Hasbro owns Transformers and the name Xanthium, Lego owns Bionicle and the names Jala and Ketongu, and Galem owns Tali, Ava, Amber, Iris, Diego, Alyan, Adhira, Valera, and Kasar.

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Chapter 41: Back in Reederville

As the morning sun began to rise over the city or Reedersburg, Xanthium, Killer, Alyan, Edward, Orange, Solar Scream, Killshot, DeathNote, Zera, and Setsuna all continued to stand on top of the Turpinville capitol, looking down at the massive Makutacon army below whom walked walked carelessly over the bodies of many men, women, and children of those who had previously inhabited the city area, most with pride. Every few seconds, they found some targets still breathing and took them prisoner to be used for sport later, and killed runners regardless of age, or gender. If they weren't a Bioformer, they would be punished simply for existing, as the Makutacons had been commanded to carry out. Some even stood outside of cages, laughing at the crying and screaming prisoners inside, not a single care for their fear.

Far across from that area, a large section had been cleared of buildings and road. In the clear spot, Makutacons were crowding around it and working to set up four magnetizers to keep something hovered in the air. Between these magnetizers was a massively wide and deep hole that was still being dug. The item that was to be hovered between the magnetizers was still on it's way, but it would be arriving within minutes. Even if it took hours to ensure no one would try to stop them, Xanthium believed it to be worth the wait. This would mean the end of the world after all. A fatal end that everyone deserved. One where all they could do is endure their long and painful death, with the Makutacons all watching from the distance, via spaceships, as they had years ago when they were being punished for rising against their oppressors.

Xanthium smiled proudly. 'Finally, after all of this time fighting, and suffering, we will be avenged. Sure, the Turaga had made a peace treaty with us, but it was never going to last. Eventually they would've tried to enslave us again, just because they could get away with it. All because to challenge them would mean being seen as traitors. They had treated our men, women, and children as a plague. Why couldn't we do the same? Show them what it feels like to lose everything. To lose family. To lose friends. To have little chance of survival. To lose a planet'.

Xanthium turned gleefully to Killer after spitting down at the graves below. "This is it Killer, our final victory. It has indeed been a long time coming, hm"? He finished that last part with a nudge to his shoulder.

But Killer didn't look half as gleeful as Xanthium did. His expression read blank so as to allow his true emotions to show through his tired optic. As the massacre had taken place last night, Killer had spent the entire night awake with Zera, sobbing and praying for it to be over. Now he was regretting having not tried to stop it while he could've ordered them to. Instead he had stood back like a coward and thousands were now dead because he did nothing. 'And come to think, I thought I wanted this'. Killer thought. He thought that after vengeance had been served, he would finally feel a sense of relief, and like he finally got a prize for his part in fighting as a Makutacon general. But he didn't feel happy. All he felt was sorrow and regret. Sorrow for everyone who had just lost a loved one here, and regret for allowing it. 'Why didn't I just do something to stop it'!? Killer thought, fighting the urge to cry again. 'This isn't worth it! It never was! It's wrong'!

Killers mask finally showed an emotion as he looked at Xanthium, one that revealed he was unsure of what they had done, and unsure that he wanted any part of this anymore as he began to reply: "I..."

But before he could continue, everyone's attention was yanked to the sound of jet engines. Everyone looked just in time to see Solar Scream stop in motion and hover over the roof before transforming into Toa mode and gazing at the others, satisfaction written on his mask. Most couldn't blame him for the face, some even chuckling at it. Today, they had won the war, conquered a city, committed city-wide genocide of people they deemed less than themselves, and now the final step of their plan was in motion. Plus, with Makutacons stationed everywhere, no one would be getting inside. The city was theirs, along with it's people to use as their slaves or experiment subjects. Maybe they would even force some to watch the planet die before killing them.

"The magnetizers are set in place, once we set it in place, all we will need is your order to mechanize this worthless world". Solar Scream told Killer. "Our ultimate goal, finally accomplished".

Like Xanthium had told Killer earlier, this moment had indeed been a long time coming. Now that they had won, there was no one to stop them from world reformation. A world that upon being remade, would kill many people, robbing them of their natural oxygen and suffocating them. Meanwhile, others would become allergic to the new surface and die from a bodily attack. Surely it would be fun to watch, and it was well deserved for what they had done to them. If they hadn't found Planet X, they would've all died out with no food or water. 'Let's see them suffer the same sentence'. The Liege had said many years ago. Solar Scream was more than happy to carry out that request, and they were finally abut to do it. 'If only he were here now'.

Alyan blinked as dread began to gnaw at his stomach. "Mechanize? But wouldn't that...kill everything?"

Setsuna chuckled darkly. "Not us".

Edward smiled and patted Alyan on the shoulder as he added: "Besides, to ensure your survival, they'll rebuild you, like they rebuilt me".

'Sure, they'll have to rip him apart and replace a majority of parts, but why bother him with it now'? Edward thought. Until Alyan was rebuilt, he was basically useless. A mistake like he was to his parents. Both to Edwards and to Alyan's. Besides, when that time came, which would be pretty soon if he wanted to continue being a Makutacon slave, he would enjoy watching him suffer for the fighting he did in Maya. It was almost a shame he was on their side now. Edward would've definitely enjoyed the challenge.

Orange chuckled happily next to Killer and Xanthium, elbowing Killer. "Yes, I can see it now uncle. All inhabitants CRUSHED under your towering might"!

It had certainly been a long time coming in his opinion. Ever since he had heard what the Bionicles and the Turaga Council had done, all he wanted was to destroy the world and drive everyone on it into extinction. Racial discrimination on a greater scale then they had done. Except in this case, a race would actually go extinct. And Orange would actually get to watch it with his favorite uncle, whom he had looked up to for so long. An uncle whom sought after a well deserved vengeance. Sure, Killer didn't start the Makutacon organization, The Liege was still out in space awaiting a victory report from said newly appointed second in command. A victory that again was soon to come. It was certainly an honor for Orange to have helped, even having helped craft the plan to overthrow Paradox.

"Shall we begin operation extinction then"? KillShot asked, activating the communication device on his multi-gun.

Killer had remained silent, feeling a tugging motion at his heart that inspired love and compassion. Unexpectedly for the people of the world. The feeling wasn't new. Though he he had tried to force it away, Killer still felt much guilt for the murder of Gahu all that time ago. 'Why did I even kill him'? Killer wondered. He remembered believing Gahu to be deceiving him, but he remembered his dying words: "Please don't mourn... for me". "I'm going to a much...better place... the home I've always wanted... to go to". 'That Toa was truly better than me'. Killer thought. 'To have asked his close friends to not mourn over him, for he knew it would've lead to vengeance'. But like Paradox, revenge was never something Gahu desired, not even when he was dying and bleeding painfully. Because Gahu had allowed Jesus to reach farther into his heartlight than he had ever allowed himself. Even as a Toabot, Killer had still had a little resentment towards Earth, which the Makutacons had noticed and enticed him with. 'And because of it, I killed an innocent Toa'. Killer thought painfully.

Killer then looked down the side of the building, down at the scattered corpses at the ground, noticing similar wounds in all of them. Sure, they had been done by other Makutacons, but Killer was still directly responsible for allowing it to happen, and he hated himself for it. He hated himself for this, for killing Gahu, for attacking and killing Toabots throughout the years, for manipulating Edward to join them for his hatred of everyone, for enticing Solar Scream as a youngling, for enticing anyone to the Makutacon ranks, and for betraying Paradox. A brother whom had loved him even while they were enemies. Now, as Killer thought back to their previous fights, he realized Paradox had many many chances to kill him, but Paradox still believed that there was still good in Killer, and therefore was willing to suffer so many times, even through humiliation a few days ago just to reach him. To save him from the eternal death that rewarded these acts of hate.

Killer looked up then to the daylight sky above them, believing that his true Father in Heaven was watching as he silently promised: 'No more'. No matter what they had done to their race in the past, no matter what they could still do, the people didn't deserve to die the way they had. From now on, Killer wasn't going to follow the vengeful way of the Makutacons, nor would he serve his hate. From now on, he would strive to live in love and mercy, just as Paradox did. Killer bowed his head for a moment. 'Father who art in Heaven, please forgive me for everything I've done. I repent of my sins, and I promise to live in love and mercy, as your Son Jesus did, even pledging to sacrifice myself as he did if I need to. Please remove my anger and hatred, and replace it with your love and compassion. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Killer immediately felt a massive wave of relief hit him as he opened his optics and turned his head to KillShot with the true right answer: "No".

Surprised at his answer, Alyan looked up at Killer in confusion. But when he saw the change in his countenance, he realized this was not the same blood thirsty Makutacon that he had fought before. Something had changed in his heart, something major, that made him stand up for what was truly right.

Solar Scream blinked in surprise at Killers answer. 'Okay'? He thought. Perhaps he had a better time planned in case someone attacked, so they could show them last minute that there was no chance at all in stopping them. If that were Killers intentions, Solar Scream wouldn't blame him. After everything the Earth had done to them, why not finish them off by also hitting them with a bomb of depression and loss?

"Um... alright then master". Solar Scream responded. "When should we do so then"?

Killer turned his helm in Solar Scream's direction patiently, realizing he didn't understand his answer as he calmly responded: "Never".

Unnoticed to everyone, Xanthium frowned in suspicion at Killer's response. 'Cold feet from Killer'? Xanthium thought. 'Disappointing. I never expected it from him'. At the moment, Xanthium was disgusted to be in the same room with Killer. 'What is wrong with him?! After all of the things the Turaga did, exiling us, and the people doing nothing to stop it, you're willing to protect them?! They don't even deserve it! After all we went through, they all deserve to suffer, as well as anyone who would dare defend their actions'!

Alyan shifted his weight from one foot to the other, feeling very uncomfortable with the waves of tension radiating from Xanthium.

Now Orange was confused. "With all due respect Uncle, WHY?! You told me yourself we had been working towards this point for YEARS, and now you want to QUIT"?!

DeathNote nodded and added in agreement: "You would be acting as if this was all for nothing".

As the seconds passed, Killer noticed almost everyone's looks change to horror, confusion, or disgust. Killer didn't blame them. This was the life they had come to know and some even grew up in it. For one of their leaders to be changing their mind about worldly destruction now was a monstrosity in their eyes. Killer had even recalled some days where Makutacons would murder another Xtronian having second thoughts, in an effort to snuff out the Toabots for good, and any 'traitors' who were discovered had rarely gotten a chance to escape. Considering he was surrounded by a large majority of the Makutacon army, that may have been what was about to happen. But regardless of their feelings about his change, Killer didn't want anything to do with them anymore.

"Maybe it was." A familiar female voice suddenly spoke from amongst the group, each optic then turning on Zera who gazed at her husband with a look of support.

Killer smiled a little as he nodded to Zera. He didn't blame her for supporting him, and definitely wasn't surprised after last night. They had spent the entire night crying together, and from her tears he could tell that she had never wanted any of this. Not even when they had joined together. Killer should've figured that detail out earlier though. The day he had decided to join them, Zera was a bit reluctant to join, but decided to anyways. What he hadn't picked up on was that it had only been for him. It mad him feel guilty. The woman he loved, and promised to always be there for actually felt pressured to join in on a cause that she was now revealing to have never wanted to be a part of to begin with. From that day forward, Killer had decided that if they got out of this, he would try his best to make it up to her, and remind her how important she was and always had been in his life.

Seeing that Killer was steadfast with his choice, Alyan could not resist the urging in his heart to stand with him and nodded his support to Killer.

Luckily no one had notice Alyan's nod, as their attention was now completely on Killer. Shocked and angry attention to be specific. It just didn't make any sense to any of them. 'Why is Killer doing this?! After all of the troops we've lost, and all the victories we've won the past few days!? Why would Killer be willing to throw all of that away, when he knew full well what these people did to us?! They hurt us too much to possibly deserve the forgiveness Paradox had offered them! Paradox has even lost, so why bother protecting them anymore'?!

Solar Scream finally spoke up for their anger: "The boy's question still stands: WHY, on the planet that inhabits the ones who exiled us out of fear, stupidity and arrogance, would you want to stop NOW? After EVERYTHING we've DONE"?!

Rather than the typical angry reaction that everyone was expecting, Killer maintained a calm look and looked away from them, into the distance at the smoking city. Killer closed his single functioning optic then, seeing it rather fit now that one of his optics had been severed after he had been living his life so blind and angry at the world? 'And for what'? Killer thought. 'Over something they did to our race so long ago'? True, what they had done was terrible, but what would being angry do about that? Killer opened his optic again, looking down at the ruins and the dead bodies littering the streets that the other Makutacons dared to call beautiful, knowing it to be the answer. 'No more. If this is what vengeful anger does for us, I don't want it anymore. It doesn't even change anything now that the Turaga have already allowed our race back to Earth'. More importantly, it didn't change the overwhelming mercy that God had for them. Enough to allow every person on Earth, including themselves, to live breathe another second after taking Jesus's shed blood for granted. A mercy Killer had failed to recognize. Finally, Killer allowed a tear to slip from his optic, sad that he had been so blind to it until now.

Finally, Killer spoke from the truth that he knew in his liark: "Because now I realize the truth behind Paradox's words. I was too busy focusing on the spec that WAS in their eyes, not at all deciding to focus on the log in my own". He looked to the Makutacons then as he continued: "Look at how The Lord treats them. Everyone sins everyday of their lives, but it was his Son who experienced worse than those dead citizens in order to save us, because The Lord's love is unfailing enough, to give us that kind of mercy. Think. if he was like us than we'd all be long gone by now".

Killer's words cut to Alyan's heartlight as memories flooded to the forefront of his mind. He knew that Killer had said the same thing Amber and his friends had told him time and time again, but this time it was crystal clear. Alyan did not need to seek revenge against his dad. Jesus had shed His Blood for that. Alyan just had to forgive him. '"If you don't forgive others then God will not forgive you"', Iris' voice echoed in his mind. Bowing his head, Alyan took a breath and let go of it all, the anger, hatred, rage, and need for revenge. He didn't want it anymore. Under his breath, he asked for forgiveness and nearly hit the ground when he got the sensation of being hugged. It made him want to cry and laugh at the same time but now was not the time. Raising his head to return his attention to the conversation, he did feel the fleeting regret of having broken his blue visor. He really wanted it back.

Killer looked to Solar Scream then, his next order nearly sending everyone into a liark-attack. "Tell the Makutacons to tear down the magnetizers, then leave this city be. I will remain here".

Orange glared. "Are you crazy"?!

"They'll arrest you, IMPRISON you for everything"! Setsuna warned. "It'll be worse than what we've already suffered"!

Killer looked kindly at them both. "Yes, surely they will, but regardless of what they decide to do, I KNOW in my liark that this is what Jesus wants me to do, and I doubt he'd EVER lead me astray". Then looking back to an angry Solar Scream: "Give the order Solar Scream, this war is over. The Makutacons on this earth, are no more".

"Killer, sir?" Alyan asked slowly as he walked closer. "Do you...do you think my friends will...ever forgive me?"

Killer gazed kindly at the Toa of stone. "You, yes. Me, I don't care what everyone thinks of me anymore. The Lord has already forgiven me". Killer had finished that last statement with a smile.

Killer was free now from his sinful ways and practices, as well as the sinful actions he had previously committed. Now that he had finally admitted his guilt, and had asked for forgiveness, he would finally be free from his hatred. His guilt would likely still linger for a while, but with God's help and understanding mercy, Killer knew that it wouldn't last. One day, the guilt would wither like grass in the winter, and be replaced with more love and kindness towards those he would encounter in the future. A future that he was already thanking Jesus for providing, as well as the redeeming forgiveness that had cried out from his blood on the cross. How thankful he truly was now that Jesus had already paid the price for his sins, so that he could move forward from them, repent, accept forgiveness, and continue life in the unrelenting mercy of his Heavenly Father.

Killer turned his head to Solar Scream then, noticing that he still hadn't moved as he reprimanded kindly: "I gave you an order Solar Scream, I expect you to follow it".

But Solar Scream continued to do nothing. Instead, Solar Scream gave him a stare of pure rage. A vicious, relentless rage that would've normally struck fear into the liarks of enemy soldiers. Though deep down, Solar Scream knew he could never beat Killer, as he had been trained by him and would be beaten easily, Solar Scream still had the urge to attempt to murder him in the same brutal fashion that he had the civilians last night. If the others had begun to attack, he would've. But again, trainer. But despite the fact that Killer was far more skilled, and even stronger than him, no way was he about to give the order to deactivate the pillars and stop their master plan. For one thing, he feared the Liege far more than he feared Killer, and for another, he still wanted to see everyone suffer for the pain they had all endured for a hundred years. Sure, Planet X had been okay, but on the first weeks of their arrival, it was a struggle to find a viable resource to survive. Solar Scream wouldn't have been surprised if that had been the plan all along. For those reasons alone, Solar Scream wouldn't do it.

Then again, Solar Scream did feel a bit of remorse. After all, the Turaga had tried to create a peace between their races. Maybe the peace wouldn't last, but what if it did? As he thought about his remorsefulness, he felt a peace come upon his liark and tell him there was a chance. Even if it was a small chance, it would be so worth it if there were even the smallest possibility of peace. Solar Scream blinked a bit in surprise at the remorse rising within himself. 'Is this what it feels like to be a Toabot'? Solar Scream wondered. 'Why does it feel so much better than the hate and the rage'?

Solar Scream's thoughts were interrupted by Killer's slightly agitated voice: "Fine, I'll do it myself". After which Killer turned and began to walk away.

Solar Scream blinked rapidly then, realizing why he was feeling merciful now as he looked after the leaving Killer. 'Why didn't I just listen to him'? Solar Scream thought in a panic. He looked upwards to the sky, only allowing his panic to show in his liark as he asked: 'Am I making the wrong decision? Please tell me what to do. Please, don't let me continue this path if this is not what you want for me. Please'. Once again, Solar Scream felt a tugging in his liark, as if it were being tugged in Killer's direction. Solar Scream looked quickly in Killer's direction then, nodding in agreement as he began to walk after Killer and Zera, an action that was noticed by Orange, whom was once again shocked, as well as a few other Makutacons.

But just before he could make it to them, everyone heard Xanthium speak: "I am afraid that I cannot allow that brother".

Before Solar Scream knew what was happening, He felt a hand grab him from behind and violently yank and toss him off the building, to which Solar Scream had reacted in a shout of surprise. Solar Scream kept a calm breathing pace as the concrete grew closer, calmly transforming and blasting out of the city, intent on making everything right for the entire Bioformer race. 'Better to be a traitor to the Makutacon cause than to keep myself from doing the right thing'. Solar Scream decided.

The earlier shout had caused Killer to whip around quickly, just in time to be met with a punch to the belly by Xanthium, whom wielded his claw shield. Killer didn't even have a second to react to the next fist which impacted his lower jaw hard enough to cause a ringing in his ears. Noticing he was distracted, Xanthium then tossed Killer violently into a nearby cage, barely big enough for him to crouch in. Immediately, waves of pain echoed through Killer's body, immobilizing him as he attempted to get back up to escape.

Nearby, Zera attempted a swing at at Xanthium, which he easily blocked with his claw shield before then smacking her harshly and elbowing her in the belly. Zera wheeze and backed away as her vision blurred and nearly went dark as Xanthium chuckled at her without remorse. Xanthium laughed more as Zera nearly collapsed. "Is that the best you've got little one"? She heard Xanthium taunt. Easily angered, Zera dashed forwards, intending to disarm and stab him with his own weapon. But once again, Xanthium was much quicker, catching her by chest and lifting her up before violently tossing her into the same cage, on top of Killer, Edward slamming the door shut and locking it, whilst also aiming a weapon at Killers helm, Zera still wheezing and clutching her belly in pain as she held in a scream. Sure, she had been hit there many times in battle, but that punch had not nearly been as painless as some others had been via Toabots. And she was very positive that he didn't hold back either. After he had beaten Killer as badly as he had, she should've seen it coming. They were war spouses however, and she would never allow any amount of pain to keep her from trying to protect her beloved.

Among it all, Killer wore a terrified expression. Not at all for himself, but also for Zera, and Solar Scream whom he was sure he had just heard take off. As to where he would go from here, Killer was not sure, but he would pray for his safety the second the current crisis was over. Right now, Killer feared for Alyan, whom he knew would would be reacting soon to everything. Now that Alyan had finally come to realize what mercy truly, Killer still wanted Alyan to be able to get out alive and apologize to his friends about everything. So whatever Alyan's reaction would be, he prayed that it wouldn't result in his painful demise. If Alyan had gotten killed after he had ordered Edward personally to bring Alyan here, he would hold it against himself for a very long time.

"KILLER!" Alyan yelled and bolted toward the cage he had seen the ex-Makutacon get thrown into, determined to help him.

But the very second Alyan had started running, Edward dashed toward and grabbed Alyan around the waist before lifting and tossing him violently to the ground. "Wrong choice kid". Edward growled.

Though he definitely should've seen it coming, it still greatly upset Edward that Alyan had bothered to turn back to the people who would always betray him in the end, as his own parents had. Though he would never admit it to anyone other than the Makutacons, he knew what it was like to be in Alyan's place, surrounded by parents who cared more for themselves rather than the life and safety of their own children, and instead placed fear in their hearts in the form of constant emotional and physical abuse. It was because of the fact that he knew the pain of being abused and rejected for ones entire life and rejected that he had even bothered to help the Makutacons in the first place, and why he would willingly kill any Toa, Autobot, Human, or Bioformer who stood in their way, even if it meant having to kill someone like Alyan. Not that Edward would've minded that, as he was a traitor to the Makutacon cause and to revenge. If Edward hadn't know that the entire earth was going to die anyways, he probably would've killed Alyan slowly right then and there. 'Then again, maybe the prisons will do more to him before the day runs out, more for me to see later'.

Edward looked over at an equally angry Setsuna. "Would you do me a favor and escort him downstairs"?

Setsuna's glare turned to a grin. "With pleasure".

While the two continued their exchange, Xanthium turned his helm to one again face the two ex-Makutacons in the small cage, anger and shame written on his faceplates. "I am almost tempted to apologize Killer, you were an EXCELLENT leader".

Killer coughed up purple blood as he gazed up at the tyrant in fear, not fear for himself. "Xanthium, what are you doing"?!

"Only what needs to be done". Xanthium said casually, as if the potential genocide about to take place were as casual of a matter as washing dishes.

Of course, the mission were more important to Xanthium than a set of dishes. But the lives of these people, as well as the lives of the people who stood with them, mattered very little to him. Unlike Killer, Xanthium was ready to see them die, whether it be via suffocation or murder. It didn't matter to him. As long as everyone on the planet would end up paying for their past cruelties, he didn't care. He just cared that it got done, even if he had to overthrow Killer in order to accomplish it. Besides, not only would Xanthium be the one to finally kill all life on Earth, he would gain more favor with the Liege, become his new apprentice and the second in command. Once he had been trained just enough, he would even overthrow the Liege and appoint Orange as his second, as well as working to conquer the entire galaxy as the one who had destroyed a world. From there, Xanthium would even try to reach farther into the galaxy, gaining control over more and more planets until there would be no land left to conquer. He would be a supreme leader, one to be feared and respected for as long as he would live.

"Let me go! You don't know what you're doing! Let GO!" Alyan shouted in rage as he fought and kicked to free himself from Setsuna.

"Wait, keep him there". Xanthium had then ordered. "I love hearing these miserable creatures in agony".

But just before Xanthium could order anything to be done to Alyan, he heard a menacing scream from Zera: "Release us you traitor"!

With which Xanthium turned to face them, and approached them menacingly before striking at the bars with his wing-shaped blade and cackled. 'Really'? Xanthium thought, an unamused expression on his faceplates.

"You really think you two can command me from a CAGE"? Xanthium taunted. "Also, You were the ones who decided to tear down the dream we and our brothers had and I'M the traitor"?

Alyan stared at Xanthium in shock and anger. How could someone so clearly smart be so stupid?! Why did he continue to refuse to see that what he was doing was wrong?! Is he that stubborn to it? Could he have hardened his heart to the point of no return? Whatever excuse or reason he spouted, it'd never justify the lives he stole.

Frowning sadly, Killer responded: "You're wrong Xanthium, the only one I betrayed was Paradox".

"And our, no, MY cause now". Xanthium added.

Killer shed another tear as he continued to see the hatred in Xanthium's optics. The same hatred he had just given up in exchange for a righteous life of love of forgiveness. 'If only Xanthium could allow himself to feel that again, before the betrayal'. Killer thought. Granted, Xanthium had never been the most compassionate, not even to Paradox in their training sessions. But even then, Killer had thought he had seen a slight hint of goodness in his liark. A part of him that still cared about the earth. Maybe it was still there, just buried underneath layers of hate, like Killer had done. Regardless, Paradox had never given up on Killer no matter how often he had tried to kill him on the battlefield. Now maybe it was Killers turn to be there for someone, even if it were Xanthium. Maybe if he kept trying to convince him to abandon this life of hatred and chaos, he and many other Makutacons would begin to see the error of their ways. No matter how hard he had to try, he would try and pray for the best results.

"Xanthium, please". Killer begged.

Xanthium only continued to glare as he viciously responded: "Why? So you can throw away what my master believes in, and taught me? No brother, I think not. Especially not when we finally have the opportunity to win".

"These people, they're-"

"NO"! Xanthium bellowed, optics glowing red in hatred. "THEY WILL AL DIE, SLOWLY AND PAINFULLY! THAT WAY, WE WILL BE AVENGED"!

'We nearly suffered the same fate'! Xanthium thought. 'It will certainly be fitting to see them suffer the same. I've already taken families from them, the way we had families taken from us by starvation and lack of proper resources. They deserve far less for ever believing it was okay to treat us that way'. As long as he had that reason to keep himself and the other Makutacons inspired, they would surely retrieve their revenge without loss. Even if they did lose more soldiers, it didn't matter to Xanthium anymore. They had an ocean of soldiers, tanks, ships, and super soldiers spanning across the entire city, They were not at a lack of soldiers or resources anymore, so whatever the earth had to offer, they could beat with ease. Especially now that the Toabots were vanquished forever.

"What good does that bring?!" Alyan shouted. "Where's the justice in that?! Revenge only brings more pain and even if you go through with this, you'll only find yourself hurting and all alone."

Memories of his history classes and what his dad had done to him flew through his mind with one thread shining as clear as day to him. 'The Bible says that there is nothing new under the sun, and if one looks close enough, they will see it in the history of the universe. History is always repeating with new players. It's the same old cycle that, if not kept in mind, is our fate to repeat. Tali, Amber and Diego always pointed it out. Every time someone lashes out in revenge for a wrong done to them, lives are lost, entire empires fall, and there is destruction to no end. It's clear in the history of Earth's ancient wars and the multiple great wars of Cybertron. Anger, hatred, pain, demand for revenge, living by the old law of an eye for an eye, all of it is unnecessary now. Not when Jesus came and gave His life for us. Not when He taught us in the Bible how we are supposed to live. He said that when we walk in Love, following the two great commandments, that the rest of the law is covered, and it's true. When we love our neighbors as ourselves, the last thing we want to do is to steal from them, kill them, or even be jealous of them and what they have. If only Xanthium would let the love back in his Liark, he would see this.'

With that outburst, Xanthium whirled with a harsh slap to Alyan's mask and responded with his own shout: "I am NOT alone maggot! Look at all the Makutacons who follow me". Then after taking a minute to regain composure, added: "And unlike Killer, I am PROUD to see all of those die who did. And once I have set that king in place, not only will I be proud, I will also be like a KING to this new world, and if anyone refuses my rule, they WILL DIE".

Killer's face saddened as he spoke: "You're insane".

It wasn't meant to be an insult, but a remark of sadness. It was the only thing that made sense to Killer as to why Xanthium would be so desperate to keep going on like that, even after other people had tried to tell him the truth. It was too bad Killer had to wait so long to realize, and to listen to what was being said. If only he had listened sooner, maybe this would never have happened. Maybe the recently slaughtered families would be cherishing a day in the park, or at Church if there were concerns over political or social matters. Maybe some people would've even experienced bad days and wished this day upon themselves much sooner. Regardless, at least all of those people would've still been alive and Killer would've never had to live with the destruction he caused here today for the rest of his life. He would've never had to remember it, and he'd still be living a peaceful life like he had been. If only he had listened.

Xanthium smiled over at the caged ex-con. "No brother, I have just awoken to my true wake up call". 'Finally, everything will be mine'.

"You'll never be a king." Alyan spat out the large amount of blood that had pooled in his mouth. "You don't even know the meaning of the word! A king protects and looks after his people. A king is first in the field and last to leave. A king loves and is kind, passionate and merciful to all! You won't be a king, you'll be a TYRANT!"

Rather than the angry reaction everyone was expecting, Xanthium directed a sickly grinned at Alyan and responded: "Well, whatever gives me control".

Killer was now horrified, realizing that this was about more than supporting the cause to Xanthium. In all of the time Xanthium had willingly served the cause, though he did agree with it, it was never his goal or endgame. In the end, Xanthium only had had one goal in mind: power. Xanthium wanted domineering control over their army and any other army that he could, provided they were amazing combatants and could withstand normal weapons. After all, Xanthium would have no place to rule after the earth was destroyed, and would surely need to expand his empire from somewhere. It only made sense that Xanthium would try to find life further out in space and make desperate and possibly deceiving efforts to dictate them. Not rule, but dictate. As in rule every aspect of their lives and do away with whomever disagreed.

Killer glanced over to the other and begged: "Are any of YOU going to do anything"?!

Xanthium looked to Killer. "I do not know, brother". Then turning to the other Makutacons with a readied blade: "WILL you"?!

It didn't even take a second for every Makutacon general, aside from Setsuna who still held Alyan still, to bow before him. Some bowed in newfound loyalty, having absolutely no problem with serving someone who still sought out to accomplish their Makutacon cause. Others however, bowed in fear. Fear of being executed in the most brutal fashion Xanthium could. They had all seen him fight in the attack on the TATF base, and Xanthium had only held back against Diego. Though he had not held back much, it was still considered much in comparison to the methods he had used on other people. Besides that, Xanthium had never meant to kill Diego, only to break him further into accepting defeat, so as to defuse the will of others. Xanthium had even known that Paradox may have appointed him the next leader of the Toabots after leaving, as Slash had no interest in leading and Orange would be far too young to take the mantle. Because of his cleverness and brutality, they decided not to trifle with him, and obey.

"Hail Xanthium"! They all exclaimed in unison, leading Xanthium to make yet another grin of unjust greed and desire, and Killer's face to sadden and cry further.

"You won't get away with this, Xanthium!" Alyan shouted as he resumed his struggles against the one holding him.

Xanthium's grin widened more at Alyan's pleas as he responded. "Yes I will. I have done so for this long. Why should today make my luck any different"?

At that, Alyan's composure suddenly became confident and serious. "One, there is no such thing as luck. Two, you will fail in this, Xanthium. It may look like you're winning, but mark my words, you. Will. Fail." Alyan's eyes burned with a fresh fire as he gazed at Xanthium.

Xanthium responded with a smile. "Sure. Whatever floats your boat". Xanthium didn't care if Paradox got loose today, he would fail, and with all of the Toabots currently out of commission, there was no way he could take on all of the Makutacon forces alone. 'At least not now'. Xanthium thought. Though Paradox was a skilled fighter, there was much to himself that he had yet to uncover. Even if he did know his true potential, he had never completed his training. No matter how hard Paradox would fight, Xanthium was far more skilled. Far stronger. Far faster. Far more formidable. Xanthium smiled out over his newly conquered city. 'Come if you must, Paradox, When you do, I'll be sure to humiliate you further, so that no one will ever have the courage to stand against me again'.

Xanthium quickly cast a glare at the Le-Makutacon general holding Alyan and growled: "What did I just tell you"?

Setsuna nodded quickly, finally beginning to drag the new traitor away as he obediently responded: "Yes sir".

Refusing to go down without a fight, Alyan doubled his struggling to make it harder on Setsuna to take him away. That was until another Makutacon smacked him in the forehead with a rifle, causing Alyan's conscious to fade.

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Biomarvel740: Well that was a pretty interesting chapter. What do you think, Galem?

Galem: I think this is one of the deepest chapters we've done.

Biomarvel740: Really? Why do you say that?

Galem: Because we both went deeper into our characters than before, really fleshing them out.

Biomarvel740: I suppose we did. Or more accurately God did. :) But what did you all think of the chapter?

Galem: Please leave a review to let us know or PM either of us if you have any questions.

Biomarvel740: We thank you all for reading-

Galem: and please...…...

Biomarvel740 and Galem: Have a God-blessed day! XD :)

Update: I apologize for being less frequent with my chapters than usual, but I have not left and I still have many plans for the future of this Fanfiction universe. But it might become less frequent still as I may be attending college in Florida for a Film degree. But I promise you all that both Galem and I have not left for good. See you all sometime in the future, and blessed be!