Issue 21: The Lightning Chariot

BGM-Sonic Heroes OST-My World

Outside a cave in a swampy jungle, a large portal opens above the ground, and out of it comes Team Superior as they land next to the cave while the portal closes. "This should be enough." Grimadoom said as they walk inside the cave, with Neo Mecha Spider-Man using his shoulder flashlight to lit their dark path.

"Explain. Why did we travel three years into this world's future?" Mecha asked his leader as they slowly approach the end of the cave. "I thought our goal was for the Chaos Kin to consume Palutena's "soul of pure light", then the Exo Stone would be ours."

"It's not that simple, as I found out," Grimadoom replied as they reached their destination, a room full of weird markings on the walls depicting the Chaos Kin and all of its terrifying soul-based abilities, as well as ancient tablets plastered all over the ground. "Before the Aurum Invasion, I found this cave that talked about the Chaos Kin: The Guardian of the Nether Stone." He said as he hands the mechanical doppelgangers a stone tablet with ancient text that's hard to read, describing the Exo Nether Stone.

"Nether Stone? Is it the Exo Stone the Chaos Kin guards?" Neo Metal Sonic asked.

"Yes, and it's pretty unique as well." Grimadoom began. "It's considered the anti-thesis to the Dream Stone the Avengers hold. While the Dream Stone is powered by the Lightforce, the Nether Stone is powered by the "Darkforce", endless amounts of immense dark energy, further fueled by souls. It can manipulate life and death. Control souls of the living or the dead. And with enough souls, at its peak, the Nether Stone can allow you to control all life in the universe. Only those that walk the path of darkness can use its power." He explained before he remembered something else. "I almost forgot to mention it's elemental properties can unleash nuclear energy."

"Good to know, but that still doesn't explain why we time-traveled." Metal remarked, still wondering why they had to travel into the future to collect this power over souls.

Grimadoom grunted in annoyance, "Right. That was also explained here. While she's physically pathetic, Palutena's soul is extremely stubborn. It's not ripe enough for the Chaos Kin to devour. We had to let it do its business in peace for a few years until her soul's ready for harvest. Once that's complete, it'll travel to its home dimension: The Chaos Vortex. From there, the Kin will give us our prize for being so patient."

BGM End

"That's why we time-traveled." Mecha remarked, now understanding as they start walking back to the entrance of the cave.

"I wasn't going to waste my time, twiddling my thumbs for three years. I rather watch a football game." Grim joked. "But before we left, I told my little pet to play with his new toy," He began as he magically projects a screen that shows all the destruction and chaos the Chaos Kin has caused on the world and its people using Palutena's body. "And my goodness, it certainly doesn't hold back." He smiled.

BGM-Breath of Fire III OST-Dragon Slayer

"I'm curious. I could've sworn I searched around this area for clues of the Exo Stone, but I never came across this cave. How did you find it?" Mecha asked Grimadoom.

"Interrogated some old men that were so willing to direct me here. Maybe it's a magic cave that shows itself to the worthy." Grimadoom replied.

"Magic?" Mecha starts scanning the whole cave and found a lot of traces of dark magic encompassing the whole cavern. "There does seem to be magic at play. Godly magic."

"Godly? That sounds suspicious. Who could've created this cavern?" Metal asked his robot partner.

"Can't determine. The magic here is too encrypted for me to decode." Mecha replied.

"Grimadoom." Metal turned to the grim leader to see if he can determine the source of the magic.

"Don't look at me." Grimadoom replied, just as clueless as them. As they plan on teleporting to Skyworld to check the progress of his Chaos Kin, his spider-sense tingles as they walked out the cave, finding themselves surrounded by an army of Underworld forces led by the Dark D-Avengers: Dark Lucina and Dark Weiss.

"So you've finally returned. We've been expecting you." Dark Lucina said to Team Superior.

"Expecting us? How can that be?" Grimadoom asked, curious.

"Master Loki knows all. You have played your role, and now it's time to disappear." Dark Lucina replied as she draws out her Dark Falchion.

"Role?" Grimadoom remarked, a bit surprised as he wonders how he helped Loki, or how Loki figured out they time-traveled to this point in time. "I dunno what game Loki's playing, but I was never a part of it." He unleashes his dark aura, surrounding his energy into his fists as he prepares to fight. "Once I'm done with you, I'm going after him and Hades. Then, absolute power will be ours!" As the hybrid hedgehog darts for an attack on the Dark D-Avengers, a barrage of dark energy blasts rain downs between them from above, which turns out to belong to Dark Sonic in the sky as he hovers down. "You! You're Sonic's dark doppelganger!" Grimadoom recognized the living dark side of his arch-rival.

"Hey, Dark Sonic! Finally decided to rejoin us?" Dark Weiss waved at the pupilless, sinister hedgehog.

"Don't make me laugh! I'm here to DESTROY you fools, that includes you, Grimadoom!" Dark Sonic said to the hybrid. "That stunt with the Aurum and the Chaos Kin has delayed my plans!" He charges up his immense dark energy. "I'm going to eliminate you, ALL OF YOU, then no one will stop me!"

"That was your last chance to rejoin us. You leave us no choice but to destroy you!" Dark Lucina declared as her army prepares for battle against their enemies.

"Prepare to go bye-bye!" Dark Weiss crazily smiled.

"This is getting ridiculous! Let's get this over with!" Grimadoom said, joined by the rest of his superior team as they all enter an explosive three-way brawl between the Underworld, Team Superior, and Dark Sonic.

BGM End


Viridi's Temple

BGM-Dragon Ball Super OST-Chōzetsu Dynamic! (Sorrowful Ver.)

On top of a nature-themed balcony, Pit stands alone to eternally stare at the clouds. The heart-confused angel endlessly thinks about his beloved Lady Palutena. Her kind words. Her gentle voice.

'Hi, Pit!' He remembers the bright smile she always gives him whenever they greet each other.

'You've really come a long way since then, haven't you?' The warm smile she had on her face in their little conversation during the raid of Medusa's castle.

"Lady Palutena…What has happened to you?" Pit muttered.

'And to be frank, I'm tired of fighting for those ungrateful humans. And I'm especially tired of dealing with all of you!' Was what Palutena said as he reunited with her on the ruins of Skyworld, and what really got Pit's heart stirred.

Pit starts to tear up, fighting back the tears, "Lady Palutena…"

He hears a footstep approaching him from behind, stopping his tears as he turns around to see Ero, who seems to be ignoring him while he folds his arms and stares at the sky. Pit continues to stare at him, wondering why he's even here with him, until… "You don't give up. We'll find a way." He spoke, motivating Pit to never give up, not ever.

Pit's eyes widen as he's silently surprised Ero would say that, especially after he declared to end Palutena's existence now that she's gone bad. "Ero…But, you said…"

"I know what I said." He cut him off. "We don't see eye-to-eye, but I've come to…understand your master. I know this isn't like her." Ero said, not wanting to admit he does have a soft spot for Palutena.

"You knew her longer than me." Pit said.

Ero silently nodded as he continues, "She's a pain, but her heart has always been in the right place. Like I said, don't ever give up, not on the people you believe in."

"How will we save her, though?" Pit asked.

Ero slowly walks back inside the temple, "Come. There is one way." He said, encouraging Pit to follow him for their next mission.

BGM End


Later…

Pit equips the Upperdash Arm weapon as he joins his Avengers friends to the door for today's mission. "We're ready to begin!" Lucina said.

'Then let's get to rescuing Palutena!' Viridi said as she opens the door and all of them flies out.

BGM-Kid Icarus Uprising OST-The Lightning Chariot

As soon as they set out to the night sky, they are greeted by a handful of Underworld forces. "We got some Underworlders!" Sonic exclaimed as they begin counterattacking.

'I'll send in some backup,' Viridi summoned her own Nature forces to help them out. 'If they get in your way, I'll pull them out.'

"You know, you can be really nice when you try." Spidey remarked as he blasts two Monoeyes.

'Yeah, yeah, that's great. Anyway, the force field around Palutena's temple is incredibly strong.' Viridi said.

'Indeed. Strong enough to hold ME back.' Ero replied.

'Guess you're not that strong after all.' Viridi teased the Great Totem.

'Somehow, Palutena's power has increased. Still figuring out how.' He said, as he sensed a greater power surfacing around Palutena when they last met. 'But it doesn't matter. If we're going to save her, we need the Lightning Chariot.' Ero said.

"That sounds AWESOME!" Pit exclaimed after smacking a Belunka with his giant arm weapon.

"What's the Lightning Chariot?" Weiss asked.

'It's a superfast battle carriage that travels the galaxy. It's also pulled by unicorns!' Viridi explained.

"Best way to deliver presents on time for Christmas." Spidey joked.

'We're not talking about Santa Claus, doofus.'

"And that's what we're gonna use to break through the force field?" Pit asked after blasting a Minos.

'Exactly! Although it's more of a one-seater, so I'm gonna allow you to ride it while the humans just watch from afar.'

"We don't mind." Sonic grinned as he chains his homing attack on a number of Underworlders.

"So basically, you're telling us Pit is going to slam a horse cart into a brick wall?" Lucina questioned.

'Sure, if you want to put it crudely.'

"Which means I might die." Pit said, starting to sweat a bit.

'Well, anything's possible.'

"Does the Lightning Chariot at least have air bags?"

'Last I checked, no.'

"Uh, I'm not a safety nut, but even I draw the line somewhere!" Pit said as his eyes widen in fear.

"It is pretty risky." Lucina remarked.

'So you don't really care about saving Palutena after all?' Viridi asked, causing Pit to growl in frustration as they proceed to take down a Fort Oink approach them. 'She could be in agony at this very moment. She could be trapped inside a dungeon of madness. She could be crying out, "Oh, help me, Pit! Avengers! Oh, please!"'

"You make a terrible Palutena. Must have not hit puberty yet-." Spidey began joking.

'JUST ZIP IT! PLEASE!' Viridi yelled at Spidey, almost making his ears bleed.

"OK OK OK OK OK! I guess it IS our duty to rescue her." Pit said after destroying the Fort Oink.

'Yeah, I know! That was my point!' Viridi said as she flies Pit low to the ground, with the Avengers following him.

"Aren't we a little low to be flagging down a galactic chariot?" Pit asked.

'It's not like those chicken wings of yours are really helping any.' Viridi said.

"Yeah, yeah."

'Don't worry. I've got a great plan.'

"This oughta be good." Weiss muttered.

'Have any of you ever been to the circus?' The nature goddess started asking them.

"There was this "one time" involving Mysterio and I wore a clown costume-." Spidey began.

'Haha! Oh man, seriously? I gotta hear that!'

"I rather not talk about it."

'Were you used as a human cannonball?'

"No…"

'You're missing out. Those kinds of stunts are such a…thrill ride.'

"Where are you going with this?"

'We're going to do our own version…but with an angel, a spider, some humans, and a hedgehog.'

"WHAT?!" Everyone but Sonic yelled.

"Woohoo!" Sonic cheered, excited for a daredevil stunt.

"No way, uh-uh, absolutely NOT!" Pit shakes his head vigorously, completely against this terrifying stunt.

"C'mon, man! Where's your sense of adventure?" Sonic asked him.

"UNLIKE YOU, WE CAN'T CURL OURSELVES INTO A BALL THAT WON'T BREAK OUR BONES!" Pit yelled at him.

"Just used Spidey's webbing. It'll protect ya." Sonic calmly replied, not worried at all while he grins.

"I REALLY DOUBT IT'LL WORK!" Spidey shouted.

'Stop being a baby. There's no other choice.' Viridi said, causing the spider to groan as he surrounds those that isn't a curled-up Sonic in his giant web ball as they enter the cannon.

A lone Mik watches from the sidelines as the cannon charges up. 'Three! Two! One! FIRE!' Viridi shouted as the cannon shoots the screaming heroes into the sky at wind-breaking speeds, eventually regaining their balance as they arrive what appears to be space.

"That wasn't so bad." Sonic casually smiles as the others break out of the half-burned web ball.

"SPEAK FOR YOURSELF!" The others shouted at him, causing the hedgehog to chuckle.

"We could've been blown to smithereens!" Pit shouted.

"But you weren't! Look on the bright side!" Sonic smiled with a wink, causing them to growl at him before they move on, flying above stunning space patterns.

"So, what's this?" Lucina asked, regarding the space patterns.

'These are patterns formed by galactic particles. Beautiful, aren't they?' Viridi answered.

"They sure are." Lucina smiled warmly before forced to battle more Underworld troopers disrupting the beauty of space.

'The Underworld is pretty noisy tonight.' Ero noticed.

"Do you think they're after the Lightning Chariot too?" Weiss asked.

A split second later, both Ero's and Peter's spider-sense triggers to something approaching at remarkable speeds. "Look out! It's coming behind us!" Spidey shouted as they barely spot the Lightning Chariot zipping by them so fast it looks like a ray of light.

"That's some speed. I'm impressed." Sonic complimented.

"It was CRUISIN'!" Pit remarked.

'The chariot's headed for its home base. Stay on it!' Viridi ordered as they pursue the chariot into a portal, where they are greeted by more monsters and returning villainous guests.

'It's been a while, Avengers.' Loki entered the telepathic chat.

"Loki!" Spidey exclaimed to hear the God of Mischief's voice again.

'Well, hello again, friends!' Hades spoke up as well.

"Hades!" Pit exclaimed.

'Ugh, not you guys again.' Viridi groaned.

'Who would've guessed Palutena's most loyal allies would turn against her? She should've known better mortals can't be trusted.' Loki said, insulting Palutena and her trust on humanity.

"Shut your mouth!" Pit exclaimed, angrily.

"What do you guys want?" Sonic asked.

'The Lightning Chariot, obviously!' Hades answered.

"You are such a creep! Just go away already!" Weiss said.

'Couldn't have said it better myself!' Viridi cheered.

'It's one slick ride.' Hades said, ignoring Weiss and Viridi. 'A veritable goddess magnet, if you will.'

'Please. I'm a goddess, and I would never ride in that thing.' Viridi remarked.

'How 'bout you, Ero chum? Gonna take Palutena on a date with the thing?' Hades teased the Stoic Totem God.

'I rather she rides it alone just to crash.' Ero, as usual, with the stoic responses.

'Sheesh. What a complicated relationship between the two of you. You don't mind if I take her out for a spin?' Hades asked.

'Do as you wish.' Ero stoically replied.

"Ero!" Pit shouted.

"Are you guys just here to get in our way?" Sonic asked the evil gods.

'Our intentions are always honorable. You know that.' Loki replied.

"Whatever you're REALLY up to, we're going to find out!" Spidey said, and then nearly avoiding death from a few lightning bolts that the others dodge away.

'It gives us such pleasure to see you suffer, Pitty Avengers!' Hades said.

"He's really starting to get on my nerves." Weiss growled.

'Just ignore him, guys. The Lightning Chariot is up ahead.' Viridi advised.

"We've got to get it before the Underworld does!" Pit said as they spot a large tower in the distance.

'Both the Lightning Chariot and its master are in that tower. Head to the ground floor.' Ero advised.

"What about we fly up?" Spidey asked, wanting to take the easy route.

"Yeah, seriously. Why don't we ever land next to the boss door and get it over with?" Weiss questioned.

'It's never that easy.' Viridi replied.

"How come?"

'That's how it is.'

"That's not an answer!"

"Let's just start from the bottom and see what we can find. The enemy won't always appear at the most obvious location." Lucina suggested.

'See? She gets it.' Viridi said, causing Weiss to growl. 'Just so you know, the tower's really, really tall. Get ready to feel the burn!'

"This would be some good exercise." Sonic grinned.

"For the fast-running hedgehog." Pit muttered.

'Ready for land battle, Avengers?' Viridi asked.

"Affirmative!" Everyone responded as the travel to the main entrance of the Lightning Chariot Base.

BGM End


Lightning Chariot Base

BGM-Kid Icarus Uprising OST-Lightning Chariot Base

The team lands inside the tall tower, home of the Lightning Chariot. "So the Lightning Chariot is in this tower, huh?" Spidey wondered as he takes off his armor.

'Who dares trespass on my domain? Leave before you get hurt!' A voice commanded as soon as they enter the first level of the tower.

"Who said that?" Lucina asked.

'I've had many names in my life, but now I am called the Chariot Master.' The Chariot Master introduced himself.

'It's been a long time, old friend.' Ero said, surprising his allies that he knows this mysterious master of the chariot personally.

'If it isn't The Other. I thought you weren't visiting this world again.' The Chariot Master remarked.

'Circumstances has changed that puts the fate of your dimension at the balance.' Ero replied.

'Always working yourself to the limit. Ever consider taking a break once and a while?' The Chariot Master asked.

'You know I don't have time for that.' Ero replied.

"Wait-wait-wait-wait!" Pit interrupted their friendly conversation. "You guys are friends?"

"That's surprising. I didn't think you had any friends, beside me of course." Spidey said to his other.

'You clearly don't know me at all.' Ero replied. 'I've first encountered the Chariot Master around the same time I met Palutena. Though our first meeting wasn't so…pleasant.' He implied that he fought the Chariot Master during their first encounter. 'A warrior at heart, and in turned, has earned my respect.'

'Same about you, Other.' Chariot Master said.

"That's great! That just make things easier for us." Pit remarked. "Listen, we have a favor to ask you."

"We?" Weiss glared at him.

"Would you mind if we borrow your chariot for just a little while?" Pit kindly requested.

'Your foolishness is matched only by your rudeness.' The Chariot Master responded.

'Same could be said for Spider-Man.' Ero joked.

"Shut up!" Spidey retorted.

'How dare you charge in here, flinging unreasonable request at me? You all may be comrades with The Other, but you haven't earned my trust. I've half a mind to turn you into galactic roadkill!' The Chariot Master threatened.

'You can't really blame him for being upset. That was kind of rude.' Viridi said.

"Then I guess there's only one thing we can do. We'll go talk to this Chariot Master guy in person. He's at the top of this tower, right?" Pit remarked.

'That's right. Hey, look at you acting all assertive! You're just grabbing life by the horns and shaking it until it moos!' Viridi said.

"Is that supposed to make sense?" Lucina wondered as they proceeded to demolish more Underworld troopers up a long walkway.

"So…is there an elevator in this tower?" Pit asked as he's already getting tired while the others are managing, mostly Sonic as he spins through the area at lightning-speed.

'Oh, would Prince Pit like me to scatter rose petals in his path too?' Viridi joked. 'Listen, this is the only way up, so you'd better get a move on.' She said as they all enter a room with a platform to get across, something Sonic and Spidey ignores as they leap over to fight more Underworld mooks.

"It's really weird." Spidey began as he punches a Skuttler.

'What?' Viridi asked.

"There sure are a lot of Underworld troops here." Spidey said as he uses his Spider-Orbitars to unleashes a quick barrage of energy bullets on his foes.

'The Chariot Master didn't bother with proper defenses. Thought it was unnecessary since no one would be stupid enough to come here.' Ero explained.

'No wonder any riffraff can just waltz on in.' Hades speaks up. 'After all, little Pitty and the tiny Avengies here had no problems. But I must admit that I ADORE running amok in other people's homes.'

'Another uninvited guest? Other, who is he?' The Chariot Master asked.

'A simple buffoon that can easily be rid of. The God of Mischief, on the other hand, I recommend you be careful around.' Ero replied.

'It's an honor for the Great Totem to recognize me as a threat.' Loki smirked.

'At least show your face, trickster, so my Lightning Chariot can erase you from existence!' The Chariot Master threatened as the heroes head into the next level, entering a room with alternating floor panels and some more Underworld baddies they promptly deal with.

'Those floor panels alternate between hurting you and not hurting you. They don't seem to have any effect on those Underworld enemies, though. Odd.' Viridi said.

'That's a known issue. It'll be resolved in the next version of the tower.' The Chariot Master remarked.

"Someone needs a better QA department." Sonic quipped as they run to another level, into a room with tall pillars.

'The Underworld has taken position up on top of the pillars.' Viridi informed them.

"Well, what goes up…" Pit starts striking a pillar to bring down Zurret. "Must come down!" He finished as he destroys the Zurret, with Lucina and Weiss performing the same stunt.

"Or what goes up, stays up!" Spidey quipped as he run up a wall, bouncing from it to web strike the remaining enemies so they could proceed to another long walkway with large gaps they are forced to jump across.

"Man, climbing this tower is really a pain." Weiss complained,

"Tell me about it." Pit agreed.

"You guys aren't trying hard enough!" Sonic teased.

'Sounds like they want a piggyback ride!' Hades also teases them as they walk into a room with narrow paths and rolling spheres.

"Ok, so we've got rolling obstacles." Pit noticed.

'And don't forget the jumps pads.' Viridi reminded.

"Pass." Sonic and Spidey said as they use their natural abilities to traverse through the area in a short notice.

"I hate you guys." Weiss told them as the rest of the heroes use the jump pads to traverse the area the right way, jumping over the spheres that roll down their path.

"Something seems familiar about this…" Pit said as this particular room reminds him of something else.

'I guess the Chariot Master has played Donkey Kong.' Hades said.

"What's a Donkey Kong?" Lucina asked, confused as they caught up with Sonic and Spidey in a room with icy floors.

"Whoa! It's solid ice!" Pit exclaimed.

"Not a good place to run though." Sonic said as he casually lies on his side while sliding on the ice, all while Weiss pilots an Aether Ring nearby to blast some monsters.

'Using an Aether Ring should keep you from slipping around.' Viridi advised.

"Why does the Chariot Master have a vehicle of the gods?" Lucina asked.

'Isn't it obvious?' The Chariot Master spoke.

'Are you saying you're a god?' Viridi asked him.

'I'm not saying anything.'

'Ero, is he?' Viridi turned to the Spider-Totem Deity.

'Don't bother me with silly questions.' Ero replied.

'Aurgh! Then why even bring it up?' Viridi growled after the avenging warriors walk out of the ice rink and continue up a long walkway.

"Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" Spidey started joking around with Viridi.

'No, we're not. No, we're not.' Viridi retorted as they enter a room filled with land mines and flying Underworld monsters. 'Be careful you don't step on any land mines.'

"You're saying land mines HURT? Noooo." Spidey responded with a strong sense of sarcasm, easily annoying the goddess of nature as he web strikes the floating monsters.

"These mines are useless on the floating monsters." Lucina remarked as she shoots the following with her bow.

'Yes, yes, I'm quite aware of that.' The Chariot Master responded.

'Defense really isn't your strong suit, is it?' Loki asked. 'Eh, whatever. Defenses are for the weak and insecure.' He believed as he notices the heroes now grinding on a grind rail outside.

"Hey there, grind rail! Time to give these barking dogs a rest!" Pit said, wanting his feet to relax for a bit until they hopped off to in a room with a wrecking ball acting as a bowling ball and a group of Reapettes acting as the pins.

'Hey, there's an oversized bowling ball. And some ugly bowling pins!' Viridi said.

'My troops are a worthy sacrifice for the sport of kings.' Hades smiled.

"Okay. Let's do it!" Spidey smiled, quickly activating his Aura Arachnid Mode to enlarge his right hand to grab the large ball. He gets into position, steadying himself and his spider-sense to hit all of the Reapettes in one hit.

"STRIKE!" The rest of the teenage heroes, including Viridi, cheered.

"YESSSSSS!" Spidey fist-pumped after turning off his aura, which also got the attention of the Chariot Master of his endless aura power, reminiscent of someone else.

'Other. Is the young spider perhaps…'? The Chariot Master begins a private talk with his old friend.

'Indeed.' Ero simply answered, confirming to him that Spider-Man is the Avatar of the late Great Weaver, the creator of Ero and the other Great Spider-Totems.

'You missed him, don't you?' The Chariot Master asked if Ero misses his Great Weaver after his death by the hands of the Inheritors many millennia ago.

'Hmph.' Ero grunted, not wanting to openly admit he does miss him.

"Hmm? What are you guys talking about?" Spidey asked, wondering why Ero went all quiet.

'None of your concern, boy. Keep moving forward. You're not even halfway done.' Ero ordered.

"You must be joking." Spidey remarked as they proceed up yet another long walkway, which starts to get tiring to everyone but Sonic.

"Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" Pit asked, slowly getting more and more tired.

'Not you too.' Viridi groaned as they enter a windy room of strong gusts. 'A severe wind advisory is in effect up ahead.'

"Thanks for the heads-up. But no little breeze is going to slow ME down!" Sonic smirked, breezing through the wind and the Underworld troops like their nothing. After his friends barely avoided being pushed to a bottomless pit, they all join Sonic onto another Grind Rail. "How convenient!" He smiled.

'Oh, I'm so pleased that it meets your approval.' Viridi said sarcastically.

The D-Avengers and Pit run into a room with a Shelbo and some Skuttlers. After dealing with them, an Exo Tank suddenly appears in front of Pit. 'Look! The Chariot Master has an Exo Tank!' Viridi spotted.

"Maybe he's a gearhead." Pit wondered as he rides on the Exo Tank.

'Or a nerd like the Webhead!' Hades joked.

"That's not a bad compliment." Spidey quipped as they head onto a transparent racetrack.

"Cool! It's a path made of light!" Sonic smiled as he and Pit speeds along it.

'Well, this is a nice design flourish.' Viridi remarked.

'No. It's a practice track for the Lightning Chariot. It's not for amateurs!' The Chariot Masters told them.

"Hah! I doubt that sleigh could keep up with me." Sonic mocked the rider of the Lightning Chariot.

'The Lightning Chariot's speed surpasses light itself. Can you do the same on your feet?' He asked the hedgehog.

"10 times better!" Sonic boasted as he zooms up another long walkway, followed by a web-zipping Spidey and some tired teenage girls and an angel.

"Soooo... Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" Pit asked again.

"Yeah, Viridi. Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" Spidey asked to further annoy her.

'You know that saying that there are no bad questions? Well, there are, and this is one of them! WE ARE NOT THERE YET!' Viridi shouted. 'But I do wish there was a way to speed up this process.'

"I wish I knew some teleportation spell that would speed things up…" Weiss said, exhausted as they enter a room with a single, large pillar in the center.

"But then there would be no fun." Sonic joked as he repeatedly homing attack the gems on the pillar, causing it to lower.

"Fun? Right?" Weiss sarcastically chuckled while she angrily demolishes the incoming baddies. "THERE'S NOTHING "FUN" CLIMBING A BUILDING THAT'S AS TALL AS AVENGERS TOWER!" She yelled.

"C-Calm down, Weiss." Lucina nervously chuckled, calming her down enough so they can take a jump pad to a higher level.


In a Higher Level

The gutsy Avengers land on a much higher level inside the tall tower, where they confront more Underworld troops. 'Now what do we have here?' Viridi asked.

'It's time for my minions to do their thing. Underlings! I'm offering 100 gold for the putz's head and 50 for his human chum!' Hades offered.

"50? We deserve at least be 51." Spidey quipped.

"And the name's Pit!" Pit exclaimed as they take down the Underworlders.

'Oh yes, we know and could care less. Your tenure as a ring doesn't seem to have had any effect on that keen wit of yours.' Loki said.

"How did you know Pit was turned into a ring?" Lucina asked.

'Oh, is it a secret? Then don't mind me! Mum's the word!'

"Did YOU turn me into a ring?" Pit asked Loki.

'He certainly has the power for it.' Ero said.

'Wow, you are bigger fools than I thought. Don't you know, angel? You and your mortal friends are the true cause of all this chaos.' Loki answered.

"How does that make any sense?! What did we do?" Sonic asked as he kicks a Syren.

'Don't let him get to you. The Underworld Army is the one to blame.' Viridi said.

'Why, thank you. That's the sweetest thing we've heard you say.' Hades said.

'You know what? You're annoying.'

"There's the understatement of the year." Weiss muttered.

'Yow! You're both feisty! Wear gloves with these two, minions!'

"Do they even have hands?" Spidey quipped as he finishes off the last of Hades's minions, for now at least as they continue up yet another long walkway.

"Are we ever going to get to the top of this tower?" Pit asked.

'We warned you before we got here that it was a long way up.' Viridi replied.

"Yeah, but this place is so huge, we even had a little line break during this section of the chapter." Pit said.

"Huh?" Spidey raises an eyebrow at him, wondering what he's even talking about regarding a "line break"."

'Shh, they're going to hear you!' Viridi whispered at Pit. 'We're not supposed to talk about that!'

"Huh?" Spidey again is confused as he scratches his head, but just learns to let it go and proceed to a maze-like room. "Uh…Are we there yet?" He asked.

'Yes. If by "there" you mean "at a maze." But it's not that big, so you shouldn't have much trouble.' Viridi said as they take their time walking through the maze, taking corners that won't lead them to a bottomless pit.

"Y'know, Loki." Spidey starts a conversation with the god of mischief, wanting to ask something he's been curious for a while. "You've been here for a while, yet we haven't seen a single Frost Giant or someone like the Enchantress. What's the deal? It's kinda required when two super-villains from different universe team up, their forces do as well." Spidey asked.

'I don't want to disturb them, well, not yet at least.' Loki answered.

"Not yet? So when do you plan on bringing them?" Spidey asked.

'I could bring them, right now in front of you, if you insist.'

"No, no! There's no need! I was just curious! 'Sides, I already have a fusion between a Frost Giant and the Enchantress walking behind me." Spidey joked, referring to Weiss.

"Enchantress I'll take as a compliment, but you did NOT compare me to a Frost Giant!" Weiss retorted.

"You are the Ice Queen, aren't ya? Sure you're not the Queen of the Frost Giants as well?" Sonic joked.

Weiss groans as she slaps her face. "I can't tell who's more annoying: You two, or Hades?"

"Hades/Spider-Man and Sonic!" All three of them spoke at the same time, causing them to look at each other for a moment in confusion before they continue on their journey up the tower, entering yet another room filled with Hades's monsters.

'I've got a heaping helping of Underworld goodness for you, Pitty Avengies!' Hades said.

"You're really sticking with that, aren't ya?" Spidey asked, referring to their new team nickname, "Pitty Avengies", as they battle his forces.

'He's saying that more enemies are on their way. Clever, huh.' Viridi said as Lucina cuts down an Eggplant Wizard.

"Yeah? Well, I whipped up a club-your-face sandwich! Hope YOU'RE hungry!" Pit quipped as he clobbers a Specknose.

"With a side dish of spin kick!" Sonic smirked as he spins around with his feet in mid-air, turning himself into a ramming hurricane that barrels through the remaining enemies.

With that done, they proceed onto another grind rail. "Thank the gods. Another rail." Lucina sighed.

"Walking's for chumps!" Pit exclaimed.

"And running's for champions!" Sonic added.

'Up you go!' Viridi said.

'It's like watching a roller-skating chicken.' Hades remarked.

"Oh, c'mon! That sounds awesome!" Spidey said as they shoot down more monster mooks off the air while they head towards a series of shoji-like sliding doors.

"Look at us go! We're all, "whoosh whoosh!"" Pit randomly said.

'Eloquently put as always.' Hades remarked as the heroes land in a room with a Cherubot.

"Oh, goody." Spidey said sarcastically, still not a fan of the Cherubot.

'Just hop on the thing, Spider-Man!' Viridi told him.

Spidey grunted, "Fine," as he hops onto the Cherubot, "Still prefer the Hulkbuster. That one was slightly faster." He said as he beats down on Hades's men with the large mech.

'Who cares if it's not fast or nimble. The Cherubot is pure mechanical brawn wrapped in an adorable package. It's best used to decimate anything that gets in your way.' Viridi said.

"I guess you're right. Just still feeling a little sore from the time I used it against that Dark Spider Loki conjured up." Spidey said.

'I could create another one if you want.' Loki said.

"No, I'm good."

'You sure?'

"I don't need another clone!" Spider-Man retorted as they finish up the last of the enemies in the room. "And with that done…" The Spider began talking as he hops off the Cherubot. "…Are we there yet?"

'Good job, and no, not yet. But there's just a little ways to go. Oh, and I have a special treat for you up ahead.' Viridi said.

"Is it a jetpack?" Spidey joked as they walk up another walkway.

'No. Why do you need a jetpack? You have your own flying armor that's MUCH cooler.' Viridi said as the team jumps over some Miks and an Orne, which almost kills Pit if Peter didn't destroy since a Spider-Totem like him can destroy creatures like those with a simple touch.

"Wait up. My Hot Spring Senses are tingling." Pit said, sniffing. "…Could it be…?!" He asked as he opens the door, with his jaw nearly hitting the floor as he enters hot spring heaven. "What what WHAT IS THIS?! A. HUGE. HOT SPRING!"

'You're not the only hot-spring fan.' Viridi smiled as Lucina casually deal with the Bumbledrop relaxing inside too.

After everyone takes a well-needed break, relaxing in the hot spring, except for Sonic because "hedgehog hates getting wet", they continue walking up to, finally, their destination. 'Everyone, I have some exciting news for both of us.' Viridi said.

"Is it that jetpack?" Spidey continued with his joke.

'Even better. The Chariot Master is just ahead. SO YOU CAN FINALLY STOP ASKING ME IF WE'RE THERE YET!' She yelled.

"But it's still 70 feet away from us, so we're NOT there yet. So, I can still ask you, ARE WE THERE YET?" Spidey quipped, causing Viridi to lose her mind, screaming her lungs off as the sounds of her hair start ripping off her hair while the Avengers and Pit just have a good laugh about it before they take a warp to a racetrack.

BGM End


As they arrived, the team encounters a chariot with the unicorn known as Phos. "The Lightning Chariot!"

"But where's the other one?" Weiss wondered.

'With me.' The Chariot Master speaks. 'Grab the reins on Phos there.' He ordered Pit.

"Gee, thanks!" Pit said as he hops on the chariot.

'You misunderstand. This is no gift.' In a quick flash that no one but Sonic could've noticed, the Chariot Master zips by in another chariot. 'Come, boy. You too, hedgehog. Let me see if your speed can match mine.' He challenged Pit and Sonic.

"Oh, I'll match AND surpass!" Sonic smirked, wiping his nose in a cool fashion before getting into a position to speed off. "Let's go, Pit!"

"Right!" Pit replied as the two of them speed off at a remarkable speed, pursuing the Chariot Master to battle.

BGM-Kid Icarus Uprising OST-Boss Fight 1

"If you want the Lightning Chariot, you must prove your worth." The Chariot Master explained to his speedy opponents.

'You need two unicorns to pull the Lightning Chariot. That means you have to defeat the Chariot Master and get the other one.' Viridi explained.

"That won't be a problem!" Pit said.

"Give us your best shot!" Sonic grinned.

"Now let's begin." The Chariot Master declared. The ghost warrior starts the race battle in the lead, blasting his lagging opponents with a few lightning bolts from the sky.

"Gonna have to try harder than that!" Sonic taunted as he and Pit easily quick-step from each lightning bolt near perfectly.

"Then how about this?" The Chariot Masters lays a dozen mines in quick succession to halt the heroes' progress, but Pit shoots them down, causing them to explode prematurely while Sonic boost through the smoke, leaving him to reflect the incoming energy projectiles with his kicks before bouncing off the Master with a charged homing attack and then boosts ahead of him. "You're a lot faster than I anticipated." He said, having underestimated Sonic's speed.

"It's all in the name!" Sonic smirked while running ahead, leaving Pit to attack the Master from his side while dodging more lightning bolts.

"This isn't how I wanted things to go, but I have to save Lady Palutena." Pit said.

"I understand better than you know. For my own master, I would not hesitate to dirty these hands." The Chariot Master replied.

"So you serve someone as well?" Pit asked.

"I did. I've suffered countless war wounds, but none greater than the loss of my master. I once had many comrades in arms. But they too have returned to the dust. All I have left in this life are my faithful steeds, Phos and Lux. Your friend, Ero, understands my pain better than anyone else." He replied.

"Ero?" Sonic remarked, as none of them, including Spider-Man, who's Ero's host, had no idea he suffered similar tragedies regarding long dead friends and the death of his own master and creator, the Great Weaver, who was killed during a great battle, long ago against the Inheritors.

As usual to his character, Ero stoically grunts it off, not wanting to make a big deal out of it. 'Enough with the small talk. Finish this already.' He said.

"Oh…alright." Pit responded.

"My body has long since degraded, and now my soul grows thin. The warrior's path inevitably leads to loss. I have no qualms about this. But you are no warrior, angel. Tell me, why do you fight?" The Chariot Master asked Pit.

"I fight for Lady Palutena. And I fight for the people under her protection!" Pit confidently answered.

"That's not reason enough for an angel."

"Who are you to question my reasons? My choices are my own! And I choose to serve the goddess of light!"

"Hmm. Interesting. How about you, hedgehog? Why do you fight?" The Chariot Master turns his attention to Sonic.

"There's nothing else better to do." Sonic casually replied.

"Is that so?"

"It's fun. Running with the wind. Living by my own rules. Saving folks who needs it. This is MY life. And I want to enjoy it to the fullest." Sonic smiled, always moving through the motions, acting like the wind.

"You two are strange creatures, and I admire your conviction. It speaks to the deep reservoir of strength within you. But it also proves you very foolish. And though you two serve the side of justice, I will show you no mercy!" He remarked.

"And we won't need it!" Pit said while Sonic chuckles.

"We understand each other then."

"We do! Now, let's finish this!" Sonic declared.

Determined to end this, the Chariot Master surrounds Sonic with his lightning bolts as a sort-of box to keep his movement limited, but even with that little space, Sonic unleashed a powerful cyclone that helped him break free from his lightning cage. Then, Pit and the Chariot Master clashes their chariots with each other, shooting at one while the other counters with a powerful dash-attack. While he's distracted, Sonic kicks off from the Master's chest into the air, unleashing devastating air slices from his kicks to stun him for Pit's power dash, almost knocking him over.

"This race is ours!" Sonic declared as he rolls down and spins under the Master's chariot and spin jumps beneath it, knocking the Chariot Master off his vehicle in defeat.

BGM End

"We win!" Pit exclaimed.

"Well done…" The Chariot Master weakly said.

Spidey, Lucina, Weiss, and Ero approach the victorious teammates. "You guys did it!" Weiss said as they share a happy high-five.

"Too easy. It was a piece of cake." Sonic grinned as he turns to Pit. "Right?"

"Yeah." Pit nodded.

Their celebrating didn't last as they hear the weak coughs from the Chariot Master, who has collapsed on the ground and starting to fade. "Hey!" Pit exclaimed as everyone rushes to him. "What's happening to you?" He asked him.

"Ah heh heh…I seemed to have drowned in your reservoir of strength. You've proven yourself worthy of my Lightning Chariot." He weakly said.

"Wait! We don't want it to end this way!" Sonic said.

"This is the only way things can end for an old warrior. I have no regrets…I'm trusting you all…with Phos and Lux…The future of this realm…And Other…" The Chariot Master speaks his last words as he slowly turns his head over to Ero. "…Try to be happy…" He told his best friend his last wish as he fades into nothingness, leaving everyone sadden by his death.

BGM-Sonic Heroes OST-Disquieting Shadow

And even though he doesn't show it, Ero is hurt by the loss of another dear friend as he solemnly closes his eyes. 'Good-bye…old friend.' He said in his own thoughts.

"Ero…" Pit reaches out for the warrior spider, now having a better understanding of his character.

"He died a warrior's death. Let's not leave it in vain." Ero replied, still sounding so indifferent to hide his sadness.

Spidey walks up to him and puts his hand on his shoulder. "You'll be alright?" He solemnly asked.

Ero turns around without even looking at Peter. "…Let's go." He said as he walks away, leaving his mortal allies behind.

'Guess you aren't the heartless monster I thought you were.' Viridi said, after understanding him, she feels bad for the internally wounded Spider-Totem. 'C'mon. Let's go save Palutena.' She said as a light shine down over the heroes and they are whisked away.

BGM End


BGM-Kid Icarus Uprising OST-Opening

Spider-Man: Hey, it's Spider-Man. We got what we need. We're coming to save you, Palutena.

Palutena: Why do you insist on getting in my way?

Pit: Snap out of it! You're being controlled! We know it! C'mon, Lady Palutena! You know this isn't you!

Palutena: You are truly annoying, Pit. I am going to erase you out of existence!

Pit: That's not happening! If I must fight you to save you, then so be it!

Next time on D-Avengers: God Mission:

The Soul of a Goddess

Pit: I won't give up! We're going to save you!