Chapter 301: Bitter Showdown Over the Vow of the True Successor.

While things were getting dismal for those fighting to defy the Infinite Victory and Conquest corporation, the only thing left that was giving them hope was that the master of the ever increasing "Employees" was still not around.

But their gain, was someone's else's bane. The reason Sieg had still not descended into the Prime Universe, was that he was currently at the cusp of exterminating the last people he saw as a threat to him in the Multiverse, the members of the Multiversal Rebel Alliance that he saw as possible threats.

At the moment Sieg was in his universal multi headed Sixth Dimesoinal form, currently blasting through the attacks from the giant mechas Space Runaway Ideon, the "rune god" Combined Rayearth, the RahXephon mecha, the Guymelef Escaflowne, Aquarion Evol, the Macross mecha, and a magical girl that went by Ultimate Madoka.

His opponents tried to swarm him, only for Sieg to have more guns form out of his back." No matter how many of you gather, even if you fill an entire universe with enemies, it won't be enough! After all…you need this universe…I don't.

Mukagen...Thaumie Singularity Fimbulwinter!"

Sieg unleashed a shockwave that shook the very universe, before unleashing an attack that shattered the universe, and everyone in it. As the light faded, only a void remained, with a crack in it. Mary, the Totality, and a swarm of Pyramidas ships entered the void before the red-haired woman snickered." So that's it eh? The universe behind a universe?"

"Yes…there pitiful ploy failed them." Sieg uttered as he grasped the crack, and flicked his wrist to cause the whiteness to shatter, revealing another universe." It's time for this alliance to learn they were always at least ten steps behind their superiors. And let's show everyone else this as we put an end to this pathetic rebellion eh Mary?"

"Don't get too excited. After all…are you sure its them?"

The light faded, before the whole in reality to another universe became clear. Inside it, a palace could be seen. The Palace was depicted as large and spacious with a golden exterior and interior. Sieg narrowed his eyes before uttering," As always Mary faith is for fools and data is for winners. So what does the data say?"

Mary glanced at the giant castle before she shrugged." Probes confirm that before us is…the Palace of Power…capital of "Videoland."

"Then we have ourselves the source of this "crossover of rebels", the "Game Master."

"But is it the Game Master from the right universe?"

"Well we will see after the corpses pile up. Now then…business has been delayed long enough so let end this farce of resistance at long last."

Sieg became a beam of light that burst through the portal, and entered into the new universe, the Palace of Power.

A moment later he and Mary entered a golden and purple throne room.

The Eldritch Sixth-Dimensional CEO looked upward and saw a what appeared to be a giant white square with a green screen and four buttons, one with A, and one with B, one that says start, and one that said select.

He saw sparks come out of it before he closed his eyes." Taking things a bit too far eh Game Master? Well…no cheat code can help you now. You defied me enough for me to give you a death in person. How painful this death is depends on how sore a loser you are."

As he stepped forward an energy blast came at him, and was shattered instantly before a man that looked like Megaman ran out of the throne room. He was shorter and greener then Megaman, and he trembled as he pointed his buster at Sieg." Don't think you can mega bully us! No matter how strong you are, I am Megaman, a mega hero!"

Sieg was not sure if this was a joke or not before past the green Megaman a small kid that looked like he is wearing an old kind of Greek attire with angel like wings float out pointed at a bow at Sieg." You're the evillest man ever icarus! But Kid Icarus will prevail! The Infraggable Krunk, Valhallen, Major Glory, you and the rest of the Justice Friends get him at the left!

Mr. Incredible, you, Frozone and the rest of the Incredibles get him from the right!"

Sieg saw a few other hero's come up to him from all corners of the palace, and saw they looked consumed with dread before he closed his eyes." So we really are down to the dregs of the multiverse eh? But no matter how pathetic you are, I won't let anyone's insolence go on. Still…I hope your content with dragging everyone hear down with your foolishness."

As he formed a gun, the throne surged with light as a woman's voice cut in with a sharp," They speak for all of us! The Palace of Power will never bend to villains!"

From the light a woman with female with long brown hair and wearing royal attire walked up. Sieg turned to her before he narrowed his eyes." Ah…come to submit to your fate with your people eh Princess Lana?"

"Its queen now you monster."

"Good to know…that means your people will only blame you for the suffering that's about to unfold on them. Your "Ultimate Warp Zone" could only keep my forces away from you for so long till we cornered you like the pathetic vermin you are. And now, its time for the entire multiverse to submit to its destiny."

He was about to shoot at the princess of the Palace of Power before the entire room shined with light and a confident male voice cut in with," Its not your destiny to rule all Sieg V-Day Elgan! No matter what you will see that!"

Sieg saw the light came from a man in a golden suit of armor with a glowing glow with brown hair jump down. For a moment Sieg paused, before he looked at the man's eyes, and saw the other hero's look sightly more hopeful before he snickered." I was wondering if I would have to massacre the rest of your "N Team" till you would show yourself " Game Master".

But you're ready to end this farce, Kevin Keene? I waited long enough to get what I deserve. For in the end of course your will means nothing to me. After all...A lion does not ask permission before he eats a zebra."

"You will get what you deserve you madman! I hated that so many had to die in this battle, but it was the only way to stop you from killing even more! In the name of everyone in the Multiverse who's fate depends on this battle's outcome, you taken your last life!"

Sieg saw the glove on Kevin's left-hand glow, before on his right side he took out a gun that looked like the Nintendo Zapper, and pressed some buttons on the glove before his eyes glowed with a golden energy and he took out his own gun." I'm starting to wonder if you are nothing more than a fake leader of the alliance " Captain N".

After all, if you dared cross me with mere toys let everyone who ever had faith in you despair at ever having faith in you. Mukagen…Zeno Big Crunch Bullet!"

Sieg at once fired a bullet that looked like a miniature sun at Kevin, but the Gamemaster had his Zapper glow with energy from his glove before firing a red energy sphere. The sphere glowed, and captured Sieg's projectile like it was caught in a bubble before the universe destroying bullet vanished.

Kevin took a deep breath before muttering," It may seem like a toy to you "V-Day." But the Power Glove changes reality to make it what I want it to be! And what I want it to be, is the weapon that will defeat you!"

Sieg saw those around the Game Master look hopeful before he narrowed his eyes." You really thought the likes of the Power Glove could compare to me then…I'm going to enjoy the despair in your eyes when your last hope shatters before you."

He fired a barrage of bullets, and Kevin was able to counter them with reality altering blasts from the Power Glove. Princess Lana then pointed her staff at Sieg before declaring," No…we won't let you erase are hope!"

She fired a blinding sphere of light, only for Sieg to casually bat it away. As he did, another one of Kevin's attacks, and while he caught that too, to his shock the sphere expanded, and surrounded him. He eyed Kevin before narrowing his eyes." So…your energy…is able to reach even infinity?"

Kevin smirked as he grasped the Zapper tightly." I heard from those who saw your fights up to this point that many can't even reach you. But, I used the Power Glove to make this attack reach out across the whole universe! So, no matter how far you got it would reach you! And now that I got you, I'm deleting you like the virus you are!"

Sieg grasped his fist tightly before the entire palace started to shake." The power of the Game Master, is almost living up to the reputation. But…this is just enough to amuse me, its not anywhere close to a threat to me. After all, being able to reach everywhere in the universe, matters little when you're a being like me, the space of an entire universe is just one part of me."

The sky, if not the very universe started to shake as Sieg raised his hand." You and your alliance played a…amusing game "Captain N" But the game's over. I've already reached far beyond the likes of your Power Glove. Too far for your grasp no matter what glove you have on. Let the very Multiverse known who is the final winner."

He raised his gun again, till the space around him had symbols appear, before a new voice cut in with," No…I think its time all you IV&C assholes learn yours Sieg!"

A man jumped down into the throne room of the Palace of Power and landed besides Kevin. He had a commando like soldier outfit with a skull on his chest plate and a hood land before he sneered at Sieg." Waited a long time for this asshole."

Sieg widened his eyes before he looked amused." Oh…so you at last show yourself Zlade Deschain. I admit…to think a subpar Monster Racher would become the last of the All-World's Gunslingers of Gilead and leader of the " Youthful Riflemen" that's caused so many annoyances to my company. So, thank you for fighting with the Game Master hear, it will help tie up all the loose ends."

"Oh, it will, for me." Zlade uttered as he took out a gun." Get ready for a trip, it's a long fall after how big your ego's gotten."

"And you think you're the humble one? You gained some tricks and acted like just because you travel across universe's that your squadron is something to be feared more then gods.

But that's only because you avoided anyone that truly lived up to divinity, to someone existing outside spacetime and possessing godlike powers that cannot be quantified.

Its as they say...Proximity to power deludes some into thinking they wield it.

But go on…fire your gun and see how much suffering you get in return."

"Oh I will, but I'm not the only one firing at all your smug faces! Now!"

Sieg sneered and was about to fire, when a Sai came at him. He blocked with his gun, and raised an eyebrow at its owner. It was a man, lean and graceful, thin cheekbones and perfect neckline just a couple of his effeminate features.

Shorter than most humans, he was five and a half feet tall. He wore a tattered, black hooded cloak that flared out into ragged ends. Beneath the cloak, he donned a black gi, red undershirt and linen black pants held together by a gray sash that holds his sai. He kept his katana sheathed upon his back.

His ragged brown hair reaches his shoulders and emerald green eyes exude wisdom well beyond his years and as he glared at Sieg, his attacker glared back." Neil Landis…legendary master of "the nine" Zenrei eh?

The reports said you died with your universe…but then Gingrich always is eager to assume the best for himself. Still…if you truly value balance as much as the reports say you would know that what I am doing will bring the Multiverse to its perfect balance."

"Only as you see it." The warrior named Neil replied." But the way I see it…letting the " Negaverse" dominate all other universe's would be the last thing I want, so I'll devout everything to seeing this tacky Infinite Victory and Conquest corporation of yours shatter."

"And I heard your view was beyond simple things like good or evil…but your still to attached to your universe eh? Well…I'm far beyond the likes of the Archdevil of the eighth Layer of your Hell."

"That's what they all say." He thrust a red katana at Sieg, and was fast enough to make Sieg be unable to evade it. As the blade went into his body, Sieg grit his teeth." I heard about how your Soulbane blade can drain souls, but assuming it can drain what a Sixth Dimensional being is…will be your last mistake."

"I'm not trying to do it alone, just be the start."

Sieg saw the whole area around him start to glow before he snickered." Oh…so you're really gambling everything in this eh Game Master? It won't be enough."

"Then we will just pile it all on your ugly face!"

In a blur a man burst into the throne room and tackled Sieg before he could react, and had enough strength to grasp his arm. As he looked upward, he saw it came from a man over eight feet tall, his bulk was pound for pound muscle that hardly reflects how powerful he really was.

He wore a regal white trench-coat that was constantly tailored, a grey body suit beneath it that covered him from neck to ankles, and combat boots. Determination and strength shine in his deep blue eyes, as he gave Sieg a determined grin, causing Sieg to once more snicker." So you're still alive Boreastain Euriphasia? I guess the sole progeny of Akashia's Goddess of Light is harder to cut down than Carmen figured. So your out for revenge for your world of Sylindra as well?"

"Your damn right! No one else will have to go through what we did because of you. Now, Volt, Aaron, Silfur, Plena, Elliot Eldridge, Reoz Surion, Ayonis Relathor, Desh, Eolina Ugiava all together!"

Various warriors from Boris and Neil's universe either also tackled Sieg or cast spells to enhance the domain around him. But his eye glowed in response." So, this was your endgame Game Master? Hide that a few stragglers lived in a everything or nothing bet? But all of you still don't have what it takes to overcome a force that exists across the Multiverse. Oh?"

He saw that the entire sky, if not the entire universe he was in was starting to glow, and saw the light was going into the universe Sieg came from before Zlade smirked." You sure love bragging about how big your multiversal dick is eh? But no matter how big a Sixth Dimensional freak is, you still only have one mind! And that mind…is in this universe! So if it gets erased, then there might be a body left but, at least it will be fractured. This gun…is the Equalizer.

The gun does not fire bullets, instead employing a wave of multidimensional energy using a balanced quantum link between the target and the shooter, causing whatever happens to the target to also happen to the shooter. I'll gladly die if it means I erase you to asshole!

So get ready to lose it all Sieg! Umbra Nova…Fraser… Yosuke…its time!"

Sieg saw some of the" Youthful Gunslingers" make hand gestures before portals appeared on the sides of the palace of power and flowed into Zlade's Equalizer." Entire universe's are giving energy to see this through…we won't leave anything to chance! Teri…its time…fire it now!"

A mecha came down from the sky, one with an angelic appearance. It was predominately white, with red-violet accents and purple highlights. Green and pink-orange lights were embedded in its middle and top. Eight spikes come out of its back, resembling wings.

It started to glow before the blond woman that was piloting it wiped some tears out of her eyes before she uttered," Zengar…Zemmy…get the Omni-Genesis Cannon to fire! Neo-Xenogears will see its final mission through!"

Two droids next to her pressed some buttons before a cannon formed out of its arms. As a massive rainbow sphere formed in it before Teri uttered," Zan…I'll avenge you at last! NOW YOU DIE SIEG!"

Sieg realized he could not just will his enemies away as he saw the entire universe was shaking, but only smirked in response." Well now…I'm feeling enough power…that my instincts are kicking in. Well played…you rebel scum had not lasted this long because of some fluke. But…all of this…just will make my victory all the more impressive.

Even though it was a last-minute invitation, there wasn't a single absentee in this wager. Everyone must really love to gamble, right? Hmm. You're the one who likes to gamble, aren't you? I like to pretend that I like it. Game Master…you raised the ante more than I expected but it is pointless. I'd win any bet you put in front of me. What I'm saying is, I don't lose. Are you prepared to die betting you can defy destiny?"

Kevin saw Sieg's confidence before he grasped the Power Glove tightly." You may have won so much you don't even know how to lose, but you're going to learn the hard way! All of us…all of us are ready to give up everything to end this! After all you done…you have to face justice for what you done!"

"So its justice then? I thought most of you had seen beyond such tripe but such things are so…pathetically boring once you ascended past such simple antics. For me… Gambling's the only thing I care for.

Life's too slow. I can't be fulfilled... ( gun cocks ) ...in life. I'll win the next game, too. So that I can fulfill my dream and destroy this boredom at last. And I have far more to invest in, then all of you put together."

Zlade got annoyed at Sieg's confidence before shouting out," Your "currency" is worthless in this bank Sieg! You think it's your destiny to rule everything, but don't even understand how insane you are…and that's why you're going down! Maybe you abominations from the Negaverse only know hate and rage, but that just means you were never meant to live! Kevin, everyone, just a little while longer!"

Sieg saw Zlade, Kevin, and the Neo-Xenogears prepare to fire its combo attack before he closed his eyes." You misunderstand your superior to the very end Zlade. Nature didn't select me. I selected myself by harnessing my nature. And I understand you all better than you understand yourselves. That's why, you're going to get the justice you really deserve…is that not right… Yosuke?"

Zlade raised an eyebrow, and heard a scream. He turned around only to see his squad mate Yosuke charge at him, and stab him through the chest with his sword.

He rammed the gunslinger into Neo-Xenogears, causing its attack to go off course, before it fired a ball of quark-gunk plasma to shoot off of the roof of the palace of power, and shatter a few warships before unleashing a explosion that rocked the palace, if not the entire planet.

As Zlade saw his gambit fail he saw his teammate look at him with raw hate and winced." The hell dude? AHH!"

He coughed up blood before the traitor cried out," I remember what you did…thanks to V-Day! The curse…all I suffered, I thought it was because of him but its all your fault and now I'll get my revenge!"

"The hell are you talking about man? You lost your damn mind!?"

Sieg suddenly laughed intensely enough to make everyone in the palace have a chill fall down their spine." Oh he's seeing clearly for the first time in his sad life Zlade, thanks to the enlightenment I gave him. Your biggest mistake was assuming because of my power and that I was from the " Dark" Multiverse that I had become out of touch with " the common man" but I understand human nature more then any of you.

It's not hope or justice that life revolves around, but hatred. Hate is nature's most perfect energy source. It's endlessly renewable. And I'm the master of it...that's why many across the multiverse also call meOdio... for my Undying hate... Unyielding rage.

While my universe spanning company has everything, what it has the most is hatred. After all…its hatred that will be what breaks the very multiverse, and restructures all of existence into what it should be, under my vision.

After all…I encountered Yosuke in that ambush a few months ago and…had a " chat." There he came to realize how you all had used him as a tool his whole life and was just going to throw him away, while I can offer him what he truly deserves.

After I showed him your lies…it was only natural that he would resume acting like things were normal…only to strike when it would cripple you the most."

Kevin widened his eyes before he winced." No…you knew this was coming the whole time?"

"Oh…not the details since you did not trust him with the details, but all I needed was for him to sabotage your last hope."

"Damn you!" Zlade roared out with fury." You…you used that trick ability to split the past of whomever it cuts? Fight it Yosuke! Kevin…use the power glove to….AHH!"

"I WON'T LET YOU SCREW ME OVER AND THROW ME AWAY JUST BECAUSE YOUR JELIOUS OF ME ZLADE! I WILL KILL YOU OVER AND OVER AGAIN!

GAMMA BURST MODE! HANZO FINALE!"

The swordsmen was consumed with green light, and with his mind altered slashed his former leader in half, and Zlade coughed up blood just as he saw Sieg point his gun at him with a sadistic smirk." You forgot the number one thing about a stand off gunslinger…never draw on someone who already has his guns drawn first!"

Rifts in reality formed before hands came out with more guns, before Sieg blasted Zlade and the rest of his gunslingers to pieces with a barrage of enhanced bullets. Teri saw this before she had Neo-Xenogears lock on to Sieg again." No…YOU HAVE TO ANSWER FOR WHAT YOU DONE!"

Sieg at once grasped his fist before his eyes glowed." How sad that you don't even realize your carrying more weight than you can bare you pathetic whore. Sukunahikona!"

With his restraints shattered, Sieg used his power to have the mecha shrink, and shatter Teri. As it fell to the ground and exploded Kevin winced." No…have to…AHH!"

While he raised the power glove, a red wire cut up from the ground and severed the hand with the glove on. As he screamed in pain more wires burst out, and impaled Neil, Boris, and most in the room as Mary calmly walked forward and licked her lips." You played rebel enough " Game Master" but the games are over."

Lana ran up to Kevin looking on the verge of breaking down." No…don't give up Kevin! We have to…AHH!"

In a flash Mary was in front of Lana, and grasped the Queen of the Palace of Power up by the throat as she had a detached look." Sad child…I'll free you of all the lies God bound you too so very soon. Yes, once your purified, you will see what truly matters, inside my soul!"

Mary suddenly kissed Lana, and caused her body to become crystalized. Neil struggled to move with the wire thread in his leg and glared at Sieg." No matter what…I'll never give in to you Sieg!"

Him and Boris both struck Sieg, but while Sieg was pushed back a few inches, his aura flared up to cause the entire universe to shake as he had a damning look in his eyes." You don't get it do you? You may have been the chosen ones of your god, but your god has either forsaken you or died…and now your new god has decided that the end of your story is damnation! And now, to me you have about as much edge as Mister Rogers!

Absolute Condemnation!"

Seig's aura exploded with such force that Neil's sai Havain, and katana, Soulbane, cracked and then shattered at the same time Boris's fists exploded.

His aura let out a burst of green and red energy, trapping the two in what seems to be liquid brimstone or blood as they were pinned to the wall.

Sieg saw there desperation and snickered as he took up the shards of Nei's broken blades and flicked it at its owner to slice him into five pieces.

He then fired a bullet right at Boris's mouth.

Sieg saw Kevin trying to craw to Lana as his lover was becoming crystalline before he snickered." Your great gambit that this "Triade" of universes had the power to stop us has failed so very spectacular. But seeing the look in your eyes has made this hunt almost worth the investment.

A shame…I heard there was a rumor there was more then one Game Master…your odds might have been better if that was true." Kevin struggled to aim is Zapper at Sieg before replying with," I would not drag anyone else into sharing my burden…at least I'll die with my beliefs."

"Do you feel proud that you died sticking to such worthless ideas? If you think your that pure, your mistaken. I know…there was another "Game Master" who had a family and tried to train successors.

But, that one's obsession with fixing a broken universe made him go to extremes. In the end…that one had such a toxic relationship with the man he once thought he would succeed him, that you erased your own daughter's memories of him, and in return he killed that version of your pitiful wife. It was quite an amusing story…though…the outcome became…lost.

Truthfully, my "brother" once encountered a echo of that game master in the Cosmic War…and rumors are that either that Game Master…or his rival merged with the god of his universe and became a…well reports are unclear but something among a " Xeno-breaker", another destructive multiversal force. Such a being…almost was worthy enough to be a true rival to me.

But the fate of that being was not clear…either it was unstable and destroyed itself and its people, or was hiding to try and challenge me for dominance over all existence.

That's why I wondered if that true rival was among you. But…just more pathetic heroes. I like to celebrate a really good kill. Connects me to my "spiritual side". But at this point the entire Multiverse is at my control…if that possible rival is not hear then its too late for you.

In the end the fate of all who's God have forsaken them, is for their stories to be finished by those who start what others cannot! For history has always been written by the winners!"

Kevin coughed up blood before he staggered to his feet." I don't know about this other Kevin who lost his way or other Game Masters or whatever a Xeno Breaker is…but even if that's not what's here it does not mean you won Sieg!

You…you may have gotten lucky and stumbled into this god like power you did not deserve, and did not want anyone to take the "perks" away from you but despite all this, you have not won!

You may have outsmarted us…but the alliance is not dead yet! You're so obsessed with erasing any "rivals" but because you only define threats by what meets your standards, you don't even know what else can stop you. Someone…will make you see how wrong you are, no matter how, GUH!"

Sieg showed how little he thought of Kevin by grasping him by the throat and making red energy crackle into the Game Master. He looked right at Kevin's eye and hissed out," Now, you see this is where we are different. I don't pretend I'm an ordinary guy got lucky. I am a monster…a carnivorous monster that devoured everything, entire universe's to get to where I deserved to be.

You have to be one to be a winner, and nothing else matters as long as you win! The fact that so many defy that reality out of their refusal to accept that not only angers me, it gives me "Zlost." "Zlost" is more than anger, it means malice, spite, deep-seated implacable resentment.

My malice for those that denied me what I deserved, is what pushed me to shatter every maggot in my way.

And that's what you are" Captain N" just another maggot that means nothing but failure. And that's why…its game over for you."

He waved his hand before Kevin saw his own fist grasping his head." As he screamed Sieg only snickered as the Power Glove ripped its owner's head off before he shrugged." I can't help it...I love the Power Glove, it's so bad."

A moment later another golden tower came down and crashed into Kevin's corpse, before starting to take control of the Palace of Power. Mary finished absorbing Lana into her before she saw everyone else was dead and wiped her mouth." While we killed most of there members…this was not all of the High Command."

"At this point…that's irrelevant Mary." Sieg uttered as he snapped his fingers, and the tower fired a cable into the hole in the universe." We have overtaken enough of the Multiverse that the time has come where we can take control of all of it. No matter who is left, no one can stop us now."

"Are you sure? While you corrupting Yosuke sabotaged their plan…it was possible that their plan could have hurt you."

"Heh…wanted to feel alive a bit to enjoy the victory Mary. Nothing like putting your life on the line to have…clarity and reexamine what you're aiming for. The sheer exhilaration from gambling really can be indescribable at times.

But one day there's nowhere to take it but the highest extreme, ultimate omnicide for total multiversal monopoly over life itself, and wagering your life over the ultimate bet, for the ultimate prize. Yes...I'll have total control over every single thing...and never be denied anything ever again.

Funny…I almost feel like the time I beat my father in bet. The thrill of domination started all the way back then. Soon, everyone will have to submit."

Mary sighed before she looked up." Then let's begin Sieg. We already delayed it long enough because you wanted to "Be sure" But Ben Auro must be dead…or do you still think he will show up to stop you?"

Sieg looked at the pile of corpses in the palace and snickered." We can't be careless about letting anything or anyone deny us what we want Mary. But your right…at some point the line crosses from being careful, and being weighed down by obsession.

The greats never sacrifice the important for the urgent. They handle the immediate problem and still make sure to secure the future. The only currency that this firm has…that any firm has in the end…is it's winning streak.

The kevlar of knowing the answer. You break that, you break the whole thing. We won over everyone, and it's time all there is submits to that reality. So let us return to the Prime Universe, begin the Song of Nephilim, and start are final, ever lasting victory."

"Of course." Mary answered as she flicker her hair out of her eyes." Transmissions is still jammed in this universe from the rebel's futile efforts to cut us off, but that will fade shortly.

Homelander and the rest of the Vought lackeys around him have become rather desperate to host a party that will impress you. They swore it would be worthy of your standards."

"Heh, well we will see if at least some of them leave an impression worth keeping them around for. Very well then, let's secure things here, then see if the right people in the prime universe are suffering, eh? We have had a worthy arrangement Mary, now its time to see that to its proper conclusion."

"But of course." Mary replied as she looked at the remains of the Power Glove, and shattered it. She looked around at the remains of all the rebels that died fighting with Kevin and sneered." All these hopeless dreamers thought that their fantasies could become reality. But in the end such dreams are just the fiction of fans blind to the truth."

The tower jammed into the Palace of Power started to glow, before starting to attract the universe outside it. As the two universe's started to merge together the red haired woman had a fanatical look in her eyes." The time has come for all lies to erode away, so that not even God can look away from the truth at the end. And for all that resist that destiny, may they suffer every last moment till the end. So come…let the final forclosure of the Multiverse begin."

The two-saw universe's start to merge together into the tower before going to see if those serving them could make an offering that would satisfy them. But at the moment, while transmissions were still jammed in the universe they were in, they had no idea just how bitter an offering was being displayed, though Mike was still coming to terms with how cruel a game the agents of the IV&C were playing.

Despite how many emotions he had to deal with at once, Mike saw Max's crazed look and winced." C'mon Max…fight it! You're really going to let some punk like Kubo make you betray everything you believed in!"

Max's eye twitched as he chuckled in a delirious tone." To a suck up like him? No. But…I heard you saw for yourself just what kind of man Sieg is. I…spent my life rebelling against control freak assholes but he really is beyond a devil.

So stop moaning about this Mike…and grit those teeth…so we can at least fight to the end as men!"

Bowser roared before he narrowed his eyes." Sieg killed me to dude! But I'm not letting him define what I am! The Koopa King does things his own way…to the end! I'm sorry you got stuck like this…but not sorry enough to just roll over! Its go time!"

Bowser roared before unleashing all the power he had left to once more transform into his Giga Bowser Fury state. Max winced from the Koopa King's roar before he chuckled." Not bad…you trained to become a true beast. The only problem is…I trained harder!"

Alphen, Neku, and most of the Wickerd Twisters surrounded Max before Alphen had his sword surge with fire." Just like with Vholran, another brave soul is being enslaved for a sadistic game! I'm sorry we have to hurt you but we will free you!"

Max saw Alphen's grim resolve before he snickered." You got guts kid; you almost remind me of my early days. But the problem is, I hate myself a lot these days and dumbass pride won't mean jack!"

Beat snickered before cracking his neck." Yo you may be a legend, but don't look down on us! Get in my way and get shredded, yo! Let's turn up the volume guys!"

Mike winced before he looked at his teammates tensely." Don't be reckless Beat! Max…he's on a whole other level from all the reapers!"

Bowser roared before his eyes glowed." Well if he's that cool then I don't have to worry about turning up the heat!"

The giant turtle unleashed a massive burst of flame at Max, but Ben and Mike's cousin just had his shoulder "Spiegel blades" extend before he narrowed his eyes." Think you have to worry about being held back and it will be over before you can blink!" Sin Sturm Und Drang!"

Max began quickly preformed an enhanced version of one of his earlier moves, now having his wings have blades extend like a top with three blades of energy spinning around before he unleashed a twister of magical energy that casually blew out Bowser's flames like a candle fire.

Alphen grasped his blade carefully before uttering," He's strong, but our united flames will overcome his controlled fire! Keep him pinned down! Blazing Pillar!"

Alphen charged at Max and unleashed one of his mystic arts just as Hyde unleashed his own Raging Roar attack from the other side.

Dedede also attacked with his hammer and Beat attacked with his skate board to hit Max on all four sides. The attack caused Max to stop his spin, and Neku, Neon White, Kei, Rivet, and more of the long distance fighters attacked Max from all sides.

Max saw Alphen's resolve before he let out a bitter chuckle." I see you been fighting for a while man. Nice plan…except for the fact that when a pack of pups charges a wolve, they still are getting ripped apart! And that's what you all might as well be in the face of the school of the undefeated of the east damn it! Choukyuu Haou Den'eidan!"

Everyone tensed up as Max's aura blazed to even higher lengths, and with the flick of his wrists, he created a new horizontal whirlwind of green and yellow energy that uprooted everyone into the air. Max's eye twitched before he grit out," Sorry…you all wanted freedom badly, but this is the reality."

"Not its not!" A new voice cried out as Max went to attack," Quasar Deuxième Hachis!"

In less than a second, Mike unleashed a kick powerful enough to shatter the wind from Max's attack. Max's eyes could only widen as his cousin's son knocked his head back. Mike unleashed three more lightspeed kicks that each unleashed pressurized air and looked like a shooting comet.

But by the fourth kick Max dashed downwards and suddenly cried out" Rising Tackle!" Before he got right below Mike while in mid kick, and dashed upwards whilst upside-down to drill-spin upwards into the air, with one leg tucked into middle and one arm stuck out.

Mike only had time to blink before yelling in pain as Max's attack slammed into his chest, and smashed him right into the ceiling hard enough to dent it. As Mike cried out in pain Max landed on the ground, and rubbed his cheek." Not bad…that kick woke me up kid! I see you managed to up your game and learn some serious skills with those feet of yours.

But too bad for you, that just means I just start focusing at that point! Hey, c'mon! It's time to get serious! This legendary wolf is gonna show you the ropes! Though if you will still have a mind left to learn anything form it when we are done is on you!"

"Don't…think this is a game to me Max!" Mike spat out bitterly as he landed on the ground." I'm just getting started to! You may have been far above me when I was alive…but it's different now. I have to win and get past you! That's why I can't lose! Divine…GUH!"

He prepared to attack, till Max suddenly slammed him in the chest with his shoulder. He punched Mike before his cousin could respond before he shouted out," Then get serious already dude! Buster Wolf!"

He punched Mike into the wall, and prepared to smash the younger man's face before Bowser got in front of him and blocked the strike with his shell. While Max's fist caused an explosion, Bowser withstood the attack.

As the Koopa King fell to his knees Max's eyes hardened." No matter how big or stubborn you all are, you all will break down sooner or later so eat this! Star Dunk Volcano!"

Max jumped into the air to hit Bowser in the face with a knee strike, then followed up with a diagonal downward punch.

He hit Bowser in the gut so hard he formed a crater where the geyser bursts out beneath his fist. Suddenly "Power Geysers" blew out all over the area to blast most of Mike's allies.

Max saw Mike yell out in dread before he let out a bitter chuckle." Sounds like dying gave you a lot more focus cuz. But after you know your ideals, can you make them real? Because if you can't…you're just making everyone suffer. Trust me, I learned that the hard way!"

Mike saw the crazed look Max had before he took a deep breath and got into a fighting stance." I don't have any doubts on what I have to do Max. No matter how bad the odds are, if I don't gamble that I can make a difference, then I really will have failed everyone."

Max saw how serious Mike looked before he looked at his own hand." We really did teach you the wrong lessons eh kid? You really are like me, and what I taught Ben. But I taught him the wrong thing…because everything we fought for changed jack!

I fought to change things and avenge my pals and the rest of the Zandalorian people for what Kira, Brad, and Xiza did to them, but all I really did was get killed by that asshole Fowltror! And sure, Ben avenged me in time, and even brought me back from the dead when Doug broke the universe, but trying to make things better, just made them worst.

All we worked for…just amounted to Sige wiping everyone out. And if resisting things just made it worst…then maybe resisting…just will hurt more then it will help."

Mike saw how haunted Max looked before he resisted the urge to throw up," That must be those assholes getting in your head man! We both seen how Sieg treats well, everyone!

There's no mercy from a guy like that, so we got to keep fighting to the end no matter how bad the odds are! Besides…if you cared about keeping your family safe so much then why did you give up on them!"

"I did not give up on you guys yah hear me!? I, I just needed a time out, a chance to have a life on my own terms! It was the only way I could see if there was any other life I could live, and if anyone else could fit in it."

"You mean like, a family? You had centuries to marry or have kids Max! I'm sure my parents would have helped!"

"Yah, on there terms. You think I wanted to raise a kid when they could suddenly burst into flames form one of those Adolla Bursts or suddenly turn to the age of my old man because of one run in with timefall? Because that is what happened when I was starting to gel with a date damn it!

Could not even revive her because she became a BT before Lacus could arrive. There…there was no point trying to have a family in this broken universe. Richard and you were different because your angel genes protected you, but I'm half dead, half demon, they sure as hell would not get that blessing."

"So you did not even try? Damn it, I know you're not the only one that gave up trying to have a family in a universe Max, I just saw from Bria how things drove her crazy to. That being said…despite all this there were plenty of people still rolled the dice and saw where it got them. I'm not saying my parents were perfect…I'm sure they could have done a lot of things better. But at the same time, I refuse to think this is the only way things can end!"

"Well, when everyone joins us here, we can talk about it but its heading that way fast Mikey."

"But they are not dead yet…and I got to keep fighting to keep it that way. Just before this…I convinced Bria that life was still worth fighting for…and I rather die a thousand more times then make that all be a lie!"

"Well…I hate to break it to you cuz but you're going to die even more times before you beat me! Because you can try all you want to go against nature, but it smashes you into it sooner or late."

"If it was just me I'd understand, but its not. Its Astra, Tyson, Mark, Ezan, and all the others still fighting to change things that make it clear this is not a lost cause!"

Mike unleashed a barrage of lighting fast kicks, only for Max's aura to flare up." Well…then you better hope they thought things out more then you because so far, your gamble's just leading you to one punishment after another.

If you want to prove me wrong, then prove you can get up! Suibu Saikenkouko Deadly Wave!"

Max dodged Mike's kicks, before punching back even faster to pummel Mike all over his body. Despite feeling pain surge into him Mike used all of his willpower to keep it together as he blurted out," No…got to have faith till the end…that this will work. Got to have faith…that the impossible…can be possible!"

Even as the member of his own family pummeled him his faith that his comrades were not giving up was founded, for the moment.

We now turn to some of his comrades that were going through their own bitter fights, like Astra. Since we last left the Equalizer she was unleashing on Higgs a even greater rage then the storm of anger that killed her previous opponents.

However while the figurehead of the militant separatist group known as the Homo Demens was not able to over power her, thanks to all the bombs she still was pulling her punches, and Higgs was very happy to take advantage of that.

As the very ocean had black squid like tentacles come at her, she waved Gorr at them and had them freeze before she glared at Higgs in front of her." Quit the act Higgs just makes you look even more pathetic than you already are!

You always been a rat who would try and craw away no matter what, even if you had to craw away from death! So don't go acting like you're some die hard zealot suicide bomber!"

"You think that because you never really understood me gal!" Higgs howled out." I crawled back from death cause I had a job to do! But this will see the job done, one way or another!"

Blowing up everyone in this region of space won't get anything done Higgs! It won't stop Sieg, it won't change the universe, it will just kill more people that don't deserve to die!"

"Ah hell you have gone soft Astra! Don't matter if some are Vought folks and the other are Bethal folks…they are all sell outs who sided with order! You use to want nothing more then to make a speech to all those Auro loving saps as there city burned!"

" And I still made that speech! But then I realized how much of an asshole I was thinking it was all a game! I saw people who did not ask to take sides in anyone's ideas, and were just trying to survive in a place broken before they even got there! Even if some were on board with that whole stale utopia stuff like Abdiel, they were broken to begin with. The only way there's any future is to stop wasting time with worthless crap like this!"

"Man…being all chummy with the Bethal pals did a number on yah gal. You fabulous thing. You crawled out of a pitiless grave, deeper than hell. Only one thing that is going to do that for you.

Not hope. Hate. No shame in hate. It's one of the greatest forces of nature. Your old man's hate allowed him to remake the whole damn universe."

"And what has that really gotten anyone eh Higgs? Just a lot of pain and suffering and a lot of broken family! All so he can just lay around drunk while everything burns!"

"So this is all because your bitter at our old man eh? He's not just doing nothing, trust me he knows Sieg is everything he loathes. He's coming back to show these IV&C assholes what all their plans are worth.

And it was my job to make sure he could do that! So that's what the hell I'm doing! We're not so different, you and I. We both had to make a name for our selves with no one doing us any favors! But I thought we were the same, but now you're looking like all the other fools who need order! You may have a higher power level then me, but you're still sounding like one of those Bethal pansies!

The whole point of what your old man wanted…was to burn away anyone who needed society to live!"

"Damn it Higgs how much of a dumbass are you? No one can live on their own unless your god, and he hated that to!"

"Maybe…but he hated people who needed bonds, and who forced bonds on others. After being with your old man for a while, nothing he expressed contempt for then those who expected things from him.

He wanted to turn the universe to a place were no one had time for "frivolous bonds" so he could keep it real. More or less…people would stop expecting people to stick around and just be fine with whatever they got. Nothing he would rant more about over drinks than how Ben, his former master, his family, they all wanted something from him.

He wanted to humble the entire universe and they would grow up and accept things. That's what I'm going to finish! After this, no matter what the universe will become too fast paced and chaotic for anyone who needs bonds to live! Everyone will learn that its better that people don't build bridges…and just live on their own!"

Higgs had tentacles burst out in all directions to grasp Astra. Higgs saw she was bound before his eyes widened." I got yah now! I WIN!"

Astra narrowed her eyes before howling out," Don't touch me you greasy suck up! You were just too weak to believe in anything but being a pain loving troll Higgs! If you are the one who takes after what my dad the most then I'll just kick his ass next! I sure as hell did not become a gal who gets behind the angel's ideas after it just blew up in there faces…but this is just as extreme.

This is not keeping things" Equal" its just making things hell because a few people can only find heaven in a place where they have to do nothing and answer to no one. Well as long as you're alive, there are things a person has to do and that only ends when your dead, and sometimes even beyond that!

I'm not just going to be blind to what my actions cause Higgs. And if you don't understand that then I'm going to beat yah till it sets in! But first you're going to need to cool the hell off! You think you got me? I got you! True-Ice Kamui… Cocytus Aegis!"

Astra had her ice armor form around her, instantly causing everything binding her to freeze. As the ice spread for him Higgs winced." Hey this is not what I meant when I said chill out gal!"

"To bad!" Astra roared out as she pointed Gorr at her target." This dumbass plan has wasted enough of my time! Hakka no Togame… White Haze Punishment…and Cocytus Death Mistral!"

Astra unleashed her aura and froze Higgs, before unleashing a barrage of slashes. As she landed on the ground the giant in front of her, with all the God-bombs in it, fell to the ground in pieces.

Astra saw Higgs frozen face before she spat at him." I don't have time to waste dragging this out asshole. I have promises to keep and that means something to me. So just go off and die already!"

She was about to take off before she saw a massive whale type BT come at her. She sliced it in half in an instant, but as she did Higgs appeared and grasped her hand. As she looked at him he smirked." Too busy to die today gal! Its time we go to where you belong!"

Before she could react, Higgs warped the two of them to what seemed to be his beach. Astra saw giant dead whales floating all around her and howled with rage, but he vanished again before she could strike.

He reappeared in the distance as the waves of his beach started to ripple." That was some cold shoulder Astra. You're embracing your power alright, you just got to keep your head straight! We are in my world now though Astra…so you better change your tune if you want to see anything but sand for a long ass time!"

"Damn it Higgs!" Astra roared out as her aura caused the entire beach to shake." Let me out of here or I swear I'm going to kill yah till you stay dead!"

"You will thank me when everything that's messing with yah is gone Astra! I'm just doing what I'm supposed to do. Keep the Extinction Entity safe until the slate is wiped clean. Don't you realize that there's no stopping the sixth extinction?

No matter what you, me or anybody else does, humanity has a few hundred thousand years left, tops. So why don't we just cut to the chase? Accept our fate. Like the creatures before us. We all know what's coming. Why delay the inevitable?

We're all bound here for a reason. We're all of us a part of the Death Stranding. And this place, this god damn "Beach"…

Nice, huh? Lucky loser gets to put an end to this rinse-and-repeat crap once and for all. So… let's cut to the chase."

Just a good old-fashioned boss fight. Stick versus rope. Gun versus strand. One more ending before the end… One last game over."

"I'm sick of your games Higgs!" Astra roared out as her aura caused the water to rise up." Just get, huh?"

She prepared to stab Higgs right through the face, only for a portal to appear right where he was and send her to another part of the area, where another BT was coming for her. She sliced it in half and saw portals were now everywhere she snarled in disgust." All you can do is throw every lame trick at the book eh? No matter how many portals you throw around here I'm going to get through to yah and then all your going to do is get an even worst asskicking!"

"Maybe…but if it holds you long enough then I can die in peace."

"I froze all your bombs, so your plan is…finished? Damn it…you had even more god damn God Bombs?"

"Hey now you really thought I would just lay all my cards on the table? Just sit back Astra…its not worth saving those assholes anyway."

"Maybe not for you!" Astra cried out as she went through dozens of portals in a second to try and get to Higgs. "But some of us still have something worth fighting for and I'm not letting any more people suffer just because of one unhinged jackass! Berial Masako!"

Astra tried blowing away everything vie sheer force, only for her red energy beam to be caught by the portals and divided to segments. As explosions blew up all around her Higgs snickered." Oh come on Astra…think I'm the only one who thinks this way?

Think I'm the only one who just wants to see these self absorbed assholes get what they deserve? Hell nah! You may have not given the Homo Demens much thought Astra but that did not mean that the faction was a joke!

There are extremists like the Demens everywhere in the universe. Plotting in the shadows. They're decentralized by nature. Not one organization to rule them all. Just a common ideology, of chaos! I'm not really their leader, they just respect my devotion to the cause, and are now repaying the favor, in life and in death! C'mon boys…show the " princess" what the vote was!"

Higgs waved his hand before she suddenly heard millions of angry cries, and saw skull heads swarm out in all directions. There was so many angry souls swarming her that she could no longer tell what direction she was moving in.

She sensed that the souls seemed to be filling the entire beach and heard countless cries of hate and anger before she winced." Damn it…I get your all angry…but this will just do nothing but cause endless hate till there's nothing left!"

"Don't you get it Astra?" Higgs cried out in an echo that seemed to be coming from all directions." That's all there is in life, an endless storm of hate where those with the most hate devour each other! All those Enji, Angels, and all the other so-called heroes kept hollering that there was something else, but everyone saw it was all lies!

And now we all would rather burn everything down than listen to the tune of lies any longer! With weapons and the will to be violence enough to use them the whole world is yours, same as it ever was!

Don't resist just because you feel bad about what you had to do to make it honey, just embrace the tune and let things fade away like they are going to no matter what! And if you need help then I'm more then willing to make it slip away!"

Higgs took out a guitar and laughed badly before he played a few tunes and fired a bolt of lightning at a portal. After zapping around a few more portals it hit Astra, and was powerful enough to make her grunt in pain.

Despite this she resisted, but the souls all swarmed her as well as Higgs laughed with disgust." You really thought you could just brush me aside like trash eh? I may not have Geto's magic but I'm still damn good at my job! I brought down the whole damn Bethal Kingdom cause I played that sap of a queen like a fiddle! I am the particle of God… COME ON! Luck's on your side gene wise but I'm still the one who out witted gods!

We've got all the time in the universe for you to say you're sorry! What's the hold up, princess? Racking your brain to think of a better way? Well, there ain't one. What's it all for? An ending, that's what. Time to move… The one coming to us all, be it today or tomorrow. To this land, these cities, these people—everyone and everything. You were a damn fool thinking you could change destiny, and the laws of nature by yourself!"

Astra grit her teeth before she spat back." Who said I thought I could do this alone? I knew I would have to do all the heavy lifting because few are as badass as me, but I knew I would have to trust others to pull anything worth a damn off."

"And what's that gotten yah Astra? Just going to be, GUH!"

He felt something slam into the back of his head to send him downward, before another female voice uttered," It's gotten her backup. Even when doomsday is knocking Fragile Express never stops a job!"

Higgs had his eye twitch as he saw Fragile above him before she smirked." I don't care how little you thought of me Higgs…I'm getting my pay back! This time, you're the one who's going to break. Sorry Astra…took longer to lock on to this asshole's signature then I thought."

Higgs chuckled bitterly as he rubbed his chin." So you're even dumber than I thought eh Fragile? You bring any of the princess's buddies with you? Cause you're sure as hell too fragile to do much then be a speed bump you stupid, GUH!"

He was knocked off again and saw that Sam had tackled him from behind. He just snorted as he saw the porter try and overpower him before he shrugged." Thought you were just going to hide in a corner or something Sammy."

"Hey…why run from someone who's ass I can kick?"

As Sam tried to stab Higgs Cord Cutters his target noticed Fragile was trying to cancel out his warping powers and let out a deranged laugh." Getting a little touchy-feely there, Mr. Aphenphosmphobia? Your just that hell bent on keeping your "business cred" eh? If it's hard… If it's dangerous… Leave it to Sam! Saaam… Sam! Why you gotta… make me… And rivers… And everything else! Walking… Ten-thousand miles…for a god damn five-star review! But all that is worth jack, AH!"

Sam headbutt Higgs in the face before the porter spat back," It ain't easy…running to hell…and back! I just want to keep going…no matter what!"

"Well you won the medal for most stubborn porter in the universe Sammy! To bad it was worth jack, RAHH!"

While he prepared to kill Sam, in the blink of a eye he realized it was all a distraction for Astra to break free as she cried out," Kept you busy long enough! I HAD ENOUGH! Ia Death Waltz!"

She then stabbed Higgs through the chest and smashed him into the wall so hard it shattered. As he moaned out in pain he looked at Astra with a delirious look." What the hell do you think you're doing? I'm Higgs! I'm the particle of God that permeates all existence. What are you? Honey, you ain't nothing but damaged goods! That sure stung like hell Astra…but I come back from worst and, huh?"

He tried to warp away only to realize Fragile was canceling out his powers. His one time boss looked at him with disgust." Oh? What's this? You're already broken. You're damaged goods…and your being recalled!"

"Higgs." Astra hissed out bitterly." You're not slipping away anywhere again, I'm keeping you right where I can see you, at all times! Its what you deserve."

Higgs saw Gorr start to glow and franticly tried to use his power, and yelled out franticly as it did not work." Give me power, dammit! Astra…no matter what happens to me this will never work! This path you're on just makes everyone your enemy!"

"Well you're the one who said we are agents of chaos eh? I'm fine with things always changing, long as I still fight for what I believe in. That's what I'm doing to the end, fighting for what I believe in now…to the end."

"They really did a number on yah eh? Its to late to change that, but at least I'll keep you from screwing it up!" He had one more God Bomb erupt out of the sea before Astra grit her teeth." I don't have room for sour losers! Higgs Monaghan…you're going to where you're supposed to be…and you're going to be the particle of god you always said you were!"

"No wait and just think about, RAHHH!"

Despite his resistance, Astra absorbed him into the God Butcher blade. As his mask fell to the ground and shattered she glanced at the bomb and spat on the ground." That's all? Meidō…Zangetsuha!"

She quickly unleashed around round of blackhole magic to suck up the bomb. As it vanished she cracked her neck." Damn it…this better be the end of this!"

"It is." Fragile uttered bluntly." I made sure nothing with Higgs scent was left. There won't be any more deliveries from him."

Astra spat on the mask before she nodded." Good…I have a job to do. Old man…I don't care if Higgs was doing what you wanted him to do…if you cared about seeing it through you should have stuck around! I'm doing this my way…to the end and if your part of the problem I'll have you join Higgs next! Dump me where the plan is Fragile I wasted enough time as it is!"

Fragile winced before she looked around." It might not be right where you have to be. They…restarted all their defenses and there are so many threats that…it would not go well for me."

"Fine, just do what you can and I'll clear out whoever's giving me crap. I'm still pissed off enough to go all day! Oh?"

Astra saw the entire beach start to erode before she shrugged." Guess Higgs really is gone if his Beach is falling apart. Glad I got the job done but I'm not going down with his ship."

"No…its more then that Astra." Fragile answered somberly." I been checking in…and all the Beach's I know are collapsing. I don't know for sure, but I think the Vought clan…and the IV&C are trying to absorb all of the after-life realms, and every soul left. If we don't save Mike soon, there will be no souls to save. Furthermore, are own souls will be bound to them."

"As if I needed any more reason to tear this place apart! Lets get going!"

She and Sam grasped on to Fragile before they left, and returned to Mekacity. Astra saw a monitor on one of the buildings showing Mike and Max fighting before she winced." So Mike's still fighting in that Reaper Game eh? Well at least he's hanging in there, but he got the same power he had to own Brandon and he's still getting owned? The Reaper's are that strong eh?"

Sam saw Max's bitter rage and winced." Wait…I know that guy. That…that was Max Bruder, the cousin of Ben Auro! He…he went missing but I guess he was killed after all…and I'm just seeing this but sure seems like someone is making them fight."

Astra widened her eyes before she grasped her fist tightly." Those guys had Mike's cousin…and are making them fight to the death…or super death because they can? I don't care if they are Sixth Dimensional beings, I don't care how many universes across the Multiverse they control….they are smug assholes that are going to get what they deserve!

Hang on Mike, this might be their show and think this is their victory lap but it's going to be their downfall, one way or another! Take cover…this is going to get even uglier soon."

With a battle cry Astra blasted in the direction of Arasaka Tower, not realizing that she was hardly the only one who was disgusted with what the IV&C saw as a game, even the person she just killed recently, Xehamaru.

After consuming and taking over the appearance of agent Paradox, the former fallen Enji had succeeded in escorting Castile to a cell with Crowly. To keep up appearances he went to interrogate the next person that Paradox was going to question next, Bradley "Brad" Wolfe or Hunter X-05, a low-ranking agent of the IV&C that was being held for treason.

Xehamaru in his disguise walked into the cell holding Wolfe with Crowly and Mobius on his sides before he held up a file, pretended to read it and sighed." So…are you prepared to see what happens to traitors?"

The three looked into the cell, seeing a man with a goatee before Wolfe spat at the cell. This caused Mobius to sigh." C'mon man if you keep that tone they are never going to give you another show! Will there be a Zaniac Two? You know, a sequel for the fans?"

Wolfie raised an eyebrow before he snickered bitterly." Mobius! Whoa! Nice to see you haven't forgotten about the little people."

"Heh…I used to work with this guy. You look great."

"Oh, thank you very much.

You look pretty good. We're gonna need to catch up. Afterwards, all right?"

Xehamaru gave an exasperated sigh before he cleared his throat." Your assuming there will be a afterwards with what's in store for you. Come on, X-5, did you really think you could outrun fate? I was told quietly is not your strong suit….but I been informed that you will talk once you had time to "marinate".

So you can either comply, or we will start to turn up the heat. Don't waste our time, X-5."
"That's not my name damn it. Under whose authority are you holding me here? Looking around, I do not see anyone ranking high to make that call."

"I don't need approval to detain a hunter that abandoned his post. The goals of are division are on the line."

"Oh, you've got some nerve. Everyone here knows what you're doing, you know?

You're just trying to make up for all the terrible, awful stuff you've done in your life, you pathetic little man Paradox."

Mobius winced before cutting in with," Okay, that's enough."

Xehamaru paused before holding up his hand." No, no, Mobius. No, it's…It's riveting. Keep going. I want to hear more."

"See, I've read your 's you. You're the problem. Every time we've ever found a you in the Multiverse. Problem is, you think you're special, but you're not. So, it doesn't matter what outfit you put on, play dress up or what little lies you tell your friends or even the lies you tell yourself.

At the end of the day, you just make everything worse. For Mobius, for B-15, for your mother. 'Cause that's what you do. You lose. You're a loser. Stop trying to be a hero, man. You're a villain. And you're good at it. Do that."

Xehamaru thought about a lot of moments in his life and snickered." Thank you… very much. I really am touched. You know, you're right. I have done some terrible, awful things. Yeah, maybe that is who I am, and he knows. It's the real me." He clapped suddenly to get Wolfe on edge." A loser. Always have been. Always will be. And perhaps I've been… holding something back. Perhaps I've just been biding my time.

Perhaps I've just been waiting for a moment like this, so I can do terrible, awful things to you to get that promotion. So, let's try this one more time. Who were you talking to and where we can find them?"

Xehamaru cracked his neck before Mobius let out an uneasy chuckle." That got a little tense. Hey, you wanna hear a good one? Knock, knock."

The man in the cell rolled his eyes before responding with a deadpanned," Brad.

"Brad, who?"

"That's showbiz. And I don't want that to happen to you. So, play along with us, answer our questions and we'll get you back there, so they don't forget about you. How's that sound?"

"You would do that?"

"I will."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

"You seeing this? Mobius, you could be an actor."

"I'm not an actor, I'm an analyst. But thank you."

You're not an analyst. I'm not a hunter. None of this is the truth!

The IV&C is not your real family! Mobius isn't even your real name!

"Well, it's what I answer to."

"Because that's what you were controlled to think! I found out what they do to everyone, and everything and they want to know who I talked to before they shut me up! You're a nowhere man! You're a silly little man."

Xehamaru noticed Mobius started to look conflicted before he remembered how Paradox was supposed to act and took out a gun." Listen. That wasn't tactical. Being compromised by enemy propaganda and compromising the company is unforgivable after all. Your only alive because we…want to know if anyone else is compromised.

But take this seriously…if you don't understand your limits you will suffer like so many of the others that don't know their place. Like…example number…one?"

He pressed a button to turn on the monitor in the cell block. It was supposed to show those the IV&C were punishing, and it happened to be showing Mike and Max's fight.

Xehamaru was shocked to see his former teammate fighting like he was possessed before he blinked in shock." What the blazes is that suppose to be!?"

Mobius blinked before he shrugged." That? Oh that's just the scheduled programming man. Says here that the souls of the Auro family are fighting to the…well they are already dead but their souls are fighting till only one remains to give off a show for the boss man eh? Since they never found Ben Auro they are having his son fight his…well not his brother but"

"His cousin…Max Bruder." Xehamaru answered." The Enji that was once part of the legendary cobra unit."

Mobius raised an eyebrow before he chuckled." Oh you know more than me Paradox did not know you got the memo. Yah, it seems that the kid was killed by V-Day earlier and they were hiding his soul or something till we took over everything.

As for the cousin well he was the first one V-Day encountered from this Prime Universe, and crushed him like it was nothing…then stuck him in hell to kill souls as a punishment. Guess he figured he would find Auro sooner or later and had him fight his nephew as a warmup. The bossman knows how to make an example eh?"

Xehamaru looked detached before he closed his eyes." So, it seems. So now…you see how…ruthless company policy is eh you pathetic traitor? So, what's it going to be B-15?"

"Screw you all! You can't do anything to me that you already did! This company, we are all just products of the company and don't even realize it!"

Xehamaru glanced at the monitor and chuckled." If you think there's nothing left to do for you, then this is going to be fun. Because of that…I'm going to prepare a special game so…just get "Comfortable." "

He pressed a button before a box of energy closed in around B-15 to the point that he felt like he was scrunched in a cargo box before he motioned at Crowley." I think we should gather around the inmates and see who's story is consistent eh? Mobius….go to cell D. But first…I'm taking my lunch break."

The Water ski loving employee shrugged before walking off. Xehamaru left before going back into Castile's cell. The angel saw the two demons enter before he sighed." I thought we agreed to wait a bit before the next phase."

"We did…but something came up. Found that the entertainment venue is my former teammate's soul being the bull in the bull fight."

Crowley snorted before shrugging." The bloke's an Enji right? Sounds like seeing those fellas get ripped apart is how you get your jollys."

Xehamaru chuckled bitterly before he made sure the wards he cast around Castile's cell were working and looked up." I was an Enji Knight for a while Crowley…and Max was on my team along side Kira.

We got along well enough, till Kira's brother died and I and commander Rau le Creuset bombarded planet Irazous to give the scum what they deserved. After that I left the Enji order…to start my path to the dark side. I heard later on how Kira betrayed Max…and he would betray his cousin in turn after his own betrayal.

While I wished he would have saw sense to join Sithantos it's a shame when those who deserve better get what they don't deserve. So he's fighting Auro's son now eh?"

"Aye." Crowley retorted." Seems the hero was trying to force a breakout of hell itself till they threw his cousin at him."

Xehamaru saw Mike get punched through a wall and rebound before he widened his eyes." What…when could he do that? That…that looks like the legendary hero…the one who defeated Shin-Emperor Zannacross the last time."

Castile nodded before he sighed." That's because Michale awakened the power his father gained, the same power as Seiya Leingod. This was the power Ben used to kill Brad Fowltror long after he killed you.

His son…was able to admass a form like that vie the angel genes after gaining a massive amount of energy. But even that's not enough to overcome what Max has become…or what the IV&C has turned him into."

Xehamaru could not help but snicker." So they really are going through such great lengths to revive eh? If they were that desperate they should have just asked me. I mean if they begged me enough, I would have…considered it."

Castile rolled his eyes before cutting in with," You don't understand the depths of how much the IV&C now control this universe Xehamaru. It seems…they now all but control which souls can move between realms."

"Yes well you angels were suppose to have control over that and that did not stop me from reviving my choice inquisitors eh?"

Crowley rolled his eyes before spiting out," You thinking straight snakes? Doing that would kind of screw up the whole plan here!"

Xehamaru paused before his smirk widened." If done wrong yes…but if we do this right it will fortify said cover. Look…if they think I'm still dead then that would reduce the odds they think I'm…we are sneaking around their tacky company, eh?"

"Yah but if you're in hell that kind of derails the plan eh?"

"Look…you can still travel to hell right Crowley? I'm going to "take my lunch break" and send a clone into hell to…" Spice up the game."

Crowley blinked a few times before he cleared his throat." So let me get this straight…you want to help the Enji?"

"No…I'm hurting the enemy. It's going to require…finesse…but its for the sake of the mission."

Castile saw Xehamaru looked serious before he took a deep breath." Your bond with your former teammate was strong enough that you would go to such lengths to save him? You feel guilty for his life turning out the way it did?"

Xehamaru winced before he snickered." Don't get the wrong idea you pawn. Like I said…I'd rather see the current game pieces…be in different positions…so my own position is more ideal. And if I can repay old debts…then would not be the worst thing. Well then Kira…Master Zannacross…are you on board?"

After a few moments his other former teammate cut in with," I'll concede that if you do this right it will divert attention from us…and even Bruder deserves better then this. Just don't underestimate the enemy."

Zannacross then added in," It would be better if they think you would be the one trying to change the game of hell rather than myself. These scums think they know hell more than their masters…so it would do well to remind them who rules hell. Just don't disgrace the true will of the dark side."

Xehamaru grasped his hand before uttering," Understood. I assure you both…the last thing I want is for more bureaucrats to have the last word. Even if these ones are eldritch abominations they still are like Weil Zabi's own toadies…they only understand one kind of power. Well…time to remind them there is more then one way to play the game…always."

The tower shook again and Xehamaru glanced at the monitor, seeing Mike's comrades distract Max long enough for Mike to hit back before he shrugged." Well let no one doubt the extent of my devotion if I'm about to help the person who just all but killed me. Time to tell Mobius I'm taking a lunch break that won't be disturbed."

Crowley rolled his eyes before he looked around." Just remember…I'm not your damn meat shield "Paradox."

Castile saw the two demons walk out of the cell before the archangel could not help but chuckle." Even after all this time at least it's clear that you don't have to be ruled by fate. You can choose freedom. And I still believe that is something worth fighting for. Some bonds and ideals to transcend good and evil and light and darkness after all…and soon we will all see what emerges above all."

The unlikely ally of the demon spies heard more agents come in and pretend to moan from fake injuries as his allies prepared to make their last-ditch effort to change the state of things. As he did, his unaware allies in the current operation were also trying to break through the mounting obstacles before them, such as Ezan, Shinryudramon, Mark, Omni-Man, and the group that was confronted by Thragg.

As we go back…a tad to where we left the group off, despite everything going on, the former Viltrumite leader absorbing his entire army to increase his power level was still an extremely deadly turn of events in its own right.

But despite how powerful the Nahobino of the Viltrum clan was, Ezan 's expression did not falter a moment as his Rinne-Sharingan just glared at its target." It did not have to be this way Thragg. Even after everything that's happened, we could have fought together to resist the IV&C. But now with the fate of the universe on the line, you focus on petty grudges above all else. You're an even more pitiful man then I figured."

Thragg cracked his neck before spitting out," You dare call me unhinged when despite those eyes of yours blind to what's changed Ezan?"

" Oh I see you all too clearly Thragg. But I dealt with countless scum who frantically betrayed everyone around them just to raise their power level and cling on to power. Your no different."

"He's right Thragg." Omni-Man threw in bitterly." Your people will never kneel again to someone who discards them so casually. You disgraced us and have no right to say you lead us!"

"No right?" Thragg spat out bitterly." Strength is absolute to any true Viltrum warrior Nolan….I have every right! You will regret you ever turned against me, and ever saw my vengeance as the lesser issue."

"Well I'll have that satisfaction today when, huh?"

In a flash Uber-Thragg was right above his former right-hand man. Omni-Man winced, and punched Thragg in the face, only for his right fist to shatter upon impact. Thragg saw Omni-Man's cry of pain and smirked." Cute."

He grasped his target by the throat, and Ezan, Shinryudramon, and Mark came at him from all sides only for Thragg to smack them all away so fast that they did not see him.

As they landed on the ground with impacts strong enough to cause all of Mekacity to shake Thragg cracked his neck." You'll have your turn…just watch and see what your fate is. Now then Nolan…where were we? In my absence maybe you were the most qualified to lead…but the problem is, I have no further absence planned. So be gone you,"

In an instant Shinryudramon jumped up and roared out," Infinite Exia Ray!"

The Mega Digimon fired the rainbow projectile at his target, and while Thragg casually bat the blast away like it was a bug, in that instant Ezan used the Amenotejikara to switch places with Nolan. Just as Thragg realized this Ezan unleashed a Judgment Arrow, but to his shock Thragg caught the projectile in his teeth and shattered it.

While Ezan also cast Amaterasu at the same time, the black flames did not seem to effect his target at all as Thragg grasped Ezan by his sword hand and squeezed hard enough to make Ezan grunt." Judgment Arrow you say eh? Such a grandiose name for such a mundane magic blast! Was that suppose to kill me? You will pay dearly for thinking that nothing would have changed since are fight on Corneria! All you are is,"

In that instant Mark tackled Thragg and hit him on the nose, causing the older Viltrumite to look at "Invincible" with contempt." How nice…making this easy for me. Shortly before your death you will recognize my might, see me as the true ruler of are people and understand why you and your father have to die!"

"Your insane!" Mark cried out as he kept punching his enemy. He hit Thragg in the eye, making the taller man wince before Thragg caught Mark's fist." Nicely done…that blood of Argall is doing you some good. But the truth is this only seems like you have a chance because I'm taking my time so I can savor this moment."

"Your insane! You make a big deal about being the leader but a leader is charged with safe guarding the people, ensuring there very existence! Don't you see you're just dooming what's left of are race!? "

"Its because you broke are unity that allowed us to be tricked by Homelander and his masters."

"No…we would all have been blown up and died in are sleep if we were just obeying you! You killed my brother…and spreading are people thin, conquering worlds, is what left are home world undefended, leading to what caused are near extinction in the first place!"

"You still don't understand boy. After the purebred Viltrumite turned on me, they are just tractors to their master. As far as half-breeds go…I can make an endless supply…insuring I'll become stronger than anyone!

Thus my reign will never end! You can accomplish anything when you recognize those lower than you are fodder to be used as you pleased! Look below you boy! All you are fighting for is weak and useless! The Bethel Kingdom you betrayed me for is already dead! And all that will follow the ideals of fallen orders, will fall with them!"

He prepared to thrash Mark, only to see a barrage of different colored dragon heads barrage him. Despite being attacked by various elemental spells at once he just eyed Ezan with annoyance as the super elite warrior declared," You should take our own advice and fade with honor Thragg."

"You say that even while you can't harm me? Do you think you're going to bind me to another damn genjutsu? Think you can brainwash me to being your pawn like you did to Nolan? I assure you…that won't work on me again because one of the other souls I absorbed will be bound, not me! Nothing you do can overcome my power!"

"I can see clearly now that unlike Nolan and the others, if you had countless more lifetimes you would not change your way of thinking. But I did not train for so long only to have so few means to neutralize threats. So, keep playing the bully while you can! Method 524: Divine Dust!"

He unleashed flames from his hand that blinded Thragg, before he unleashed a lighting barrage of blows on his target. Thragg grasped his chest and saw it was burnt before he narrowed his eyes." Was that your last shot? You may have had a bit more punch to your strikes…but you will still kneel before me!"

"I'm just getting started."

Thragg snarled and unleashed a sonic boom to knock Ezan back, then tried to rip Ezan's head off. Ezan managed to slice Thragg with his sword, and Shinryudramon tackled Thragg before he could rip his target apart.

Thragg saw a bruise on his face before he shrugged." You're franticly trying to raise your power level but it won't be enough to matter!"

"Is that what you think it is Thragg? You being drunk on your own power will be your last mistake."

As Thragg winced Omni-Man shrugged." Your getting weaker Thragg…your faith in your "trump card" was a big mistake."

"Wait…what? No…the calculations were flawless…fusing into Uber Thragg should not be undone so casually!"

"Maybe…unless I took it away from you?"

Ezan flatly replied. Thragg roared but Shinryudramon, Mark, and Omni-man tackled him, causing Ezan to strike him again in the face. This caused Thragg to vomit out blue energy, before he winced." What…what are you doing to me?"

"I'm righting the wrongs you did to your subjects. All that sprit you stole for yourself…those souls. That life energy…I've simply liberated it."

Thragg saw a blue sphere of energy forming around Ezan before Omni-Man nodded." IS that the Forced Sprit Fission technique I once heard used by those on the dead planet of Yardrat?"

"Correct." Ezan answered bluntly. It tears apart things that were combined through fusion or absorption. To be honest…I made sure to master this move in my time with the Multiversal rebel Alliance before I returned…because I still hope to rescue Lacus from being bound to that abomination of a doppelgänger from the Negaverse.

So thank you for providing a test trail, Thragg. You thought you were the strongest when you stole the strength of all who believed you? I understand things must be done to see missions completed…but absorption, fusion, and all that stuff…it does not reflect one's inherent power.

So if you boast you're the strongest then why don't you stop relying on strength stolen from others and simply fight with your own power? Or is your own power enough for you to even stand? You're going to return every last soul you stole for your own glory!"

"Damn you Ezan!" Thragg roared out as he realized what was going on." You will pay for this! I'll rip your head off before dragging Auro out of whatever hole he was hiding in and making him kneel to his superior once and for all!"

"You think your even worth their time?" Ezan answered flatly." What a joke…you were never close to Auro's level. For all your talk about being the leader of the ultimate warrior race, you never had a warrior's pride!"

"I'm a ruler Ezan…you never understood the pride of a pawn is not the same as the pride of a king! "

"I seen more kings than you had subjects Thragg…I understand far more then you ever been willing to learn. Your just another petty man who wanted to bully everyone…and will die alone as a result."

"NO!" Thragg uttered as he suddenly burst at Ezan and unleashed a rapid barrage of headbutts to daze him. Realizing what was going on, Thragg pummeled Ezan at the speed of light to not give him a chance to fight back." I have toyed with you long enough. It was I who kept our civilization growing!

I drove our people further than Argall did. I held us together after the Scourge Virus! I've earned my command! I deserve to lead! I'm what our people and the entire universe need! I don't care what is decreed-what your bloodline earns you! You have earned nothing! All you deserve-IS DEATH!"

Thragg tried to smash Ezan's head in, only for Mark to tackle the man from the back. He pushed Thragg so hard in moments he dragged his former leader into the very sun, Solar.

As Mike saw Thragg snarled he tried to shrug off the heat." No one else will die because of you Thragg! Your Viltrum empire is dead…if you don't see any hope for are people why build the army…what's the point of it all!"

"Isn't it obvious? Revenge! You and your father…chosen, gifted with the blood of Argall, destined to rule the clan…after I devoted my entire life to safeguarding it! I'm supposed to bow to the scum who let our home planet get obliterated? I'm expected to step aside while the likes of you assume command? No! I'll see your traitorous bloodline erased from history! I'll…"

"A solar flare flared out, blasting Mark off of him. Thragg snickered as he cracked his neck and looked around at the sun…somehow not getting blinded by it." You were insane to bring us here. If its your wish to do my job for me and follow the rest of your comrades …so be it! I'll leave you to burn if that's what you wish. I'll have many more of those you care about I'd like to kill before this is over."

"NO! I can't let you leave here alive! Even if killing you kills me…I won't give up!"

He grasped Thragg from behind and tried to drag him deeper into the sun before Thragg laughed." I always welcome a challenge! You will burn apart far before I do boy!"

Mark was suddenly covered by a pink suit of armor, and Thragg noticed Eve had come to protect Mark before she cried out," He's not alone!"

"Cute…but you will burn before, GUH!"

Mark punched Thragg before he could continue and kept punching while crying out," I just said you're never hurting anyone again! You're fighting for revenge? So you can be the best? So you can lead the universe?

You're fighting for nothing! I'm fighting for my family, my people…our people, your people! Hell, even your army that was fighting against me before you backstabbed them! I want all of this to stop I want all of us to live! My father…I yelled at him for letting you live, but I see now that's when he proved he was a leader. That's when he showed what our people could be.

You asshole…you never saw our potential! Each punch I throw has the weight of everyone I love and everyone who loves me behind it. You feel the force of who I'm fighting for with every blow!

Your punches have nothing behind them but your own strength. Because you're a Viltrumite who clings to the old ways! You value and respect only strength. You feel only the strong deserve to live. You cling to practices that pushed our people to the brink of extinction.

You see us as people living only for conquest, measured only by the size of our clan. No room for peace…no room for compassion…no room for love. You thought you were keeping the empire alive…pulling us back from the brink of extinction. The truth is you were holding us back. Under your leadership the Viltrumite race stood for nothing…fought for nothing…just like you.

You can't see it…you can't allow yourself to see us being anything else but its there! I know there is compassion in our people. Always there beneath the surface, buried under all that strength and fury. It's there waiting to be nurtured so it can grow. We can be a force for good. We can spread peace throughout the universe. We can love and be loved. We can be happy! My mind is racing…thinking of the potential for what we can achieve! So there's no way I'm letting you ruin everything!"

Thragg screamed as the heat was starting to cause his mustache to burn before he roared out," EVERYTHING IS ALREADY RUINED FOOL! There is nothing left but absolute strength! You will die for nothing, but I'm not dying before you!"

He tried to thrash Mark, only for Shinryudramon to tackle him. The Royal Knight Digimon's Chrome Digizoid allowed him to not be burnt from the sun's fire as he tackled Thragg and glared at him." You don't get the right to decide things anymore jerk! Time to get the point drilled into yah! Giga Drill Breaker!"

Ben's Digimon partner unleashed his drill right in Thragg's gut causing his target to yell, and look up to see Ezan gathering energy around him before the super elite warrior cried out," Thragg…you see nothing because life revolves around your shallow pride. We who have true pride, won't give up so easily! We will keep fighting till the end…with pride. And if you can't see such a move…then that's why its checkmate for you!

Kamui…Tachyon Shuriken!"

Ben's rival hurled another shuriken with energy of light and darkness right at Thragg's head, and hit his target right on. Thragg got hit by Mark one last time, before the projectile phased right into his body, causing him to scream out in pain. The mad leader of the Viltrumite clan roared as he was pushed to the depths of the sun as he cried out," DAMN YOU TRAITORS! I AM FATED TO RULE ALL! YOU WILL ALL…KNEE…RAHHH!"

Thragg's tongue melted off before he could go on, and he burnt to ashes before his remains exploded near the core. Ezan saw the mad traitor to the Viltrum race die before he grasped his blade tightly." One more threat neutralized…without to much of a cost. Are you going to be ok Invincible?"

Shinryudramon and Allen the Alien helped Mark out before the half Viltrumite gave a thumbs up." Everything's on fire…but I'm alright. Just glad Thragg did not get the last laugh."

Eve hugged her boyfriend before Ezan sighed." Now…lets just make sure the rest of are enemies won't get the last laugh either. No matter how many hostiles engage…we have to see this through to the end."

He and Shinryudramon used their speed to return to the head shaped city quickly, and then they landed they saw that the Batman Who Laughs was casually waiting for them…clapping." Thank you for ridding us of that outdated pest Enji. As a reward…your deaths will be…semi quick."

Ezan pointed his blade at the eldritch fusion of Batman and the Joker from the Dark Multiverse." Not quick enough to save you. If that's all your power level is then you won't be laughing long."

"Oh but that's just because you don't get the joke Ezan Zeon! I admit my specialty is on the tactics side…but when brute force is required…I rely on my counterparts for that, eh my "Dark Knights?"

With the snap of his fingers…many figures came out of the shadows and got along side him.

The Batman Who Laughs gave a mocking bow before expanding his arms." I present to you The Drowned, The Dawnbreaker, The Merciless, The Devastator,The Murder Machine, The Red Death.

The Dark Knights are a team of "warriors of the darkness" assembled by myself to fit whatever the IV&C require. These warriors are evil and twisted versions of Batman from the Dark Multiverse who were willing to fight to keep their worlds alive.

Each of us original Dark Knights correlates to a member of the Justice League:

The Batman who Laughs - Batman.

The Drowned - Aquaman.

The Dawnbreaker - Green Lantern.

The Merciless - Wonder Woman.

The Devastator - Superman.

The Murder Machine - Cyborg.

The Red Death - The Flash.

Each member of the first seven Dark Knights are a representation of Batman's worst fears and regrets.

I represents Batman's fear of becoming as bad as the Joker, how much he is defined by the never-ending war with the Clown Prince of Crime and his regret he cannot stop the Joker for good without killing him.

The Drowned symbolizes Batman's fear of going too far in the fight against superhumans, his love for Catwoman, and his inability to trust anyone but himself.

The Dawnbreaker represents Batman's fear of how dangerous he would be with superpowers but lacking his adult discipline, his inner despair taken to its extreme and the regret over his inability to get over his parent's deaths.

The Merciless stands for Batman's fear of who he would become if he started killing, how Wonder Woman helps him see the good in people, and his regret that he really cannot end his crusade since his villains keep coming back stronger time after time.

The Devastator symbolizes Batman's fear of losing hope, how important his friendship with Superman is and both the fear and regret that he cannot fully trust the Man of Steel.

The Murder Machine symbolizes Batman's fear that he isn't as self-sufficient as he would like to be, once he is aware of his technological dependence to fight his worst enemies, his father-son relationship with Alfred Pennyworth and how much he is affected by this bond, and losing his humanity.

The Red Death – symbolizes Batman's fear of losing members of the Bat-Family, his love for them and regret for those he failed. Some of his dialogue and his Speed Force quirk imply he might also represent Batman's fear of old age slowing him down.

All the terrors of the multiverse…are converging on you!"

Ezan saw these other corrupt versions of Batman surround him before he shrugged." I see you gathered quite a lot of clones. But I trained enough to handle each of the cards of your deck and mad failed imposters of Batman are not going to make me break down."

"Heh…you think your one of a kind eh Ezan Zeon? I'm not mad. Just open-minded. You still dismiss what those of the Negaverse I know I'm not exactly the Bruce you were hoping for. But I am Bruce. We all are. Let me remind you of a story we have in common.

On my world, I developed ways to eliminate the Justice League… then they found out and were so disappointed in me. I betrayed their trust. It was a dark time for the League.

But in all honesty… I was holding back. Now imagine if seven Bruce Waynes put their heads together… what horror they could be capable of. If they were to… say… develop separate murderous Batcaves meticulously designed with each of you in mind. So I hope you appreciate our work, because… you're going to die here. Ha. Ha. Ha.

Still…you somehow survived a fight with the Master…that alone makes you a…noteworthy hindrance. But your still nothing beyond what are specialists can exterminate…eh Xehanort?"

Ezan widened his eyes, but before he and the others could do anything, they all found that they could not move. As a neon blue clock was suddenly ticking below them…a cold detached voice suddenly cut in with," If these fools think they still have time, I'll be happy to remind them we control time itself."

A portal of darkness shot up, before someone wearing a black raincoat came out behind the Batman Who Laughs. He quickly pulled the coat back to reveal a young man with mildly tanned skin with pointed ears, golden eyes, and silver hair.

His hair slightly spiked and fell past his shoulders in the back, and he had four bangs framing his face. As he flashed a devious grin Ezan could only mutter," X…Xemnas?"

The new foe smirked before his aura flared up." Xemnas you say? To be able to move even that much in a zone of frozen time…means your worthy enough.

I see…so it's true you encountered a counterpart of mine from this universe. But you're mistaken. I am Xehanort from the Negaverse.

My future self-gave me a task-to visit the splintered versions of myself across the multiverse, and ensure they gathered here today. But first, the thirteen darknesses shall be united. All the seats have been filled. And now the last vessel shall bear my heart like

the rest! Upon this day…we will all gather…to see when all will be united…under the true Organization XIII…under the IV&C!

You…a pawn for my vessel in this universe…are worthy enough. It's a shame your heart's blinded by the light. But at least your heart's worthy enough to be absorbed into the χ-blade!"

He saw the man in black take out said X-blade, made up of two crossing Keyblades with the teeth facing outward. It had a filigree that slightly resembles the one on the Ultima Wepaon, and the blade slightly resembles the Dream Sword.

As the X-blade glowed, Ezan widened his eyes as he used all of his power to resist the time freeze spell Xehanort cast on the group as he saw that a neon blue clock was ticking beneath everyone." I'll never…submit…to any version of you!"

Xehanort snickered as he took out a Neon Blue energy blade…Ruination…and had his aura flare up with such force that the buildings around him shattered." You'll never prevail, you know. If you refuse to submit You shall wander forever!"

He raised his blade, till some of the other Viltrumite's that had been fighting had saw Omni-Man and Mark were frozen before Lucan cried out," Your inferior hands won't touch him you filthy, GUH!"

The moment Xehanort saw the black Viltrumite was coming for him he instantly lashed his blade at him, and had it extended like a whip to lash his head off. As the other Viltrumite 's froze in shock Xehanort looked at them with disgust." If you don't know what supreme power is…witness your powerlessness and, huh?"

To his shock the moment his focus was distracted, Ezan burst at Xehanort and forced him to block. He saw Ezan's fury before looking amused." I see you loathed my counterpart quite a lot if you're already this riled up. Fine then… I admire your tenacity… but this was your fate; accept it!"

Mark saw Xehanort and Ezan strike so fast it seemed like there were dozens of them slashing at each other all over before he glared at the Batman Who Laughs." Damn all of you freaks! We will never bow to you!"

"Are you so sure?" The Batman Who Laughs replied." You will find you were all to willing when you were not blinded…is that not right Angstrom Levy?"

A scientist with a enlarged brain walked up, with a man that looked just like Mark but with a mohawk. The other Mark eyed his counterpart and Omni-Man and just snickered." So Thragg was really still alive in this universe? Man how lame!"

The Batman Who Laughed, laughed hard at Mark and the others shock before he leaned back." There were so many counterparts to you across the Multiverse that we had to have a culling to see who the most profitable " Invincible" was! You who fight for" Justice" is the anomaly, perhaps because of the influence of the Auro family. That's what you're just learning the hard way…you're not special to us, your just defective products.

We have superior brands to most of you, eh?

Over Nu Etherion Void?

Shik and the others from Eden Zero had come to try and back Ezan up, but Shiki was shocked to see another man land that looked like him, in a dark knight like set of armor before he widened his eyes." That…is supposed to be a clone of me?"

"Negative." The man with his face uttered. "You ask me who I am. Shiki. I am the will of the universe. Strife... Bloodshed... Warfare... You are a foolish race that destroys its own kind. My name is Void. I am the will of the Edens One. I am the unborn son of an alternate version of Shiki Granbell and Rebecca Blugarden that were sent 20,000 years in the future.

The stars are weeping. They pity us who possess no lives. Or... perhaps they lament the suffering of humans who do... ? You needn't cry any longer... I shall put you at ease."

As Void and the "Sinister Mark" prepared to engage their Prime universe counterparts the Batman Who Laughs licked his lips." Don't you realize that those morals you cherish only weigh you down till you drown? Don't be the victim who drowns. Don't sink with the rest. Be active. Rise up, … reclaim the light, … and be the one who does the drowning.

You're standing on the edge right now, all of you. You could be the ultimate version of yourself. Let go of what always held you back, like I did. The universe isn't destined for you. But you can still take it.

It was simple, really. Killing my world. No matter what they threw at me-armies of villains, alien tyrants, the wrath of god-they were all just problems to solve. One by one. Methodically. With precision. And blood.

Those before me are the versions of you without the codes. Without the rules. Except one code for me. BATMAN. ALWAYS. WINS. So will you bow before the one true winner or be presented as trophies to him?"

Ezan parried Xenanorts barrage of blue energy beams before he glared at the blind man." It does not matter if your actions brought you victory in your universe's, we will still stick to what brings us victory in ours."

The Batman Who Laughs shrugged before he cracked his neck." Fine then…soon it will be the ending for all of you across the Multiverse. You hear that? People think of birth as loud, and death as silent. Things start with a bang, end with a whimper, but I'll tell you a secret. See, endings...endings are the loudest of all. Ultraman… Maestro…help wrap this up eh?"

Shinryudramon and Omni-Man were about to help Ezan till a version of the Hulk with a large white beard, the Maestro intercepted Shinryudramon while someone who looked like Superman with a U on his chest tackled Omni-Man. The " Ultraman" saw Omni-Man glare at him and smirked." So your "Omni-Man" eh? I'll prove Ultra is better than Omni! I am Ultraman!

Nothing can kill me. Nothing can hurt me. Nothing has ever freakin' scratched me. I'm here, because I'm the baddest of the bad. Anybody who ever stood in my way is dead! Everybody!"

"Well I'm going to be happy to end your streak." Omni-Man bitterly replied.

At the same time the Maestro grasped Shinryudramon by the neck." You're fighting against the inevitable, "hero". I'm simply the final product of natural selection. The strong survive. I'm the strongest. I survived. The fact is, you can't save a universe that's determined to destroy itself"

"Watch me! Shinryudramon…mode change to…Judgment Mode!"

The Royal Knight unleashed his full power and punched the Maestro back. Ezan saw that Homelander and Black Noir were still in the distance before he winced." No matter what…I will see the mission through…to the end. Its not over yet."

Ezan unleashed a few Limbo clones to help throw Xehanort off balance as he tried to not let his resolve be shaken by the odds getting worst by the second. As things looked more and more bleak, it was looking even bleaker on the other side of life.

As we turn back to Mike's bitter clash with Max, his cousin was still ruthlessly barraging him with shattering blows every second.

Max saw Mike's defiance, and could only chuckle bitterly." You somehow learned some resilience since I last saw you Mikey. I'd be proud…if you were not being stubborn about being a dumbass! This only ends one way…so you want it to end when you have teeth or not?"

Mike blocked his cousin's attack with his angel wing before he shrugged." I'd like to ask a second opinion."

Max's eye twitched before he roared out," Was I this much of an asshole? THERE IS NO OTHER FATE DAMN IT! Ignite!"

Max prepared to unleash an explosive blow, only for Neku to cast a teleport Psych spell to warp Mike out of the attacks path. As the entire area around Max exploded, and he saw Mike land by his allies in the distance the former bounty hunter just snickered." How many more are going to suffer because of us Mikey? After a while cousin, standing back up does more harm than good. So just break damn you!"

"Maybe sometimes…but not when laying down means no one ever gets up again damn it! I'm not denying the bonds between my allies! The fact that I made one with Astra of all people…and that are bond's stronger than the one she has with Doug is why I'm not making it worth nothing!"

Max widened his eyes in shock before he looked at his cousin's son carefully." Astra…Doug? What? This some follower of Doug?"

"Not a follower…his daughter!"

"Wait…Fitter had a kid recently? From when we last talked…he did not seem to act like he had one."

"Well…either his poker face got to you or he learned before we met but its been clear Astra 's trying to do her own thing…to the end."

Max could not help but chuckle bitterly as he looked down." Sounds like all of you had to deal with our baggage. Damn…we really were not fit to be gods…let alone…GUAH!"

Max suddenly grasped his face and had his eye twitched before Kubo cleared his throat from his box." Nyeheh. Maybe youse missed the memo, but this is s'posed to be a execution. The breakdown is fun and all but…are viewers tuned in for the climax!"

"Shut the hell up!" Max spat out as he glared at Kubo with raw hatred." I'm not your damn dog! I'm not killing my own cousin! I…AHH!"

Max grasped his head before Kubo's eyes glowed." Trying to atone now you damn mutt? Oh its way…way to late for that when your whole family is dead! The only one's forgiveness you need is your master! But if you're going to drag this out too much…maybe you need some help eh? Your body…your emotions are not your own anymore Bruder! Sukuna…help this mutt do what he's supposed to eh?!"

"Get your head out of my, RAHH!"

Mike winced as Max's eyes glowed red and his face twitched before he unleashed a shockwave that knocked everyone back.

When Mike got back on his feet, he saw Max looked down, and chuckled before he looked up and the armor on his chest had shattered, revealing he had a second pair of eyes underneath his normal eyes and tattoos manifested on his chest.

Max licked his lips before cracking his neck." Look at all you scum. You hang your heads quite high. The bows that bear most hang lowest, yes, but I guess you guys are pretty lightweight. Still…you deserve to suffer for the lies you've done boy. Any hierarchy other than strength is boring!"

Mike winced as he saw Max's crazed grin." That…that's not Max. I know my old man once had a dark alter ego but thought that Janus thing was just a cover!"

Giyu saw the marks on Max's face before he winced." Wait Lord Auro…I think his body is now being taken over by Ryomen Sukuna! He…he was a demon that went by the name King of Curses. He was a human sorcerer also known as the Disgraced One that was said to have worked with Muzan…till Muzan betrayed him."

"And I'm still annoyed at that two-timing cocksucker…but I'll take my rage out on you! So this is your family Max? Let's have fun ripping him apart together!"

Mike saw Kubo looking amused before he glared at him." Damn it…I might not be as strong as Max but I sure as hell can grass your slick ass!"

He tried to burst at the "Executor" only for Max, with Sukuna controlling him. Mike looked back at his cousin, before the new second mouth chuckled." What a thoroughly annoying brat. Time to pay."

Max…with his demon co host unleashing a lunging punch, before Mike blocked it with both of his arms. He was able to take the blow, and unleashed a roundhouse kick to hit Max back. Max snickered before he charged at the man with angel wings, before he suddenly found he lost his traction…and the moment he did Mike unleashed a flash kick that sliced Max's face.

The demonized man walked back before he coughed up blood." You're not finished are you? Come on, try harder...before I get bored of this "Cuz". You have some tricks…but in the end it just delays fate for so long. Half-baked skills won't be enough to put us down! After all…power is everything!

Blazing Sin Judgment!"

Max , or at least Max's body prepared to slice Mike in two, only for Mike to kick the ground in front of him up. It burst out to hit the Dante sword out of Max's hand before Mike unleashed a barrage of kicks Power is not everything…I know you remember that no matter how hard these psychopaths try to mess with you!"

Max saw the others were trying to attack him before his aura flared up." Pretentious Imp… let me carve the truth into your soul! Juuniou Houpai Daishahei + Kizan Shoukoujin!"

Max head butt Mike back , and then jumped up and drew the 7 characters of "十二王方牌大車" in a circular wheel-like pattern using the Siddham script. These characters transform into miniature Max's, and brought there blades down to cause explosions of dark energy.

As everyone landed on the ground burnt and buried Max had his eye twitch before he hissed out," No matter what you're trying to spin this as…in the end this is a fight…and the only thing that really matters is who is left standing! Nothing else!"

Mike saw how injured everyone else looked before he winced and staggered to his feet. "A fight…a fight is about survival. As long as you get out…you win."

Max's eyes widened as he flash stepped behind Mike and elbowed Mike in the head. As Mike yelled and fell down his cousin spat at him." Want to repeat that wiseass?"

"If it means I get to live on with everyone…I'll keep getting back up no matter how long it takes! Because I…I want to live!"

"Idiots don't get to say how things go Mikey! So just break already! Ombra Crusher!"

Max fired off an unleashed a barrage of blue energy projectiles at his target, only for Mike to cast a barrier as he yelled out," No way…I don't fold as easily as you do these days man! Compound…Fracture…FORECLOSURE FLASH!"

Max's eye twitched as he saw Mike absorb his attack, and kick it back as a massive green crescent wave before his own aura rocked the entire core of hell." YOU THINK ITS THAT EASY!? Blazing Hell Stinger!"

Max lunged with his sword to shoot out like a railgun projectile, and stab right through the attack. Before Mike even had time to blink Max stabbed his wing and smashed him into the ground.

As Mike cried out in pain his cousin only had his eye twitch again." If you don't have fangs, don't flap your gums! Just a second! That's all it takes! Time enough for the wolf to swallow you! Mike…this is how are bloodline ends…the sooner we accept it the sooner we have peace."

Mike struggled to get the blade out of his wing before he grunted out," I don't want a peace like that, a peace that comes at the cost of my dreams. After all… you got to embrace your dreams... If you want to be a Hero, you need to have dreams... and honor. And I, GUH!"

Max punched Mike in the gut again as his eyes widened with madness." I know more then you what the dreams of a hero amount to Mikey! Honor can be quite a burden ... at times...if not all the time.

You managed to become a full angel cousin…but then what should an angel fight for Mike? What do angels dream of?! Angels dream of one thing... To be human. So…I'll let you at least die still having that dream. As your cousin…the least I can do is finish you all off quick…before this asshole Sukuna takes over and goes to town on you!"

He withdrew his blade and flew to the top of the "Cage" before veins appeared on his forehead." At least this pain will only last an instant! School…of the Undefeated of the East! The Ultimate technique!"

A massive amount of energy formed in his hand as he saw everyone struggling to get up. The sight of Mike's defiant look just made him winced as he powered up faster. " Fighting was the only thing, the only thing I was ever good at Mikey. And in the end…despite what you, Ben, Lacus and everyone else wanted to wish otherwise, that's the only thing people cared about, strength. If you can't handle that then just vanish into the darkness. Now…S…huh?"

While he was about to blast everyone, suddenly a swarm of bats surrounded him. The bats swarmed around him before a mocking voice cut in with," Come now Max…they say impersonation is the highest form of flattery but you should give it a rest because this really is not you."

The bats exploded in Max's face, enough to cause him to lose focus. When he could see again, he saw Xehamaru casually walk into the area. Kubo saw the former leader of Sithantos before his eye twitched." Who the hell added a player this late in the Reapers game?"

Xehamaru snickered before he shrugged." Oh I just added myself to this little game of yours. After all…even a Shadow Game can't be this rigged."

Mike saw Xehamaru look at the IV&C employee before he winced." Damn it…you're here to? Your part of this sick game? Fine…I'll kick your ass to!"

Xehamaru sighed before he put up his hand." Focus a bit Auro. I admit revenge was what I first thought of but…then I saw there was enough of a racket to knock me out of my self-pity party I was having and wanted to see what was going on.

Then I saw the place has really gone to hell and I realized…at the moment there's someone I want to hurt even more then you right now. After all…the last thing I can stand is bureaucratic suck ups thinking they are better then they are. That's one of the things we use to agree on, eh Max?"

Max blinked a few times before his eye twitched." X…Xehamaru? This another trick? You…you were erased…and last time I saw you we were fighting each other so that Ben could get to Zannacross!"

"Heh, thanks for confirming that did in fact happen to me. Yes…that's true…and while I'm still on team dark, seems your now on team tacky eyesore. Seriously…that's really not the piece on the board you want to be eh? I know it's apparently been a few centuries but you want this to be what defines you?"

Kubo had his eye twitch before he seethed out," He will be whatever his masters define him to be you goth eye sore!"

"Oh…and just what kind of demon are you?"

"You don't get it yet? I'm better than any demon…I'm Tanzo Kubo Executor of the IV&C charged with running this dump! I'm bigger then your precious Zannacross asshole so beg for mercy or I'll see you erased!"

"Oh…so you're that savage a fighter eh?"

"I'm the brains that tells the brawn what to do and I'm so good at it that I got promoted to being in charge of the freaking afterlife! You want to see what kind of perks comes with that you, huh?"

In a flash Xehamaru was in front of Kubo as his eyes glowed." I think I seen enough thanks. If your so keen on getting that next trophy, why don't you do everyone a favor and skip a few steps and just become one eh?"

He cast a quick spell and turned Kubo into a trophy. He saw his target's frozen shocked look before he snickered." There…now we can talk teammate to teammate eh Max?"

Max had his eye twitch before he chuckled bitterly." Always the smartass eh Xehamaru? Well…that was a laugh but…joke's over. For all your tricks you can't change anything either."

"I thought you knew me enough to know I'm not that arrogant. That's why I'm here…to add a few more cards to the deck. I'd rather have you in my deck then out of it but, seems they did a number on you. Thankfully I'm a master recruiter.

Sage Art: White Rage Technique!"

Xehamaru quickly unleashed the white snake like projectile at his teammate and while Max swung at it, a dome formed around him before the projectile exploded and blinded and deafened Max at the same time. As Max screamed in rage Xehamaru floated down and just noticed Bowser before he snickered." So you lasted this long to Koopa King? Now this is just embarrassing."

"Hey, I'm not taking orders from you anymore!" Bowser shot back defiantly." So, watch it before I eat you!"

"You can do that…but it seems you want to get out of this place yes?"

Mike saw Xehamaru's smirk before he winced." You seriously saying you want to help us after you tried to kill us?"

His former enemy's expression turned somber as he turned back to Max." I know we only got to know each other a little bit Michale Auro…but I can assure you…as much as I hate warriors of light…I loath greedy bureaucratic parasites even more…and that goes double when they think they are gods beyond approach.

And while you may not believe it, your cousin was once my former teammate so…we both think he deserves a better fate then this eh?"

"So what…you want in on getting back to life?"

"That and a way to stay alive. And it seems your power would increase that odds eh? So this is the power your father reached after he killed me? The one that was able to overcome the devil himself? Well…at the very least it seems the legendary power was not a joker card."

"Maybe…but even when I'm maxed out I still can't compare to what Max has become."

"At the moment perhaps…but who said you were maxed out? Watching the records was a bit…fuzzy but you ascended to this form…by absorbing the power of countless souls yes?"

"Well…took some help from a set of Dragon Balls but that's the gist of it."

"Then you realize your where all the souls in the entire universe have gathered yes?"

"Maybe but all those machines that the Universal Church of Truth used did not come to hell!"

"Bah you don't need toys like that when you have a master of the dark side! As a Devil Forgemaster…I can direct all the souls of hell, into you to surpass your limit."

"You really expect me to by that you would do that to me instead of yourself and become another man planet?"

"As tantalizing as an idea as that might be its clear you have the…make up to reach a higher level then I would and as a perfectionist the best outcome is what I seek."

"Dude your ego clearly is off the charts but you think you're the master of hell now?"

Xehamaru paused before he chuckled and looked down." Not its master, but I do speak for that master. However much things have changed, there is still only one master of darkness…and I do speak on his behalf. I won't deny that this would be one of my more…challenging tasks. You will need this."

He handed out a ring with a blood red crystal before he looked around." You still have the remains of your father's sword?"

Mike winced before he looked at the broken hilt of the Divine Mugen Nova and nodded." Yah…followed me all the way to hell."

"Interesting…I wonder if…eh another time. This crystal will "focus" all the dark energy, and help keep your soul from going unstable from all the souls going into you. I'll channel the energy into you, and when its ready put the ring with your father's blade."

"You done this before?"

Max roared with fury as he started to regain his vision and blew away the bats around him before Xehamaru let out an uneasy chuckle." No…but do you have a better plan? It's a gamble for sure…but folding will ensure this rebellion ends here."

Mike saw his cousin's deranged look before he nodded." Ah hell…if I turn into a mindless demon at least I'll be where they are supposed to be. Alright let's roll the dice. I swear though if this goes south I'm erasing you."

"Fair enough." His former enemy answered flatly. Max then glared at Xehamaru before his energy surged." Xehamaru…you always were a god damn troll. Won't deny we had some fun nights blowing off steam but you never took things seriously. After all…you not paying attention to what you were doing is what kicked off everything going to hell!"

Xehamaru paused before he shrugged." Like you did let your anger consume you? For what its worth…ruining your life was not my intent."

"Well actions speak louder than words " Pal" and time you pay up the debt you own! I could kick your ass before, your tricks sure as hell won't cut it now! Power Dunk!"

He jumped into the air with a knee strike, then he followed up with a diagonal downward punch. But before he could come down, Xehamaru already cast the Inorganic Reincarnation spell to have the ground and celling burst out into spikes to catch Max before Xehamaru shrugged." Good thing I learned a few more tricks. Besides….it seems your attention is more than a little divided…and I am in my element. Light of Malice!"

The former apprentice of Grand Master Myers fired a massive energy blast at his fellow former Cobra unit member, only for Max's eyes to become red as the extra mouth on his body howled out," Your wrong…there's only one thing on my mind…RAGE! Cleave…Spiderweb!"

Max slammed his free hand on the morphed structure, before creating a spiderweb-shaped pattern across the surface of the ground. It shattered moments later, also ripping apart the ground where Mike, Xehamaru, and most of the others were. As everyone staggered Max cried out," Stardust Ignition!"

Max rocketed to the ground, causing flames to burst out all around him. As Xehamaru was flung up the former Bounty Hunter tackled him into the wall…then punched his opponent's midsection, creating a geyser of energy through them akin to the Buster Wolf technique.

As a hole was blown through Xehamaru and he screamed out in pain, Max only grit his teeth." You're the one who never shut up about darkness eh? Well how about we all return to it so this can all end!

Don't act like you helped anyone in your damn life…even when we were teammates it was just because the Enji helped you get back on those who wronged yah! If all the people that ruined my life want to step in to drag this out then sure I got enough rage for all of you! But its to late to change anything so get lost!"

He prepared to stab Xehamaru, till suddenly a new blade parried the strike. As Max widened his eyes a detached voice cut in with," If you're looking to unleash your rage on the one who wronged you…then why not cut to the chase…eh Bruder?"

Max was shocked to see Kira had intercepted the blow before he blinked a few times and spat out," Oh what the hell is this?"

"This…is redemption."

Mike saw Kira with his set of angel wings and demon wings before he raised a eyebrow." Wait…you're that Gundam pilot? How the hell did you get here?"

Xehamaru could only snicker before he leaned back." Wow…Auro hated you so much he tried to erase you from history eh Kira? I really need to get the details about that. Still…glad to know I'm so valuable that it ignites such fury in you."

"Don't get any more deranged than you already are." Kira uttered sharply." Like before…this is all for the sake of the mission. Its…just a different mission now."

Mike looked at Kira in shock before he winced." Wait…you're the one that trained dad to the point that he went insane?"

"I am." Kira bluntly answered." I know time is short so…the point of all this is…atonement."

Before Max could answer they heard a scream…before Kubo burst out of the trophy seal Xehamaru cast him in. The IV&C Executive widened his eyes before he howled out," You think you can mock me? Forget about it! Huh? And who the hell are you? Whoever you are you don't belong here!"

Kira looked at Kubo with pure contempt as he hissed out," I'm the one who judges humanity…so there's no more fitting place for me right now."

"I don't know who gave you that role but, huh?"

In an instant Kira was in front of him with his right hand extended." This is what gives me that right scum…Haikai!"

Kubo's eyes widened as he saw the energy from Kira's palm before he winced." Hey wait lets…GRAHH!"

The man with energy of light and darkness used the energy of the God's of Destruction to erase Kubo before he could even finish speaking.

Max could not help but laugh bitterly as he eyed his former teammate." Is this your "Atonement" Kira? Or revenge? You think you can trick me again!? You're still the backstabber you always were!"

"I won't deny I betrayed everyone for the sake of my ambitions. However…at least my treachery was for the greater good. You betrayed your family entirely so you could make things easier for yourself. Now who has fallen the furthest eh?"

"Don't you dare think you're better than me Kira! I…I did not want to betray anyone…I just needed space damn it!"

"You act like saying that changes anything. You're the one who told me that actions speak louder than words. That's why I'm not hear to judge you…but to prevent you from taking part in making the situation worst. You may not believe me, but in the lifetimes I was imprisoned I had times to reflect about every action I took. It may be to late to right all the wrongs I did…but not this one."

Max's aura surged as his second mouth laughed madly." It's already to late…for anything! The only thing left…is for me to get one last beatdown in for all that you took from me! Tekken Tachikaze!"

"That may be your right but we have no time for such indulgences! Paradise Lost Waltz!"

The two former teammates unleashed a barrage of lighting fast blows that rocked the entire area. Max roared with fury as he howled out," I been training to make sure I never would lose to you again Kira! Kyōka Suigetsu will never work on me again!"

"I knew you would not fall to that…but I'm not fighting with lies this time. Not now.

I suppose it is only to be expected. You have my pity. There is no such thing as 'truth' or 'lies' in this universe; there never has been. There is only plain, hard facts. And yet, all beings who exist take only those 'facts' that are convenient to them, and make them the 'truth'. They do so because they know no other way to live.

However, for those powerless beings that make up the majority of life it is those 'facts' that are inconvenient for their own self-affirmation that make up the real 'truth. I once thought I was above that…but you all humbled me. The only thing left…is to do what I can to see that what we fought for did not amount to the worst possible outcome."

"And yet God gave us the finger…because that's what happened! The greediest asshole is taking home the prize…and everything we all did was just a joke! Did you really think you were acting on your own free will? You are all just part of the system…we are all just part of God's big joke!"

"It does not matter if that was God's plan! Despite all that's changed…my desire for humanity to be free from God's shackles never wavered. The only thing that changed is…understanding what that truly means. Even if Sieg killed you…you would so quickly submit to him after spending years defying me and Xiza?"

"What can I say Kira? Being dead gives you a different perspective. "

"No…your nephew is still fighting to defy fate till the very last moment. I can respect that resolve. You should know…Ben's soul never passed into the afterlife. He still can be alive somewhere across the Multiverse!"

"All that means is that like Richard he was killed in another universe! Its already over either way!"

"Then I'll force you to remember the will of those who transcended humanity! I'll bet everything on surpassing what God defined us in his script! Galactic Dominus Surge!""

"And I'm going to drag your ass back to reality one last time! Sekai o Tatsu Zangeki!"

Mike saw Kira swung his sword in an arc and had a flood of raw energy come crashing out like a tidal wave as Max roared out and unleashed an energy slash that looked like it would cut the world in half before he struggled to keep to his feet." Kira…was one of dad's most intense enemies in the Cosmic War and the guy who tried to take the god job from Zannacross right? But…if the IV&C juiced Max up to be beyond him then…then."

"Then we mix new colors to go even beyond that Prince." Xehamaru spat out as he staggered forward." Kira is stubborn as they come but…we have no time to waste. Brace yourself…and open your heart to darkness."

"To do what?"

Xehamaru sighed before he looked down." I understand you might have some head trauma going on but this is very important boy. I am going to admass all of the souls in the afterlife…to merge with you to power you up beyond your limits."

"So…everyone's souls will be erased just to save me?"

"Not erased…reformatted. The Curse Seal of Necrochalcos crystals used by me and everyone else of the Zannacross Empire, were forged by souls. From the sound of it that prick was going to erase everyone's souls once this Reaper Game ended…so they will live on in a sense.

Some way of living on…is better then a complete erasure eh? Look hero…when there are no good options…the option that gives you revenge is the best choice to take…trust me I know. Just don't falter."

Mike saw Kira 's bitter look, Max's crazed expression, and the tense looks of everyone around him before he nodded." Alright…time for one hell of a everything or nothing bet."

"Alright…then let the game begin! Master…I'll be counting on your aide for this. Ultimate…Infernal… Polymerization!

Xehamaru slammed the ground with the crystal in his hand, before a giant blood red symbol appeared. Everyone heard moaning before a Soulnado, a bright red swirling tornado of immense spiritual energy, and of tortured spirits trapped between the Realms, that was all the souls in the afterlife came down, and headed right for Mike.

They went into the crystal, before bursting into Mike. The son of Ben and Lacus screamed as billions of voices cried out around him. As he tried to focus the energy he cried out," Everyone please…give me your energy! This is not what any of us wanted…but this is the only way that we don't all get screwed over! Please…roll the dice on me to get one last shot!"

Max saw his nephew be consumed with the souls before his eye twitched." Damn it…I knew you two just wanted revenge. This is just what you did to Ben to break him and turn him into Darth Idious."

"Your wrong." Kira answered somberly." This is the only way to surpass you. Mike previously reached the level of his father by the energy from the Faith Generators that the Universal Church of Truth used. This…is "upping the ante" by using the energy of all the souls of the afterlife. It's true I tricked Ben on Vjun, but that Curse Seal Crystal was made to have darkness devour light. This one Xehamaru is forging…is to enhance and coexist with light to evolve together.

My whole life…I was obsessed with transcending humanity because I hated people so much. New types, Homo Superior, Innovators, those " Accords" that Aura Maha Khyber seemed to have spat out as of late, I devoted everything for the sake of transhumanism, a superior being that would not have the flaws humans had that made the mistakes I loathed.

But you and your cousin forced me to realize that no matter what magic or fighting skills I mastered…denying the nature of humanity was the most critical mistake ever. In the end…even your cousin made that same mistake when he underestimated the extent of Fitter's contempt for order itself.

But…that just means we all have to realize what the truth is to move forward. Michale…only knows a fraction of what I do…but he has the sparks of both light and darkness in him…his potential is greater then my own."

Max saw his cousin's son scream as the souls of all of the dead in the universe go into him at once before he snickered bitterly. "So he can take up the torch to get hustled by everyone like Ben and Lacus have been for centuries? I remember what I said to Ben when I fought him before I died the first time. Society…treats hero's like there god damn dogs. Because in the end no matter how bright the warriors of light shined…the darkness never goes away.

You can light some pretty candles and make all the hopeful speeches you want…but in the end the dark nature of humanity always prevails…this broken universe is the only true legacy of the Enji and all heroes across the god damn Multiverse! I'm the one who suckered Ben into trying to be a hero because I was suckered by the con too.

That's why it's fitting I shut it down. No more hurt…no more pain…we will all be better off in the dark free from the fantasies that waste away are lives. No one should have to go through this pain…its better off if it all burns instead!"

He prepared to burst at his cousin, only for Kira to parry the blade. While the attack nearly tore his shoulder off the son of Grand Master Myers sighed." I knew I was the one best to handle pain but this is disgraceful Max. If your so consumed with pain your better off being sealed off from all feeling. Devil's Verdict!"

He promptly unleashed a black energy blast to hit his long time rival in the face. Max blinked in shock, before Kira slashed Max across the face." With your sense of sight, touch, taste, or power to sense magical energy you will, GUH!"

In an instant Max stabbed Kira through the chest as he spat out," Forget I can just zero in on your big mouth jackass? I been pushed to rely on what ever I have for a long time now…because I'm done with your judgment!"

He punched Kira into the wall before he glared at Mike. He saw the power around his nephew shaking all of hell before he chuckled bitterly." Nice try Mikey…but one way or another it will blow up in your face so might as well not waste anyone's time!"

He prepared to charge before he saw Bowser had gotten up and tried to body slam him. While he held Bowser back with one hand, Alphen, Neku, and anyone else that could still stand swarmed Max with all they had left as Alphen cried out," No matter how futile…we will not let are hope die! Not just for are sakes…but for everyone we care about to!"

Max just got even more furious from everyone's resolve before he howled out," Damn it….trying to protect or avenge those you care about is pointless….ITS ALL POINTLESS SO JUST SHUT UP SO I CAN AT LAST HAVE PEACE!"

He had his aura blow everyone away before he charged at Mike. Xehamaru winced and had snakes come up to try and bind Max, only for them to also erode from his aura. Mike saw Max's mad obsession before he winced." That asshole's not even around to boss you around Max…killing me really the only thing on your mind?"

As Max winced his second mouth snickered before Sukuna hissed out," Oh this works fine with me…I'll get the promotion instead. Besides kid…all this rage needs to go somewhere."

Max grasped his head before spitting out," Damn it…it…it will end like this no matter what…so might as well end it quick."

"No…there is another way…and I'll end it by stopping you…then kicking the ass of those who made us do this in the first place! I'll just…AHH!"

Mike's eyes glowed before it looked like his body was going to burst before Max winced." You blowing up won't avenge anything dumbass! Xehamaru I knew you were full of it!"

"Hey I'm trying to see this ritual through damn it but to be fair not only is the first time I did a spell like this I'm rather sure this is the first time anyone in this universe has attempted this so there might be some trail and error involved."

"There's no room for error here." Kira uttered bluntly as he got up." It was a gamble…but Mike's body is not anywhere close to being ready to handle not just the light but the darkness all at once. There was a reason the Celestial ones made the Star Sword and the Divine Mugan Nova instead of giving Ben the power, and why Lacus needed the Blue Eyes White Dragon in her body to help her regulate her power. Its because mortal bodies can not just handle the nature of divine power.

Without any such weapon of his own, Mike's taking the blunt of it all at once."

Max saw Mike grasp his head in pain before he winced." So…he needed something to convert it?"

"Yes…but despite the stories no one's around to make a blade in this realm at the moment…and all the souls are already going into the crystal."

The mouth belonging to Sukuna laughed as the King of Curses uttered," Well then I guess you're all out of luck! To bad, there's nothing left but to, GUH!"

Max suddenly grasped his own sword arm before he winced." No…there is…something left. Me."

Xehamaru raised a eyebrow before uttering," Bruder if you are going to break out of that bore of a parasite in you then just be done with it and we can call this a day."

"No…I can't…break free of Sukuna…he's to deep into my body at this point and we don't have time. But…my soul…is still mine. Xehamaru…you bragged about how Devil Forgemasters are not mere sorcerers; they are not just trained in black magic, but also in the arts of alchemy and spiritual metaphysics, being able to craft magical weapons and arsenals from mere prime and raw materials of nearly any sort, as well as creating magical living beings with the forbidden knowledge they possess.

That means…you could turn me…into a weapon that could help Mike handle the power?"

Xehamaru paused before he looked down." You're talking about something like Soul resonance? "

"What…the hell are you talking about?" Mike uttered out in pain before Xehamaru sighed." Its like usage of an electric guitar and an AMP.

While the sound…aka soul wavelength that comes from an electric guitar by itself is rather faint, it gains a lot of power when connected to the AMP.

It…is possible…but I can't promise you would be able to regain your form."

"That…is fine. In the end…it's the punishment I deserve for putting him into this spot in the first place. Just do it…while I can still fight back."

Sukuna snarled before hissing out," Do you even realize what you're saying? You said it yourself…this is a fools errand that will just ensure we all die!"

"Maybe…but at least I can spend my last moments with pride. Whether impossible or laughable, we continue to walk the path of men. Do it now while we have the chance!"

Mike saw Max's sudden resolve before he winced." Wait…you're saying you're going to die to help me? Like…total game over and all that! No…I'm trying to save you damn it!"

"Don't be a dumbass now Mike! I'm older…its my job to save you! It's what I own Richard and your parents! Remember everything we lost so you could get past this damn door! If you're truly trying to call yourself a hero, you can't let emotions get in the way of getting what has to be done like I did damn it! Or do you want to see this Sieg replay this tragedy to everyone left? Do it…release us from the curse Mike!"

Mike saw his cousin's grim resolve before he grasped his head." Max…I'm so sorry…that it all came down to this."

"Hey…Lady Luck's the worst eh cousin?" Max replied grimly." Don't be distracted by the what-if's, should-have's, and if-only's. The one thing you choose for yourself - that is the truth of your universe.

They had me only see what was in front of me but your right. With a man's soul and a strong back, go beyond the impossible and kick reason to the curb! Do it now."

Xehamaru gave a somber nod before he closed his eyes." I am sorry this was the hand we were all dealt Max. Binding Soul Resonance! "

Max's other eyes became enraged as Sukuna hissed out," You dare touch my soul maggot! ALL OF YOU DIE! Blazing Hell's Judgment!"

The demon in his body had the Dante sword surge, before he blasted out like a red rocket and cleaved Xehamaru in half. But before his blade could reach Mike, at the last second the blade went off course and struck past Mike, before it shattered.

As Mike widened his eyes, Max was right in front of him, and poked his nephew's head fondly." Mike…when you find your father…tell him I'm sorry. That…that's the last thing I ask of you. You don't ever have to forgive me, and whatever you do from here on out know this, no matter what I will love you always. So let's give them hell, eh cousin? Cause you just hit the jackpot."

Max's body glowed, before a light went into his cousin. This caused Mike to feel something, before he screamed in pain. Everything went white, till he heard a deep voice utter," Michale Auro…I once long ago used my power to try and make your father my slave. I thought at the time that the war between me and Cosmos, the war of darkness and light was the only thing that mattered.

But my perspective has been forced to change. Your father was the chosen of the light…but now may the universe see what the chosen of both light and the darkness amounts to."

A shockwave of power rocked all of hell, and Xehamaru saw his clone body fading before he snickered." To think my masterpiece was to create a weapon of light….but at least it is a new color without a doubt. Time…for the Shadow Game's extra inning."

He gave Kira a salute before his body shattered into dark fragments. The former leader of the Titans saw Max's soul leave his body before he closed his eyes." Bruder…for all your faults…at the end you were a man of honor. I'll…try and be the same."

Sukuna realized Max had left his body before he grasped his fist tightly." So now I have no restraints? You pathetic fool you just wasted everything for nothing!"

"No…IT WAS NOT FOR NOTHING!"

Mike unleashed a shockwave that blasted Sukuna all the way into the gate of hell. His eyes then flicker and spiral from black to red before fully manifesting the form, in which his eyes become fully red with black pupils. In this state, Mike's eyebrows turned white, while his hair turned light platinum.

Across his body appeared shifting white markings that appear to be like flames, along with three rings around his wrists.

His aura also gained a reddish-magenta inner aura shrouded by magenta lightning, and the eruption of his ki was so intense it resembled a massive geyser.

As the light died down, everyone could see that a mark was on Mike's right hand. Bowser narrowed his eyes before he winked a bit." Huh? Wait…the dude has the same thing I had when I rammed that Advanced Curse Seal and evolved into my Giga form. So he's gone full dark?"

"No." Kira answered flatly." He's using the light and the darkness in a different way then either me or Ezan did…to go beyond the ultimate limit."

Everyone noticed that two tonfa had formed in Mike's hands…ones that looked like Max's armor. Sukuna, still in Max's body got back up and spat out blood before he snarled with rage." That's it? Think some hair dye and a light show can scare me? Whatever this is it failed…Max's rage is still within me! In fact now it's fully submitted to me! I waited long enough…I'll rip you apart!"

In an instant he flash stepped in front of Mike and slashed him right in the face with his shoulder blade. While he smirked at first as the impact shattered the cage and seemed to rock all of hell. To his shock his shoulder blade shattered as Mike looked unphased and slowly looked up." Is that all you got?"

Sukuna's eyes twitched as Mike casually lifted his hand up." Ok then…its my turn to show you…just how much Max's soul, these Adolla Beast Fangs that have Max's soul in them sting! You may have Max's hatred, but I have his hope and dreams…and you're going to learn the hard way what part of him was stronger! Now…lets go Max….everyone…to are future!"

Authors Notes: Well…got another big one today so let's get started. Kevin Keene and Lana are from Captain N: The Game Master …and I swear its mostly the TV show version, along with there versions of Megaman and Pit.

Most of the others are original creations that are echo's of those I seen from other fanfics,Neil Landis and Boreastain Euriphasia are from someone I know...but I don't even know if he's alive right now so...hopefully he's still alive.

I know how it can look but the intent I'm trying to get with such a thing is how the business forces are a threat to all creative types everywhere and what not.

Meanwhile, the Gun Zlade had was from the second to last season of Supernatural.

Xehanort is primarily based off his young version from Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance but also has aspects of his older version to have both versions moves and personalities.

The Dark Knights are from the DC event Dark Metal.

Over Nu Etherion Void is the final enemy of the Eden Zero series.

" Savage Mark" is a evil version of Invincable from well, the show Invincable.

Ultraman is the one from the Crime Syndicate from many DC comic events, and the Maestro is from the Hulk.

Hunter X-5 is from Loki Season 2

Sukuna is a major enemy from Jujutsu Kaisen.

As for Mike's "Transcended form" while it is primarily inspired by Gohan's Beast form also partly inspired by the Shinrabanshō-Man state that Shinra from Fire Force reached, along with Nero's Devil Trigger from Devil May Cry 5.

Hope it made sense, the process with the souls was kind of like how the Philosopher stones in Full Metal Alchemist worked…and Max becoming the weapon was inspired by Soul Eater…well hope Mike earned it more then Gohan earned his Beast Mode lol.

I know it was a lot going on but hope even with the twists everything made enough sense. Thanks for the reviews so far, hope you liked what you saw enough to leave more and till next time have a good start to your summer.