Chapter 26: Marker Access and an Old Threat
Shit! Isaac internally curses as he, Sora and Kairi back away from the Ubermorph. This is fucked up! The power is out, and we are trapped in a room with this thing! And none of our weapons can kill it! The Ubermorph seemingly smirks with its gaping maw as its five eyes glow red. It leaps forward, arms raised for the kill as Sora and Kairi raise their arms on instinct, weapons still hosted on their armour.
Just as the Ubermorph's arms were about to slam into their heads, the sound of steel slashing against steel erupts from a flash of light as the Ubermorph's arms collide, not with Sora and Kairi, but something else.
Something that Sora and Kairi were ecstatic to see again.
Their Keyblades had returned to them.
Without a moment of hesitation, Sora and Kairi force the Ubermorph back into the machines. Crushing one of them with its weight. Then couple then hold their Keyblades in their left hands as they grab their Plasma Cutter and Flamethrower with their rights while Isaac scanned the room.
They may have been trapped, but there was always a way out. His eyes soon land on a wall panel next to one of the doors. "Keep that thing busy while I open us a way out of here!" Isaac yells as he runs for the wall panel, ripping it off without a care. Sora and Kairi nod as they keep their eye on the Ubermorph as it rises to its feet, eyes fixed on the couple with a hungry glare.
"This thing has been after us ever since we woke up." Kairi comments as they stand between it and Isaac. "Sora…"
"I know." Sora replies with a hard voice. "We need to keep it away from Isaac, and that Keyhole portal." The stand their ground, weapons held as the Ubermorph stalks forward, blades held reverse. It swipes at them at the heads, forcing them to duck and roll behind as they slash at its legs. The Ubermorph growls in anger at the attack as it turns around. Suddenly it was blasted in the head by Sora's Plasma Cutter as Kairi aims her Flamethrower at the legs.
Normally, the Ubermorph would have shrugged off the attacks as nothing but an annoyance. But this time was not the case as the blue flames breach into the wounds left by the Keyblades. The heat quickly makes work of the bone and muscle, snapping the beasts legs in half. It falls to the ground in shock, stunned that it had been wounded in such a manner.
It was then quickly followed up by metal impacting its arms. It glances up, seeing the couple resummoning their blades as Sora aims his cutter at the spots they had hit, the hardened skin slashed away exposing the bone. With precise shot, the Ubermorph arms were sliced off.
It lays on the ground, prone, before its body starts to thrash and contort, blood gushing from the wounds as it rapidly regenerated its lost limbs.
"The doors open! Run for it!" Isaac calls from an open door. Not the same they used but at this point it doesn't matter. All that mattered was getting as much distance as themselves from the Ubermorph as fast as they could.
Even if their Keyblades could pierce the mixed flesh of the Nobody-Necromorph hybrid, they were unsure if they could even kill it. And with the Marker outside going crazy and a horde of Necro near the portal, they had no time to test it.
Rushing into the door just as the Ubermorph begins to rise, its slams down shut separating them from the beast. But for how long they did not know.
"Keep moving and don't stop for anything." Isaac says as he begins to quickly walk down the hall. Sora and Kairi move to join him as they pass by a body holding an audio recording. Kairi grabs it and tosses it to Isaac who plays it as they continue to move.
"Tiedemann. This evacuation is illegal, you KNOW THAT."
"Don't you dare tell me what I can and can't do on my station, you damned Unitologist. My grandfather was running this place long before you were crapping your dippers, young man."
"I don't need a lecture from you, and you know I'm right. Project protocols specifically forbids evacuation in the event of a breech!"
"And let the people outside became a part of this project? One that we kept hidden from them for their own safety? I have spent my whole life in service to this community. The only reason I agreed to go along with your twin projects was the promise of unlimited resources for my people! And I will not just stand around and watch them die for some project protocols. Now get to your shuttle. We can argue about this nonsense in court later, depending on either of us surviving this. Which I highly doubt you will, Unitologist."
"Guess Tiedmann really did have everyone's best interests in mind here. Stupid way of going about it though…" Isaac mumbles as they race through a door, not noticing movement in the shadows of the room.
"Isaac, look out!" Sora cries as he jumps in front of him, casting a Reflect spell just as a Puker fires a blob of acid at Isaac. The acid splashes harmlessly over the shield as both Sora and Isaac raise their Plasma Cutter at the Puker and fire on its head and arms. It falls to the ground, dropping another audio log from the tattered clothes it still wore.
Isaac grabs it with Kinesis before playing the audio back as they continue to run from the Ubermorph, no doubt chasing after them through the vents.
"General Machette. This is Sergeant Fattouh. I've located the RiG signals for the remaining 143 sector G personnel. They are locked in and tracking to evac. Shuttle fleet confirms capacity, and are standing by. How did an evacuation get authorized? Tiedemann's going against ever protocol for this situation. Now it's too late to stop it, and there's just a mad dash to get everyone off! He must feel responsible for what is happening, and is trying to save as many as he can."
"This wouldn't have happened if he just left the Markers alone in the first place." Kairi comments as they rush through another bloodstained corridor, the window overlooking the Convergence around the Marker.
"Well it's too late for him to have a change of heart!" Isaac calls over as they run into another Puker. It roars at them only to be knocked of the side of the platform from Sora's Keyblade as they continue to run.
But just as they near the next door, a Brute's fist smashes through the door and slams on the ground. The same colour as the Nobody version they ran from.
"It must have found another way here!" Sora calls out as the Nobody Brute starts to force to the door open. Isaac spies an emergency pathway next to them, leading hopefully around the Brute.
"This way!" He taps on their shoulders as he rushes into the path. A Slasher and some Swarmers try to ambush him but are blasted by Stasis by Isaac who ignores them and continues to run. The couple close behind him. To their welcome surprise, they find an elevator not too far down the hall.
Only for the Ubermorph to jump out of a vent from the other side. It roars at them, only to be hit by a blast of Stasis from Isaac as the trio rush into the lift, Sora hitting the holographic panel to take them down.
"I'm running low on stasis." Isaac comments worryingly as he looks over his meter. "I wont be able to keep that Ubermorph off us at this rate…" The couple look between each other as the lift comes to a stop, the doors opening to a double room with an airlock. A silent conversation passes between them before both nodding to each other.
"Isaac, I think that Ubermorph is something WE have to deal with." Sora says as Isaac removes a protective covering near the door, revealing a fuse box. "Along with that Brute."
"What? Why?" Isaac asks, surprised and shocked at what Sora had just said.
"Think about it Isaac. Our Keyblades are dealing damage to it while everything else does nothing." Kairi chimes in. "We need to deal with it. By ourselves…" She finishes with a hint of sadness. Isaac looks between the two, thoughts racing at the implications of what they just said.
So, that's it? We're going to split up just like that? After everything we've been through!? Part of him wanted to be angry, furious at what they were suggesting. But another part of him tempered his anger with reasoning. But they are right. Only thing I've managed o do is slow it down with Stasis. Not to mention we'll have to split up to deal with our respective problems…
"Fine." He says with a hint of frustration. "I understand. I sure as hell don't like it, but I understand." He turns around and blasts the fuse box, unlocking the door, just as the Ubermorph smashes through a vent behind them along with a group of Enhanced Slashers. Isaac uses up the last of his Stasis to slow them down as the trio run through the door and into the airlock.
With the door sealing behind them, Isaac activates the terminal to deactivate gravity in the service tunnel, although the air was also vented at the same time.
While Isaac activated the thrusters on his suit and his onboard air kicked in, Sora and Kairi summoned their Keyblade gliders. Thanks to the magical nature of their armour, they had no need for onboard air (For some reason. They would pester Aqua and the others about it later if they got back.)
Isaac hops on to Sora's glider as the couple fly through the rather spacious service tunnel. Giant pistons push and retract, blocking the way for several precious seconds while security laser fields hover near the end. A Hive Swarm, which had somehow rapidly grown in the area, attempts to attack the trio but is ignored as the group are lasered focused on stopping the Marker.
Reaching the end, Isaac reactivates gravity and pumps air back into the tunnel allowing the air lock to open. Entering into a small room, the trio sprint for the next door before Isaac stumbles in the centre, hand reaching for his head.
You're fighting it, Isaac. You can't fight it. You have to let me go.
Nicole's voice echoes in his mind as he grits his teeth. What are you talking about? What do you mean by 'fighting it'?
There's no other way, Isaac. You have to do this.
And just as soon as it came, the pain vanishes leaving Isaac confused and bewildered. 'Fighting it'? What is she talking about? Am I… afraid of losing her again?
"Isaac? What's wrong?" Sora asks, standing near the open door alongside Kairi. Isaac shakes his head before joining them, brushing it off as a side effect from the machine. The couple look at each other, not convinced but have no time to argue. Following after Isaac, they enter into another corridor leading to two doors.
One leading to the Marker, the other leading to where the Keyhole Portal was.
"Guess this is it." Isaac comments as he looks at the couple, retracting his helmet. "Think you two will be okay?"
"We will be, Isaac." Sora replies, his helmet vanishing into light. "We promise, we are not going to die."
"Just be safe going forward, okay?" Kairi asks, her own helmet vanishing into light. "Sora and I won't be there to back you up."
"I'll be fine. It's you two I'm more worried about." Isaac replies, holding his hand out in a fist. "Don't do anything reckless, alright?" the couple smile at him, returning the fist-bump before resummoning their helmets. Isaac reactivates his own as he turns around and leaves towards the Marker access.
As the door closes behind him, he gives one last look to Sora and Kairi as they head towards their own door, capes flapping behind them. With a solid thud, the door locks. Leaving Isaac for the first time all by himself.
All of a sudden I feel really anxious. He intones before walking to a nearby store. Looking over what he had, he purchased several more Stasis Packs, Plasma Packs, Pulse Rounds and Med Packs. All the money he had been finding around the sprawl was now going to a final use.
This is it, Isaac. Convergence is almost hear. Meet me at the Marker.
Nicole's voice echoes in his mind as he approaches the door leading to the Marker. With a deep breath, he opens it and is almost blinded by the pillar of light that surrounds the Marker, along with the roaring cry of wind wrapping around it like a hurricane.
I talked a big game of destroying it, but now that I'm here…. HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT!? Isaac shakes his head in disbelief at the giant monolith before him. Deciding that standing around would do him no good, he continues on only to be attacked by two Enhanced Leapers. Isaac blasts one with his Pulse Rifle, snapping the arm off just before the second manages to pounce on top of him.
It readies itself to stab his face with its long fangs as Isaac desperately holds its head back. With a burst of strength, Isaac forces the Leaper off him before quickly jumping to his feet and grabbing its tail. Jump on me you piece of shit? How about this!? He slams his boot onto its head, snapping it off before throwing the Leaper away.
With his Pulse Rifle knocked out of his hands, Isaac grabs his Plasma Cutter and fires at the headless Leapers arms, severing one off and leaving it dead. The second one roars in rage as it tries to attack Isaac with its tail, only for it to be cut off by a burst of Plasma.
Got to get to the Marker, now! Isaac sprints past the dead bodies, ducking into another passage way leading over the giant pipes surrounding him. He rushes through another door, ducking into service rooms before rushing outside again. Slashers and Lurkers leap from above, aiming to kill as Isaac forces himself to keep running even as his muscles and lungs burn in pain. He had no time to fight, wasting ammo in case he needed it.
Isaac was thankful he stocked up on stasis packs before.
Soon enough he found himself in a central control room, overlooking the Marker's base. Where a great glowing blue light emanated from. That has to be Nicole! I'm so close now. Close to ending this nightmare! Tearing himself away from the glass wall, Isaac looks at the last obstacle before him.
One last door. Caked in blood.
This is it. Isaac calms himself as he opens the door. Time to finish this. Stepping outside, he finds himself on a single catwalk leading up to the Marker. Storing his weapons, Isaac bursts into one final sprint over the catwalk, nearing the glowing light.
Only for a surge of pain to pierce his left shoulder.
He cries in pain as he stops in his tracks, grasping onto the object lodged into his shoulder. A lone metal rod with a spiked tip. He grasps it with his right had as he rips it out, the suit injecting one of the Medical Packs into him to heal the wound.
"The research in that Marker is worth every life we just lost!" A voice cries out before him, the figure hidden by the light. Isaac looks up, trying to block the light with his left hand only for another rod to slice though his hand, missing his head. Isaac yells as he grips the rod, yanking it out before finally seeing his attack.
"T-Tiedemann!?" Isaac exclaims, seeing the head of the sprawl standing before him. At least, what was remaining of him. While his left half was completely fine, his entire right half had been burned away. Skin, clothes, all the way down to his muscles and bones. His eyes glared with a unquenchable fury as he holds a Javelin Gun in his burnt right hand.
"I won't let you get away with this…" Tiedemann seethes as he aims the gun at Isaac's head. Isaac narrows his eyes behind his visor before basing the arm away. The Javelin Rod is fired, but is shot wide and far as Isaac grapples with Tiedemann's arm.
With a strong blow, he breaks his elbow, snapping the arm backwards as Tiedemann roars in pain. Weeing his chance, Isaac grabs the Javelin Gun and fires a rod right into Tiedemann's neck. The fallen official staggers, falling to his knees as he grabs the rod with both hands. Breathing desperately for air as blood rushes down his neck.
Isaac calmly walks around him, before aiming the Gun at the back of his head.
"You fucked with the wrong Engineer."
With a single press, Isaac fires a rod into the back of his skull. With a tired sigh, Isaac drops the Javelin Gun and turns to the source of light, with Nicole standing before him, arms open and a warm smile on her face.
"It's over…" He breaths as he stands before her. "Time to end this, right?"
"That's right, Isaac." Nicole replies, putting her hands on his shoulders. Before a malicious smile crosses her lips and her eyes flare and orange red. "It's time for you to die."
Isaac's eyes widen in shock at Nicole's words, before she suddenly raises her hands and shoots energy into his mind. He could feel another conscious worming its way inside and take him over.
I won't… Isaac mentally speaks as the force attempts to smother his mind. I won't allow this! Within his mind, a flash of light blinds him as he feels himself falling to another place.
Where the second mind was waiting for him.
"Do you think Isaac will be alright?" Kairi asks as the couple slowly make their way down a ventilated corridor. Unnerving to the two of them, there were no traces of blood to be found. While one would take it as a good sign, for the two of them it could only mean something else. Sora remains quite to Kairi's question, eyes glued to the door as his thoughts wonder about what awaited them.
"I don't like this Sora. It feels like we are walking into a trap…" Kairi says as they walk down the hallway, eyes glancing to the nearby vents. Sora hums nervously in reply, his own eyes glued towards the airlock door before them.
"Yeah…" Sora replies unevenly. He felt it the moment they entered the hallway, the feeling of familiarity that encompassed the area. We've been here before… No. More like, it feels like a place we know… Sora's eyes widen as a thought entered his mind. One that sent a dark cold shiver down his spine.
"Sora?" Kairi asks hesitantly. She felt the change around Sora as he suddenly came to a stop. Before sprinting down the hall at full sprint. "SORA!" Kairi chases after him, their armoured boots stomping against the metal floor. Sora was quick to reach the door, opening it up as Kairi catches up.
The moment the door was opened, their worst fears were realised.
The portal had been activated, as a lone scientist stood near a control panel, glancing between it and the portal with a mixture of awe and fanaticism.
"What are you doing!?" Sora shouts as he and Kairi rush forward, stopping as a glass wall separates them from the scientist. The man looks up at the two, madness in his eyes as he begins to laugh unhinged.
"Is it not obvious?! I am spreading the glorious message of the Marker to other worlds! Tiedemann was a fool to shut the project down, but not I! Now the Marker's servants can spread beyond the veil!"
"You're not spreading a message! You'll only kill people! How is that a message!?" Kairi shouts back, hand gripping around her Keyblade. The Unitologists laughs at her as he walks past the terminal, a glint in his eyes.
"It is all in the manner of delivery! Those chosen will hear the voice of the Marker and spread its glorious words across the stars!" He stands in front of a vent, arms raised to the ceiling. "And they will come! The children of the Marker will—" The vent behind him is suddenly broken as a dark figure emerges behind the man.
He turns around, shocked at the sudden intrusion before finding a very large, bony blade impaling his abdomen. He clutches it in shock as blood drips from his mouth, the blade slowly raising him into the air. Soon, he was faced to face with his attacker. Five glowing red eyes surrounding a maw of teeth.
The Ubermorph growls at him before engulfing the mans head with its own. He screams in fear, before the sickening crunch of bone echoes around the enclosed room. Blood sprays from the mans neck as the Ubermorph swallows his head whole. The Ubermorph then tears the mans body in two before slamming its blood encrusted blades into the glass wall. Shattering it in one strike.
Sora and Kairi ready themselves to fight, before the sound of metal being forcibly pushed aside draws their eyes behind them. Stomping out of the destroyed door leading into the room, the Nobody Brute roars at its arrival.
"Okay…now what?" Kairi asks as the two go back to back. The two Necromorphs slowly circle the couple as they continue to keep their guards up. Sora glances around them, before his eyes fall on the Keyhole portal, light swirling around.
"We have to destroy the portal." He replies with a low voice. "Even if we can't beat these, we can't let them back into our world. No matter what." Kairi nods as she places the Flamethrower back on her hip, Sora doing the same with his Plasma Cutter.
The weapons they obtained here would not work against these hybrids.
Falling into their natural stances with the Keyblade, the couple charge at the Necromorphs.
What Isaac regained his senses, he found himself standing on what looked to be a large circular platform covered in biomass, a deep green fog swirling around him. Poking from the moss, he could see what looked to be stain glass underneath the mass but before he could question it, Nicole's voice echoes around him. Distorted and hateful.
Yours is the last body we need reborn! The makers must be absorbed!
"The makers? You mean me? But Stross said we could destroy the marker." Isaac replies, stunned at the sudden transportation as his mind struggles to pull him out of the haze. Or was he now the personification of his mind?
Not if we consume you first!
An apparition of Nicole appears before him, shrouded in a dark fog as she walks towards Isaac, Her eyes dead and a hand out stretched. Her intent clear as day.
Isaac's eyes widen in shock before narrowing in anger. This was why Nicole, no, the Marker wanted him to come here? To be sacrificed like some sort of lamb? No. Isaac thinks to himself, gripping the Plasma Cutter in his hand. I am not going to die like this!
"Never! Fuck You! And fuck your Marker!" Isaac raises his gun and fires and 'Nicole'. The apparition scream in pain as a Marker appears behind her. Turning his gun at it, Isaac fires at the Marker, his shouts tearing chunks out of it as the area around him shook in an earthquake. He didn't notice it, but the biomass around him slowly retreated as he fired more shots at the Marker.
Eventually, the Marker explodes into pieces, floating around the space it once occupied while a large stream of biomass, along with a glowing core, was revealed to be hiding behind it like armour.
Isaac fires at the core, damaging it and reducing the biomass even more, before the Marker reforms around the core once again. The 'Nicole' reappearing before it once more.
You will be made on. Make us whole.
'Nicole' walks forward again, as small shades of the Pack form around her and charge at Isaac. Isaac grunts as he fires Stasis at the pack, eliminating them as he turned his attention back to Nicole.
This is going to be a long fight…
Sora ducks under the Ubermorph as he strikes at its left leg again. The wound leaving a gash in its leg as it slowly worked to heal. Sora takes a moment to look at Kairi, who had ducked under another swing of the Nobody Brute. The elasticity making its punches all the more dangerous as evident by the numerous dents around the walls. Their fight with the two Necro Nobodies had left debris littering the entire room, metal wall panels and iron connector tubes as gas flowed out of exposed pipes.
All the while the portal remained active.
The Nobody Ubermorph had shown none of the typical traits of a Nobody, which Sora was thankful for. He did NOT want it to start hoping around like a Dusk or dip into the floor like an Assassin. But still, that did not take away from making it more powerful than normal.
Crossing blades with it once again, Sora bends to one knee as the Ubermorph pushes pressure on him. Taking a chance, Sora casts a Blizzard spell at the Ubermorph, freezing its arms and forcing it back. Sora leaps back before glancing back at the Brute, which now seemed to be favouring its right arm for attacking.
Why is it only using its right arm? What's wrong with it's left? Sora wonders as his gaze glances to the arm. It only takes him a second to realise why. That arm is still injured from the Contact Beam I used! He mental cheers before dodging another strike from the Ubermorph, one arm free of frost. "Kairi! Focus on the Brutes left arm!"
Kairi tilts her head as she ducks under the Brute's attack once again. Not having the time to ask why, she takes his advice and rushes towards the Brute. It roars before trying to attack her with its left fist, only to miss as she slides to the side with ice on her feet.
Sliding around the Brute, she spots the weak spot on the Brute's arm. Using her new Stasis spell to slow the Brute down, Kairi aims her Keyblade at the weak spot, and fires a spell she had not used since the Ishimura.
"Pearl!" An orb of light blasts out of her Keyblade and slams into the Brute's arm, severing it off in a blast of light. The Nobody Brute roars in rage at losing it's limb, which disappears in a flash of silver and white.
With the Brute floundering at the loss of it's arm, Kairi focuses he energy onto the beast. As her breathing evens out, she focuses on the Brute, feeling power building with in her until it reaches its peak.
"Heart of the Princess!" She cries out, flying into the air as orbs of light form around her. With a gentle twirl, she dives at the Brute, the orbs of light bombarding the Brute as it roars in pain before falling to the ground and vanishing into silver and white particles.
She takes a moment to breathe before glancing over to Sora, who was unleashing an Ars Arcanum on the Ubermorph. Forcing it back from the portal. She rushes in to join him, Keyblade held to the side before the Ubermorph slashes with its arm, knocking Sora away from it and into her.
That's when the Ubermorph grabbed a piece of debris from the floor and tosses it towards the couple. The two duck under the flying piece of metal before noticing the Ubermorph charging at them, arms raised above it's head. The two jump back, avoiding the downward slice as the Ubermorph growls at them from the middle of the room.
As the couple steady themselves, they found the Necro had managed to throw another metal pipe at them. And this time there was no time to dodge as it slammed into their chests and knocked them to the ground.
Stunned by the attack, the two waited for the Ubermorph to approach them. But it did not. Instead, it had turned its attention to the portal, arms folded back as it walks with slow and measured steps.
NO! The two mentally scream as they rush to their feet, just as the Ubermorph reached the portals threshold.
Only for it to stumble back as a small black creature leaped onto it's face. With glowing yellow eyes and bug like antenna from its head. Several more similar creatures, each small with comedic large heads connected to tiny bodies with two-clawed hands, emerge from the portal and leap onto the Ubermorph. Scratching away as the Necromorph struggles to bat them off.
"Heartless?" Kairi asks, stunned at seeing their foe attack the Ubermorph, slinking into the floor and rushing around it. "Why are they here? And why are they attacking it?"
"They must have come from the portal." Sora replies as they get up from the floor. "As for attacking it, it IS a Nobody. Heartless and Nobodies don't really get along." He remembers the one time back in Olympus when that particular scuffle happened. Looking at the ongoing fight and the portal, Sora takes a deep breath before turning to Kairi. "We only have one shot to destroy the Ubermorph. But it will destroy the portal as well. We won't have a chance to leave here with Isaac and Ellie if we take it."
"We don't have a choice." Kairi replies,. Watching as the Ubermorph had finally managed to kill some of the Shadow Heartless, as several more rush in from the portal. "If we wait, we risk the Ubermorph getting into our universe. And if that happens…" Her words remained unsaid as the implication fell on them. Sora holds out a hand to her as he grasps Key of Destiny in his left hand.
"Together?" He asks gently. Kairi looks at him before grasping his hand, holding Destiny's Life in her right.
"Together." She replies. The two look at the portal before pointing their Keyblades at it. Lightning ripples down the blades, sparking and arcing as power builds up withing them. Small storms of thunder build up around them as the Ubermorph continues to swipe at the Shadows, it's Nobody instinct taking over its mind.
Until the cracking of lightning draws its five eyes towards the couple, just as they unleash their final attack.
"JUDGMENT BOLT!" They cry, unleashing a tremendous bolt of lightning towards the portal, with the Ubermorph standing right in its path. It roars in rage as the lightning courses through it, the magical energy tearing its insides to shreds. As for the portal, the lighting ravages its electrical components as it starts to go haywire, before exploding in a orb of light and fire, engulfing the Ubermorph as it the room ruptures from the force of the explosion.
The explosion from the portal travels down the connectors, linking it to the reactor of the Government Sector. Lightning sparks and arcs over the reactor, messing with its control systems before tearing a breach into its protective shielding. In an instant, alarms ring out across the empty room, terminal and panels flaring warning signs to their dead users.
Warning: Reactor containment destabilised. A reactor breach is imminent. Evacuation of all personnel is required. This is not a drill.
Give up, Isaac.
'Nicole's' voice taunts Isaac as it blasts down another member of the pack. He had no idea how long he had been at this, but his resources were being run down. He had only one stasis pack left along with a few medical packs, and had used up all of the ammo for his Pulse Rifle.
He was now down to only a few Plasma packs left before he was out of options.
Turning to glare at the apparition of Nicole, Isaac fires one more plasma shot to dissipate her once again. Just like before, the Marker reforms before him as he fires into it, destroying it once again as the 'core' reveals itself. Damaged and torn by his unrelenting attacks.
"As I said once before, you and your Marker, can go straight to hell!" He fires at the 'core' once more as it explodes in a flash of brilliant light. He could hear 'Nicole' screaming in rage before vanishing into nothing. As the light washed over him, he could feel a weight being lifted off his chest, like chains that had been weighing him down with his knowledge being removed after so many years.
With the light dying down, Isaac found himself still standing on the platform her had been fighting but now free of bio-mass. All around him he could see an empty dark void, with what looked to be a slight silvery mist rising around him.
But it was the stained glass floor before him that had his attention.
It was him, in his engineer outfit from the Ishimura holding a Plasma Cutter in his right hand, staring up with a determined face. The background of Aegis VII could be seen with what looked to be the Ishimura flying in the sky. Around him were four circles holding portraits of Ellie, Sora and Kairi. While a fourth remained empty, Isaac could swear that the image of Nicole was briefly on it before vanishing away.
Goodbye, Nicole… I miss you, but I won't forget you…
With his words said, Isaac's vision goes white before finding himself standing in the Marker room. His helmet had retracted and his RiG was blaring in the red while the Marker before him was riddled with what looked to be giant gunshot marks exposing its under frame. He takes a moment to look around, seeing the power had gone out as the rumble of explosion shook the station.
Warning: Reactor containment destabilised. A reactor breach is imminent. Evacuation of all personnel is required. This is not a drill.
"So… This is it, huh?" Isaac breathes as he sits down on the floor, a sigh escaping his lips. "Wonder how Sora and Kairi are? Did they win?" He asks, too no one in particular, as the rumbles increase around him.
Engaging auxiliary power systems.
"Only delaying the inevitable…" Isaac mutters as he looks over himself. He finds that the items he used in that 'dream space' had been used here as well, leaving him baffled at how it happened. But he was too tired to care…
Warning: Life support failure. Seek protection immediately.
The station continues to rumble as debris fall from the ceiling and Marker, landing around Isaac without care. He made no attempt to escape, content with his life ending like this.
Until his RiG link suddenly flared to life, jumping him out of his skin.
"You complete bastard! Was this your great plan? Dump me off and die?" Ellie asks, angry at Isaac as she piolets the ship she was on. She was wearing what looked to be a pink piolet suit, but had the helmet retracted. Isaac chuckles at her as he gives a weary smile.
"I'm full of bad ideas, remember?" He asks sarcastically. But Ellie was having none of it.
"Yeah, well, here's another one. I'm crashing through the roof to get you. Now move your ass!" Isaac stands, shocked at Elli, as his mind processes what she has just said.
"Wait! No! Ellie, it's too late! Steer clear of the station!"
"Yeah, well, you don't really have a say this time. Head up!" And with that, she crashes through the ceiling, plunging the room into Zero-Gravity as well as a vacuum as the air is sucked out of the hole. Loose rocks and debris fly up as the suction pulls anything not tied down.
Isaac included, as he finds himself flying into the air as his helmet reactivates. He sees the gunship that Ellie was flying pass by him, engines firing. A sudden surge of hope and determination flows through him as the adrenaline kicks in once again, as he activates the jets on his boots and shoulders.
He flies through the air, dodging debris and metal beams as he flies after the ship. He see's Ellie opening the side door, standing outside extending her arm calling at him to grab it. Isaac reaches for her in turn, forcing his suit to push past the safety features and fly faster.
Just when it seemed he would not make it, a sudden blast of wind pushes him forward as he grasps into Ellie's hand. She pulls him in as the gunship leaves through the hole it created, Isaac shutting the door close as Titan Station explodes in a flash of light and fire.
Silence fills the cabin before Isaac breathes deeply through his nose and retracts his helmet. He turns around to look at Ellie before receiving a slap to his face from her.
"That was for forcing me to leave, you bastard!" She tells him with anger on her face. Isaac looks away with shame, an apology on his lips before Ellie wraps him in a hug. "And this is for staying alive." Isaac smiles as he returns the hug, a sense of peace flowing over him.
"And I'm glad to be alive. Thanks for rescuing me." He replies before pulling away slightly. "Where are Sora and Kairi? Are they here?" He feels fear building inside him as he sees no sign of the couple. For a moment, he feared that they were still on the station as it exploded, but the soft smile on Ellie's lips told him a different story.
"Don't worry, they're safe. In fact…" She walks to the cockpit, motioning Isaac to follow her. "They saved your sorry ass as well." Isaac tilts his head at her before following her, only to find out what she meant. Outside the window, flying just in front of the gunship, were Sora and Kairi on their Keyblade gliders.
Their armour was slightly singed and with some parts slightly covered in blood. And their capes had long tears in them. But other than that, they were whole and safe, the two even looking back and waving as Isaac stepped up to the cockpit. He smiles back, waving to the two as he sits down in the co-pilot chair.
"So, what now?" Ellie asks, sitting in the pilot chair. Isaac was about to ask until a soft glow formed ahead of them. It was warm and gentle as it grew into a large circular shape. Sora and Kairi look back at them and nod, pointing towards the glowing light. Isaac's eyebrow raised in surprise before smiling gently.
"Something tells me we have our answer." He replies. Ellie looks at him before shrugging her shoulders and pushing the gunship forward into the glowing light. Sora and Kairi flew alongside them.
The moment they enter the light, a sense of calm envelops them as their vision becomes obscured.
While to those on the outside, the door of light vanishes in a flash, leaving nothing behind but a dead space.
"Looks like the show is over!" The Master of Masters says jovially as he stands up. The chair he had been sitting on vanishes. The Guardians of Light watch him wearingly as he walks over to the Marker, the portal viewing Sora and Kairi's journey vanishing. "Don't need this anymore." He taps it, causing the Marker to vanish into a portal of Darkness.
"Where are they now?" Riku asks, holding himself back just barely. The MoM looks at him and sighs exasperated before pointing out the window.
"Take a look for yourself, Master." Riku narrows his eyes before moving to the window, Donal and Goofy joining him as the others keep watch over the MoM. Looking out, he could see nothing of note that had changed. Just the same starry sky meeting the vast orange mist bellow them with a ship coming in to—
He pauses before glancing back at the ship, eyes widening as he recognises what is approaching them, along with two figures flying beside it.
"They're back!" He cries in joy before rushing to the door, Donald and Goofy rushing after him. The others watch as Riku leaves before making their own dash to join him. While Yen Sid remains, staring down the MoM with narrow eyes.
"Don't you want to see your students again? I know you were worried about them." The MoM taunts. Yen Sid growls before vanishing into a portal of light, leaving the MoM alone before he, too, vanishes into a portal of Darkness.
Outside, the Guardians watch as the gunship comes into view, slowing down as it reaches outside the Mysterious Tower. But what had everyone's attention where the two landing outside the gunship.
Still draped in their damaged armour, blood and soot still clinging to them, Sora and Kairi step off their gliders before deactivating their armours. Surprisingly, the two of them had seemed to de-age, as they looked just like they did as they left. Albeit it with the clothes they had obtained while on the Sprawl.
The couple looked at their friends, happy and relieved, while showing signs of stress, fatigue and lack of sleep. The two walk up to their friends, holding onto each other for support before smiling softly.
"We're back." They say tiredly. The moment the words left their moves, they were swarmed by their friend. Enveloping them in hugs, ecstatic at their safe return. The sudden hiss of escaping air from the gunship turned all heads towards it as the side door opened up.
Stepping out with aching legs, Isaac and Ellie slowly walk down the ramp before their eyes are drawn to the Guardians of Light, more specifically, towards the Disney Trio.
"Okay, now I know we're in another universe. I'm seeing a giant mouse, dog and duck." Ellie deadpans, earning a bounty of chuckles from the Guardians.
"After what we've been through? I believe anything at this point." Isaac remarks, exhaustion seeping into his words. A sudden flash of light drew all eyes to Yen Sid as he appeared near Sora and Kairi, an expression of relief marked on his face.
"Sora, Kairi. I am pleased to see you safely returned." HE speaks, bowing deeply to the two teens with a sad look. "I am sorry you were put through this trial."
"Why are you talking so glum? They made it out! And with friends to boot!" The MoM says as he steps out of the shadows nearby. Everyone, barring the recent arrivals, goes on alert as the MoM makes his appearance before he turns his cloaked head to the couple. "I've got to say, you two have passed my trial with flying colours! I give you an outstanding ovation!"
"Your trial?" Kairi slowly repeats before her eyes widen with anger. "You are the reason me and Sora were put through that!?" The MoM points his finger at her with a chuckle.
"Bingo! Score one for the new Master!" He proclaims, startling Kairi at being called 'Master'. "And since you both came back with the two I wanted you to find, you both are now certified Masters! Don't let the title get to your head." He turns around before flicking his right hand into the air a few times before summoning a portal of darkness. "Ciao!" And with that, he leaves. Leaving behind a bewildered group as an exasperated Yen Sid rubs his tired eyes.
"We've got a lot to tell ya." Mickey explains, motioning to the entrance to the Tower.
"So, you saw everything that happened?" Sora asks as he, Kairi, Isaac and Ellie stand in Yen Sid's room. The Guardians of Light nods at them as Yen Sid sighs deeply.
"Indeed. And all the while, we were powerlessness to help. It was all we could do to watch and pray." He opens his eyes, looking at the four before him. "It gladdens my heart to see you standing before us, safe and sound." He closes his eyes before. "As you are now aware, this 'trial' was the making of the Master of Masters. An ancient master from a time long ago. That he has returned raises many questions, but one can not deny his words." He opens his eyes again as a small smile forms on his face. "Sora, Kairi. From this day forth, you are hereby Keyblade Masters."
The couple look at each other with wide eyes as their friends congratulate them on their triumph before Yen Sid turns his eyes to Isaac and Ellie.
"As for our friends from another realm, we offer you sanctuary from the horrors you have escaped from. If there is anything you need, you need, but only tell us." The two look at each other, eyebrows raised at the other.
"That's kind of you to offer, but where will we go?" Isaac asks. "I doubt there is anywhere that can use our skills."
"Actually, I think Leon and the others could find something for you in Radiant Garden." Sora replies with his usual smile. "Even if they are done rebuilding, I'm sure they can help. Even if it's giving you a home." Isaac hums to himself before glancing at Ellie, who has folded her arms with her own inquisitive look. She glances at him before giving a nod to him.
"I suppose it can't hurt." Isaac replies before rubbing his eyes. "Either way, I just want to have a nice place to sleep and rest. I know I'm going to have nightmares of those Necromorphs for a while…"
"Don't worry. I'll be there to support you." Ellie chimes in. "You saved me after all. It's the least I can do. Well, other than getting a new eye anyway." She looks to Yen Sid. "Don't suppose you know any magic to regrow lost organs?" Yen Sid hums as he strokes his beard.
"Perhaps. I will speak with Merlin and look over our combined tomes. I am sure we can find something." Ellie nods, thanking Yen Sid for at least looking before Mickey calls her and Isaac over. Informing them that he would be taking them to Radiant Garden via the Gummi Ship.
While everyone begins to disperse, with Sora and Kairi heading back home to Destiny Island, the Master of Masters watches from atop the Mysterious Tower. His face cloaked in shadows.
"Another job well done. If I do say so myself." He congratulates himself as he watches the heroes leave. "They will need this strength for the future. Unreality awaits them after all. At least they won't have any Dead Realms to deal with—" A sudden ringtone blares from his coat pocket, cutting off his speech. "What now? I had a good speech and everything!" He bemoans as he pulls out his own Gummi Phone. His hidden eye widens at what was displayed as a grin forms on his face.
"I see… We missed one, huh?" He puts his phone back, watching the Gummi Ship and Keyblade Gliders leave into the stars. "Looks like our time there has not yet ended…" He chuckles to himself before vanishing into a Corridor of Darkness.
The Marker's tendrils had not yet been cleared.
And with that we are done with Dead Space 2! Originaly the fic was suppose to end here, but I've decided to go into DS3. But before that, I'll focus on my other fics and finish them.