Episode 20: Malice in Wonderland Part 1
I hope everyone's ready. We're in the end game now.
1602jaw: Thanks so much. I love history, so getting the chance to incorporate some history from real life was fun.
That guy: Yep. After last time, it's all come to this! The gloves are off, and it's time to see things through to the end.
Goodguygary: Thank you. You're entitled to believe that.
TheSupeMan: Hoo boy indeed. After some super serious stuff, we needed some good cartoony fun to balance out the plot while still, you know…. carrying out the plot.
TheMasterKat: They may not be able to kick Light's ass, but that doesn't mean that those left can't carry on the torch and take him down.
CYOAFAN: I agree. Cuphead is really fun despite its difficulty. And things really have escalated. Here, we have the start of the story's climax.
ThelastCyberKnight: Light is truly just a despicable guy for that. And that's on top of everything else. Chubz is out here collecting more genocide runs than Undertale players.
PineCoop: Yeah, Bender really did put everyone in this position with that bet. But greed gets even the best of us. Let us see how your prediction plays out.
NondescriptNorbert: Glad you loved it. I do appreciate the criticism, as I've gone back to tweak the last chapter. And I'll keep it in mind as I continue to write. I do always strive for improvement, and hope to keep doing so.
TDI 4ever: Well thanks. That means a lot to me.
Happiness studios: Ooh, you're in for a treat this time. Like Norbert, I do take your criticism to hear, and appreciate it.
aklike95: Who knows? His downfall may be imminent.
chillsummer: I don't like being right either sometimes. But yeah, I may have went a bit overboard at the end. Just wanted to showcase what we're dealing with. Let's see how your predictions pan out.
Now then, let us continue this story. Anything is possible now.
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A door opens up, with Panty, Draco, and Futaba tumbling out.
"Oww….I swear, I'm never gonna get used to that!" Futaba groans.
"Wait…." Draco realized. "It's just the three of us. What about Percy and Bender?"
"Willing to bet Al ran off on his own again." Panty scoffs.
"Um…..guys?" Futaba stuttered. "You might wanna take a look at this!"
The two turn around, and see what Futaba saw. It was an island that looked nearly identical to Wawanakwa. The sky for some reason was completely an eerie shade of pink instead of blue. What stood in front of them was an eerie dark purple castle. It was almost like something out of an old school dark fantasy movie. Adorned with odd creatures and knickknacks, it was almost as if it came out of Alice in Wonderland.
Unrealistically stacked on top of the castle was a large, flat piece of land sat atop it. Some statue stood up there, making it appear as some sort of altar.
"This is some freaky shit…" Panty mutters grimly.
"WHAT THE HELL?!" Draco cried.
All across the island, they could see trees with dead bodies hanging from nooses on them. Some of them were skeletons, some still looked new, many were children….all of them each had multiple kitchen knives jammed into them. It was a truly sickening sight. It has even appeared that these trees had faces. Dark, malicious looking faces that leered at our contestants.
"I think I'm gonna be sick." Draco bemoans.
"I can feel the distortion in this place is strong." Futaba says, using her analytic skills as a navigator. "It's hurting my head."
"I think I'm gonna go mad in this shit hole." Panty said.
"WE'RE ALL MAD HERE!" A familiar voice cackles.
Chubzworth was seen flying down atop a winged rabbit wearing a large, green, top hat.
"You!" Futaba snapped.
"Welcome to your final stop!" Chubzworth jovially tells them. "Welcome to Wonderland!"
"What the hell is this place, fatass?!" Panty snapped. "We want answers right fucking now!"
"This…is my home!" Chubzworth tells them. "My personal domain! Once the spot of a Total Drama season that was cut short far too soon! Why, nobody outside this world got to see it!"
"What did you do to this place?!" Draco demands.
"Nyahahanya! Two years ago, I joined the staff for this world's version of Total Drama. But one thing led to another, and now it's my own personal little home. Why, most of humanity in this world ceases to exist!"
"Did…..did you have something to do with that?!" Futaba grimly asked.
Chubz doesn't answer, but his twisted smile was all the answer she needed.
"You monster….."
"And where's that rat bastard Light?!" Draco asks angrily.
Light walks out from behind Chubz, grinning smugly at his fellow competitors.
"Why, the rat bastard is right here." Light responds coldly. "And if you're wondering where Percy and Bender are, I gave them the 'ol heave ho personally. Let's just say they didn't take it well."
"Not surprising." Futaba tells him. "You view everyone as your personal tools, and cast them aside when they're no longer useful. If only they would have believed me."
"And look at where that got them. A couple of gullible wastes of matter that were more useful to me as stepping stones to my grand plan."
Light then directs his attention to Draco, who was looking more pissed than he'd ever seen him.
"But you were different, Malfoy. You did as you were told, just like you always do, if that's any consolation. Even if I now know you were conspiring against me."
"That's-" Draco begins, but Light interrupts.
"You trying to play hero, Malfoy? At the end of the day, you're deluding yourself. You're still a bigoted bully with daddy issues who's one bad mistake away from being sent to your death back to Voldemort. And on top of all that…. you're not just a failure, but a coward as well. Why, I'd say you're a bigger coward than anyone else in this stupid game."
"You just gonna sit there and let him talk to you like that?!" Panty asks Draco.
Draco doesn't respond. His body is slightly trembling, his gaze towards the ground as he refuses to look at Light.
"Looks like I've struck a nerve." Light brags. "At least this game has humbled you enough to make you realize how weak and insignificant you are."
Before anyone could react, a horde of winged demons fly down and grab a hold of Futaba, Draco, and Panty by surprise, restraining them.
"Let us go!" Futaba cries.
"Take them to the dungeon!" Chubzworth orders.
"You're not gonna get away with this, you pompous shits!" Panty declares.
"How can you say that when…. we already have?" Light says as the demons carry them off.
"Lucinne!" Chubz bellows.
His trusted slave approaches with a bow. "What is it, sir?"
"Keep an eye on our captives, why don't we?" Chubz demands. "Last thing we'd want is them ruining the tea party."
Lucinne salutes. "As you wish."
"And keep your eyes peeled for that Alucard fellow." Chubz adds. "He's around here somewhere, hiding his presence from even me. If you see him, kill on sight!"
"Understood."
"What is my next course of action?" Light asks.
Chubzworth takes out a rather large, black amorphous wisp.
"It's the Devil's soul." Chubzworth explains. "Like awakening Orochi, your full power requires the sacrifice of someone powerful. Take this soul to the altar at the top, and sacrifice it into yourself. After that…..your ascension is complete."
Light takes the soul, his hands trembling with excitement.
"Finally….." he says. "After so long…. I'm finally about to become God. Not just for this world….but for all of them! It feels liberating to not have to mask who I am anymore!"
"Ahh, loving the enthusiasm young man." Chubzworth says. "I'll catch up with you in a bit. For now, I must take all the souls I pilfered from the Devil down to the Soul Library. Ta-ta!"
He snaps his fingers and disappears in a puff of smoke, leaving just Light and Ryuk.
"Looks like it's finally time, eh?" Ryuk says as he finished the apple he was eating.
Light says nothing, but bursts into a long and hysterical fit of laughter.
"Everyone and everything that was in my way is now gone!" Light says triumphantly. "And it's only a matter of time before I finally take hold of my destiny! The world and those beyond it….. WILL BE USHERED INTO A NEW AGE WITH ME AT THE HELM! "
Light continues to laugh hysterically, as Ryuk just stands there and watches silently. In that moment, the shinigami appeared more human than the one standing in front of him.
"Come now, Ryuk. It's time for most important day of my life.
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We open up on a familiar beach on a familiar island. The sun was shining, the blue sea was shining even brighter, and excitement filled the air. Fireworks fire off into the sky, as the multiverse were all tuning in for a momentous event, whether they liked or hated it.
"Well….what do you think?" The cyborg shipwright Franky asked.
Don stood there, mouth agape at his handiwork. The Jolly Rancher was fixed and repaired. The ship that had nearly been destroyed by Goenitz was back in tip top shape, as if none of that ever happened.
"It…. it's perfect." Don said, trying his best to hold back his tears. "It's even better than new! Words can't express how thankful I am."
"Consider it a thank you for saving our crewmate." Franky said. "You really do care about this ship, huh?"
"Yeah. It was the first boat I ever got. Got it as a gift when I first started my TV career. It's…kinda like family in a sense. I've taken good care of her over the years."
Franky smirks. "Then it wouldn't surprise me if this ship had a Klabautermann."
Don didn't quite understand what he was talking about. "A kla-what now?"
"Legends tell of a fairy that dwells only on a ship that's been cared for fondly." Franky explains. "They say it's an incarnation of a ship itself. When the ship's in danger, he runs around the ship to warn everyone. The ship shows its gratitude depending on how well the sailors care for it. Maybe you guys will see it someday. I can tell that ol' Jolly here is loved unconditionally.
"But that's enough of me yapping on!" Franky finishes. "What say we get back to this suuuper party, eh?"
"You bet." Don says. "Everyone's excited to see who'll ultimately win it all. Can't help but worry to death about the contestants still in the game. Especially considering the last episode."
"Eh, those guys have proven they're tough. They can handle whatever that cat throws at them. Now let's get going."
Just as Don turns to leave, he could have sworn he saw someone on the Jolly Rancher. It appeared to be an almost ghostly humanoid child wearing a sailor's raincoat, and holding a wooden mallet in it's hand. He swore he could see it happily waving to him, but it disappears just as quickly as it appeared. The host quickly shrugs it off and returns to the party.
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"Use Earthquake!"
A mighty Garchomp causes the ground to shake and rupture underneath Empoleon, hitting the Water/Steel Type with a super effective attack. Empoleon drops to the ground, knocked out cold.
"Looks like Empoleon is down for the count!" Palmer announced. "Cynthia wins the battle!"
"Man, and I was doing so good too." Barry said as he returned Empoleon back to his ball. "It was a good fight, regardless. You get some rest, buddy."
"You're definitely skilled." Cynthia commends as she recalls her Garchomp. "But you still have plenty to improve on. No matter how strong you are, there's always room for improvement. Never forget that."
"I'll take that to heart."
At a nearby bench, Scott, Bender, Molly, Scratch, and Tokageroh sat, watching Barry's match against the strongest trainer in all of Sinnoh.
"So that's what a Pokemon battle feels like up close." Scott remarks. He looks towards Bender. "How you holding up, man? I know you didn't take the last elimination well."
"Gotta admit, it still stings like hell." Bender admits. "But it's nice being able to see you again. It's been far too long. I can't believe I let myself get fooled like that. I'm the one that's supposed to con people. Not the other way around!"
"We both got played like fools." Scott tells himself. "I'm just glad you figured it out before he could kill you. Last thing you'd want is to be some robo ghost." He then notices Scratch and Tokageroh giving him a weird look. "Ehhhhhh, sorry about that. Hope that didn't come across as offensive."
"None taken, pal." Scratch says as he stuffs his face with some tacos. "Although being a ghost isn't always as great as you'd think it is."
"Tell me about it." Tokageroh said, drooling at the food Scratch had.
"What? You can't eat food like Scratch can?" Molly asked the bandit ghost.
"I can't eat crap unless I possess someone to do so." Tokageroh complains. "And I heard there was gonna be one hell of a feast tonight. My partner's already helping work on it all. What I'd give to be alive again…"
"Sorry if it's such a sore subject to you." Molly tells him.
"Yeah, I can't imagine not getting to eat ever again unless you possess someone." Scott said. "If you want….I don't mind letting you take over my body for a little bit if you want later."
"Wait…. you'd seriously do that for me?!" Tokageroh asks.
"Sure. I just gonna make sure I have control for later. We got a kickin' concert planned for this evening."
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With that, everyone was gathered here for a party. Not just the contestants and staff were here, but almost everyone who had a cameo or guest appearance was here to join in on the fun as well.
We see what appeared to be an outdoor kitchen. Working at it was Ryu, Kronk, Sanji and Tifa, all of them working on the food for tonight. Meanwhile, Ryu was being overseen by Sojiro.
"C'mon, chief." Ryu says. "Tell me what you think."
Sojiro tastes the curry inside the pot with a small dish. After tasting it for a moment, his eyes widened.
"Gotta admit, you're a fast learner." Sojiro tells him. "Tastes just like my recipe."
"Really?" Ryu says happily. "That's great! Thanks a bunch for teaching it to me."
The cafe owner chuckles. "Call it a thanks for keeping an eye on my daughter."
"Futaba's never gonna leave you alone once she hears you can make curry that tastes just like the chief's." Morgana says as he walks up to them.
"I'll take that challenge, cat!" Ryu says confidently as he prepares to make more. "Her appetite hasn't stopped me yet!"
"Huh…. didn't know you could also understand what he's saying." Sojiro remarks.
"Heeey!" A voice called out. "We were wondering where you ran off to, Morgana!"
The rest of the Phantom Thieves finally catch up to Morgana.
"Oh, it's Futaba's friends." Kronk said. "Sorry, but we're not done with dinner yet."
"Sorry, guys." Morgana apologized. "I couldn't resist the smell of all these tasty munchies."
"It's nice to see you guys not getting into trouble for once." Sojiro jokes.
"C'mon! You know us better than that!" Ryuji said defensively. "Besides, if anyone's getting into trouble, it's that Light guy. I'm already sick and tired of hearing him badmouth us!"
"What he means is we're all worried about Futaba." Makoto says quickly.
"Yeah….that Light has made his hate for you guys pretty clear." Sojiro says. "God or no god, if he so much as puts his hands on Futaba….. hoo boy." He accentuates this by pulling a shotgun out of nowhere and cocking it.
"Is everyone in your world so trigger happy?!" Ryu exclaimed.
"Speaking of her…." Ryuji says. "We still got that secret weapon she gave-ACK!"
He's interrupted as Morgana swipes at his face.
"Ix-nay on the lan-pay." Ann reminds him.
Sojiro raises a suspicious eyebrow. "What are you kids up to this time?"
"It's nothing." Ren assures.
"Uh-huh….."
"So, changing the subject!" Ryu said hastily. "Tifa! Glad to see your all's injuries have healed up nicely!"
"Thanks." Tifa responds. "Still, it's gonna leave a nasty scar. But at least we're as healthy now as can be. Same can be said for Bunnie and Yang."
"Wwll now, you seem to be in a chipper mood." A familiar voice says.
Ryu's face turns to annoyance as he sees it was Tao Ren.
"You know, considering you already lost, Ryu." Tao Ren continues. "I'm willing to bet I would have gone farther had I been chosen."
"This brat giving you trouble?" Sanji asks Ryu. "He's reminding me of a certain mosshead."
"It's fine." Ryu assures. "My top priority is making sure this food is perfect for my precious Bernie Bear.~"
"And I'll do the same for Nami and Robin!~" Sanji swoons, his eyes having turned to hearts.
Sojiro chuckles. "You two should have seen how much of a ladies man I was at your all's age….hoo boy."
"Speaking of, where is Bernie?" Tifa asks.
"Yeah. Kinda surprised she's not with you." Kronk adds.
"She needed a little "me" time, so she went back to the ship." Ryu answers. "And, well….how can I not respect her wishes.
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"Ahh, finally! My room!" Bernadetta happily sighs at the sight of her old room in the newly repaired ship. "My home away from home…my true sanctuary. My quiet and peaceful paradise. There were just too many people at the party…..Bernie needs a short break from that." She tells herself.
As she is unlocking the door, she's thinking what she'll do to pass the time. "Perhaps I could catch up on some reading….or do some sewing….maybe finally get some writing done…."
As soon as the door was open, her eyes nearly popped out of her head when she saw that people were in there.
"WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING IN MY ROOM?!"
Erza was seen sitting on her bed, reading some manuscripts.
"This work is absolutely gripping." Erza remarks as she reads with such intensity. "This scene in particular is quite spicy."
Bernadetta rushes towards her and snatches the papers out of her hands "AHH! NOBODY IS SUPPOSED TO READ THAT! THAT ONE IS FOR BERNIE'S EYES ONLY!"
She then turns to see Pit was rummaging at something on the ground, his cheeks stuffed like a squirrel.
"Who knew you were holding onto some tasty treats?!" He says with his mouth full
"HEY! I WAS SAVING THOSE SNACKS FOR AFTER DINNER!"
She then lastly sees Yang holding up one of her stuffed bears.
"Aww, my sister has a bear just like this one." Yang coos.
"DON'T TOUCH MR. FLUFFLES LIKE THAT!" Bern says as she snatches the bear back. "Do you people just barge into other people's living space without so much as a warning?!"
"Well, the front door was open…" Pit said defensively.
"Lies! Bernie would never forget something as important as locking the door!" Bernadetta cries.
"She's beginning to sound like someone I know." Erza remarks.
"C'mon, just calm down. It's not a big deal." Yang assures her.
"I'm calm! Of course I'm calm! Why wouldn't I be calm?!" Bernadetta exclaims as she's pushing all three of them to the door. "Everyone out out out out out!"
She closes the door in front of them, promptly followed by locking it.
"Wait, my cake is still in there!" Erza pleads. "Let me back in so I can retrieve it!"
"Nobody's getting back in, period!" Bernadetta says with hesitant defiance. "I-it's Bernie's cake now!"
Big mistake.
An eerie silence fills the air, followed by a long and audible sigh from the other side. Then the screen cuts to static as the door is brutally kicked off its hinges.
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Elsewhere, we see what everyone else at the party was getting up to. Firstly, we see Gonard inside a fortune teller's tent. Although the ones running the tent were none other than the Ed's.
"I can see it." Eddy says cryptically as he moves his hands over a fishbowl they're using for a crystal ball. "Your future foresees you being able to fly!"
"Wow!" Gonard marvels. He takes out a pair of sleeves that have large bird wings on them. "I knew this gift my mom got me for my birthday would find its use!" He slams down some cash and slips on the wings as he leaves the tent. "Thanks again!"
"Anytime!" Eddy tells him.
"Didn't think I'd see anybody more gullible than Ed." Double D remarks as he gets out from under the table, followed by Ed.
"Neither did I, Double D." Ed adds.
The boys feel a chill go down there spines when the behemoth frame of Lobo enters the tent.
"Hello there, boys." Lobo says, leering down at them. "Mind telling mine now?!"
Next, we see several of the contestants and other guests listening to a story being told by Mr. Satan.
"And that's how I managed to vanquish the evil Cell and became the hero of the world!"
"Pff, what a load of bull." Bunnie scoffs. She nudges Bowser. "Am I right, hun?"
"At least my boy seems to enjoy it." Bowser says. "That's all that matters."
In his lap sat Bowser Jr., clapping at the story. "More! Tell me more!"
"Make way, people!" The voice of Magna can be heard as he and Charmy push Yami into Mr. Satan and knocking him out of the way. "Time for something even cooler!"
"C'mon, Captain!" Charmy adds. "Tell them how you vanquished that pesky dragon angel in the game!"
"Or how you manhandled that Goenitz guy!" Magna says.
"Good grief!" Yami groans. "They already watched it all!"
"Then how about a first hand account of the whole ordeal?" Robin says, teasing him in the process.
"You're not helping!"
Next, we see an outdoor amphitheatre. Backstage, Kermit could be seen tuning his banjo.
"Glad to see you guys out of prison so soon." The frog congratulates.
The band of CYS were setting their instruments up, glad to hear his words.
"Well, that's what good behavior gets you." Shermie said. "You know, for committing global terrorism and all that."
"Probably helped that that cop lady was able to sweet talk them into lessening our punishment." Yashiro points. "The warden was all "Be grateful someone is doing you a favor like this, so you better behave yourself from now on!" I mean, we're rock stars, after all! We're bad to the bone!"
Brook, who was tuning his guitar, clears his throat.
"But that guy takes bad to the bone to the next level." Chris jokes.
"Mind if I interject for a moment." Scanlan says. "Before you guys go out there, mind if I perform a little first? I got this neat little tune about beads I just gotta let everyone hear!"
"Hell no, little man!" Yashiro protests. "We're the opener! So get in line!"
"Not to mention that does not sound appropriate." Shermie says. "We'd prefer it if tonight's show was suitable for all ages."
"Well, worth a shot." Scanlan says, a bit disappointed.
The group see Bernadetta walking by, accompanied by the Ashen Wolves.
"Thanks for saving me, you guys." Bernadetta whimpered. "I thought I was a goner!"
"You think that Erza chick would be mad if I asked her out?" Balthus said. "She was quite the looker."
"Okay, but don't come crying to me when she breaks your spine." Yuri jokes. "You're on your own for that."
Scanlan has a double take as he sees Bernadetta. "Who is that piece of ass?!"
Shermie giggles. "Easy, little man. She's taken."
"Fuck! How about the other guys with her? Because that femboy has got me acting up."
"Nope. But I doubt you can handle them. They're….. interesting."
"Challenge accepted."
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A little bit later, nearly everyone was now gathered together at the main party grounds. A large TV was suspended in the air thanks to some drones.
"Thanks again for letting us use this island to host our big finale party." Don tells Portson. "Everyone looks like they're having fun."
"It is no problem." Portson says humbly. "I'll do whatever I can for you all. I do hope there's no bad blood between us."
"Not at all. We all really appreciate it."
"That's reassuring." Portson admits. "The process of aiding those hurt by the young master has been long and arduous. I think it's appropriate we all deserve a bit of a break."
"So, any guesses on which of them is going to win?" Karin asks her fellow competitors. "If I had to put money on anyone, I'd say Draco."
"Fuck that little brat!" Lobo scoffed. "And Light too! Those two screwed me over, so I'll take anybody but them!"
"C'mon, Futaba's got this in the bag." Peni said.
"I don't know…." Pit says skeptically. "Panty could totally trip every single one of them up."
"C'mon, Futaba's got this!" Ryu retorts. "Isn't that right, Miss Percy?!"
Percy does not respond. She turns away, merely continuing to quietly look down at the ground.
"She's been like this since her elimination." Ramsey quietly tells Ryu. "She won't even talk to me. She took Light's betrayal harder than anyone."
Erza peers over, and sees Percy's despondent expression. She walks over and joins her.
"If you're trying to comfort me Ms. Scarlet, I'd suggest you don't waste your time." Percy said bitterly.
"You're not the only one who was tricked by him." Erza reminds her. "I trusted him with my life, but I was used just like you. I know I can't tell you how to cope with it, but I just wanted to let you know you're not alone in that regard."
"I appreciate you telling me that." Percy said quietly. "I know I'll get over it in time. But even when I do, it will be hard for me to trust someone like that again. I lent my heart to him, and he crushed it. I do not care how, but I hope that that man….no, that monster….is brought to justice."
"I see…." Erza remarks. "Just know we're here for you if you need someone to talk to. You don't have to handle the pain alone. Just always remember that."
This causes Percy to let out the smallest of smiles.
"Thank you. I've….never had to deal with something like this, so…I do appreciate it."
"ALRIGHT, PEOPLE!" Blitzo shouts. "MOVE THE FUCK OUT OF THE WAY! SPECIAL VIP GUEST COMING THROUGH!"
The crowd parts, and watches silently as they see a new face passy by them in silence.
It was a tall and thin young woman with long blonde hair, and circular wire rimmed glasses. She wore a dark green blazer and dark green dress pants, a white buttoned shirt, black shoes and a red cravat. She also currently had a long cigar in her mouth. Her mere presence gave most people there an aura of intimidation.
"Who the hell is this chick?" Yami wonders. "Even she is giving me chills."
Don approaches the woman and kindly gives a bow to her.
"We're honored to have you here, Sir Hellsing."
"Hellsing?" Tiff said. "Why does that sound familiar?"
"That's Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing." Raven explained. "The leader of the Hellsing Organization, and descendant of Abraham van Hellsing."
"How do you know so much about that?" Pit asks.
"Because I read. She's also Alucard's master."
"Wait…. she's the one who orders Al around?!" Barry exclaimed.
"And he actually takes orders from someone else?!" Yang adds. "Well I'll be damned."
"At ease." Integra says. "I wouldn't have come here if I didn't have an uneasy feeling about this."
"What do you mean?" Don asked.
"I've been watching the game closely….and watching Alucard even closer. If this is where it's all supposed to end, I wish to see Alucard's final leg of the game personally. Especially on the off chance that something goes wrong."
"I don't blame you." Don said. "Especially now that we know how much of a monster that cat has revealed himself to be. I'm gravely worried for everyone in there."
"Then how did that demon come to even get a hosting position on this show?" Jack Skellington asks curiously. "You'd think they'd run a background check on someone like him."
"I….. don't know, honestly." Don admits. "It wasn't my decision to hire him. That was the producers' decisions."
"THEN YOUR FRIENDS ARE IN A HEAP OF DANGER!"
Pathetically crawling onto the scene was a bruised and battered King Dice.
"KING DICE?!" Everyone gasped.
"You actually survived?!" Ryu exclaimed.
"I'm the only one from my world who did." King Dice admits. "Got the hell out of there before he could kill me. Managed to only survive by a hair."
"Then hit the road, pal!" Yami spat. "You're not welcome here!"
"Yeah, you tricked our friends into selling their souls to the Devil!
"Pleeeeeeeease let me stay with you guys!" Dice whined. "I've got nowhere else to go! Yes, I tricked people into selling their souls to the Devil and was complicit in every evil thing he did, but I'm a stand up guy when you get to know me!"
"Why don't you just go to an alternate version of your world?" Karin suggests.
"No way! Then there'd be two of me! And I'm a one man show! But if you want, perhaps you can hook me up with a hosting job or something! I've got the charm, the style, the razzle dazzle! Please give me a chance!"
"Yeah, no." Don bluntly tells him. "We ain't dealing with another Yzma."
The host snaps his fingers, and the Imps drag him away. We see Dice now strapped to a giant slingshot.
"Ha! Told you guys that bringing that giant slingshot wouldn't be a waste of time!" Gonard said proudly.
"Wait wait wait! Let's talk about this!" Dice pleads. "I've lost everything! My money, my home-,"
"Adios, ya chump!"
King Dice is launched far into the horizon, crying out like a baby as that's the last they see of him.
"As much as that guy sucks, he did say that they were in grave danger in there." Robin points out.
"From the perspective of watching the show, when have they not?" Barry counters.
The large floating TV suddenly turns on, yet flickering static was all that could be seen.
"Looks as though we're on!" The voice of Chubz says.
Very intently, people around the multiverse now watched with anticipation. We cut to Site 19, where Gjira watched with curiosity and unease.
"What are you up to, Chokola?"
Next, we cut to a familiar pirate ship flying through the sky. The infamous pirate Cecil Donovan Pugwash watches on his TV, his crew alongside him.
"Heh heh heh…." The captain chuckles as he swirls around a wine glass. "Time to see what that rat bastard's cooked up this time."
Back at the party, the static disappears, with only a logo of a white cat head on screen.
"Ladies and gentlemen…. it's been a long ride." Chubz's voice announces to the multiverse. "On this show, we've had some laughs, shed some tears, and maybe taught you some life lessons. But today….I aim to bring misery and suffering to all!"
To everyone's shock and horror, the screen now shows Futaba, Draco, and Panty. The three were now chained by their limbs to the wall of a dark and dank prison cell.
"Futaba!" Her friends and family cried out.
"Panty…..no!" Pit cried.
"Draco!" Barry exclaimed. "How could you let them do this to you?!"
"What did that freak do to my teammates?!" Yami growled.
"These poor unfortunate souls got themselves locked up as soon as they entered my domain!" Chubz continues. "They will remain here while our esteemed Light Yagami, who you all now know as Kira, finally becomes the god of a new era! As for Alucard, he's around here somewhere…. lurking….but we'll find him, just you wait!"
"Is this guy for real?!" Ryuji exclaimed.
"I always knew that cat was bad news!" Pete said.
"And you are a cat that's also bad news." Ryu said.
"Hey!"
"That loathsome bottom feeder is in for a rude awakening if Alucard catches him." Integra said confidently. "Wherever he is."
"Is there really nothing we can do?!" Bernadetta asked.
"That cat said it himself, unfortunately." Tifa explained. "No one can get in or out unless he dictates it."
"Then all we can do….is hope that those inside the Door-Mension figuring out something."
"C'mon, you guys…." Ryu says to himself. "If anyone gets out of this mess, it's you guys."
"Today is the day of a new era!" Chubz continues. " My era! Since Gjira and his empire crumbled months ago, it's left a power vacuum that many out there are trying to usurp! Today….that will no longer be an issue! Now…sit back, grab your final snack, a drink, or your favorite bong….and sit back and watch as history is made today. Nyahahanya!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
We now focus our attention on our three captive contestants. The prison was rather barren and quiet.
"Not my favorite way of being restrained." Panty says, trying to lighten the mood.
Futaba is seen trying to break free from her restraints, but to no avail.
"C'mon……" the hacker grunts. "Must….break…..out!"
"Just give it up, muggle!" Draco snapped. "We're done! Finished! We've lost!"
"Finally decided to say something, kid." Panty remarks.
"Draco, why are you being so cynical?!" Futaba asked while she still struggled to break free. "We can't give up now! We gotta get out of here and stop Light and Chubz!"
"Would you stop that crap already?" The wizard calmly yet bitterly asked.
"Stop what?"
"I'm talking about how you're always like, "Oh, don't worry guys! We'll figure a way out of this!""
"Why are you being such a dick?!" Futaba snapped!"
It was right here……Draco couldn't take it anymore.
"I'M ALWAYS A DICK!" Draco snaps. "YOU HEARD WHAT LIGHT SAID! HOW I'M NOTHING BUT A HORRIBLE PERSON! AND HE'S RIGHT…..SO WHAT AM I DOING STILL TRYING TO HELP YOU GUYS?! I'VE HIT MY ABSOLUTE LIMIT WITH ALL THIS CRAZY RUBBISH! I DIDN'T ASK FOR ANY OF THIS!"
Both Panty and Futaba were taken aback.
"Draco…."
"I'm nothing but a failure." Draco continues somberly. "I feel like all this time I've had no control of my life."
"What do you mean?" Futaba asks.
"Even before this game, the things I did were because of my parents. All I ever wanted was to make them proud and live up to legacy, as infamous as it was. One thing led to another, and I had to do as Voldemort told me. I'd become a Death Eater like my folks….and I'd realized far too late that I'd bitten off more than I can chew. I had to kill someone….and I couldn't afford to fail…. because he'd kill my parents if the plan failed."
"Sounds like this creep really put a lot of pressure on you." Panty remarks. "You're still really young, so…"
"Then there was that day….that those weirdos from that Endless show ruined the plan."
Draco regrettably remembers that day. It was a while ago now, but it still was so vivid in his mind.
You think I'm scared of a bunch of muggles who can't even hold their wands properly? You should have stayed away when I told you to."
"Don't you understand!? I can't forget about the cabinet! He! Won't! Let me!"
"Listen, kid. A hard lesson I learned from a more pretentious version of myself is no one ever wins playing the bad guy! Now I've given enough warnings. Fuck off, or we start blasting."
"And when I failed that, I signed up for this show…..just to escape the consequences." Draco continues. "I ran away like the coward I am. Then on this show, I wound up doing as Light told me…. because if I failed, I knew I'd be sent back to face the music. And…that scares me. I may not have been the boy who lived….. because I was nothing more than the boy who did as he was told."
"I'm….so sorry you had to go through all that." Futaba said. "You had no control or agency in your life."
"Which is why I'd rather stay in here and rot away." Draco admits. "Even if you two find a way out, I want you guys to just leave me here. If I stay here, all these bad things will never get me. Voldemort's wrath, my parents' disappointment. I can avoid it all here!"
He laughs a bit unstably, but it soon devolves into him sobbing.
"No matter what I do….." he cries. "It's gonna end bad for me. I either face death and disappointment…or live the rest of my life as a coward who runs away from his problems! Either way…..I lose! I always lose!"
He continues to cry to himself, as Futaba and Panty look at each other with concern.
"This….this can't be it, can it?!" Panty said worriedly. "We'll get out of here! Al will find us, bust us out, and…..oh, who am I kidding?! That bloodsucker never cared about us! He abandoned us! He's god knows where, and he probably doesn't have us on his mind one bit!"
"That's not true!" Futaba says.
"Face it, kid!" Panty said bitterly. "The wizard is right! It's game over for us! We've lost!"
"No…..I refuse to believe any of this!" Futaba says boldly.
Even as Draco continued to cry to himself, and Panty had already given up hope…..she was the only one who refused to throw in the towel.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Chubzworth walked down a long dark corridor. Opening the doors in front of him wide open, he enters his Soul Library.
It was a large and spacious room, the walls lined with small cells of varying colors. Inside each one lay several souls floating around, unable to free themselves. Billions upon billions of souls lay here.
"It's time for you all to meet some new friends!~" Chubzworth cackles. "Picked up a few million more unfortunate souls from the Inkwell Isles."
BANG!
The sound of gunshot goes off. Chubz stops in his tracks, and feels his cheek. He is actually quite shocked to feel a bit of blood seeping from his cheek. His eyes twitch violently, yet his Cheshire grin remains.
"WHO DARES GRAZE ME?!
The air turns cold, as Alucard manifests behind him.
"Hmm…..a couple centimeters more, and your head would have went all over the place." Alucard remarks.
Chubz turns to face Alucard, his face a mix of rage and psychopathy.
"You've done well to mask your presence from me, No Life King!" Chubz snaps. "But your luck ends here!"
Chubz manifests a large purple scythe in his hands. Purplish black lightning sparks everywhere from at as he spins it around in his hands. His Persona Nyarlathotep appears behind him.
Alucard grins as part of his body begins to transform. "Such confidence……TOO BAD I'M GONNA END YOUR FUCKING LIFE AND WIPE THAT SHIT EATING GRIN OFF YOUR FUCKING FACE!"
"OBLIVION'S EMBRACE!"
A shadowy, amorphous dog with many eyes appears out of Al, and clashes with the fist of Nyarlathotep. Chubz takes the opportunity to slash into Alucard's chest with his scythe, but another hound emerges from the newly opened gash and bites down on the cat's shoulder while another bites into his scythe and breaks it.
"ARRRRGH!"
Chubz leaps back, and proceeds to grow in size like he did in front of the Devil.
"Maddening Visage!"
Once again, his abdomen opens up a large mouth of its own, filled with hundreds of sharp, saw-like fangs and a forked tongue sticking out. The second mouth begins to drool an acidic saliva. Nyarlathotep even increased in size, growing proportional to how it was with it's master normally.
"It's been literal years since someone has hurt me!" Chubz roars. "But you've fucked up royally now, Night Walker! Now…. ABYSSAL TORRENT!"
His second mouth rains down dark purple balls of energy. Alucard changes his form to dodge and evade the hellstorm of attacks as he made a beeline for the overlord.
"Nyarlathotep!" Chubz orders. "OBLIVION'S ASSAULT!"
The Persona's tentacles transform into spiked fists, and rain down in a flurry trying to punch Alucard along with the dark energy balls. Luckily, Alucard was able to dodge these two, and get in some strong slashes and gunshots in there. Surprisingly, this was hurting him and his Persona in the process.
"PRIMORDIAL HOWL!"
Chubz lets out a chilling scream so loud and powerful it echoes through dimensions. The force of this scream knocks Alucard back, crashing into the wall.
"Ggh…..seems as though you're not a one trick pony!" Alucard winced.
"I've been slaughtering people for over a century!" Chubz brags. "I'm the literal demon with more souls than you wish you could ever-"
He's interrupted as Alucard blew a massive hole in his torso with his guns.
"Who're you to lecture me on souls?!" Alucard spat. "I've been taking lives since before you were ever born! Skill overrides numbers…. SO RESPECT YOUR ELDERS….YOUNG MAN !"
Chubz wails in agony as his body returns to it's original size. Nyarlathotep briefly dissipates. Chubz leans back against the wall, clutching his wounds as Alucard approaches him, reloading his guns in the process.
"You're a pesky little pussycat, aren't you?" Alucard says mockingly whilst aiming his gun at the demon's head. "It's a shame, though…I was having a lot of fun humbling you. As tough as you are, your fighting style is sloppy and lacks control! But now it's time I render you into cat food!"
"I must admit…." Chubz winces. "You little fuckers are more crafty than I thought! I can't remember the last time I was in this much pain. However…"
Unbeknownst to Alucard, Chubz's shadow slowly slinks across the ground, and…
"NIHILISTIC SURGE!"
The shadow goes up Alucard gags as dozens of black, shadowy spikes shoot out of his body, catching him by surprise. This attack reveals itself to be Nyarlathotep.
"I must retreat for now, and regain my strength!" Chubz declares. "This cat's always got a few tricks up his claws. Next time any of you try to fight me….. you'll stand no chance!"
Chubz laughs as his body disappears into a black shadowy mist, his Persona disappearing along with him.
"The little shit got away!" Alucard tells himself. "No matter. Perhaps I should scout this place out a bit more and figure out the layout of this shit hole. Though if I see Light….."
Al's face transforms, looking even scarier than something Chubz could concoct.
" IT'S ON SIGHT !"
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Back in the prison, Futaba is unsure of what to do. Panty has already given up, meanwhile Draco was having a mental breakdown. Now though, it looked as though he's calm down, but was now acting quiet and withdrawn.
"Draco…"
"Stuff it, muggle." Draco spat. "There's nothing you can say that'll change my mind!"
Suddenly, Futaba had an idea.
" If you throw in the towel now…then you really are pathetic."
Draco's eyes widened at what she said. It was…familiar.
" If you give up now, you'll never live it down." She continues . " In Slytherin House, we never give up, even if things look bleak! We achieve victory by any means necessary! So you better not quit until it's all over, you got it? Does any of that ring a bell?"
"That's-" Draco begins.
"What you told Barry when he was going to give up fighting Palmer." Futaba finishes. "When he was ready to give up, you gave him the courage to keep going, even if the odds were stacked against him. You were also there when we fended off those Marines…. fighting to help protect Robin."
"Way to throw my words right back at me." Draco said regrettably.
"Let me be frank, Malfoy. You are a major asshole. A spoiled brat with some pretty radical views. And yet…you're nowhere near as bad of a guy as you were when you got here. And definitely not as bad of a person as Light."
"What are you getting at?" Draco asked.
"You may not realize it yourself, but this game has humbled you more than you realize. I may not know everything you've gone through, but you are by no means a coward like Light said you are. You've proven time and time again that when you actually lock in, you can really make a difference."
"I…guess you make a good point." Draco admits. "But our options right now aren't looking prosperous."
"Gotta agree with the kid." Panty adds. "Not sure how we'll get out of this one."
"C'mon, we've been through worse." Futaba tells them. "Besides Marines, we fought mutants, pirates, cultists…heck, we literally went to Hell and back to save our souls! If it doesn't get crazier than that, I don't know what will! All of us have grown in one way or another in this game. If Light wins…it'll be the end for us. Not just us, but our friends and families are at stake too."
"Alright, alright, you made your point." Draco interrupts. "But…thanks, you know? I feel I really needed to hear all that. But if we're gonna do this, I just wanna make one thing clear."
"And what's that?"
"Everything I do from here on out is gonna be my choice and mine alone." Draco declares. "And what I want…is to take Light and that cat down. Got a problem with that, muggle?"
Futaba smiles at his newfound resolve. "Not at all. Panty, what about you?"
"You know, you've got a way with words, kid." Panty admits. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were a wizard or witch like Mr. Prep over there. I don't know how much I'll be able to contribute, but I'm ready to fuck shit up!"
The cell door opens, and Lucinne is seen leering down at them, a rapier in her hand.
"Aw, isn't that sweet?!" The sadistic angel said mockingly. "You all are giving each other a pep talk. You lot seriously think you're gonna get out of here and stop the boss's plan. You're all either really naive or just delusional!"
"What do you want?!" Draco snapped.
"I'm tasked with keeping you all down here. And in the meantime, I'm gonna do what I do best and torture you pigs till your final squeal! It's the least you deserve for being fucking murderers!"
"Murderers?! We didn't kill anybody!"
Lucinne lashes out and slaps Futaba across the face.
"You killed my brother!" Lucinne seethed. "Remember Henri?! That man you fought with those shoddy mercenaries?!"
"Wait…..that guy was your brother?!" Panty exclaimed. "And besides, Yami was the one who dealt the kill shot! And besides, he's dead too!"
"Bullshit. That boar survived! My brother on the other hand…"
The three perk their ears at this reveal.
"Wait….Yami's alive?!" Futaba said.
"I'm….actually pretty glad to hear that, all things considered." Draco said quietly.
"He's dead now because of all of you!" Lucinne snapped. "Chubzworth orchestrated the whole thing, and you all went through it!"
"Shouldn't you be mad at him then?!" Draco suggests.
"Silence, child! It is impossible for me to turn my back at him, regardless of how much I hate him for doing that! Making you guys suffer is the next best thing! And I think I'll start with you!"
She cups Panty's face in her hand.
"I'm gonna make you suffer the worst, you slut!"
"What the fuck did I do to you?!" Panty retorts.
"You and I are quite similar." Lucinne tells her. "Angels banished from Heaven for our voices! You and your sister are stuck up little shits who are an eyesore! My brother and I were warriors who were born to hurt any and everything in our wake! You're an inferior angel, meanwhile we're higher up on the food chain!"
"Oh, get off your high horse, bitch!" Panty taunts.
"What's the point of being high up on the hierarchy if you can't oppress and make those below you miserable?!" Lucinne counters. "There must always be someone else to beat down on! I'm going to make an example out of you for getting a little too big for your britches! You should know your place! The fact that Yami and that Pit kid will see me make mincemeat out of you will make this all the more satisfying!"
"Keep their names out of your fucking mouth!" Panty snaps.
Lucinne points her rapier at her. "I think I'll start… by plucking out your eyes!"
BONK!
Lucinne's eyes roll into the back of her head as she collapses to the ground face first. Behind her was a demon holding a 2X4. Although to the contestants, this demon looked familiar.
"Hold on….. Maynard?!" Panty gasped.
"McMonster?!" Futaba exclaimed.
"You guys?!" Maynard exclaimed.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Back at the party, everyone is utterly flooded to see Maynard.
"Young Master!" Portson cried. "It really is him!"
"Aw, what?!" Ryu complained. "This guy again?!"
"That shithead is seriously still around?!" Ryuji exclaimed. "But we saw him have a mental shutdown!"
"Got an inkling for how this is possible, Morgana?" Yusuke asked.
"I'm not sure." Morgana admits. "But we changed his heart…and he did die, I know that. Unless…he's also a demon."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Why is it that when crazy shit happens to me, you guys are always involved?" Maynard wonders. "What are you guys doing here?!"
"Never mind that." Futaba said. "How did you get here?! We saw you die!"
"I did die." Maynard explained. "I went to Hell, wound up at this hotel, and one thing led to another…long story short, that cat had followers in Hell, and they sent me here as some fucking ritual or something! I've been sneaking around the place trying to find a way out."
"What a coincidence." Panty said. "We're trying to get out of here too. Mind seeing if that bitch you just conked unconscious has a key? We need to get out of here!"
"Can we really trust him?!" Draco said skeptically. "Do you guys remember what he's done to us?!"
"I'm not that kinda guy anymore!" Maynard said defensively. "The Phantom Thieves helped changed my heart. When I get out of here, I wanna work towards atoning for my crimes. You gotta believe me! I hate that cat as much as you guys do! He's the reason I died in the first place."
"We did succeed in changing his heart after all." Futaba tells Draco. "Even if the end result was not what we'd wanted. But I can tell he really means it."
Draco sighs, hesitantly willing to believe them. "Alright, McMonster. You've made your case. Now would you please get us out of here?!"
Maynard rummages through Lucinne's pockets, and finds the keys to the cells and restraints. Maynard quickly gets to work and frees them.
"Ahhhhh, that feels much better!" Futaba says as she stretches. "My legs fell asleep there for a moment. Thanks, Maynard."
"Uh…..yeah." Maynard said awkwardly. "Anyway, what's our next plan of action? Because I wanna give that car a piece of my mind!"
Futaba switches to her Phantom Thief attire and creates a small screen in front of her.
"This is a rough map of the place." Futaba explains. I don't know where Chubzworth is, but I've scanned Light being…" she points at the top most part of the map. "Up here. Probably at that weird altar we saw when we got here."
"If that's the case, mind freeing me as well?" A voice from a nearby cell asked. "I know this place like the back of my hand."
We pan to see a young man chained up in a cell. He wore a black and dark blue outfit with a ripped cape, wearing a black mask with red lenses. Although unfortunately, he wasn't looking in too good of a shape.
Futaba's eyes widened at this familiar face.
"Akechi…."
"In the flesh, Sakura." Akechi chuckles.
"Okay, I can understand Maynard being here, but we thought you were dead!"
"I thought so too." Akechi counters. "But here I am. If you're curious, I'm here on SCP Foundation business."
"YOU WORK FOR THE FOUNDATION NOW?!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"No way…." Haru gasped.
"It really is him." Morgana adds.
"Friend of yours?" Scott asked.
"It's…. complicated." Ren admits.
"Futaba told us plenty about this guy." Ryu said. "Didn't think they'd see him again. Especially in a manner like this."
"Do you think he's a friend this time?" Bernadetta asked nervously. "Or foe?"
"I don't know, Bernie. That I don't know."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"If you free me, I'll take you to Light." Akechi offers. "Like I said, in the time I've been here, I've got this place mapped down better than any of you."
"Sweet, then let's free the guy." Panty said.
"Hold on!" Futaba interjects. "How can we be sure that we can trust you? You've helped us in the past, but I know you have a history of backstabbing and double crossing."
"You have every right to be distrustful of me." Akechi said. "And I'm not as much of a fan of this as you are. At the very least, I've been trying to do better…and part of that entailed me joining the Foundation."
"Get. To. The. Point." Futaba demanded.
"You all can't beat them alone." Akechi continues. "I was sent here to deal with them…and they're stronger than you can possibly imagine. Why, that cat was able to best me…and in a single hit no less, I may add."
"What?!" Futaba gasped.
"Is that bad?!" Maynard said worriedly. "Please tell me that's not bad!"
"It took all of us Phantom Thieves just to beat Akechi."
"Not to mention Chubzworth also possess a Persona of his own, and a powerful one at that." Akechi explains. "You'll need the extra manpower if you hope to beat both of them. You guys have the numbers, and I have the know-how of this place. And once that's done, we can all go our separate ways. Sound good?"
Futaba contemplates this for a moment, and decides that they'll free him.
"Maynard, let the psycho out."
"Gotcha."
As Maynard unlocks Akechi from his cell, Draco wonders one thing.
"Where are the other prisoners? Why is it just us?"
"To my knowledge, there were more, including the people that completed on this island when Chubz worked for it." Akechi explains. "But they're long since dead. That cat gets his followers from all over within the Cluster to send people here as offerings…and meet the same fate as everyone before them."
"God, I don't picture that! Maynard whimpered. "That could've been me! I'm so glad I found you guys!"
"Ah, feels good to be finally free!" Akechi cackles.
"Remember, no funny business!"
"Now, is that everybody?" Akechi asks. "Because before we go any further-"
" Now everyone is here." A familiar voice says.
The group sees Alucard walking towards them.
"Al!" Futaba said happily. "You really didn't abandon us!"
"You didn't…hear everything we said about you, did you?" Panty said nervously.
"My hearing is quite good." Alucard emphasizes. "And yes, I'll be blunt. I wasn't planning on looking for you all. However…."
"What?"
"After giving myself a moment to ponder it, and fighting that cat-"
"You actually fought him?!" Akechi exclaimed in disbelief. "And made it out alive?!"
"He got away, but I almost had him." Al said. "But I almost ended that shit stain if he didn't catch me by surprise. Anyway, as I was saying, I merely returned to you all for one reason. Because of you." He points to Futaba.
"M-me?!" Futaba stuttered.
"You've intrigued me since you and I discovered the truth about Light." Alucard tells her. "You have a knack for rallying people behind you. You're quite calculated and headstrong under pressure. Kind of reminds me of my master. For that, I hold a bit of respect for you."
Futaba was touched to hear that. And from Alucard of all people.
"You really mean that?!"
"Just a bit." Alucard teases. "But make no mistake. When we're done with our shared enemies, I still plan on winning this game. And I'll show you three no mercy. But until then, let us truly fight together."
"Yeah!"
"Before we go, there's something I need to give each of you." Akechi says. He takes out a small pouch and hands each of them a small pill.
"What are these?" Draco asked.
"Escape Pills, created by the Foundation's top scientists. I had their help getting in here, and these will help us get out. When we're done, or wmif it seems like things are looking bad, just take one and it'll pull you out of the Door-Mension."
"Seriously?!" Maynard said.
"I'm surprised they didn't confiscate these from you!" Panty said.
"Yeah…." Draco said. "That is kind of weird. They didn't even take my wand or any of our stuff. Something's not adding up."
"We don't have time to think about that." Futaba said. "Akechi, lead the way!"
The group are led by Akechi to a large spiral staircase in the next room.
"We need to go up." Akechi explains. "Light is up there still, isn't he?"
"Yep." Futaba answers.
"Then we'll need to reach the altar! He's up there doing who knows what. Time is of the essence."
The group exits the room single file. Just as Panty is about to leave, she stops dead in her tracks as a blade pierces through her torso. Lucinne was finally back up, her head now bleeding.
"How dare you trick me?!" Lucinne seethed. "I'm only fine with playing dirty if it benefits us! Now you'll pay with your life and more!"
Very quickly do Panty's allies see this.
"Panty!" Futaba cried out.
"Leave her!" Akechi tells her. "We can't waste any time!"
"But we can't leave her here!"
"You guys….go on without me!" Panty said weakly, blood beginning to drip from her mouth. "I'll handle this. You guys just focus on winning! Got that?!"
Draco and Futaba nod, following the others up the staircase.
Lucinne pulls back and sends Panty flying back. The angel lands on the floor, clutching her wound.
"How pathetic." Lucinne taunts. "You all just continue to keep pissing me off!"
"Wow, even you have good pull out game!" Panty jokes.
"Don't you dare make light of this situation! You will respect and fear me!"
"And you can kiss the area betwixt my twat and my asshole!"
"No matter. As much as I'd love to gut you like a trout, I'll have to wait for now, seeing as you're not going anywhere! I'll have to follow your friends and stop them from reaching the sacred altar!"
"Don't you fucking dare!" Panty growled.
"Watch me."
As Lucinne is heading towards the exit, Panty takes out her gun and shoots above Lucinne.
"You missed!" Lucinne says smugly.
"Did I?"
Panty's bullet had hit a stone support beam by the exit. The ceiling above her begins to crumble and comes crashing down. Lucinne wails as the stone and rubble come crashing down and trapping her, blocking the exit in the process. Lucinne was unable to move, with only her head and one of her arms not buried underneath rubble.
"Bullseye, cunt!" Panty said confidently. She coughs up a little more blood.
"Do it, then!" Lucinne growls. "Kill me now! Get your revenge!"
"Are you kidding?!" Panty scoffs. "You ain't getting off that easy. You're gonna live, only because an "inferior angel" let you live! So suck on that!"
Lucinne growls like a wild animal. Meanwhile, Panty leans back against the wall, her vision beginning to get blurry. Shetakes out the Escape Pill that Akechi gave her.
"Well…. I've done all I can do. I'm tapping out of the game. The rest…is up to you guys."
She takes the pill, and disappears in a burst of starlight.
"No…..NO!" Lucinne. "DON'T RUN FROM ME, YOU WHORE!"
"Nyahahanya!"
Lucinne is stunned to see Chubzworth enter the room, limping towards her as blood leaks from his body.
"Sir!"
"Looks like that bloodsucker fucked me up pretty badly." The demon wheezes. "Since I'm in so much pain…what say we have you finally repay our deal?!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Panty manifests in front of everyone at the party, much to everyone's shock.
"Panty!" Pit cries as he runs towards her. He puts his gear to her chest. Her face was going pale, her breaths were getting shallow, and her heartbeat was getting slower.
"AHHHHHH! SHE NEEDS A DOCTOR!" Chopper cried.
"Pretty sure that's you." Vax tells him.
"Oh."
Panty weakly turns her attention towards Pit.
"So….. how'd I do?!"
"You did good!" Pit said, trying his best not to cry. "You played a good game! And I'm sure you were able to help them!"
"Quickly, she needs treatment!" Yami orders. "NOW!"
Panty is put on a stretcher, and carried off so those with medical expertise can patch her up, with Pit following her.
"You think she'll be okay?" Yami asks Don.
"I hope so. That wound looked rather severe."
"She's tough." Yami says confidently. "She'll make it through this. I can bet on that!"
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Finally, the heroes reached a large door in front of them after climbing the top most set of stairs.
"He's beyond this door." Akechi says grimly. "Once we step out there, there's no going back. Is everyone ready?!"
"Ready as I'll ever be." Draco says hesitantly.
"Let the slaughter begin." Alucard says, cocking Jackal.
Futaba takes a deep breath. "Let's finish this. Let's change his heart."
"No promises on that part." Alucard warns.
"Time to settle this!" Maynard said, taking out a small hunting dagger from his pocket.
Akechi opens the door, and they are treated to a large and open altar. White stone pillars topped with small cat statues are scattered around the place, with a large statue of Chubzworth menacingly standing in the very back. Someone appeared to be standing in front of the statue.
"Yagami!" Akechi calls out, drawing a red, serrated beam sword. "Time for you to face your judgement!"
"It's over, Light!" Futaba says. "Or I guess I should say…Kira!
Light turns to face them, having now transformed. His white hair was now black on one half with a pair of horns sticking out of his head, one black and one white. He had a pair of wings on his back, one being a black angel wing, while the other was a white demonic wing, with a forked white tail sticking out. His eyes were completely red with black sclera, glaring into his enemies.
"What happened to you?!" Draco asked.
"What do you mean?! I've become God!" Light said proudly. "My transformation is now complete! Now I demand it…now before me!"
"Sorry, Kira!" Akechi says, drawing a laser blaster. "We're going to kill you right here and now!"
"I thought we were gonna change his heart!" Futaba reminds them.
Light remains quiet for a moment, only to let loose an uncontrollable fit of laughter
"That's right…..I am Kira. And what can you do?!...Kill me right here? Hear this. I am not only Kira, but I am also…. god of a new world!"
"Cut the bullshit you uppity little troglodyte!" Alucard snapped.
"Kira has become law in the world I live in!" Light continues to monologue. "He's the one who's maintaining order. I have become justice….the only hope for mankind! Kill me? Is that really the right thing to do?"
"You have no right doing what you do, you monster! Draco tells him.
"Since Kira's appearance six years ago, wars in my world have stopped, and global crime rates have been reduced by seventy percent! But it's not enough! My world and every world beyond that are still rotten! With too many rotten people!"
"I can understand that to an extent." Futaba tells him. "We give people the power to change. We don't do it through control or the fear of death!"
Light continues, refusing to listen to her. "Somebody has to do this! And when I first got that notebook all those years ago, I knew I had to do it! No…I was the only one who could! I understood that killing people was a crime….THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY, THE WORLD HAD TO BE FIXED! A PURPOSE GIVEN TO ME!"
The stand there, unable to say anything as Light rambles on dementedly.
"Only I could do it. WHO ELSE COULD HAVE DONE IT, AND COME THIS FAR?! WOULD THEY HAVE KEPT GOING?! The only one…who can create a new world…is me."
"You're delusional." Akechi says. "Justice this, justice that! You're just a merciless killer with godlike delusions of grandeur."
Draco steps forward, and points his wand at him.
"Just listening to you is pissing me off more than anyone!" The wizard yells. "Even Potter! So how about you give up now, and maybe I'll show you some mercy!"
Light looks at Draco, a disgustingly sinister smile forms on his face.
"Well, if it isn't Draco Malfoy…the boy who does as he's told. Now that you've pointed your weapon at me…are you willing to actually use it?!"
"What?!"
"Don't play dumb. You couldn't even kill your school's headmaster. You act big and tough, but you don't have it in you to take a life. When you draw your weapon, it's for actions, not measly threats."
"I'm not running away!" Draco affirms. "Quit your rambling and face me like a man!"
"I did mean it when I said you were different." Light reiterates. "You did as you were told, all to make daddy dearest proud. Tell you what, I'll cut you a deal."
"A deal?"
"Yes. You can stay with them, and fight me in a losing battle you have no chance of winning. Or you could join me. You can have a spot in my new world. Voldemort will never be a problem again with me around, and no harm will come to your family. You can live the cushy life of a pureblood wizard at the top like you and your family have always wanted. And I have no doubt they'd be very proud of you then. So…..do we have a deal?"
"Draco…. don't listen to him." Futaba warns him. "Remember what you said…..DO WHAT YOU WANT!"
Draco shows a slight grin on his face.
"You're right…. you're absolutely right!"
"What?!" Light snapped.
"You heard me, Yagami!" Draco retorts as he points at him. "I'm done being pushed around! I'm done being controlled! I'm gonna do what a Slytherin does best and follow my ambitions no matter what it takes! I'm my own person, and I will no longer bend the knee! My path is mine to cut, and that path involves crushing that oversized ego of yours in the process! DO YOU HEAR ME?!"
Draco feels a sharp pain shoot through his head, the young wizard dropping to his hands and knees.
"Draco!" Futaba cried.
Draco suddenly hears a voice in his head, quite similar to his.
"My my. You've taken your sweet time to come to this realization, haven't you?"
"W…..what?!" Draco asks.
"You seek to live up to a legacy that you know will forever be tainted. You wish to grab hold of that legacy, and make it your own, no matter the cost?"
"Yes….I do." Draco admits.
"Excellent. No longer will you be someone else's puppet, weighed down by the expectations of others. Use your cunning, your ambition, and every underhanded trick you know to achieve greatness. The contract has now been sealed!"
Suddenly, a mask appears on Draco's face. It appeared to be a masquerade mask, although it was made of green flames. Draco grabs the mask and tries to rip it off his face.
"I am thou…thou art I. Speak my name, and the power of your other self will be forever yours."
"SALAZAR!"
Draco rips the mask off, and is engulfed in a huge pillar of blue fire. His attire changed, now wearing a dark green suit with the Slytherin logo emblazoned on it, flaming emerald green tie, a green coat with baggy sleeves and a cape, almost appearing like robes. Dark green trousers, black gloves with green studded gems in them,and pointed emerald shoes finish the look, complete with a green, pointy wizard hat adorned on his head.
"Well I'll be damned." Akechi said proudly.
A being appears behind Draco. It appeared to be a wizened old man in dark green robes, his head balding with long flowing facial hair.
"Draco….." Futaba said. "Do you know what you just did?!"
Draco looks down, and realizes what happened.
"What the-what am I wearing?!"
"Draco, you've awakened a Persona!"
Draco looks at his Persona, and then back at Light.
"You think I'm scared?!" Light retorts. "I am an ALL. POWERFUL. GOD!"
"Guys….I think it's time we give this pitiful muggle the humbling session he deserves." Draco says proudly. "Let's go, Salazar!"
"Tch…..fine, then." Light says calmly yet coldly. "If you really wanna die…" he proceeds to gather up energy in his hands. "THEN BY ALL MEANS! I'LL TAKE YOU ALL ON! MY FINAL OBSTACLE BEFORE MY REIGN BEGINS!"
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Let the battle begin.
Hope you all enjoyed the first part of this two parter. You're not ready for what's coming next. Wanna keep that stuff a secret for now. Who'll come out of this fight on top? And what's Chubz up to? Find out next time.
Until then, this is MemeKing, signing off