Unicron felt it.
He was drawing closer to his target. For so long, as he waited for his awakening, this was the chance he wanted, of causing this level of chaos. Nothing could stand in his way but those three tiny items…even they cannot fully harm him without being combined. He had it all in the bag really.
Only another 24 humanoid hours, then Gaia VII will be in his reach, in reach of his hungry maw. He now had to wonder, would it taste good? Would it be better then any of the planets his fed on before?
Probably not, but the inner feeling he'll get from eating it will certainly be the best.
Inside of him, he felt the presence of the Zerg, and of Richard. His minions should deal with anything that might get past his defence barrier. He knows all too well that things never go smoothly when a Oswald's in the mess, and knowing his fortune, a group will get inside of him and try to take him out from within…well, he would like to see them try with Zerg tearing at their spines.
He chuckled to himself at the thought of it. This was all going to be great for him, if he is able to feed off this chaos he'll cause, then nothing will ever stop him again…nothing…
He said this before to himself. Millions of years ago, and yet, something did…Primus, and his six friends. Two deities in that mix as well. He had two of his own to back him up. Sephiroth, and Kefka, both said they would support his mission to bring fourth Chaos…only one of them survived the Primus era.
Unicron knew the fate of Kefka, he chose to make the decisive fight between the deities, back then, three-way, taking on Sephiroth as well as the two that were with Primus. Why? He believed Sephiroth would turn colour once Unicron had fed on the main planets, and decided to take out a possible traitor as soon as possible, thinking Sephiroth did not truly live to simply destroy…he perished by the hands of Sephiroth, with a little help of Zuo Ci, one of the two deities allied with Primus.
Unicron had to admit, he wondered where Sephiroth went after the death of Kefka. He presumed Sephiroth must've jumped ship when he knew Primus had a chance at victory. He was surprised Sephiroth returned to see him once he awoke once more, saying he would assist.
Soon the mind of the planet eater begun to think of Primus more and more, an inner rage begun to fill him. Him and his allies, they hindered his mission left right and center. Many minions under his service were taken out by them and he was finally defeated by the boy…the damage done was enough to make him shut down. He was close to victory. His body, once the mind was disabled, plotted its own course, and brought him out into the void of space that he slept in for so long, before Darkmega woke him.
Then, the images of his final battle with Primus returned…Unicron killing Anna, Primus's lover, suddenly making the boy weak, he was so close to victory, killing Thor and Odin, two of the companions, then, the boy made one final attack…and it got him. It got Unicron. He didn't see it coming, the last swing of the blade, the reminder of the pain made him roar out in fury, light flowing out of his mouth…
Then, silence….before Unicron continued on, to his objective.
It was 8:50am in Traverse Town. Chad was already in the bar area, along with Anna and Zhang He, who had recovered now, and they were getting ready to leave, saying their farewells to Tifa, Cloud and such.
That's when Darkmega came down the stairs to join them. Chad went silent once more, as Darkmega said his own goodbyes, and stood with Anna and Zhang He. He looked at Chad, and was thinking about what to say, but, nothing came out, just silence between them.
Cloud noticed this, and decided to speak. "Chad, perhaps you should thank Darkmega for helping out throughout all this. If it weren't for him being around, we might've lost Anna, and we might've lost you."
Chad looked at him, then just walked out of the bar. Anna was surprised with reaction, and quickly followed him, along with Zhang He, leaving Darkmega behind for a moment.
Tifa smiled at him. "Don't worry, I'm sure Anna will get Chad to thank you sometime. Hope you lot can come visit us again sometime."
"Thanks Tifa. You take care. All of you." Darkmega replied, before departing himself. He knew he was going down a new path after doing what he did yesterday, a path filled with these emotions he once refused, denied, as a Dark Soul.
Outside waiting was the others, and Anna called Dr Light to teleport them back to Junon Harbor, with the Black Materia and the Holy Materia in tow now.
When they were teleported back, they arrived in the office that they were in before they left. There, was Dr Light, Dr Wily, Dr Robotnik and a quite a few others, mostly News Reporters. Chad's first reaction was to quickly put his hands up, expecting it to do with him in some way. After a moment, he noticed that none of them were interested in their arrival, and were focusing on Dr Robotnik, who had Light and Wily with him earlier, but they had now walked over to Chad and co.
Chad was interested as to why Robotnik was having to answer so many, as he could just hear and make out. "So Docs. What's going on? He made a doomsday device or something and promised it'll do good for mankind?"
Light shook his head rather grimly. "No. it's something else Chad…some of the High Ministers of the Galactic Federation have been brutally murdered. In one of their meeting rooms here no less. The GF Police are still investigating the murder scene. The news got out and around like wild fire."
Chad wasn't even going to act like he cared. He wasn't one for politics. "Some huh? So what? There are others left then right?"
Dr Wily sighed. "Chad, the ones that were murdered were the prime High Ministers. Nine of the Ten."
"….Prime High Ministers?" Chad raised an eyebrow.
"Look Chad, there are 15 High Ministers. Ten of them are the central power of the Galactic Federation. Five are leaders of outside forces. Those five hold no real power but their own. The ones that are dead are those that pretty much watched over the GF. Only Yuan Shao is still alive."
"So he holds control of the WHOLE Galactic Federation?…oh dear, this isn't good." Anna said.
Dr Light looked at her. "No Anna. It seems something else happened. Before their murder, they nominated a new Emperor. A written agreement was found this morning, signed by all nine before they were later murdered. Yuan Shao's name wasn't on it, but he admitted that he failed to attend as always. That could cause problems, since he still has their power."
"Who's the new Emperor then?" Chad asked.
The answer actually just came through the door, into the office area, making everyone go quiet for a moment, as his footsteps echoed on the floor, before the door automatically closed behind him. Standing there, was Rufus Shinra.
"I am."
The crowd quickly left Dr Robotnik and rushed past Chad and the others to surround their new Emperor.
"Emperor Rufus, is it true that you were present when they had agreed to your new position?"
"What's your stance on the stories about the Planet Eater being inside Galactic Federation space?"
"What of the tenth Minister? It's rumored he had not agreed to your promotion, and he is a survivor of the attack."
"Is it true that you plan to end the war between us, the United Federation of Planets and the Galactic Empire?"
"There's a rumor going around that you may have staged the whole murder incident of the High Ministers. What're your thoughts on this?"
Rufus seemed collected and calm, with any answers he gave, they all went silent, eager to get it recorded.
Chad wasn't impressed, quickly turning back to Dr Light. "Seriously? They got him to fit the role?!"
Dr Wily nodded. "That they did. While I am surprised, it's not fully unexpected of Rufus to be leader material. He quite bright, and has a good head on his shoulders. He'll be much more better then Keaton at least Chad."
Chad scoffed at that comment, then decided to leave, as Darkmega followed him, Zhang He and Anna stayed put. Anna wanted to congratulate Rufus on his promotion.
Chad had travelled down several corridors, heading towards his room, hearing the sound of footsteps behind, knowing it was Darkmega. He quickly guessed Anna and Zhang He weren't around, leaving him with the Dark Navi. He didn't know what to say to him, or wanted to say. He knew Darkmega pretty much saved him from being corrupted. But this was Darkmega. The asshole who got them into this mess pretty much.
Soon, as they got close to his room, he stopped dead in his tracks, with Darkmega stopping behind him. "….Why are you following me?"
Darkmega shrugged. "I dunno. I thought you were gonna go after the next object you need. You can't be after a couple of bits of Materia for no good reason."
Chad kept his back to Darkmega. "..I need a third item, and it's with Optimas Prime. I'm going to handle that later."
"Why not now? No time like the present, right?"
"Because I just need to be alone. Need some breathing space, clear my mind and all that. Get myself sorted out with what happened Darkmega."
Darkmega chuckled darkly. "What? And I get no thanks for my part in saving your ass? Or is it about what Sephiroth said? You still slightly believed in it didn't you? About me making Richard what he is now?"
Chad instantly turned around and glared angrily at Darkmega, who just stepped back a little in worry. "As a matter of fact Darkmega, It's all of them things. I still think that you may as well caused him to become a monster, I am convinced that what Sephiroth said was true in some ways, and finally I would've got myself out of the Dark Soul issue eventually Darkmega. I didn't need your help. You just chose to. Your choice. Your fault. Like everything you decide to do.". with that, Chad walked into his room, slammed the door shut, and locked it.
Darkmega was hurt by that comment, and angered. Yeah. He didn't have to, but he did, and all his getting from it is stress off Chad. He wanted to shoot the door down and punch his face in for being so rude, but he knew that wasn't the best of options. Right now, he wanted to see Medi. To talk to her and relieve some stress. She's quite friendly, and unlike Chad, at least it's someone who respects him a little.
Chad stood there, at the door, waiting for Darkmega to leave. Once he heard him walk away, he sighed, and walked over to his bed, and sat down. To say thanks to that asshole for saving him from committing horrible acts…it wasn't right. That thing caused grief to him and the others, to give it thanks just wasn't an option to Chad yet. He decided to wait for a good hour, then he'll set off to find Optimas Prime about the Matrix of Leadership.
As he thought about it, he swore he had heard a chuckle in his mind…a chuckle coming from Unicron. He ignored it, thinking it was down to the stress he got from his little adventure, laid down on the bed and just relaxed for the hour.
As he laid there, eyes closed, he felt comfortable…allowing a warm sensation wash over him which seem to have come from nowhere. It was rather pleasant, numbing to his senses, making him feel at ease…and when he opened his eyes again, he was smirking evilly, getting off the bed.
Optimus Prime was standing in the Harbor area of the place, looking out to sea with Megatron, Soundwave, Starscream, Bumblebee and Ironhide. They had nothing better to do and felt that perhaps having a break and some fresh air, regardless of their machine status, might be pleasant.
That's when Chad came outside. Megatron is the first one to notice his arrival. "Hmm?"
Chad waves at him. "Hey Megatron. Name's Chad Oswald. Member of the Hero base like you? Just wanna talk to ol' Optimus Prime over there."
Optimus soon turns to see Chad, hearing him. "Ah, the young friend of Richard Wily. What do you need to ask?"
"Well, I sorta need something you have. For, well, the sake of defeating Unicron."
Optimus Prime was slightly surprised. "I have something you need?"
Chad nods. "Called the Matrix of leadership. I seriously need it to help in the battle with Unicron."
Asking for it alone made Optimus cautious. "I, would rather prefer it if I had confirmation from one of the good scientists, Chad. It isn't an item I can just hand over. And it's size is rather large for you."
Chad quickly thought about demanding it, but knew that six giant robots were more than a match for him. Also, if it is as big as Optimus is suggesting, he can't just carry it….then, he thought of an idea. "Alright then Prime. So, uh, where…is it precisely anyway?"
Optimus Prime pointed at his chest. "It's stored in here, safe and sound."
Chad smiled. "Ah cool. Well alright then, I'll be back when I asked them to come and tell you it's cool." he soon walks off.
Megatron watches him leave. "…You think his planning on stealing it? Strange question if you ask me, to know where it is…"
This made Ironhide chuckle "And how's a small little guy like him gonna steal it off Optimus Prime huh? Chill out. He can't do shit to us."
Actually. He could do something. Chad walked around Junon, looking for the Teleporting rooms, at least one of them for this idea in his head. Soon, he found one in the upper floors. It was a room with a few computers round the sides, simple steel room, dull, with a few lights on the ceiling, and in the middle, was a yellow circle symbol, to show where they would normally teleport in people. They prefer to keep things organized, instead of teleporting people to the PRECISE location they want, as heart attacks to observers have been known.
He walked over to one of the computers, and begun to type on it. Teleport target, chest of Optimus Prime, energy source within it. It was a large wave of energy, and he knew it had to be none other than the Matrix. He would first teleport it here, then redirect the teleporter to send it to none other than Unicron…Granted, it would take time to reach that far, but he knew he could do it…
In his head, he HAD to.
Soon, the reporters and such begun to disperse from where Rufus was, being shooed away by the troopers to allow their soon to be crowned new emperor to have a rest. The only people that were left in the office were Dr Light, Wily, Robotnik, Anna and Zhang He. Rufus smiled at them all, and walked over to them. "Well, glad they've left. Most of those questions were just repeats. It was getting annoying."
Zhang He said, in a rather dramatic tone, common for him, "Rufus, congratulations on getting such a promotion. To have someone of your beauty to lead our wonderful empire to a new era is a great sign of things to come!"
Rufus chuckled a little. Then saw Anna put her hand out for Rufus to shake, which he did. "Just think Anna, you're one of few first people to shake the hand of a new ruler. I'm glad it's someone as beautiful looking as you that is present."
Anna went a little red. "Oh, well, um…thanks. that's real sweet of you to say. Me and Zhang He need to get going now anyway. Just wanted to say congratulations myself." with that, her and Zhang He left the office.
Albert Wily was grinning, as he now put his hand out to shake with Rufus, who was happy to give his hand. "Well now Rufus, I can only wonder what way you'll take this empire. And if that mysterious assassination will occur again or not… I'm still surprised with that. No camera footage, no witnesses to the murder of the ministers, nothing at all."
Rufus shook his head a little. "Oh Albert, there was a witness. They even saw the murder."
This….took back Wily, and as well as Dr Light. "…I'm sorry, what did you say Rufus?"
Dr Robotnik was getting worried. Where was Rufus going with this?
Rufus was still smiling. "Oh yes, there was a witness. He oversaw the murder, and also joined in, killing one of the High Ministers himself, Dante Yuki…that murderer. Is me."
Dead silence followed this. It was for at least a good 30 seconds before Rufus followed up with "I don't regret committing the act. From planning it to actually overthrowing Keaton and the High Ministers. In the end, they were all useless and greedy for their own needs. I felt they needed to be disposed of."
Dr Light managed to finally speak. "You…you took them down? Why? What, what did they do to you to commit this act?"
Rufus turned away, and walked around them, heading towards the windows, looking out over the sea. " The only one that did anything to me, was Keaton. It is not over the fact he killed my father. I would've got rid of him eventually if Keaton didn't. no, it was because I was tired of him, of the way he acted, of the stupid war he had started. He had put two perfectly good allies against us, which I now plan to correct and use, for us."
Dr Wily looked to Robotnik, who had his head down, avoiding his gaze. Then, Albert walked over to where Rufus was, standing next to him, as Dr Light remained near Robotnik.
Wily just stood there, looking out to the sea, the blue sky and the clouds. "…Then you're telling us this for a reason. Certainly not from a guilty conscience. No, it's something else you want. Hmm….let me think…"
Rufus watched him from the corner of his eye. "It shouldn't take long for a brilliant mind like yours to figure out what I'm after.."
Albert Wily tapped the floor with his skull staff a little, then tapped his foot, going into deep thought for a moment, then looked at Rufus. "A new fledgling Emperor, of a new time and era, with the known stable government thrown down and crippled, would need the help of some of the greatest minds to show an effective image to the public, for them to accept him into their arms. My Family and Light's is rather renown in the Galactic Federation, to have us on your side would certainly show the people you can lead them with such help. And of course, this will be after we deal with the Planet Eater Unicron…"
Coming over to listen in, was Dr Light and Dr Robotnik, as Wily continued. " With Unicron defeated, your image would be known in the eyes of the people, but even that alone wouldn't be sufficient to make them think your useful, that's when we come into the picture. To claim you have us on your side afterwards, that would solidify your position…of course, me and Dr Light, have our own group to care for now, which include a now ex-High Minister, giving us a position of power in a way, if we wanted to abuse it…"
He was looking Rufus right in the eyes, then chuckled darkly. " And we have no desire to be folded under the rule of the empire. We created this small faction to provide freedom. The only option you have left, is to offer us a subjection, where we become an official separate force, working with the Galactic Federation, much like what they had with King Mickey and the outsiders. This way, in a sense, we're under your service, yet keep our identity, and you know all Yuan Shao cares about is his own future, so no matter where this goes, he'll hardly raise a rebellion against you…you told us about your act because you know I have faith in you, as we both have blooded hands that we've caused ourselves."
Rufus smirked. "As expected, you would explain it all in detail. You haven't changed at all over the years Albert. You now figured out what I want to offer you and Thomas. The question now is, do you accept?"
Dr Wily looked at Light, who knew Albert had figured it out, and trusted him. "…Albert. I think we should decide after we handle Unicron first. We've only just begun to collect what data we can on him, and need to focus on that before he arrives."
Dr Wily nodded, and begun to walk off, with Dr Light following. Light turned around and looked at Rufus and Robotnik one more time, before he left. Robotnik was still tense about this, quickly focusing on Rufus. "What if they turn you in!? To lose now would mean those deaths were for nothing! Then I'll be doomed as well! This whole coup will come crashing down! We'll be sentence for life or even put to death for what we've done!"
Rufus laughed a little, before looking outside the window again. "You weren't listening. He has faith in me, and he and Light think alike in so many ways, I doubt Thomas would do anything…they'll accept, and allow me to have them under my wing."
It was as Wily and Light were heading down one of the corridors, when Dr Light's Com-Link went off, beeping badly. He answered it, hearing the voice of Ironhide. "Hello? Hello!? Yo doc, you there?!"
"This is Dr Light Ironhide. Is there a problem?"
"A problem? Our leader's Matrix just got stolen! Right outta his chest!"
Dr Light looked at Dr Wily with a look of '…wait what?' before talking. "…um, come again?"
"The Matrix of Leadership doc! It's been stolen from Optimus Prime!"
"From his…chest?"
"That's right!"
Dr Light shook his head, then again, looked at Wily. "How can anyone steal a device that large from a robots chest? I thought he kept it closed and sealed tight?"
"Well it was! But now it's gone!"
Wily shrugged. "I have no idea, maybe…" then he realized. "…Teleportation."
Dr Light eyes widened. "Oh my…Ironhide! I'll have to disconnect the call and get on to Rufus at once! Make sure Optimus Prime is alright and we'll get it back!"
Before he could disconnect the call to make one to Rufus, a new voice was heard, Megatrons. "Doctor Light, this is Megatron speaking. I would like to give you a small hint to who, might've taken it…"
Chad stumbled out of the teleportation room, dazed, and confused. How in the hell did he get there, why was he here, and which way was it back to his room? He just felt tired right now. He wanted to get some rest before collecting the third item, just lay on that bed, dream some dreams…maybe Anna…in a tight fitting red bikini, then laying on a bed, waiting for him, her skin tanned, oiled with the sun cream, with the Bikini bra undone, so all he had to do, was pull it right off to see her wonderful-
He saw several troopers running up the corridor, guns ready, right towards him, one of them bellowing out "STOP RIGHT THERE CRIMINAL SCUM!". Before he even knew, a few of them smacked into him, pinning him on the floor, hands behind his back, shouting at him to stay down and stay where he was. He heard one of them saying about him matching the description given to them by Dr Light and were nearby the most recent teleporter room used….wait, Dr Light?
In the hustle and bustle of it, Chad finally decided to speak. "Hey. Hey! What's going on? What'd I do now?"
He got no reply. Soon he found himself being forced to his feet, and ordered to start walking, as a couple of troopers ran into the teleporter room, he was being led down the corridor, and eventually, after going through several more, in one corridor, waiting for him, was Dr Light and Dr Wily…both weren't looking too happy to say the least.
Chad was now more worried. "…Heyyy, this isn't about me leaving Darkmega alone is it? Listen his not a kid, I don't see why the hell I have to-"
Then, Dr Wily got his Com-link, and a voice of a woman was heard. "Dr Wily, we've confirmed an object was teleported out of the room in question. We have also confirmed it's now known location…you won't like it."
Dr Wily looked at Chad sternly, then said. "Go on."
"It's now been teleported to the machine known as Unicron sir. That is all."
Dr Light was shocked. "…U…Unicron?!" Glaring at Chad. "Chad! You gave the Autobots Matrix of Leadership to Unicron!?"
This snapped him awake. "..I….I did what!?"
No, this can't be happening. It's gotta be a dream, a nightmare. This was all Chad was thinking.
"You gave the Matrix to that planet destroyer! It holds a vast amount of power! Who knows what Unicron can do with it! You just gave it to the worst being known, making our chances worse!"
"..I, I did that? But, but I don't, don't remember…"
He was lost. When did it happen? Was this why he was in that room? When did he plot this? Why did he plot this? Then, it clicked in place what must've caused it. That voice from before, as he was fighting Darkmega. The way it controlled his body, did it, also, control him to commit this act?
"Wait, I know what might've caused it, caused me, to do it!"
"Caused you do to it? The hell you talking about?" was Dr Light's response.
"Listen to me for a moment Doc! Find Darkmega, Anna and Zhang He for me, they'll help explain what's going on!"
It had taken a good hour, but soon, Chad had found himself in his bedroom, with Darkmega near him as Chad was sitting on the bed, sitting in a chair nearby them was Anna, with Zhang He standing near her, and finally near the door into the room, was Dr Light and Dr Wily.
Dr Wily was the first to talk. "Now, I've posted guards outside. If I don't like what I hear, they grab you, you get in the slammer Chad, is that understood?"
Chad nodded, as Wily continued. "I've explained to Optimus Prime that you claim you didn't do it directly, but the robots claim you saw them before this act…I take it you don't remember that though?"
Chad shook his head. "No, I don't."
Dr Wily sighed a little. "Alright…now explain."
Chad soon talked about the voice in his head. That it made him attack Darkmega before, and made him break out of the prisons on the warship they were being transported on before. He explained that, it seemed to make him act against his will, and that he has little to no control over it. It seemed to appeared after he had direct contact with Unicron via a mind link of some sort. Dr Wily and Light were doubting this, untill Anna and Zhang He both confirmed this, with Zhang He giving details of the Prison incident, and Anna with the Traverse Town one.
"Hmm…so something is forcing you against your will to do these things? But what though?" Wily said.
Darkmega finally spoke for Chad, noticing Chad had seemed to have forgotten…or was made to, miss one hint to what it was. "I know what it is Doctors. It's another me. A Dark Soul. It's inside Chad. I knew it the moment I saw it in Traverse Town. It was insane and mad, trying to kill me. I think Unicron might've put it into him somehow."
Dr Wily looked surprised at this information. "Are…you saying Unicron might know of Dark Souls? But, that was a recent creation, how would Unicron get his hands on one to give to Chad?"
Then, a new voice spoke up, one that Anna, Zhang He, Darkmega and Chad knew. It came from the other side of the bed, behind Chad and Darkmega. "You call it a new name, put it into a data chip, claimed the Wily family made it. but it's been around for millions of years. Created by a man who couldn't understand it himself, until it was too late."
They all shot round to look, and standing there, from out of nowhere, was Sephiroth, looking away a little, eyes closed for the moment.
Dr Light was not happy with the intruder. "Who the devil are you!? Explain yourself at once!"
"Humph. The name, is Sephiroth." That alone, made Wily and Light pale slightly.
"S…Sephiroth? Hojos…Son? Sephiroth?" Was all Wily managed to say.
"What he believed was his son, yes. So, Chad…how does it feel?"
"What?" Chad answered with.
"How does it feel, to be a puppet, in the end? All that effort you made, to collect Holy, the Black Materia…all for nothing. Every item, now belongs with Unicron. Thanks to you."
Chad quickly checked his pockets, feeling for the two stones, Holy and Black….they weren't there…that meant he, sent them to Unicron, along with the Matrix. Sephiroth opened his eyes, and looked at Chad.
"The old man that saved you. He stopped me from giving them to Unicron, but he couldn't stop you. That faith he has in you is worthless. You've brought the doom of those you care for with this."
Sephiroth noticed the slight confusion with the Docs, and decided to explain. "This boy here, is connected to a destiny that's suppose to lead him to defeating Unicron. He went out across this world to collect the three items that could easily lead to Unicrons downfall. But instead, thanks to his lack of judgment and understanding on what Unicron put into him, the boy has spelled your doom…unless…"
Chad listened carefully to this next bit. Was Sephiroth going to give them a hint or something?
"…Unicron chooses to be merciful for your, unwilling, help Chad, and grants you a chance to live on a world he'll spare, along with those around you that you wish to save. The Judgment from the Heavens is not without mercy. If he offers it, I suggest you just accept it and know that soon, this world will vanish."
Darkmega scoffed at the idea. "Yeah, like we'll accept his offer!"
Sephiroth looked at him now. "You are but a coward inside Darkmega. You can't hide this from me. I know if Chad said yes to Unicrons offer, you would follow it gladly with no hesitation. A 'Dark' Soul believes in self survival over anything."
Then, he focused on Anna. "And of course, accepting it allows you a chance to live with Anna, does it not Chad? You can express what you feel towards her, without the fear of Unicron looming over you."
He hit Chad right on a spot, as Anna looked at him now, wondering what Sephiroth meant, but was guessing easily, as her face went a little red…to live with Anna…would, would Unicron really allow him that?
"…This is, if, he gives the offer to you though. I can't promise he will, you'll know when you're alone no doubt. I suggest you just take it. You're not worth anything more, now. Your destiny has gone down the only path it could…to the beginning, of a new era of Chaos." With that, Sephiroth vanished…his words dug deep into Chad and the others.
Chad just sat there, silently…Sephiroth had a way of getting him to listen. Was this really it? All he could do was wait? Wait for Unicron to offer mercy?
Dr Light and Wily, now understood the situation…and knew that whatever they had planned for Unicron was rendered moot at this point. They now understood what was going on with Chad…and that he had pretty much boned them big time. But they weren't going to quit. Dr Light looked at Albert. "…Regardless of what's happened, we need to try and figure out a way to defeat Unicron. Gaia VII is in danger. Rufus will sooner or later form a movement with the Galactic Empire and the United Federation of Planets…we can't just lay down and let things go downhill."
With that, Dr Light left, getting on the com-link to inform Optimas Prime of what was going on. Dr Wily sighed, then looked to Chad. "…Kid, don't pull a face that makes it look like things are finished yet. Even without those items, we'll fight it regardless…giving up hope now isn't an option. Especially since we're on the planet his aiming for."
Soon he left. Darkmega thought about things for a moment, as Anna sat down with Chad now, close to him. "…Chad?"
Chad spoke in a weak voice, looking at his hands…the truth of the situation grinding in his mind. "It's….it's all my fault. I had them, the Materia. We went through that task of getting them for nothing now…I can't stop what's inside of me from doing what it wants. I can't stop it from helping Unicron…I'm sorry Anna."
Darkmega shook his head a little, showing concern at Chad. "Hey, it isn't over. The docs are right, we can't give up. I didn't get repaired by them just to be Unicron's snack. It doesn't matter if you got a Dark Soul or not. You can't just stop because of it!"
Chad didn't answer. He didn't want to be near Darkmega. The idea his got something like him inside…it turned his stomach. He got up, and abruptly left the room, in a hurry with Anna shouting for him to wait…he didn't. he just went as quick as he could. Needed to get out, get some fresh air, clear his head…as he pretty much run down the corridors, hopped onto a lift, which took him down, and brought him to the village that was underneath the airport section of Junon Harbor, he found himself at the polluted sea front, the stone beach, of the town.
He sat there, near the sea, it's green water, the Sun blocked out, with only hints of its light coming from beyond the ceiling of the airport above….he just waited. Hoping now that maybe, Zuo Ci or someone would help him out, point him in a direction that would save him and the others…
He closed his eyes for a moment, to allow the sound of the sea to take him in, when, it was gone, and he heard nothing for a moment…before he heard the voice of it.
"Excellent Chad. I knew you would not let me down in finding those three."
He shot his eyes open, and before him, was Unicron, it's mouth glowing, the light flowing out surrounding him. "…Unicron…"
"I am not one without mercy, Chad. I have known your family for…many years. More so then you can know."
Chad cut him off before he could speak anymore. "If this is about a goddamn offer for peace Unicron, letting me and the others live, then I swear to god I'll kick your ass! I'll-"
Unicron was now the one to cut him off. "Do what? What can you do now? Nothing Chad. The point is, at this moment, you are nothing more than a fool for even thinking such. Nothing that the forces of this empire have will stop me now. What can you do to end me, if a fleet is nothing?"
Chad stopped….
Unicron waited for a moment, then continued. "I know you do not wish to follow my destiny any more then you have. That is why I offer you peace. You have done me a service. In return, yes, I will offer you, and those you cherish close to you, safety, from my coming. Let there be peace between me and your family for once, let the feud end."
"…those I cherish?"
"Anna, Quickman…to name a few. I cannot offer everyone of that 'hero base' group you are with. Many of them deserve nothing else then to be my nourishment. I will give you untill 5 hours of my arrival, to decide your fate and those around you. A fair chance to consider my offer, is it not?"
"…and Richard? And this Dark Soul you shoved into me?"
" I shall dispose of it. And Richard…I still require his services. He will eventually join you. Think about this carefully Chad…I won't offer it again, once this time is up."
Chad, wanted to just accept it. The facts were there. Unicron now had the winning cards. The GF, them, they had nothing. But he couldn't make himself. He felt he needed the time, to think it over, so he can accept it wholeheartedly. "…you could just make me say yes via the Dark Soul…I might not know what's going on untill it's too late…why even offer this when you can trick me, like you did already?"
"Then I shall silence it. Seal it inside of you. So long as I remain, it will no longer torture you."
That sounded good enough. And before he knew it, he felt, hot inside for a moment, in his head, before the feeling vanished…most likely that was Unicron doing what he said he would. "Alright…give me time then."
In a second, Chad found himself back on the beach, sitting at the precise point he was before…and begun to think carefully.
On one hand. He could walk away from this. Just have Anna, Quickman, Roll, a couple of others come with him, and leave without the others knowing. Go to a planet, lush and free, make a life for themselves….it sounded all good…
But would Anna forgive him? Roll? Would those he would have to leave behind forgive him? Their deaths would be on his mind, the moment he knows about the destruction of Gaia VII, no doubt hearing about how hard the Federation fought for this world, only to fail…
And then there was Richard. Knowing he would be a doll to Unicron, knowing that he would continue to serve that 'merciful' monster, until he was no longer needed…would Unicron, after what might be years, really let him go? Would he really allow one of his subjects off the leash that easy?
Then of course, would Unicron hold his end of this bargain his made to Chad? What if he decides he needs a new toy to use, and triggers the Dark Soul while Chad is living with Anna? Making him kill her for simple amusement, then sending him out to cause carnage? Unicron could easily turn his back on the offer he has made, afterall, he made it.
Then finally…what if he resists? Says no? His ruining the chance Anna has at getting away from all this, the others as well. All he wanted from the start of going to the Hero base was for the odd small adventure, and to relax. Meet other people and beings, get away from Mobius, from Chaos…and now here he was, twisted into a larger destiny, and forced into a corner.
He began to cry, lowering his head, and placing his hands over his face. He just didn't know what to do, where to go, what to decide. both directions he had left were harsh, dangerous ones, and he was stuck in the middle.
It must've been hours. Time flowed by, as he was there, the tide going out, the colour of the sky, as he could just see beyond the airport above, turned orange, meaning the sun was starting to set. He had long stopped crying. His mind was just blank. He couldn't think of what to do and now just waited for Unicron to call him once more, knowing he will sooner or later…saying yes to the offer, saying no…which one?
Then, he heard the sound of someone stepping over the stones, coming towards him. He turned his head and looked, and saw Darkmega, who sheepishly smiled at him a little, as he got close. "Hey…Chad…mind if I sit with you for a little while?"
Chad wasn't in the mood of saying something nasty to him, and simply nodded, before looking back at the sea. Darkmega walked over and sat down next to him, looking out at it as well.
"…Chad? Has Unicron talked to you?"
Chad nodded.
"Did he, offer you a chance of freedom?"
Chad nodded.
"What did you say to it?"
Chad was silent for a moment, then replied. "I needed time."
The Dark Net Navi looked down, thinking for a moment, then turned his head towards Chad. "Chad, you gotta say no, okay?"
Chad didn't look back at him, just staring at the sea. "Why? It's your decision to if you want to fight on Darkmega. You don't need me for that. Maybe I do need a break from all this. If Unicron finds us a nice planet to rest on-"
Darkmega sighed in annoyance. "Oh yeah, like he would. Lovely, green planets, filled with life. that's the sort he loves to snack on ya know. If he does put you on one with life, he'll just eat it eventually anyway. I think he'll dump you on a barren world instead, so then you're out of his way. He'll let you live in peace then. Bet nothing in his offer said about a lush, live world, did it?"
Chad didn't say a word to that.
"Tch, thought not. Didn't work out the finer details. That's what he'll do. Toss you somewhere out of his way, where he'll have no interest in eating you, somewhere isolated, with little to no life, letting you struggle to survive along with those you take to suffer with you…IF anyone wants to go."
The boy just turned his head away from the sea, showing the back of his head to Darkmega. "Anna would. So would Roll, Quickman.."
"Would they Chad? Would they? Would they really want to just up and leave, having the deaths of this world, and countless others hanging on their heads when they could try and die to save it all? I got the memories of Hub remember. I know they'll fight on, they would let you leave all on your own. Hell, I'm gonna stay and fight. That says alot."
Chad was getting annoyed with him now at last. "Why would you stay? You're a villain. A Dark Soul, just plead to Unicron to work for him and I'm sure he'll sign you up. Hell, I can suggest to him to take you in if you really want. Least then you'll be out of my hair…"
Darkmega took an offence to that. "Oh, oh that's how you feel still huh? I gave the message about Unicron, I saved your girlfriends ass at the cliffs, I helped you save YOUR ass at Traverse Town from being corrupted completely, and this is how you act? Pfft, at least Anna thanked me for both times. All I got from you is a glare and silence."
"You didn't have to-"
"No I fucking didn't have to do anything, but I did. I did because….because…" that was it now. "Because I want to survive. I want to help. I want help stop Unicron. I want to see this end."
Chad slowly turned his head to that he was facing Darkmega, glaring right at him. "Oh? What's with the change then? Got some emotions in your system other then hatred and cruelty?"
"Yes actually asshole. I do have. I don't know where the hell they came from. But since I got repaired, I've been…feeling more then I should have, alright? I felt the need to help Anna, a need to help you! I came out here because I got worried about you when I figured out where you went. Anna's been looking around in Junon for you. I felt sorry for her, that she was searching for you. When, now I see, you're sitting here, worrying over what to do with Unicron when the answer is obvious! We, fight him!"
The wave of emotion from Darkmega, from his voice, to his eyes, was different from what Chad expected…Darkmega was telling the truth. He was gaining emotions, and right now, he was trying to convince Chad to stand up to Unicron. "…Darkmega…"
Darkmega stood up, looking down at Chad. "Goddamnit man! You didn't call it quits with me! Why the hell are you even thinking it with Unicron! Sure it's a step up from me, but it's fight worth doing!"
Chad now was standing up, the way Darkmega spoke to him right now, it made him feel like he was the dirty coward out of them two. "All I want is peace Darkmega!"
"Then work for it Chad! You want it! I want it! We both want it! We need to just keep fighting for it!"
"YOU want peace!?"
"YES I WANT PEACE! Fuck's sake Chad! I don't want to be swallowed up by Unicron! I want to live to see another day! Get a chance at living! Letting go of the past I made with that goddamn war! I need to correct the mistake of helping with awakening Unicron! I need to stop him and Richard! I know I sure as hell didn't make him get controlled like Sephiroth said! And I never shoved Dark Chips into him!"
"Bullshit!" Chad said it like he meant it, but a new possible thought come into his mind…if Unicron planted a Dark Soul into Chad…then perhaps he did to Richard.
"It's the truth!" was all Darkmega said now. He was getting ready for Chad to take a swipe. He was afraid of it, to be honest, but he wasn't going to back down.
Chad stood there, glaring at Darkmega, unsure of what to say…when a new voice spoke to them, both they knew. They heard his footsteps on the pebbles, as he got close to them, coming from behind. "Darkmega speaks the truth, Chad Oswald."
…it was Zuo Ci.
Chad turned to him, as did Darkmega, who quickly said "Hey, You're that old guy that saved me. I recall your face…" his mind flashed back to when he was critically wounded on Zebes, with two limbs missing, dying slowly…the figure he saw, was Zuo Ci.
Chad was shocked. "Wait, you know Zuo Ci? He saved you?"
Zuo Ci nodded. "Indeed I did. I know of what was happening to Darkmega, and what caused it to occur. That is why I allowed him to redeem himself. And he has, so much so, it is he, who is willing to fight, instead of you."
"But, Zuo Ci…the three items I needed to stop Unicron, they…they…"
Zuo Ci smiled sweetly. "They belong to Unicron now, and he will keep them instead of destroying them. Overconfidence, is a weakness he often has. They are still a weakness, the key, to defeating him. And the way you can gain them again, and use them to defeat him, is with a key…or more precise." Then, appearing in his hands from nowhere almost, were two marble like orbs, glowing light green, both as big as tennis balls. "With these keystones."
He walked over to them, and gave one to Chad, and one to Darkmega. "These are required, for when you encounter the Black Materia and the Holy Materia. Unicron knows that they are what will endanger him, but he does not understand what, precisely, they hold to defeat him. The materias themselves, are worthless…inside of them, what is in them, is what you both need. With these keystones, they will absorb the power from within each, and grant you both each a unique energy, which will aid you to defeat Unicron, and those that work for him."
Chad was surprised that Zuo Ci had this ready, but then he remembered about the Matrix of Leadership. "But what about the Matrix? That's another item that's suppose to be a weakness."
"That, will lead to his downfall completely. The energy within the Matrix, once set free, will send power surges throughout Unicron, destroying him from within…the fact he has it now, has made your job a little easier on getting it inside of him."
"…Damn old man, this is just the ticket we need! Thanks!" Darkmega answered with, smiling away.
"You and Chad must work together, from now on…Light, and Dark, Life, and Death, must go hand in hand, to defeat the greater force that threatens you all. You and Chad, your fates are tied together, far more than either of you know. If one of you falls, before you find the Matrix to end this…then the Universe, is doomed."
That got Darkmega's mood down a notch. "Wow, thanks for, making it seem like a much more hefty task then it already is."
"Not only that, you will have to find your own way to get inside Unicron…I trust you will find a way. I have faith in you." with that, Zuo Ci smiled…and vanished, in a flash of white.
Darkmega sighed. "Great. That too. Neither can die, and we gotta find a way inside Unicron. This is gonna be fun." the last bit was filled, with sarcasm, something that gave Chad a smile at long last.
"Oh wow. The emotions and feelings have kicked up a notch in you haven't they? Maybe working with you won't be as hellish as I thought." he ended with a small chuckle.
Darkmega smiled back at him. "Heh…" then, he turned and looked out at the sea. "Ya know, I'm actually a little bit excited about this now. Now we got a chance with these…Keystone thingies." looking at the marble orb in his hand. "The idea of taking down the planet eater. Gonna be an hour to remember."
Chad nodded, as he too, looked to the sea. "Things are alot more clearer now too…I know what I wanna do. Kick some ass. Take some names, and see Unicron explode."
Darkmega gave the Keystone to Chad. "Hey, you got pockets. Hold it for me." Chad nodded, and put both his and Darkmegas Keystone away. "Ya know Chad…if this all goes wrong, we're fucked. This'll be the last time we'll see anything calm."
"Yeah. I know. It's a big gamble we're doing. But hey, if we are gonna die, I'm taking Unicron with us. I'll be damned if he gets outta this a-ok."
Darkmega smirked, then turned toward Chad, putting his hand out for him to shake. "How about this for a deal? If either of us do go down, the other goes on a rampage inside Unicron, trashing him as much as possible? Till the moment we finally die?"
Chad laughed a little, then finally, shook Darkmega's hand…a large step for Chad for his feelings for Darkmega. He finally begun to see him as a friend, no more of an enemy like before. Today has made him understand. "Alright, you're on. This is gonna be one battle to remember."
Soon, Darkmega and Chad went back into Junon, and their destination, was to find Dr Light and Wily…as he went, he heard Anna call his name, running up behind him, and as he turned around, hugging him tightly, with Zhang he quickly coming up to them as well. No doubt they were still looking around, and just spotted him going up the corridor. "Oh Chad! There you are! I thought you left us!"
"Anna, Anna, it's okay, I'm not going anywhere…not now after I got my act together." he was thankful for the hug…it was nice.
Anna looked up into his eyes. "I, I just thought you wouldn't come back, I thought you left this world or something."
Chad held her close. "It's alright Anna. I'm just going to find Dr Light and Wily. I found out a way to end this. To stop Unicron and-"
She kissed him.
His brain went dead.
It was a quick kiss, but it was enough, as she held eye contact with him afterwards. "Whatever, whatever it is you're going to do, promise me, you won't just up and leave like that again. Don't leave me again."
He just nodded and quietly said "Y-Yeah, of, of course…" with that, Anna let go of him, and with nudging by Darkmega, they both continued on to find the docs.
Darkmega was smirking again. "Soooo…finally classed as a girlfriend, boyfriend relationship huh?"
"Quiet you."
To the residents of Gaia VII, in Midgar, Junon, all the small towns and such, it was very unusual to hear from the few allowed travelers that were arriving this evening that over 147 ships, from the United Federation of Planets, Klingon Empire, Romulan Star Empire, Galactic Empire, Rebel Alliance and their own Galactic Federation, had been spotted in orbit of Gaia VII. Rufus had refused to inform the population about Unicron's destination. You don't need mass panic during all this.
It was now about 10pm. In Junon, in one of the Meeting rooms, one of the biggest, with windows at one end like the others, a red carpet covering the floor, a large, rectangle shaped table in the middle, on the ceiling above, a silver camera like device, a holographic projector, was seen aiming towards one of the walls, metal chairs surrounding, and on the walls, were the flags of the GF hung proudly. The windows showed the starry sky, with the moon, on it's lunar cycle, being a half moon.
Sitting at the table. At one end, was Rufus Shinra. Next to him, was Robotnik and Master Chief. Down one side of the table was, missing one seat after Rufus, Admiral Ackbar, Princess Leia, Yoda, Darth Vader, his two officers Titus Klev and Marl Semtin. Behind them, were six storm troopers and six rebel officers. On the other side of the table, again, one chair gap, were Captain Picard, a fellow officer, known as Captain Maxwell, the Klingons K'Nera, a slightly elderly looking one, and Korris, much younger looking, finally sitting with them, were two Romulans, Alidar Jarok and Tomalak, a once enemy to Captain Picard. Behind them, Data and La Forge, two Klingons and two Romulans respectively.
The spare chairs near Rufus were for Dr Wily and Dr Light, but both were yet to turn up. Eventually, as everyone settled down in their chairs, and on the table were metal jugs filled with water and cups ready, two of his guards standing at the door after it was closed, Rufus finally decided to begin.
"Well then, you all know why this meeting has occurred…this is a universal crisis we're facing. I know you have called what you can to aid our Federation as this, danger has chosen us first for a target, and we're thankful. As of now, our numbers stand at 67 of my finest Warships I could call for, 23 ships from the United Federation, 18 from the Galactic Empire, 13 from the Rebels, 16 from the Klingon Empire and 10 from the Romulan Star Empire. 147 vessels. I had attempted to call for more, but in our current situation with the loss of Keaton, the High Ministers, and the severe defeat with the first battle with Unicron, people are hesitant to listen and fear the idea of facing him. Thank you."
Picard leaned forward, looking at Rufus. "We had attempted to call for others as well, but as we can all safely say, the time to assemble a fleet was short, and we could all only send what we could. We had tried to ask the Cardassians for aid, but they simply refused. Thankfully-" turning to the Romulans. "-our call to the Romulan Star Empire had not gone unnoticed."
Tomalak nodded a little to Picard. "We know of the stories of the Planet Eater Unicron. To allow him to run rampant, even in territory that is not worth our time, would be a grave mistake. To end him now is beneficial to all parties."
"Agreed. This menace must be crushed as soon as possible. But as you had given to us in a report Rufus, Keaton had deployed over 90 warships to try and defeat Unicron, and it ended in failure. We do not even have double that number." Darth Vader said, in his haunting, machine tone.
The Klingon K'Nera laughed. "HA! The fool did not have this alliance with him! We are more than a match for that machine! Our combined might will easily destroy it!"
Rufus shook his head. "In what we gathered from scans from space stations that Unicron has past, he seems alot more prepared then what he appears. Even a barrage of our mixed technology may not halt his advance."
Data stepped forward. "Actually sir, as we checked the scans, we did notice that-"
The doors opened, and walking in, were Dr Light, Dr Wily, Chad and Darkmega. "Phew, sorry we're late everyone." Dr Light said, as he noticed the empty chairs near Rufus, and walked over to one, motioning Darkmega to follow him, and Wily going to the other chair, having Chad follow him, both eventually sitting down.
Rufus raised an eyebrow at Chad. "That's perfectly alright Doctor…I take it these, two were the reason you were late?"
Wily nodded. "Yes, in actual fact, from what they told us, they might know of a way to defeat, Unicron."
There was a murmur right away going around the table. Ackbar soon spoke up. "They know of a way? This is wonderful news indeed! Just the thing we need to hear right now! What is it?"
"It appears there are three items that Unicron is especially weak to. The items known as the Black Materia, Holy Materia, and the Matrix of Leadership according to what they said, the Materias will help them weaken Unicron, and the Matrix will destroy him from the inside, ending him for good."
As the people were talking positively about this, Wily continued. "There is a downside. They said it must be them, being the Net Navi behind Thomas, the man opposite me that is, and this boy here, to trigger it, which isn't too bad. The worse part, all three items are with Unicron right now."
BOY did that change the atmosphere in the room. The Romulan Alidar Jarok grumbled and said in disgust "Then you came in late only to say about a possible chance that is already lost? Worthless, completely worthless! How can we even expect to get those two you old humans have with you into the Planet Eater?!"
Chad wanted to smack that elf looking git. But held himself back. "Well we have something called a teleporter. I take it you must've of not heard of it before, surprising, with the size of your ears."
Data once again spoke, just as the Romulan stood up, and was about to say something. "If I may? In the current state, it would be impossible to commence any teleport into Unicron. Allow me to show you." with that, he got out his Tricorder device, pointed it towards the holographic projector, and it flickered on, showing an 2D image of Unicron on the wall, along with the vessels, near a planet, with a label near it 'GAIA VII'. Alidar Jarok soon sat down again, glaring at Chad at first, before focusing on the image. Data continued "I had prepared this once we gathered what data we could. Now-"
The image zoomed in on Unicron. "From what we have gathered. Unicron is emitting an Energy Frequency matcher. A device that allows him to simply absorb energy of any kind, so long as it matches the frequency. It will no doubt effect our Phasers, and your laser technology." it shows a few lines of energy going towards Unicron, and simply disappearing.
"We believe this effect is all over him, explaining way he had not received any damage from Keatons effort. The Galactic Federation also have Missiles, which would have got through this, but we have noticed Unicron has, all over him, small emitters, tower like devices, which when a physical object is close, sends out a wave of protective energy to block the weapon from hitting Unicron." the screen now shows several round ball like objects heading towards Unicron, and a line of energy comes out of him, destroying them before they hit him.
Princess Leia then decided to speak. "So, So what? Nothing can damage this thing? Are you saying it's worthless, this effort of ours?"
"No ma'am. Unicron is prepared with an effective defense, but I believe he was created for enemies that cannot find out this defense before he attacks. Let me explain. These towers, the emitters, are quite large, and are above the height the Energy Frequency matcher is formed around him. If we used our energy weapons on them. They would not be protected, and in effect, with them destroyed, We could use our explosive weapons, Photon Torpedoes, missiles, what we all have in that line of weaponry."
Robotnik then thought of something. "But what about its offensive abilities? I've heard about it firing out white energy beams from its mouth, and also creating this, energy wave, two different ones, that can either drag machines to their doom, or destroy them."
"I believe with what I mentioned, it is easy to disable this." Data said, before the image changed to showing the front of Unicron, and his mouth. "Unicron's main effect is to create fear from appearance. Fear would tell us to open fire at where the light of the attack is coming from, the center. This is incorrect. From the scans, high energy levels have been detected from the maw." The image highlighted Unicrons jagged mouth section orange, for them all to see.
"If we are effective enough by destroying first, the emitters around the mouth, then attack the lip section of Unicron, with enough damage, we will disable its only means of an offense, effectively stopping it from attacking us. Yet once we have destroyed that, it will most likely attempt to quicken its pace to the planet. We will have to find a way to disable it completely, to declare Gaia VII safe from harm."
Dr Light smiled a little. "Then with it disabled. We can find a way to send these two in and to handle the matter, putting the beast down for good."
Rufus nodded at this. "Then the task is simple. Cripple those towers, break his maw, grind him to a halt…then watch him get blown into oblivion. So long, as those Borg don't come back to help him."
Picard responded to this. "The Borg seem to be keeping to their own turf since they fled Unicrons presence 4 days ago at least. No doubt even they are afraid of what he can do."
"Good. Then, everyone, I suggest we begin planning our formations in the upcoming battle, to make it so we hit hard and fast, before Unicron gets a chance at anything."
Chad then quickly whispered to Wily. As Rufus started talking more. "So now they know we're needed…before they get into the boring stuff, can we go and get some rest?"
Wily nodded. "Yes yes, you and Darkmega can go."
Soon they left the meeting room. Chad decided to finally get some shut eye, before this battle begins. He said he farewells to Darkmega. And headed to his room, knowing he wouldn't get a lot of hours, but some was better than none right now. Once inside his room, he got undressed, and got into bed, getting comfy, and closed his eyes….soon, he begun to dream, there was Anna, waiting for him, in a red linen double bed. As he got in, he found out she was naked, and soon, he was kissing her, her body, touching her all over, it was just flickering images, but it felt nice…then, he felt that floating feeling again…and heard that voice.
"Your time is up Chad. I require an answer to the offer."
Chad shot open his eyes. He was naked still, but now floating before Unicron, via the mind link no less. He glared at him. "Unicron…"
"Well? I have granted you the time I said. And it is now up. What do you wish to do?"
Chad stared into that mouth of light with new defiance. "I choose to fight. As soon as we meet Unicron…I will end you…"
Unicron chuckled at this bold answer. "End me? You cannot even do a dent to my vast power."
Chad smirked. "Your all too confident, aren't you Unicron?"
"It is my destiny to succeed here. To begin destroying life, to wipe out those that are unworthy in my presence, and begin a new reign of my own."
"That ain't gonna happen. Not with me around, not with everyone else that'll stand up to you to take you down a notch. It's your hours that are numbered Unicron. You're just too much of an overconfident moron to know it!"
Then, an eruption of light burst from his mouth, followed by a roar of fury, blinding Chad slightly for a moment. "Do not insult me boy! When I arrive at Gaia, I shall make sure to devour that planet slowly, and enjoy the nourishment I'll get out of it. And as for you, I'll make sure your 'friend' that I have, will kill you slowly, and painfully, for mocking me…"
"You can try Unicron, but I'll beat you, I have allies, those I know that need me to take you down, and I'll do it!"
Then, Unicron growled darkly. "Those, were his, words before…you dare speak them to me…Get out of my sight…"
Chad was baffled by those words, but soon enough, he found himself awake, in his bed, back at Junon. The clock on the wall showing it was half past three in the morning, and he heard a voice coming from his Com-Link. It was Wily. "Goddamnit Chad, get your ass up! You're required at the Junon Airport! Right now!"
Chad moved himself out of his bed, yawning, and picked up the Com-Link. "I heard ya, I heard ya, I'll be right there…"
Chad soon journeyed out to the airport section of Junon, where the planes and shuttles of the GF were docked. Standing outside, near one of the helipads, was Dr Light, Dr Hikari, Dr Regal and Dr Wily. With them as well, was Captain Picard, and Darkmega. It was a tad chilly outside, but other then that…the night sky looked lovely, for a night before a planet eater swallows this world, that is.
Chad walked over, wondering what they wanted.
"Ah Chad. I wanted you here so I can explain what's going on. Due to being needed for a rather important task, I sending you and Darkmega aboard the USS Enterprise. It's more agile then any GF vessel, and if the situation requires a quick move in to teleport then escape, a UFP vessel is a better option." Wily said, smiling at Chad. "This means you'll be working with the Captain here."
"Oh right. 'kay." Chad responded with, stepping over to where Picard was and then shaking his hand. "Hi there."
"Pleasure to meet you Chad Oswald. Jean-Luc Picard's the name. I'll be the one taking you and your group to Unicron when the time comes."
"…My group?" Chad looked at Wily, then Light, who told him. "Chad, we can't just let you and Darkmega here go inside Unicron alone. So we asked for volunteers from our Hero Base members to come with you. They've already been teleported up."
"Doc, I don't think we need a team to handle us. Just let me and Darkmega go in. everyone else can just sit here in Junon and pray to Primus we get through and destroy him."
Dr Light smiled, shaking his head. "Chad, it's better that you have companions should you get ambushed inside Unicron. With the size that he is, we have no idea what he has in store for you."
Chad knew he wasn't going to win with the docs, turning his focus to Darkmega. "So, ya ready to make this a time we ain't gonna forget?"
Darkmega simply gave him a thumbs up, as Picard press on his communicator badge. "Picard to Enterprise. Three to beam up."
In orbit of the Gaia VII, were the groups of vessels, all from their distant empires, all seem to be keeping to their own groups for the moment. The Enterprise was close to two of its fellow vessels, a Nebula Class called the USS Phoenix, the one Maxwell belonged to, and a Miranda class ship, the USS Fable. The ships were all adjusting their defenses and arming themselves for the soon coming conflict. They knew that if they screw up here, they won't be going home.
Soon, Chad, Picard and Darkmega appeared in one of the Enterprises transporter rooms. Picard lead them out of it, and into the corridor, leading them to one of the lifts of the ship. "First things first. I suggest you get to know who is in your team. We've allowed them to rest in Ten-Forward… The ships answer to a bar, dining area and the such to you. We couldn't fit two of them in there though, so instead their just in the cargo bay. I think we'll head there first."
As they got on the lift, Darkmega had already guessed who the two in question are. "I take it they are robots? Huge, bulky, can transform into stuff?"
Picard looked a little confused at the last part. "What?"
"It's a gift of theirs. Relax."
Once they got to the cargo hold. There, waiting patiently, were Optimus Prime, and Soundwave. Megatron had chosen to send Soundwave instead of coming himself, trusting his companion on dealing with the matter without his presence. That, and he didn't like the idea of going on such a small vessel.
Chad looked a little worried on seeing them. "Oh, hey Optimas…listen, about the Matrix…"
Optimus Prime simply waves his hand dismissively. "Chad, Dr Light has already informed me of what has occurred with you. I'm coming to assist to not only stop Unicron, but to take back the Matrix he forced you, to steal from me."
"Alright. Thanks for not being pissed off about it." Chad was relieved about that. Soon they moved on, and walked their way to Ten-Forward. In there, was very few of the Starfleet officers, talking with the team that Dr Light and Wily managed to form up. They were Roll, Blues, Ridley, who was seen sitting near the bar of Ten-Forward, talking to their bartender, a coloured humanoid female called Guinan, Megaman, Quickman, Mr T, Jak and his furry companion Daxter, Link, Samus, Ryu, Ken, Shadow, Sonic, Xiahou Yuan, Xiahou Dun and finally, standing in one of the corners, watching them all, with his Lunar Spear leaned on the wall next to him, Lu Bu.
"…well okay it's not as large as I expected really. And…is that Shadow?" was all Chad said, before he slowly walked over to where Shadow was. Darkmega decided to see his Light Self, just to make a little conversation if anything. Picard thought it best to just head up to the bridge.
Shadow saw Chad coming. "Humph, well if it isn't Chad Oswald. I heard we gotta make sure you and Darkmega don't die on us."
Sonic was with him. he chuckled to what Shadow said. "Hey, it's not like we really need to babysit them. Besides, Chad can hold his own. We'll have our own fun while his busy."
Chad smiled. "Heh. So Shadow? When did you get here? More precise, why are you here? I thought you wanted to stay on Mobius and stay working with 'Team Dark' as you so named yourselves."
"I still am working with them, Just your dragon friend over there got our team leader to change sides from the GF to you lot." motioning at Ridley.
"…what'd he offer her? Free booze and snacks?"
Shadow just stared at him like he was stupid.
"Alright alright, I know what Rouge always wants Shadow. I was joking."
Shadow didn't see the funny side of it, and just walked over to where Ridley was. "Eh, still see he can't relax at times can he Sonic?"
Sonic chuckled, then someone else joined Chad and him, Roll. "Hey Sonic, Chad."
"Hey Roll-ROLL!?" it suddenly hit Chad she was present here. "The hell you doing here?!"
Roll was taken aback a little. "Wha? Well, to help of course."
"Roll this is gonna be dangerous. I can't have you getting in trouble. Go back to Junon and wait for us to come back."
"Huh? Why?"
"Look Roll, I can't have my friends be put in danger alright? This could be very risky. I can't have you get hurt."
Sonic spoke up. "Hey! You're saying I'm not your friend or something? You didn't get all uppity with me being here!"
Chad quickly shook his head. "No no no no! I mean I don't want friends who…" he looked at Roll, and could see she was beginning to catch on with what he wanted to say. "…who, ya now, can't, sorta, handle themselves. I mean you're awesome Sonic. You're perfect for this. But Roll here is a…well….a girl."
Oh dear. Roll was frowning at this remark. "And what about Samus then?"
Chad had to quickly think a way around this. "I…Well…ya can't tell she's a girl in that suit ya know. So….kinda…not counts? I mean, well, you can't really see she got tits, and you know, without the appearance of tits she could be guessed as a guy…not like I am saying a girl needs tits to be CLASSED, as a girl, because that's like saying you're not a girl, because you don't have hardly any-"
Smack. A slap right across the cheek, before Roll huffed and walked back to Mr T and Blues. Chad was there rubbing his face where she hit. "ow…that…didn't go too well did it?"
All Sonic replied to that was, with a lick of sarcasm, "Ya think einstein?
Ridley was sitting at the Bar, when Shadow walked over and joined him. Ridley had just got a cup of whisky, just to have a little something before they suffer, and had a drop it before Shadow came over…and was already complaining.
"The hell is this? This ain't no alcohol."
Guinan sighed. "It's called synthohol. I take it you never heard of it in your area of space?"
Ridley shook his head. "Nope, and I'm glad we don't use it. Ugh, tastes like shit."
Guinan was amused at the colourful language, then looked at Shadow. "Anything you want?"
Shadow shook his head. "No, I'm good."
As Ridley dared another gulp of their whiskey, Guinan looked over to where Chad is. "So, that's Chad Oswald huh?"
Shadow nodded. "That's him."
"Hmm…no purple hair like I thought he would…nor blond for that matter…but he does have that feeling around him."
Shadow looked at her oddly. "….Excuse me?"
Guinan smiled at him. "Oh it's nothing. I've met a few relatives of his before. that's all."
Before Shadow could inquire about these relatives, Ridley spoke up. "Okay, that does it! I can't drink anymore! Fuck synthohol! Woman, you got any ALCOHOL related drinks?"
"As a matter of fact, I do. Would you like some?"
"Hell yes! And for my buddy Shadow here too!"
Shadow just sighed.
Chad after saying bye to Sonic, headed over to where Lu Bu was, waving at him, then putting his hand out for Lu Bu to shake. "Great to see someone like you is coming along, how's it been the last two years?"
Lu Bu looked down at Chad, keeping his arms crossed, showing he had no intent of shaking hands. "You better pull this off, boy. You fail, then Unicron will win."
"Can't even shake someones hand? Might not get the chance again if this all goes wrong." Chad responded with.
"I'll lend you and the others my strength for the coming battle. Nothing else. Leave me be to think."
On the bridge, Picard had sat down in his chair, looking to the main view screen, seeing the other ships. "Mr Data, has Rufus arrived on his Flagship, Galactica?"
Data turned around on his seat and nodded. "Yes Captain. It appears most of the fleet are now prepared to move out and intercept Unicron. We are just waiting for his order."
Riker shook his head a little, looking at his captain. "We're trusting two people, to stop something that huge once we disable it a little? What if they fail? What if they can't?"
"Well Riker, should they fail, we'll have to stop Unicron before he starts eating. that's all we can do." was Picards response.
Soon, a beeping sound was heard coming off Data's control panel. "Sir, Rufus has sent the signal. The GF fleet has begun to move."
Picard took a deep breath, then nodded. "Order our fleet to follow suit, then begin to follow the Galactica, nice and slow."
Every vessel, every warship, heavy cruiser, what was above Gaia VII, begun to depart from orbit, following suit the GF warships, all heading to their target, to the one they have to stop, lest they want him to begin coming to their worlds, and eating their people.
Unicron.