down for his right arm. Doug caught the blade, but Ben grasped Doug with his free hand, with enough force to slam his head into the ground. The impact shattered the ground, and Ben's hand instantly surged with divine energy as he seethed out," No Doug, YOUR going to see how wrong you are once and for all!

You can't just laugh this off, not after what you did! No matter what you say, you can't laugh off that your the one that wrecked the entire universe solely cause of your petty selfish feelings! Delude yourself all you want, but nothing you can ever do will atone for this till your shut down once and for all!

So take this, my anger, my fury, and all of my sorrow at your betrayal! No matter what, I'll never let you get away with this! Now Ezan, send him to your Kamui pocket reality so we can finish this once and for all!"

"Affirmative." Ben's rival spat out as his eyes glowed." Kamui!"

The super elite warrior used his eyes to begin to suck his former comrade into his personal space time realm. Doug saw Ezan's spell going off and instantly reacted, only for James to focus all of his energy to weigh down Doug with a magnetism spell as he sighed." I am sorry Doug, but your insane crusade of chaos must end here!"

For a moment it looked like Doug was going to be pushed back, till ice spread out to consume everyone's legs. As Ben felt his energy drain he realized Aqua unleashed the ice, and gave her former teammates a sorrowful look." I'm sorry everyone, but even if the entire universe is against him, I will do all I can to help Doug's dream, flaws and all."

Ben saw Doug's grin widen before his anger surged." No...I gave you to many chances Doug. This ends now!"

The owner of the Divine Mugen Nova had his hair turn golden as sparks erupted out of his aura as he pressed down with all of his might. Ben's palm unleashing enough energy to burn Doug the man who shattered heaven just formed another half-lopped smile." Sure you will, cause no matter how hard you come down on me I'll never give up till you cave dude. Knew you would throw a tantrum, but figured you would not want to mess up what you have left? Guess your that much a sore loser eh bro?."

"Damn you Doug, DAMN YOU!"

Ben roared with raw fury as he punched Doug squarely in the jaw, as he did Doug gave him the same kind of blow. The two bitter former teammates tried to push each other down, but even as Doug's face was burning he still had a wild look to his eye." Even if you punch with unlimited power your still not going to make me get in line "Bro"! Even if the weight of the entire god damn universe comes at me, I'm never going to get in line so you all just have to deal with how things are!"

"Get over yourself Doug, you keep thinking your something your not, but now your going to have to deal with what you really are!"

Ben just yelled with rage as energy surged into his fist. He prepared to form clones to punch Doug all at once, but Aqua got in front of Ben before he could unleash his attack. Ben wavered for only a instant, and that was all the time Doug needed to unleash a blast of energy from his eyes.

As Ben deflected the energy beams with his blade, his former teammate grasped Aqua and jumped up." Well guess you still care a little about justice and not just being right eh Ben? If you don't lose those instincts maybe you won't become worst then Kira yet eh? Alright bro's have fun playing around in your games. So long bros...keep it real!"

Doug's eyes glowed again before he made a hand gesture. In less then a second Doug and Aqua were gone.

James blinked at what unfolded before he walked back in shock." That gesture, looked the same as Goku when he used Instant Transmission! So, he now can do that as well?"

Ezan grasped his blade tightly as he looked around in frustration." Damn him, he can't be sensed and can warp just about anywhere. Doug, he truly has become the embodiment of chaos at this rate."

Ben cursed in frustration, and Hiryuumon saw everyone's tense faces before he gulped." Doug, why you have to be like this? What, what do we do now?"

James looked at his wristwatch before he readjusted his glasses. He quickly cast a few spells at once to repair all the damage the failed attempt to capture his former friend unleashed before he steeled himself." What we do, is keep tabs on every place that even hints at having a trace of Doug's energy. But, others can do that. Since we backed off because of the wedding, we rather damn well should see it through properly yes gentlemen?"

Ezan nodded before he put away his sword." Agreed. Auro, don't let Fitter's insanity ruin the moment. My dampening spell prevented any one from hearing or sensing this. You have a marriage to go through, embrace it."

"Ezan, James, thanks." Ben uttered as he put his own sword back." Doug at least seems like he does not want to cause any direct trouble, for now. Well, one thing at a time right? We will deal with Doug later, but for now let's give Lacus what she deserves right?"

"You got it boss!" Hiryuumon blurted out eagerly." At the very least Doug seems to not want to hurt us so, that's something right? Don't worry, we will work it out later Ben." Ben saw his former Digimon partner try and give him a face bump and smirked before he bumped back.

Cloud nodded before he patted Ben on the back." Got to keep the train on the tracks right Ben? C'mon, try and put it behind you to focus on what's important to you."

"Right, thanks again Cloud Sensei. Alright guys, time to get married!"

Axel chuckled bitterly as he looked down." Yah…lets try and keep someone's life on track today."

"Er…sorry man." Ben threw out somberly at the sight of the former Dark Enji's dismay. The red haired man saw the others and shrugged." Heh, don't go and give me a pity party now. It, its fine. This will just be how I tell my future kid how I met her mother, and I'll make them memorize it damn it!"

"Lets…get you a drink man." Cloud threw out as he went over. Ben winced before he looked at everyone else." I, hope you will be ok."

"Man enough of that." Max threw out." That all sucked hardcore but lets focus on the here and now. Or do you not want to get married?"

"Like hell Max, lets do this!"

Max chuckled before he gave a playful thumbs up.

Ben saw his friend walk out to rejoin the others. Ben paused to see the burnt parts of the ground left by Doug's feet left from his aura before he took a sigh of dismay at the state of how things were with his former teammate and best friend.

As he lamented how things were with Doug for a few seconds he saw a janitor come in, an older man with a beard and curly hair wearing big sunglasses.

Ben saw the man's name-tag said he was Chuck Shurley Lee and winced as he looked at the mess." Sorry you got a bit more work to do mister Chuck, things got a bit of a mess. I wish I could explain more but it's very, very complicated I'm screwed if I show up to late to my own wedding so hope you can still have a good day."

"Heh, don't worry kid, with this job of mine I'm use to this kind of work making my day's messy. And, for what its worth, don't let this stress you out too much Ben. Doug knows what he's doing with all of this new power, if he did not, I would not have let him go through with it."

Ben froze in his tracks as he made sure he heard that right. He turned around and saw Chuck just had a pleasant, if wily smile before he cleared his throat." Sorry sir, are you feeling ok? No offense, but if you say what I thought you said the only way you really could be there…is if you were god."

"Heh, sounds about right. So guess what do you think that means "Savior"?

"Chuck…you're the One Above All?"

"You're catching on. Well, it seemed like a rather big festival, so I figured I'd get a close up look. Almost seems like I had to clean up a mess if things got to hairy but looks like you guys worked it out eh?"

Ben eyed what seemed to be God carefully before he gulped." So, you knew what Doug was going to do? And, you allowed it? You let him do that, even if it broke heaven and hell and ruined so many of your angels?"

"Remember when Zalama said he was speaking for the word of god? That was not a lie. Ben, remember the talk we had about how the way God sees things differently then anyone else?

Well, I been watching things for a while, and with the direction things were going, it seemed like a good time to" Mix things up." Cosmos, for all the good intentions she and all the angels had, they were blinded to things. Truthfully...this blindness kept the universe in the same cycle again and again. Drastic measures were needed, and Doug had a drastic idea, so I "rolled with it"."

"So, Doug's chaotic world, even the Death Stranding, is what you really think is the happiest state for the universe?"

"Well, it will not make everyone happy but it's the fairest way to give the most amount of people there chance at their own, unique happiness."

"So, in the end, this chaos is the best life has to offer?"

"That's subjective as always Ben, in the end everyone sees things differently. And those with the strength to grasp their happiness will come out on top. At the least, it ensures life does not stagnate to where life has no value."

"With…with all do respect…that almost sounds like the way Brad was talking."

The One Above All was quiet for a few moments, before he chuckled and looked down." I admit, I feel a bit different now that some of my mind and soul is no longer divided between Cosmos and Zannacross. I feel, less, constrained. That's why, after all this I'll be truthful to you. I'm not Zannacross, I'm not pure evil. But as the god of all, while I can be a saint at times, I can also be the most savage sinner if the mood strikes me, just like nature is.

Ben Auro, all the theologians were wrong about divine guidance and heavenly judgment.

Mortals fixate themselves with thinking they know God's will, and they pondered so hard the angels and other deities assumed they knew to all to have some peace of mind for not knowing so much.

But not even Cosmos truly understood me, because she and all other " heavenly beings" did not want to accept it.

Ben, I could give a very complex explanation about my rational, but what if I told you that in the end Omnipotence, supreme power does not give any truer enlightenment by itself, and that there is not more to it than being the first claimant that was able to wield it?

What if I told you, that while Cosmos and all the angels and other "true believers" sought deeper meaning, the truth is that in the end all life, is just one story that above all, is to entertain its creator?

People wonder why god does not answer their prayers, and what if the reason, the only true answer is in the end, I only answer what I feel like answering, what amuses me enough to answer?

I told you Ben, Zannacross assumed life should be ultimate obedience to god, but a life like that would be boring.

But ultimately, that boring state would be the same result if it was total harmony, and a world where nothing changes, the world Cosmos and so many angels were fixated on, however based on noble intentions, is a world that's reached its end."

"So…your saying that you would destroy all of existence if it was to boring?"

"Would I? I sort of already did Ben, vie the Beyonder at least. But I quickly realized that to would be to boring, so I allowed Whis and Valdos to rewind to the past in time so you all could try again. You wanted the truth Ben?

Everyone wants some big hopeful deeper truth to feel better, but if they knew the truth that they are all just actors to bring God amusement and that there is absolutely nothing they can do but live on in acceptance...then that would bring most people to the brink of madness yes?"

Ben fell to his knees as he took in fully what the One Above All was saying. As he looked at the Divine Mugen Nova again he nearly bit his lip." So…in the end bringing peace to the universe is just a big joke to you?"

"Oh don't be such a cynic son, your still alive after all right? I don't think universal peace is a joke, just the version Cosmos saw as peace a naïve fantasy, and bluntly it was one that I become tired of humoring.

When it comes down to it, the angels were my first children so I let them keep there dreams. But I grew tired of letting there fantasy go on so I ended the privilege both they and the demons had. Now the will of mortals will be what carves the universe's history.

And even then, I allowed you and Lacus keep your immortality and power because I want to give you a chance to see your true paradise through despite this setback.

It won't be so simple as Iger made it out to be before. So knowing this, what are you going to do?"

Ben was quiet for a few moments before he heard the wedding bells and grasped his fist tightly." Now that I know the mistakes I made, I won't make them again. As long as there is a chance for true peace, no matter how difficult it is, I am going to live up to my role as the chosen one, and see it through right."

"Excelsior!" The One Above All uttered as his grin widened." Despite the mistakes you made, your resolve is true. Only now do you realize how difficult it will be. But at least Lacus and some of the others will be there to share the pain.

Don't loose sight of what you truly care for, and you just might be able to pull it off. But for now enjoy your moment of glory Ben, from the word of God you earned it."

"Thank you, God. Well, hope I don't come off as rude but unless you froze time again, I guess I better get going before my wife to be and everyone else gets anxious right? I mean, do you want to see the wedding to?"

"Heh, forget again Ben who I am? I'm everywhere."

"Oh right, well then that's all to be said then for now?"

"Nuff said kid. Face front, true believer, and when we meet again, hope you're a little less lost."

"Thank you." Ben gave a polite bow and ran off. As the One Above All saw him off he chuckled." Well, so he did not break after all. There might be more possibilities left after all…guess a reboot won't be needed just yet."

The "Source" chuckled as he walked through the hallway, and vanished the moment he did.

Despite this divine and bitter exchange going on, thanks to all of the chapel's defenses everyone outside that one room was unaware of just what happened, and just knew that things were behind schedule. But before people could get to restless, trumpets and other bombastic musical instruments went off.

People saw Leia, Luke, the former living Enji Masters such as Eraqus, Zoda, Sieghart, and Genkai, along with the former subcommittee members such as Ansem, Doctor Light, Laguna, and the others before they knew things were truly getting underway.

The anxious people then broke into a happy uproar as Lacus slowly entered the chamber, with Eric holding her hand, her bridesmaids at her side and her sisters holding her dress up.

As she slowly walked up to the center of the chamber, Ben with the others at his side walked in form the other side of the chamber. Lacus saw Ben enter, with a calm look on his face before she let out a smile of relief.

The two walked along side each other and exchanged looks of excitement before they walked up the crystalline staircase. As they reached the top of the altar, the lovers were happy to see Atem walk up to greet them on the other end.

The former ruler of the Lylat Kingdom smiled before bowing." Are you ready for this my friend?"

"Of course your, of course Atem. Thanks for agreeing to this."

"I may no longer be the head of the government, but as the ruler of Corneria, and one of the faith, I'll be more then happy to officially bring two of my friends together."

"Thank you Atem." Lacus uttered sweetly." I'll always remember this. At last, after all of this it's all coming together."

"Heh, only a few minor setbacks but, nothing that will get in the way of the day."

Lacus saw Ben's tension before she raised an eyebrow." Ben, what's wrong? Is everything ok?"

Suddenly Ben Grim, Ben Skywalker, Ben King of the Saints Row gang, and Benjamin Sisko all threw out responses at once before Lacus giggled." Sorry, I meant the Ben I'm marrying."

"Right here love." Ben answered as he walked up. He realized Lacus and others were reacting to his distraction before he smirked."Heh, sorry. Call it a cliché, but you really look breathtaking in that dress. This all, is like a dream."

"Oh Ben…thank you. Still, I seen you more entranced with well, other kinds of looks I had. C'mon, something wrong? Oh god, did Hiryuumon swallow the ring? Or Yoshi? Its easy enough to get the ring out of those two but what if Kirby swallowed the ring?"

"Don't worry Lacus! The rings are right here Kupo!"

The two glanced to see Moz fly down. As the official ring-bearer, Ben's long time Moogle pal flew down with the special Quantum Cube Atem gave Moz to secure the rings.

Sonic saw the rings before the blue speedster smirked." All the rings I seen, this one sure seems like it came from the most special zone of all."

Lacus giggled in Moz's specially tailored tuxedo before he gave Atem the Quantum Cube. As the "King of Games" unlocked the cube Ben gave Lacus a thumbs up and pet Moz in unison."

"Lacus…don't worry, nothing you have to worry about today. I swear I'll tell you the rest later but, the gist of it is I talked with someone who was…not to keen with how things have been. Did not, really help the mood you know?"

"Oh, a heckler got in eh? Ben, sorry to ruin the vibe but don't let that get to you. People, will disagree with us no matter what, but we just have to figure out the best way to blaze down the path to peace right?"

"Oh Lacus…your right. So lets go together eh?"

Lacus got misty eyed before she nodded. Atem, Erich, and some of the others gave Ben looks of confusion before he gave the thumbs up. As Ezan, James, and Cloud all nodded everyone got into there final positions, before the massive chamber slowly got quiet.

Atem looked at everyone and gave a regal smile. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us for this joyous day.

Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation.

The union of husband and wife is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given each other in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord.

Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.

Into this union Dutchness Lacus Anastacia Raystar and Benjamin Fei Auro now come to be joined.

If any of you can show just cause why they may not be lawfully wed, speak now, or else forever hold your peace."

Ben glanced behind him and saw his family, Lacus's family, his comrades, and the other former Enji from Lloyd, Kratos, Genius, Colette, Raine, Zelos, Veigue Lungberg, Eugene,Annie Barrs, Tytree Crowe, Kyle, Loni, Cecil, Kain, Rosa, Golbez, Tear, Jade, Guy, Natalia,

Vaan,Balthier, Ashe, Basch, Penelo, Jude, Bartz, Cyan, Sabin, Edgar, Celes, Stahn,Rutee, Leon Mangus, Firion, Yuri, Flynn, Estelle, Karl, Rita, Judith, Raven, Lighting, Hope, Szah, Fang, Cress, Mint, Noctis, Reid Hershel, Farah Oersted, Keele Zeibel, Meredy, Shing Meteoryte, Kohaku and Hisui Hearts, Ines Lorenzen, Kunzite, Luneth, Refia, Ingus,and all the Enji that could fit in the room,

to his other allies like the Star Fox team, Amuro, Domon, Setsuna and the other Gundam pilots, The Persona users, Peach, Zelda, and the various other loved ones of his various friends, the Joestar's, Reed Richards and the rest of the Fantastic Four, Trunks,

Benjamin Sisko, Worf and some of the crew of Deep Space Nine along with Q, and even the likes of Wario, Bowser, Robotnik, King Dedede, and others made no objections.

Ben braced himself for Doug to show up, but nothing happened.

He did see flickering in the upper right, and saw a mirror that showed some of the other dead like Goku and Vegeta watching. Ben saw Master Myers's image appear between Obi Won Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, and saw the former leader of the Enji give a approving nod before Ben smiled, and exerted all of his will power not to break down.

After taking a long sigh Atem saw Ben's tension and smirked." Seems like the verdict is you two are a good match my friend. You found the key to winning the most important game in life, the heart of the cards truly is with you.

And so, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"

Ben saw the depths of light in Lacus 's eyes before he smiled." I do."

"Then Lacus…wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?"

Lacus got misty eyed before she nodded eagerly." I will!"

"Alright then. Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?" Atem received Lacus from her father's hand. Taking the love of his life's right hand,

Ben took a deep breath before he looked confidently at his bride to be. "I, Benjamin Fei Auro, take thee, Lacus Anastacia Raystar, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse: for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth."

Lacus took Ben by his right hand, and looked like the embodiment of love as she got up to Ben. "I, Lacus Anastacia Raystar, take thee, Benjamin Fei Auro, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse: for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth."

Atem grasped his fist tightly before he made a dramatic gesture." Bless, O Lord, this ring, and grant that he who gives it and she who shall wear it may remain faithful to each other, and abide in thy peace and favor, and live together in love until their lives end.

With this ring I thee wed; with my body I thee honor; and all my worldly goods with thee I share, Amen. So…before the marriage is complete do you two have any wedding vows you would like to proclaim?"

"Of course." Ben threw in wryly as he grasped Lacus fondly." Heh, time for something slightly off the script. Lacus, from the moment I saw you I wanted to be with you. Even if I did not know a lot as a kid, and there were more then a few things I did not know, I knew I was happy with you.

Even, as we were apart for years, even, if I missed things that lead to your unhappiness, the moment we were reunited I knew, I knew who I loved. It, took a while to be able to express how I felt properly, and for a time I did feel like I blew it big time.

But, after well, a lot of stuff, I was able to express myself properly, and here we are. Lacus, things may never be perfect, but I know I'll be my best self and have the best kind of life when I'm with you. And, I want to go down that life with you, if that's what you want of course."

Lacus giggled as people clapped and hooted before she went up to Ben." Oh Ben, you always know how to make me laugh, even in times where I'm anxious as hell. I don't know if I would call it love at first sight but, you were fun even the first day we met. How I saw you, might have evolved across time, but you always were there for me. Even, when I did not have faith in myself, you had faith in me.

Even, when I could not see it myself. There was a time when I thought you were hopeless, clueless, out of touch. But, while you were not right about everything, you were right about me, about who I wanted to be, and did not give up on me even after I gave up on myself.

After we both evolved, we were able to see eye to eye before, before it was to late. We all have responsibility to be are best selves, but sometimes being with the right people helps us find are way.

You help me be my best self Ben Auro, and you managed to even have a, oh…fifty fifty shot of looking cool doing it.

Life, does not unfold like we want it to, but no matter how many bumps there will be in the road that is life, I'll feel happier knowing I'll go down the road with you. So, lets go down the road together, and see how long it takes us eh?"

"Sounds like a plan to me Lacus."

Ben took the wedding rings from Atem's hand and gave one to his fiancé. Ben took the ring and placed it upon the fourth finger of Lacus''s left hand, before she did the same to him.

Atem saw the longing in both of there eyes before he smirked." With this ring I thee wed; with my body I thee honor; and all my worldly goods with thee I share. Amen. I officially pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Before Atem even finished Ben kissed Lacus passionately. As he did Spider-man, Prompto, Ben's mom, and dozens of others took photos.

As Prompto got Ben and Lacus's kiss the blond-haired man smirked." Oh yah, that's a work of art all right."

Ignis and Gladiolus chuckled, and as Gladiolus patted the smaller man on the back Ignis smirked. "Prompto, for once I'm in full agreement."

Noctis saw Stella look misty eyed before he grasped the hand of the altered woman, and the former Black Swan smiled back." Despite everything that's been going on, the light does seem to shine really damn hard from those two. "

As his comrades nodded a chorus of cheers filled the room. After nearly a minute the two at last broke off their kiss. Ben saw everyone cheering for him, and looked at Lacus before he squeezed his new wife's hand tightly.

The two braced each other as they slowly walked down the alter as husband and wife. They slowly walked out of the alter in preparation to go to the dinning hall.

Lacus was handed flowers by Aeris, and the two women hugged before the bridesmaids and grooms escorted the couple out. Lacus saw countless people, both people they knew and did not cry out in jubilation at them.

Ben and Lacus winked at each other, and as the others got everyone to move back Lacus motioned that she was ready to throw her bouquet.

As people swarmed around for a few seconds the bride laughed, and gave a light throw. While some like Velvet, Fang, Ruby, Kale, and a few others went for it, till a blond woman that Ben and Lacus both thought looked familiar caught it.

Lacus looked confused for a moment as she tried to recall where she knew the woman, till a young voice cried out,"MOMMY!"

Lacus and Ben looked down to see a boy around seven years old kid with red eyes, and brown hair tied up in a ponytail run up. The kid nearly got trampled till Ramathel dove down to grasp the kid.

As she grasped the kid up the former Black Swan sighed." Careful Abel, you nearly got trampled in front of your mother's eyes. That would sadden Miss Sophia very much."

"Oh, sorry Miss Ramathel. "Able responded blankly." I just wanted mommy to get the magical wedding flowers so she can be happy! They say if she finds the flowers she might find love to!"

The woman named Sophia saw how excited her son looked before she kissed him." Able…don't be so reckless. Mommy has happiness because no matter what, she has you! Your, my cosmos."

As the two hugged Ramathel saw Ben, James, Lacus, and those around them look confused before she bowed." Sorry to interrupt. We found Miss Sophia and her son Able a few months ago, both recovering from surviving a quake on Elicoor II that damaged both of there memories. Despite this, they have each other to get through this hardship. They won the lottery to see the wedding."

James saw "Abel" touch the flower to heal the peddle that got damaged when his mother caught it before he chuckled." That's fine Ramathel, this is a joyous day for everyone who's hearts are full of light. I'm, glad your taking your new job well."

"Its fine, in some ways its not to far from my previous job." James saw the look on the woman's face before he gasped.

Ezan raised an eyebrow before he looked at the mother and child closely. The sliver haired man gasped as he looked closer." Wait, the two almost look like, them. So, this was the result?"

Lacus tried to sense Sophia's energy before her smile widened." I'm sorry for all of the trauma you went through in your life Miss. I hope, despite that hardship you can find happiness."

"It's ok Miss's Raystar, I have all I need to give my child happiness and that's enough for me."

Ben saw Abel laugh before he smirked." So, that's what I think it is right? Well, even at the cost of everything, I'm glad they are happy. At least, some people ended up happier than before things started."

As Ben and Lacus squeezed each other tightly a sudden angry yell broke out. Ben and co quickly glanced to the right, and saw the yell came from what seemed like a young member of the Namekian delegates for the ceremony.

Ben quickly saw the Namek looked young, and his skin was pitch black compared to those around him with fiery red eyes.

This Namek was struggling to break out of a arm lock Sabin Fargo had him under, before the former Enji Knight gritted out," Young man I don't want to hurt you but if you keep being a disturbance I will have to use enough force to settle you down."

"You don't understand!" The young Namek roared out." The disturbance, I can feel the sinful corruption in the air! It has to be, purified!"

The namek's eyes started to glow before an older Namek got in front of him." Wait, calm down Zael! We are so very sorry for this. Young Zael hatched only recently, but it was the very moment heaven broke.

We think, he was corrupted or mutated as many parts of his life have been, abnormal. We hoped seeing new sights could get him to have a better understanding of things. It was going well, till recently."

"The air, it reeks of darkness, corruption. It, it must be." Zael staggered about till Sophia glanced at him. As the two locked eyes Sophia smiled warmly." Its ok, things will be ok.

This place felt strange to me and my child to, but we focused on what we had faith on and it made the anxiety go away. I hope you can find the things that will bring you peace to Zael."

The ebony colored Namek blinked before he looked less anxious." T, thank you."

The Namekian elder saw Zael looked calmer before he smirked, and then turned to bow to Ben and the others." My sincere apologizes for the disturbance. I was going to ask this later, but we just hoped if you all could maybe help Zael understand himself and his power more so he can at last be at peace."

Ben looked at Zael intently and saw the Namek only looked confused before he and Lacus gave each other a glance, before the leader of the Justice Force nodded." We will be happy to help him find are way. Trust me, I know about feeing isolated, that's why I'll do all I can to help him understand himself and find a role in life where he will be at peace."

"Thank you, savior. Come Zael, let's see if feeling full will calm your nerves. Heh, with your unique body you might even be able to handle the cake."

Ben saw Zael be leaded away, and saw the Namekian with red eyes give looks of confusion to both him and Sophia before he glanced at Lacus." So, its not just me right? That, that guy is who I think it is right?"

"Indeed Auro." Ezan stated flatly." His aura, is a faint match with Zannacross. For the God of darkness and wrath to be reborn as a Namekian, a vegetarian, does have a bit of irony to it.

"Indeed, and now we can keep an eye if things escalate." Cloud added." At least, with all the things that are unclear, we got a little more clarity."

"Got that right Cloud sensei." Ben added." Well, at least we know what happened. Ah well, if that's the worst the wedding got off track then that sounds like a win eh? So let's go to, huh?"

Ben was about to walk further before he saw a teenager had gotten in his path. The boy had a round face framed by a short mess of fluffy dark green hair which stuck up at odd angles around his head, casting noticeably dark shadows onto itself.

His eyes were large and somewhat circular, their irises the same green color as his hair, and are usually stretched quite wide, giving him an innocent appearance.

He had a set of four symmetrical freckles in diamond formations, one on each cheek, and was looking extremely anxious.

The kid saw Ben looking at him and looked like he was going to faint before he looked at his hands and took a deep breath." Wait, before you go I have a question for you mister savior! I, I know your busy but I got here purely by chance and just don't know if I will ever get the chance to ask you this again so if you would please let me just take up your time for a moment!

I'm, I'm Izuku Midoriya, though my friends call me Deku. You, you're my hero mister Auro! I wanted to be like you, but I'm nothing special. I, I don't have any real talent to stand out. I want to be a hero, but everyone tells me I'm an idiot dreamer.

Do, do you think someone like me, and my friends Yooka-Laylee and Miriam can be a hero one day, e, even if we are nothing special? Do, do you think someone like me, someone without a unique quirk to stand out, can be a hero like you one day?"

Ben looked past Deku and saw a human shaped chameleon and a brown haired woman in gothic attire, among others who won tickets to see the wedding look at Ben hopefully before the owner of the Divine Mugen Nova thought of how he joined the Enji, and smirked.

He went right over to Deku and kneeled down before patting the youth on the shoulder." Deku right? So, you want to be a hero kid? It's not bad to dream. But you also have to consider what's realistic or others can get hurt."

"I know, I know that but, I, I want to be someone, who has value."

"I hear you Deku, believe it or not I was like you once, someone who thought he was a nobody, and was desperate to prove that was not all I could be. But, you have to know a hero's life is not easy. It will test you, make you doubt yourself, doubt everything.

But, if its really what your dream is, then give it everything you got! Those who are always aiming for the top, and those who aren't. That slight difference in attitudes will have a big impact once you go out into society.

When there's nothing to be gained, rising to the challenge at those times... is surely the mark... of a true hero!"

If you feel yourself hitting up against your limit remember for what cause you clench your fists... remember why you started down this path, and let that memory carry you beyond your limit. So if your serious, then give it all you got, and then one day I hope we can work together Deku."

Deku took in what Ben said before he looked overjoyed." Thank you, thank you Mister Auro! I will, I promise I will give it a plus ultra effort to prove I can be a symbol for peace just like you!"

"That's the way kid." Ben uttered as he ruffled Deku's hair. He saw the others look at him before he gave a thumbs up." Everyone, thanks for the support, it touches me to the bottom of my heart!

I wish I could be there for everyone, but I would be lying if I said I will never fail you. Still, I'll try my best to not fail when it counts, and make sure to live up to being a symbol for peace and true justice for the entire universe!

Everyone, I know the future maybe even more unclear then when we all first met, but despite that I have faith that it will all work out for the best with people like you at my side.

Even if its not fate that the hero's save the day, we have to keep trying, for the sake of everyone that has faith in us!"

"Correct you are, Master Auro."

Zoda muttered as the Enji Master walked up. " Wrong it is to give up just because light is not fated to win. Greif in the universe, is there? Oh, yes. Oceans of it. Worlds. And darkness? There you see darkness, darknes everywhere, and a few stars. A few points of light.

If no plan there is, no fate, no providence, no mandate of heave in the force: then what is left? " He looked at each of the hero's in turn. " Nothing but our choices, hmm? To be Jedi, Enji, or whatever we will call ourself's in the future is to face the truth, and choose. Give off light, or darkness, is our own choice to make."

Luke Skywalker could not help but laugh as he slicked back his hair. " Yoda's sprit must have gone to you Master Zoda. Seriously though, I saw a life of fighting the good fight and a life of giving up till the end, personally I'll stick to choice one thank you very much."

Ben nodded as he looked determined."Maybe nothing lasts forever, but as long as people like you are around, I know the universe won't fall into darkness. It may be a rough ride yet, but I know, I know we will win! No matter what, we won't let those who only think about there own short term selfish desires get the last laugh, ever!"

Mario tipped his hat to Ben before he nodded." That's a way Ben! No matter how crazy things get, no matter how bad a the bad guys get, we will never give up being willing to jump into the action to keep people a safe from the a crazy jerks!"

Luigi chuckled before he nodded." You said it bro! No matter how scary things get, I realized things will be even scarier if we don't do anything and just let the bad guys go wild. I'll…I'll keep stepping up no matter how scary it gets! Er, unless it involves ghosts."

Yoshi chuckled before adding," Don't worry Luigi, Yoshi will always be there to help you and Mario! And, the Yoshi's after me will make sure there is always a Yoshi to help those in need so everyone will be happy even if they are not near the Super Happy Tree! Long as there is food, this Yoshi will have enough to get by no matter how nasty things get!"

"Got that right Yoshi!" Kirby added." Food can't solve everything but, the good taste sure helps wash away the aftertaste the bad things can do! No matter how twisted things end up being, I'm not going to stop helping people get the dreams, and the food they want!"

"Aye, well said my pink friend." Link added." I know how long the quest of a hero can seem. Even, if at times it seems unending, the faith that its worth going through the valor to defend the innocent from the whims of the deplorable villians is enough to never even think about putting down my blade! Trust me Ben, as long as people want to live freely, the "Legend of Auro" will not be a quest of failure!"

"Got that right." Samus uttered as the bounty hunter gave Ben a salute." No matter how many bounties there are running around, long as I can move, I'm never going to stop going after them.

Heh, won't deny its more motivating knowing you have more to go after then punks not paying their fines.

It, can be a pain not knowing if you will ever get the job done, but just know someone will get it done someday and don't lose sight of that kid."

"Heh, you said it Samus." Sonic threw out brazenly." We all got to run as fast as we can before we run out of time. But no matter what, I'm going to keep running to the next adventure as long as I can!"

Lilac chuckled before she patted Sonic on the shoulder.' And when you can't "Old timer", just know someone else will pick up the torch where you left off!"

Shadow saw Sonic snicker before the "Ultimate Life-Form nodded." No matter how hard it is, I'll never stop trying to keep Maria's dream alive, I'll never let savages like the scum on the ARK that killed her be the winners of life!"

"Right." X added." Even, if its not as simple as we would like, I'll never stop trying to find a way to make the dream Doctor Light and I seek, the dream when organics and inorganics can co-exist in harmony be realized!"

Zero saw Megaman, Protoman, Axl, Mighty Number Nine, and Doctor Light all nod before the ultimate creation of Doctor Wily just flicked his pony tail out of the way." Heh, no matter how many Mavericks get in the way of that dream, we will just cut them down till things work out! Like I keep saying, even if its fate for " hero's like us to be obsolete, we will keep fighting are destiny every last moment!"

Cloud nodded before he patted Ben on the back." Ben, just keep remembering we are all in this together. No matter what, those who inherit are dreams, will always have your back, so you will never be alone."

"Quite right Cloud." James added." No matter how much nature will try and bend things in a barbaric direction, I, and those like me who value what knowledge does for people will make sure it is not swept away, so that people never forget the value of culture, and of are memories and dreams."

"Don't worry Cloud." Red XIII added." I'll make use of my extra years to keep watching Ben on this realm after you all go to the next part of the cycle of life."

As Cloud pet his canine freind as a response Ezan saw this and smirked."Heh. No matter how difficult it gets, us true super elite warriors will never be discouraged form doing are job with pride and going down the path to dawn. As warriors, we can not, we will not let those with no honor have there way. No matter how the universe changes, we must make sure there are noble warriors that adapt to face things."

"No doubt their boss!" Hiryuumon added as he gave his friend a thumbs up with his new hand." No matter how we change, no matter how things evolve, you guys will always have partners having your back!"

Lacus saw everyone's support before she swept a tear from her eyes." Thank you, everyone, I love you all. No matter what, we will not forget this love. No matter how things unfold, we will not run away from it.

Even if there are stressful times ahead, I'd rather deal with that then deal with nothing. Who wants that? I'd rather choose to fall in love and be hurt. Sometimes I can't even sleep because I love someone too much. And there's always sadness in our lives. It's that sad feeling that keeps us going. So, we just got to deal with it, one step at a time."

"Got that right love." Ben uttered sweetly." Everyone, I'll never forget This minute, this second! I'll never forget this moment, were my love, and my friendship shined as bright as the sun. Even if that light fades, I'll use this memory to keep me going. But while the moment lasts, lets eat eh!"

As countless others laughed Hiryuumon licked his lips." Sounds like a plan to me Ben! Let's see the wedding cake already! Something like this, legit only comes out once in a lifetime!"

The cake promptly was rolled out, and everyone saw a giant-sized cake, shaped like Hollowed Bastion.

Lacus saw the cake made to resemble the former headquarters of the Enji had replicas of her and her husband on the top, along with dolls of the justice force. She saw angel wings made out of whipped cream before she laughed." Oh wow, I was expecting something special but this is, this is legendary all right."

Ben saw a piece missing Doug's spot, a spot that might have been what Doug himself had taken before he sighed again." Heh, got to make the moment as special as possible right love? Heh, you think cutting the cake with the Divine Mugen Nova would be to much?"

As his friends chuckled a new voice cut in with a boisterous," WAIT LAD!"

All of a sudden, a man with a gray complexion, red/orange suit of armor, and as many as eight arms in which held an arsenal of different weapons ran up to the cake. Ben realized the man looked familiar before he raised an eyebrow." Wait…Gilgamesh?"

"Heh, the one and only!" The man that first tested Ben's worth to have the Star Sword blurted out as he breathed hard." I spent all my parole time for this, to be part of the holiday! I may not have made it to the fight, but I made it for the party! And this is where I can shine! Excalipoor may not be the best blade but it's great on cakes! Don't worry, its clean. Its morphing time!"

The former servant of Exdeath suddenly had his other arms come out before he yelled out,"Sword Dance!"

Gilgamesh unleashed a fury of slashes, before a second later the cake suddenly had various cuts in it and to Ben's relief the cake was cut perfectly. The hero of the universe saw everyone look excited before he looked at Lacus." Heh, got to make every moment count right? Doug, I'll prove to you, and to God I can make the impossible possible. No matter how hard you or anyone else tries, I'll prove its more then just a fantasy. I'll prove…that this is not as high as things can get and that its all downhill from here!"

Ben saw Prompto, Spider-man, and the others motion for a group shot and embraced Lacus tightly as a photograph was taking of him, Lacus, and their family and friends.

As they took some poses, it was being filmed all over the universe, and one of the many people watching the video, was Doug.

Doug and Aqua where watching on there current hideout before the blue haired woman saw Doug's detached look, and the scar on his face left from Ben's last attack before she tensed up." Doug, are you going to be ok?"

Doug glanced at his blazing scar on the side of his face and just shrugged."Course I am doll. Never was big for all the fancy crap anyway, not like I was surprised Ben would act that way."

"Well, at least you got what you want. Doug, what now?"

"Heh, think I had some big master plan Aqua? I'm no grand schemer like Kira, I'm proving I'm not like Zannacross and the others by making it clear I'm not out to concur or destroy the universe, just to troll it.

I'm just going to enjoy life, and help you raise your kid right. Plenty of places a couple can just chill.

I'll just see how the wind blows and see where things need to be pushed in the right direction. Aside from seeing who is chill, that's all there is to it."

"You, really like keeping it simple eh Doug? Heh, well, a simple straightforward life sounds good to me. Still, you know Ben and the others are not going to just let you go like that right? I was talking to Trunks and even Goku and Vegeta are angry because you erased some of there family."

"Heh, I'm not backing down no matter what Aqua. With this power even my bro's can't lock on to my energy, or yours if your around it. Ben will just have to let it go."

"And if he can't? He and Lacus are immortal you know."

"And so was Cosmos and Zannacross, but things change eh girl? Just maybe, in time Ben will realize true justice is just, what ever brings you peace of mind.

Ben, I might oppose you again and again, but even if I tear down what you keep trying to build I still really don't want to hurt you buddy. I don't know what the topdog's plans are for you, but I truley hope your able to one day find peace of mind in this chaotic storm that is life.

Even if the world is hell, it can be heaven in your mind if you can accept what's in your means. Heh, Ben does seem down on blaming me for whatever will go wrong. But if he really thinks I'm just becoming Brad I'm not going to give him what he wants, some grand war to prove him right.

Nah, that's to much hassle. I'm legit just going to peel back the curtains to expose things for what they really are.

Hell, when my time comes, I'm not going to run away from the natural order like Ben and Lacus. I'm fully keen on not holding on more then I have to, and passing on my creed to my kid, and whoever the hell will listen.

Cause if Ben thinks this is some personal thing its not, I want to prove even if its my grandkid or whoever, if he gets to full of himself and wants to make people dance to his tune it won't be some eternal enemy that settles thing, just a random honest person doing what's right, what's natrual.

Cause no matter how powerful someone gets, they never get there way forever, its just the laws of nature. Ben, one way or another, I or someone else will get you and everyone else to see life for how it is, and I'm not going to let the pressure up till everyone just accepts things.

Then on that day, everyone will just laugh and keep it real. Till then, lets see where we can score a good buzz eh Aqua? How's some place that sells decent tacos and only cares about having a good time in the moment sound?"

"Heh, sounds good to me, lead the way. Just remember, I'm only going to have the taco's cause I'm drinking for two now."

"Don't worry, I'll never forget that."

The two kissed passionately before going out. As they did despite his efforts Doug was being watched by someone, someone that was watching everyone living and dead at once.

The One Above All watched both Ben and Doug go their way in the same area where he talked with Ben after the death of the Master of Masters. Enda Kross walked in, and saw God's excitement before she smirked." So, I take it your happy with this turn of events?"

"Indeed." The "Truth" uttered gleefully." Now, the universe has so many possibilities, it's no longer at risk of being stale."

"Heh, with all that's happened, there are many paths Ben Auro, Doug Fitter, and their comrades can take from here. Do you think Ben Auro will grasp the meaning of your message?"

"I'm not going to spell it out like Cosmos would, its up to him. But it will give him hope to keep fighting, and that will be enough. I was not lying; it is possible for him to unite the universe in true harmony.

But how long it can truthfully last is up to him and the others to see things clearly and truly understand one another. I do want to see if it's truly possible for all races in a universe to live in true harmony.

I want to give Ben and Lacus a honest shot, before I open their universe up to the rest of the multiverse.

This prime universe has more things and powers condensed than any other, so I wanted it to be isolated from the others longer. The others, they have their specialness, but that shine lasts shorter than this prime one.

Most of them are duller, the one where everything is in reverse, the one where yellow does not exist, the one where every living thing is a squirrel. Even so, as with everything else, nothing lasts forever. So, we will see if Ben and Lacus can truly live up to there task, before I add an extra layer of difficulty to this "game."

"Heh, guess no one is better at dangling the carrot then you God. Seriously though, I won't tell but do you ever intend to let Ben win?"

"Heh, my dear Kross I'm not a sadist. It is possible, just like all things are "possible" but Ben has to figure out what "winning" this really amounts to. But, as long as he does not get impatient, with his immortality he might be able to figure it out.

Yes…the possibility is interesting enough to keep this story going.

But, I'm not fixated about one single thing, so for now, you said one of the other realities had the gingerbread Ben rally to save his world from being drowned in hot fudge?"

"Heh, it was universe seven hundred and nighty eight."

"Good, seeing Ben's wedding had me in the mood for cake."

The One Above All took a marble, which to him was an entire universe and whirled it around to see what interested him next, as his curiosity about Ben's possibility retreated for the moment as he observed all of the multiverse, gleefully seeing which part of his massive stage would amuse him the most.

Four Hundred and Eighty Years later.

On planet Centra, Red XIII was running through a canyon, alongside his two cubs. Cloud's old friend guided his two children to the top of the cliff.

As they stop they look down at a abounded city below, the remains of Midgar/ Edge. The place that once was the most populated city in the planet was now covered in moss and trees while a flock of birds flies by, one of the few lifeforms still living in the ruins.

Red XIII looked at the place that had so many memories of his early life go by before he saw his kids roar, and took a proud roar himself.

As his kin stopped roaring, the red lion was about to say something, when he heard a small noise behind him. The native of Cosmos Canyon sniffed a bit and raised an eyebrow, before he turned around, and saw that Ben had landed on the ground.

Physically, Ben looked the same as he did four hundred years ago, though his eyes have a much older look to them even if they are now golden colored and he was completely naked.

As the three canine beings looked at him in shock Ben threw out a casual wave. "Hey there Nanaki, how's it going? Hope I did not startle you, I just planned to take a look myself when I saw you guys running around."

"Ben…its very good to see you again, my friend." Red XIII answered respectfully." Boys, remember Cloud's friend I told you about? This is him."

The smaller of the two cubs widened their eyes in awe before he walked up." This is Ben Auro? The savior, is real!? Wow, that's amazing!"

"Heh, nice to meet you guys, glad to show some fairy tails are real. Sorry that I have not visited for so long. When, you live as long as me and get around suddenly time flies and your dear friend's entire planet has, has."

"Its ok Ben." Red XIII uttered somberly." We know, just how busy you are, keeping Cloud's dream alive. They are Simba and Kimba."

"Simba, Kimba, it's a pleasure to meet you." Ben replied as he knelt down. As the two pups sniffed Ben's hand Kimba looked at Ben curiously." I never met a legendary savior of the universe before! What are you doing here all of a sudden mister hero?"

Ben glanced at the discarded city below before his eyes got melancholy." Oh, I been thinking of things lately. With how things are turning lately, just wanted to look back at what inspired me, remember what's important before making a decision.

Just wanted to remember the places and see how they were now, and wonder if I could have done anything. I, I wanted to purge the effects of the Death Stranding right away. But, there was just so many planets that were affected by the Death Stranding. So, so many issues all at once."

Red XIII saw Ben look dismayed at seeing that Midgar was abounded before he sighed." Don't feel like what happened here was because of you Ben. Cloud, Tifa, Aeris, Barret, Vincent, Cid, Yuffie, Shelke, they all lived long lives full of pride.

People, culture, they all just changed. Some were hurt, but others adapted and lived. That's, the way of life."

"Heh, guess that is how nature is eh Nanaki? Well, at least Cloud's descendants are doing good on Yavin at the moment.

It's true, time marches on. Just, got to make sure things march in the right direction you know?"

The last living member of Cloud's original group saw Ben's detached look before he cleared his throat." Ben, it is a pleasure to see you again old friend but, did you come here just for nostalgia or something else?"

Ben glanced to the right, and saw in the distance a rusted but still standing Buster Sword, the memorial Cloud had for Zach.

The leader of the Justice Force looked at the Divine Mugen Nova in his hand, and grasped it tightly." Sadly, its not entirely a stroll down memory lane. How, how in touch are you with current events?"

"To be honest, I tune in to the galactic news every now, but the weather does not always lead to a clean transmission. I stopped traveling to other worlds since the planet's isolation, I'm a tad out of touch. Why, is there a problem?"

"Kind of. See, there is a, organization called Homo Demens that's kind of super fanatical decentralized group of militant separatists, that above all seek to cause enough cause to ensure that order never can take root in a ever lasting chaos.

They are led by a "Higgs Monaghan" or at least he's there most outspoken member.

He, and his top agents such as" Adam" got the latest tech and have been going all over the universe to set up bases. I came here, because I got reports they might be here on Cetra."

"S, seriously? So, this Homo Demens, they are like Sithantos?"

"Oh they are as crazy all right, but there motives are just pure insanity. There goals are not bound to logic at all, they just want to burn more and more things till they feel things are "clean".

They, or at least a subbranch of them, are so crazy they got millions of there own robots acting like zealots. So, the gist of it is bad guys doing hardcore bad guy stuff that I rather shut down before it hurts good people like you and your kids."

"So, you think the bad guys came here Mister Savior?" Kimba whispered fearfully. Ben pet him on the head before he looked back at Midgar." That's what I'm trying to find out.

This branch of the Homo Demens use a lot of androids so you can't sense or smell them normally. But, I and the others have figured out how to lock on to them. Alright, lets see what we got here. James, how's it looking?"

Ben raised his right arm before the miniature hologram of James materialized out of it. Red XIII looked baffled as he stepped back." James, is still alive? Did, did he become like you and Lacus?"

"Not quite." Ben answered somberly." James, before he died, he used the Veda computer from the Celstial Being order to create a smart artificial intelligence construct Navi based off his personality, like Cortana and others that Master Chief and the other Spartans used. It, almost feels like its him at times.

Alright James, these guys have anything to worry about or not?"

The AI clone of James paused for a moment before he nodded." I'm sorry to say there is something to be worried about. Its faint, but Tri-Edge's systems are detecting the same distortion that we picked up in craft previously used by YoRHa forces. But, acting quickly should ensure Cetra and its citizens don't suffer much damage."

"Damn, how did those guys even get this far? They should not have gotten through the blockage."

"I am aware of that, but it seemed something, or someone gave them the power to boost through the blockage. There is an additional frequency that the Homo Demen terroists has not had recently. It, matches the frequency known to be used…by the Equalizers. Might be there public face the order of " YoRHA" but I know its them."

Ben grasped his fist tightly as he took a deep breath." Damn it Doug, to think you would go this far, just to make things "Interesting"?"

Red XIII saw Ben's anger and looked concerned." Wait…Doug is still alive? So, what happened really did make him immortal."

"To be honest, not sure its him." Ben answered somberly." "Victor Makishima" Clamed to decide to have died by going into a black hole to make it a "cheap" funeral. However, since it IS a black hole no one saw his body, no one saw him die.

Even so, his current descendent, Astrid Makishima, has the same mind set, the same, brazen indifferent to how her actions effect those around her since she treats letting loose a cult of deranged machines as" Spicing things up."

Red XIII saw the anger in Ben's eyes before he looked down again." I clearly need to catch up Ben because I'm a bit confused. What gain would Doug's decedent gain from this world?"

"Well, based on what we got out of some of the YoRHA, the Homo Demens, the UND, and Equalizers, they want to set up points across the universe to act like a slingshot, one that would force open a tunnel to the Multiverse."

"What, the Multiverse?"

"Yah…all of them think it will be a blast having universes collide into each other to offer people more options, not caring how many will die if that goes off. There are rumors, rumors that Doug did not really die and faked his death to troll everyone while he's hiding out in another universe as his descendent works with him to open a bridge.

Maybe it's all just a "joke" but either way trying to pull it off could cause even more damage to the universe then the last time everyone else had to deal with Doug's " whim". Damn it Doug, in the end is this what you think freedom amounts to?"

Red XIII saw how upset Ben looked and wondered how he could help, till suddenly a woman's voice giggled from behind." C'mon on Ben, now's not the time to get caught up lamenting. After all, our job's not for lamenting but for acting right now eh?"

Red XIII was spooked at the sudden voice, but as he, his kids and Ben turned to the left he saw the voice came from none other then Lacus.

Ben's wife was completely naked and her angel wings were out. She had a golden aura shimmer across her body.

Lacus confidently walked up to everyone before she flicked her hair out of her eye and smiled sweetly." Hey there Nanaki long time no see! Your kids are so cute! Hope I did not startle you, I checked out the old Northern Crater while Ben checked here out.

Haha, hope you don't mind my current state of dress, or lack of dress to be precise. With how few humans are here these days figured it would be nice to enjoy the weather without dressing up and all."

"No, its fine Lady Lacus." Red XIII answered humbly." I'm just, surprised, happily surprised to see you again. I'm just sorry its not under…happier circumstances."

"Oh don't worry, we can catch up after this mess is straightened out, right Ben?"

Ben saw Lacus's eyes beaming with hope before he looked confident." You got it Lacus. No matter what tricks these fanatics have, nothing they have will beat us! You think the universe would know the dream team is invincible when we work together by now eh?"

"Maybe, but people just have to see things in person at times."

"Heh, then you think either Doug or his descendent would have a pretty damn clear idea what the result would be if he kept" Stirring things up" like this."

Lacus went over to Ben and smiled." Ben, don't let this work you up ok? As much as Doug's actions have been hurtful, it's clear he's done what he thinks is the best thing for people. We, just have to show that we have a disagreement. Just, don't get to worked up and send the wrong message ok?"

"Haha, I admit this is stirring up old feelings but, just needed to take a few breaths to calm down. Thanks Lacus."

"Oh you know, got to fill my wife quota for the day and all."

As the couple grasped each other warmly Simba sniffed Lacus before he wagged his tail." Papa, something's wrong. I don't smell any scent on the lady!"

Ben saw Lacus look amused before he smirked." Don't worry kid, Lacus and I, are a bit more evolved then normal humans these days so it might not be what your use to."

"Oh? But, I smell something from you but not her!"

Red XIII saw Ben's lips clench before he cleared his throat." Simba…remember Lady Aeris? Lacus is like that, if even more, refined. That's what's confusing you."

The younger cub looked back and forth before tilting his head in confusion?" Really? I mean, its not that it smells different, I just don't smell anything at all."

Red XIII saw Ben's eyes look detached before he chuckled, a strained one." Sorry its confusing you Simba, Lacus is just, a tad unique these days. All of her magic stuff might be confusing you but I promise you, there is no one in all of universe like the woman I love."

Red XIII saw the James AI looking troubled, and saw Simba look confused before he tensed up." Simba, please don't be rude and insult Lady Lacus like that.

It, may confuse you but I assure you she's just different, the love of Ben Auro's life, means more to him then anything so please son, please show respect."

Simba felt Kimba nudge him to play along, the same sigh he gave in the past to stop arguing with his parents and shut up, before he just nodded.

Lacus giggled before she leaned down to pet him." Sorry to confuse you little guy. Ben's sword has seen a lot of action these days so you smelled that while I'm just streaking around. You're a sharp kid eh? I'm sure you will grow up to be as wise as your parents, and we are going to make sure you get the chance."

"T, thank you Lady Lacus, sorry if I offended you."

"Heh, don't worry about it Simba." Ben said tranquilly as he eased up." I'd be more surprised if you were acting like this was normal. I'll be happy to tell you guys stories about Cloud and all of your dad's friends, but first I have to tie things up here to make sure we have time right? As long as the others are able to find the other Equalizers on the other worlds, should be enough time for some stories."

"Don't worry Ben." Lacus cooed out smoothly as she rubbed his hands." Daigo should be able to handle things on Krakoa, X and Zero should be able to cover things on New Namek. Don't worry about Richard, he should get the job done on Marvados no sweat. Te-he, after all he does share your passion, right?"

Ben saw Lacus's confidence before he smirked." I would hope we would at least share that much. Heh, hopefully he will enjoy looking up all the Zilos landmarks to learn a bit of his legacy.

Your right, things will be alright Lacus. We taken down worst then this. Just got to as always not get careless. After all, that's just what they want us to do right?"

"Right love. But, for the sake of everything, that's not going to happen. All right, wish I could stay but better run things over back with Donnie and the rest on the Tri-Edge to do this right eh?"

"Right Lacus, much as I always love being around you, got to do this right. Don't worry, these mavericks will go down before they even know what hit them, and then we will have enough time to have a nice dinner with an old friend."

"Sounds like a date. Go get them tiger." Lacus and Ben kissed passionately for a few moments, before the winged woman backed away, winked, and then flew up to the sky.

Ben saw Simba and Kimba look confused before he gave a thumbs up. Don't worry, she just went to our home to organize things with the others.

Heh, don't know what you guys know about other worlds but my home's, a tad different then what you might be use to."

Ben made a hand gesture, before Red-XIII saw a large shadow below. He looked up, and gasped to see what seemed to be an object that was completely spherical except for a single, horn-like protrusion at the bottom.

The canine saw it was slowly descending into the planet before he gasped." No, another Meteorfall? Wait, that symbol, is that the old symbol of the Enji?"

"Ah right, sorry if this brings back the wrong kind of old memories. Don't worry, that's kind of my ship, just a bit more evolved then last time.

The part that was Max's old ship is still there but, I added enough components to make it the size of a small moon eh? The whole part is Cathedral Elysium Terra.

Heh, it's the utopian super planet that's the hub-home to the most hardcore hero's in all of the universe! I suppose…I had a few centuries to tinker with upgrades. Now, instead of just one castle on one world, it's a mobile world, always on guard, entirely devout to justice.

It does not have to worry about nationalism and other stuff that could bring conflicted loyalties, its entire purpose is to be part of the good fight, entirely for the sake of justice.

Its, the ultimate way to honor Master Myers, Cloud, James, and all the others!"

"A, entire moon? By…by the Cetra. Ben, your having that land here!?"

"Haha, don't worry it will just get closer to the planet for the operation and its systems are advanced enough to not effect the world while it does its thing.

I'll be happy to tell the details, but better get this done so we can do it without worrying right?"

"So, you know where these Homo Demens terroists are?"

"The scans are completed." The James Navi answered." They do seem to be underneath what Cloud and the others classified as the Mithril Mine. They have yet to spread out, for they seem to be trying to burrow directly to the Lifestream."

"All right, lets begin. You guys just sit back, I got this."

"You know where the enemy is? I thought you could not detect them?"

"I don't at this moment." Ben answered casually as he walked up." But I know how to draw them out. All of this, is because the Homo Demens terroists are trying to devour the energy of the Lifestream. But I'll just have to give them something that attracts them even more! Might want to look away guys. After all, its never good for most to directly look at the sun."

Ben casually held up his right hand, and formed a golden energy sphere. He threw it in the direction of the Mithril Mine. The sphere landed right outside the old marshes where the Midgar Zolom's once roamed.

It landed peacefully, before Ben grasped his fist. In an instant the energy sphere grew till it was nearly the size of a city.

Red XIII saw the sphere did not burn anything despite its size before he gasped yet again." Such perfect control, you really have taken your mastery to a whole new level."

"Of course…after all a hero can't slack off or people suffer for it. So, time to end this injustice."

Suddenly the sky glowed with many lights, before explosions broke out in the sky. Ben just narrowed his eyes as he stiffened himself." As we thought, they were hiding out in space as well. Shields…class eight!"

Red XIII saw Cathedral Elysium Terra glow with golden light before the James Navi readjusted his glasses." The turbines are showing strain, but we should be able to weather the barrage long as this conflict does not drag out."

"Then, time to enlighten these guys what they are in for. We will show them, just who we are!"

Simba saw energy beams coming from lights in the sky before he cowered." What…are all the lights in the heavens are enemy?"

"Don't worry kid." Ben threw out coolly as he drew the Divine Mugen Nova." I know they look scary, but trust me. The UND corperations's A-Pys and E-Phas mobile armors pass what's " Cutting edge" these days, but the greed scum have is not enough to beat the will of justice.I been keeping tabs on there commander Wassilmon Razlson, he's no diffrent then Weil Zabi and Shinra all those years ago, another self absorbed greedy fool.

These scum are not even worthy to be serious opponents! The lights in the sky are stars, and I hope you guys get the chance to do that one day. Heh, just one quick question guys, a riddle I have. What's a janitor and a hero have in common?"

Simba and Kimba both looked at each other before they shrugged." Um, they both have uniforms?" Simba threw out curiously. The respond caused Ben to chuckle." Close, but not the answer.

No, what a janitor and a hero have in common, is that they both have to clean up people's mess's, and only few ever seem to truly appreciate what they have to do to get the job done."

Red XIII saw the detached look in Ben's eyes before he stiffened." Ben, how are you feeling, truly? You, must have been doing this for, a very long time now."

"Eh, it has its up's and downs. People, can be frustrating, but I just need a day or two with Lacus and the others to just remember what I'm fighting for to keep going.

As long as guys like you are protected from those who would have there way otherwise, I don't regret it for a second. And if these punks think this is enough to cause me to back off, they are going to be sorry.

I'll twist them out of space-time if that's what it takes but they are not getting away! James, ready the Elstraim Cannon! Between that and with Lacus up above, that should take care of things above!"

"Affirmative."

Ben saw various Gundam's resembling the 00 Quanta fly out of the Cathedral Elysium Terra to engage the enemies in the sky before he grinned." Now, time to give these " invaders" the reception they deserve. Be right back."

Ben gave a thumbs up before he flash stepped right in front of the marsh. He saw the marsh bubbling, but instead of Midgar Zolom's simplistic robots with dome like heads and bubble eyes arise out of the ground like zombies.

The owner of the Divine Mugen Nova sighed before raising his blade." Alright let's cut to the chase. Take me to your leader so we can end this joke. You guys are going to, huh?"

Ben saw a robot dressed like he was a religious figure walk up, only for his head to fall off. As the brown-haired man saw the robot fall down he raised a eyebrow." Well, this was even easier than I thought. If you guys want to just surrender that can work to."

"HIS GRACE IS A GOD!" All the robots roared out in fanatical unison as they all raised their arms." His wonderous grace has become a god! We as well shawl become gods! ALL of you shawl become as gods! We will all die together and become as gods!"

Ben saw the robots repeat themselves as they circled around him, causing the warrior of light to shrug." Man, even Vile, Bass, and the rest of the robots infected by the Sigma virus and the others like the Geth and the Decepticons did not act this crazy. You really should get a refund from whoever sold you this idea, while you still can."

The ground around Ben begun to shake, before a gigantic machine named "Grun" that was over a thousand meters burst out. This Grun had all of its cannons on his four arms charge up energy." ALL OF YOU SHALL BECOME AS GODS! WE'LL ALL DIE TOGETHER AND BECOME AS GODS!"

Ben saw other robots start to aim at him before he grit his teeth tightly." You YoRHA guys just might be the most deluded wacko's I seen in a long time! Either you get turned to scrap metal, or you admass energy till you become doomsday weapons. Either way, you're not gods, just mavericks that are endangering innocent lives!"

"The afterlife is wonderful! Death brings final tranquility! If we break down the cosmic order, we will have true freedom! The Prophet of Chaos showed us the path to where everyone of us can gain true glory! No matter what it takes, WE WILL BECOME GODS! Total chaos, TRUE FREEDOM! Machines, Androids, people! Every one of them, a god! Gods, gods, gods, GOOODDSS! You can not stop are ascension! EVERYTHING IN THE UNIVERSE WILL FALL TO ARE HOLY WILL SO WE CAN BECOME THE GOD'S WE DESERVE TO BE!"

Ben saw some of the robots charge him before he grinned." You think I'm going to fall to you? Most of you are not even combat types. Who the hell do you think I am!?"

The married man instantly had his aura erupt. As his hair turned golden and lighting crackled around his aura, the force shattered those around him instantly.

But even as dozens, if not hundreds were shattered instantly by the outburst, just as many charged at Ben without a second thought, all while ranting," The moment we've pined for is here! Let us all go together! Let all of the universe transcend to get,"

The robot was cut off as a golden sword burst out of the ground and slashed through its torso, a result of the giant golden sphere above splintering into countless other energy swords/ The sudden storm of projectiles burst out all around to impale the robots, a result of Ben instantly unleashing his Divine Atonement Slash.

Ben looked blankly around him as energy swords sliced and dices machines to pieces.

As a fragment went his way Ben casually backhanded it into the Grun enemy's face before his expression hardened." I don't care how passionately you feel about something, it gives you no right to drag others into your insanity! And if you think otherwise, your answering to me! Doug…is this the true freedom you thought was best for the universe? This is just madness, endless insanity trying to consume all reason to blight out anything that would deny it.

No matter how many people's fury erupt, I'll never let that madness shatter order! I'll, huh?"

Ben saw something grasp his leg and saw it was a dark mettalic liquid. He suddenly heard a maniacal outburst of laugher before a human male with short bluish sliver hair and red eyes burst out.

As soon as Ben saw him he grasped Ben's neck, and had his right arm turn to a whip of dark liquid to try and absorb Ben's energy. As the two locked eyes the new challenger laughed madly." Its useless, your just one man while we are Legion!

You will be eroded into dust as we become Gods! Homo sapien..Homo superior...Newtypes...Metahumans...they are all evolutionary dead ends that will be forced to face extinction!

Homo novissime is the path the Homo Demens seek, for its the true future of the universe! Your just the last obstacle I need to devour before I can truly become the "Eve" of the new era as I, Higgs, and the others see to it that the old world burns to ashes!"

"Oh, so your "Eve" eh? Thanks for saving me time, I was getting real damn tired of this cosmic game of cat and mouse! I'm not just another roadblock "Eve", I'm Ben Auro the savior of the universe, and nightmare to you!"

"I don't care who you are, your part of the old era! Your just one man, you will fall, you will wither and die like all relics! Glory to humanity, glory to the new gods!"

"Its, it's true that, people die. I, I seen many people I care about die."

"Then you can join them! D, AHH!"

Before Eve could try and absorb Ben a sword flew down and severed his arm. As Eve jumped back, he saw the energy sword looked like the Buster Sword.

More swords floated around Ben, ones that looked like the Master Sword, Lion-Heart, the Nu-Epyon, Lloyd's Eternal Sword, Luke 's Lost Fon Drive blade, Yuri's Dein Nomos sword, Master Myers's Primus blade, and others circle around him.

Ben had memories of his friends flash by before he grinned. As the blades spun around faster he cried out a dramatic," A lot of my friends may be gone, but part of them will always be with me. I'll keep fighting to keep there will alive, I'll never give up, I'll never dishonor what they fought for!"

"Is that so?" Eve hissed as he had all the destroyed machines start to merge with him." Then I'm gonna try extra hard to finish this! Extra EXTRA hard! No matter what, your time will pass! The future, will evolve past your outdated will! Even if I die, there will be plenty of hungry people like me, we will never stop trying to become gods! YOU WIL NEVER WIN!"

Ben saw Eve prepare to launch an energy blast and closed his eyes." So be it."

With the flick of his wrist all of Ben's summoned swords instantly impaled Eve from above. The golden-haired man saw his target stagger before his sword shimmered with golden light." If an enemy appears in my way, if someone who can't see reason tries and harms others for their desires, then I'll shut them down!"

"No, you are an outdated relic. Your dream is dead! You will never stop the future!"

All of the Homo Demens forces on the planet obeyed Eve's command and opened fire at Ben at once, the combined impact pushed Ben back a inch, before he dug his foot down, and gave Eve a look that made him flinch as all of the swords that copied his friends' blades spun around and deflected all the blasts in unison.

Ben gave Eve a look that made the inorganic fanatic flinch before he smirked."

"Heh, and you think your delirious dream about humanity is the future? You, and all of your kind across the universe will just have to learn the hard way what is in the past! My dream is not worthless or outdated.

Dreams save us. Dreams lift us up and transform us. And on my soul I swear until my dream of a universe where dignity, honor and justice becomes the reality we all share, I'll never stop fighting. Ever! So take this, my love, my anger, and ALL of my sorrow! Shin…Divine…FLARE EDGE!"

Ben once more had the energy around the Divine Mugen Nova surge, before it became a pillar of light. Eve frantically launched countless attacks at once, but was helpless to stop Ben from landing the blow.

Ben's target was vaporized instantly, and as he struck the ground he unleashed a explosion of light that could be seen from space, vaporizing all of the Homo Demens agents around him.

The impact was strong enough to vaporize a good chunk of the mine, and as Ben checked the size of the crater he made he chuckled." Well, I guess Cetra could use a southern crater to balance it out.

No one living was there anyway, that's what counts. Looks like this is almost wrapped up, long as its not to late to stop whatever the Equalizers are up to."

Ben paused as he saw a particle beam fly by. He saw the Homo Demens and UND warship had at last showed itself, and saw the blasts were near the direction of Red XIII and his sons before he took a deep breath." Well, whatever insanity the are up to…I'll just have to stop them. After all, that's what I'm here for.

Doug, wither or not your still alive of its your great grand kid or whoever else followed your ideas behind this, you're not going to get the last laugh. No matter what happens, I'll live up to being the hero of the universe, till the end, and beyond! I'll…never give up…I'll…never let Lacus down for all history! Till the end of time...I'll make sure that the universe will always have justice!"

With a resolute battle cry Ben charged at the warship like a rocket of holy light, charging to infinity, and beyond, fully ready to chase the Final Fantasy forever.

But while Ben's quest may be the Never-Ending Story, this is where we part ways, for this marks the end of Tales of the Cosmic Wars EXE.

Never thought I would be feeling Déjà vu with this, but once again, this is the end of Tales of Cosmic Wars, at least at this point of time.

Everyone, thanks for joining me on this ride, I hope you liked where it lead but alas this is where the train stops.

But before we say goodbye, have one final round of Cosmic Authors Notes:

First, for the chapter itself. Firstly, as in the previous story Dent Rickmen is a parody of Kent Brockmen from the Simpsons, while Ally is the reporter from Family Guy.

Chef Tort and his Apprentice are from the Merrymore part of Mario RPG Legend of the Seven Stars.

Hiryuumon's new body was inspired by the Bio-Humans in Season Five of Digimon, like them he's human but can power up to Shinryudramon vie a DNA charge if need be.

Gilgamesh is of course from Final Fantasy 5 and the others, figured that short cameo would serve him well.

The " Death Stranding" is from the game Death Stranding from Metal Gear Solid's creator Hideo Kojima. While the game is not out yet based on what I seen so far it seemed like a good aspect to show how Doug changed things.

Higgs seems to be the major enemy in Death Stranding as well, and seems to fit well for someone who showcase's a corrupt way of following Doug's will.

The UND were enemies in the Super Robot Wars T game.

The One Above All's form from Chuck was mostly a nod to Chuck from the show Super Natural, but also a nod to Stan Lee…I'm sad he never got to see Endgame and for all he did it seemed people were taking advantage of him in his last years alive, I hope he is resting in peace.

Deku is from the series My hero Academy, and while the cameos were short, yooka laylee was from the Yooka-Laylee indie game, while Miriam was form Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, both examples of successful Indie games(Pats Mighty Number Nine on the back for trying)

The "Agents of S" where from World of Final Fantasy, and was the order the previous Final Fantasy hero's were working together under.

Doug's alter ego as Victor is my own idea, partly based off of some character's named Victor from the one that inspired Doug's character's stories, but the name Makishima is inspired from Shogo Makishima, the main villain of season one of Psyco Pass.

Cosmos and the Beyonder being reincarnated as " Sophia and Abel" was a nod to Xenogears and Xenosaga.

In Xenogears Both Abel and Elly or Sophia were continuously reincarnated through the Zohar and the Wave Existence for thousands of years. It is unknown how many times Abel was reincarnated, but there are three known reincarnations.

In 6055 in the Xenogears timeline, Abel was reincarnated as Kim Kasim in Zeboim.

In 9475, Abel was reincarnated as Lacan.

In 9981, Abel was reincarnated as Fei Fong Wong to Khan Wong and Karen Wong in Shevat, and that's the one you play as in Xenogears. Fei is the last incarnation of Abel and the Contact who breaks Deus hold on humanity and frees the Wave Existence.

While in Xenosaga Abel is U-DO's ("God's") physical incarnation in the Real Number Domain (physical) of the Lower Domain.

"Zael"was my made up idea, though he is a fighter I used in Dragon Ball Xenoverse one and two.

Eve and the androids, along with YoRHA itself are from the game NieR: Automata. Eve and the robots were not from YoRHA, but in my story they fit on that side.

The moon sized shape of Tri-Edge was both nods to Elysium in Megaman Legends two, the moon sized ship in Gurren Lagan, and a issue of the Avengers where Captain America was sent five thousand and forty five years into the future and found out that the Avengers had formed a planet wide base.

I figured the original ending to Final Fantasy 7 would be a good fit to end things, a nod to one of the endings that had the most impact to me. For the love of god Square…Don't screw up the remake or you guys really are hopeless.

Well, I think that's that. I know, the ending did not wrap things up anywhere close to as neatly as I did in Volume 3.

I guess, partly I did not just want to repeat the same kind of ending, and also leave things open ended. I know, it was a bit more, depressing of a ending but hope the bitter sweet feeling made up for it.

Everyone, thanks for reading to the end, hopefully the ending left you with more positive feelings over negative ones.

I know, there were choices I made in this story that could make people feel more negative feelings.

I tried to make this, like my previous crossover, as extensive as a crossover as possible while still being coherent, trying to keep a decent balance between wester and eastern fiction.

I tried to give my" Core" cast of additional game hero's some moments, though I regret those like X and Samus had so little stuff but, with there STILL not really being a new Megaman X game since 8, and Metroid 's only new game being a remake of 2, my options were limited so I had them team up with the Indie games linked to them to make up for it.

Would it have been better if I was just more straightforward and made the obstacles not tarnish the cast's morality with just another group of villains to beat down? Sometimes, when I look at the feedback, I wonder if I made the right choices.

Some said before the previous trilogy was to simplistic, I wonder if I overshot it.

I tried to explore the themes of what it means to truley do right, how much a hero can do without overreaching, if letting bad things happen is the price of freedom and how much is the proper balance.

Goku in Dragon Ball Super, and many of the DC and Marvel super hero's have done things that are borderline, if not outright villinous in ways from some prospectives and are still seen as hero's, depending on what one thinks matters the most from a hero and all that.

I know, I could have expressed my views less most likely. I'll be honest, I partly started Cosmic Wars EXE because not only was I going through a maze trying to get my Zilos book published, but on top of needing to do something to keep busy, the events of reality, extremely vexed me, making me feel quite hopeless about the world.

Its easy enough to see I was inspired by, one man or another, but it was more than just one man, it was seeing everywhere from Britain to Israel to Brazil to Italy all seem to renounce reason and just gleefully descend into chaos to run away from everything, not caring how many people suffer because of that carelessness.

In addition to that I been watching a lot more mature shows like House of Cards, Game of Thrones, Deadwood,The Borgias, Breaking Bad, the Wire, Board Walk Empire, the Sopranos and more…that might have given me more cynical influences.

I also been reading Steven King books like It and the Dark Tower series as of late I guess.

As someone without any power at all, writing my frustrations was the only way I felt I could release some of that. Again, I'm sorry if that upset people, I suppose its better I did it in this then the book I'm trying to get published.

I wanted to thank Piccolo Sky and "Deez Fitz" for supporting me to the end with this, along with Tanya Adams 64 for giving my first review for the story and also my thanks from the reviews given by Dragonridley.

And like before, shout outs to the writers Kingdom Key and Chad for their stories being the original inspiration to write Tales of the Cosmic Wars.

I'm aware I have less reviewers then previously, I know my own faults as a writer with the abnormal length might contribute to it, I'm sorry I'm still not better at balancing the length, I can only hope the added details made the fights and drama more epic.

Hopefully I can cut that down for my published work. Its something I'm going through at this moment, as I said in the past I'm trying to get my Zilos stories published. I, still have a shot, its all about if I can show them what they want.

It was a lot to juggle but, I always was rather vexed at incomplete stories so for the fans I had I did not want to let them down.

Well, from here on in I'm focusing completely on Zilos. I won't say I'll never write fanfiction again, never say never and all, hence leaving things open. Also, if I do continue it would not have to be from where we end with Ben here since as I shown there is more than a few time travelers roaming around in the story lol.

We will see how the future unfolds, and if when I return to it will either be in victory or failure of my book.

Well, that seems to be the gist of it so might as well warp this up.

Everyone, thanks for everything, but, it's once again time to say good bye. Hope your willing to give one last review for this story.

When I ended Vol 3 Naruto and Bleach were still going on, but now they are both finished, not counting Boruto. And, while Dragon Ball is still going on, I feel like the way Dragon Ball's become I won't feel bad not covering all that Super will do since its getting more American Comic based with its storytelling.

Its sad but I don't feel bad missing Star Wars Episode Nine, with how much I disliked Last Jedi it will take a lot to feel like I missed out covering Rise of the Skywalkers, we will see.

Heh, to think I thought things were being watered down when I ended Volume 3, but in some ways its worst, and in some ways its better.

Stuff like Gundam sadly is watered down with having more Build Fighters then real Gundam's in the past decade, and its depressing how Star Wars and Dragon Ball both have been watered down in ways to appeal to the most broad audience as possible but, indie stuff, stuff on Netflix and others, gives hope that most media is not fated to become only bound to the corporate overlords, though I still fear that we are getting to close to Disney owning all fic( Sees Disney officially owns the world) Doh.

Well, with how the world is, first let's hope humanity will managed to not doom the world in the next few decades, then worry about the state of fiction lol.

And so, that's that. This is once again Darth Necron sighing off with one last word,

Well, used FIN last time so this time I suppose marking the end with

"That's all folks!"