Chapter 279: The Desperate Hustle for the Algorithm of Salvation.
While Mike, Astra, Tyson, and the rest of the group were were trying to enjoy the fact that there hist seemed to be as successful as possible, others were feeling anything but joyous, most of all Mike's sister-in-law Bria.
After talking with some of his other former Enji a bit, Ezan, Sonic, and Doctor Robotnik showed the Queen of the remains of the former Lylat Kingdom and the last Enji the combined footage of Sieg seemly killing Lacus and Ben, as well as the footage of Sieg then massacring the Time Nest from what Die-Hardman already got from Mike, Sarah Lance, and Masaki.
Even those who saw the footage Ezan showed before were even more disturbed to see how effortlessly the ruler of the Infinite Victory and Conquest corporation crushed the best warriors in the history of their universe and assimilated time itself.
After seeing Sieg and Mary reformat the Time Nest to be part of their multiversal " Network" and the footage ended even Sonic was to grim to quip back after seeing Sliver as one of the many killed by Gingrich, Carmen, Mary, and the Sixth Dimensional Eldritch beings.
Robotnik just saw that there was indeed no more footage before he took a deep breath." To think that even the likes of Zannacross and the Beyonder were surpassed by even vaster " Supreme beings". After all my years...this might have been the first time I think I been given to much information."
Sonic saw some of the frozen footage of Sieg and grasped his fist tightly."Is he why are whole world of Mobius, along with Mario, Kirby, Link and there worlds of Popstar, the Mushroom Kingdom, Hyrule,Shuigang, and so many others are gone?"
Shadow sighed before he looked down." Not quite Sonic. Are world was already taken by the "Scourge" not long after how planet ZDR was swallowed up by it. Doug...he did not do it on purpose but he just shrugged as world after world was lost because of his indiffrence to anything but his own pride. But still...that's still a completely diffrent level compared to the threat we are facing now with Seig erasing universe's even more casually then either Zannacross or Brad with the power of the Beyonder could."
As everyone gave each other grim looks Bria suddenly burst out laughing. Sonic raised an eyebrow before he cleared his throat." Lady even I'm not seeing anything good about this if I'm being real!
Ben and Lacus's daughter in law just laughed with even more hysteria as she glanced around." Oh, I know how screwed we are. It's just how so completely, totally screwed we are that's making me laugh.
I mean...I knew things have been bad for well, as long as me and Richard have been alive but this really is being crushed in the worst way possible."
Ezan cleared his throat before he stood up." B, your " highness " I understand how bad that footage looked, I assure you it was worst being right up there. However, you have to understand that despite all this it's not hopeless."
"Oh come on!" Bria spat back." I know that you guys are all about fighting to the bitter end but that demon with grandpa Auro's face just took control of freaking time! How can anything we do matter when he can just kill us all in the past?"
The sliver haired man saw the woman's clear panic and tried to be as polite as he could before he cleared his throat." I understand how it looks but it's not as absolute as it seems.
Seig's " Hyper-time" does mean that we no longer have control of our universe's history...and that it's connected to the" Network" of the Negaverse, almost like a server on a computer, albeit one that manages hundreds of alternative futures. Like how a sever can " store" a game's save data and replace it from afar, in theory that's how universe's connected to this" Hypertime" network works.
I seen footage from the few survivors who shown how Sieg's followers like Carmen and Gingrich use Hypertime, with the intent to assimilate aspects of the universe from pasts and futures they favor to do with as they wish.
Even so Sieg has to actively be in this universe to influence its history. That, is what my allies in the Multiversal Rebel Alliance have concluded.
That means we have to fight back before he returns to our universe or we will truly be out of time."
" Oh yah?" Bria shot back bitterly." How can they know if none of these other guys can do anything but hide from these super crazy Sixth Dimensional Erdrich fashion disasters? If no one is strong enough to stop him then what's the point?"
" I understand how bleak it looks, but you have no idea just how vast the multiverse is. Alone no one so far across the Multiverse may trump what Sieg is, but if enough fight as one, that can change.
Sieg knows this more than anyone, hence despite looking like he's already won, no victory is good enough to him till he controls everything because he knows that he may have had the edge but someone in time can take everything from him.
He does have the advantage, but by taking everything the entire Multiverse has to turn things around, having him answer for his many, many crimes, will become a reality yet."
"And what if your wrong?"
Ezan paused before he took a deep sigh." Then at least we fought with honor. For everything we lost, it's the only choice we had."
Bria had her eye twitch before she groaned." It's because you all have so much damn pride that everyone else had to suffer in the first place! This man killed my husband, but I still have the rest of my family. Some of us are not willing to lose everything for nothing!"
Ezan looked like his disgust was about to overwhelm his restraint till Golbez cleared his throat." Ezan...I think it's safe to say that no one here wants to submit to Sieg. But the simple fact is that he overpowered you, Ben, Lacus, and many of our stronger peers effortlessly. On top of that...he wiped out the Time Nest, where are most powerful " reserves" were.
To be blunt, all of us here can easily be wiped out by only a fraction of our enemies might. Without any tangible hope of victory, all there is bitter defiance to the end."
Die-Hardman nodded before he readjusted his skull mask." I met with this" SRX" team from another universe, they even provided us some data on their army.
Based on the footage they shared of battles with previous enemies, they have overcome other villains who had multiversal ambitions, but even they admit that the ones they had victory over like Perfecto, Neue Regisseur, Muge Zolbados, Kaiser Ephes, Hypsistos Z, the Quaestors, and others, but none of them seem as powerful as Sieg and the IV&C, but despite seeing what Sieg has done they still have confidence that they can stop him.
For the sake of are survival, I have to at least go with the option that gives us the best choice of survival. After all, based on the footage we just saw, and the sheer fact of who we lost it's clear that this " Mister V-Day" Has very selective mercy, especially so for those are related to his counterparts from another universe."
Bria started to realize that her very existence might make Sieg want to kill her before she turned pale." So...so we do have hope then? "
Ezan nodded as he looked back at his ship. Once the Hagane is fully repaired I can escort them to the Rebel High Command, and we can prepare to strike back.
As long as Sieg has not seized control of enough of the Multiverse to try and unleash his wave that would take control of everything, we have to keep fighting."
Bria saw the majority of the former Enji, and some of her own staff look hopeful before she took a deep breath. "Well, if there is a plan then what are we doing next?"
"As long as they gathered the last pieces that will allow them to travel the Multiverse once more, the plan is still on track. I, felt like I should have gone with them to the space colony, but I realized I had to have some faith, and secure things here to make sure they had a place to return to. Hopefully...that was not an error in judgment. Now I see why Squall was stressed all this time with making team decisions."
Admiral Picard checked his earpiece before he paused for a moment, and nodded." Thank you Seven of Nine. Make it so.
I just got an update from my friend who was at the Palapium Space Colony. She can confirm that Prince Michael and the others managed to get away successfully with everything they needed.
It was hectic, there were more enemies than they figured, but they managed to have the Gamilas and Viltrum clans, and the third party clash with each other for them to successfully withdrawal without heavy losses."
Ezan conceded a small smirk at that." Well, I had my doubts at first but I suppose Mike does have the cunning of his parents."
Bira's eyes blinked before she stood up." Wait...this whole last-ditch effort to keep us all from getting screwed is being led by Mikey!? How long has everyone known he's been alive!? Why did no one tell me!?"
As Ezan responded with a casual shrug Ringo saw the others look stressed before the green haired woman let out an anxious chuckle." Well...no disrespect Queen Auro its just...you still have not been the best about keeping things private when you drink and it's just...you been drinking more as of late."
Makima sighed before she stood up." To be fair...you giving away the plan to evacuate Naboo did amount to the planet being decimated by the Viltrumite clan so...with something even more vital to keep secret I hope you can understand why you were withheld this information, till now."
Bria had her eye twitch before she chuckled bitterly." It's just...you trusted Mike with all this but not me? He's a good guy, but he, he tried to avoid fighting and all that kind of stuff more than me! He never had the heart for any of this kind of stuff. I mean...we are really depending everything on him?"
"Maybe." Ezan answered bluntly." But...destiny pushed him to the forefront and he chose not to run away from the call of duty.
To be clear, it's not all been him. Without the others like Astra Fitter...Crash Bandioot, Ratchet and Clank, Tanjiro and Grimore Weiss, the crew of the Eden Zero, and even this Tyson M'Baku Hamilton he would not have been able to make it this far.
But, to his credit he knows his limits, and while it would take him a thousand years to naturally become as skilled as I am, he knows not to expect that kind of thing. While his plan to get the parts needed to travel the Multiverse and save his friend Mark from being controlled by the rest of his clan required more than a bit of luck, it seems it worked out, so we must do what we can to make it not all be for nothing."
Bria looked around before she grasped her necklace tightly." But...if this tacky universe destroying company with powers that make Cosmos and Zannacross look like nothing are this strong how do you really think we will be able to pull a fast one on them?"
"Because for the most part they still think me, Mike, and the others are dead. I don't deny the risk, but again, it's one we have to take.
The risk is that the Infinite Victory and Conquest forces are monitoring all traffic into the Prime Universe from other realities. But because they don't know yet just what they are looking for there is ways to trick them that I learned from the other members of the Rebel Alliance.
Now that we are in the endgame to this, we have to make sure that the enemies don't realize the full extent of things till the last moment. I normally would have thought returning to Corneria itself was too much of a risk but it's still the most secure location in this universe so, we have to do what we can. "
Bria paused before she let out another bitter chuckle." Well, if none of you trusted me this far why let me in now?"
"Because one way or another things are going to escalate really soon, and even if the duty you have is not what you wanted for all are sakes you have to be prepared to act so that the remainder of the people in the Bethel Kingdom react the right way, and that are enemies are caught off guard for as long as possible. You don't have to do everything but, you do have to know what impression to give."
Bria realized just about everyone was looking at her with either looks of tension or judgment before she gulped." It's just...you're sure that this Sieg guy is not already on to us? That this is not just a game?"
Ezan paused before he nodded." I can't say anything is absolute, but as far as I can tell, they are not aware just of what is going on. For the sake of not just this universe, but the freedom of the entire Multiverse, we have to keep it that way for as long as possible."
Mike's sister-in-law took a deep sigh as she prepared to see what she had to do to survive. But little did she, Ezan and the others know that while the worst had yet to happen, the situation was rapidly escalating.
Some of those affected by Mike's heist were responding with much less joy, one of them being Akaza. While the demon ranked" Upper Three" did get smashed into the Yamato's thrusters, Akaza hit himself in time so that after Conquest hit him, he went into the ground and unleashed a shock-wave that blew out the flames before it could kill him.
This maneuver caused him to survive the Viltrumite 's blow, but it knocked him out till the fighting was already over. Once Akaza awoke he saw Omni-Man and others swarming the space colony and quickly retreated.
As he returned to the Infinity Castle, he saw Mahito waiting for him, and the Special Grade demon greeted the red-haired fiend's retort with a mocking clap." Oh, wow your back!
After how badly you all botched this mission, I thought you would never come back! Oh right, Muzan has it so he can make you self-destruction anywhere in the universe right? Guess this way might be quicker after all."
Akaza saw the long-haired stitch faced demon and winced before he looked around." Did...did the Shadowlord say anything?"
"Well...after it was clear that the twins were offed and Kenjaku came back in a coma the boss man's more than a little peeved. So much that he's not come out since. Still...I'd hate to be the next guy who has to talk to him."
All of a suddenly a large gong sound was heard in the distance before the very air got thick. Mahito noticed the entire room getting darker before he snickered." Sorry man, guess your luck really sucks today! Just try not to squeal, eh?"
Akaza grasped his fist tightly before he muttered a weary," I am the Shadow Lord's sixth upper moon, I won't disgrace my rank by squirming like a worthless weak grunt."
Despite his retort Akaza gulped before he realized he was upside down, and fell off the edge. He landed on a platform, that instantly rose up for a few seconds before arriving in a vast wide area. As various black pillars moved upwards and backwards around him he saw only a jar to his right, and Muzan's servant Nakime playing on her Biwa above her.
Akaza wondered what was going on till the jar next to him suddenly jumped up. " Well well! If it's not" Lord" Akaza!"
Black slime burst out of the pot, before out of it came a figure that took the form of a pale white, abstracted and grotesque humanoid figure with scales all over his body.
He had an upper torso that has no arms and resembles that of an armless statue growing from a porcelain pot; similar to a djinn or genie. He had multiple infant-like hands that lined his back.
Yet his face was somewhat even more disturbing.
The position where the eyes were supposed to be displaced by large green mouths and bare teeth, and his actual eyes were located vertically from one another on his face; One eye appeared in the constantly open bottom mouth and the other was seated at the center of his forehead.
As the Upper Rank Five, the Kanji for number five was printed on both pairs of his dark honey-brown eyes.
Said eyes focused on the lower ranked demon before the newcomer snickered out," It's so lovely to see you in good health! What has it been, ninety years? The thought that you perished made my heart sing. It made my heart worry with anguish! After all I almost thought I would have to figure out what to say to the master!"
Akaza cracked his neck before spitting out," Don't worry about it Gyokko...keep this up and you will never have to report to anyone again after I rip you to pieces for pissing me off!"
Before Gyokko could respond another male voice moaned out," Terrifying...horrifying! In the time we been apart you forgot to even count Gyokko!"
Akaza paused before he looked behind him and grit his teeth." So you're here to... Hantengu?"
He glanced behind him to see a short frail man with a very thin and skeletal body, covered with veins and wrinkles a crouching behind the pillar behind him.
His most noticeable feature was a large bump on the top of his head, accompanied by two curved horns.
His face was thin with a sharp chin, and he constantly wore an expression of terror and fear, with a prominent brow ridge that lacks eyebrows. His eyes were narrow and often appear to be squinting, lacking any visible pupils. Hantengu also had the kanji for "fear" etched into his tongue.
He had dark shoulder-length wavy hair with a low hairline, only growing out from the back of his head and ears, which themselves were sharper and longer than normal humans. His nails were long but not sharp like most other demons and retain their natural square form.
He wore a dark kimono that was split in the middle, the right half being covered in a pattern of flowers and lines with the left half being dark and lacking any detailed features. He also wore black Hakma pants and a pair of zori.
The one named Hantengu just whimpered as he crouched lower." I dare not show my face. It's been such a long time since Lord Muzan beckoned us all here. It's an odd number...terrifying!"
Akaza snickered before he glanced at the woman." Biwa woman...is lord Muzan not here?"
She casually kept playing her song while muttering," Lord Muzan is not hear, he has not yet arrived."
"Tsc, then where is number one? Don't tell me he got killed to? "
Before she could answer another male voice casually answered with," Whoa whoa whoa! Hold a second will you " Lord" Akaza!?"
All of a sudden, all the lights in the chamber went out as the same voice uttered," Are you not just a little worried about me?"
A hand suddenly appeared on Akaza's hand before another demon appeared.
He was tall young man with a toned and muscular body, who was of a notably pale complexion and possessed unusually long, pointed nails that appeared to be stained with a pale blue color.
He possessed long platinum blond hair that he wore parted to his right, the shorter parts around his face seeming to flare out to either side around his head, curving backwards with one lock slanting down to the right of his face to fall between his eyes, while the longer parts were left to drape centrally down his back in a thinning spiral.
His eyes appeared to be made up of an array of rainbow pastel tones that faded into one another as they circle his irises. The daiji for "Upper Rank" (上 (じょう) 弦 (げん) Jōgen?) and "Two" (弐 (に) Ni?) (or "Upper Rank" (上 (じょう) 弦 (げん) Jōgen?) and "Six" (陸 (ろく) Roku?)was etched across them, and they were shaped to slope downwards towards the sides of his face, with a set of notably large, thick black eyebrows acting to frame them above.
He wore a blood-red turtleneck of a design that made it appear that the section between his neck and upper chest is covered by a black substance that looks like it's dripping slightly down his body, this same design repeated at his wrists and down his hands, as well as on the small, circular "blood stain" he adorned on his head.
Below this, he wore a pair of straight, tan-colored hakama pants of a pinstriped design, their cuffs visibly loose, which he secured with a pale, green-tinged golden belt, its buckle a bright silver. He also only wears plain black tabi socks on his feet.
The new arrival casually looked at the other demon and smirked." You don't know how dreadfully worried I was since your all-cherished comrades of I'd be heartbroken if I lost any more. "
Despite what he said he dug his nails deep into his comrade to draw blood, but the demon Gyokko just laughed." Lord Doma! It's been so long!"
The Level Two ranked demon gave out a casual wave before his smile grew." Oh hey Gyokko! That pot you gave me was a work of art! I currently have a woman's head in it!"
"Ah that's not what I intended it for but I do find that intriguing! "
"Hey you should come over my place sometime! We can,"
"Get off." Azakza coldly uttered as veins formed on his head. As Doma looked at him the lower ranked demon hit him so hard that he shattered the other man's jaw.
Doma itched his shattered jaw, before it regrew in an instant and he smirked." My, that was some punch! A bit stronger than before, eh lord Akaza?"
Before Akaza could respond the woman with the Bwa cut in with a sharp," I ordered Upper One here first. Even now he's listening to this, discourse."
Yes...I been here the entire time." A new deep voice uttered. Akaza winced before he looked up and saw another demon kneeling behind him on a platform.
He was a very tall man of muscular stature and pale skin complexion. He possessed long, spiky black hair with red tips that he kept in a ponytail. His most notable feature was the three sets of eyes on his face with yellow irises and red flesh sclera that have black straight lines diverging from each iris.
His middle set of eyes had the daiji of "Upper Rank (上 (じょう) 弦 (げん) Jōgen?)" and "One (壱 (いち) Ichi?)" engraved in them while his other sets of eyes feature black pupils and a cracked pattern in the irises. He also had red markings resembling flames on the top left side of his forehead and the bottom right of his chin.
He was wearing a purple-and-black hexagonal patterned nagagi kimono and black umanori-styled hakama pants tied with a white uwa-obi. He carried a fleshy katana at his waist that has eyes in the space between the tsuka ito wrapping of the handle of his sword. The tsuba and blade were shown to have eyes and veins. The scabbard was also fleshy in appearance.
Akawa gulped before he uttered," How long have you been there...Lord Kokushibo?"
Kokushibo retorted with an indifferent," Lord Muzan…has arrived."
The other demons did not see anything, but before they could say anything they saw a drop of blood drip down, and looked up to see that Muzan was above them all, casually walking upside down while going over various machines alongside Grimoire Noir.
Muzan was casually looking at various data before he looked down." Gyutaro is no longer with us, and both Akaza and Kenjaku have returned as broken laughing stocks The Upper Ranks are no longer complete."
After a moment of silence Doma let out an uneasy chuckle." Is that true master? My sincere apologizes! Since I was the one that recruited Gyutaro how can I atone for this embarrassment? Would it please you if I gorge out my eyeballs? "
"Why would I have any need for your wretched defective eyeballs?" Muzan spat out with utter revlusion." I knew that Gyutaro would be killed. As expected, Daki proved to be his weakness. Had he fought alone from the start he would have won and not disgraced me.
Alas it's a moot point now. Still, do you not all see that those of you who have the most humanity in them is falling first? Yet even that matters little at this point. I expect nothing of the lot of you at this point."
Doma sighed before he shrugged." There you go again with those melancholy words my lord. Has there ever been a time when I did not meet your expectations?"
Muzan narrowed his eyes before retorting with a harsh," You still have not located the ship are " Client" has asked of us, and the demon slayers that make a mockery of us still live! But most of all, after are, " contractors" have given us so much help how can you still not secure that ship to another universe? I'm starting to question why all of you still exist!"
Muzan's aura flared up with enough force to have a good majority of the massive chamber crack and bend to his malice. At once Nakime cried out in horror and bowed." Forgive us master, I'm so sorry!"
Meanwhile Kokushibo closed his many eyes and responded with a flat," I don't know what to tell you. If there is a target I'll kill it...but finding something I was just made aware existed is outside of my purpose."
Doma let out an uneasy chuckle before he rubbed the back of his head." I admit search and detection are not my forte either Master. I want to please you, I'm just at my wits end."
Hantengu giggled before puffing up his odd body." Not me lord Muzan! I've acquired some information that will bring you closer to your goals! A mere moment ago I, UGH!"
The 5th Upper moon was cut off as he felt lighter, and realized in an instant the Shadowlord severed his head and was holding him in front of him. Muzan saw his henchmen squirm and closed his eyes." What I loath most of all...is change.
Change in circumstance...physical change...emotional change...in most cases...change of any kind...means degeneration. It's decay. I prefer the unchanging...the eternal. A perfect unchanging state that lasts forever. "
Despite Muzan glaring at him and being nothing more than a head, Hantengu could only giggle weakly." What an honor to have your hand on my head master! How sublime!"
"Do you think mere empty groveling can change how I feel about your utter lack of worth to me?" Muzan hissed out as his eyes narrowed." An Upper Rank has been killed while another and a Special Rank has been made to look like utter jokes to those Viltrumite barbarians! My frustrations have reached a boiling point! Don't ever give me unconfirmed information and wipe that smirk from your face!"
Muzan casually dropped Hantengu's head before he glared at the others." I advise you to apply yourselves with far greater, desperate urgency from here on out. I've been far too lenient with the lot of you considering your failures. All because of your status as Upper and Special ranks. Don't ever forget that I'm the only one with true worth among all us demons."
Hantengu moaned as he struggled to recover before he coughed out," A thousand apologizes oh great Shadowlord!
I admit I don't have the absolute proof but I have heard from the Bethel Military, and right now around planet Corneria, the entire planet is on lock-down because something very important is about to happen.
It's so important that even the soldiers did not know, but the rumors indicate they think it's something that will change things for them! I'm so sorry Master, I know I'm inferior to you but this seemed like something that might narrow things down!"
Muzan paused before he took a deep breath." It...does seem to match what the agents of the IV&C want, though it's far from clear that it's what they want."
"Maybe...but if I may Shadowlord, I think I have an idea on things that will clear things up for us."
Muzan raised an eyebrow and glanced to the right, seeing Geto walk up, grasping his head. Muzan saw the demonic sorcerer grasp his head before he sneered." Don't think even you can just spout nonsense after failing so badly."
"I admit, I overestimated the monkeys. But while I did not realize the objective I did not come back empty handed. For one thing I confirmed that the woman that is the target of interest is Astra Fitter...and that my experiment ended up more successful than I hoped...even if the mental failings is being a hindrance to us.
But, since I know you want something directly useful I have other findings. During the attack two organics shrugged off the sleep magic that Enmu cast, leading to the collapse of the Demon Twins plan.
At first I thought it was a failing in Enmu's magic but the data is something you might find most valuable. The reason the sleep magic failed, is that it was made to not effect members of are ranks. The reason that the ones that go by Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado would give off such reactions, is that the data confirms that Nezuko is the Gestalt Yonah, and Tanjiro is your Gestalt!"
Muzan paused before he looked at his own hand." My sister's Gestalt...was within my grasp this whole time? I...I remember that day. I went to Kattelox Island to look at the possible candidates. To think I feared the Demon Slayers enough to not wait for the last Kamado family member to return.
To think...my own sister's Replicant was defying me. This explains why a mere child could resist the demonic urges so casually. This...changes a few things.
Yonah... this universe will forever be a miserable existence without you...even after all this time I'll at last correct God's sin for condemning us will an illness. This...changes a few things...we can not allow mere fools to defy us."
"Oh...I think there's a few more deadlines you might want to meet Muzan cause you really don't want to fail my deadline."
The shadowlord widened his eyes before he saw bats fly by, and he turned around to see the hologram of the Homelander casually floating above him. The head to the Seven saw Muzan's tension and laughed as he clapped." You're really the Shadowbroker that makes so much of a fuss out there in the" Wild west"?
Black Noir said from are new talent scouts that you were the guy to get results from but you just look like some pretender of that Michael Jackson singer from the old days of Earth Prime or something! What...you really thought you swept away all the surveillance probes my boys left behind when they had the chat?
Nice try...but the fact is no matter how much you think you know we have things you have no idea about. Look I'm a busy god so I'm cutting to the chase here. I was told you were going to help me look good for Mister V-Day and find some guys who want to screw things up but so far you have given me jack!"
Muzan quickly regained his composure before he took a deep breath." A pleasure to meet someone of your…stature sir. I assure you that we…have every intention of living up to your expectations. It's just that there have been, obstacles to are efforts. The Viltrumite tribe among others have been."
Homelander suddenly burst out laughing before he put out a hand." Sorry its just…those mustache loving eyesores really piss me off thinking they are so great. It does not matter if there is a whole race of them when I'm better than all of them! We don't need a Master race, I am the Master race and don't need anyone getting the wrong idea on the natrual order damn it!"
So I get yah having problems with copy cats not know who the posers are, but you better believe my Boys got something planned for those morons. They won't be a problem much longer."
"Since they are a obstacle to us all I'm glad you can,"
"Obstacle? Listen well you pale " Smooth Criminal", they are an annoyance to me, not a obstacle that is a threat to me!
I don't make mistakes, and nothing's a threat to me. I'm not "just like the rest of you." I'm stronger. I'm smarter. I'm better. I am better. I'm not some weak-kneed emo crybaby that goes around god damn apologizing all the time out of fear someone can kill him.
All my life, people have tried to control me.
My whole life. Rich people, powerful people have tried to muzzle me, cancel me, keep me impotent and obedient, like I'm the puppet or a " sinner" for the " sake of justice". You know what? It worked. Because I allowed it to work.
I am done apologizing. I am done being persecuted for my strength. Mr. V day showed me the truth, that I'm the real hero. I'm the REAL GOD!
But here's the thing Muzan…I heard good things so that's why I'm even bothering talking nice to yah! But I don't know if you realized it but you got drafted into being my side kick, and like it or not your working for a boss that has no tolerance for losers! Make me look bad and you will regret it.
Oh you can try and hide but thing is Mr.V day's boys told me that anyone that does not have anything to offer by the time of the audit might as well kill themselves.
Muzan grit his teeth before muttering," With all due respect, we may have a, contract but that does not mean I am under the Vought clan's "Audit."
"Heh...cute. But Muzan...if you want to keep living you are working for me, because anyone not working for me is something I'm going to kill!
Tsc, anyway this entire Prime universe has been under an audit of sorts by the Infinite Conquest & Victory since they arrived. And every single thing in it is having its worth evaluated.
I really don't get this Multiverse crap that the laughing Bat and plastic freak rant about but what they made clear is that at the end of what this of the Vought clan's" Business Cycle", Mister V-Day will return here to look at that Audit report.
When that happens...all things that are unprofitable to him here will be erased or reformatted. That's why...I think I'd advise you to apply yourselves with far greater, desperate urgency than your" Sidekicks" to make sure you have something worthwhile to bring to the table. After all" Shadowlord" let's be real, if you were that great you would not be hiding in the shadows from me eh?
Me though? I'm a different breed. We shine with the golden light of providence, but you, you've been helping these worthless mud people to go against us for a cheap buck before now, so don't make this all be me wasting my time!
Word of freindly advice form the boss man eh? You see, companies…governments…whatever, they come and go. But talent...talent is forever. You can play all the occult games to impress the hicks but you either got talent to be where it matters, or you don't.
So…get to it eh?
I'm a busy man but since we all have a deadline I'm making it clear this is my agenda! You will tell me everything that goes on on the 99th floor of every building, and I mean everything. Every call, e-mail, magical group chat with grandma in the" next dimension. If a freaking light bulb goes out, you will tell me how important it is understand!?
Now…I saw you were laying down the law with the sidekicks so think I'll do the same before the next orgy. Ashley really thought that" Blindspot" deserved to be in the same room with me? Oh she's so going to regret thinking a damn cripple is even worth being in my shadow!"
With a sneer Homelander's hologram shattered into countless bats. Muzan saw those bats fly into the various sections of his palace before he took a deep breath and glanced at Geto. " Tsc, no amount of respect will be enough for him. Were would it even go but to the bottomless, gaping pit of insecurity he calls a "soul"?
Only a little while longer...will I ever have to hold my tongue to scum like him. Speaking of that...is the final adjustments ready to the body?"
Geto paused before he smirked." Yes, Knull's sleeve has fully integrated the cells of Vearn', Sukuna, Tendō Jigoku, and Vigoor into it. All that remains...is for you to merge your mind with it."
Muzan paused before he grasped his hand tightly." And...what about the key fragment?"
"When you merge with the body, you will have enough power to get it to respond. After all...you will have evolved into the true god of darkness my lord."
Muzan saw a cracked blood red crystal next to him, and grasped it tightly." Kirinmaru...you will lead Mahito, Hantengu, and Gyokko to Corneria. There...you will find the ship and bring it back to me...by any means required."
The others widened their eyes as the Qilin yōkai type demon was casually sipping tea being handed to him by Mother Miranda before he cleared his throat." You do realize...stealth operations are not my forte, yes? Even with the Last Emperor and the Queen of Light seemly truly dead, this is the capital of the Bethel Kingdom."
"I am aware but frankly angering them at this point means nothing compared to failing to get results to the IV&C. The time we hide in the shadows is at an end. Soon I won't be known as the Shadowlord...but the Shin God of all Darkness! And those who defy that, will be ground up into dust like the maggots they are."
Kirinmaru saw Muzan was deadly serious before he smirked." These frail humans think they are in a broken universe now, but are rage will swallow the cosmos into a dark age that even Chaos Zannacross Necron would have been shocked about. I'll make sure that half-breed heretic falls first.
Kenjaku...I know you invested quite a lot of time with this project with the Devil's off spring but it's all the more reason I'll prove even that means nothing to a true demon! Very well then...Aki... inform the Shikyō to prepare to move out shortly."
The demon general grasped his Bakuseiken blade tightly before he left. As he did Gyokko struggled to bounce his head over to his severed body while chuckling weakly." I mean it's hardly fair that my effort is not rewarded but this is fine, this is what makes it intriguing!"
Doma then walked over and picked up the other demon's head before he smirked." Tell me Gyokko just what information did you really get? I would love to tag along in this!"
"Er...no that's ok I think Lord Kirinmaru will lead this quite well yes?"
"Ah but, you see."
In an instant the upper half of his head appeared, before Akaza showed he was the one who let out that punch and hissed out," Did Lord Muzan give you any orders? Get lost!"
He raised his hand, only for it to suddenly be severed from his arm. As he widened his eyes a cold voice cut in with," Akaza...you always go too far."
In an instant the Number one Ranked Upper Moon was in front of him before Kokushibo glared at him with all of his eyes.
Before he could say more Doma chuckled despite the upper half of his face still being sliced off." Oh it's all right Lord Kokushibo. I don't mind in the least!"
The Upper Moon ranked two cheerfully replied as his face regenerated instantly. " I mean I know he's just trying to look tough after that crusty Viltrumite made him look like utter garbage eh?"
As Akaza winced Kokushibo replied with a cold," It's not for your benefit that I speak. Disrupting the hierarchy...which in turn, undermines subornation ...that is what dismays me."
"Oh...is that what it is? I see." Doma replied casually as he shrugged before Kokushibo resumed with," Akaza...if you're disgruntled at your own weakness... then fight me if you dare think you can defeat an even more superior opponent than the one that crushed you."
Akaza had veins from on his forehead before hissing out," Kokushibo I will kill you!"
Mahito snickered as he walked up. "Hey man you need to chill! Come party with me and Doma eh? After all, we are all demons so save the bad blood for the humans."
Geto sighed before he looked down." I would advise taking this seriously Mahito. I know that you hardly can comprehend things like death and fear...but are entire existence is on the line of this going well."
Mahito winced before he shrugged." Yah well...I got a few people I'd love to payback so not going to botch this so no worries. But for now...time to see who's the most despreate meat shield of a rat in that corner of space that will come running at the first chance for a " Big score" eh?"
Muzan saw the other demons prepare to move out before he closed his eyes." The coming culling will reap the universe of the unworthy, and I"ll make sure I'm in the room that revels in the spoils of victory...not the one that's feasted upon.
Scum like the Viltrumite clan and the others think they are superior just because of brute force...but this universe will be reminded that darkness is one of the primal forces of existence, and that I have mastered it more than any other. They will all see…how so very easily the light of hope is swallowed by the darkness. "
Muzan looked above to see a body that looked like himself but more muscular with devil wings before a look of fanaticism formed in his eyes.
As the Shadowlord prepared to make his mark on the universe at all costs, those that are his targets were trying to see their own agenda through with just as much resolve.
After allowing themselves a victory dinner, once the dessert was digested the grim reality of just what awaited them. Mike, Astra, Tyson and most of the others made their way back to the command deck of the Hagan.
Mike walked up to the center of the ship from another universe before the lanky man threw out a half-lopped smirk. " Alright gang just want to make sure but we really have everything to do the whole multiversal travel now right? "
Vadim looked over a monitor before she nodded." That is correct Prince Auro. It will take some reconfigurations, but the items we acquired from that well, Flosdeus, will allow us to repair the Cross Drive generator completely.
Thankfully the items did not transform into parts of her body or something. That, along with the coaxium and the Element X metal, means we will be able to travel across the Multiverse once more."
Tyson looked around before he shrugged." So as someone who was not here at the start what's that mean? Press a few buttons and just slide into another universe?"
Masaki chuckled before he gave a thumbs up." Hey it's not that easy. Got to make sure all the systems are in check and the data is correct so that you don't jump in between universes. Trust me we don't want to go through that again if we an help it."
"Yah figured it would not be that easy. Still...how long do you think it will take?"
Ryuusei winced before he rubbed his head." Depends on how things go. We do need to do some repairs on the outside of the ship, and if trouble stumbles on to us it could get real nasty.
Since we just got on the bad side of about two major armies wanting to come after us I think we better make sure we have a safe place to do the repairs.
Um, we got the data but what would you say is the most secure place in this universe for repairs right about now?"
Ray looked down before he sighed." Normally I'd say that Verguld would let any ship make repairs there, but I admit I don't think the old man and the rest of Lawrence Logistics will think any profit will be the cost of having the Viltrumite clan invading them."
Mike paused before he took a deep breath." It's ok...there's a place that is prepared for any attack. At least...as prepared as anyone can be. It's Corneria."
Astra raised an eyebrow before she cracked her neck." Sure about that? That Diehard Man was all about keeping everything we do as hush hush as possible. I mean they would not let you even go there for your own brother's funeral before! You really think they will let you go to the Bethel Kingdom's capital?"
Mike grasped his fist tightly before he nodded." Yah, I do. I get what you mean, but all of this was to avoid anything jeopardizing the Bethel Kingdom's survival. However now that everything depends on this going right, I think he will want this part to have the best odds to succeed.
Besides, Ezan went there, right? Think we want him to be part of this anyway. Hell might as well check up on him to make sure the reunion went off without a hitch."
Masaki smirked before he nodded. Mike took a deep breath before the lanky man took out his communicator and put in the code Ezan gave him. After only a few moments Ezan responded. Mike hooked it up to main monitor, and Ezan appeared.
Mike could also see X, Sonic, Die-Hard man, Robotnik, and many of the former Enji around him before his father's rival took a exasperated sigh." What timing...I was about to contact you myself.
After all we were just getting word that the Parrapoeiam Space colony had erupted into heated violence, and that Omni-Man himself had taken Superian prisoner after a ship had sabotaged the auction and transformed into a pair of giant women mecha and was just starting to think the situation that you all said was under control had gotten anything but under control."
The curly haired man winced before he let out a sheepish shrug." I know it looks bad but I mean, trust me it could have gotten a lot worst. Things threw a few curve balls are way but we managed to get the job done with a few bonus's!"
Ezan noticed Mark, Eve, Chloe, and Hutch before he took a deep breath." When you mean bonus, are you referring to having with you the scions of two of the heads of the tribes that betrayed the Bethel Kingdom? I think I need a detailed report about what happened so we can define what success is."
Mike saw his Viltrumite friend wince before he let out an uneasy chuckle." Damn I heard you were cold but that's just subzero. When you put it that way it sounds bad but it worked out. See."
Ben's son went on to explain how they by chance ran into Eve and Chloe in the Bancroft Hotel, and how they added the plan to free Mark from his clan's control on top of everything else.
He then went on to explain how they met Ex Treme and Aplodia Neuro, how the demons ambushed them in the No-Ship, how they managed to free Mark despite a close call with Conquest, and how even after things got tense with the No-Ship transforming into Nevanlinna and Cyclaminos, they were able to get out of it intact thanks to having Omni-man finish the job they started.
As Mike finished his recap Ezan looked at his comrades before he took a deep breath." So...just a few things I need clarification on. Omni-Man knew you all had his son with him and only was distracted by the enemy he quickly disposed of? So he saw you escape with his son?"
Mike winced before he gave out a sheepish shrug." He did not see me personally if that's what you mean. He saw the Yamato though. Conquest was the only one who directly saw us and he died before he could spill the beans.
And thanks to that virus that woman in charge of the Head In the Clouds place had he won't be coming back as a Sleeve Clone either so, we pulled it off."
"Accept that Omni-Man saw his son go on a Bethel ship." Die-Hard man cut in gravely. Mike saw the raw anger from the man in the skull face's eyes before he tugged his collar." Hey he was going to figure out someone had to bail Mark out at some point right? Besides...from what Mark has told me we know the Viltrumite clan has not teamed up with Sieg so we still have are cover right?"
Die-Hard Man took a deep breath before he grasped his fist tightly." After seeing what Ezan showed me Mike, I do understand why all your thoughts might be consumed with Sieg. But don't forget, there is still more than one thing to worry about.
It's true that Omni-man, Thragg, and the rest of the Viltrumite clan is not as big a threat as the Infinite Victory and Conquest corporation, but if they decide that because we killed one of the major members of their clan and took another's son and launch a full war with us, even if we can overcome them we still will be to weak one way or another to stop the Vought Clan!"
Mike turned pale before Astra snorted and walked up." If you're too afraid of them then why not just save time and surrender to them alright jackass? If you guys really are all about intel then you should know more than anyone else that those mustache loving jackasses were going to try and come for you sooner or later, at least know it won't be completely out of the blue."
As the head of the Bridges division looked agitated Setsuna suddenly walked up before he nodded." Commander Ezan, everyone, I understand this was partly because of my own failings so I just want to apologize that my carelessness endangered the entire Bethel Kingdom.
For what it's worth, it seems Prince Auro did not discard the mission for the sake of me or his friend, just expanded on it to save as many as he could.
I understand the risk's of jeopardizing a mission but if we forsake what values we have, then the enemy has already won. Amuro Ray's last effort to help free me made me remember how important such things are."
Ezan eyed the metallic Gundam pilot, saw Mike's resolve, and chuckled." I admit...you are your father's son risking everything to save a comrade. After all its that obsession that caused Ben to help both me and Lacus not be consumed by the darkness.
I once saw missions in a perfectionist stance, but saw just how harmful those kind's of absolute views had and realized that the term those that can't bend, break, is wise words indeed. You made your call, and now we will adapt to it to move forward."
The sliver haired man saw that Die-Hardman, Makima, Commander Burns and the others looked alarmed before he put up a hand." What Astra said is correct, Thragg seems keen on trying to topple the Bethel Kingdom and it's only a matter of time. Besides...to be blunt one thing changed since your judgment of the situation John, and it's that I'm here now.
I'm not foolish enough to say I can stop Sieg, Mary and the other Sixth Dimensional beings that make his upper ranks, but I only held back before because the Viltrumite clan was supposed to be our allies. I won't show mercy to thugs who think that having a high power level makes them think that's all it means to be a true super elite warrior."
X saw the utter confidence in Ezan's eyes before he smirked." Ezan...you done enough by now that I won't doubt you on that. But, even you can't be everywhere at once.
I'm having Zero and Axl come back for now, between them, you, and Shinryudramon and some of the others we just might have enough. But, we can't afford any mistakes. Its all or nothing now.
Mike, just get to Corneria as soon as possible.
Have your group come to Hallowed Bastion and we will assist in seeing the repairs through, it's for the best that a portal to the Multiverse is as near the capital as possible as long as it's a friendly one. Just take the " Minus Zone" Hyperspace lane to avoid any one seeing the Yamato,the Aldous, Eden Zero, and the Hague that's not supposed to. One way or another, all are hopes for salvation are coming to a head here."
Ezan nodded before he added," We will talk more about what comes after in person. You all did well, and I don't want to make light of what you accomplished. But just remember, one way or another it's just going to escalate to a level none of you are prepared for, so just do what you must to not be overwhelmed."
The sliver haired man gave a salute and the others around him nodded before the hologram transmission faded. Mike looked around before he flashed a half-lopped smirk." Well guys...we are almost at the homestretch. At least...we almost made it to the point that we can see if we just been wasting everyone's time or not. Been a wild few...weeks? Feels like years."
Astra snorted before she cracked her neck." That's what happens when your living one moment to another not knowing if you're going to live much longer, everything just blurs together. Well, to be honest I was expecting this to fall apart on day one so if we made it this far then guess you're doing something right your highness. Still, Commander Killjoy is right that its just going to get worst from here."
Mike saw some of the ones who just joined him looking anxious before his thoughts shifted to thinking about Sieg, and how easily he broken his parents before he forced himself to keep it together and looked at Astra with grim resolve." Well, if we get cold feet now then it's a sure bet that things will get worst in well, the worst way possible so got to at least try and play the odds right? Got to keep acting like this is not a fools bet."
Masaki saw Mike's tension before he patted the younger man on the shoulder." Hey man, its never over till the end as long as you don't give up yeh hear me? I'm not going to deny that Sieg seems like he's put together a bigger threat then others like the Arrowgaters, The Einst, The Inspectors, The Ruina, the Ze Balmary Empire, the Sidereal, and some of the others we taken down since we put this multiverse band together.
But, even if he's hustled more soldiers then the others or can fire a bigger laser it does not men he's untouchable. After all what all these " ultimate lifeforms" always drop the ball on is that they always think they are superior to the " common guy" and think they know us inside and out, till we kick there ass out of our universe.
Still, I want you guys to have faith but don't want to make it sound like it's going to be easy. I made a lot of mistakes trying to make my rival Shu Shirakawa pay for selling out La Gias to Shiva Volkruss. Elan Zenosakis and the Zelvoid, and a few others nearly made me retire early too but, no matter what, I refused to let those defeats be the end of me!
We all just got to buckle down and see what move to make next ,no matter what universe it's going to be in."
Mike nodded before he took a deep breath. " Well then time for a home coming to make sure we are not missing anything."
Tyson saw Mike's uneasy before he raised an eyebrow." Figured you would be more excited to get home at last dude."
Mike saw the Black Panther's look before he shrugged." What can I say man? Hardly the time to fit in a party. Just, got to make sure this goes right so we can pull one off later, long as there's some place left to pull it off."
With a grim nod Mike went to keep the newcomers up to date on what to expect before the Hague, the Aldous, the Eden Zero, and the Yamato all took rapid hyperspace jumps to ward off being tracked by enemies.
After a dozen seemly random jumps, the three ships converged to at last enter the capital of the former Lylat Kingdom and the current Bethel Kingdom, along with the home of Mike and Ben, Corneria.
Mike instantly saw the Dreisstrager, the Celestial Being Grand Nuage , and even more warships and Gundam's and various other mobile suits surrounding the capital, and that his home looked like it was in total lock-down.
Remembering what Sieg did to the Timenest, Mike just sighed as he once again saw Shinryudramon watching over the capital planet like it was a treasure. The massive Digimon glanced back at the ships, and just gave a nod before turning around.
The three ships instantly were surrounded by the Bethel military before they descended into the planet. In only a short order, they descended into Corneria and quickly were lead to the former headquarters of the Enji Knights.
As they landed, and got out of the ships a knightly figure was leading the security there along side a techo-organic humanoid ape with yellow and black armor.
The humanoid knight with a red flower like blade and a blue flower like shield gave a salute before declaring," Welcome home Prince Auro. I'm BloomLordmon, one of the last of the Royal Knights who's in charge of this planet's defense."
As they nodded, the robotic ape added," And I'm commander Optimus Primal, head of the Maximal commandos overseeing security here while General Prime maintains defense of Neo Arcadia."
The woman in a Bethel uniform in between them with long blue hair greeted everyone. She saluted everyone before declaring," Greetings everyone. I'm vice-captain of the battleship Astoria ,Marielle L. Kenny, I'm overseeing the space defense, and also the one in charge of seeing you to the others safely, along with the others."
Ratchet saw a humanoid cat like cazar, a humanoid race with feline features including fur and a tail, similar to the lombaxes walk up.
She had dark brown fur and blue eyes. She wore a lilac and dark purple suit with golden highlights, along with a small golden hairband, to signify her position as a starship captain.
She waved at everyone before saying," Hey everyone, Sasha Phyronix, head of the Solana Galaxy section of the armada...providing extra back up."
Ratchet paused before he blinked at Sasha in shock." Sasha what...what are you doing here? This is a really far cry from Marcadia!"
The Cazar woman smirked before she shrugged." And this is not anywhere close to Veldin but seems you're here after all eh Lombax? The Bethel Kingdom needed extra protection recently and to keep the Polaris galaxy safe I'm returning the favor. Still, I'm glad the rumors that Doctor Nefarious killed you turned out being true. I mean...I told Big Al you would not really fall for a cheap hussie like Courtney Gears."
Clank chuckled before he turned around." Ah...sadly that part is true Sarsha. Though, to be fair it was Alister who fell for the trap."
"So, you really did find more of your kind after all eh?"
Ratchet saw Angela looking uncomfortable before he chuckled." Nah, she's not who I found Shashaa. Eh, not sure how much you heard but Doctor Nefarious is seriously small time compared to what we are dealing with now. So, they tell you what's going on?"
Captain Marlene paused before she looked at Mike." Well, Prince Auro being alive is still highly classified info. We know this is vital for the Bethel Kingdom's survival, and based on how this goes we will figure out how to explain this to the public after woulds.
So sorry your return is not the "red carpet" treatment your highness. It's just, everyone's in a really tense state right now.
Even without knowing everything, everyone sees more and more worlds falling and are enemies getting more and more momentum and wondering if god's really forsaken us and favors the monsters now."
Mike winced before he let out a grim nod." I can't speak for god, bu for what its worth I'm not giving up on this whole thing. This, this all is about making sure we have a tomorrow and all that jazz so just got to pull it off in a way that will calm everyone down and not make things worst right?"
As Marlene and Shashaa and the soldiers around them looked a little more hopeful before a new female voice cut in with a dry," Wow Mikey, right as everything's falling apart now you're taking this seriously?"
Mike thought Astra quipped that out, but as he turned to her he realized the remark came from the other direction and swerved to see that it came from Bria. Mike's sister-in-law walked up with Makima, Ringo, Nemissa, Figue, and more of her personal guard like the former member of the X-men the long living "Wolverine" or Logan.
The curly haired man saw the current official ruler of the Bethal Kingdom's haunted look before he blinked." That…that really you Bria? Or am I talking to one of the body doubles?"
"I should be asking you that!" Bria spat back bitterly. As Mike winced she just looked more shaken as she walked right up to him." How do I know you're not one of the last living Skrulls or one of the other shape shifters trying to look good to survive and plot some " secret invasion" are you?"
Wolverine sniffed Mike for a moment before the man with the Adamantium skeleton shrugged." The bub don't have a wiff of a Skrull sent on him...I think its fair to say he's no rookie spy."
Bria saw the last of the X-men's look before she shrugged." There's still so many ways it could be a poser! After everything...you really think you can just walk up and act like your legit?"
"Well…because Bria Raffles Auro I'm the only one who saw you drink that,"
"Shut up!" Bria shouted out with sudden bitterness." The real Mike does not have the balls to pull this whole heist thing the others were talking about! My real brother in all was the only one who partied more than me in the family, and did whatever he could to run away from anything serious.
The real Mike, did not know what he was doing, and got his parents and my husband killed cleaning up his mess!"
Mike saw the raw anger in Bria's eyes before he winced and took a deep breath." We can we all just parachute down from cloud cuckoo land and calm down for a second before you lay down the rage bomb on me sis?
Bria…I, I really don't know what you know but, I swear it's not like that. I know I did not stick to the family plan but like they say,perfection is the enemy of perfectly adequate timing eh? It was a risk...but I thought if Salamanca held through in his part of the deal then...maybe I could make things easier for Richard and the rest of the family and things could turn around.
I, what happened was."
"Don't think you can con your way out of this Mike!" Bria spat out bitterly." I heard the others say that this Sieg guy and his tacky IV&C would have invaded anyway, and that we would have all been blown up before we even realized it or something but that's just an excuse!
If you just thought for even a moment about what you were doing, then my family and the whole universe would not be dragged down with you! I don't care what the others say, if Richard found out then we, then we,"
"Then we would be just as screwed" Your majesty." Astra spat out as she walked up looking like she was using all of her willpower to restrain herself.
As everyone looked at her with either alarm or anger the taller blond woman sighed." I could say a lot worst but no sense kicking someone when your down. Look, no matter how much Mikey screws up he did not put that hole in the universe that led Seig here, that asshole "devil" of an old man did because he was bored so yell at him.
I don't care how much you're in pain, I normally could excuse a lot of things for that but your brother in law is the one who's still just green about things and despite your magic makeover your over a god damn century old right?
How about act your age or your role or whatever. Or have you really been so damn sheltered that you never grew up after a lifetime?"
Bria blinked in shock at Astra, had her eye twitch before she spat back a bitter," Who…who the hell do you think you are judging when you have no idea what's going on?"
"My job as a god damn Equalizer." Astra spat out with a cocky grin." Your right that your brother in law is a spoiled brat out of his depth, but at least he's trying to do something."
"I been trying to keep my family together!" Bria shouted back furiously." Not to mention the rest of the planet, and all of the planets that still think we can do something! I wanted nothing to do with this, but it's because of people like you and your ideas that we been dragged through hell!"
"And if you're not going to do anything about it but moan while others take care of it then shut up! Your "God" is dead and the real one does not give a damn so, oh?"
Astra saw a flash of light and took out Gorr in a flash to deflect a ray of light that came her way. She saw that it came from Abdiel. The archangel eyed Astra with even more hatred than Bria before her eyes glowed." Hold your tongue sinners! This is still sacred ground and your noble efforts don't give you the right to casually spew such blasphemy! I told you before that the creator can never truly be defeated!
Even…even if it seems that way, he will just raise up once more! The Savior of Light is going across the Multiverse to amass the means to defeat his shade, and we must do are part to aid him.
Yes, we must await his glorious return! Until then, we join hands and guide are people. That is Bethel's duty! My duty, is to sustain this universe, even if it means allying with the deepest sinners!"
"Would you just cut the act and fess up that your mandate of heaven is broken and never coming back? Even if we pull this off, no one is taking you angels seriously anymore! "
"The Condemnation still stands, and we will fulfill god's will."
"Piff…you act like you know everything, so you should know that it was "God" that let, that let old man Makishima take the power Cosmos and Zannacross left to remake the universe and shatter heaven.
The fact that him, me, and all of the Nahobino did not burst into pillars of salt seems to show that God's just fine with any of us "sinners" sitting on top?"
The celestial being had her eye twitch before she grasped her sword." This…this is all just a part of God's test for his children. I know what you really are Astra Fitter!
Now that you seem to have went through the Atavism of the Mazoku…I cannot remain oblivious to your blasphemy! With the return of Ezan…we no longer have to rely on a anti-Christ like you! Witness my queen, as I smite out this aberration and blot out your sin from the universe!"
Mike saw the angel have her holy aura explode before he tensed up." Hey I thought we went over this back when this ride started Abdiel? The Enji have had plenty of folk with demon blood in them, even my mom was not "Pure" with all that stuff with the Blue Eyes White Dragon remember? Astra may have the grace of a wild bull but she's are wild bull and she's done more than enough for her to deserve better than this!"
Astra raised an eyebrow before spitting out," Really…a god damn bull?"
"Hey my best work is not when I'm stressing out ok?"
Abdiel saw Mike and Astra look at each other before she saw Astra as Doug for a moment and grit her teeth." There is some truth to your words Prince Auro but this demi-fiend has corrupted you with her darkness! Your father and Doug Fitter had a much deeper bond and that to amounted to nothing in the end!
It's true that sinners serve the light, but she is a direct hell spawn of the great betrayer who broke the universe! I'm the sword of god, and I won't let the source of this universe's suffering get away with it! Light's Descent!"
Astra widened her eyes as the archangel instantly unleashed a massive beam of light at her. As she parried it Abdiel was above her and slashed her with her golden blade. As Astra was pushed to the wall her angelic attacker looked at her with pure hatred as she roared out," HAND OF FATE!"
And had a hand shaped holy light beam out of her fist to hit Astra, and cause her to burn. " Yes…I am a archangel, its my job to purge demons! FACE JUDGMENT ASTRA FITTER!"
Astra saw a fist shaped holy projectile come her way and narrowed her eyes before she slashed the beam in half and gritted out," Don't give me that sins of the father crap! You were too weak to do anything against my old man so you think I'm his stand in? Like hell! Want to see what happens to an angel that tastes the God-Butcher? Just keep it up!"
Astra had her All-Black sword have shadows consume the area and devour her opponent's light, causing Abdiel to have her holy aura light up the whole area." The blade of another heretic won't save your fate! I am blessed with the divine protection of God himself to strike down the sinners in the name of order! The unholy will find their deliverance by our blades as, GUH!"
In a flash Astra charged through the holy light to punch Abdiel to the ground. The archangel rebounded, but Astra came at her with her own charging clash, and while Abdiel parried the strike the force caused the ground around them to cave in.
As Abdiel pressed with all her might, she saw Astra pressed her back each second before the blond woman spat out," When are you going to admit that the "Mandate" you angels are so damn obessed with is dead!?
Your own precious master let it break, that humanity might finally live unbound from the chains of rules even he got tired of!"
"Vile serpent... Your lies mean nothing!"
"The fact that you can't admit it is why only folks with no other options still craw to you for wisdom! Order itself has crumbled. Chaos is going to envelop the universe...
...and from that chaos, there shall be a true rebirth — a wholly new future. I'm not going to let it be the future Seig or you control the future so that it can be a true rebirth!"
"You think I'm the blind one demon? Your father's actions have not let to more prosperity, just to chaos and mass suffering at the hands of those like Homelander, Knull, Thragg and the others!"
"I did not say it was done yet. It's…it's all so that we can be free of all the lies and be are selves! You angels never understood what we really are and this is because you refused to accept what reality is! Even your God realized letting vain assholes like you call the shots was a mistake!
I won't deny that too few assholes are hoarding the power now, and that my own asshole of a parent made a bad call handing out god power ups on a whim, but once the power is truly equal, then that's going to light the horizon to a real future for everyone, not just the one's the elitist pick! If you can't find peace with that, then go find peace with all the other angels!"
"NEVER!" Abdiel roared out as she extended her wings." I will never relent as long as the universe is corrupted with darkness! I can tolerate failure, but not those who are a abomination from the start! Penance Gaze!"
The archangel made a hand gesture before she fired a barrage of purple crystals made into a chain right at Astra's chest. The blond woman tried to block the projectiles, but felt it hit her arm and shrugged." You're already out of steam if this is the best you can, huh? AH!"
Astra suddenly grasped her chest before Abdiel smirked." Your lack of nuance will be your undoing demon! That crystal chain transforms my opponent's own negative thoughts into destructive forces that causes their sins to consume them! I was the one who taught Zarathos this magic before he bestowed it to the Ghost Riders...I'm the master of judgment among the angels! Your bloodline has damned this universe, and now that sin will be your undoing!"
Mike saw Astra yell in pain before he turned pale." What the hell do you think your doing?"
"Fret not prince Auro, no matter what this was fated to happen! The corruption she's brought to the universe will still, huh?"
To her shock Astra grasped the archangel's hand before she smirked." Who the hell are you calling corrupt? I never strayed from what I believe in you uptight tool. I'm no saint, but I never let my own rage get out of control and burn down anyone that does not deserve it. That…that's how I live my life!"
Abdiel saw Astra get up before her jaw dropped." No…only those pure of heart can shrug off that spell and you're the last thing from a pure hearted being!"
"I'm no saint but I'm not a slave to my emotions either angel! You were so damn sure you could judge me, but did not even get your own standards! Lets see how you like being judged Grip of Murder!"
Astra made a hand gesture and took the blood from her cut to grasp her holy opponent's sword. Abdiel saw her sword glow red, before it merged with her arm. As her arm turned deep red with veins and symbols the angel seethed out," What do you think your, GUAH!"
The blond woman saw her attacker fall to the ground before she smirked." Oh, just cursed your arm with the pain and suffering of all those victims you cut down."
"Bah…I have never strayed and only have killed sinners!"
"Maybe you thought you have but you only conned yourself to feel better! Without protection from God time you wake up to what your live's really been about!"
Abdiel grasped her arm tightly before she saw blood come out of her mouth and widened her eyes." This pain…is nothing! I am a vassal of God's will, the wrongs I commit are for the greater good! The sorrows of the wrongs I cause are eclipsed by the greater order of the universe!"
"This order has always been one of flaws and contradictions governed by hypocrites!" Astra spat out bitterly." The only way to change that, is to kick out those who won't " see the light."
The celestial being had her eyes blink, before she remembered a previous time Doug mocked the angels in the past, and she saw Doug in his child before she seethed with rage." Never…I'LL NEVER FOLD TO A SINNER LIKE YOU!"
Abdiel roared out as a sphere of holy energy formed in her hand." Astra looked even more bitter before spitting back," Then I'm going to kick your ass till one thing or another breaks because I'm so damn sick of this!"
The two both had energy surge into their swords and prepared to stab each other, till in an instant Ezan was in front of them, and before they could react both grasped their wrists and threw them to the walls.
As they fell, and their blades shook the very ground. Astra only coughed and was about to say something till she saw how cold a glare Ezan gave her and coughed." Hey she started it!"
The sliver haired man all but rolled his eyes as he saw the fury on the archangel's face and muttered," What the hell is going on? I almost thought we were under attack and saw you two on the verge of killing each other! This is not the time for this!"
Abdiel saw the look Ezan had before she grasped her fist tightly." Ezan Zeon…you more then any other should know the danger that Fitter's spawn causes! She will just be an enemy down the line anyway and for the mission to succeed we can't rely on those who only fight for themselves!"
Ezan had his Rinne-Sharingan look at the angel's eyes, as if to make sure she was telling the truth before he cleared his throat." Did you forget that my natural father at one point was seen as the leader of the Enji Knights enemy army, the Zeon Federation, and that the man that raised me was a ruthless assassin that had no value for virtue? Those who deem that the child bears the sin of the father, sin themselves.
You're supposed to be better than this Abdiel, Gabriel and the others would be ashamed that you forgotten your honor."
The archangel saw everyone looking at her before her eye twitched." You really trust this devil!"
Mike cleared his throat before he walked up." Look…with all due respect Lady Abdiel she has had plenty of chances to screw us over by now and earned my trust. And no offense but to be frank, if you angels were on top of things we would not have been here eh? We are not going to get out of this if we are caring more about things that are no longer working then getting things done."
Abdiel looked shocked before she muttered," No…no don't turn your back on the light Prince Auro!"
Tyson sighed before he cracked his neck." Tell me oh holy one, what did you angels always think of Bast, and the other Orishas that Wakanda worshiped as gods?"
The archangel winced before looking down." Bast…always was to arrogant for her own good but she was one of the good ones when it counted."
"Oh, so she was too prideful eh? If you guys ever bothered to step down from your clouds the fall might not have been as rough!"
Bria saw that most of Mike's allies were agreeing with the Black Panther before she looked horrified." Mike…is this all part of the joke? The angels sure have messed a lot up but, I' still trust them over the demons and are other enemies! I mean, its because of them that we are in this in the first place!"
Mike paused before he looked somberly at his brother's wife." Bria…you seriously got to not look at things at face value if you want a good deal.
Angels are supposed to be about helping and demons about hurting but sometimes you have to think outside the box to get further. That, that's how I got this far and it's the only way we are going to get out of this."
"So that's why your trusting demons, Viltrumite's and so many others over your own side?"
Mark, the Tick, and some of the others winced and was about to respond before an older male voice cut in with," I understand having doubts about the intentions of the Viltrumite clan but some of us are working to fight to change that, even if sadly at the moment we are in the minority."
Everyone glanced to the right and saw the voice came from a tall muscular bald man with a white beard in grey robe walk up. Mike saw his face was solemn, but friendly before he raised an eyebrow." Hey…I remembered you at a few parties. Your, Thaedus right? You seemed on the level at the parties and ceremonies for a…huh? Hey wait you were the Viltrumite envoy right?"
Mark winced before he rubbed his eyes." Not just an envoy man, he, he's the only pure blooded Viltrumite that betrayed the clan! My dad, Conquest, Thragg and all the others wanted to kill him so bad. But, guess you really are a pro if your still alive Thaedus."
Ezan nodded before looking at the new arrival." Thaddeus alerted me and Ben to the previous leader before Thragg, Argall, plotting a betrayal and helped us kill him. He put himself at great risk to do the right thing, and I'm glad that he's still someone I can trust."
"Likewise old friend." The elder Viltrumite replied before he looked around." I'm aware that my brethren have caused much of you great pain the past few years. I knew that the alliance Thragg had with Lord Auro was shallow, but could not prove it without risking things to decay.
But I been spending time helping those like Allen here and others like the" Space Racer" the" Tech Jacket" and the worlds of Talescria, Klaxus, Thraxan, and others resist being taken over by my kin.
I admit, I thought Thragg was the worst thing to worry about, but sounds like there are those that make him seem like nothing. Still, he won't just sit aside so, we must do what we can to get through all of this."
As some nodded a cruder male voice cut in with," Oh you know these cunts don't have the patience to wait their turn, but like they say, "never go into shark-infested waters without chum so I guess we will we'll cross that bridge when we burn it eh mates?"
Everyone looked to the right to see Billy Butcher walking up with some of his teammates before Jonny Sliver hand snickered." They let you into this party Billy? Figured you would not want to craw out into the sun at this hour."
Billy snickered before shrugging." Normally you would be right, but I still need you and Korvac over there to pay your tab and this might be the last chance. Besides, Die-Hardman promised me I would get to waste a lot of supes so, to promising to pass up."
As the two shook hands Billy glanced at the Tick and raised an eyebrow before he snickered." Ah hell did not think they would be right on a platter for me. What you got this lug to be a prisoner of war or something? I mean…this bloke is Dessler's botched attempt to make his own Viltrumite before he came out with Superian right? C'mon…you're really not just letting him in on this are you?"
Everyone looked around before the Tick shrugged." Destiny's powerful hand has made the bed of my future, and it's up to me to lie in it. I am destined to be a superhero.
To right wrongs, and to pound two-fisted justice into the hearts of evildoers everywhere. And you don't fight destiny. No sir. And, you don't eat crackers in the bed of your future, or you get all... scratchy."
Billy rolled his eyes before muttering," Bloke do you even know your name?"
"Can't lose my name, it's on all my stationery! And my middle name used to be Helping People, The Helping People Tick."
Megaman laughed before adding," We did all the kind of scans there are and this guy's the real deal. I think, Dessler made him to be a "good guard" that he would not have to worry about stabbing him in the back."
Mike shrugged before adding," I mean…we are not letting him in on everything, but can't just leave him out to dry right?"
Billy saw the Tick just smile through this before he snickered." Bah, if he's "pure" that could be even more dangerous. After all…people love that cozy feeling that supes give Them.
Swoop out of the sky and save the day so you don't got to do it yourself. But…guess defying the natural order is what I'm doing to, and I know we can't be picky with what's going on. Hey Avi? How about we treat this guy to a drink eh? Might as well be chummy with what could be are last crew eh?"
Johnny Sliverhand walked up before he snickered." Hey, better then making a suicide charge alone right? I mean what, just be alone with my thoughts? Near on unachievable these days. Give yourself time. Ideas'll come. Life'll shake you, roll you, maybe embrace you. The music'll find you.
But whatever happens with life, even if you swap meat for chrome, live a BD fantasy, whatever, just make sure at the end of it all, it's the code you live by that defines who you are. I got on this ride on a whim but rather risk it all then let all these assholes think they can just keep the man down."
As many nodded in agreement Die-Hardman walked up and cleared his throat." Yes well…no offense but the code I live by is seeing this planet live on no matter what. That's why as long as everything's settled I'd like to see if all the stuff you been doing recently was not in vain. So, unless anyone else needs to get something off there chest can we repair this ship already?"
Ezan saw Abigale still grasping her cursed arm before he glanced at Astra." Could you undue that already or do you still have to make a point?"
Astra saw the Archangel still glaring at her before she rolled her eyes." If it will calm everyone down then sure, not like I need it or nothing." She made a quick hand gesture to unravel the Grip of Murder spell, and her holy target only looked more bitter as she staggered to her feet.
Ezan eyed his frenzied ally and looked down before he sighed." I just want to check on one thing before we start. It won't take too long, just better safe than sorry. Just…behave yourselves. Ivo…I could use a second set of eyes for this…data if you don't mind. You might find this insightful as well."
Robotnik paused before he nodded." Sure…anything someone as out of touch as me can do to help I'll do what I can."
"Very well. James…follow me to the Mount Endon transport if you would."
The Holocron of Ben's former teammate nodded before he motioned some of the former Enji to follow him, and Ezan flash stepped out of the area.
Mike saw the Hague land before he smirked." Well…got a ton of stuff to worry about real soon but for now…let's get this working and pull off the whole universe jumping gig!"
Bria saw the energy in the curly haired man's eyes before her eye twitched." Seriously? You're making a joke out of this?"
"Hardly." Mike said as he struggled to keep his grin up." Just…might be one of the last fun things in a while so got to milk it while we can eh? The fallacy of sunk cost… It's what gamblers do. They throw good money after bad thinking they can turn their luck around. And well...if I stop thinking about it the giant bear that is the stress in my head is going to eat me alive so I got to keep on that path."
The group slowly moved to where the parts for the Hague were being laid out before Bria saw her brother-in-law with shock." Not sure if all this made Mike grow up or go insane."
Ringo let out an uneasy giggled before she threw in," With how messed up the universe is maybe it's both your highness? I mean, you got to make some crazy calls to make it I guess. Eh Saizo?"
She looked to one of the agents next to her, a lanky young adult with asymmetrical lime green hair, gray eyes hidden by his bangs, and shark-like teeth he referred to as "sexy."
In the rare instances where his eyes were uncovered, only the left one is shown. He wears a white suit with black lapels and champagne-colored swirls on his left arm and right leg, a purple vest and black undershirt, a white bowler hat with a blue band and red-black feather, a yellow tie fastened with a chain, a blue chest harness and possible holster, black and purple shoes, and white and gray striped socks.
In addition to the blue belt in the waistband of his pants, he also had one slung over his hips. He accessorizes were a beaded bracelet on his wrist, cyan gloves, and a scarf made of fox fur.
Saizo just shrugged before putting out," For guys like me, once you get on the bad side of any real power players in the universe…it's game over. If this gives us more backup so we can keep our heads…it works for me."
Bria saw his fellow agents the blond haired "Milady" and brown haired male in red"Arrow" nod before she winced." I just want something that will end this to make this peaceful again. Lady Abdiel what is, huh?"
To her shock the angel was just looking at the sky with a broken look as she muttered," Has…has God really forsaken us? Are angels really nothing but failures?"
9S walked up before he let out an uneasy chuckle." Don't let it all go to your head Lady Abdiel.
The angels are the only ones that can help heal the universe. If you guys are gone all the others are just going to beat each other till the universe tears itself apart. All of this has proven that divine diversity is not the answer, its just chaos, and the data indicates that a Multiverse of diversity will just make it worst.
We need fighters to stop Sieg and all the other threats, but only you guys can heal the universe with the true path because while we need many fighters, we only need a single, ultimate truth! What we don't need is an excess of false opinions."
Kaine saw 9S's stressed face and snickered." What got into you being a fanboy all of a sudden "Nines?"
The blindfolded man shrugged." I, always was a believer in Heaven's Mandate being followed for the good of all, it's why I joined YoRhA in the first place. And, seeing how all these" Clans" have ruled just proved it even more. You just need to get stronger and train like how Astra has! If your prayer is indeed for harmony, bring it about yourself."
Abdiel looked at her hand and sighed." Your support is welcomed, but it's futile. I'm…already at the limit of what god made me to do. Although…the demon is right…I have not proved my devotion enough. Why god…why do you not show yourself to your most loyal followers in there time of need? This Enda Cross…she seems more on the side of the devil then the light!
No…the only way to maintain order, is to give all to God. Everything…even are own lives. God's word remains unchanging…as an Archangel…I am sworn to defend it.
I just, have blinded myself to the truth path. I have to find the knowledge to fulfill that path correctly before it's too late, and not join all the other fallen angels.
Maybe…this multiverse really will bring the knowledge we require to bring salvation, as long as we find the saints…not the sinners."
Abdiel grasped her hand tightly before she flew up to see the ship from another universe carefully before joining the others. As she did, some had departed to check on those who had indeed fallen even more.
When Ezan had left the others he along with Doctor Robotnik, Shadow, and some of his former Enji like Golbez, Vincent, Kratos, and some of the others went to an elevator and went down past Mount Endon, where Ben once with Lacus and James helped Megaman X stop Doctor Wily from turning Zero into his slave.
Robotnik saw them going below Corneria's surface before he raised an eyebrow." Wait…this data…this was Doctor Wily's former hideout that he used to try and morph Zero into his God of Destruction right? What, what did he have that could possibly help us now?"
"It's not him that we are checking up on Ivo." Ezan answered bluntly." I understand that you were not here when this happened, but it's another thing that changed when you and the others were trapped in ZDR.
As the universe became more and more chaotic, to make sure we did not lose control of the other realms we put more and more of the remains of heaven and hell directly around Corneria.
We, needed a lynchpin to regulate the flow of souls into and out of the mortal realm and keep the flow stable.
We…we had one person who had the energy of both heaven and hell in him that could qualify, as long as he was properly restrained. It was not ideal, but the best of bad options and all that.
Besides…it was the most practical way to have him serve his sentence for his sins. In a way he got what he always wanted with his obsession with judging."
Robotnik widened his eyes before he readjusted his glasses." Wait…are you talking about who I am thinking of? Are you."
A sudden jolt rocked him off his feet before the doors opened, and he saw the doors paused before a light went out. The light scanned Ezan before a computerized male voice uttered," Ōken signature recognized, Chōkaimon barrier hole opening."
The door opened, and Robotnik saw past the doors the very core of planet Corneria below them, with a barrier around it preventing the heat from affecting them. In the center of that core, was a floating cylindrical structure that had streams of green light and red darkness flow across it.
Robotnik pressed a few buttons before his jaw dropped." Those streams of energy are like that life stream stuff around that planet Centra!"
"It is the lifestream." Vincent casually retorted." As Ezan said, with heaven shattered, we redirected as many planet's life streams as we could to here, to be regulated."
Before the former Turk could respond an roboticized voice cut in with," More than just the " Life Stream." The linchpin regulates the Argent energy doctor. "
Everyone saw a nine foot tall man that was either a robot or someone clad in red armor with a vizor for an eye. The man saluted everyone before stating," I'm Dr. Samuel Hayden… Project Director of the Argent Facility you see before you.
I was informed you were not around for this turn of events so to be blunt, the Death Stranding forced humanity to be even more…creative with its research and so we looked even harder into the nature of the afterlife.
Are results being that the demons only utilize a portion of the resources that come from the human soul. It was the Maykrs and the Sentinel Priests who discovered and unlocked the true power of the Essence of what was called the Lifestream, the Farplane and more.
They combined Holy and Hell energies together, refined it, and created... Argent. Argent Energy's metaphysical nature defies previous laws of physics on other forms of plasma.
With it we did wondrous things, saved worlds from extinction, healed the sick... and gave infinite power to those worthy of it.
While plasma itself is a superheated gas to the point of freeing electrons to become ionized, Argent Energy seems to be stable at higher than thought possible temperatures and can energize objects it comes into contact with.
Thus, it allows us greater control of the Afterlife than most ever thought possible, but only with a "Lynchpin" that's strong enough to endure the stress.
I could go on but I take it you're not here for a lesson yes? Ezan Zeon…I was not sure if your survival was a rumor or not but it's reassuring that at least some trustworthy defenders of universal order.
Are you here because you need something from us for this repair I been hearing about? Multiversal travel was not my profession but I fail to see how I can help."
"It's not that Dr. Hayden." Ezan answered bluntly." I just want to make sure everything is in order…and want a chat with the" Soul King."
"I have detected no malfunctions…but I understand you have personal reasons so as you wish, the pathway to Kadingir Sanctum will open.
pressed a button on his arm before a beam of golden light came out of the Argent Tower directly for Ezan and the others. They got on in moments, and were directed to the core of the tower.
There, a golden crystal was hovering in the center, and a person could be seen in its center. It was humanoid in physique, with slicked-back dark hair, oval eyes and very thin eyebrows.
His eyes were very unusual, each having four black irises. He did not have any arms or legs, though six sets of angel wings on one side and six demon wings on the other side could be seen.
Robotnik saw that the streams of holy and demonic energy, along with the" refined" Argent energy were going through the crystal before he gasped." That…that really is Kira Myers? Is…is he still alive?"
As Ezan and the other former Enji sighed, the crystal contaning the son of the former leader of the Enji, Grand Master Myres, and the man who tried to become god, glowed before a calm male voice echoed out." I am neither alive or dead at this point Ivo Robotnik. I have…transcended the limits of mortality, to truly judge humanity.
I concede that this is not how I thought my destiny as Darth Judicar, the one who would judge humanity would unfold…but since this has left me to judge humanity all the same it brings me…some joy seeing the world of god go so…off course.
Still…I did not think we would meet again like this yet again…my former apprentice. While normally I would say there's no one worthy enough to hear my words. I admit...after so long a change of pace will cause me to...lower my standards.
Still...despite are…differences…even if Ben stabbing me in the back and your efforts left me in this state…I still prefer that Doug Fitter's acts were not the one to decide this universe's destiny. After all…you still act on behalf of my teaching's…however subconsciousness those motives may be."
Ezan sighed before retorting with a bitter," I have no time for your games Kira. Part of your duty was keeping this entire system safe using your Kyōka Suigetsu to bind any attackers with the Complete Hypnosis of their senses.
However, Abigail seemed to mistake Astra for Doug…so you better not be trying to cause havoc now for your own gain."
Kira could only chuckle as his head moved." Even centuries after you and Auro trapped me in this state without my limbs…your mind's still race to blame me the moment something unravels.
Without a doubt...I know more then any other that the flow of this unviverse has changed. I assure you…I did not affect the archangel's senses, the measures you put in me to only be able to affect those listed hostile. It would seem that Abdiel is acting on her own crumbling sanity, nothing more.
Still...it would seem that moral is quite low eh Ezan? I admit, even I was not sure if all of this multiverse stuff was just more delusions. But, the fact that you arrived before me seems to prove they have merit. All this effort to bring order to one universe, and now that feels like nothing in the face of neigh infinite realities, endless possibilities."
Ezan grasped his sword tightly." If you are attempting some scheme to try and have a variation of you from another universe free you I assure you, you will be deleted before it happens."
To his shock Kira just laughed bitterly." Oh…all this time and you still don't understand me Ezan? After seeing how Ben's meeting with his counterpart from this " Negaverse" went I think it's proven to be a very unreliable tactic.
Besides…you know I refuse to bow to anyone, even a "counterpart" from a different universe. No…if nothing else I am a patriot to my nation to the end, and won't flee from my duty like a self absorbed barbarian like Fowltror, Fitter, and all his current "disciples". After all…where else would I go?
To the arms of these Viltrumite savages? Bah...as much as I loathed the Zandalorians, at least they did not see themselves as walking gods like this current group of mustached savages that see Brad Fowltror as a idol.
But this is the universe that Doug Fitter made, and this universe has moved on without me, you before me are one of the few left that even know me. But…I'm afraid it's not my moral that's on the verge of collapse. Based on the souls I judged…many are believing that the end times have already come.
Though, a great many still think yet that there" Savior" will guide them to paradise yet. I admit, if Auro's second son really has managed to keep up this appearance of hope alive then I might have underestimated him.
I suppose secondhand information can lead to misunderstandings. Perhaps then I could see if he is more than a fool least befitting to be King that has the irony of fate that ended up having the salvation of the entire universe depending on his will. Still...I'm curious to see those who follow in the footsteps you left behind have walked a path at a rather...entertaining place."
James got in front of Ezan before the holographic man let out a stern," Mike won't even be made aware of your existence unless it's absolutely necessary. We won't let you have the chance to hurt him like his father."
Kira saw James's state before he snickered." So…the remnant Elrond left behind has such faith in his teammate's son eh? A Holocron imprint eh? He was so broken that he left it all to a copy other than finish what he started?
Tell me…would your resolve remain so firm if you heard the final thoughts of what your original's last words eh? Emma handled that case but well…even the dead like to gossip when bored."
"Enough." James answered sharply." We are all long use to your antics Kira…you're just a system we want to make sure is working properly, nothing more. Cruel as it may be it's a fitting fate for someone like you who craved to be on the throne of heaven."
Kira only sighed before he looked down." Feel smug all you want, just remember last time you thought so surely that our situation was irreversible. Just tell me one thing. You truly think you can get salvation from another universe when all the multiverse has brought us is more threats in the form of this asinine "Infinite Victory and Conquest Corporation?" Tsc…and I thought Weil Zabi's ego was overinflated."
"As someone who has met with this alliance Kira, I can." Ezan answered bluntly." We all lived long enough to not take things at face value. But it's an alliance of those across the Multiverse that want to stop Sieg and the others because victory for him means damnation for them.
You're the one who told me not to see things in black and white remember? Regardless of the differences the priority is surviving this threat so that are people cannot spend the rest of their lives repressed by one tyrant or another and that we will survive this."
Kira was motionless before he looked down." Tell me something Ezan, I mean this with no hidden malice but just what are you protecting at this point? As…someone who's not moved in centuries I'm generally curious what you're fighting for if only a fraction of the people you know are still alive."
Golbez sighed before responding with," I made a promise to Cecil, Theodore, and the others, and that's a vow I'll keep no matter how the universe turns."
Kratos nodded as he looked around." We keep fighting to honor everyone that we failed…to make it mean something."
"And yet…what can it mean if there is nothing left? I see that the majority of this" Bethal Kingdom's army is composed of hive minded androids like these nonsense blindfolded Yorha agents, the Hashira Demon Slayer corps, The Special Fire Force companies, the Armored Response Coalition "Doomslayers" and the Megaman.
It's virtually the same as Weil's Zeon Federation, a toy army fighting so that the population just drowns in indulgence, till reality hits them at the last moment for the most painful reality check possible."
James sighed before eyeing Kira carefully." I'm not sure if your isolation is causing your sanity to erode but you're the one who wanted to overthrow the Enji with the army of Replica Spartain commandos with the likes of Ribbons Almark's Innovators and used the Son's of Patriots system to regulate all aspects of life."
"You only see that way because you never saw my end game…that was only the military aspect, while your using clones and mass-produced soldiers to cover all aspects of the government. Your citizens don't even know what's going on…and are completely enwrapped in the virtual bubble you keep them in to keep them positive. They are not "citizens" of the Bethel Kingdom…just pets to cheer there masters.
And that's because Ben and Lacus failed so utterly to get results that you've have to rely entirely on "legacy" recruits and clones because no one from an outside perspective has any faith in your government's legitimacy without being submerged in a fantasy world, nor does hardly anyone still desire to be a warrior of light aside from those still somehow unaware of the nature of the universe, or those bound by family legacy."
Ezan paused before he looked at his comrades and took a deep breath." There are consequences for failure…we had to all realize that. But…it's still not the system of lies and fear that your rule was based on."
"And you still fail to understand. What I wanted…was for humanity to be free from the influences of deities like Cosmos and Zannacross and all the other lesser deities so that a rule on the truth could be built. I was not delusional, I knew it would take centuries with the possibility of set backs.
But at last humanity and society would truly evolve to a population that did not need lies or gods, just their collective judgment.
You think I betrayed my father and the Enji because of my brother's death in Irazos, and that is a factor but its more than that. I noticed from the start, that such a Civil war happened because of a government, and the entire socity around it in political decay.
The masses can hardly even grasp what it means…but political development is similar to biological evolution in a number of respects."
Arche rolled her eyes before spitting out," We don't need freaking politics lectures now we need spells to kick the jerks butt!"
"Failure to understand the problem will ensure the problems never will really end so since I thought about such things for lifetimes you will listen to me if you want my help!"
"Ugh fine but I'm having my lunch now."
"Anyway… the latter is based on the interaction of two principles, variation and selection. So too in politics: there is variation in the nature of political institutions: as a result of competition and interaction with the physical environment, certain institutions survive over time while others prove inadequate.
And just as certain species turn out to be maladapted when their environments change, so too political decay occurs when institutions prove unable to adapt. But while variation in biological evolution is random, human beings exercise some degree of agency over the design of their institutions.
It is true, as countless ideologists such as Friedrich A. Hayek have argued, that human beings are never knowledgeable or wise enough to be able to predict the outcomes of their efforts to design institutions or plan policies with full ex ante knowledge of the results.
But the exercise of human agency is not a one-shot affair: human begins learn form their mistakes and take actions to correct them in a iterative process. In biological evolution, there are separate specific and general processes. Under specific evolution, organisms adapt to particular environments and diverge in their characteristics.
All the way back in Earth Prime, the scientist Charles Darwin's famous finches were the results of birds adaptation to a host of microenvironments.
In the process of general evolution, disparate species evolve similar characteristics because they have to solve similar problems: Thus sensory organs like eyes evolved independently across different species.
Humans have evolved politically from band level to tribal level societies, to states. From patrimonial states to more rule-based states that in theory are supposed to independent legal systems and the emergence of formal institutions of accountability.
These political transitions occurred independently in societies with very different cultural norms. Segmentary linages…tribalism…flares up in virtually all corners of the universe at a certain moment in mortal development.
All are based on a principle of descent from a common ancestor and unborn descendants over the living.
Despite the miniature variations in kindship organizations that are the bread and butter of anthropology, the basic structure of tribal societies is similar across geographically and even planetary separated societies.
But no matter how advanced they get; they all faced the problem of overcoming kinship as the primary principle of political organization and replacing it with a more impersonal form of rule.
It's why an advanced civilization suddenly dumping advanced machines on a primitive world hoping that they will become "enlightened" are so frequently disappointed.
Modernization without development has been widespread, it has important political consequences when compared to the classic path of modernization via industrialization.
Thus…it can destabilize existing traditional political systems that do not pride routes to political participation, the classic Huntington scenario of political decay. For such results don't result in higher levels of educated proletariat.
Rather, such societies have a large amorphous group of urbanized poor who have more" Knowledge" but have no instincts on how to forge a path to prosperity and eke out livings in the informal sector and thus have no legitimacy.
Ideas concerning legitimacy are an independent dimension of development and have a large effect on the way political institutions evolve.
Their primary impact is on the nature of social mobilization. Identity politics, based on nationalism, ethnicity, or religion, has frequently triumphed class, or acted as a substitute for class, as the rallying point for social mobilization.
To the bane of intellectuals, workers are more easily mobilized by appeals to nationalism and tribalism over their status as workers.
The three components of political order that constitute what many see as" ideal liberal democratic rule" the state, rule of law, and accountability are in many ways complementary. In order to be effective and impersonal, states need to operate through law and not just the force of a strongman.
This creates a permanent tension among the three components of political order. Effective modern states are built around technical expertise, competence, and autonomy.
It's easier under authoritarian conditions, while democracy on the other hand demands political control over the state that in turn reflects popular wishes, and indeed ever higher levels of preparation. This control is necessary and legitimate with regard to the political ends that states pursue.
But "Clientelism emerges in young democracies precisely because the state and its resources constitute useful piggy banks for democratic politicians seeking to mobilize supporters.
There is also a tension between a high-quality state and rule of law. Effective states operate through law, but formal law can itself become a obstacle to the exercise of an appropriate level of administrative distraction. To keep order rules need to be clear and impersonal, but every legal system adjusts the application of rules to fit circumstances.
Prosecutors are allowed to exercise discretion over when and how to charge defendants: judge exercise discretion in sentencing. The best bureaucracies have the autonomy to use judgment in decision making, to take risks, and to innovate. The worst mechanically carry out detailed rules written by other people.
Chaos often has been the outcome when citizens are driven crazy by bureaucrats who can't use common sense and insist on mindless rule following.
Policy makers occasionally need to take risks and try things that have not been done before. Excessive deference to rules often makes this impossible and reinforces government's status quo bent. There is also a long-standing tension between rule of law and democratic accountability. For rule of law to exist, it must be binding on all citizens, including democratic majorities.
The Lylat Republic, the Galactic Republic before it of the era of the Jedi and more were just as guilty as all the smaller democracies of being content to violate the rights of individuals and minorities and find legal rules to be inconvenient obstacles to their goals.
On the other hand, the ultimate legitimacy of law itself rises out of the degree to which it reflects the norms of justice and of the larger community.
Moreover, laws are administered by the human beings who operate the judicial branches of government. These individuals have their own beliefs and options that may not correspond to the desires of the broader public.
Democracy can be in tension with itself: efforts to increase levels of democratic participation and transparency can actually decrease the democratic representatives of the system as a whole.
The great mass of individuals living in democracy are not able by background or temperament to make complex public policy decisions and when they are asked to do so repeatedly the process is often taken over by well-organized interest groups that can manipulate the process to serve their narrow purposes..as I did myself with the Titans over the Lylat Kingdom.
Excessive transparency can undermine deliberation.
The tensions that exist between the different components of political order mean that all good things do not go together and that state, law, and accountability can impeded one another's development as well, hence why the order in which different institutions were introduced became important.
But the tragic aspect of the human situation is that violence has been integral to the process of political development in a host of ways, partially with respect to the creation of modern states.
Humans and most other mortal beings compete to cooperate, and cooperate to compete: cooperation and competition are not alternatives but the two sides of the same coin and competition more often than not has taken a violent form as I know all too well.
As much as my father, King Atem and so many others wished otherwise, it is only the threat of violence or punishment that creates strong demand for new forms of political organization to ensure the community's physical survival.
As much as Atem and Myers preached about virtue, it was only because Atem's father's brother, Garland, and then myself all worked in the shadows to ensure it was clear the cost of dismissing there ideals. I think they all knew at some level this hypocrisy but pushed down there disgust after thinking it was for the greater good to create a state where it would not be needed.
And yet, so far, no political order has ever permanently eliminated violence; they simply pushed the organization of violence to higher levels.
In the contemporary world, state power can provide basic peace and security for individuals in societies that encompass more than a billion people. But those states are still capable or organization highly destructive violence between themselves and are never fully capable of maintaining domestic order.
What I wanted...was pepole who did not need such things to be great, who were able to be great without those preconditions.
In the end I saw that the Lylat Kingdom itself was a result of using the fear of God to force obedience, and wanted to eliminate the factors that caused humanity to relapse into the same chaotic patterns that lead to anarchy, so that at last there could be peace.
If the factors were the angels and demons themselves, I just had to take control of them as well, till I could control the entire universe, and at last root out all the corrupt factors and build a superior society that at last had a non corrupt people worthy of living in paradise.
But alas, too many were hustled by Auro's passion and they chose him over my brutal path, and his weakness of course led to Fitter destroying him, the Enji, and the very fabric of galactic order.
And now the universe is at the most chaotic state it's ever been, to the point where you failures are now begging for salvation from other universe's to finish what you can not.
Of course, in the end it will just be shackles to a tyrant from another universe one way or another. But if that's all the willpower you lot can manage, then you chose your fate, and dug your own grave."
Everyone saw Kira at last stopped talking before Shadow saw Arche had dozed off and had his eye twitch." He..he really has not talked to anyone in a while."
Robotnik took a deep breath before he stroked his mustache." You know…if that really was the end goal of your whole usurp god plan then, might have saved a lot of time if you just played out your idea in a simulator and saved us all a lot of grief."
Kira eyed Robotnik and spat out a dry," Are you not calling the kettle black Doctor? After all…your ambitions mirrored my own on a smaller scale, hence why you joined the Zannacross Empire in the first place."
"Yah, and I realized how foolish they were thanks to you! As annoying as Sonic can be, he and the others forced me to admit that organics are not a system to be run like a computer code!
By seeing Sage Sera's own growth I realized the folly of thinking that existence could really be run by any one "perfect" algorithm."
James nodded before adding," Even after all this time…you still thought you could control everything if you just had more power Kira? I won't deny, me, Ben and the others got delusional are selves about a great many things. In a way, we, and maybe all those who size power just want to make the world full of those they like and repress those they don't like to deal with, even the so called " Gods".
But one way or another this has all shown us that the harder you try to control everything, the more you lose.
Kira…I'm not going to deny that there is logic to some of your…thesis…and that the fact that I, Ben, your father and most of the other Enji felt the same frustrations as you did after Zannacross was defeated, pushing us to more radical ideas like the Homeostasis Matrix Connection to try and make a "perfect society."
We who seen civilization reach such a highly evolved state keep hoping for more progress, but at some point there is a limit to what is possible.
Based on what I seen, I think God was trying to show us, the Angels, and everyone else that truth, that grasping for an unchanging state is grasping for nonexistence."
"Heh, so you think this hell is the ideal state of life Elrond?"
"Hardly…but it's a reminder of what is possible from either extreme. I feel…if we can overcome those who just want to grasp as much as they can, there can be a new understanding."
"Tsc…so your blind hope is for some return to the Lylat Kingdom or Alliance and that everyone will change for the better."
"No…a middle ground, a, reasonable balance. It won't be perfect, but most will be able to endure it. In some ways, this is all forcing us to see what we can live with is better then a paradise that's cost is being hell for everyone else. "
Ezan nodded as he looked at James." I been across more than a few universe's now Kira, you no longer can say your "more enlightened " then I am."
"Tsc, that's only because only one of us has freedom now."
"Never the less it means I seen many perspectives, but I 've seen enough that mastery is one thing, but true perfection only leads to delusion and ruin. All of us, up to Zannacross and Cosmos just wanted things to be aligned in the most easy way so that the least amount of work is required.
Its…natural even for the devil and the angels to want this, but I think…only accepting that some things will never be easy, but if we want to see such things endure we either do what it takes or endure. There is no everlasting, unchanging , method. And only being able to be content with a flawless race means never being happy.
As dismayed as I been seeing that things like truth and knowledge seem to becoming seen as obsolete as those like Homelander just seem to make everyone just accept truth has lost its purchase on reality, and facts have lost their power, and that they are trying to lock society in the "Patrimonal state."
Were the state was just a leader using resources for his or her own, with the final destination of the mafia state is a predatory system designed to allow its leaders maximum latitude to enrich themselves with impunity and bring hell to any who threatens them militarily, electorally, or commercially.
And yet…the people support them all the same. Even the citizens of Apokolips saw their tyrant Darkseid as their master, along with the likes of Emperor Palpatine or Frieza.
While it's true it's because he tortured them to the breaking point, he also showed them how the ideals of their enemies failed them and serving him allows them to have something.
The truth is, we all failed the people, and to win them back we can't just demand they respect when we did to the past, or point to a theory to the future, but get results. Even if salvation means getting them to a universe less broken than ours.
Mike, he still has to learn a lot, but he grasps what matters at the moment. That, that means everything."
"So you really think he and Fitter's Demi-Fiend hellspawn can realize this solution, even against someone who commands the power of countless universes?"
"We will make sure it happens." Ezan uttered bluntly." Or give everything to try." They don't have to do it alone…they just have to keep the light going. That…that is the final mission of the Enji."
Kira saw all the grim resolutions his former fellow Warrior's of Light had before he sighed." If nothing else…I find the opposition leaders even more revolting then you lot, and hardly find submitting to a Erdrich "Six Dimensional" fusion of Ben Auro and Weil Zabi as an appealing option.
I won't interfere, you have my word on that. But…whatever you plan to do…you better do it soon.
More and more souls are being sent to the afterlife, and this is just in the section of the universe I have jurisdiction of. And, the souls are talking about them being killed by forces they never seen before."
Ezan nodded as he grasped his necklace tightly." Then let's make sure…that this goes according to plan, and make sure the departure to the Multiverse goes as smoothly as possible."
"Well…if it does not…seems like we will be talking again in a different context quite soon my "apprentice" in a very different context. Well, it's as amusing a conversation as any to have, on the eve of the apocalypse."
Ezan turned around and prepared to leave. He paused before he glanced at Kira one last time." There's just one last thing I want to be sure of since I returned to this universe. Is he...is your former " Master" still alive or is he one of the countless fallen?"
Kira paused...before he looked down and chuckled darkly." Heh...he still lives yet. Even after all of this...he never regained his memories. Those" Demons" that were created because of your mistakes don't even realize there true master has been around all along. But since he's embraced the ideals of his foster parents and remained isolated...few even can find him if they want to. Still...your seriously going to try and depend on his help over mine?"
"Tsc...just wanting to make sure he was not captured by Sieg or his forces. But...with the state of things...one must keep all the options open, no matter how detasteful. In the end...even the most distasteful options are better then ones where there is no future at all. But...I'll do all I can to make sure we realize the least loathsome outcomes. But to do that...its time to get back to work."
"Very well...I'll wait with anticipation, looking forward to the time when your journey illuminates my own path."
Kira saw him and the others leave without another word before he let out another bitter chuckle." To think warriors of light would even think of having to resorte to such a action to surive...I guess that old saying has weight after all.
Yes...better then devil you know."
The others did not even respond as they prepared to return to see how the repairs were going.
As they were having their chat with the former traitor to the Enji, Mike saw the Bethel forces come over the Hague, and begin to help with the repairs to the various aspects of the ship.
Mike looked around before he saw a giant red and orange machine help seal the Nth armor to the ship from another Multiverse before he smirked." I knew we needed help fast but you guys really do work quick bringing a whole space repair port here."
"That's nothing really." Die-Hardman bluntly replied." For one thing…that's not a spacecraft, that's the Guarding Autobot Omega Supreme."
Mike saw Omega Supreme indeed transform into a giant robot with a claw for a left arm before even Astra got more alert, causing him to wince." Ah that so? Thanks for going the extra mile big guy."
Omega Supreme glanced at Mike and gave a curt nod." Talk: Excessive. Time: Limited."
Megaman saw the Dimensionator being repaired, and saw the SRX team talk to locals about some of the more delicate repairs before the Digger took a deep breath." Wow…this…was just supposed to be another run of the mill ruin hunt and, if we survive this, then, I don't think we will have to worry about money for the rest of are lives."
Roll patted her longtime friend on the back before she smirked." I think, mom will be proud of us. No matter what happens…I'm sure they will be proud of us. I mean, I'm going to get to help steer a ship to another universe Mega! One way or another, that's a motherload for me.
Miss Viletta said she would show me how a Crossgate Drive works! If…no…when we can get out of this maybe one day the Flutter can transport folks to another universe like a cruise! That…that sounds a lot more peaceful then all this."
"That…that sounds good to me Roll. I'll just look at things outside and join you."
"Ok just don't expect me and Barrel to hold things up for you!"
Megaman nodded and saw Roll walk to the ship, before a male voice cut in with," Hey you where do you think your going?"
They saw the voice came from a smaller but still car sized white autobot before Roll winced. "Um…the crew said I could come on sir?"
The robot sighed before he looked at Roll." Name's Wheeljack miss. Sorry, was not talking to you. Got some malfunctioning droids heading to where they are not supposed to go!"
He turned around and saw a couple of Servebots carrying tools before the lead Servebot shrugged." Sorry sir, we got orders to repair the castle and were just trying to comply!"
"What? The Enji castle has been closed off for a while now."
"Oh really? Well…a rock fell on us so we were knocked off for a while. The time says…oh my…a century ago?"
"Ugh…would not be the first time but…things have changed. Report to Sargent Rhinox for…repairs."
"Ok sir!"
Megaman saw the trio of Servbots walk past Wheeljack before he raised an eyebrow." Wait…what? How…how did you guys get here?"
The Servebots paused before the one in the center shrugged." Get here? We always been here helping Doctor Light! Do you know where he is?"
Megaman paused before Wheeljack shrugged." There codes do match ones logged in the files…between the Death Stranding and all the other stuff a lot of robots get lost for a while."
Megaman paused before he sighed." I guess…Tron might not have had all the Servebots."
All of a sudden a blue and orange metallic rat crawled out of the vents before sighing." Hey kid…we got orders to get this ship repaired yesterday so we need all the help we can get ok? If they try anything I'll slag them myself but got a job to do."
"Er, sure mister."
"Just Rattrap kid, I'm not a mister, for a Maximal. Ugh, stretched so thin that I'm subbing for a scientist, super spy, gardener, construction worker, and now marine explorer. Maybe I should try tap dancing eh? Eh if this gets me a medal then fine by me. Hoo-hoo-hoo hoo, yeah-heah! And about time, too! Oooh, I can just hear the dames cryin' fer me! Anyway scram I have circuits to maximize."
Megaman sighed, and saw the Servbots were already back before he walked back to Mike and threw in," How long is this supposed to take again? Just…I know all of the forces of the Bethel Kingdom are working to keep this hidden but…just feels like this is to big for everyone not to notice."
Mike shrugged before he turned to Diehard Man, causing the masked man to close his eyes." Current estimate is it will be ready by sundown. No time for a party but if you want to talk with Bria and try and patch things up its now or never. The only other option I would recommend is see the Enji Castle to be…" Inspired" by what remains. I think…they were doing tours of your father's original room in the castle recently."
Mike paused before he let out a bitter chuckle." I…been to his home in Transford Town but and never thought a basic room was worth much of the hassle but hell, will take all the mementos I can get."
Astra paused before she snickered." My…my old man's room was next to his right? Eh…better check to make sure he's not just drinking there trolling."
Mike saw Astra's smirk before he nodded. Tyson, Ray, and some of the others were about to follow before a younger male voice cut in with," S, sorry to interrupt sir but…are you really Prince Auro?"
The lanky man saw it came from a teenager of average height, with a slim muscular build with short and spiky black hair, crimson eyes, and especially sharp teeth.
His eyes were also noteworthy as his pupils were white instead of black. He wore a dark jacket with a button on his collar shaped like a cross-like insignia over a light shirt, dark trousers and a belt.
Mike and some of the others looked uneasy before Commander Burns snickered." At ease, the kid's Shinra Kusakabe…a member of Bethel Special Fire Force Company 8. He's sworn to secrecy so he's in the clear."
Shinra saluted before saying," I always had respect for your f, family sir. That's why I was glad the rumors that you were all dead are not true. Is it true that…this ship is going to help us find your dad, the Savior and push all these jerks back? It's been…getting really bleak for a while."
Mike paused before he smirked." We are going to find something Shinra, that's a solid bet. "
"Awesome! Hey Denji you own me lunch!"
The group saw a man with a chainsaw for a head and chainsaws for arms cutting some metal before this "Chainsaw man" turned and groaned, before Makima walked over and giggled." My Prince Auro, I admit while I had firmer faith in your talents then others, I did not think you would be able to rally a plan to save the universe. Its one of the more…pleasant surprises I had in some time."
Mike paused before he flashed as wide a half-lopped smile as he could." I just really did not want to lose this bet eh?"
"Its ok…fate moves in strange ways but its how things should be. You did a lot, so rest while you can."
Mike looked at the ruins of Hallowed Bastion before he let out an uneasy chuckle." Man…not even sure were to begin. Getting a feeling the tour guides are not in today eh? Any droids still online?"
Before anyone could answer Sonic suddenly ran up and wagged his finger in his trademark style. "Hey, no need to wait dudes. I still remember the times Ben gave me a tour of here. Long as it has not fallen apart too far, it's my way of returning the favor. Just try and keep up!"
Amy giggled before she got hopeful." Let's see if the carving we made is still up Sonic!"
"Huh? I don't remember any carving."
"Hey you said you remembered!"
"Er…just testing yah girl."
"Ok then where is it?"
"I mean…that might have been part of what I lost from all that cyber sickness eh?"
"Oh your horrible! I know its over here!"
Mike saw the Mobians take off before he chuckled." Glad some passion keeps going across the years."
The son of Ben and Lacus steeled himself as he quickly followed Sonic and the others into what use to be his parents home. Aside from a few rusted doors and spiderwebs, the surviving Enji had kept the castle from falling too much apart.
After only a few minutes of speeding through hallways and stairs. Sonic's comardes saw him stop, and after stopping themselves they saw Ben's original dorm room when he started as an Enji.
Mike saw a replica of the bokken woodened practice sword Ben had that Brad Fowltror broke the first day Ben joined the Enji, along with things like some of his father's first text books and uniforms and was lost in thought.
Tyson saw Astra was looking at the dorm room on the other side, and saw that most of it was things related to James, and that only a few pictures of him and Doug were shown, with warnings about Doug before he let out a bitter chuckle." I know you guys both have personal detachment but, anyone ever find it wild that two dorm mates would take over the roles of God and the Devil and's grudge would nearly break the universe apart?"
Knuckles grasped his fist tightly before he grit out," Even if Sonic gets on my nerves…I never thought anything could make us hate each other this much. And Ben and Doug seemed as tight as Sonic and Tails!"
Astra snickered as she looked at where her father's bed use to be. She looked around and saw a few pictures of her father, but felt a surge of bitterness as she saw pictures of Doug and Brad that labeled them both as former Enji that were traitors.
She spat on the lable before she grasped her fist tightly." Honestly…not sure I have the right to say what counts as an unbreakable bound. They were tight as brothers cause they shared the same values…till they grew, and that sure as hell changed. Things change…expecting otherwise is just setting yourself up to be an asshole or a moron."
Mike paused before he grasped his father's outfit and shrugged." Hard to argue with that…it works out as much as expecting the same bet to always hit the jackpot. Still…guess you can only see how it is…and make it work the best you can."
Astra paused before she flicker her hair back." Well…not the stupidest thing you said I guess."
Mike smirked back, and struggled to not get emotional before he saw his dad's old TV, and saw a list of movie names before he smirked." Well, if we have some time, might as well have some levity, eh? Anyone want to see if any of my old man's fav shows still hold up after the centuries? Guess might as well see if Bat-guy and Spider-guy Dawn of Justice against John Cruise holds up."
"They seriously still have shows here?"
"I mean…perks of the capital, right? Got to keep the cultural going to prove your not dead and all. Can't say it will be chang are lives but...should be a laugh one way or another eh?"
Mike turned on the TV…and it was covering the news. Mike was about to change it before the image suddenly flickered, and it turned to the image of a moogle. Normally that would not be anything noteworthy, accept that it was Zoth. The purple furred Moogle casually tipped his top hat before saying," Morning boys and girls!
Oh right, it might be night time because this message is streaming all over the whole gosh darn universe! I know this is cutting in to whatever your watching but this is super important! I know times are tough, but Zoggy is here to tell you that the day's going to be saved! I might look different but you remember me right?
Before the job and family you hate…before everything got so gosh darn hard! Remember Saturday Morning television? Or at least good old holiday stories? Remember the smell of a new plastic toy?
Remember…being happy? Then you remember me! Ewoks and bubblegum…seventh-grade crushes and long summer nights! Wasn't everything so much better back in the stories?
I know things have gotten mighty crummy for a long time folks, heck I know there might have been countless others saying all kind's of false promises but Zoggy here is here to tell you hold on, because everything's going to feel better, with the guidance of wise -Day!
The whole universe is going to get the Mr.V-Day makeover in a jiffy, but for now if you subscribe to be a member you will get perks once the subscription kicks in!
It's coming at the start of the next cycle of the universe's retail cycle… at least the cycle of all civilized folks who like being good happy winners! Send any kind of transmission to the address below and you will be signed up!
Heck just shout it in the air with all your heart and Mr.V day will hear you because he's that gosh darn awesome! He still has a few things to tidy up since he's a very busy man but you better believe you will know when he returns!
You better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I'm telling you why
Mr.V Day is comin' to town
He's making a list
He's checking it twice
He's gonna find out
Who's makes a profit or a loss
Mr.V day is comin' to town
He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be profitable for goodness sake!
So you better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I'm telling you why
Mr.V Day is comin' to town
The kids in girl and boyland will have a jubilee
They're gonna build a piggy bank
All around the money.
So you better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I'm telling you why
Mr.V-day is comin' to town…to every town!
See you soon! Just remember…no refunds! Kupo!"
The logo of the Infinite Victory and Conquest company flashed by with a coming soon sigh and a contact number, before it went back to the news. Knuckles saw the newscaster look shocked before he rolled his eyes." Ugh…I remember Rouge told me all about how these "Solicitors" were, and this seem even worst!"
The natives from Mobius saw Mike look pale before Tails rubbed his head." Um…are adds not that weird these days?"
Mike grasped his fist tightly before he muttered," That…that Moogle was a servant of Sieg! He transformed into a monster, and it took Bowser and King Dedede everything to stop him…and it seemed like Sieg revived him for this creepy add!"
Tyson looked around before the Black Panther shrugged." So…he's just introducing himself like some low budget commercial? With how big an ego that dude seems to have you think he would not bother trying to win anyone over."
Astra cracked her neck before spitting out," That's just the thing…Ezan said that he does not act like most leaders does…but like a businessman does. One way or another…he does not even think of most of the folks in this universe as subjects or even as slaves, just products to hustle till they drop.
I don't sense anyone new suddenly showing up so…at least that does seem like a legit advertisement. But…if that really just went across every screen in the universe its Sieg and his group casually flaunting their stuff."
Mike took a deep breath before he looked around." He's laying down a countdown till when he returns, and the next "Retail cycle" is at the end of the month. We…we got a few weeks left before the end game.
Better make sure Masaki and the guys can go now cause final bets are about to be called! Sorry old man, will have to pick up this chain of memories later…Ezan and the others better know about this."
Everyone quickly hurried back outside, where it seemed like the Hague was no longer being worked on. Mike saw Masaki talking to Die-Hardman, Ezan, and a humanoid green robot with rhino segments over his armor, the Maximal Rhinox before he took a deep breath." Any problems guys or did this all work out?"
Masaki petted his cat pals on his shoulder before he gave a thumbs up." This Rhinox dude was doing some final tests just to make sure we were not going to blow up the planet but its all-green dude!"
"So…it really did all work. So…that means we really can travel the Multiverse?"
The green haired man saw how worried Mike looked before he paused." Something wrong man?"
Astra snickered before she shrugged." All kind's of things, but right now think its fair to say hope all of this was not amounting to more then trolling."
"Alright I feel yah derailed hype trains are always a drag. But its time you see the SRX team delivers on their promises! So…everything's secure?"
Ezan glanced at his comrades behind him before he nodded." The barrier will prevent the portal from being seen or detected. It's time to execute the operation."
"Aright then. Open the Crossgate barrier Aya!"
His comrades inside the ship complied, before the Hague had a cannon that looked like the Dimensionator charged up purple energy before the round device fired a beam.
The beam stopped in midair before it slowly started spreading. It turned blue before the Hague fired a few missiles that came together to form a cage around the energy. The rift of energy looked stable before Masaki pumped his fist in the air." Oh yah that's a sight for sore eyes! Cross Gate is open baby!"
Ezan nodded before he looked at the others." This is how it worked for me. That's good."
Mike saw the others who were not with him when they previously got back to the Prime universe look in shock before he smirked." Well…glad we came through."
Bria looked at all of this which shock before she grasped Figue tightly." So…so this all is real? That portal…leads to this whole universe thing?" The purple haired woman next to her had her eyes glow before she nodded." Aion is telling me…this does seem to lead to a location outside the universe."
"So…what happens now?"
Mike paused before he let out an uneasy chuckle." Yah…what…does happen now? Do we just go to where all your pals are and plan for the final battle?"
"Its not that easy." Ezan bluntly answered." Like I said the Multiversal Rebel Alliance is constantly moving to ensure Sieg can't end things with one stroke of bad luck. But…there are measures to contact them."
"Yah we have a whole system." Masaki added confidently." Its…hard to explain but its like…finding an echo. We will see if the planned universe jump is safe then let you know.
We hyped it up so we have to make sure we can deliver. Don't worry, it will only take a few minutes. Just got to have all are guys in there so we can search all the points at once, all are Mecha has their own tracker and all."
Astra saw Masaki head back into the Hague along with the other members of the SRX team before she looked at her own hands." I'm going to be real here…for a while I was sure I was just going to fight till the last moment out of spite and a legit victory seemed like a snowball's chance in hell.
Sieg, Mary, they seemed so damn powerful that this all felt like they were just stringing us along so they could show up to own us. But just maybe this is not a one sided."
Before she could finish the alarms suddenly blared out, causing Astra to have her eye twitch before she screamed out," OH COME ON!"
Optimus Primal ran up to his ally the humanoid cheeta, Cheetor, before he blurted out," Is it this Sieg they are talking about?"
The humanoid robot Cheetor looked at the footage before he grit his teeth." Does not seem like it Big Bot, but its not much better. Its Thragg…the Grand Regent of the Viltrumite clan is charging right for the planet!"
Everyone in the distance saw Shinryudramon growl like a thunderclap, and despite his massive size he moved his right arm like a blur. A shockwave nearly knocked the warships around him back, and the cameras zoomed in to show that he was parrying a blow from Thragg.
Ben's Digimon Partner glared at Thragg before growling out," You…I remember your scent is one of the ones never allowed to take one step on the planet jerk! You…you're turning back now or I'm knocking you out of this galaxy!"
"You think I fear you?" Thragg roared out." No matter how big a guard dog you are…your still an inferior creature to the ruler of the ultimate warrior race! Hear me people of the Bethel Kingdom!
Your agents killed one of are race and tried to take another from his kin! I don't care which planet he's hiding on, I know that both Mark and Thaddeus deluded themselves to think that allying with you would protect them from the fate of all traitors!
For too long you thought the Last Emperor could mock us without having to answer for it! But its clear now that he and the Queen of Light have died and you all will kneel to your true superiors!
Are disgrace all started because of Thaedus, with his cowardly betrayal, the progenitor of are ignominy who caused the demise of are great leader Argall! But that dishonor will be corrected today, as the universe bows to there master!"
Shinryudramon had his right arm transform into a cannon before hissing out," Call me a dog all you want jerk, I seen tough guys bark longer than your race has been a thing!
No matter how tough you are, I promised the boss to protect his home and everyone while he's gone. No matter how long that's going to take, no tyrant is going to be strong enough to get in the way of that!"
Thragg saw the royal knight large enough to grasp a planet in his fist charge up an attack before he snickered." Alone…maybe not. But it's not just my fury Digimon, but the fury of the entire Viltrum race! Lucan, Nolan, now!"
Shinryudramon was about to attack, till an impact hit his shoulder enough to cause it to go off course. Before he could respond another impact was strong enough to hit his head back.
He saw a muscular black skinned bald Viltrumite, the one named Lucan fly by, and was about to try and strike till another impact hit him.
He was barraged from all sides from Omni-Man and the other Viltrumite invaders, and while he was strong enough to tank the blows, he was being bombarded to fast to counterattack.
Thragg saw Shinryudramon's furious eyes before he smirked." You're faster then I figured, but your to slow to counterattack a truly skilled strike force! Even if they can't kill you yet, watch as we rip apart your precious capital!
Hear me, subjects of the Last Emperor; to the edict of your new lord and master!
Your leaders thought we would bend the knee like all the other sheep infesting this cosmos, but your all finding out the hard way who was meant to kneel! If you don't surrender this intsant, my people-they will not stop until every last subject of the late clown Ben Auro is beaten into submission.
Your new Viltrum masters will trample every inch of the universe that dares to deny the natrual order
until every last life beyond our view is beaten into there rightful place in are order.
Followers of the fool Ben Auro who called himself "the savior" you are all about to learn the hard way that no spell, no machine can save you from the fist of the supreme being! By the time I'm done, the only thing worshipped across the universe…WILL BE MY FIST!
Nolan! I'll let you have one more shot with getting your son to see reason, but hold things up here till I make my way with the planet."
"As you wish Thragg." Omni-Man retorted as he dodged a massive energy saber slash from Shinryudramon and slammed him across the head before vanishing and hitting his target across the right shoulder while others attacked him in his face and knee.
Mike saw Thragg and the majority of the other Viltrumite warriors get past Shinryudramon and collied with Corneria's defense shield. The barrier lasted but Thragg and all the other Viltruimte's barraged the golden barrier with countless blows per second, causing it to crack as most of them all had savage looks as they yelled out,"KNEEL OR DIE! KNEEL OR DIE!"
Optimus saw the barrier cracking more and more before he grasped his fist. "Well, that's... just... PRIME!"
Rattrap saw Mike and the others horror before he chuckled bitterly." I thought you said that those mustache loving creeps did not follow you back!"
Mark winced before he looked down." No…it sounds like they are just attacking to make it clear there is no where for me to hide from them."
Astra cracked her neck before her aura flared out." If they want to fight then bring it, I'm sick of them anyway!"
Well thanks for bringing the right on top of us chick! Y'know, I feel just heaps better knowing that our lives are in your capable, short, sited hands. I hate to say it, but we're trapped like rats. Sigh…we're all gonna die."
"Shut up, Rattrap." Optimus grunted out as cannons formed out of his shoulders." We knew this would happen one day…and are job is not to cower like…well you know."
"He's right." Ezan uttered firmly as his own purple aura flared up." I just said we knew this was going to happen at one point, and in some ways its better to settle this before they would join or get drafted into the IV&C. Thragg is not stronger than me...he's about to be in for a rude awakening about what a true super elite warrior really is."
Mike tugged his collar before he looked around." You proved how hardcore you were when you shut down all those X Parasite clones back on ZDR man but, that was in a closed space. If you have some super new magic spell that can take them all out at once then don't leave us hanging m, sir."
The sliver haired man had his Rinne- Sharingan come out before responding with," I have a plan…but we must take measures to minimize the damage. Just, pay attention. If the planet is wrecked before we even have a chance to unite with the Multiversal Rebel alliance this will all have a moot point."
Mike saw Bria looked horrified before he nodded." Hey your getting my all here. I promise…I'm not big on being seen as the guy who's return caused the end of everything. Sorry Mark…your dad and all his mustache pals are not putting a flag on Corneria!"
Tyson nodded as he had his armored Black Panther suit come out and took out his Viburnum kuni out." As bad as it is to have to deal with a swarm of guys and gals like that Conquest asshole, at least they are all so sure of themselves that they are playing this like a pack of wild beasts. If they want to act like a rampaging herd in the jungle they better be ready for the panther's bite!"
The group grimly got ready to repel the sudden Viltrum invasion. But they were so focused on seeing the dozens of god liked mustached men preparing to rip the planet apart that they failed to realize that was not there only problem.
As the entire planet suddenly braced themselves for an attack, there were only a few in the entire core Lylat System that saw that as only a secondary matter, one of them was the Servebot that walked by Rattrap.
As everything happened said Servebot went into a small yellow pod that blocked transmissions, before he pressed a button. The image of Bon appeared, who instantly cried out," Babuu!"
A shout was heard before Tron yelled out," Teisel, you better not be eating that entire pizza yourself! Huh? Move out of the way Bon! Number one…you found something?"
"Yes Miss Tron I found the ship that the job request was about! It opened a portal and everything! Megaman is there to!"
Tron gasped before the space pirate smirked." Great job number one! I knew when all else fails…just roam around the capital and keep the old jobs up to look around for leads! But you're sure it's the ship?"
"You can see the footage for yourself!"
Tron saw what her Servebot saw, before Teisel walked up." So that's the ship the Shadowbroker put out a contract for? It does not look that great!"
"But look at the energy readings Teisel! It's out of this world, or out of this universe! It, it might be true!"
"Well, if it means we at last get to the true motherload then parking the Gesellschaft in Sector X was worth it after all…good way to save fuel and all. Still this is perfect…if they are all running around like crazed Chocobo's this is the perfect time for a heist."
The Servbot next to Teisel tugged him before saying," Um…but what about all those super strong Viltrumite guys? They look like they want to smash the planet into a pancake!"
"That's their problem…not ours!" Tron hissed out bitterly." They never did anything to help us…we were never part of their precious "justice" so they all can get what they deserved! Its everyone for themselves in this universe, and the Bonnes are not going to go down with the ship!"
"That's fine Miss Tron but um…what if those Viltrumite's think we are a Bethel ship or something? And um…that ship looked strong so um…you sure we can hijack it?"
"Don't overload your circuits thinking about it, and leave that to us you simple minded robot."
A new male voice cooed…before Mahito strolled into the bridge with Kirinmaru behind him." Just help us get past the barrier…make sure you keep those "warriors of light distracted." And you will get your part of the" cut".
It's going to be super easy, barely an inconvenience, cause the boss man gave this very simple gear to freeze that entire ship and anyone in it in place!"
Tron saw Mahito glance at a coin with the logo of the IV&C in it and looked at it before she gulped." I thought you guys were just making fun of us saying this coin like thing could freeze an entire advanced battle ship but, guess if it worked on us its legit.
Still, I never saw anything this powerful come from something this small. Is this some new tech from the Vought clan? I knew…that Arasaka was making some crazy things lately, but this is something else."
"Who knows girl? Prove the true shape of your soul is that of a winner, and you might make it to the big leagues if you pull this off."
Kirinmaru cleared his throat before he eyed the Bonne family carefully." Just so we are clear…if you are in the way of are goals for even a second…I'll cut you down that instant. There is no place for failures in the new age."
Teisel saw Tron tense up before he chuckled." Hey, no worries here b…er…sir…the Bonne family are survivors no matter what! We may not have the best um…gear compared to the "Gods" but…we do what we can to get what we deserve!"
Tron took a deep breath before she grasped the coin tightly." That's right…no matter what…I'll do whatever I have to…to get what I deserve."
Mahito crossed his arms before he nodded." Well then, it's showtime Miss Tron! Looks like its time to see how this capital planet likes its new "Culling game"…cause no matter how hard they tried to hide from the writing on the wall or not…it's time for everyone to get what they deserve."
Authors Notes: I know it's a lot of stuff going on today but its all coming to a head soon so lets get started. Firstly as you might think Gyokko, Hantengu, Doma, and Kokushibo are the remaining Upper Rank demons from Demon Slayer.
The demons briefly mentioned being fused with his body are not though. Vearn', is the central demon lord enemy of the series Dragon Quest Adventures of Dai, Sukuna is the central enemy of Jutsu Kaisen, Tendō Jigoku is a major demon in the Flame of Recca series, and Vigoor is the central enemy of Ninja Gaiden one.
I'll just say Muzan has big plans to try and "outdue" all the other demons.
Marielle L. Kenny is from Star Ocean 6 and Sasha Phyronix is from Ratchet and Clank, introduced in Up Your Arsenal.
Thaedus is from the Invincible Comic, not sure if he will be in the comic, not sure if he will be in the new season but hopefully see soon enough.
Meanwhile, Shinra is the main lead from Fire Force, Denji is the main lead in Chainsaw man, Omega Supreme, Wheeljack, and Ratchet are from Transformers while Primal, Rattrap and Rhinox are from Beast Wars.
To make it easier to set them apart Primal and most of the other Maximals are there forms from Beast Machines...the expections are Rattrap and Rhinox since well, Beast Machines screwed them both over hard lol.
I know the movie just recently came out but this is based off the old cartoon version that went up to Beast Machines since well, sadly Rattrap and Rhinox hardly had any personality in that one.
Dr. Samuel Hayden is in both the 2016 Doom and Doom Eternal, he, he does a lot of things but I'll just say he's mostly the same person he was in those games. While we are at it Argent Energy is also from those Doom games.
Lastly, Kira Myers is an original creation if you have not read the previous stories, but his current state is like the Soul King in Bleach. While at first the Soul King in Bleach was assumed to be the true ruler of the Soul Society/ After life, it was later revealed that he was a mindless limbless creature who was a figure head for the elites that truly ruled over the worlds, and's sole purpose is to regulate the flow of souls into and out of Soul Society and keep the flow stable.
Without the Soul King, the balance is lost and Soul Society, as well as the Dangai, Hueco Mundo, and the Human World, will all collapse into one. Thus it seemed a fitting way to give Kira a" Empty "throne over heaven".
Alright that should cover the gist of it, I know we had more plotting than fighting today but hope it made sense with what's about to come, things are about to escalate to a whole new level. For now thanks for the reviews, hope you liked what you saw to leave another one and with that till next time.
