Chapter 98: A Duke's Judgment, Breaking the Cycle of Hatred!

Last time in Tales of the Cosmic Wars it was time for the former Commandant of the Zaphas Empire to answer for his crimes as both the Enji there friends and the members of Brave Vesperia moved quickly to the Enduring the Shrine of Zaude to stop Alexei before he could unleash the true power it contained! After the Entelexeia Phaeroh used his power to lower the barrier around the water filled shrine and allowed the good guys to make an explosive entrance.

While the shrine was full of very loyal royal guards, elite hit men of the Leviathans Claw guild, and various monsters Alexei got from his" supporters", even having Wall Masters drag unsuspecting fighters through rooms was not enough to keep them out!

After descending deeper in to the shrine they were confronted once more by Yeager and this time he surrounded himself with his elite men, including his two female fatales Gauche and Droite.

And while last time Ben was able to easily blow him away, this time the funny talking transformable scythe welding villain unleashed everything he had, including the fact that like Raven he to have his heart replaced by a Hermes Blastia by Alexei!

Still, while stronger than expected it was not enough and at last Yuri Raven and the others were able to avenge the death of Don Whitehorse and defeat Yeager and his minions, leaving just one worse guy to deal with. Soon enough they breached the final defenses and confronted Alexei. While Alexei was more powerful than ever thanks to both absorbing the power of the shrine and fusing himself with an Advanced Curse seal crystal the former Commandant picked a bad time for a power play. After just dealing with Kira and his extreme power fighting what was almost a cheap imitation of him was much easier.

And with a deadly combo from Yuri's mystic art to unleash the final brutal blow it seemed like Alexei was done. However, just when it seemed things were over fate took a sour turn when Alexei's last ounce of strength turned on the true function of the shrine. However, even he was shocked to see its true function when the energy did not form as a weapon, but as a seal to unleash what was thought to have been destroyed long ago, the disaster that nearly wiped out this world, the Adephagoes!

It seems that the giant octopus of doom was never really destroyed by the world's ancient civilization, just sealed within the planet's moon or something! And now with it once now poised to wipe out the planet are hero's problems have just multiplied, and the worst part is that it's not even the worse problem! What tops it of is that Ganondorf himself is on this world without are hero's having the slightest idea, and he has appeared before the cryptic Duke, who's outrage at the reappearance of the Adephagoes is nearly at the point of turning in to a deep hatred for humanity's sins. How will the arrival of the Zannacross Inquisitor shape are hero's fate? It's time to find out, so with no further ado let the madness continue!

Today's chapter begins right were the last one left of, with Ganondorf introducing himself to Duke on the shore nearest of the Shrine of Zaude!

Duke has just fully taken in Ganondorf 's appearance and obviously does not find it to inviting and simmers out," You call me an ally, yet your actions and appearance could not be more suspicious. Do not take me for a fool Ganondorf. I can sense your heart is balanced entirely by darkness. "

The evil king smirks and responds with a gruff," I never doubted your intelligence Duke. But what you sense is just the weight of my heart, for it has been blacked to the point of no return after witnessing like you, the undeniable true nature of humanity. You see, I have traveled from world to world. And no matter what shape or size there society is in the end there is only one truth to them. The truth of darkness!

And that is how no matter how far advanced they are, the same basic nature is the same. There greedy, selfish nature is there core, no matter how some try and say otherwise. You seen from today the undeniable truth, those humans are a virus to this cosmos! It was the lust for power that made them go past the planet's natural limit and bring forth this Adephagoes, and their inability to unbind themselves to their sinful nature is ever proof that they are impossible of evolving!"

Duke looks down and retorts with a bitter," What you say is true. Of the long time I have seen the life's of men, it nearly always ends the same. Still, there are a few note worthy expectations. It would be a shame for all the innocent to be dammed for the sins of the guilty."

Ganondorf just snickers before looking up and the sky and says," Some may try and clam to be enlightened, but they are just fooling themselves. In the end the only thing humans can achieve is suffering and ruin."

Duke just looks in to Ganondorf 's eyes and responds with a solemn," It is undeniable; the path of humanity is one of ruin. I won't let them ruin this world, I will keep the promise I made to protect this world. But, tell me Ganondorf, why did you appear just to tell me these things?"

Ganondorf laughs before he commands his hoarse to neigh and turn around as he responds with a coy," Heh, I know you have the knowledge of all of these worlds' secrets. I just would like to see someone who has the power to bring change, to bring forth the proper destiny of this world! Do what must be done, so that this world can return to its proper form Duke. I will be watching how this world is saved, it would be such a shame for a planet like this to be swallowed up by mankind's unending stupidly!"

Duke then looks at the Adephagoes again and sees the Neo Highwind and the other Lylat airships now blasting of in the opposite direction of the Shrine of Zaude and he says,"The ignorance of humans, has gone on for far too long. I will defend this world, from all who threaten it!"

After saying that ominous message Duke is surrounded in light before he warps away. With that Ganondorf sees he is alone he cackles and says," That was even easier then I thought. Ah Duke, for all your power among these people you are quick to forget that you are one of them, as much as you hate to admit it! Still, now that I was able to get you to embrace the darkness of your soul, I can replace him with Alexei as my pawn. It will be all too easy to finalize my master plan with Ben, Link, and all his valiant peons being the good hero's they are and give everything they have to stopping Duke. Heh, and as they do, the door is wide open for me to grasp at last what is truly of value on this planet to me! Ah, but first, time to dispose the garbage. Komoe, Kotake, report!"

He snaps his fingers and his two faithful if, not the most competent witch minions appear in portals of darkness and at once the sister with the red jewel says," Yes my lord? What is it?"

Ganondorf just looks hungry for conquest as he boasts out," I will begin the final stages of my plan soon. I want you to notify Onix, Veran and Vaati to be on high alert."

The witch of ice laughs and says,"Of course master Ganondorf. They will not dare fail to be ready to take part in your greatest triumph! At last, all those other snobby Inquisitors and that brat Kira will be forced to see who the true absolute master of the dark side is!"

Ganondorf folds his arms and snorts out a proud,"Heh, that Kira, or Darth Judicar has he call shim self now is definite full of power. But he is blinded by both his own ego and his insistence on trying to master the light as well as the darkness. He thinks he is the master of everything, but he is a fool! Darkness. I have spent my long life insuring that the path to absolute power is mine along. And to do that, is to tie up loose ends. Ah, and that brings me to my next thought. Were you able to retrieve him?"

Kotake nodes, and then takes out a bag she brought with her as she says," It was close, but we did as you said and hovered out of those Enji and Link's site as he unleashed the power of the shrine. Luckily the platform was destroyed and he fell right in to are grasp. Much easier than having to distract the Enji to retrieve him!"

She then throws the bag down to Ganondorf and it splits open to reveal that what was in it is the wounded Alexei, who is now on the verge of death! It seems the two witches were able to grab him as he feel of the shrine and the former leader of the Gerudo thieves looks annoyed and says,"Well Alexei, I am glad my servants were able to retrieve you. It would be a great displeasure for me to have the Enji interrogate you and find out what I am up to."

A furious Alexei tries to crawl up to Ganondorf and frantically screams out," Ganondorf, you tricked me! You never said unleashing the shrine would unleash the Adephagoes!"

His superior grins and says,"I told you it would unleash a great power. I never said it would be yours to have! You were able to hold out long enough to unseal it, but it seems even with the powers of the dark side you are an untalented failure!"

Alexei then crawls to the evil king's hoarse and holds out his hand while saying,"I am sorry that I was unable to defeat the Enji and that blasted street rat Yuri! I just need more power and I will crush them! Please, please master Ganondorft help me! Give me one more chance and I will not fail!"

Ganondorf quickly forms a vicious glare as he spits out," One more chance? I think you were not paying attention when I said you only had once chance. So let me reminded you what it means when I am serious!"

With that he jumps of his horse, and lands on Alexei's foot, so hard he crushes it! Alexei screams out in pain and says," AHH! No, please don't do this! I tried my best! Have mercy!"

Ganondorf casually grabs him by the collar and has a wide evil grin form as he says,"Mercy? Fool, there is no mercy for the weak! The new order will be one purged of all worthless trifle like you. And if you can't make the cut, then get out of my sight!"

With that he casually throws Alexei flying with one hand and he is hurled far! At once he powers up his energy and says,"Maybe you won't be such a disappointment, to the demons of hell! "

With that his hand glows with the Tri-force of power and fires a massive black energy orb right in to Alexei! As he is consumed with dark energy Alexei screams out a desperate!" RAH! You, damn you! AHH!"

With that every cell of the former Commandant's body is destroyed and now that he is finally dead the ever pleasing Twinrova sisters clap and Kotake says," Nice shot master! He was an ingrate anyway! And what odd hair to!"

Ganondorf just cackles his hand and gets back on his horse while saying,"Hold the applause till I kill someone worth all this drivel. Now, time to begin this planets swan song. "

The fire loving witch then says,"What about that other fellow we found back before? He seems to many screws loose to be able to get anything done."

Ganondorf chuckles and answers with a coy," Take him to the base, even a rapid dog like him can be made to be a productive watch hound if he can take a little infusion of darkness. Heh, in any case it should not be that long now till Duke makes his move. I sensed a great angry power in him, hopefully he has more endurance then Alexei. In any case, he just has to put on a good show, while I have a chat, with Princess Zelda! Heh, enough chatter its time."

With that he snaps his fingers again and he and his minions vanish in another column of darkness to further their diabolical plans!"

And now with no one left in the area are view once again shifts back to the view of our heroes.

Once more they are on the command deck of the Neo Highwind and once more Luke, Cecil and all of their squad mates are on board to, and are trying to figure out just how to deal with the drastic new situation.

Cid and Jade has been scanning the Adephagoes on the ships scanners and after looking at all the different areas and frequencies Ben gets impatient and walks up to them while saying," So guys, do we know what we are dealing with yet?"

An annoyed Cid says,"Settle down Auro, we ani't analyzing a mere mutant Chocobo! This thing is really unusual even after all the things I seen."

Jade then takes a deep breath and says,"This, Adephagoes, is from what I can make of it made up of a very volatile structure. Its entire massive body emits high doses of radiation. It seems to mostly be composed of the particles of this world, what you all call aer."

Luke then says," That's all well and good Jade. However, how do we stop it?"

Cid sighs and answers with," It's not as simple as it looks. Of course I would just love to blow it to hell with are fleet here. But sadly it's not that easy. It seems this annoying oversized octopus is quite easley breakable. The simulations keep showing us if we blast it there is a good chance the remains will fall on the planet and leave quite the black eye! "

Ben then looks at one of the holograms of the simulations and says," If that is the case why don't we just blast it so hard there is nothing left to fall?"

Jade chuckles and says,"Ah, I nearly forgot that like Luke you are for the very direct and loud solutions. However, it's not that simple. Very precise calculations must be made to the amount of firepower needed. Otherwise we might cause more damage saving the planet then the thing we are trying to save. "

Kirby scratches his head and says,"This is so confusing, how did such a big thing last for so long and no one know about it? I mean, doesn't it get hungry waiting so long?"

Estelle then looks worried and reacts with a tense," The Adephagoes, we know it nearly destroyed the world. But who would create it ? "

Yuri then gets mad and barks out," I would love to wind back time and get a chance to meet the guy who created this thing. I don't care how powerful he was, ill slash him to bits for having the bright idea to create such a thing!"

Just as his friend's nods Cloud and the other Enji all of a sudden sense a large power level appear and he says," What the, this presence? Where did it come from?"

All of a sudden they hear a voice cut in with a stern," You have no idea at all what you are dealing with Yuri Lowell. No one vile human created the calamity, it was created from are entire sinful race zealously and carelessly filling the world with aer to fulfill their desires. For you see, the truth is that the Adephagoes is aer itself!"

With this Yuri recognizes the voice and says," Duke, so you are hear. "

Sure enough a flash of light shines above the groups and a moment later Duke is in their sights! Obviously annoyed at the man warping in to his ship through the ship's energy barrier Cid glares at him and says,"Who the hell do you think you are and how did you sneak on my ship! Huh?"

He then sees Cloud say," It's ok Cid, he helped us."

Ben then looks at him and says," That is right, he gave Yuri that Dein Nomos sword to get us past the seal in the first shrine. He said some cryptic stuff and warped away. So, do you know just what this thing is about ?"

Duke nodes and says,"Yes, the Adephagoes was created by humans using too much aer. It finally began to destroy the world but this finally got humans and Entelexia to work together. And they did find a way, for the leaders of the ancient humans possessed an innate power and they were the first Child's of the Full Moon! The original purpose of the Shrine of Zaude was to take the power of the original Child of the Full Moon's lives, to seal the Adephagoes in to the moon. Saving the world, for a time. It would have stayed that way, if you humans understood why the shrine was never to be entered! Humans brought forth the Adephagoes, so that path was the proper, atonement. The few remaining survivors of the Children, together with the Entelexia they decided how this world of Terca Lumieris would work from then on. The Imperial family are their descendants. "

Flynn then looks amazed and says," So that is how the Empire started. And that must be why this Dein Nomos, the key to Zaude will prove a true Emperor. "

Duke then looks at his sword in Yuri's hands and says,"Indeed. And now it's time for you to return that sword to me. It is no longer any use to you."

Yuri then looks at the sword and reacts with,"Well, I guess it is your sword. Thanks for letting us, hey!"

He then sees Duke grasp his hand and the red and purple sword floats out of his hand, and fly's right in to Duke's!

Yuri then cracks his own fingers and says," You could have just let me hand to it you know."

Link then says," So sir Duke, do you know the best way to stop this monster? "

Duke just looks at hologram of the Adephagoes and says,"As long as aer is used, no one can oppose the Adephagoes."

Rita then widens her eyes before she throws out a curious," You wanted to stop it to huh? That's why we kept seeing you all over calming those Aer kernels? "

Duke just closes his eyes and says," Correct."

Yuri then says," If that is so, and you knew this for so long, then why did you never ask help from the Empire or the Guilds?"

Ben then adds," He is right, if you told us everything beforehand we could have stopped Alexei and the Zannacross goons helping him in his tracks and we would not be in this crises right now!"

Duke just remains aloof and looks at his sword as he says,"I have aligned myself with the Entelexia. I have no intention of coexisting with humanity, wither its one planet of humans or the next. What is more, this incident has made it quite clear that the masses of humanity will never come to accord. I only came here to retrieve my sword."

Ben then looks at Duke with suspicion and says," So, just what are you trying to do Duke? You have a plan or not?"

Duke responds with a cold,"I do have a plan, there is a way. You can do what you want, just do not meddle with my affairs. That includes you Enji to. Your intervention so far has not amounted to much help."

This annoys the Enji and James says,"Well, maybe if we were told the whole story right away we could have acted more decisively."

Yuri then says,"We can't change the past but if we work together we can make a better future! You say you despise humanity but what about us? Aren't we human? Why did you help us and give me Dein Nomos? Why did you corporate with us?"

Duke looks at Yuri and says,"You were the only ones who even attempted to communicate with the Entelexia. That is why, never mind, it is done. I will protect are world, are Terca Lumieis."

He then once more vanishes in a portal of light and Yuri sees him go and says," Duke wait! Damn it, just what is he planning? "

Ben sees that Duke is gone and says," Well, that was pointless. He gave us some history but did not really tell us how to beat it properly, or tell us just what idea he has either."

Cloud says," Duke, he has that mysterious nature to him almost like Vincent or the others. He does not seem to have evil intentions. Still, something was off about him."

Raven then says,"I saw him fight ten years ago in the Great War, and he was nearly untouchable. Still, he at least had a personality then. After the war ended he seemed to act more dead then I did! Something must have happened that changed him, but good luck finding out what since he comes and goes as he pleases."

Rita just looks annoyed and shouts out a brazened," Forget him! If he is going to act so smug even when the entire world is endanger then forget him! I have my own way of stopping that stupid thing anyway! "

Everyone looks at with surprise in their eyes and Karol says," Really? "

Rita folds her arms and emits a proud," Did you forget I am a genius? As soon as I hear what the origins of the Adephagoes were and what it was made up of I begin thinking of all possible ways of getting rid of it. And, I do have a theory."

Jade then looks amused and says," Oh really? And what would it be miss Mordio?"

Rita looks defiant and says,"Well, like you guys said before. Just blowing it up carelessly would doom the planet and making destroying that eyesore a moot point. However, I think I can find a way to neutralize it without blowing it up. "

Estelle then gets excited and hopefully says," Really Rita? How? "

Rita quickly responds with a quirky," Simple, the apatheia! Duke said that the Adehagoes was made from the old society using too much aer right? Well, my way to stop it is related to the recent findings me and the other mages in Aspio have been trying to work with the technology the Lylat Kingdom gave us to try and convert Aer in to a new type of energy, mana energy."

Jade then says," Ah, so you all ready got to that stage on your own? Impressive. I see where you are going. It would be like magnets, you would neutralize the energy from within the Adephagoes. The only problem with your theory is that it would need a massive amount of energy to counter act it."

Rita quickly reacts with," It's a good thing I all ready thought of something. Blastia cores!"

Judith raises a eyebrow to this before she says," I am not so sure Rita. Not even a Hermes Blastia cores energy would be any ware close to enough."

Rita then groans and says," No, I am not talking about a single Blastia. To counter act the Adephagoes we need a massive amount of power. And the only amount of power that can fit what I am talking about, would roughly equal the apatheia of very Blastia core on the planet! Converting that much energy in to mana energy would definitely neutralize it."

Karol is shocked to hear this and says," Are you serious Rita!?" Without Blastia there would be no barriers, and most of the cities would lose all there technology! Even our own strengths would go away if we no longer had the Bodia Blastia!"

Juidth then looks amused and says," I never thought I hear you recommend getting rid of all the blastia in the world Rita. After all, did you not say before you thought of them as more reliable then people, and you life's passion?"

Rita then looks embarrassed before retorting with," I admit I use to think Blastia was the only thing that mattered. But thanks to becoming friends with Estelle, I see there are other things I could like. Besides, it's either this or have nothing to research at all! And any way it would be more drastic for you if all the blastia would be gone. What else would you devote your life to miss dragon rider?"

Remembering how they first meet Judith laughs and says," I suppose you are right. I just might have to find a new purpose in life now."

Flynn then looks at his own Blastia and says," Even if it's to save the world, the people will not take having to lose the Blastia very well. It could very well create massive strife and they will condemn us for ruining the world."

Yuri just looks down and says,"Maybe so. But Brave Vesperia made a pact to do what must be done to save the world. Even if no one knows what really happened, or if they decide to hate us, we will do what is needed to be done. That's what separates us from all those other organizations; we don't play by any rules but the real ones."

Ben laughs and says,"Hey now, the Enji Knights are not pawns to anyone. We are not afraid of toppling governments if they are corrupt. Luckily the head of the Lylat Kingdom is a good ruler. And also, there are no worries if it takes getting rid of all the Blastia to save the day. After all, the Lylat Kingdom can hook this planet up with much more powerful and non planet damaging technology. And as a show of good will it won't even cost anything, at first."

Estelle then has her eyes beam with hope as she says,"Yes, if the people see the Lylat Kingdom is willing to improve and advance are world it will clean away the doubts from both the Empire and the Guilds! Rita your plan seems great!"

Rita then laughs and says," Naturally. All right, now the first thing we would need to do is set up a net work for all the Blastia to go to. Then we need to link them in sync. Then we would need to have a focus point to unleash all the power."

Cloud then gestures his hand and says," Well, before anything we have to notify all the people of power. It is something they might want a heads up on."

Flynn then nods and says," Yes, I should inform Prince Loder. And Raven, perhaps you could inform Harry and the other Guild leaders"

Raven nods and says," Yah, this is one loop no one should be out of."

Rita then says," It will take some time to set up the Blastia network properly. Plus we need to figure out a proper device that can utilize the power."

Cid laughs and walks up before saying," I have plenty of gear in the ship's lab. Help yourself."

Ben then chuckles before he says,"I hope it won't take too much time to figure out the stuff you need. So far that Adaphagoes has just been blocking up the sky but once it starts moving it won't be pretty."

Cloud nods and says,"All right then, take us back to the Zaphas capital Cid. We should tell everyone about are plans, and about Duke's motive. "

Cid nods and goes back to the steering wheel and says,"

All right then boys and girls! Hang on tight because I am not going to let go of the boosts! Hey, what the?"

James then says,"What is it Cid? Huh, whoa!"

Everyone then feels a massive vibration, even though they are in mid air!

Yuri then says," What the, how bad an earthquake can it be if we are feeling the vibrations in midair? Is this the Adaphagoes?"

Jade then checks the power scanner and responds with a cautious," No, the power readings are not coming from that. Apparently a massive power is forming, to the west! I will magnify the scanners now."

He then presses a button and a new screen appears. It is to the west of the airship's current location and everyone sees on screen what seems to be a bunch of caves with an opening, and Rita is shocked to see it and says,"That's Aspio, my home! What is going on? Oh no!"

Everyone then sees what appears to be a giant flying castle burst out of the town of mages! As it fly's in to the sky Yuri says," What the hell is that thing? Is that a secret base of that Zannacross Empire of yours?"

Ben then says," Beats me, does not look like the Nova Crushers they are so found of. Still, I doubt it's anything but another headache."

Cid then checks a few things and says,"Whatever that thing is its all ready gathering a whole lot of energy in to it!"

Link then tenses up before he throws out a grave," Who summoned that castle and what is its purpose? Alexei and Yeager are both out of the way for sure, unless this is the work of Ganondorf!"

Just as everyone is thinking of theory's all of a sudden yet another voice talks like a speaker and says,"That castle or fortress is the ancient tower of Tarqaron, and the one who summoned it is Duke."

As everyone tries to figure out who is talking Hiryuumon gets annoyed and says," When did today become talking outside the room day? It does not smell like Duke, smells more like me! Whoa!"

Everyone is startled to see a creature fly face first in to the window of the Neo Highwind! An annoyed Cid says," What the hell? Does that tower have the power to shoot odd turkey slash dragon monsters?"

Judith is shocked at what she sees and says,"Its Phaeroh! Oh no, and he's hurt! The hit he took from the shrine of Zaude hurt him worse than we thought!"

Cloud then says," It's ok Cid, let him on to the hanger bay."

Cid nodes and lowers the barrier for that area and the group runs over to see the wounded Entelexia land! He falls over and Judith says," Phaeroh! Your wound, it's so big!"

Phaeroh just responds with a sorrowful," Grr, how pathetic that such a lowly human was able to injure me so severely. And now it's come to this. Don't worry about my current state, it will heal. There are more pressing matters to attend to. I never thought Duke would resort to this that fast."

Yuri then says," So, this is Duke' s handy work? Care to fill us in? He was not very open to us."

The wounded monster then says," If he is doing what I think he is, he plans to save the world, by exchanging the lives of humans."

This obviously alarms everyone and Estelle says," What? Why would Duke do something like that? He helped us before. He even gave Dein Nomos to Yuri."

The responds is,"I can only imagine it's because he saw some of himself in Yuri. Or maybe he thought he would not have to get his hands dirty with the Enji around. I to, do not trust you humans. But I do not want him to take such brutal revenge on his own kind. If you people, can truly save this world from the darkness we have all sensed, then I will not refuse your help. However, your path and Duke's path to save the world cannot coexist. If you cannot stop him, then nothing in this world has the power to stop him."

Ben grins and says,"Well, good thing we are not from this world! I don't know what Duke is thinking, but he must have a screw or two loose if he wants to kill the entire human population!"

Phaeroh then says,"The reason Duke hates humanity is because they destroyed all he believed in. The Great War was about the battle between Entelexia that sided with humans, along with humans, against the members of are race that opposed humans. Like me. During the Great War ten years ago he had founded a friendship with one of the best members of are race, Elucifur. It was thanks to him and Duke that the Great War ended. For humans alone could not have grasped victory. It was thanks to Elucifur, who was the leading advocate of those of us who sided with humans that Duke was able to win."

Karol is amazed and says," I never knew Duke was a hero."

Raven shakes his head and says,"It's one of the biggest secrets of the Empire. And they did a good job since most people still have no idea. "

Phaeroh continues with," However, in the end even though they brought peace, there power caused resentment in the fearful members of the Empire. They were fearful of his power, and when he was caught off guard, they ambushed and killed Elucifur. "

The members of Brave Vesperia are shocked and Estelle then says," No, that is horrible!"

Raven chuckles bitterly at everyone's reaction before he says," Anyone would stop trusting humans after that."

Judith looks regretful as she then says," I had no idea that was going on during the war."

Yuri just looks dead serious and says," But it does not matter how badly he was betrayed. He has no right to sacrifice every human life in this world!"

Ben looks down and solemnly says," A heart that gets broken can come to some crazy conclusions. But I agree, Duke can't be allowed to go through with this! Now then, what does all of this have to do with that new castle in the sky?"

Phaeroh then says," If you do not hurry, humanity on this planet will be destroyed. The tower of Tarqaron, is the most powerful weapon of Terca Lumireis. Its main weapon can indeed destroy the Adephagoes. However, the power of that weapon comes from a formula that requires the energy of all human life. "

Doug scratches his head and says,"Which had the bright idea to create that? "

His responds is," It was not designed exclusively like it, it's just that the main cannon of Tarqaron can be customized to serve the purpose of anything one who welds the sword of the empire wishes! That is why, you must stop Duke. I still despise most of you humans. But I don't wise for genocide. And what is more, I sense a shadow, a outside shadow that is leading Duke's heart. I fear he is being pushed in to doing this, and you must stop him before everyone regrets it! You must, AH!"

With that the winged monster collapses from his injuries and Judith says,"Phaeroh!"

Estelle then checks his pulse and says," He is still alive, he just fainted. I wish I could heal him, but that would just make things worse. "

Cloud then says,"We will have Rosa or Tear look in to his full recovery. "

Link then says," I wonder, there is no doubt that Ganondorf and his servants manipulated Alexei and Yeager, could they also be leading Duke along? Why would they want to release that thing only to have someone stop it?"

Ben shrugs and says," Who knows, maybe they want Duke to sacrifices the human life's to bring the energy back to the Zannacross Empire? It does not matter really, all that matters is that we shut Duke's plan down pronto!"

Cloud then says," Right, we don't have a second to lose." He then presses a button to open the com link back to Cid and says,"Cid, change of plans, head us right in to that castle and do whatever it takes to get in there. Then tell Luke and Cecil to discuss with the Empire and the Guilds are plans."

Flynn then looks stressed before he mutters," I hope we can get everything to work in time. So many lives hang in the balance."

Yuri grins and says,"Relax Flynn, there is no way Duke is going to be allowed to get away with this. He has the whole world against him! All right, let's do this!"

Cloud nods and says,"All right, hang on tight. I doubt this will be a smooth landing. "

With this the spaceship zooms to the tower of Tarqaron and at once are hero's get a much better grasp at just how big a place it is! It's not undefended either as all of a sudden dozens of burning lights, which are clearly energy blasts coming from the towers many automatic defense cannons all come right for the craft! However Cid is not about to let another chance to show off his ace piloting skills and easily maneuvers the Neo Highwind to dodge every blast! Sure enough before they know it the defenders of what is right are soon right in front of the base of the tower! Through the intercom Cid says," Sorry Cloud, I can't drop you of at the top. There is a massive spike of power at the top and sadly going near it might tear the ship apart! Seems this Duke fella is trying to amass quite a lot of power."

Cloud just looks focused as he responds with," Its fine, this is good enough. All right everyone, we have no time to waste. Lets mossy!"

From the intercom Cid says," I can't believe your still saying that! I told you Cloud that is wuss talk!"

Cloud just face palms and says," Sigh, you all get the idea."

Ben grins and says," Don't worry Cloud Sensei, we know what to do, defeat the bad guys! Here we go again!"

With that the Enji and Yuri, Flynn and the rest all run of the quickly extending landing bay of the ship and land on the ancient tower! At once they dash in to the tower and at first only see what looks like your standard old fashion tower. However, after running through a few hall ways and moving up the first of many floors they are shocked to see a very different setting before them!

After going through the double stone doors on the second floor they see a much larger room the size of the stadium, filled with very advanced moving platforms, other various gear, and a giant purple crystal in the middle of it all! James takes a look at everything and says,"

My, no offense but it seems that civilization that lived on this world during the ancient times was far more sophisticated."

Rita then says,"By all accounts from what me and the other scholars could translate from the ruins they did live a very comfy life. It seemed that they were able to raise above all the problems one would find in life. Even the Entelexia could not bother them! Yet, even they could not stop the Adephagos."

Yuri then takes a look around and says,"Yah, they just left the problem for someone else to solve, us. It's time we create a world where we don't fear the future."

Hiryuumon then gets excited and wags his tail as he says,"

That's right, time to bust another monster! Heh, good thing despite it being so big it seems to be just staying up there in the sky like a giant, huh? Did anyone else hear that moan? Ah nuts.

"Everyone does hear the new noise, and looks up at one of the towers windows, and sees that it seems the Adephagoes has woken up! The giant monstrosity shows it's a real threat as its gigantic tentacle lashes out, and casually destroys a mountain with that swipe! But what is worse is that afterwords the limb seems to shutter, and many smaller monsters break out of its pours and descend on the planet!

Ben then says,"What the, how is that possible? Bah, no use trying to figure out logic with monsters and demons. Still, this certainly does not help. "

Cloud then says,"This will keep Luke and Cecil's squads busy, along with pretty much everyone else. Oh great, now they are coming here!"

Sure enough Ben sees a bunch of monsters fly right at them, and on a closer look they look like giant blue glowing manta-rays!

They are called Outtaker and Ben gets a taste of how ruthless they are when they instantly crash through the windows and begin assaulting everything they can smell by firing energy blasts from their tails! Ben, Cloud, Link and Yuri all block or defect the blasts with their swords and at once block and defect the blasts. James blasts the nearest approaching spawn of the Adephagoes in between the eyes with a barrage of energy arrows and as its blasted off its course leaving it wide open for Ben to in a second flash step above it and slice it in half!

Behind him Kirby transformed in to his fighter power and dashed underneath it to give it a powerful upper cut to smash it upward! Link then fires a barrage of bomb arrows to keep up the assault, as Yuri closes in and finishes it with his Havoc Strike! Ben sees the others making progress and says,"Meh, these guys bark are worse than there bit. Still, it's annoying, we are fighting to stop someone from destroying this thing yet we still have to stop it. It's going to make destroying that thing both properly and in time."

Rita then shocks another Outtaker and says," Don't worry, as long as the others can get the layout right I can still get things done on time."

Yuri then charges at another one and says," Well, these things are not that tough. Just slash through them so we can get to Duke! Huh, oh hell."

Just as it looks like the good guys are almost done with the unwanted intruders they see twice as many fly in!

James then says," They must be drawn by are large magic energy. This could take a while if they can just keep coming."

Estelle then says," No, at this rate we might not make it on time!" Flynn then fires a holy lance attack at the newest unwanted monster and says," Don't worry princess, we will save the world."

Yuri nodes and adds a driven,"We have come this far, and we can't lose for the sake of everyone! Just a little more, and then it will finally be over! Come on, let's try and make are way to the next floor!"

With that they do that and try to blast back the Outtaker's to move up on the tower. However, little do they know that while they desperately are trying to fight their way to Duke to stop him, at that very moment a potentially greater disaster is about to break out! Are view now turns back to Zaphas castle, where at the throne room Prince Loder, Princess Zelda and King Dedede are watching the combined Lylat soldiers stationed there with the imperial knights to fight of the Outtakers that branched off to the castle.

With the three rulers are the two sergeants of Flynn, Witcher and Sodia, Zelda's long time servant, friend and body guard Impa. (As a reminder she is the Ocarina of Time version.)

And a dozen or so Waddle Dee's and Doo's that always tag along with the Penguin king. They are all looking at the tower of Tarqaron and Dedede bits his nails and says," That tower is looking like it's up to some nasty stuff. Maybe I should go back to Popstar, because no offense but things looks like they are going to get a little nasty."

Loder then says," Don't worry, that Cid fellow said Ben, Yuri and the other Enji are trying to put a stop to this. And if Miss Mordio's plan works we might be rid of the calamity before it can do any harm."

Dedede then wipes the sweat of and says,"Well, Kirby and that Ben fellow are on the case then things should be ok."

Zelda smiles and issues a reassuring,"Don't worry, between Link, Ben, Flynn Yuri and the others no force can be able to stop them. If Alexei and Yeager are both taken care of, and the minions like Agahnim defeated it should be not long before, huh? What is this presence? No, this can't be! Anyone but him!"

Seeing Zelda turn pale her Sheikah guard says,"What is it princess?" Zelda then says,"I can't believe I did not sense his presence till now. Usually it's overwhelming! But he is here, and we are in dire danger then ever! Its, ah!"

Before she can finish her speech she is interrupted by an explosion that shatters the doors! Everyone then hears a laugh and a sinister voice says," Ah, hope you like the show, however, the real fun has just began! "

It's not long before everyone sees who said that, and it's obviously Ganondorf as he marches right in to Zelda's horror! Dedede also remembers seeing him when he and the other Inquisitors took part in Xehamaru 's invasion of Neo Arcadia and says," What the? Who let this guy in?"

Zelda's face instantly shifts to one of outrage as she says," Ganondorf! So you were the root of all of this!"

The king of evil just smirks and says," Now Princess, it's been so long since we last chatted, no need for such harshness. But I won't deny I was controlling things to my liking on this world. At first Agahnim was in charge of making sure Alexei did not back out on are agreement.

However, when I heard you, Link, and that Ben Auro were all here, I just knew I had to take a personal interest. Still, you people of Terca Lumireis are quite amusing. Your desire to wipe each other on your own made it all too easy to put my plans in to motion, not to mention giving me a feast of despair! And when I discovered the sealed away disaster in waiting, it was ideal!"

Loder then says," So, you did purposely deceive Alexei and have him unleash the Adahagoes? You truly are a twisted soul. But your plan will fail, Yuri, Flynn, and the Enji will stop you!"

To everyone's surprise Ganondorf laughs and responds with a mocking," Let them, it does not matter this planet will die soon enough and its energy be sent to revive Chaos Zannacross Necron! The only reason that I made sure Duke kept them busy, is that with everyone busy preventing my white haired man with a grudge from completing his plan, I can finalize mine at last! And as you were aware Zelda, the Adaphagoes is making it quite hard to sense power levels from long range! And that means, we can discuss matters without interruption from the light so that at last I can take back what is rightfully mine!" As he clutches his right hand and the Tri force of power glows once more along with dark energy Loder then says," What power would you seek if you all ready have control of the Adahagoes? "

Zelda then realizes what the long time tormentor of her and her family is talking about and says,"The Tri-force, after all this time you still are obsessed with taking the other two parts from me and Link and hoarding all the power of the gods for yourself! "

Ganondorf just slowly walks forward as his dark aura begins to cover the room he says,"What, you think I would never stop trying to take back what was rightfully mine in the first place? Now more than ever the time is now for me to transcend to the level of a god! Once I finally have the full power of the Triforce, along with the numerous life-force energies I have been absorbing, my power will exceed past even Kira's! And then my rightful place as the supreme god emperor of all darkness's true envoy will be without dispute!"

Zelda then says," Your time with the Zannacross Empire has made you even more insane Ganondorf! You will never succeed in your mad desires! Link has shattered your ambitions time and again, and this time it will be no different, especially with Ben and all the other Enji here this time!"

Ganondorf just laughs before he suddenly growls out a intense," Sorry, but your WRONG! Things will go much differently this time Zelda. My powers have at the least tripled since before, and I hold all the cards! Well, almost, time to put the last card in to my deck. Tsc, you can either go willingly or painfully but you will be coming with me!"

At once the red haired villain walks forward and Sodia and the other knights in the room take out there swords. As they do some of Kirby's friends , the group of human sized mouses named the Squeak Squad also run up. As everyone gets in to fighting positions Sodia tries to not look afraid as she says," I am warning you, step any further and your life will be at risk!"

Ganondorf just chuckles and extends his hand as he says," Foolish girl, know your place!"

With that he waves his hand hard, and unleashes a wave of darkness that blasts her and the other knights and the Squeak Squad back! He then laughs and says,"Child's play, it's always amusing to watch bugs squirm. Ah, and while we are on the matter of squirming, you should know better than to think you can sneak up on me dear Impa!"

With that he does not even turn his head as he backhands the approaching guarding in the head and sends her through the wall! The man formerly from the Gerudo Valley just looks at Zelda and says," I hope you're not going planning on anymore foolish defiance. All it will do is bring more suffering! Heh, but since I enjoy suffering I am find either way!"

Zelda move backs and says," You will never change, your heart is pure evil!"

Ganondorf bows and says," Heh, that's a compliment to me! Unlike the others I don't bother trying to linger on to the light. In the end darkness will swallow up this entire dimension!

Hahahah, and that moment will be coming very soon if I have anything to say about it!"

As he resumes his walk to Zelda Dedede sweets heavily and says," Man, you're a class A nut job! And I thought I would miss out on the nightmares this time! No wait, this is my chance to save the day! That's right, it's the moment I have been waiting for!"With that he takes out something out of his robes, and reveals a hammer that once taken out grows twice the size! The penguin king presses a button and it begins to vibrate and glow as he laughs and says," You keep calling yourself a king but the only true king around here is me! And when I smash you with my megaton Dedede hammer mark V they will be giving me business deals hear about my life's story! So, time to get flat!"

He then spins rapidly and charges right at the less then impresses Ganondorf as the dark skinned man snorts out," This should be, entertaining."

He does not even bother to dodge as Dedede whacks him so hard with his hammer that the ground shakes! Dedede laughs and says," Ha, now who is looking stupid? Huh, oh you got to be kidding me!"

Dedede quickly finds out just how ineffective his attack is when not only does the King of evil continue to smirk totally unharmed, but he sees his hammer crack, before it shatters!

Dedede looks nervously at Ganondorf and says," Hehe, we can still talk things over right?

Ganondorf then says,"I admit your futile efforts amuse me. However, the sideshow ends now!"

With that he flicks his fingers and blasts the king of dreamland right in to his entourage of short followers, knocking them all out of the window as Dedede says," You got to be kidding me!"

With the amount of people in the room now just the powerless Loder, Zelda and Ganondorf the bad guy resumes walking up to Zelda, only to get a powerful magic blast in the face! However he just shrugs it off and stops right in front of Zelda while saying," Now Zelda, you have been getting sloppy with your magic, here is a true elite spell!" He snaps his fingers, and Zelda is imprisoned in a giant pink crystal! Remembering how much she "Enjoyed "being trapped in it she tries to break out of it only for her hands to be bound in energy and she says," Not again!"

Her long time adversary laughs and says," Yes, I do apologize to resorting to the same old cliche but it is quite good and keeping you out of trouble, for me! Ha, now it's time for the true ritual to begin!"

Even trapped Zelda looks definite, and says," You will never get away with this, it won't take Link and the others long to stop that Duke, and they will then know what you are really up to!"

Ganondorf gives of his biggest evil smirk yet and says," Oh, I hope they do. I am counting on Link, Ben and the others to stop Duke, because when they do they will be in for a nasty surprise! Heh, still, it would be nice if Duke can finish some of the minor pests to save me the time. Heh, would you like to get a front row seat to the climax of are long struggle? Well, you don't really have much of a choice so just be quite and witness who the true mastermind is Zelda! Ah yes and as for you young prince. Hope you have no regrets because to put it bluntly, this planet has witnessed its last sunrise! "

With that he opens another portal of darkness and takes Zelda with him before they are warped out of the area! As Loder is speechless at what just happened he tries to see if the others are ok, and is beginning to wonder just how far deep in trouble his world is in!

Meanwhile, we now return are view back to Ben and pals. Thanks to the Adephagos causing all kinds of interference are hero's were unable sense the disturbance in the "force" , and has been fighting all this time through more of those persistent Outtaker's.

After climbing up lots of stairs, then entering an out of place cave, Ben Cloud Yuri and the others finally see they are close when they see a very large stair case. There other hint is that the approaching monsters nearly charge, but seem to be scared and turn tail and Yuri says," It's like, they crossed over an invisible wall or something."

Cloud then says," They must be sensing a power so large they don't want to dare cross it. "

Kirby smiles and says," That must mean mister Duke is right up there! Hope it's not too late to change his mind!"

Ben then sighs and says,"Something tells me we can't just settle this over milk and cookies Kirby. Guys as stubborn as him only seem to stop when they are given a strong dose of knuckle sandwich fallowed by a few tastes of a blade!"

Yuri chuckles and says," Not a bad analogy. Duke, I don't want to have to kill you, but I won't let you do this. Come on everyone, let's finish this."

They all nod and quickly climb up the stairs, to find a garden with a pound, and a large cathedral like structure in the back. Sure enough there in the middle is Duke, apparently channeling his energy around a white sphere of energy connected to two energy conducts. Yuri at once narrows his eyes and says,"

Duke!" As they get closer Duke just turns his head and does not say a word as Flynn says,"

Duke, we all ready have a plan that can destroy the Adephagoes that does not require such a steep cost. There is no need for this madness!"

Estelle looks worried and says," There is no need to use people to destroy the Adephagoes!"

Duke looks up and says," Look at its size, a few ships power are nothing against it."

Rita then says," They are not crucial, what is crucial is that we will make up for it by turning the blasta cores in to spirits."

Karol then looks excited and says," Every single core in the world!"

Raven then chuckles before adding a wry," As a bonus if it works it will put an end to the blastia culture you despise so much. Not too shabby eh?"

Duke just responds with a spiteful,"I doubt humans will force over there blastia quietly, or will you force them to? "

Ben looks confident as he responds with," When they hear they will be getting a much better technology from the Lylat Kingdom in exchange I don't think many people will mind much. Besides, at this rate it seems like it's this or doomsday."

Judith then says," In any case, can you not believe that people can move forward and change? "

Duke quickly responds with a cold," Humans will not let something go once it is in their grasp."

Yuri sighs and says,"So you won't listen. We will destroy the Adaphagoes are own way regardless of your approval! Please, just wait a little while longer!"

Duke says," And will the world return to its former state? Will the aer be controlled by the Entelexeia? Will all life return to when nature ruled? "

Cloud then says,"No, if anything it will get even more advanced. But don't worry, the technology of the Lylat Kingdom has for a long time been able to coexists with nature. Quite a step up from Mako reactors."

Duke looks unimpressed and says," You are changing this world of Terca Lumireis, for what? For the convenience of humans, nothing more."

Estelle then says,"Can't you think that this world may be growing, evolving? Even the Entelexeia know that they can't stop this world from changing."

Duke says," I would not presume to speak on the choices of the Entexeia. But I also have my own choices."

Yuri is annoyed and says," So you won't listen to us because we are humans?"

Raven then snickers before he lashes back with a sly ," You say you can't trust people so you just drop everything. Then when it's too late you try to wipe them out?"

Duke turns his head around and says,"Do you know what this tower's true purpose is? Tarqaron was once a city, but the ancients turned it in to a weapon. A weapon to destroy the Entexeia! To the ancients that did not recognize the threat of the blastia, the Entexeia who attacked the blastia were nothing more than a nuisance."

As everyone starts to realize the truth Karol says,"And then the aer went out of balance, and then the Adaphagoes appeared."

Duke says," Only then did humans listen to the words of the Entelexia. Like I said before, are world has seen many sacrifices. Yet humans commit the same offense. And they will again. Those that eat away and ruin this world, those that would change the world for their own continued existence. They are apostles of destruction even greater than the Adaphagoes! I made a vow to my friend, that I would protect this world."

Yuri looks pained before he mutters," Elucifur."

Duke pauses before he reacts with," So, Phaeroh told you?"

Yuri nods and says," Yah, he also told us to stop you. So stop this now Duke! "

Duke looks at his sword as its placed in the ground and says,"As long as humans will rule they will commit the same offenses time and again. "

If that happens there hearts will grow wild and the future will be even more painful. Take this Lylat Kingdom. Becoming part of it will only drawl this war in to their affrays, and bring more suffering. "

Estelle looks determined before she says," Even if that happens that is the path we choose. Even if we are hurt or stopped we can still walk up again as long as we don't give up!"

Rita then says," She is right! You will never find anything new if you're afraid of making mistakes! And unlike you we are not making this choice alone! Everyone decided on it, I think."

Karol then says,"Yah! Going it alone might be tough, but we are not alone! If one person cannot do it then we can do it together. I finally learned that we can walk together like that! "

Duke sighs and counters with a skeptical,"That may be sufficient for those who are connected to one another. However there will always be some who cannot accept a difficult future. Surely all of you understand that! "

Judith then says," It will be difficult, but that is reality. But they will take what changes, think, and change again. Both the people and the world, so even if it takes ten, hundreds of years they will listen someday. I know this now, this is what it means to live."

Raven nods and says,"

Right, there are things you need to protect. But this old man wants to live on to see what lies ahead for the new era. To see how fools change. For those that can't see them besides, spaceships sound fun."

Duke does not say anything for a while, but slowly the room begins to shake and everyone gets tense as they realize Duke is powering up! He then looks right at Yuri and says," We are in contradiction. However, are feelings for the world are no different. How odd."

Yuri looks determined before he says," No, it's not! The future we choose, what we see for the future is different."

Duke's eyes only harden before he sharply states,," The future must be protected, if it is not only misery and destruction await."

Yuri clutches his fist and says," We make the future ! You trust the path you choose and create it!"

Ben then takes out his Star Sword and says," He is right, you can't just say an entire planet's worth of lives is expendable! Even if a lot of people are morons, there are still people worth protecting no matter what and I refuse to let you do this!"

Duke looks annoyed and says," You so called warriors of light cannot just pass judgment for those you barely know anything about! Let those who are undeserving to live receive their proper punishment!"

Kirby then says," Hey! That's not nice at all! Who are you to think your better then everybody? You keep saying you hate humans but you look human to me!"

Link then gets in to a fighting stance and adds," Princess Zelda is on this world as well and that is all the reason I need to cut down your mad plans!"

Duke then picks up Dein Nomos out of the ground and says," It is inevitable, we are destined to fight, come!"

With that his magic energy explodes and in an instant his white magic aura covers the entire room! Even Ben is nearly blown back and he says," This is Duke's strength? Unreal, his power all ready surpasses Alexei even after he used the second stage curse seal crystal!"

Duke then says," No matter who stands in my way I will not be stopped!

Yuri then takes out the sword he used once he gave back Dein Nomos, Caladbolg and charges at Duke while saying,"Enough! We are going to stop the Adephagoes are own way, so stop being so damn stubborn and stand aside! Severing Fang!"

He then tries to attack Duke with his powerful attack, but the instant he is near Duke his new opponent disappears! However Duke then reappears with his sword at Yuri's throat and he says,"

You think you can best me? Enough, Shock Thrust!"

With that he brings his sword down and in an instant creates a powerful red energy sword wave that blasts Yuri back! As the blast launch's Yuri in to the air Duke channels his energy and says," Yuri Lowell, I admit you're not someone I wish to kill. However, if you will not come to reason then I am with no other alternative! This is the end, Punishing Descent!"

He then fires a powerful red energy blast from Dein Nomos as it turns in to a red dragon! It's about to consume Yuri when Ben flash steps in front of the attack and slices it in half with the Star Sword!

Duke looks amused and says,"So you Enji will side with theses humans no matter how foolish they are?"

Ben powers up and says," It's the job of the Enji Knights to protect the innocent from harm no matter were in the universe danger lies! Duke, you're obviously a ace warrior, but let's see if you can outfight four Enji Knights along with everyone else here that is determined to stop you!"

Duke has his blade float beside him as he says," Very well, I wanted to see just how much truth is to the skills of an Enji Knight first hand! And you Ben Auro, I heard about your supposed destiny. So you truly think you can save then entire cosmos from its demise?"

Ben smirks and quips back with a determined," Well, I have been doing a lot of training lately and I will be all too happy to show you the results! There is no time, have to end this fast, Shinryukenha!"

With this Ben fires his most powerful energy beam right at Duke and the white haired man is shocked at the level of power he is sensing and sets up a magical barrier around himself. But even this does not stop Ben's attack all the way and Duke is blasted all the way to the edge of the area! However, he then unleashes all of his power to slash the blast in to two! As he sees the fragments of Ben's energy beam destroy parts Tarqaron he sets his sights on Ben and says," Truly impressive. No doubt you are a truly powerful warrior. But your power is being wasted; you are fighting for a lost cause."

Ben just floats in to the air and says,"It took a while, but I know what I am fighting for. I have a dream, and a promise to keep. I won't give up until I reach those goals! Duke, keep this up and you're going to die. "

Duke has his magic aura explode as he says,"No matter what happens I will protect this world form anyone that tries to ruin it!"

Ben sighs and gets back in to a fighting stance before stating," I can see the resolve in your eyes, but emotions alone won't be enough to stop us! Enough, this ends here, what the? "

Ben is about to charge at Duke when all of a sudden he sees a energy blast heading his way and he quickly deflects it! What shocks him most is that it was Yuri's attack and he yells out a baffled," Duke must have hit you harder than I thought because your aim was way of Yuri!"

Yuri just looks serious and says,"Sorry, but I knew where I was aiming. Nothing personal Ben, but you and your friends stay out of this fight."

Ben is dumbfounded and says," Um, anyone home? The fate of the world is at stake, this is no time to be a glory hog!"

Yuri closes his eyes before he says," I know it sounds stupid but let us try and defend are world for are self's. If we can't stand up to the problems we helped create on our own Duke will be right, and I want to prove to him that we can stand up for are dreams without any helping hands!"

Cloud gets along side Ben and says," Duke's power is way beyond yours, and I am sensing he is still holding back his true power! If you want to save this world we have to take him down now!"

Flynn then says," If Brave Vesperia cannot defeat him then feel free to step in. But please let us at least attempt to defeat him. Believe me; Yuri has a hard time once he sets his mind to something. Still, at least his heart is in the fight place. "

Ben just sighs and says," Good Grief, Yuri, now I know why you annoy me. Your attitude highly resembles how my cousin Max is. Oh all right, gives me a breather even if it's stupid."

Doug just chuckles as he says," Got to respect a man who wants to do things his way. Go for it dude, show us what you got!"

Kirby looks determined before he adds,"Don't worry, if things get bad we will save yah!"

Yuri gives Ben a thumps up and says," Thanks. Don't worry; we won't blow it with all that is at stake."

Duke gets annoyed at this turn of events and says,"Fools! You treat me like a sport? Such arrogance, the overblown pride of humans is what fuels chaos! Enough, Crimson Wolf!"

In a flash Duke makes a lighting fast charging slash at Yuri! However Flynn blocks the strike and with his attention diverted Yuri makes another charge at Duke while saying," You just don't get it Duke! Sure, pride can give people with big egos like Barbos, Yeager and Alexei ideas of messed up plans. But it also gives people the strength to believe in themselves, to give them the desire to keep on going no matter how tough life is! To me, a man's freedom,to make your life what you want is more important then anything! It may just be how I think, but to me if I can't do it myself then it does not matter at all. Duke, I'll show you once and for all how strong theses feelings are!"

Duke looks outraged before he grinds out," You truly are going to jeopardize the entire world to stroke your own egotistical need for independence? Bah, you talk so strongly about the desire to walk your own path, show me now just how willing you are!"

Duke then goes all out on Yuri and Flynn and he does not even hold his sword, he just moves it around with his magic energy and keeps both Yuri and Flynn on their toes while the Enji Link and Kirby nervously and recently watch on the side! As Flynn attacks with his Sword Rain Alpha skill only for Duke to easley dodge it and try to shatter him with his Death Blade Flash he and Yuri both slash at Duke in union and both of their swords clash with Duke's as he says,"Duke, your skills are truly one of a great war hero's. But you're the one whose ego has gotten too big. You think nothing of us, but are potential is greater then you realize!"

Duke just glares at them and says," I have seen the true heart of man, and I know that it's not to be trusted! If you will stand so strongly for your path then you will die for it here! Huh, guh!"

He was about to fire a blast from his hand, but he did not expect Repede to slash him from behind with his Sonic Return slash! This does not do much but it does stop Duke's attack and he sees the dog ready to attack again with this sword in his mouth and says," Such a faithful dog, ready to die for his master. Even you will not be spared! Huh, think I cannot sense you!?"

He then jumps in to the air just as a holy lance from Estelle blasts the ground beneath him! He then sees the Pink haired princess is determined and says," Child of the Full Moon, you should pay the price for your ancestors sins! AH!"

He is about to fire energy from his sword when he is blasted from behind! He then turns around and sees while Estelle attacked him she was just really distracting him so Rita could blast him with her Crimson Flare magic! As he his eyes narrow at the young mage she readies another spell she says,"Forget it creep! I won't let you or anyone hurt her again!"

Duke glares at the feisty female before rasping out,"You foolish girl, I'll put you in your place."

Raven then jumps in front of Rita and aims his bow and says," Hey now, its rude to talk to a lady like that! Seems you forgot your manners Duke!"

He shoots a barrage of arrows at Duke only for in a flash for Duke to slash all of them in to pieces!

He then emits a pondering," Even someone who's life was proclaimed over fights with such determination? Why?"

He then sees Judith jump high in the air with her lance and says,"That's because he realized what all of us know! And it's just how precious every single life is! We won't let you blow out those life's, even to save the world! Rising Luna Rondo!"

She clashes with Duke and he blocks it but the force forces him to the ground and he says," Kriya, your actions won't save this world for if the world does not end today the fact is that it's only a matter of time before humans bring ruin to all! What the, Gah!"

He finds Karol hit him in the back with his hammer and sends him flying, leaving him open for Yuri! Yuri channels all his power and says,"

You will never understand as long as you close your heart to everything Duke! No matter how painful it is, we will never give up! And we won't let you stop us! Divine Wolf!"

With that Yuri hits Duke dead on with his powerful Burst Arte right in the chest, and hits him so hard he slams him right through one of the towers pillars! As The Enji and co watch the pillar collapse Link says," I must say, despite Duke's power they are fighting quite well. They might be able to win on their own after all. "

James looks at Yuri breathing hard and says,"Maybe, but that's only because Duke is restraining himself. We have to be ready to move in case he decides to go all out."

A second later the remains of the pillar are shattered and Duke appears back in the center of the area. He has a bruise on his face and looks at Yuri and says," Now I know what Phaeroh saw in you. Your hearts all have strong will."

Yuri grins and says,"You're pretty strong yourself."

Duke sighs and mutters a sorrowful," Hump, how unfortunate. I wish I could walk together a little with you all a little while longer. Perhaps we could have had a different outcome. "

Flynn then says," It's not too late."

Duke looks at his sword and declares a absolute," It is, my path was set when the Adephagoes covered the sky."

Yuri gets mad and says," You stubborn idiot!"

Duke then has his sword glow as he says," It's like that man said, the best path for an enduring world is to return it to its natural state

That is the path I choose! I will die for that. Even if I question his motives, his words were correct."

Link gets worried and says,"This man, was he dark skinned and wore dark armor and a cape? You were not foolish enough to take advice from the king of evil and Zannacross Inquisitor Ganondorf did you?"

Duke looks conflicted for a mere moment before his face hardens and he says," It matters now how I got set on this path, it's too late for me to go back now! Its time I show you just how powerful I really am. My friend, give me your strength so I can do what must be done!"

With that he stabs the ground with Dein Nomos and all of a sudden the entire ground lights up! Soon all the pillars fire beams of energy, and Ben and the others are shocked to see the ground rise up from their feet! Soon enough everyone seems to be standing on pure energy made up of some mystic language, but what is even more shocking is that Duke has transformed!

Everyone sees that Duke's entire body is glowing white and his holy magic aura is nearly covering the sky! What is more is that four odd shields are floating around him like a ring, and his sword is now consumed with energy! Feeling how much Duke has raised his power level Cloud says," So this is his true power. So he unleashed the powers of his dead friend? This could get bad real fast. "

Ben looks at the members of Brave Vesperia and says," I hope Yuri knows what he is doing."

Little does Ben know Yuri in fact, has no idea what he is doing and when he realizes Duke's power is nearly forcing him to the ground he says," So, this is what you can really do huh Duke? Find, let's end this!"

Duke just as his sword shine as he says," Yes, lets end this foolishness. I cannot believe the Entelexeia would aid with such a foolish plan."

Rita looks determined as she responds with a driven," It's not a foolish plan! Using all the blastia as a counterbalance to the Adaphagoes will work!"

Raven just says," Come on, sure you're not just clinging on to the past?"

Duke then says," So I am the only stubborn one? I am not mistaken; I will use all of my power to eliminate your misguided vision! The power of the ancient king of the Entelexia now is at my command. My will is the will of the very planet, the will of Terca Lumis itself! Tempest!"

With that Duke's eyes glow and at once he creates a magical vortex that at once blows the members of Brave Vesperia in to the air! Feeling the breath literary blown out of him Yuri says," Damn it, I can't slip up at all against Duke's true power or it's over! Huh?"

He is shocked to see Duke appear right in front of him and says,"It is all ready over Yuri. Your hopeless dreams fall apart here! Punishing Descent!"

With that Duke has both his sword and his hovering shields all spin rapidly, and not only slashes Yuri's arm, but hits the others shortly after would to! As they all fall down to the ground Yuri is the first to get back up and holds his hurt arm while he sees Duke descend and Estelle then says," We could not even react, Duke's speed and power have become so much greater!"

Ben then says,"This is bad, looks like we will have to take over soon."

Duke hears this and says,"If would be in your best interest to join the fight now if you care for the life's of theses fools. Not that it matters though, even if you attack me all together you will not defeat me! The will of the entire planet, and of all the souls of the Entelexeia that cry out for vengeance are on my side! There is no way that your justice is greater than mine!"

Yuri then lets out all the magic energy he has and his sword glows as he says," I don't give a damn about your crazy ideas and excuses! We decide are own sense of right and wrong! The rest, I leave to my sword! Azure Storm!"

Yuri then fires of two energy blasts at Duke, only for them to hit, and have no effect at all! His friends then attack as well and Duke sees a demon fang, demon Dog, a Holy Lance, Aqua Laser and some more arrows head his way but Duke just holds up his sword, and has a wall of energy appear around him to bounce them all back! He then says," I had enough of your petty resolve. Just lie down and die! Punishing Divine Flash! "

With that all of his shields glow, before they rise up and soundly fires a barrage of red energy beams at all of them with such speed that they have no time to dodge, and they are all hit hard! He sees them all breathing hard and says,"So, you still stand?"

Yuri looks defiant as he retorts with a brash," Of course we are still standing, we still have a job to do! Brave Vesperia never stops till it finishes its job!"

Duke then chuckles and says," You will not be persuaded. I see, perhaps this is for the best. If you all still intend to fight on, then you will all die now!"

He charges at Yuri and swings his sword with the intent of decapitation but he is shocked to see Yuri move quick enough to block Duke's slash and the clash of power is so great the power causes the ground beneath them to collapse! As they struggle to overpower each other Yuri says," Despite what you think we are not done yet either!"

Duke seems impressed and says," Such strength, what is it that drives you?"

Yuri smirks and says," its simple, the desire to create my own fate! You have something that drives you to right?"

Duke gets angry and answers with a angry,"Freedom, it's all just make believe, delusions people have made. Soon they will be betrayed and destroyed!"

Yuri kicks Duke in the stomach and while he barely feels it it's enough to get him of Yuri and the long haired avenger says,"But they can be built up again, you keep making it only one extreme choice or the other!"

Rita then adds," It does not matter how many times you fail, its only when you give up do you truly let them win!"

Flynn then quickly throws in," No matter how unlikely you may think it is we do believe it's possible for this planet to be united!"

Estelle then rounds it all up with a chipper," And that is why we will never give up!"

Duke once more ascends above them and his energy grows even larger as he says," Then defeat me! Show me the power of your bounds, of your conventions!"

Rita smirks and says,"Gladly! Ancient Catastrophe! "

With this Rita once more unleashes all her magical power and fires of her powerful Mystic Art and as she fires of her four powerful orbs before they merge to become a powerful energy blast! However Duke sees this and says,"That is all? Fools, Big Bang!"

To the shock of everyone he counters swiftly with his own Mystic Art and fires a powerful orb of light that engulfs Rita's attack! He then says," It's useless, your powers can not compare to someone like me!"

Flynn then says," Maybe not alone but time you see how much power we can unleash while working together! Radiating Dragon Fang!"

Flynn then adds his own powerful attack to back up Rita's and Raven then says,"

Normally this old man is not in to the sappy stuff, but sometimes its sappy because its true! Blast Heart!"

Raven then has the energy he has stored in his Blastia Heart and fires another burst of energy to add to their assault!

Estelle then says," Duke, I am sorry we can't see eye to eye. But no matter what I can't let you harm my friends! Sacred Penance!"

With that she then adds her Mystic Art as well and the holy cross of light energy and with the four attacks against Duke's blast the white haired man is shocked to see the amount of power is enough to overpower him! He then says," This cannot be! No! Rah!"

He finds his opponents blast break through his attacks and blast him to the ground! While the combo unleashes an explosion Duke is very quick at blasting the smoke away and says," That, is the power of team work eh? Oh, now what? "

He sees Karol charge at him and he says," We are just getting started! Overlord Reign Impact!"

He then looks like he is going to swing his hammer and Duke goes to rises his hand, but Karol shocks Duke by jumping in to the air, and opening his bag, to throw out all the other hammers he collected during his journey and throws them all at Duke! Duke defects the hammers sent his way, but Karol just used that as a decoy as he channels all the power he has and puts it in to the hammer in his hand before unleashing a massive blow that hits Duke hard enough to launch him back! As he is still recovering from that Judith all ready charges at him while she says," Its time you receive your punishment! Radiant Moonlight!"

With that her entire lance is surging with blue energy and she unleashes a powerful energy slash that hits Duke right in the back! Duke suppresses the pain and turns to Judith, only to neglect to count on Repede to have his own Mystic Art, and he charges at him like a glowing blue missile and slams in to him and launch's his own attack in the form of a powerful black energy wave by the simple name of Slash! This attack cuts Duke's cheek and he says,"Even your dog has such powerful resolve, impressive. "

Yuri then gets in front of Duke and this time he pushes his energy to the limit as he says," All of us have more resolve then you! Want to know why? Because we are not bound to the past, or afraid of the future!"

Duke has his energy rise and he says,"It's that recklessness that will doom this world!"

Yuri then puts all his power in to his sword and swiftly retorts with,"No, you have to take a chance or you will move forward. Even if it's painful, it's better than just letting time and life slip away! Time we prove what the world wants to take, Savage Wolf Fury! "

Duke fires of a blast from his sword but in a flash Yuri is gone, only to appear to Duke's side already slashing Duke across the chest! Just like before with Alexei Yuri moves beyond the speed that a normal eye can fallow but even at this speed Duke can still block Yuri's strikes, most of them!

Duke still takes a lot of hits and after scoring a direct hit across Duke's chest he channels all the power he has left in to his fist and fires a blue energy blast right at Duke's face that causes a powerful explosion, that blows Duke back! When the smoke clears Duke is still standing, but he then seems motionless as he says," Impossible, how could this, AH!"

With that blood pours out of his chest, and he transforms back to his previous form as he collapses! Ben then takes a deep breath and says,"His power level is fading, it's over. Heh, guess they did it."

Yuri takes a deep breath and looks over to Ben and says," What? Your acting like you wanted us to fail! Sorry to keep you from your job Enji."

Ben laughs and says," It's no big deal. Just, that this whole mission there was no threat dire enough to have me unleash the stuff I learned training with Grand Master Myers. Oh well, I guess it's a good thing after all that every mission does not have a man who is powerful enough to destroy the galaxy by himself."

Duke is still conscious and looks at the sky as he says," I'm sorry, Elucifur, I could not, keep my promise."

Yuri takes another few deep breaths and walks over to the fallen Duke and looks almost sad as he says," I don't know what Elucifur is like so I know this doesn't mean much coming from me. But if he fought for humans during the Great Force, then I don't think he would want his friend to reject humanity!"

Duke looks at the Adaphagoes and weakly responds with," Elucifur's wish, was to protect the world, peace for all living things."

Yuri looks dismayed as he responds with," Duke, you really are one, huh, oh no!"

Everyone hears a loud roar, and everyone can see the Adaphagoes is moving!

Cloud then says," That thing looks like its hungry, and the only thing worse than a meteor about to crash in to a planet is a meteor with tentacles! Cid, were the teams able to link the network up?"

After setting the right frequency he is able to get in to contact with his friend and Cid says," Yah, it's a little wobbly but ready to go! But listen Cloud, something has come up! Seems like there was trouble back at that Zaphas castle. And that Zelda was."

Cloud then cuts him off and says," Sorry Cid but it will have to wait. We are out of time so please do it now!"

Cloud can hear Cid sigh and says,"Something tells me this is going to get messy but find! Preparing energy transfer to the main cannon!"

With that everyone is amazed to see lights light up all around them, and it's all the blastia of the world being drawn to the network Cid and Jade set up on the Neo Highwind like a magnet! Soon all of these lights form a massive sphere of light around the ship's cannon and Estelle says," It's so, beautiful! What the, whoa!"

Estelle sees her own Blastia glow, before it and the Blastia all the other hero's are expelled from them and drawn in to the light! Seeing the lights continue to go in to the sphere Duke tries to stand up as he mutters," So, they truly intend to give up the Blastia? "

Rita then says," That seems to be all of it! Its time!"

Cloud nods and says,"All right Cid, let's do this!"

Moments later the ship fires of the special converted energy ray and it heads right in to the center of the Adaphagoes! However, while the massive octopus of doom groans loudly, it seems to not be hurt at all! Karol then says," Oh no, are plan is not working!"

Rita looks at Karol and says," No it's ok, it just needs a little more power!"

Ben then looks determined as he throws out," If a little more is all you need then the power of the Star Sword will be more than enough!"

Rita winces before she reacts with," No, the energy has to be the right kind or it will cause a nasty chain reaction!"

Ben then says," Well it's not like we have much choice, we are out of time!"

As they figure out what to do next Duke is able to stand back up and looks at the energy blast while saying,"Humans, Entelexei. Elucifur, can this world really change?"

Yuri and the others are not even aware Duke is back on his feet and he is just seeing the Adaphagoes move closer despite the large among of energy being sent right in to what appears to be its mouth and he says," Come on! Just how powerful is this thing!? Is it really impossible to destroy? Huh, what is this?"

Everyone is shocked to see a burst of light come out of the area and merge with the beam still coming from the Airship!Ben then says," Where did this power come from? No way, Duke?"

Everyone see's that it is indeed Duke, and despite his several major wounds he still has plenty of energy left, and is firing all he had left through Dein Nomos to join the blast! Yuri looks at Duke only to see him looking dismissive.

Yuri just grins and says,"I knew your heart was in the right place Duke. "

Ben sees the energy wave grow larger, and it then blasts right through what appears to be the core of the giant threat!

The owner of the Star Sword looks confident before he says,"All right! Duke's change of heart was just in time, that power seems to be enough to break through this Adaphagoes's power! All right, check another world saved! Looks like it was just in time for dinner after, eh? Hey, something is not right, should it not explode or at least gag by now? Something is off."

It's not just Ben who feels that way. Everyone sees the entire body of the over sized octopus shake, before bursts of energy break out of it like geysers all over!

Estelle looks worried and says," Is this suppose to happen? It looks like instead of being destroyed by the attack it is consuming it!"

Rita then looks horrified and says," No! This should not be happening! It's not; going at all, like it's supposed to be!"

Cloud then tenses up before he says," Something is off, why does it seem like its absorbing the energy. Unless, no, it can't be! Huh, now what?"

Everyone is horrified to see what appears like cracks form around the entire structure of the body, before it explodes! But, all it seemed to do is change form! It now looks like a giant fusion of a ship and a castle, and not just any kind of ship; the parts of the ship resemble the Nova Crushers all of the Zannacross Empire uses! The tentacles are still there, but now they look more inorganic! The last part of the change is what looked like the Adaphagoes's eye now looks like a giant red orb or gem, with red eyes forming in many areas!

Duke sees that giant demonic eyes are forming all over the half ship half demonic entity before he then says," What is this? The Adaphagoes, it is a ship?"

Yuri then looks mortified before he says," What the hell is going on? This is not right at all! Now what?"

Everyone then sees its quite clear who's side the object is on, when the symbol of the Zannacross Empire burns bright red on its side and this causes the Enji, Link and Kirby to get worried real fast as Ben says," The Zannacross Empire! So, they were having a bigger hand in this then we thought, but the Adaphagoes was just one of their creations the whole time? This makes no sense!"

Kirby looked at the eyes and rubbed his head." Man that's weird, now the castle looks like the Dark Matter when it tried to take over Popstar and Ripplestar!

Link's eyes widen as he says,"The structures of the castle part, looks very, very familiar. Who is the owner of this craft? No, I know who it is; I can sense his darkness from any where!"

Out of no ware a dark laugh that seems to be coming from every direction vilely declares,"This ship is the Black Omen. And you guessed correctly Link, for it is my flagship! And now, you bugs have put up quite a amusing show, but now its time for this laughable struggle to end! "

With that the true mastermind behind this planets misery shows himself and a massive dome of darkness forms above them, before Ganondorf breaks out of it! Looking as vile and as smug as ever his arms cross and Flynn says,"Who is that? "

Yuri gets on guard and says," Whoever he is I all ready don't like him!"

Link's face at once looks mad and says,"Ganondorf! So you really have been watching this whole time? Just what is it your after? "

Ganondorf's crooked grin gets even larger before he responds with a condescending," Hello Link, as brash and pathetic as ever! I must say it's quite pathetic you did not even sense me while I was here this whole time! I thought we had a connection? Then again I did make sure my energy could not be detected in any shape or form. Still, I expected you and Zelda would find a way to uncover me, but I guess I expected too much of you Hero of the time and seasons!"

Duke then realizes that Ganondorf was manipulating him as well and says," You, so never wanted to save this world. You just wanted to destroy the world? But why?

Ganondorf laughs and says," Oh Duke, I would bother to explain but there is no point for soon you will be dead! I admit, its quite sad that you could not even defeat theses dregs. How sad, you were even less useful then I thought! Oh well, hopefully your power will be better put to use once I command it!"

Yuri then looks like he is ready to burst with rage as he says," Listen freak I don't care who you are but you're going to pay for all you have done! You were controlling Barbos, Yeager, Alexei, even Duke! You nearly drove this world to destruction, what the hell was it for!"

The king of evil just looks mockery at Yuri and says," What was it for you worthless present? Simple, for my ultimate victory! Hahahahaah! And thanks to all of you, all the energy of this world is now at my finger tips! Its so kind of you that you got Duke to drawl forth the core of the planets energy for me! It made my work all the more easier!"

Ben starts to get really mad and says,"You, you just used this entire planet and all the life's on it to lure us? You really are the king of evil! This will be the last time you ruin innocent life's for your own twisted ambitions! This time, you won't escape! Whoa!"

Everyone all of a sudden is nearly blown of their feet as darkness explodes out of the Zannacross Inquisitor!

The entire sky is instantly pure black and the entire Tower of Tarqaron is cracking from the amount of energy Ganondorf is releasing!

He then says," Escape? You have got it all wrong. Link, Ben Auro, all of you! I will kill you all and prove to Kira, Sigma, Nightmare, and all the other members of the Zannacross Empire! That the one most fit to be the envoy of the Shin God Emperor of darkness and create the perfect order of darkness is me and me alone!"

Ben gets on guard and says,"Just great, it just can't ever go as planned can it? Oh well, looks like it's going to be another long haul."

Well, it seems that just when Ben, his fellow warriors of light, Link, Kirby and Yuri and co thought the battle for the fate of Terca Lumireis was reaching its climax, the final act has only just began! With everything seemly going just as Ganondorf has wanted it to, it's more than a hunch that stopping his wrath will take everything are hero's got! Can Ben bring out all of his new powers to rise to the occasion? To find out don't dare miss the next chapter of Tales the Cosmic Wars!

In the next chapter Ganondorf with great glee goes out of his way to rub it in that the whole series of events that the Enji and Brave Vesperia just went through was all just a sideshow to distracted the good guys so Ganondorf could once more kidnap Princess Zelda without intervention!

Outraged that his planet was just bait Yuri unleashes everything he has at the evil king, only to be show how outclassed he is when he is brutality and swiftly hit near death in mere moments! Ben, Cloud, Link and the others are ready to defeat the evil king, and while they may have managed to defeat him when Xehamaru first revived him back on Death Mountain, they are all horrified to find that Ganondorf has not been just laughing and being a jerk all the time the Enji have been dealing with Kira! He has been busy, killing billions of souls and all of that energy he has absorbed to enhance his power, and with all the power of this worlds Blastia his power is even larger!

However to show how confident in his power he now is he taught his adversary's to meet him at the center of his self made space lair, after dealing with his minions first! Of course are hero's are not going to back out with all that is at stake and thanks to Kirby having a spar jumbo Warp Star they quickly enter his lair. However, waiting for them are the most loyal and powerful servants of the evil king,

Onox the "General of Darkness"! Veran the "Sorceress of Shadows"! And the demon of the winds, Vaati!

All three of these respected minions all want to show who is the best servant to their master, and want a shot at crushing his enemies! And this is just the first floor! Can Ben and co defeat all these powerful villains and still be ready to defeat the super charged evil king? The only way to find out is to

Chapter 99: Surge of Darkness! Ganondorf's Ultimate Cruel Trap!

All right, before we depart some more Author's notes. Just to clear things up in the real Tales of Vesperia Duke was the true final boss, and oddly enough even so he never died. Also, of course the Adaphagoes was never really Ganondorf's creation nor a mix of Kirby's Dark Matter of any sort, this is just my own twist lol. Till next time!