Part 76: The Generals

Up until recently, if someone were to tell me I'd be a hero, have a family, and be in love with a beautiful girl, I'd call them insane, and that someone like me could never be a hero, or find love and a family. After all, I was a demon's bastard child.

Pause.

And then I met Raven. The perfect girl for me. She was dark, mysterious, sexy, everything a guy like me could want. We loved each other more than anything. With her, I actually was a hero.

With her I was actually accepted. With the Titans, I found a family. With Raven, I finally found love. And with my kids, I was a hero who could do anything.

To my children, I'm their dad. To Raven, I'm her lover. To my teammates, I'm their brother. And to my enemies…

I'm the Angel of Death…

-Warren "Wraith" Smith.

"Warren-san! Warren-san! Wake up!"

Wraith opened his eyes as he felt someone rousing him awake. He groaned a bit as he clutched his helmet covered head while pushing himself onto his hands and knees.

"Ryuki?" Wraith asked his fellow Rider who sighed in relief. Draco helped the Skull Rider up to his feet. "What happened?"

"The floor collapsed under our feet and we fell into a pit," Draco reported.

"What about the others?" Wraith asked, finally awake. Draco's eyepieces dimmed.

"I don't know. We're the only ones here," Draco said, worriedly. Wraith could understand. Everyone had been separated. Wraith knew that Draco and Jinx were exceptionally close from the talks they'd had in the past aboard the ChronoLiner whilst traveling to alternate dimensions. To not know what was happening to the one you loved…

Wraith had the same worries when thinking about his Raven.

"Well, at least we can see in the dark," Wraith said as he scanned the area. "Wherever we are, it's big."

Suddenly, the lights on the ceiling turned on, illuminating the chamber they were in. The walls were bare but the texture was similar to the scales of a reptile, specifically an alligator. Looking down, they realized they were standing over the painted on image of an alligator with its jaws open and revealing rows of razor sharp teeth, ready to devour its prey.

"And I have a feeling that this isn't the guest room," Draco commented.

"You got that right." The two Riders looked towards the source of the voice. A door slid open and entering the chamber was a muscular African American male, bald, wearing sunglasses and dressed in a tight white T-shirt that hugged his muscular form and slacks with suspenders. He looked like a pro-wrestler. Draco's green eyes narrowed under his helmet as a flash of recognition entered his mind.

"Mr. J," Draco growled.

"You know him?" Wraith asked his companion.

Draco explained, "He and another Orphenoch named Danuth were running an underground fighting ring a few months ago that we were sent to bust. They were actually using it to find the best fighters to add to Occultus' army, turning them into Orphenochs. Those who survived the process made the cut, those who didn't…"

"Turned to dust," Wraith finished, knowing fully well what would happen when a person who did not have the Orphenoch gene was sired by an Orphenoch.

Mr. J removed his glasses and said, "I'm happy you remember me. You ruined a pretty good business that night."

"I'm glad we did," Draco smirked.

Mr. J's eyes narrowed with fury before he dropped the sunglasses and approached the two Riders. He stepped on his glasses but could care less about them. He then gripped his fists before roaring. In an instant he'd morphed into his Alligator Orphenoch form.

Wraith was unfazed. He'd seen Draco morph into his own Ifrit Orphenoch form and had grown used to it. The only thing he could say about J's was that it was…

"That's one ugly mother," Wraith muttered.

"You know, I should thank you for taking care of Asakura," spoke J. "He was unstable. Sorry now that I have to kill you." With that said, Mr. J the Alligator Orphenoch charged straight at them, brandishing his sharp claws. The two Riders then charged right back.

"Adeat!" Draco called, summoning his Keyblade.

Wraith stood back momentarily as he summoned his katana. "Can you hear it? Lady Death is playing her sweet melody. So let us dance… Kage Enbu!" The Skull Rider's blade transformed into a scimitar with a jagged blade. He then charged at the Alligator Orphenoch.

My obsession caused me to drive my friends away. It also drove away the girl I loved. I blamed Occultus for this. If he didn't exist, maybe I'd still have my team and we never would've broken apart.

But, I realized that it was my fault. I was the cause of the team breaking up.

I joined another team, the Templars, and they all got killed by an Orphenoch. Again my obsession took over and I went on killing any Orphenoch that crossed my path.

I nearly killed Draco, the first good Orphenoch I ever met. Luckily, Terra talked me out of it.

Now, my obsession has returned. Occultus is still around. The Orphenoch that killed the rest of the Templars is still around.

Not for any longer…

-Craig "Mortuary" Smith.

When the floor suddenly collapsed under them, Mortuary, Falconer, and Bruiser fell into a dark but large room. Unlike Draco and Wraith, the fall had caused Mortuary's Aries armor to disappear.

"What happened?" Bruiser asked, picking some rubble out of his hair.

Falconer's armor had retracted back into the PDA to repair itself. Luckily, he was unharmed. "I don't know, but it's a miracle we survived."

"So, where do you think we are?" Bruiser asked.

"The Lion's Den," Mortuary growled. He sniffed the air. "It's his den." Memories of that night returned to him as he looked at the walls, which were carved with images of lions. The lions were pouncing on their prey, tearing them to shreds with their claws. There were also lion statues placed in the corners of the room.

None of them knew what to expect, though a door across the room slowly opened. The three Red Wolves were on guard, waiting for whatever it was to enter.

Through the door came a man of muscular build. He had spiked blonde hair and wore a black tank top, camouflage pants and combat boots. This man was Saber the Lion Orphenoch, the very same man that led Mortuary down the path of hatred and vengeance.

"Hey there, kid. Are these more buddies of yours for me to kill?" Saber asked as he closed the door behind him.

Mortuary cracked his knuckles and replied, "No, it's your turn to die."

Bruiser got into a defensive stance, "Ready when you are, boss."

"I want you guys to stay back. This is something I have to finish on my own," Mortuary said as his friends looked at him in confusion. He reached into his pocket and started to pull out his Zodiac Deck, but after he thought for a moment he put it back. He'd been training enough for this day. He wanted to settle this using his own power.

Saber just smirked and changed into his Orphenoch form ready for Mortuary to make the first move. Saber's Orphenoch form resembled Draco's minus the horns and spikes, plus he had a tail. Mortuary took the Deathbuster out of its holster and tossed it to Bruiser. "If I should lose, use it," he ordered. It was an order Bruiser didn't want to follow, but if he did, he was ready to blast Saber to hell.

Mortuary charged at Saber, his hands and feet glowing with Necroplasm. He was determined to win no matter what. This was for the Templars.

I betrayed my friends, kept secrets from them, but when all was said and done they accepted me again. I am Terra. I have done horrible things and I still regret them, every one of them. I still feel I deserve to be locked up or at least trapped in stone. I don't deserve another chance after I screwed up the many I had before. The Titans were my friends and yet I turned against them and joined Slade. I fought them, humiliated them, and took over the city and for what? For Slade? He never cared for me. He only cared about my power. I only realized it until it was too late.

I know that, despite what my friends say, I am still trying to win their trust. Raven still doesn't trust me all that much but I guess she's allowed that. I guess I'm turning into Robin too since I get a little paranoid. Wouldn't you after you betrayed the people you were friends with and you were betrayed by your mentor?

When Mortuary came back into my life, a bit of the past I never talked about was revealed. Before I was a Titan, before I was Slade's apprentice, I was a Red Wolf. I was a hero.

And now, I am a Rider.

-Tara "Terra" Markov/Masked Rider Cutter.

"Cy?"

"Yeah, BB?"

"Are ya dead?"

"No, man."

"Good, cause I feel like I am dead," Beast Boy groaned as he rubbed his head. He looked around him. "Where are we?" He then remembered. "Terra!"

"Right here, Gar," Terra said as she dug herself out of some debris, which was actually part of the floor they'd been standing on before it collapsed under them. Her Inzecter was on her shoulder, clicking its mandibles.

"So, where are we?" asked Cyborg.

"I'm guessing an aquarium," suggested Beast Boy. The walls around them were actually made of clear glass showing that on the other side was water. Aquatic life swam around them.

"Or we're very deep underground," Cyborg added. "Somewhere below sea level."

"Well, I'm getting a bad feeling about this," Terra shivered.

"And you should," a voice was heard as a door across the room opened. Walking inside the room was a pale elderly man with a walking stick. He was dressed in a black three piece suit like an undertaker and wore a bowler hat on his head. "Because this is where you'll die."

"Dude, who's the old guy?" Beast Boy questioned.

Terra's eyes narrowed, recognizing Danuth, "You."

"Ah, you were that girl who spoiled mine and J's fun along with your friends," Danuth said, smiling slightly. He removed his hat and bowed. "My greetings."

"Save it!" Terra snapped. "I'm gonna finish you like I should've done so that night."

Danuth grinned, revealing yellow teeth, "Well, now, let's see you do that, shall we, my dear?" His eyes flashed white before morphing into his Orphenoch form. This freaked Beast Boy out. "Now, let's have fun, shall we."

"Henshin," Terra commanded, putting her Inzecter to her gauntlet.

"HENSHIN!"

I knew I was never normal. I mean, I look ten but my mind is thirteen. I also have a crystal hand. Trust me, I am anything but normal. I wasn't even born. I was created. I was just an experiment that two scientists worked on to prove their theory. I never knew until a psycho told me but maybe I always knew that I wasn't really human.

I am a Homunculus, a freak. I am a monster. I was never supposed to exist. After my parents, my creators, died…I never expected anyone to accept me. I was wrong. The Titans took me in, gave me a home, and a family. I felt whole again.

Then, I met Rorek, and I found a teacher. He taught me of the true potential of my Alchemical skills.

Now, I am back with the Titans. I am a sorceress, an alchemist…I am also a kick butt Rider.

-Renia the Crystal Alchemist/Masked Rider Red Locust.

"Ren, wake up! Please, wake up, Ren!" Wyvern said as she tried to shake the Crystal Alchemist awake. Renia was lying on her back, snoring. "For goodness sake, wake the hell up!" Wyvern shouted, slapping the shorter girl with her hand. "Ow!"

Renia blinked and sat up, yawning. She smacked her lips and scratched her back and chest. "Man…what happened?"

Wyvern sighed and stood up. "We fell down a hole after the floor collapsed under us."

"Really?" Renia asked as she got to her feet. "I don't remember."

"That's because you were asleep. Now, we need to find the others."

"But where are they? And where are we?" Renia looked about the room. Carved into the walls was a centipede and it covered the entire wall, endlessly, with its multiple legs out, looking like the walls were alive. What looked out of place were the bookshelves that were placed against the walls, making the place look like a library, albeit a creepy one.

"I don't know, but it's really creepy," Wyvern muttered. Renia walked towards the bookshelves. "Ren!"

"I want to check these books out," responded Renia. She picked a book at random and leafed through the pages. "Hm, it's poetry."

"I suggest you don't touch that," spoke someone who came into the room through a hidden door. "That's one of a kind and irreplaceable. Of course, I don't expect a little child to understand." He was a Chinese man with short black hair and dressed in a simple white shirt with black slacks and matching leather shoes. He looked like a scholar.

A vein popped up on Renia's forehead as she whirled around, shaking her fists, "WHO ARE YOU CALLING A SHORT MICROSCOPIC MIDGET!!"

Richter quirked an eyebrow and fixed his glasses, "Rude too. Just like a child."

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!?" Renia shouted.

Richter closed the book he was holding and he morphed into his Orphenoch form. He didn't have any facial features but the spiked and segmented armored skin was pretty intimidating. He created his barbed whip and lashed it out at Renia who grabbed it in her crystal hand.

"You're tough, girl," spoke Richter. "I am Richter."

"I'm the Crystal Alchemist," Renia introduced herself and emphasized it by turning Richter's whip to fragile crystal and then shattering it.

"Well now, Crystal Alchemist," Richter began, "Let's see if your bite is worse than your bark!" He then rushed at Renia who turned her skin to crystal and charged right back at him. He swung his fist at her face and she did the same. Wyvern closed her eyes as she heard the impact.

CRACK!

I lost my parents at a young age. I was raped as a child. I was hideous and a freak with equally freakish powers. No one could ever love me. There was no hope. I joined the HIVE and found other misfits like myself who wanted to make the world pay. But, even though I smiled, I was never truly happy.

I did fall in love, but it was all a farce. My heart broke and I continued to commit crimes to fill the void.

Then, I met him. Draco. He gave me a choice for a better life. He gave me a chance.

It was the best decision I ever made. He would be there for me. I would hold onto him, cry into his chest, and show her the vulnerable side I had always kept hidden inside.

Now, he is dying. I am not going to lose him. Not again! Not ever!

I am Jinx, a hex sorceress. I am also a Rider!

-Jinx/Masked Rider Scarab.

"Man, I hurt all over," Jinx groaned as she struggled back to her feet. Her armor had deactivated on impact, lucky her. If not, she would've ended up splattered on the ground. She looked around to see that she was in a room where the lobster carved walls were decorated with paintings of beautiful women. Actually, it was one beautiful woman posing in all of them. "Wow, nice paintings."

"Don't fall in love with them," Snow Blood muttered. "Right now, we need to get out of here."

"I don't think so." A chair swiveled around to face them, revealing an attractive blonde woman with curves a super model would die for. She was dressed in a black bikini top with a leather jacket, tight low rider jeans and black biker boots. You could see the straps of her G-String as well. She stood up, hands to her hips. Her ruby red lips were curved into a smirk.

"Who are you?" Jinx asked. If this woman was working for Occultus, she had to be an Orphenoch.

"I abandoned my old human name when that life ended," the blonde spoke. "You may call me Nami."

"Well, Nami. We're getting out of here. So you better let us pass," Snow Blood warned.

Nami twirled her shoulder length and wavy blonde hair around her left index finger. "Oh, don't you wanna stay?"

"NO!" Jinx and Snow Blood shouted. Nami frowned.

"Oh, you wanna go back to your men?" Nami smirked, "Well, there's no hurry. My colleagues are currently entertaining them as we speak." She then said to Jinx. "You know, your boyfriend's Orphenoch form is powerful. I wonder why he settled in a twig like you when he can have someone like me." Nami rubbed her hands up and down her body.

Jinx fumed and with a yell fired a hex bolt at Nami. The woman bent backwards like someone from "The Matrix" and the bolt just sailed over her. She then straightened her body.

"Nice trick," Nami complimented. "Now check out mine." Her eyes flashed white as the markings of her Orphenoch form appeared on her skin. Her attractive human form then mutated into her hideous Orphenoch form. She had grey armor and resembled a lobster. Her eyes were covered by a visor with black holes covering it and she wore a helmet with the long antennae hanging down behind her. She also wore an armored skirt that resembled a lobster's tail. She still had her curvy figure despite that. She then summoned her weapon, a rapier, and cracked her neck.

"En guarde," Nami said before lunging forward. The Scarab Inzecter flew towards Jinx and attached herself to her belt.

"HENSHIN!"

Lord Occultus is my master. His word is law. Nothing else matters. His enemies are my enemies. They are our enemies.

They must die.

-Grave.

Occultus and Grave were standing in a room where the Titans and Red Wolves would enter if they survived the battles ahead of them.

Occultus stood in front of Grave and put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "I've taught you how to control your Necroplasm to its full potential, but that won't be enough to conquer your foes." He breathed out a sigh and continued. "You should know that I will leave you soon to bring the king into this world. I will bestow to you one last gift. I will transfer all of my Psycho Power into you."

Grave simply nodded and responded "I hear and obey."

Occultus dug the fingers of right hand into the side of Graves's neck and started to inject the power. Grave's body was covered in a blue flame and as the transfer was over his blue eyes turned to a pale white. He then fell to his knees as the pain of this power surged through him.

"I leave my legacy to you," Occultus said as he left the room. After the pain of the transformation passed Grave stood up waiting for whatever heroes came through the door.

Ever since I was a child, I knew that I wasn't normal. I could never fly like the other children and I had an abnormal eye and skin color. The other Tamaraneans had brown or red hair. Their eyes were green. I stuck out like a sore thumb with my black hair and violet eyes.

I was a freak and an abomination. They hated me. Though I was royalty, it didn't matter. A freak was a freak but I was still heir to the throne.

Then, my sister was born. Finally, an heir worthy of the throne. She was everything the people wanted in a princess and I was fazed out of their eyes.

I hated it. That hate fueled me. That hatred became my strength and it was all targeted towards my sister.

What perplexed me was that she was still kind to me despite my hatred. I thought she was oblivious and stupid but maybe that was why she was loved so much.

Despite all my wrongdoings, she still loved me. It was the unconditional love I wanted from the people of our home, yet I had it all along.

I came to Earth asking for forgiveness and got it. I also found a boy I was helplessly in love with. OK, he was a dork but a cute dork nonetheless.

And he defended me. I was scared to face Galfore and Pluto spoke in my defense.

I really should repay him for that. If only my Inzecter wasn't buzzing around my head right now. Man, it was getting annoying!

-Komand'r/Karmen Anders/Blackfire/Masked Rider Fire.

TAMARAN…

The ceremony to annul Blackfire's banishment would be held the following night. Galfore was going to have to discuss with the council, along with Starfire who was also the one to issue the banishment. Currently, Blackfire was in her room with Pluto, standing at the balcony.

"I'm back home, thanks to you," Blackfire smiled as she leaned against her boyfriend. He had his right arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer.

"Hey, don't thank me, Blackfire. Starfire's helping out too," Pluto answered, being humble for a change. He wasn't going to take all the credit for this. "Though, my speech was awesome, wasn't it?"

Blackfire laughed and pecked his cheek. "You're sweet. I can't believe we're together."

"Same here," Pluto agreed. "So, about this Ryand'r dude…he's your brother?"

Blackfire sighed sadly. "Yes."

"So, why didn't you tell me about him before?" Pluto asked, wanting to know the story. "I mean, I'm just curious. You don't have to tell me the whole story."

"No, you deserve to know," Blackfire said abruptly. "Ryand'r…Wildfire is our little brother. He's two years younger than Starfire. When the Gordanians attacked, he was sent away to keep him safe since he was the prince. He was sent to the warlords of Okaara to be trained and become a warrior." Blackfire paused. "Our parents died back then too."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Pluto spoke sympathetically.

"Despite my deformities, they still loved me," Blackfire said with tears falling. "It took me a long time to realize that."

"What deformities?" asked Pluto in confusion. "You're beautiful."

"I have black hair and violet eyes," Blackfire said, pointing to herself. "They were bad omens. On the day of my birth, the Citadel attacked. Since then I was forever associated as the cause of it."

"That's unfair!" Pluto snapped. "That's just stupid superstition. You're in no way a jinx!"

"Well, it didn't stop the people from looking at me like some sort of monster," Blackfire frowned. "I couldn't even fly like normal Tamaranians. I had to learn how. Infants could do it on instinct but not me. Then, Starfire was born and she was the perfect princess. Everyone loved her! It was unfair!" She buried her face into his chest. Blackfire would never allow herself to appear vulnerable. Only Pluto would be allowed that. He stroked her dark hair gently.

"I guess you grew to resent her because of that, huh?" Pluto reasoned.

"Yes, and yet she was still kind to me," Blackfire sniffled. "I never understood how she could be so kind after all that's happened."

"I guess we all handle trauma differently," Pluto shrugged. "My dad's dead, my mom's in a coma…"

"I guess we all have similar lives, huh?" Blackfire asked, looking deeply into his eyes.

"Pretty much," Pluto agreed. "So, anyway…" He grinned. "Are we expecting any company until morning?"

"I don't know," Blackfire gave a flirtatious look while drawing circles on his chest. "So, you wanna go to bed?" she purred.

"I thought you'd never ask." He swept her off her feet and cradled her in his arms swiftly. She looped her arms around his neck as he walked towards the bed. They shared a deep kiss before they fell onto the bed.

Ever since I was a child, I was told I was evil. I was told I would unspeakable things. I guess that was why I became a Titan. I wanted to prove them wrong. However, the Prophecy was still alive within me. It would eventually come to pass and my friends would not be able to stop it.

Before the Prophecy came to pass, a lot of things happened. My emotions which I had kept bottled up started to leak. I meditated to keep them suppressed but that would not work here. On Azarath, everyone was pacifists and didn't display much emotion. Here, everyone was emotional.

I never expected to fall in love. Though, my first choice was a dragon that manipulated me. I decided quickly that love wasn't worth the pain.

Then I met Shadowcobra. At first he was annoying, the way he flirted with me, but I finally found someone who understood me. He knew what it was like to be shunned, scorned and hated for the powers he had. He, like me, understood the darkness. However, unlike me, he grew up with a loving family. I never understood how he could end up like a coldhearted jerk most of the time.

Then I learnt about Misha and I understood.

I knew that I was the one to fill that void. Ironically, I would become the light in his darkness as he would be mine.

-Rachael "Raven" Roth.

NEO AZARATH…

Ichijyo sat next to Raven who asked him, "So, what happened?" Arella had gone to the kitchen to make dinner.

"She asked me a few questions," Ichijyo replied. "About myself, my powers and how we met. Nothing big."

"And how much did you answer?" Raven asked. She knew she could trust Ichijyo, but he could accidentally let things slip. He wasn't perfect, no matter how much he tried to be.

"As much as I was allowed to," Ichijyo answered. "I didn't go in too deep, but she knows I'm keeping secrets from her."

Raven bit her lower lip. "This could be bad."

"Well, at least she doesn't know about that tattoo on your lower back," Ichijyo grinned devilishly. Raven blushed. Several months ago, Ichijyo had convinced Raven to get a tattoo. It was a tattoo of a raven with its wings spread. It was on her lower back. Ichijyo was the only boy who knew and allowed to see it. The girls had seen it during the slumber party. That tattoo was the reason why Raven wore one piece swimsuits and not bikinis. If Beast Boy and Cyborg ever saw it, she'd never hear the end of it.

Earth was so different from Azarath. So many types of peoples and emotions; some good and some bad, but Raven had never been happier there. She'd met her first group of real friends and they'd helped her fight her destiny. Though she'd been born on Azarath, her home was on Earth. This, however, was not the Azarath she knew. It was only a replacement of her original home world. A duplicate. Though everything looked the same, it was not.

"There are some things even parents aren't supposed to know," Raven retorted quickly.

"I know. Even I don't tell my parents everything."

Arella then came into the living room, saying, "Dinner is ready. Follow me."

Ichijyo and Raven exchanged glances and shrugged before standing up. They were hungry after all. The transportation spell that'd brought them here had taken a lot of energy and they needed to replenish it.

Ichijyo would soon learn that Azaratheans were not meat eaters. I mean, did you see any cattle or livestock here? Didn't think so.

For as long as I could remember, I've always been jealous of my brother. This jealousy would later turn to hatred as I sought after the same powers he'd gained as one of the Zodiac Knights. I was determined to prove my worth in the eyes of my clan. Though I was the first born, my brother was the first born son despite being born after me. Thus, he was chosen as heir to the clan's school, the Hasuma School of Fighting Arts and also chosen for the mantle of 'Draco', a title given to the head of the clan. I didn't know he had to play host to a demon, but the honor and privilege given to him by the title earned him a lot of respect.

I was looked down upon for many years and was looked over. I was often overshadowed by my brother. Though I received training, it wasn't as much as my brother's. I started to master my own style, based on the movements of the cat. I've always had much respect for the cat. They possessed capabilities to survive in the wild and in the city. They could even watch their prey silently before striking. Stillness…then strike! However, my grandfather still looked me over and gave most of his attention to my brother.

Only my mother ever gave me any affection. However, it still wasn't enough! I wanted respect! I wanted power! I wanted to prove, once and for all, that I was better than my brother!

And I got my chance. I searched through papa's trunk and found the blank Zodiac Deck and made a contract with a cat Mirror Monster dubbed Techno Panther. I became one of Yoshido's Black Knights and fought my brother in the pursuit of power. He never suspected a thing.

As time passed, I felt a dark presence overtake me. As long as it gave me power, I didn't care. After my brother's friend, the Pisces Knight, had died, I revealed my true identity. I must've traumatized him since he ran. I chased after him. I even kidnapped a girl to draw him out but I was beaten by his new friends before I could take his life. Shortly after, I met with Slade-sama.

I have finally found a master worthy of me. He helped train me in the deadliest forms of martial arts and also his other skills. He called me his apprentice, a role I took great honor in. I would never disappoint him, my new master, and my new father.

The happiest I've ever been was with Rose. I fell in love. I know she's a girl but I've always liked girls. I was bisexual, but I preferred girls to boys. At least girls weren't pigs or horny dogs.

With Slade-sama's help, I fought the Titans and even gained command over some of his robots. Committing crimes in his name and causing terror was so much fun! I never wanted it to end!

I soon grew to have some sort of respect for my brother and at least remain civil with him when I wasn't doing something evil. It would appear that Slade's training could never take away the kindness I had in my heart. This usually affected my actions and made me impulsive. I did gain a daughter out of it. Best investment of my life.

Later, while I was jumping dimensions, I soon discovered a secret that's been kept from me by my own family. It explained a lot, really. Why didn't I know it before? No wonder I was seen as a monster. I am a monster!

I am the Living Horror Gate!

-Neko Katherine Hasuma/Zodiac Knight Copycat.

ZANDIA…

A submarine rose up from the water. It was black with red trimmings. Next to the sharp 'S' emblem was a symbol that resembled a ferocious cat. Panels in the side of the sub opened to reveal caterpillar tracks. The submarine then rolled onto the beach. The hatch at the top released some steam before it was pushed upwards. Copycat popped her head out, scoping around. "Wow, I'm here. Great." With a mighty leap, she got out of the sub and landed on the beach, sending sand flying on impact.

She took out her own custom SB-Cell and looked at the screen. "OK, if this map is right, I should be here." She looked at the sky. "And it's already dark out." She turned back to the sub and tilted her head to the side. She tapped her chin. "Should I bring some bots or let them stay in the sub." She weighed her options. "If I bring them along, I can't move around unnoticed. As smart as they've been programmed, they are sure dumb. On the other hand, I may need backup. I can't fight Orphenochs alone…or can I?" She sighed. "I guess I'm on my own." She tugged at the straps of her bag. "OK, all I have to do is plant some bombs and blow up Occultus' base. Now where could it be?" She looked around and saw the statue, grimacing. "Ugh, looks like Uncle Fred on a bad day. I guess I gotta go there." She ran forward and jumped high into the air.

My biggest regret was not being there for my family. However, it was not by choice. It was the only option I was given after that fateful day. I could watch as they grew up but I could never really be there for them. I could be there for them in spirit, at least but, well…I could never interfere. I had my hands tied by the gods. My duty came first…

Too bad they forgot who I was. I was never known to follow the rules. Well, I wasn't known to follow the rules that hurt the people I loved. I learnt that from Clockwork. As for Fuji, though he was my superior, he would turn a blind eye to some of my decisions, knowing I was doing the right thing. I would get caught, eventually, but it was worth it.

At least I was allowed to visit my wife, though not very often. I was given specific dates which allowed me to go and see her, where we would love one another. Those times were the happiest, especially with her. My biggest regret was leaving her. Being a good wife she understood, but it still hurts deeply in the core of my heart.

It also hurts that I had to watch as my children fight one another and I couldn't interfere. They couldn't even know it was me. I would try to help them, but my hands were tied on that. I could only give as much help as I could before getting myself caught.

I am Zodiac Knight Libra: Guardian, Judge and God…

But I am also known as Kyousuke Hasuma: Warrior, Father, Husband…

But, I cannot be both. I had to choose only one.

-Zodiac Knight Libra.

THE CELESTIAL REALM…

Libra gazed into the viewing mirror within his specially made realm. Through this he could see the progress of all the Zodiac Knights at once. The numbers had dwindled and now only a few remained: Shadowcobra, Pluto, Draco, Copycat, Moon, Cancer, ARMS, Aqua, Venus and Mortuary.

He could watch as Shadowcobra tried to receive the blessings from Arella, Raven's mother. He could watch as Draco fought alongside his friends. He could watch as Pluto…His eyes widened as he covered that image. Libra was no voyeur despite his ability to see all. He watched as his daughter reached Zandia with a bag filled with bombs. He sighed sadly. Why did she have to choose evil?

He then watched her shadow and his eyes widened in shock. Her shadow was alive, with sharp teeth and evil red eyes.

It could only mean one thing: the Living Gate was waking up.

To Be Continued…

J the Alligator Orphenoch VS Warren and Draco

Nami the Lobster Orphenoch VS Jinx and Snow Blood

Saber the Lion Orphenoch VS Mortuary, Falconer and Bruiser

Danuth the Squid Orphenoch VS Beast Boy, Cyborg and Terra

Richter the Centipede Orphenoch VS Wyvern and Renia