Phantasy Star Horizon
ESKK: Well here we go a new chapter I hope you all enjoy it so let's begin.
(Start Yaga, Klara, and Padme)
Back in the atrium the Bounty Hunters were securing their place in the tower as they relieved the senators of any weapon or communication device. "Hand over your communication devices please." Bane said as the Senators did as they were told… well all save for Padme.
Unknown to these crooks the MAG's were also communications devise and were recording the entire situation ready to call for aid. Despite this though Padme knew if they searched her it may compromise Anakin in her office. "I can't let them search me." Padme said to Bail in confidence as everyone was giving up their devices.
"What? Why not?" Bail asked her and thus Padme leaned in close to Bail for this.
"I have something they must not find." She told him and thus Bail saw the tone she used with him.
"What is it?" Senator Organa asked as she knew whatever it was may give them an edge.
But suddenly Bane caught sight of the two talking and approached Padme. "Well, hello there little lady." Bane said cupping her cheek squeezing it to make her look at him "And who might you be?" Bane asked as he looked directly at Padme for this.
"I am Padme Amidala Senator from Naboo and I demand that you release us immediately the Galactic Senate will not treat with terrorists." She said while she was trying to pull away from the brigand.
Bane liked the fire that were in Padme's eyes. His red eyes reflecting her face in them like the prey of a wolf against a deer. "Ain't you awful young and pretty to be a senator?" Bane asked as Padme tried her best to show no fear.
"Hey you want young look at me." Klara said as she got Bane's attention. "I'm one of the appointed representatives with ARK's." Klara aid as she glared at Cad Bane.
"Heh impressive." Cad Bane said as he then returned his attention over to Padme. But just then Padme saw Anakin sneaking in through the atriums upper level balcony. This in turn allowed Bane to see her gaze change from him to something far more interesting. Bane spun around seeing the man in the woman's pupils opening fire at Anakin. The Jedi knight reacted quickly running down the halls out of the atrium. As Anakin ran for it Bane had his shots follow after him trying to hit him but to no avail. "Skywalker?!" Bane shouted in shock to this before getting angry. "After him!" Bane ordered and thus the Bounty Hunters went hunting for the Jedi they saw.
But up above Persona saw the entire thing play out as he had his arms crossed leaning on a pillar. "All according to plan." Persona said as he began to walk pass the pillar where he then vanished from it out of thin air.
(Meanwhile over with Anakin)
Anakin rushed out of the atrium and ran down the hallway to put as much distance between the bounty hunters and him as possible, taking out his com link he started to try and get a signal on it. "Hello, come in. Anyone there?" Anakin asked but only got static in response.
But as Anakin turned a corner he was soon met with the sight of Reggie pointing his rifle as the rest of Yuvel's party showed up. "Friendly!" Yuvel called out as he and his party lowered their weapons.
"Anakin? Aren't you supposed to be on meditative retreat?" Laura asked as she looked to Anakin while adjusting her glasses a bit.
"It's a long story." Anakin said when Zurna noticed something behind them down the hall.
"Get down!" Zurna called out and fired of her bow hitting the droid. In response Yuvel and Reggie fired their weapons while hiding behind the wall. The Bounty Hunter of course returned fire as it became a fire fight between the two sides.
"Reggie!" Yuvel called out as he hid with Anakin.
The CAST nodded and thus came out of his spot switching his gun to Grenade Launcher mode and opened fire. The ammo was a flash bang which blinded the Bounty Hunter when he saw it. As he began to regain his sight Yuvel and his group moved in to take down the foe.
As he regained his sight Reggie acted fast and opened fire on the Bounty Hunter riddling him with Photonic shots ending him there. He fell on the ground as Reggie held his rifle up not at all bothered over what he did. Make no mistake when ARK's had originally awoken on the fleet one of the training exercises had them facing foes so real they thought they were. It was to help them understand that killing other sentient being can and will happen on their journey and thus they needed to be ready for it.
"Well that takes care of this guy." Yuvel said as he began to search his body.
"What are you doing?" Anakin asked as Yuvel looked to him.
"These guys have to be operating on a secure channel of their own." Yuvel said as he searched the foe on the ground. Eventually he pulled out a communicator and saw it was still in good condition here.
"Ok that's both good and bad." Anakin said as Yuvel had a plan.
"Anakin can you possibly use your communicator to boost the signal from a console nearby?" Yuvel asked as he looked to Anakin.
"Yes I can." Anakin said and thus Yuvel nodded.
"Ok we'll use their communicators to distract them while you do that." Yuvel said and thus Anakin nodded to this plan.
"Ok but be careful." Anakin said and thus Yuvel got to work with a smirk.
"Don't worry I'll be just fine." Yuvel said and thus it was time to act.
"We're about to become Die Hard." Reggie said as he ALWAYS wanted to do this as did Yuvel to boot.
(Meanwhile back over with Bane)
As Bane and his remaining crew members were keeping an eye on the Senator Hostages he wondered where the droid and fellow Hunter were. They should have been back by now after the laser fire had stopped not too long ago.
Just then his own communicator went off and from it Bane answered it. "Good where are you two?" Bane asked but instead it was Yuvel.
"Oohh sorry about that… Cad Bane was it?" Yuvel began much to the gathered group shock. "Sorry about your friends Skywalker and I kind of liked him and the droid with him." Yuvel said as he sounded calm about this almost like he was taunting the ruthless Bounty Hunter. "Since those two Bounty Hunters with you are currently pushing up rocks I figured you and your crew might start getting a bit lonely." Yuvel said over the communicator to Cad Bane's utter shock here.
Ban snarled a bit but opted to play this would be hero's game. "That's very kind of you, I didn't think Skywalker had any friends here, but don't think one lone Guard will make a difference." Bane said and thus a new voice cut in.
A buzzing sound was heard and thus a female voice came in. "Sorry Cad Bane that was wrong." Came the voice of Zurna as she was taunting Cad Bane on this.
"Would you like to try for Double Jeopardy where the scores can really change?" Laura added as she was getting a kick out of this.
"Who are you then? And how many of you are there?" Cad Bane asked as a fourth voice came in but sounded synthesized to him.
"We can go on with how we're bugs in the ointment, monkey in the wrench, or hell even a group of pains in the ass." Reggie began but decided to cut to the good part. "But here's the answer, theirs four of us not counting Skywalker and who we are… We're ARK's bitch." Reggie said and thus Bane snarled a bit.
"Find them but don't use the communications and see if their bluffing or not." Bane ordered and thus the remaining droid and Sing went off to look for them.
(Meanwhile with Yuvel's party)
"I think we got him going." Reggie said trying not to laugh over this. He'd be geeking out if the situation was different right now.
"Are you all still there?" Cad Bane asked as the group heard footsteps and went to hide from the owners.
"Yeah we're still here." Yuvel said as he moved. "Unless of course you want to give up." Yuvel offered as he was edging Bane on.
"That won't be happening punk." Bane said as he was no doubt playing along here. "But if you're with ARK's who are you four exactly." Bane said showing he's heard of ARK's but not its Operatives.
"You can say we're just a group of space cowboys here." Yuvel said as he continued to lead Bane on.
"You think you can win against us?" Bane challenged and thus the group agreed Yuvel should say it.
"Yippee-Ki-yay motherfucker." Yuvel responded and thus saw their foes were almost upon them and thus he and his party hid away.
Not long after Aurra Sing showed up as the ARK's Operatives hid behind the wall. Once she was open they opened fire on her causing the Bounty Hunter to duck and cover behind the wall. As this went down she returned fire upon the ARK's Operatives intent on taking them down no matter the cause. Besides if she can take down ARK's Operatives that should put some more cred in her favor for better jobs.
As this went down the ARK's Operatives kept firing making sure to keep the heat on her intent on keeping her busy. But Aurra Sing was clearly a crack shot as she had nearly got the group a couple of times. This went on for a bit as Yuvel knew there had to be more of them in the building. Regardless the way she shot at them Yuvel knew she had to have some sort of edge they lacked and knew they needed a new plan.
"Guys what are the chances we can get her to follow us?" Yuvel asked as he looked to his friends.
"Pretty eye if we can entice her enough to do it." Reggie said as he looked to his best friend on his plan there.
"Hey baldy!" Zurna began as she got Aurra Sing's attention. "Nice gun you got there too bad you can't hit us before having to reload!" Zurna taunted as she then ducked behind the wall again.
"Reggie move in!" Yuvel called out and thus the CAST nodded and got moving.
He then hovered in as he went after Aurra Sing who saw this and began firing at the CAST. As Reggie moved in he made sure to dodge and avoid her gun shots with a twirl of his body before returning fire upon the Bounty Hunter. This went on until Aurra was in turn forced to run for it as she returned fire upon the CAST. The ARK's Operatives gave chase intent on taking her down. They knew they had the Bounty Hunter's attention on them which was what they were gunning for. If the ARK's Operatives were right Cad Bane was alone giving Anakin time to return power to the Senate Building and them the chance to move in to take down the ruthless Bounty Hunter.
(Meanwhile over with Anakin)
Anakin had made it to a Holoterminal and began to get to work. He opened the console and took apart his communicator so he can being hot wiring to hopefully boost the signal with it. Being a master with technology it didn't take long for Anakin to do the job and in turn began to make his call to someone.
"Anyone there this is General Skywalker, Chancellor Palpatine, can you hear me?" Anakin asked hoping to get an answer from the Chancellor in his office.
(Meanwhile over in Palpatine Office)
When Anakin's voice came on in the communications Palpatine was quick to reply to him. "My dear boy, I'm glad to know you're there and all right what is going on down there?" He asked as he showed relief over Anakin's safety during this crisis.
"They saw me when I was trying to find out more, they've got all the hostages in the east wing atrium, all armed a few droids." Anakin said as he gave Palpatine the update. "What is going on down there?" Anakin asked to which Palpatine had the answer here.
"They've sealed the entire building nobody can get in or out." Palpatine informed the Jedi Knight hoping he was doing alright. "It's up to y. You have to get to the power control room and turn off the security seal." Palpatine said as he gave the Jedi Knight instructions on what needed to be done to restore power to the building. "You should already have aid assisting you and if I am correct more help is on the way from ARK's." Palpatine said to which Anakin was grateful for the backup.
"Understood." Anakin said and thus ended the call to go restore power to the building.
(Meanwhile outside the Senate Building)
An ARK's drop ship was seen flying in as it hovered over the Senate Building. It didn't take long to deploy its Operatives as from it Lon, Chiyo, Kaz, and Zion. Once the four landed they saw their ride fly off and thus got moving.
"Oy now let's go, mates!" Lon called out and thus they were on the move. They lowered to one of the windows and got ready to smash and bash. They first deployed magnet tipped cables and began to use them to lower down to a window.
As they lowered they made sure to mark where they needed to enter and thus got ready for the big part. In response Lon took out his guns and fired at the window with them shattering it allowing the team inside the Senate Building.
"We're in, boss." Lon said over the ARK's communication channels.
"Good make your way downstairs and be quick." The ARK's tech on the other line said and thus they got moving to their intended destination.
"Got it!" Lon said and thus hung up. "Alright mates let's move!" Lon ordered and thus they got moving.
"Right!" Zion, Kaz, and Chiyo called out as they got moving.
(Meanwhile down over with Anakin)
Anakin was currently looking for the main power room with the intent to restore the power to the Senate Building. As he walked he made sure to keep hidden just in case there was any more surprises to be found. From what he understood there was five Bounty Hunters in all, two of them were dealt with one was chasing after Yuvel's group, so that meant the last two were with the Senators.
As Anakin made his way to the Power Room he saw another Bounty Hunter leaving the room. The short aquatic alien froze the second he saw Anakin who gave a whimsical smirk seeing some luck at last.
"Whoops!" The Aquatic creature yelped as it turned around and tried to get the door to open "Hurry, hurry, hurry." He said before the door opened and he jumped in slamming it in Anakin's face. When Anakin hit the door he quickly tried opening it back up only to be met with no response. Cursing under his breath Anakin really wish he had his lightsaber on him to open the door by force if needed.
(Back with Yuvel and his party)
Yuvel and his party was chasing after Aurra Sing as they intended to take her down. But as they moved they saw she was quiet athletic giving them zero ways to hit her. Getting an idea Yuvel looked to Reggie and Zurna and nodded to them. The two split up at a crossway while Yuvel and Laura kept firing at her. Only this time they intentionally missed to get Aurra to drop her guard.
They continued the chase and in turn arrived at another crossway. When they did Reggie and Zurna appeared as Aurra saw Zurna firing an arrow at her. The arrow hit her leg piercing it causing the Bounty Hunter to cry out in pain from it. Next came Reggie who fired at her with a stunner shot which brought Aurra Sing down without killing the Bounty Hunter.
"That's three down." Yuvel said as he regrouped with the rest of his team.
"Yuvel!" Came a voice over the communications getting the party's attention. "You still there mate?" The voice of Lon asked and thus Yuvel answered it.
"It's me Lon where are you?" Yuvel asked and thus Lon had his response.
"We're heading to where the hostages are." Lon responded and thus it was clear victory was upon them.
"Good but be careful so long as Bane and his last partner has the hostages we can't do much of anything against him." Yuvel said knowing full well they had to be careful here.
"Got it." Lon said and thus the communication ended.
"What do we do about her?" Reggie asked as Laura finished tying on Aurra Sing.
"Hmmm." Yuvel hummed and thus had an idea not long after.
(Later)
The ARK's Operatives found a janitor closet and threw Aurra Sing in before locking her inside with her weapons outside the door. "That should hold her." Yuvel said as he dusted his hands off.
"Really?" Laura asked as she didn't see how this will help.
"Have a better spot?" Yuvel asked and thus was met with silence. "I thought so now let's go." Yuvel said and thus the group got moving once more.
(Meanwhile back with Bane)
Back in the atrium, Bane was getting tired of the Chancellors prattling at their peril and shot another round into the air. "Everybody quite I've got a call to make." He barked and thus the bounty Hunter started another transmission to the Chancellor's office.
(Over in the Chancellor's Office)
Palpatine was currently sitting on his desk contemplating on what their next move should be. Pasting next to him back and forth Senator Ta was seen as they were both worried for the hostages. Just then Palpatine Holo Communicator activated on his desk and on it was Cad Bane with his demands. "So here's what you're going to do." Bane began as he gave the Chancellor his demands. "First you're going to make a pardon disk." He began as the two paid attention. "You can give it to your friend there." He added while pointing to Senator Ta beside the Chancellor.
"Who, me?" Ta said surprised he was being drawn into this.
"My ship will come and pick him up and take him to the prison. Once Ziro has been released and is handed to me, then your associates will be released." Bane said down to them as those were his demands here. "Understand?" He asked to make sure the Chancellor heard him.
"Oh, I do. But I feel it is my duty to warn you that you will end up paying for this outrage." Palpatine said as he glared at Cad Bane.
"I can live with that." Cad Bane said with a smirk on his face here.
(Back over with Anakin)
"Come on open the door!" He ordered but the door would not open for the Jedi. Just then Anakin heard footsteps coming from behind him calm ones that echoed across the hall. Feeling a familiar presence Anakin turned around and saw a masked face he did not want to see.
"Great you're here." Anakin said as walking down the hall was a familiar Dark Falz carrying a sword similar to Yuvel's hoisted over his shoulder. "Dark Falz Persona." Anakin said as standing before him was none other than Dark Falz [Persona] the Masked the leader of the Dark Falz Collective.
"Skywalker." Persona said as he glared at Anakin in contempt. "This is where you die." Persona said as he pointed his sword directly at Anakin.
"How did you get in here Persona!?" Anakin demanded as he glared at the Dark Falz who stood before him.
"I have my ways." Persona said before he charged at Anakin forcing the Jedi to dodge the attack. Persona's weapon carved into the door breaking it in two and allowing passage in. Anakin saw this but then saw Persona spinning torts him to attack him. Force to avoid it Persona now stood with his back to the door and in turn blocking Anakin's path to the buildings main power room.
As Persona looked he noticed something missing from Anakin. "Just like last time." Persona said with an almost nostalgic tone in his voice.
"Last time?" Anakin wondered when he heard Persona say this.
"Without your lightsaber it evens the playing fields between us." Persona said as he was no fool to think a Jedi was powerless without their lightsaber available.
"Don't count on it!" Anakin called out and thus used a Force Pull to disarm Persona of his weapon. Persona then let the sword go and to Anakin's shock pulled out an ARK's based rifle and fired it upon Anakin before he could catch the sword. Once this was done Persona jumped and grabbed the sword and fired upon Anakin with the rifle forcing the Jedi Knight to find cover.
Persona gave chase as he glared at Anakin through his visor switching to a pair of twin guns and firing them off upon the Jedi. Anakin of course was forced to avoid it but it was clear that he was currently at a disadvantage here.
(Meanwhile over with Cad Bane)
Bane waited for word from his crew as he knew things had gotten complicated. But his best bet was to make the Chancellor thing his best wasn't enough. Just then his communicator went off and thus he responded.
"Aurra did you get them?" Bane asked but it was Yuvel again.
"Sorry Bane you just lost three members of your crew, that just leaves you and your second down with the Senators." Yuvel said as he sounded cocky about all this. "So tell you what since I'm in a good mood how about we skip the hostages and just do this man to man." Yuvel said as he sounded confident about his apparent victory to come.
"You are playing a very risky gamble ARK's." Bane said as he sounded annoyed now. "I have the hostages I can just start killing them without problem." Bane said but Yuvel begged to differ.
"Yeah but doing that removes your bargaining chip." Yuvel said as he sounded confident about this. "No Hostages no Ziro the Hutt." Yuvel added as Bane knew Yuvel had a point. "I'll take the silence as a yes, we'll be right down to meet you Bane." Yuvel said and thus the ARK's Operative hung up on the Bounty Hunter Cad Bane. In response Bane snarled to this knowing full well ARK's was something he didn't anticipate when he took this job.
(Meanwhile over with Yuvel's group)
Yuvel and his party were making their way to Bane's location as they were fully intent on taking him down. They had a plan and were banking on pushing Bane into a corner because right now it was just him and his remaining hired goon. Regardless of the situation Yuvel was not going to let anyone die on this day. So far everything was going their way but that alone raised red flags because things going great now tend to lead to chaos upon them.
He kept his senses up with his eyes peeled and ears toned knowing that whatever was going to happen was going to be something unexpected. Still Yuvel was confident they could make it through this simply because he had faith in his team for this. But for Yuvel there was something here as he could feel it through the very Photons in the air itself. Something had made its way into the building and whatever it was they may need backup to face it soon. Eventually Yuvel and his friends arrived at the lobby area where they saw the Senator Hostages below their very feet.
"Ok Yuvel what's the plan?" Reggie asked as he looked over to his best friend.
"Hmm." Yuvel hummed as he looked around for a way to get the small group of Senatorial hostages to safety. "I think I may have something." Yuvel said as he looked to both Yaga and Klara among the Senatorial hostages.
(Meanwhile back over with Anakin)
Anakin was still trying to avoid Persona's attack as the Dark Falz was now using his dark sword to attack. Anakin needed a weapon preferably a Lightsaber but he could risk Persona pulling a fast one like before. Yes Persona had a replica of his Lightsaber but after that sword trick he pulled Anakin knew it was a risky move. Anakin turn proceeded to force push Persona to get some distance between them and it seemed to have work. Of course that was before Persona pulled out a pair of wire blades and shot them at the wall behind Anakin.
Persona then reeled himself in and went for the attack once more. Anakin managed to dodge it and knew he was cornered by Persona now. "Why are you so obsessed with killing me!?" Anakin demanded as he glared at Persona who apparently wanted him dead.
"You have no clue of the chaos you will begot." Persona said dragging his re-summoned sword across the ground creating sparks from the friction. "So long as you live this war will end in darkness, suffering, and tyranny." Persona said as he glared at Anakin like he knew what he would begot. "I have seen it many times over and thus had learned that for the greater good sacrifices must be made." Persona said and thus pointed his sword at Anakin. "To deny the enemy of their greatest weapon… I must eliminate it. I must eliminate you, Anakin Skywalker." Persona said as Anakin glared at Persona for his supposed accusation.
"I would never join the Separatist!" Anakin yelled as he glared at Persona.
"Whoever said anything about you joining the Separatists?" Persona asked much to Anakin's utter confusion to this.
But before Anakin could asked question gun fire went off and from nearby Lon and his team charged in weapons blazing against Dark Falz Persona. Persona of course was forced to deflect and block the attacks as they came forth. Once they got close Persona casted a Technique of explosive force and used it to get some distance between them.
"Yah ok mate?" Lon asked as he looked to Anakin.
"Yeah I'll be fine good thing you showed up when you did." Anakin said as he was happy backup had arrived to help him just in the nick of time. "Where's Yuvel?" Anakin asked when he noticed that Yuvel was missing.
"Yuvel and his team had gone off to help the hostages." Zion said as he spun his duel-saber ready to fight the Dark Falz.
"We'll keep him busy here." Kaz added as he had his Talis ready as well.
"Alright but be careful." Anakin urged as he was intended to save Padme from Bane.
Anakin then left much to Persona's ire. "No!" Persona called out as he tried to give chase only to be stopped by Kaz and his Talis accompanied by Lon and his guns.
"Sorry yer fights with us mate." Lon said as he spun his guns in his hand showing he was ready to fight Persona. Realizing Persona had to make his way through these ARK's Ops to get to Anakin Persona snarled and proceeded to attack. The ARK's Ops of course were ready and thus began fighting back against Persona.
(Meanwhile back over with Yuvel)
Bane was looking around for his guests as he was ready for just about anything. As Bane waited for a bit he heard the door opened and saw the aquatic Bounty Hunter entering the room. But before Bane saw who it was he had his pistol trained on his ally who raised his hands to the blue skinned Bounty Hunter.
"Wow it's just me Bane!" He called out with his hands raised.
"Sorry thought you were the other guy." Bane said as he holstered his laser pistol.
"Yeah I heard what was going on through the communicators." The smaller Bounty Hunter said to Cad Bane.
"We need to find that punk and his friends and take them down, the plan is being jeopardized by ARK's interference." Bane said as he brought up a good ppo9int about what ARK's was doing.
Just then Yuvel landed from above getting the attention of Bane and his two remaining cohorts for this risky job. "You don't say." Yuvel said as he smirked to his foes standing before him here.
"Well I thought you were cocky and reckless but this is not what I was expecting." Bane said when he saw Yuvel was standing here.
"Yeah well no one expects the unexpected. So you have to always expect it." Yuvel said as he smirked to Bane ready to fight him. "Now here is what's going to happen, you're going to let the hostages go and turn yourself in while you still have the chance." Yuvel said as he looked at Bane ready to fight him.
"Last I checked punk I got the cards not you." Bane said as he pointed a pistol at the hostages.
"Yeah but I already told you killing the hostages you lose your bargaining chips here." Yuvel said knowing why people like Bane took hostages especially important ones like the Senators.
"A fair point and a gamble because… what if your wrong." Bane said as Yuvel then smirked to his foe.
"Trust me I'm not wrong, someone hired you to bust out, Ziro and short of actually going into the prison and staging a break out these Senators are your ticket to doing it. Am I right or am I wrong?" Yuvel challenged as he looked at Cad Bane while smirking.
In turn Bane chuckled a bit as he knew Yuvel made a good point. Just then Bane pulled out his pistol on the Senators only for Yuvel to draw his Gunblade but in its gun form and aimed at Bane. Cad Bane was actually impressed with Yuvel's display of reflexes as the two stood there.
"So that's how it is, I shoot them you shoot me." Cad Bane said as he looked to Yuvel impressed by the ARK's Operatives moves.
"That's just about the gist of it yeah." Yuvel said as he smirked at Bane. "See where I'm from we call this a standoff you move you die I move I die." Yuvel said as he looked upon Cad Bane.
"One problem I got back up." Cad Bane suddenly said as one of his allies snuck up behind Yuvel and thus Yuvel smirked to Bane.
"Well what a coincidence so do I." Yuvel said and suddenly the Aquatic Bounty Hunter cried out in pain when Reggie shot him with a stun shot.
"Hello!" Reggie called out from above with a small wave.
Bane growled when he saw this and thus Yuvel got to the gist of it. "So let's skip the banter and offer a challenge, each of us get one shot at each other." Yuvel said as he holstered his weapon. "We call this a Western Stand Off basically its speed, accuracy, and reflex first one to shoot and make the killing shot wins." Yuvel said as he looked upon Bane who seemed impress. "Winner takes all." Yuvel added as he was mainly stalling for time at this point.
"Well then… that does sound interesting." Bane said as he holstered his own piece ready to fire at any moment.
"Well then make your move." Yuvel said and thus the entire room grew silent there. He was taking a huge risk here as he knew if he was off in anyway it would ensure he had a laser hole through the chest. And let it be known Yuvel rather live to enjoy a good old retirement then in a grave. But as the old saying goes nothing ventured nothing gained.
The two flexed their hands ready to draw as Yuvel made quick glances making sure his party was nearby. Yuvel was confident but having backup and a plan B doesn't hurt if things go wrong. In turn Yuvel sighed and thus steeled his resolve for what came next. "Draw!" Yuvel invoked and thus the two drew their weapons. Yuvel had his Gunblade in gun form from the get go and thus fired the shot at Bane. Cad Bane shot as well but a moment to late as his leg was hit. The Laser shot flew passed Yuvel's side missing him by an inch and thus hitting the wall behind him. Once Bane was down the rest of the party moved in to apprehend the Bounty Hunter who orchestrated this situation. Of course they did not forget the third person here knowing full well there was six criminals at the minimum.
Taking Bane's communicator Yuvel opted to contact Palpatine directly. "Chancellor we've taken care of Cad Bane, sir." Yuvel reported once he got word to Palpatine.
"Well done Operative Yuvel." Palpatine praised as he looked to Yuvel from his end of the call. "And what of General Skywalker?" Palpatine asked with concern of Anakin's current whereabouts.
"On the way here no doubt." Yuvel said until his mag activated.
"Oy Yuvel we've got a situation mate." Lon called as he had the sound of battle going on in the background. "We've got Persona causing a mess over here and reckon we need a tad bit of backup." Lon called letting Yuvel know he needed help with Persona.
This reveal of course left everyone in shock that the leader of the Dark Falz Collective was here. "Chancellor sorry but I need you to remain in your office till we can eliminate or remove the Dark Falz collective." Yuvel said knowing what needed to be done to protect the Chancellor of the Galactic Republic.
"Say no more my boy." Palpatine said and thus had one last thing to say. "But please do exercise caution." Palpatine said and thus Yuvel was ready to move out.
Once Yuvel hung up on Palpatine he looked over to Lon ready to go and help him. "Lon we'll be right there." Yuvel said and thus hung up on Lon. "Guys we need to move." Yuvel said just before the door opened and Anakin ran in.
When everyone looked to Anakin they saw he had been running to make his way here. "Ah I missed it." Anakin said as he looked to the group.
"Don't worry Anakin they're safe but now we need to deal with Persona." Yuvel said as Anakin scowled a bit.
"If only I had my Lightsaber." Anakin said knowing he wasn't much help without his weapon.
"You mean this?" Padme asked as she pulled Anakin's Lightsaber from where she had it hidden within her large sleeves. "I found it where you dropped it." Padme said knowing Anakin needed the Lightsaber so he could defend himself properly.
Anakin simply smiled to Padme to which Anakin happily returned. At least until Yaga and Klara stepped in on this. "We'll hold the line here and get these people to safety." Yaga said as he cracked his knuckles ready to fight.
"Yeah if a Dark Falz is here then the Falspawn can't be too far behind either." Klara added and thus that left Anakin, Yuvel, Laura, Reggie, and Zurna to deal with Persona and help Lon and his team fight off the Dark Falz leader.
"Right." Yuvel said with a nod and thus once his party regrouped they took their leave to aid Lon's team. Anakin went with them knowing they would need all the help they can get and also knowing Persona was targeting him above all other targets.
(Meanwhile back with Lon's team)
The roof of the Senate Building suddenly exploded creating a hole in it. The smoke plumed out as from it Lon, Chiyo, Zion, and Kaz came out followed by Persona. The party slid down the curved side of the building with Persona giving the ARK's Operatives chase for getting in his way. As they slid Persona charged up his dark power and shot it at the ARK's Operatives. The attacked caused them to scatter for it as Lon acted fast and fixed his flight a bit. This allowed him to use the debris to run with one foot on each piece of the broken debris.
But just as they were about to get to a platform area Persona had what looked lick dark knuckles which he used to slam his fists down upon the operatives. This of course caused them to lose their footing and fall where they ended up landing on the platform below.
As they all coughed and groaned in pain a bit they began to get up only to see Persona lowering upon them in a sphere of dark power. Once he was there he drew his sword once more ready to end them and hunt down Anakin once he was done. Persona charged in ready to slash through the ARK's Operatives only for backup to arrive.
From behind Lon Yuvel showed up and stabbed his sword into the ground and bracing himself. Once that was done Persona ended up slashing against the weapon causing Yuvel to jump back and elegantly spin. Once he landed he stabbed his sword into the ground before glaring at Persona. "Go!" Yuvel called out and not even a second after Reggie, Laura, Zurna, and Anakin charged out to fight off Persona.
In turn the battle began and Persona quickly found himself outnumbered 9 to one. During this Lon and his party had regained themselves and joined the attack forcing Persona into a corner. Persona of course opted to fight back and was doing a damn good job fighting off his foes but it was hard.
Reggie fired of a rocket from his weapon as he hovered around Persona. Of course Persona dodged the attack allowing it to go off behind him but that was not the only aspect of this attack on the Dark Falz. Following it up was Kaz who sent off ice spears down upon Persona forcing Persona to deflect most of them with his sword and dodge the rest.
Lon of course fired off his twin guns on Persona forcing the Dark Falz to use his glaive and spinning it to deflect the many bullets coming at him. This of course gave Zurna an opening as she began to pass by Persona from every direction attacking with her Katana. With each pass she managed to get blows in on the opposing Dark Falz which helped clear a path for them to fight further. Next came Chiyo as she spun around with her twin daggers but alas Persona blocked one and jumped back to avoid the second attack from the young female ARK's Operative.
Next up came Zion who threw his own glaive at Persona which spun in the air as Persona dodged that one as well. The battle was progressing and form the looks of it this fight was in favor of the eight ARK's Operatives and one Jedi Knight. Next came Laura as she released a blast of explosive Photons which knocked Persona back giving Yuvel and Anakin an opening to attack.
The two roared out and went at Persona with intentions to cause him major harm. Their attacks had almost laid decisive until his visor flashed to life. Persona vanished into a portal only to reappear nearby from a second portal this time attacking. It seems Persona now had his second wind as he charged after the group spinning his sword around knocking them all back.
It seems a dark aura now surrounded Persona as he glared upon his foes. "Time for me to cut loose a bit." Persona said showing he had been holding back in their previous battles. While it was unknown if it was for honor or underestimating them it was clear that they had forced Persona's hand.
Round 2 began as the group began to fight against Persona in hopes of defeating him. But from the look of things it was not turning out their way here. Persona's strength, speed, and reflexes seemed to have been given a boost. It was like the Dark Falz was on the verge of entering a combat form to fight them.
The group had been forced into a corner it seems as they tried their damn hardest to fight against Persona. When he faced Anakin the way Persona moved showed that he had intimate knowledge of how the, "Hero With no Fear," did battle like this. But unlike with Anakin Persona fought off the ARK's Operatives with force of strength and skills alone to best them.
The ARK's Operatives were I a pickle now because it wasn't long until Persona was besting them one by one. He didn't take the killing blow on them thankfully but he was removing the Jedi Knights allies from the board until only Anakin remained standing. It didn't take long for Lon and his party to be bested as the four were dealt with strategically. First Kaz was taken down being the 'magic user,' of the party. Next came the two close range fighters Zion and Chiyo who were coming to attack Persona. Persona dodged their attacks before stunning one with Padme's laser pistol and the other was dealt with via the swords blunt side.
Lon of course fired at Persona before Persona charged at him. Using speed to seemingly teleport between the Operatives gunfire it didn't take long for Persona to grab Lon by his face and slam him down. Lon was knocked out thanks to Persona's attack which left only Anakin, Yuvel, Reggie, Laura, and Zurna standing from that.
"Guys be careful!" Laura called out as she didn't want to see her friends get hurt due to Persona's attacks.
"Understood!" Yuvel responded all before Persona again began attacking them. The battle continued as Yuvel, Anakin, and Zurna got close and attacked Dark Falz [Persona] the Masked with Reggie and Laura attacking from a distance. Surprisingly Persona still managed to keep them on their toes as they did battle as a 5 on 1 assault with the ARK's Operatives and Jedi against the infamous leader of the Dark Falz collective.
But alas it seemed it would be for naught as one by one they began to fall. With a roar Yuvel charged in only for Persona to block his attack before performing a powerful kick to his gut getting sent flying and being the first to fall among the group. "Yuvel!" Reggie called out as the others gasped in shock when they saw Yuvel was seemingly down for the count. "You son of a-" Reggie began before he roared out and began shooting at Persona. "Come get some!" He roared out in fury as he continued firing.
Persona swung his sword deflecting the shots with ease before crouching and slashing pass Reggie's left leg. Reggie then cried out in pain as his feet buckled under him as he was out of the fight.
"Reggie!" the remaining three cried out and thus Persona went for them.
Zurna roared out and attacked as she charged at Persona intent on taking him down. But even Zurna knew it would be a hard fought one that she may not even win but right now she didn't care about that. As she went at Persona the Dark Falz saw it coming this time and blocked her attack with his sword before pushing the Deuman back. Once he did that Persona proceeded to knee Zurna in the gullet knocking the air out of her in response. Persona then performed a spin kick to Zurna's head knocking her down and knocking her out of their current battle.
"NO!" Laura cried out when she saw another one of her friends fall. Laura saw it was now up to her and Anakin to fight Persona and take him down. Persona then went at Laura who was wide eyed at Persona coming for the Newman.
"Laura look out!" Anakin called but alas it was too late as Persona was now upon the Newman ARK's Operative. Laura acted by sending forth Fireballs at Persona who in response deflected them with ease. But before Laura could put up a barrier she was forced to block an attack from Persona using the shaft of her staff weapon. Persona brought his sword down and thus Laura tried her best to hold her ground against Persona whom had her pinned. As Laura tried to hold her ground the shaft of her weapon began to crack from the pressure and friction Persona was placing on it.
It was inevitable as the pressure hit its zenith and thus the staff shattered in two to which left Laura wide eyed to this. In response Persona grabbed Laura and threw her to the side where she was clearly in shock over losing her weapon. Luckily she was still awake as Persona then turned his attention to the Jedi Knight. Persona charged at Anakin while switching over to a Ligthsaber again and began attacking the Jedi General who was forced to go on the defensive.
Anakin tried his best to hold his ground but it would not be enough as Persona proceeded to attack with attack after attack. Anakin tried his best to hold his ground but the Dark Falz Collectives Leader had both power and speed at his disposal. The battle was turning one sides as Anakin was having trouble locating a hole in Persona's defenses but every time he did Persona managed to counter and continue his assault. The two then locked blades until Persona performed a spin movement and thus used the chance to grab Anakin's prosthetic hand before forcing it away. Using his superior strength Persona began to crash the hand causing it to grind from the pressure and even spark out from crossed wires inside.
Anakin cried out in pain as he tried his best to hold his ground but it would be useless in this regard. Soon Anakin's dropped his lightsaber which he quickly disengaged before and thus Persona threw Anakin aside with ease. "Now…" Persona said as he glared at Anakin. "It is time to end this." Persona said ready to cut down Anakin once and for all. "DIE!" Persona roared out and swung down upon Anakin to end the Chosen One's life.
Laura was wide eyed as she reached out to try and save Anakin from Persona. "NO!" Laura cried out and in turn something amazing happened. First time began to slow to a crawl before it eventually halted completely before her very eyes. Then a flash of light went off as Laura was in turn blinded by the light before her.
(Laura location unknown)
Eventually the light died down and Laura found herself in a strange place in turn. As Laura looked around confused for a moment as she noticed something important about this place. "Wait isn't this the place where?" Laura began as she looked around the area clearly lost.
"It is." Came a new voice similar to Laura's making her go wide eyed. She turned and saw a young woman bound to a wheelchair as standing next to her was an unknown veiled staff. "The realm where the Dark Falz reside when they had in inhabited Ashe in PSO2.
"Wait you're… me." Laura said as she was looking at her old self… or at least the life she had before she awoken among ARK's.
"In a sense I am and I'm not." The other Laura said as she sat in her wheelchair. "I'm here because I was the only representation of yourself who still feels bound by the past… and your bonds formed into the form that had bound your desires." The second Laura said as her long ebony hair covered her eyes as her shirt was seen as that of a random anime.
"Then why am I here?" Laura asked as she was suspicious of this strange event.
"Why did you hate yourself?" The other Laura asked as the current Laura was confused.
"What? Why would I hate myself?" Laura asked confused about a question like that.
"You hated the fact that unlike others you had to work harder for your place in the world." She began as Laura was surprised to hear this. "Yet no matter how much you had achieved people always looked at you like you were inept. Your family used you as a cause, you could never form a proper connection with the people around you when they looked at you with a look of pity, and every time you were able you chose to escape reality to escape a world where you were bound to this chair." The other Laura said gesturing to the wheelchair she was sitting on.
"All the success you had in the real world felt hollow to you but when you picked up that controller and met the people you met online the hollowness began to fill and your chains unbound themselves from you." The second Laura said as the current Laura looked away from her wheelchair bound self.
It's true… every word of it before she was reincarnated Laura was in an accident as a child that took away her legs. When she was young she loved to run to climb and feel free… but after what happened the world just became a hollow grey for the girl. She was top of her class but she felt disconnected from the world at large. She didn't feel it was fair that she had to be trapped while others got to enjoy life.
She tried to be strong but… it was false strength for her. So when she first logged onto Phantasy Star Online microphone and everything she felt freed from her chair. She didn't know how to describe it but something about the game just connected with her then. It was thanks to Phantasy Star Online 2 that she had met Yuvel, Reggie, Zurna, and the rest of their friends. She was thankful for that and the fact they could all still be together.
"You still feel trapped don't you?" the other Laura asked as she looked to the Newman girl who she created. "Because you escaped to this world to escape what you were before." The Girl said as she looked to Laura knowing full well why she hadn't taken the chance. She was never a reckless one and would have taken the exit regardless if she knew it was real or not. She was hoping it was real so she could finally be free of that wretched wheelchair once and for all. The truth here was that Laura was a coward for running away from reality itself. "Is that in anyway a falsehood?" The wheelchair bound Laura asked as she looked to her Newman self.
"No… it's not." Laura admitted knowing full well she basically ran from reality because she didn't like that she was wheelchair bound. "But…" Laura continued as she stood tall against her former life. "It doesn't mean I haven't forgotten. Maybe I did jump at the chance that I'd be free but I also felt that it was the right thing to do, that if there were people who needed me then I had to help them." Laura said as she looked to her wheelchair bound self. "That's why I won't give up on them because if I do… then I'm already dead." Laura said and thus the girl smiled and took a grip of the staff.
"I just wanted to be sure." The girl said before she vanished and in turn the veil over the staff vanished as well.
Before here was a powerful weapon from Phantasy Star Online 2's lore. It was commonly a weapon skin but Laura knew what it was by pure instinct alone. "That's… that's a Cosmogenic Arm." Laura said as she looked to the weapon before her belonging to the inheritors of the name Klariskrays in ARK's.
"Yes Klariskray's used me in her first life where I was later again utilized by Matoi and now my power falls to you Laura." The weapon spoke as Laura looked as it floated over to her waiting hand. "Henceforth I bestow my power to you. You need only call out my name to do so." The staff said and thus Laura felt a pull as she returned to reality again.
(Back on the Building Platform)
As Persona was about to end Anakin a beam of light shot forth and sucker punched Persona knocking him away from Anakin. AS Persona got back up he grabbed his head no doubt his brain rattled from the impact. As he looked he saw Laura had her hand out showing she was the one who had attacked him just now.
"Get away from my friend!" Laura said as she glared at Persona in pure contempt.
"I've already beaten you, for your own sake stay down." Persona said as he glared upon Laura ready to fight.
"Not this time." Laura said as she then focused her own Photons to summon it. "Now I'll show you… my Cosmogenic Arm!" Laura yelled surprising everyone who heard her.
"Wait when did, she?" Yuvel asked as he tried to get back up by his pain riddled body could not keep up.
Laura then raised her right hand skyward as Photons began to gather at the palm of her hand. "Come forth Clarissa the White!" She invoked and thus a crest appeared before she moved her hand forward and the Photons responded. The weapon began to form as it went either side forming the shaft of it. The intricate design of Clarissa the White was well known among Phantasy Star Online 2 Characters. So for those who saw it to see the famous weapon reborn into this world was awe inspiring.
But Laura wasn't done as she then gripped Clarissa and with a wide wave of her hand a green healing energy spread out. Those who were down began to regain their strength and those who had regained consciousness prior were being healed by the Technique. Once everyone was on their feet again Persona saw he was now in a jam.
"Laura that is badass!" Reggie called out as he sounded like he was smiling to the girl who smiled back.
"Guys focus we need to go on a full scale assault on Persona!" Yuvel called out and thus they were all in agreement to this.
"Right!" They all called out and thus they began to attack.
Getting their second wind the ARK's Operatives and Jedi Knight all attacked Persona. Persona was unable to keep up as the tides of battle turned in their favor. Laura was hammering Persona with Clarissa as she utilized her newly acquired Cosmogenic Arm to its fullest. As the battle progresses it was evident that Laura was their key to beating Persona in this current battle.
As Persona was being pushed to a corner he tried his damn hardest to fight them off. But as it became clear that this was not going to be a victory for Persona he tried to get some distance so he could escape. But as he continued to move he saw that a path to escape was within his grasp. At least until a new fighter showed up as from the window a laser shot was heard and thus hit Persona in the leg forcing him to the ground. Persona looked and saw Padme standing there with her laser pistol drawn on the Dark Falz.
Persona was soon pushed into a corner as Yuvel slashed pass Persona with Zurna's aid. Next came Chiyo spinning around with her twin dagger weapons before Laura, and Reggie hovered around Persona blasting at him with Lon running and firing off his guns. Next up was Zion and Kaz as they went at Persona with Kaz throwing his Talis cards at Persona and Zion throwing his Glaive so it span and slashed passed Persona.
Finally it was Yuvel again as he charged at Persona and slashed through his mask causing him to cry out in pain and grab his now revealed face. Once that was done Anakin charged in as Persona's face was covered by his hand for a moment. But as Persona lifted his face up and moved his hand away Anakin was swinging his Ligthsaber down on Persona. But that was before he hesitated and the saber was inches away from Persona's face.
All who saw Persona's face revealed were shocked at what they saw. Even Padme was in pure shock over what she was seeing before her. Anakin moved his lightsaber for glaring at him was none other than… PADME?!
"Wait Senator Amidala?! But she's over there!" Laura called out as she looked to where Padme fired from for standing before them was another Padme Amidala.
"This, this can't be right." Anakin said as he was in shock over what he saw. For Padme it was reality shattering as the masked foe who lead the Dark Falz Collective was wearing his wife's face. At first he suspected Dorme but her eyes wasn't red like this and even then the dead look in her eyes. Anakin looked into those crimson eyes and through the Force saw that it was indeed Padme before him.
"What's wrong Annie?" Persona asked using Padme's voice which sounded tired from some long ordeal. "Weren't you going to defeat the leader of the Dark Falz Collective?" Persona asked as she almost sounded like she was welcoming what would happen. "It will be easy just one quick thrust." Persona said as she edged Anakin to finish her off for good. "Just like with the Tuskan Raiders." Persona added as only Anakin, Padme, and the Lars family were aware of that incident ever happening.
But it would not be the case as Anakin deactivated his Lightsaber before dropping it as he stumbled back trying to make sense of what he was seeing. Persona looked disappointed as Anakin no doubt sensed only the surface of what she was feeling here. Just then the sound of Republic Gunships were heard as Persona looked and saw the ships beginning to approach the Senate Building for a rescue. Persona acted fast and used her powers to reform her mask and then to their shock jump off the edge of the platform.
"No wait!" Anakin called out but Persona vanished into a portal just after she went over the edge of the buildings platform. Anakin pulled back as he realized that Persona was wearing his wife's face… no the fact here is that Persona WAS in fact Padme Amidala. He didn't know how or why and he was almost afraid to ask but he could sense through the Force. This was in fact Padme Amidala and it was clear this second Padme wanted to kill Anakin. But why what did he do to her or what did she think he did to her. Whatever the answer maybe he couldn't let this get out to the Republic. But maybe ARK's might have the answer he needed for this mystery. But until he can ask them the ARK's Operatives who saw this all had the same story to tell, they fought Persona and won but Persona managed to escape them once more.
It didn't have to be verbally spoken since not many of ARK's knew that Persona was Ashe's future self in lore. But until they can solve this mystery only the Council of Six should be made aware of this. If anything they could provide Anakin and Padme some sort of protection until they can identify what would turn Padme into Persona. But the only way to get the answers they needed was from Persona herself. But for now at least they can sigh in relief that the Senators are safe and the criminals were unable to bust out Ziro the Hutt from the Republic Prison.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well here we are the newest chapter all done and now ready for reviews. I hope you all enjoyed it and will stick around for more chapters to come. So until then be sure to leave a review before leaving and as always ja-ne.