Chapter 5
At the competition
The pressure of competing in a competition related to a casual hobby meant to be seen as fun, really put some stress on the Technology Club. Well on B and Naruto, Crimson just hated crowds and C.C. looked as indifferent as ever. However, once the competition really started, the boys started to relax and the girls were able to ignore the crowd. What also felt a bit off putting was the initial way that the competition was done.
Instead of focusing on one game or even a genre. The games would be chosen at random and the officials (or whoever was in charge) set the games to be played shortly before the round started. The Technology Club at least felt less worried as they always practiced these games before and were more or less prepared.
However, there were moments when the methods were changed a bit. For example, there was a point where Rocket League was one of the games that had to be played. So only two players from each team could play during that round.
It felt like the committee wanted to turn this into some weird version of the Olympics. Luckily the club was able to make it pretty far towards the finals. Naruto could also tell it was a lucky day for him and the club because his father was also here and he was keeping his mother from going wild at every win.
Yes, she still disliked video games but still liked seeing her son winning at something. Given her tomboyish attitude, Minato was doing his best from letting his wife say something rude and embarrassing regarding the losing teams.
"I'm just cheering on my son!" Kushina exclaimed.
"Kushina, he would love it if you didn't have to be your wild self today." Minato said with a sigh.
"It's my job as a mother to say things that may embarrass my son!" Kushina argued, making Minato sigh loudly.
At the same time, they heard a loud timer that signified the end of a round. Minato and Kushina turned to see Naruto's team had won in a match of FIFA with C.C. as his partner.
Once again, Minato covered his wife's mouth and held her down as the announcer spoke up.
"Ashford Academy's duo have won but let's also give a round of applause to Newell High's team!" The announcer said as the crowd clapped regardless.
Newell High's duo sighed but accepted their loss with some dignity. Although the announcer didn't make it easy on them after looking at the final score.
Ashford: 3 - Newell: 2
"Too bad Newell can't count to three, hehe!" The announcer said, earning a couple of glares.
Naruto and C.C. returned to their other teammates who nodded and gave them a thumbs up. With the announcer stating what the final game of the last round will be.
"I hope both teams believe in the Force because we're ending this in a battle between the Lightside and Darkside!" The announcer said as the logo for Star Wars Battlefront appeared.
The Technology club started mentally preparing themselves during the brief break. With Seras trying to motivate everyone to do their best. Despite being an agent of a secret joint organization between America and Europe, Seras was more than happy to act like an overly cheerful teacher.
"You got this team! The final round is going to need absolute cooperation." Seras said.
"We made it this far. We can't lose right now." Naruto said.
"...I remember a time when this club just existed to avoid all the annoying perky clubs." Crimson said.
"I'm still here for the free food." C.C. said.
As everyone said their piece, Ennui arrived with Loki on his shoulder.
"So guys, you know I'm not big on competitions and public events but Loki here wanted to motivate you all or something like that." Ennui said as the rabbit jumped into Crimson's palms.
Loki then turned and looked at everyone before trying to stand on his two legs. He then closed his eyes and raised his arms like he was trying to bless them or something. Once done, Loki opened his eyes and nodded at Crimson before jumping back onto Ennui's shoulder.
"Also, I'm probably supposed to support you guys and all that. So don't lose or else that's just lame." Ennui said.
"I gotta agree, that's going to be lame." Crimson said.
If the club was to lose today's competition, the goths would treat the loss as a slightly annoying inconvenience. Naruto and B were probably the most motivated as they already put a lot of effort into reaching this far into the competition while C.C. was being difficult to read.
"Win or lose, I demand payment." C.C. said.
"We'll get you a pizza on the way back." Naruto said with a sigh.
"I'm glad to see you all have your priorities straight." Seras said as sweat dropped behind her head.
After a couple more minutes, Ennui and Seras took their seats while the Technology Club. Where they would soon meet the competition from the other team.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let us introduce our finalists! We have Ashford Academy and Briarwood Preparatory!" the announcer exclaimed as the crowd cheered.
"I think this is the part where someone complains about 'The Elite' taking everything." Crimson said.
"Yeah, it's weird. We're from a fancy school, but all of us are just average people." Naruto said as B nodded in agreement.
A lot of private and higher education schools did tend to boast about who was better mainly through academics, unique resources and sports teams. So it felt ironic that an academy and preparatory school were the finalists in a competition which would be considered stupid by such facilities. Really, the club would sooner expect the respective principals and boards of educations to see this competition as a contest of degenerates.
"Time moves forward and people change. There's no way to fight it." C.C. said.
With that, the two teams did their thing where they would wave at the crowd and everything while the announcer just said random things to hype people up. Along with reiterating the rules and a few other details before both teams began to take their seats. Then Naruto made a sour face that Crimson noticed.
"Don't tell me you suddenly got stage fright." Crimson said, sounding a bit annoyed.
"No, I recognize one of the competitors. It's an annoying bastard from my childhood named Sasuke." Naruto explained.
Crimson subtly looked at the other team and saw an indifferent looking young man with dark hair shaped. Then she noticed how overconfident he looked a moment later before looking at her screen.
"Somehow I can sense the entitlement." Crimson said.
"Whatever, I'm going to try and ignore him." Naruto said.
As the computers began to load up the game and the matches. Sasuke had also noticed Naruto but did his best to avoid showing an expression.
Naruto and Sasuke were friends at first as kids, but Sasuke became too full of himself. Originally, the two met as their mothers were close friends and hoped they would bond as well. Naruto tried to keep reaching out until some time in middle school. He thought his former friend was just being rude and inconsiderate because his father pressured him to be better at everything. With Sasuke's older brother, Itachi, always being praised as this prodigy with immense potential.
Itachi himself was the type of person who had a seemingly perfect life. In a mostly wealthy home as his father was the owner of a company that dated back about a century. Itachi always had perfect grades, frequently played sports that earned him awards and even a scholarship to Briarwood years earlier where he graduated a year early. Which in turn got him another scholarship to the university of his choice. Even then, all Sasuke wanted was his brother's attention and deep down, Itachi was a nice guy.
Except Itachi had the emotional attachment of a rock. The older boy didn't exactly do much to show affection to his brother other than basic actions and words. Which somehow twisted Sasuke's desire to earn his father and brother's approval into creating a superiority complex.
'Oh, that loser is here. I guess kicking his ass in this useless competition.' Sasuke thought as his game loaded up.
"Hey, eyes up. We're the Darkside." said a white haired teammate.
"That's a stupid name." Sasuke said, earning ire from his teammate.
Sasuke then looked at the roster and just sighed as he obviously wasn't a Star Wars fan or understood it. He just knew it was meant to be a science fiction version of Battlefield as they were made by the same developers. However, this was Heroes Vs. Villains so the gameplay would be different for the final round. So Sasuke decided to settle with Darth Vader as his choice.
As for Naruto's team, they were already aware of their preferred play styles and were choosing their own Heroes from the roster. With Naruto ironically choosing Anakin while B chose Luke, Crimson chose Yoda and C.C. chose Han Solo.
B (Team Chat): May the Force be with us.
Naruto snickered at B, "You just had to say that and ruin the moment." he said as he shook his head.
The game loaded up and the big screen showed the introduction of the round. Where Ashford's team showed their heroes walking up and arming themselves. Briarwood's team revealed Darth Vader, Grievous, Count Dooku and Boba Fett on the other side. After that, the screen split to show the different points of view for the players.
Once the game's timer went down, the players were allowed to start. With C.C. seemingly running around the corner in a way that made the other team think she was an idiot. This obviously earned the attention of the Boba Fett player as well as the Count Dooku player who chased after her. However, this was planned as Crimson followed close behind C.C. who was being shot at by Boba Fett.
However, Crimson came close behind the two and used Unleash to send Dooku and Boba's bodies flying across the ground. C.C. then used Han's shoulder charge to smack into Boba before dropping a detonator charge beside him and igniting it once she was far away. As the Boba Fett player tried to chase after her again, they were killed by Yoda's attacks.
"Damn it! Where was my back up, Jugo!?" asked the Boba Fett player.
"It's not my fault, I was trying to get Yoda but he won't hold still." said Jugo, the Dooku player.
"How are you having a hard time? Yoda is the slowest hero!" the other player argued.
"Leave me alone, Suigetsu!" Jugo yelled before being hit with another Unleash attack.
Just as Jugo recovered, he used Dooku's Force Lightning against Yoda who blocked the attack. Just as he tried to continue, he was cut down by B who used his rush attack on him. Jugo growled in frustration before watching as B used Force Push at the Grievous player. Then proceeded to blitz them with Naruto's help, making it harder for the Grievous player to move around as freely.
Sasuke sighed at how badly his teammates were doing as he saw they were down four points. It was three until Suigetsu got teamed up on by C.C. and Crimson again.
"What the hell is the matter with you idiots?" Sasuke asked.
"Hey, at least we're actually landing hits." Suigetsu argued before being Force Pushed across the ground again.
Which led to B killing him again before he could fly away.
"Suigetsu, change to one of the ones with the lightsaber." Sasuke commanded.
Meanwhile, Ashford's team were trying to react to each attack quickly. Battlefront 2's Heroes mode improved from the original but also made it harder by limiting the amount of movement. Because of this, the group had to practice with how to move and react quickly.
"B, go to Crimson, she can't keep up with the Dooku player." Naruto said as B nodded.
"I require assistance." C.C. said.
Naruto moved towards C.C.'s position as he saw her trying to shoot at Darth Vader who blocked each attack. Right before using Force Choke to lift C.C. into the air and manually throwing her across the ground. Naruto took this chance to attack from behind and used Passionate Strike, only to miss.
Sasuke smirked behind his computer and attacked Naruto only for him to block quickly. Naruto blocked each attack before dodging every time until he used Heroic Might to push Sasuke away. Naruto ran around for a second to let his stamina meter refill while being chased by Sasuke.
'I got you now, loser.' Sasuke thought before being shot.
He dodged the blaster shots before raising his guard to block C.C.'s rapid shooting skill. C.C. moved around as she was shooting to avoid being hit by the reflection of the attacks. Which distracted Sasuke long enough for Naruto to use Force Pull and hit Sasuke while he was exposed. While it was difficult to harm him, Sasuke failed to realize that his stamina bar had emptied and left himself exposed before being killed.
"Yes." Naruto whispered before returning to the main fights.
After a few minutes, Naruto's team was down to 18 points while Sasuke's was at 10. Ashford's Technology Club was close to a victory as they kept finding ways to isolate individual players or ambush multiple players using bait.
"These guys are way too eager to get a kill." Crimson commented.
"Then just keep goading them." C.C. suggested.
It was annoying to get ganged up on in a multiplayer game. Except in this case, Briarwood's team was too messy and less coordinated. Teamwork aside, individual players did show some amount of clumsiness in their style of fighting. Still, that didn't stop Briarwood from trying harder.
"Damn it, I'm down!" Crimson said as she was killed by Dooku.
B let out a tired sigh, gesturing that he was killed by Sasuke. The two waited to respawn before changing characters. Meanwhile Naruto went after Vader who caught him off guard and lifted him in the air with a Force Choke. Which was soon interrupted by C.C. who threw her explosive towards Sasuke and ignited it.
"Damn that bitch!" Sasuke cursed from his side.
Sasuke avoided Naruto's attack before throwing his Lightsaber at C.C. before charging at her again. As he blocked her incoming blaster fire, Naruto attacked Sasuke from behind again and pushed him to the brink of death.
'Damn, I can't lose like this! I don't care how stupid this contest is!' Sasuke thought with gritted teeth.
As Sasuke's stamina meter ran out, he saw his Force Choke refill again. Which he quickly used on Naruto before slamming him towards C.C.. Sasuke then used Darth Vader's Focused Rage skill and rapidly attacked Naruto before he got up.
At the same time, Naruto felt his control over Anakin to be a bit stiff whenever he got hit. The same with C.C., ending with both being killed quickly.
'Crap, but now is a bad time to stress out.' Naruto thought as he looked at the remaining lives.
A couple more minutes passed and Briarwood's team was down two lives while Ashford's was down to five. Somehow the competition became more tense as the Technology Club started losing more lives at a quick rate.
B was the first to notice that Sasuke had a strange advantage. He wanted to call out Briarwood on cheating but thought it was either a small glitch or his imagination. The advantage itself was that Sasuke's skills were lasting a few seconds longer and being slightly faster to regenerate as he used his abilities more frequently. B didn't know if something was wrong or if one of Sasuke's teammates had an ability that helped speed things up.
'There's no point in calling it. We just gotta beat him fast or eliminate the other team members.' B thought before watching Crimson get eliminated.
"Crap, four lives!" Crimson cursed.
"It's almost neck and neck! Is Briarwood going to turn this around?" the announcer asked.
Naruto chose to go after Sasuke himself, at least to hold him off if not beat him. If the former, then B and the girls can try to take out the remaining enemy team members.
'I can't lose now!' Naruto thought as his control over Anakin felt a bit stiff.
Meanwhile Sasuke's Darth Vader broke through Naruto's defense as his stamina meter emptied. Sasuke then used Force Choke to throw Naruto across the ground and threw his lightsaber at him for good measure. Naruto started to feel frustration as he frequently dodged Sasuke's attacks but still got hit in between dodges.
"It's over! My team wins!" Sasuke yelled.
Naruto's health bar started hitting red as he blocked Sasuke's attacks. As Sasuke started to empty Naruto's stamina meters, C.C. suddenly arrived. This time, as Obi Wan, C.C. used All Out Push to shove Sasuke back. Where she then charged at him and attacked him with as many rapid attacks as she could.
But it didn't matter as C.C. still had difficulty with lightsaber combat in this game mode. At the very least, she was able to reduce Sasuke's health enough to make it reach the red. When Sasuke suddenly used Force Choke on her and sent her flying away. Leaving the Uchiha exposed for a moment as Naruto used Force Pull to drag Sasuke closer and use Passionate Strike.
Luckily the skill breaks through guards and damages Sasuke to where he was in the red. The two then exchanged blows again before C.C. interrupted the fight again. The green haired girl used Defensive Rush to hit Sasuke from behind. As she tried to hit Sasuke, her opponent managed to dodge every strike she dealt. C.C. was then forced into the defensive and blocked most of the attacks and dealt whatever damage she could.
However, it was fruitless as Sasuke used Force Choke one last time and used it on Naruto to throw him aside. Where he then used Focused Rage to eliminate C.C. before his health went down first.
"No!" Naruto cried out.
Naruto then looked at the score and saw that it said three lives left. Then it said two after another moment where he briefly turned to see B and Crimson were fighting. The two had fought the enemy team that were using Palpatine, Darth Maul and Grievous. With Crimson falling first and B joining them only after managing to eliminate the player playing as Maul.
"One life left." Naruto whispered.
Naruto turned back to Sasuke's character and realized that they were both down to very low levels of health. Meaning that this was the end and they had to finish it, alone.
Sasuke's teammates were about to support their leader as they prepared to ambush Naruto. Only for all of them to be pushed away by C.C.'s All-Out Push.
"Finish the duel, Captain." C.C. said before B and Crimson came to her side to hold off the enemy team.
Naruto nodded and blocked Sasuke's lightsaber throw. He then managed to dodge just in time to avoid a Force Choke. Seeing Sasuke open again, Naruto used Heroic Might and held it until he sent Sasuke flying back again.
'All the Star Wars nerds can imagine the irony.' Naruto thought as he chased after Sasuke.
Once Sasuke recovered, he used Focused Rage but Naruto used Retribution. As Sasuke prepared to lunge at Naruto and try to finish him off. He and the rest of his teammates were suddenly lifted into the air by Naruto's character. Showing Anakin with his lightsaber turned off and just focusing for a moment before sending everyone flying away. Sasuke growled in annoyance as he was only a hairline away from death.
'I will win!' Sasuke angrily thought before rushing at Naruto.
Naruto dodged every attack swiftly and blocked the heavy strikes before jumping back. As Sasuke came close, Naruto used Pull Dominance one last time and slashed at Sasuke. Resulting in Sasuke's Darth Vader falling to a single knee and ending the game in Ashford's favor.
"That's it! It's over! Ashford wins!" the announcer shouted as the crowd clapped.
Naruto let out and started popping his joints and cracking his knuckles.
"My poor hands, I didn't even do anything meaningful with them." Naruto said as he stood up.
As Naruto stumbled up, he walked up to his teammates as the announcer appeared beside them.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the champions of our contest! Let's have another round of applause for Ashford Academy!" The announcer said.
"WOOH! That's my son!" Kushina yelled the loudest.
This time, she shoved Minato onto the floor before he could try to silence her. The announcer and a couple of people laughed while Naruto groaned in embarrassment.
The announcer then moved a spotlight towards Briarwood's team. Which only showed Sasuke angrily storming away and leaving the area. The announcer just sweat dropped and adjusted his collar nervously.
"Wow, I guess that guy is just camera shy." the announcer said.
Sasuke was actually pissed and stormed away without sticking around for another minute. He didn't feel like trying to show good sportsmanship with how he felt. With how much tension the two teams felt, the announcer himself almost expected worse. Except he remembered that he had a job and didn't want to stir up any drama.
"Anyways, I like to congratulate Briarwood for their efforts! Second place does NOT mean first loser!" The announcer said, trying to help the losing team's moods. "Our runner up will get rewarded for their efforts." He said.
The other team didn't know if they should feel good because the contest was being nice or annoyed that they were being pitied. Meanwhile, Ashford was getting the praise and received a prize in the form of a medium sized trophy and a few medals.
"Ashford, congratulations on your victory. It's unfortunate that Mr. Nobuyuki couldn't be here to congratulate you himself today. Still, we're happy to see you and everyone else today." The announcer said.
Soon enough, the hired photographers took a few photos of the team and a couple of them with the announcer. Once it was over, the team started walking away from the main area.
At the same time, Naruto thought about Sasuke.
'I guess the jerk couldn't handle losing.' Naruto thought.
Unfortunately for Naruto, they couldn't leave without Kushina hugging him tightly and embarrassing him in front of his team, Seras, Milly and the principal who laughed.
That evening
After a small celebration at a restaurant, Naruto returned home with the medal around his neck. Along with a certificate and some gift cards given to him by the publishers who held the contest. Once those were put away, Naruto crashed onto his bed and let out a tired sigh.
'That was fun and all, but I think I'm done with Star Wars.' Naruto thought.
Naruto turned onto his back and looked up at the ceiling. At this stage, Naruto wondered how much progress he had made for Integra. It wasn't like he was having a crisis or felt exhausted like in some typical superhero story where the sidekick is exhausted with the stress of their life. Rather, he was just curious as to whether or not he's making a difference or if any progress is getting done.
Maybe he could talk to B and Crimson about it. Maybe see what they had to say about this. There were days when he felt a bit exhausted with the endless adventures.
'It's not like I'm getting hurt. At least not yet.' Naruto thought as he yawned. 'I better not go to bed tonight and wake up as a member of Inferno Squad.' He thought.
Just last night, Naruto finished the Rise of the Empire campaign in his dreams. By now, B should be finishing up Ratchet and Clank and Crimson mentioned that she was in Symphony of the Night. Naruto predicted that there's a small chance B might end up in the Ratchet and Clank sequel but sometimes their assigned games get randomized.
'Whatever, let's see what happens.' Naruto thought before getting up again.
In Naruto's Dream
After falling asleep later that night, Naruto shivered as he felt cold. He wondered if he ended up somewhere with cold air. Only to find himself wearing a black suit that looked a lot like the uniform of a TIE fighter pilot.
"No, no, no!" Naruto cried out in frustration.
He banged on a white door and looked out the window to see Rebel soldiers staring at him with disdain.
"Shut up, Imp!" One of them yelled.
Naruto had the misfortune of entering the campaign for the 2017 version Battlefront 2. Where he was in the level where Iden Verso breaks out of the prison on the Rebel ship.
"Crap, how do I get out? Do I have a little robot too?" Naruto asked as he looked around the room.
After a couple of minutes of trying to find a way out. Naruto heard the door open and got into a defensive stance. Only to watch as a droid that looked exactly like Iden Versio's ID10 seeker droid.
"Sweet, I can get out now." Naruto said as the droid floated in front of him.
But that was when he was surprised to see the droid activate a hologram. With the image showing DiZ who looked up at him.
"Naruto, can you hear me?" DiZ asked.
"Yeah? DiZ, what are you doing here? Did you send this droid to me?" Naruto asked.
"I did indeed, I modified the world you were in just a bit. I am also adjusting to your mission. Right now, your friend, Iden I believe her name is, is currently being interrogated by the so-called Rebels." DiZ explained.
"Okay, uh… what do you need me to do?" Naruto asked.
"Your mission is to obtain important information, just as Iden was assigned to do. However, I located something else and need you to retrieve a separate set of information." DiZ said, confusing him.
"Okay, explain it to me on the go." Naruto said.
The hologram turned off and the seeker droid latched onto Naruto's back. Naruto then picked up his helmet and quietly ran out the door only to hear some boots coming his way. Naruto looked around before jumping high into the air and grabbing a pipe on the ceiling. Where he then used his lower body strength to swing his legs towards the pipe and wrap his legs around them.
A few seconds later, a group of rebels passed by under him. Seemingly unaware of his appearance or that he escaped his cell. Once down, Naruto snuck around the hallways as he heard DiZ speaking to him through the seeker droid's speakers.
"Naruto, as of lately, there has been a surge between our worlds. I was able to tamper with it to an extent." DiZ explained as Naruto turned a corner
"Wait, don't tell me you opened a wormhole." Naruto as he saw a weapons rack.
"No, of course not. I was just able to tamper it enough to try and pinpoint the origin or rather, the cause." DiZ replied.
After a couple of minutes, Naruto had arrived into a room that looked like it was full of communications equipment. He then started to get started on it as his seeker droid hacked into it. Moments later, Naruto saw a familiar yet distorted image of a floating head that looked like it was made of polygons. Unfortunately, Naruto could barely understand any of the message as the audio sounded like garbage.
"DiZ, this better not give me a virus or something." Naruto said.
"Fret not, it will take me a while to enhance the information and make it easier to understand. However, it will take a while to extract all the information needed." DiZ said.
"So, the Rebels just happen to have this or are you somehow using their wifi to get this message?" Naruto asked.
"The second, more specifically, I am using their data as a catalyst. I won't bore you with the details. While I'm at it, I will collect your next objective before Iden Versio arrives." DiZ said.
Naruto nodded, "Okay, well I better…"
"Hands up!"
"Crap!" Naruto cursed.
He turned around and saw four rebels with their blasters drawn on him. Naruto looked them up and down and saw he was surrounded.
"Surrender, Imp!" one of them ordered.
"Uh, I'm not an imperial soldier. I'm the maintenance guy." Naruto said.
The rebels did not look amused. They approached Naruto and once they got close enough to try and restrain him. Naruto grabbed one of the guns by the barrel and swung it like a bat across the first rebel's face. In the surprise attack, Naruto then swung at the second closest rebel and knocked him to the ground as well.
One of them started shooting but Naruto stumbled out of the way before tackling them to the ground. He then started punching them in the face until they lost unconsciousness. He then turned to the final rebel who tried to shoot him without harming his ally. Which Naruto used to his advantage by running around in a circle and avoiding the blasts.
"And you guys mock the Stormtroopers? You freaking are Stormtroopers with those shots!" Naruto yelled before he drop kicked the final rebel.
At that moment, Iden arrived and saw Naruto slamming the rebel soldier's head against the console.
"So you must be the rookie." Iden spoke up, startling Naruto.
Naruto stumbled around before leaning against the console as if to look cool.
"Yup, I'm the new guy. I didn't even need to use guns because these rebels can't throw a punch." Naruto said, trying to cool.
"I can see that. No training, no discipline, just anarchy." Iden replied. "By the way, did you collect the information the rebels took?" she asked.
Naruto's seeker droid removed itself and made a beeping sound that told him that the mission was accomplished. Hopefully, it also meant that DiZ collected that information he was talking about earlier. Naruto then looked at Iden and gave her a thumbs up to which she replied with a nod.
Then the alarms went off and everyone on the ship was alerted.
"Warning! The imperial prisoners have escaped!" the person on the speaker said.
"Time to go!" Naruto said as he ran out the door.
As Naruto ran, he saw three rebels waiting for him and started opening. He took cover and drew his gun and started shooting back just as Iden arrived to support him.
"I'm guessing you're not the most orthodox soldier." Iden commented.
"Do you want the job done or do you want to play bureaucrat?" Naruto asked as he finished off the rebels.
Iden sighed, realizing Naruto is a bit immature but seemingly competent. The rest of the way involved a lot of shooting and fighting through the narrow corridors of the Rebel ship. By the time Iden found their method of escape, she grabbed Naruto's wrist and dragged him inside and sealed the door.
"Oh good, the escape pod." Naruto said as he relaxed a little.
"This isn't an escape pod." Iden said before crossing her arms over her chest.
Naruto took a moment to register the room where they were in. He then remembered that Iden didn't leave the ship on an escape pod. Instead, it was an epic moment where she flew into the vacuum of space. Which didn't sound epic anymore because Naruto can feel pain in the game world and wasn't trained to handle the intense conditions.
"Oh crap." Naruto said before the airlock opened.
Seconds later, Iden shot herself out like a missile just as the Imperial Ship, The Corvus, came out from hyperspace. However, Naruto didn't move as gracefully as Iden. Rather, he was spinning around in the same direction while failing to adjust to the lack of gravity.
"Which way is up? Which way is down? Where is anywhere" Naruto asked as Iden sighed at him again,
Seconds later, they entered The Corvus through the hangar which brought them back to gravity. Iden rolled across the floor but appeared uninjured. As for Naruto, he slammed into the floor and thumped around a few times.
"Okay, that would have been more cool if I was better prepared." Naruto said as he slowly got up.
As Naruto recovered, he watched as the hangar bay closed just as the rebel ship fired torpedoes at them. Luckily, the Corvus got sealed up and blasted off into hyperspace before impact.
"Come with me rookie, meet your other teammates." Iden ordered.
"Okay." Naruto muttered as he took off his helmet.
Naruto managed to remember the rest of Inferno Squad despite being hazy on the details of the campaign. Battlefront 2 didn't exactly do a great job despite having a fairly good story. Still, some of the characters are okay despite how Iden was made too predictable despite how she looked in the trailer.
Shaking his head at the details, Naruto met Gideon Hask and Del Meeko with Iden having her small banter with the both of them.
"So you must be the new recruit." Hask said, approaching Naruto.
"Yes sir." Naruto replied.
"Well then, I hope you are good at following orders. It's all for a good cause after all." Hask said, extending his hand.
Naruto wished he had his helmet on. At least then he can hide his disdain for Hask and what he would do in the near future. However, he managed to keep a straight face and took the man's hand.
"I promise good results for the empire, sir." Naruto said, putting on a fake smile.
Hask nodded and added a tight grip to Naruto's hand. Which the boy ignored and applied a bit of pressure.
Okay, a lot of pressure and Hask grunted and looked a bit hurt.
"I promise not to let you down. Long live the empire! Long live the Emperor! After today, the rebels die!" Naruto exclaimed as Hash gritted his teeth.
"G-Good, now if you could… argh!" Hask grunted out.
Naruto stopped himself from laughing as he kept squeezing.
"I am honored to be a part of this elite squadron!" Naruto added.
By this point, Del stepped in and pried Naruto's hand off. Being the nice guy, Del put an arm around Naruto's shoulder and tried to lead him out of the room.
"Haha, you're quite excitable. Let me show you to your quarters." Del said, hoping to get Naruto away from Hask who looked a bit pissed.
After they left, Hask started nursing his hand and walked up to the hologram of the second Death Star and Endor.
"I am not fond of that boy." Hask said.
"Neither am I, but we have a mission. He was also right about one thing. After today, the rebellion dies." Iden said with an evil look on her face.
A couple of days later
Nothing significant had occurred from the night DiZ contacted Naruto as he had yet to contact Naruto yet. Naruto brought it up with his friends and even Seras. Seras being the most concerned, that much was obvious. However, when she spoke to Integra about DiZ talking to him again, all Seras said was to be cautious.
Right now, the trio were sitting at lunch as Ennui was out sick today and C.C. always had plans with someone else at the time.
"So today, you're finally beating Chairman Drek?" Crimson asked.
B nodded and let out a tired sigh. It would be the end of his adventures Ratchet and Clank. That is unless his dreams take him to the sequel game, Going Commando. The game feels a lot longer since the dreams only let everyone play about 1 or 2 levels at a time per night. Although it varies depending on what constitutes a level.
Similar to how Castlevania doesn't have a level but relies on reaching different stages or different points on the map. The same with Spyro as a new world can sometimes be considered a different level rather than visiting the portals to other worlds.
"Do you guys wonder if we're making a difference? I mean in terms of making progress. Together, we beat like six games already." Naruto said.
B and Crimson just shrugged.
"It's not like our health is at risk. At least, that's not what our "teacher" tells us." Crimson responded.
"Yeah, I guess but sometimes I feel mentally exhausted." Naruto replied.
"Because some games go on too long or because you get into crazy situations?" Crimson asked.
B snickered as he remembered Naruto talking about flying into the vacuum of space with Iden. It sounds epic and terrifying, but it was mostly terrifying.
"A little bit of both, I guess." Naruto answered.
Seconds later, some students with strange armbands put up a poster regarding the school homecoming dance. A typical way for students to get together and show more school spirit. Along with people voting for their favorite individuals to be Homecoming King and Queen.
"You know, my cousin Gwen would probably be on about how lame those titles are." Crimson said, referring to the cousin who is also a goth.
"Because of conformity and society stuff?" Naruto asked, knowing how goths don't enjoy uniformity.
"Nah, she thinks it's just a stupid way to get too much attention. Also, why do we even vote? Monarchy and democracy aren't the same thing." Crimson asked.
"Popularity contest." B said out loud.
Naruto and Crimson barely showed a reaction to him saying anything. They just accepted his words as the most simple answer. For soon enough, other posters came out with people advertising their favorite candidates on who to vote for.
"I vote for no one. Emperor Palpatine is the sole ruler, long live the Empire." Naruto said sarcastically.
"Yeah, I'll vote for the creepy guy in a robe." Crimson responded.
B showed a face of betrayal as he supported the rebellion. Even if this was a joke, he stood his ground on who he sided with. Regardless, Ashford Academy looked like they were going all out with the homecoming.
"Hey Crimson, I know you hate these kinds of events but it would be really funny if you and Ennui showed your true colors to the school." Naruto said with a smirk.
"You want Ennui and I to give everyone nightmares?" Crimson asked.
"Well, life after school is going to be a nightmare so you're only desensitizing everyone." Naruto answered.
B laughed as he imagined Crimson and Ennui would go all out with their appearance and look nightmarish. Likely dressing up in leather, dark colors and basically looking like they are in a death metal music video. Although, if this was Iceland, Ennui and Crimson would just look like fancy people if they got dressed up like that.
Iceland does have a weird fascination for goth culture.
"Tempting but no, I'll just stay home. Besides, tickets are always expensive for that and proms are even more expensive." Crimson said.
B whistled as a way to describe how high the prices of tickets are. Which are usually meant to cover decorations and other things. It was weird to consider since Ashford is a fancy place where the students are mostly rich, children of people with great connections or amazing athletes.
With the occasional genius but those ones are usually the ones that earn scholarships.
"I'm guessing you're sitting this one out too, B?" Naruto asked.
B leaned back in his chair and nodded.
"Then I guess I'm out too. This stuff won't matter until senior year anyways." Naruto said with a sigh.
Moments later, Kallen from the student council arrived with a paper.
"Hey, I'm hoping I'm not interrupting anything." She said.
"You're good." Naruto replied.
"Okay, anyways this is going to sound random but the student council is waiving the fees for homecoming tickets for all sports teams." Kallen explained.
"Wow." Crimson said dryly, clearly not caring.
"Yeah, so Milly is basically trying to get the captains their own tables at the dance. It's part of some spirit stuff or whatever." Kallen said, clearly not enthusiastic about the news.
Neither was Naruto as he realized Milly was trying to get him to attend the dance.
"Does Milly hate me?" Naruto asked.
"What kind of question is that?" Kallen asked.
"We kind of already settled on not going. Even if it does come with a free table." Naruto said.
"Hey, I respect your decision but now you gotta keep an eye out for Milly. She can try to be persuasive." Kallen said.
Naruto stared at Kallen blankly for a moment.
"The whole council is forced to go, aren't they?" Naruto asked.
Kallen closed her eyes and let out an annoyed groan with a sad face.
"I'll take that as a yes." Naruto said.
"I'll see you guys later." Kallen said as she left the table.
Naruto sighed and looked back at his friends, "I wonder how I'm weaseling out of this." He said.
B just shook his head knowing all the trouble that would probably come from this. Meanwhile Crimson was now actually being tempted to dress in the flashiest goth outfits that she and Ennui can muster. To finally show the school who they are and destroy their naive view of the world.
That night
As Naruto finished dinner with his family, he heard the sounds of a thunderstorm. He noticed Mito and Arashi started to whimper at how loud it became. Which only prompted Minato to try and calm his youngest children.
"Don't worry, it's just a storm. When it's over, a big rainbow will appear." Minato said.
"It better not be too bright tomorrow." Naruto said.
"Naruto." Minato said as if warning his son.
"What? I'm not trying to say that cloudy skies are nice. It just feels weird when it's all bright and with the dampness. It just feels like a bad mix and it makes the sun feel extra hot." Naruto explained.
Kushina sighed, "Naruto, I hate nature too but don't find an excuse to hate everything." she said.
"Mom, I am that age where I'll over complicate things and complain about every basic thing because I'm not an adult with 20 realistic problems every day." Naruto explained
"Are you trying to be meta?" Kushina asked as the storm grew louder.
Naruto chuckled, "I got it from those funny animated shows that mock teen dramas." he said.
"Kushina, you better not be letting Naruto watch the Boondocks." Minato said, knowing his wife steals references from that show.
"I am not!" Kushina exclaimed.
Despite Minato not watching the old show. He learned from some co-workers that it's basically a comedy (a bit dark in some instances) regarding politics and other societal issues. With inspiration being whatever problems are facing society and reiterating it in the form of satire.
It sounds so complex despite Minato having heard of it after Kushina told Naruto to throw a folding chair. Deep down, Minato hoped his son wouldn't hurt people by doing something so reckless.
"Come on babies, let's get you cleaned up and ready for bed. Minato, help Naruto with cleaning the dishes." Kushina said as she took her youngest away.
"Don't you mean to ask Naruto to help me?" Minato asked, thinking Kushina said her statement backwards.
"Naruto is more efficient." Kushina said as she went upstairs.
Minato sighed, not knowing if it was true or if his wife was messing with him again.
That night
After cleaning up the kitchen and going through the nightly routine. Naruto crawled into bed and stared at the ceiling as he let his eyes close on their own.
'I wonder if DiZ finally got an update.' Naruto wondered.
As Naruto's eyes closed, he felt his cheeks go cold and his back feel stiff as if his body felt heavy. Naruto moved around trying to get comfortable. Before he realized it, he felt someone shaking him awake and he saw a friendly face waiting for him.
"Time to wake up. Naruto. You don't want to annoy Commander Versio, now do you?" Del asked.
Naruto groaned as he sat up and wiped his face. He didn't have to look twice to find himself in the barracks of the Corvus and fully clad in the Inferno Squad Imperial uniform.
Naruto grabbed his helmet and blaster then followed Del out the door.
Vardos
Naruto yawned as he put on his helmet before following Inferno Squad out the door of the Corvus where they were met with a heavy storm. He rolled his eyes at the irony that there just so happened to be a massive storm here as there was one in the real world.
"This storm looks unnatural. I've never seen anything like it. The locals must be terrified." Del commented.
'Obviously, they were made with satellites and other science magic.' Naruto thought as everyone rambled.
"…and when we are done. That terror will be spread across the galaxy. Wouldn't you say, Uzumaki?" Hask asked.
Naruto snapped himself awake as he realized they were talking to him.
"Oh uh, yeah. The Empire gets hit all the time so we just come back hitting harder. Wouldn't you get scared if your enemy showed advanced technology that you couldn't defend against?" Naruto asked, trying to avoid suspicion.
"That could have been worded better." Iden muttered.
"I see you understand, young man." Hask said.
"What is there to understand? This planet is under our control. We should be evacuating our people." Del said, sounding very empathetic.
"Also a good point. There's no use in threatening your own guys." Naruto said.
This was the part where Iden and Del go turncoat. He didn't have to act like a loyalist who has no questions. Not that anyone in this team thought of Naruto as a mature young man who follows the examples set for him.
As they passed by, Inferno Squad passed by multiple civilians who were detained and questioned the Stormtroopers. Many are just asking to be allowed to return and some are asking to find their families. Naruto shook his head and sighed as even Iden and Del didn't like the sight of the civilians being mistreated.
As they traveled, Naruto heard Iden and Del argue with Hask about the morality of the situation. With Hask saying to ignore the civilians until the Empire says otherwise. While Del says that's wrong with Iden backing him up as this is her home world.
"Naruto, say something. You can't say this is right, can you?" Del asked, being the closest to Naruto.
"Orders are orders, we don't have to like them." Naruto said, earning a smirk from Hask. "If I had the authority, I would just start shoving everyone somewhere and getting them out before the whole place is bombed." He added, making Hask frown.
Just as they arrived at their objective, a random officer stopped the team.
"Commander Versio, we require the assistance of one of your men." Said an officer.
Iden was confused but before she said anything. Hask grabbed Naruto's arm and raised it into the air.
"I have no doubt that our youngest team member can accomplish whatever task you have in mind." Hask said, almost sounding smug to Naruto.
"Very good. Please follow us." The officer said.
Naruto glared at Hask behind his helmet while Iden just nodded at Naruto. Naruto sighed and followed the officer where he was taken to a small area surrounded by crates and other loose supplies.
"If you needed help moving junk, you could ask one of the staff members." Naruto said bluntly.
"We are not here with these materials. Someone of a higher rank gave us specific instructions to take the cargo in here and release it." The officer said as he presented a large cargo trailer.
Naruto tilted his head as the officer unlocked the container. That's when Naruto suddenly heart several gates locking and felt scared. He looked back at the imperial officer who also looked confused.
"What in the blazes? I'll have to ask those incompetent workers to open up those doors again." The officer said.
Just as the officer prepared to contact the engineers. Naruto started to back up in horror as he saw what came out of the corner but it only confused the officer who had his back turned.
"What is the matter? Don't tell me a little storm has you…"
*THUMP*
Naruto watched in shock as a laser blast shot and killed the officer. The next thing Naruto knew, the crate released a dozen super battle droids that targeted him.
"This wasn't in the main game!" Naruto shouted before taking cover.
Seconds later, Naruto watched as B1 battle droids started to exit the crate. Which immediately opened fire on Naruto and slowly marched up to him. He quickly raised his head and threw a thermal grenade in between the droids, destroying most of them.
"I destroyed thousands of your cousins, I'll destroy you next!" Naruto yelled.
As the smoke cleared up, a couple of more droids came out and started shooting. Naruto started shooting back and destroyed them quickly before running up to the locked gate. Naruto banged on the gate and received no response.
"What do I do? Can I climb this?" Naruto asked as he looked around.
Then another metal container opened and more droids began to walk out. Naruto decided to strap his gun to his belt and began climbing up the gate. All the while nearly falling back down due to the rain hitting the gate.
"Come on! Come on! Let's go!" Naruto exclaimed before hearing blaster shots.
Resulting in Naruto falling down and landing hard on his side. Naruto let out a pain filled groan before slowly picking himself up and looking back at the gate which was being shot at.
"Time to go!" Naruto said before realizing he climbed out the wrong way. "It doesn't matter. I gotta go." He said before running away.
A couple of minutes later, Naruto made his way across the facility. It was peaceful and unhindered until the Stormtroopers started receiving new commands. Which prompted several of them to approach Naruto with their weapons drawn.
'I guess Iden and Del turned on Hask. I just wish that I was there to kick his ass.' Naruto thought.
"Lower your weapon, traitor." One of the Stormtroopers said.
"What did I do?" Naruto asked.
It sounded stupid but to be fair, he wasn't with Iden when she betrayed Hask. It just made him curious if this was part of the program or if Hask just wanted to have him killed for just generally disliking him. Regardless, Naruto subtly gestured for his seeker droid to get ready to quickly electrocute the closest Stormtrooper.
"Don't play dumb. You executed a superior officer and aided two others." The Stormtrooper said.
"Well, I deny the first charge and I have not committed the second charge yet." Naruto said.
The Stormtroopers were confused but said nothing. Just as they were about to threaten him again. The seeker droid knocked one of them unconscious with a massive shock. Giving Naruto time to shoot at the remaining ones that surrounded him.
"You should have told me to put my hands up first, jerks!" Naruto shouted as he took cover.
The other Stormtroopers in the area started to open fire on Naruto who fired back.
"I think I need something bigger." Naruto said as the wave of Stormtroopers looked quite big.
"Uzumaki, do you read me?" Iden asked through the communicator.
"I hear you and a lot of blaster fire. I'm guessing something happened to make the troops turn on us?" Naruto asked, pretending not to know what happened.
Iden was silent for a moment before speaking again.
"I apologize for dragging you into this but I couldn't turn my back on the civilians. The empire wasn't what it was before the Emperor died." Iden explained.
'The empire was always full of bastards. The only difference now is that everyone is fighting for control.' Naruto thought as he kept fighting.
"Look, I don't know what to say now that the empire sees you as a criminal but we're making our way back to The Corvus. We'll rendezvous with you on the way there." Iden said.
"Sure thing commander, I'll be there with a giant trail of bodies behind me." Naruto said before tossing a thermal grenade at the Stormtroopers.
"Good luck soldier." Iden said before disconnecting.
Naruto sighed before picking up a second blaster that slipped his way. He picked it up and jumped over his cover and opened fire on the remaining troopers.
"Akimbo time! You stinking Nerf Herders!" Naruto shouted as he suddenly decided to act like Rambo.
A few minutes later
Several Stormtroopers and Imperial officers were standing in front of The Corvus and waiting for Inferno Squad. All of them took cover as they saw the stolen AT-AT heading their way and destroying everything in their path. As Iden and Del approached the Corvus, they were hit with misfortune as the wild artificial storms caused by Operation Cinder made things more difficult by destroying a nearby building.
The resulting destruction caused debris from the building to hit the AT-AT in the neck area and make it collapse. Seeing as it was inoperable, Iden and Del escaped the damaged vehicle. Where they then came face to face with the small army waiting for them.
"Where is Naruto?" Del asked, sounding worried.
"With a bit of hope, he's caught in traffic." Iden said dryly. "I know he's good but I doubt he has the firepower to take down a force this size." she said before feeling the ground shake.
Suddenly, a wall from another side of the area collapsed and in came a rogue AT-ST that opened fire on the Stormtroopers. The giant machine destroyed a couple of other AT-ST's before they could respond before taking up the attention of the troopers waiting to attack Inferno Squad.
"Commander Versio, I'm outside the Corvus. It shouldn't be that hard to notice the AT-ST that looks like a drunk guy is piloting it." Naruto said over the communicator.
Iden would be surprised by Naruto's sudden actions, but she literally just stole a bigger vehicle with Del's help. All she could do was be grateful that her subordinate was a typical loose cannon.
"Come on Del, we need to get the Corvus ready." Iden said.
"Right, I'll cover you." Del said as he raised his sniper rifle.
Iden and Del then started to open fire on the Stormtroopers that Naruto wasn't targeting. Iden also got into communication with the staff inside of the ship. As she did this, a couple of small land transports arrived but before Del opened fire. Iden raised an arm to stop him.
"Wait, those aren't the enemy." Iden said.
Del looked confused until he saw a few dozen civilians coming out of the transports. Iden was confused as to why civilians were using stolen imperial vehicles when Naruto spoke up.
"Commander, I hope you're still feeling charitable. Since the whole place was trying to kill us. I thought it might be nice to help out a few civvies." Naruto said before finishing up the remaining imperial soldiers in the area.
Iden took a moment to process what Naruto said before shaking her head and snapping out of her stupor.
"That's fine, we won't abandon my people when the empire did." Iden said.
Moments later, the ramp for the Corvus opened up and Iden began herding everyone inside. It was a bit tricky and a few people nearly tripped as they were too desperate to escape the planet.
"Careful! Stay in a straight line! Slow down, you may trample each other!" Del exclaimed as the civilians went inside.
"That should be the last of them." Iden said.
"Do we have enough supplies for a group of refugees?" Del asked.
Iden suddenly did something very out of character that surprised Del. She smiled, put her hand on Del's shoulder and gave him a thumbs up.
"Allow Naruto to deal with that, this was his plan after all." Iden said.
If Del wasn't stressed out by the situation of being a traitor to the empire as well as trapped on a planet being hit by artificial storms. He might laugh at her suggestion.
"I heard that!" Naruto shouted.
Suddenly, they heard more explosions from nearby and Naruto turned to the source. Where he was surprised to see more battle droids, including some B2 super battle droids, arriving. All of them opened fire on Naruto and shot their wrist rockets at the AT-ST.
"Get inside!" Naruto shouted at his teammates.
Naruto returned fire at the droids as he slowly backed up towards The Corvus. When his AT-ST collapsed after taking too many rockets from the super battle droids. Prompting Naruto to climb out and run towards the ship.
"What are those!?" Del asked.
"Droids and they won't leave me alone!" Naruto answered as he entered The Corvus.
Iden and Del followed suit as the ramp closed and The Corvus began to take up. All the while ignoring the sudden attack by the battle droids. The ship then flew towards the atmosphere and into space before entering hyperspace.
With B
Meanwhile, B was in Veldin where he and the boys were about to confront Chairman Drek. When Clank's antenna started to light up.
"I'm receiving a message from DiZ." Clank said, surprising the boys.
"The creepy guy with the bandages that you mentioned?" Ratchet asked.
B shushed Ratchet, telling him to be quiet as Clank tried to retrieve the message.
"Beverly, this is DiZ, I have attempted to contact you and your compatriots." DiZ's voice said.
"Uh, Clank, I think this guy has the wrong address. There's no "Beverly" here." Ratchet said, not knowing B's name.
B replied with a frown as he really hated the fact that he was given such a stupid name despite being a male. He just listened to whatever DiZ said as it sounded urgent.
"Knowing Clank, there is no doubt that he is able to retrieve my signal. Hopefully the same for your friend, Naruto, however there seems to be a massive storm that is obstructing my connection to him." DiZ explained.
Clank rubbed his metallic chin in thought as he did feel concerned with DiZ's failed attempts to contact them. He wondered if there was something on the planet damaging communications or if a third party was causing this.
"Anyhow, the purpose of this message is that I believe I located the source causing the damage between our two universes. I cannot explain it right now, but you and your friends are in danger. The source of the danger is sending threats to impede your attempts to stop Chairman Drek." DiZ continued.
Now B was concerned and while he wanted to know about the cause of danger that DiZ discovered. The incoming danger that he mentioned was likely something that needed to be handled first.
"I am so confused, is there some kind of inside joke or something I need to know about? What did that guy mean by universes?" Ratchet asked.
"We will go over that later, Ratchet." Clank said.
"It's always later with you guys. You owe me once we beat Drek." Ratchet said, sounding very annoyed.
B just sighed and wondered if he would have time to explain things to Ratchet. Then again, it would be a long messy process trying to explain everything to him. He put that aside as he led the Lombax towards a nearby platform that would allow Clank to transform into his gigantic form.
Once that was done, B and Ratchet climbed onto the machine's back. Where Clank left a massive trail of destruction. Where they eventually found Drek who was inside of a giant robot.
"Hahaha! Imbeciles. After all the trouble you've gone through, you're about to die right where you started. It's so poetic." Drek said, crying fake tears to mock them.
"B, Clank, let's get him!" Ratchet yelled.
As Clank engaged the giant robot that Drek was piloting. B secretly smirked as he slowly climbed down and started working on a secret project.
"Ah, B? What are you doing down there?" Ratchet asked.
B raised his hand and gestured for Ratchet to be quiet. B then grabbed some goggles and a blowtorch where he proceeded to add some strange contraption to Clank. All the while struggling to hang on as Clank and Drek fought to the death for a few minutes until coming to a stop.
"Hmmm, you might have been useful to me after all. Too bad you chose the wrong side." Drek said to Clank before shooting a rainbow colored laser at Clank.
At the last second, B activated the new upgrade he gave to Clank. Which triggered a small force field around Clank's body that deflected the laser.
"What!? How did that fail!?" Drek angrily asked.
Instead of getting an answer, Clank punched Drek's robot with enough force to make him destroy the barrier behind him. Drek tried to open fire but Clank continued to punch him around before tossing him across the ground.
"B, what did you do?" Ratchet asked.
B just smirked as he tapped his knuckle against the force field.
"Wait, you made this?" Ratchet asked.
Drek overheard the conversation and growled. His plan was to shrink Clank back to base form and now it was ruined. He underestimated Clank as he was faulty in comparison to his counterparts and now he was likely going to defeat him with ease. However, that didn't stop the arrogant businessman.
As Clank and Drek continued to fight across the areas where Ratchet and Clank were meant to go through as part of the platforming experience. B and Ratchet heard a loud sound coming from the sky. Where they saw several meteors preparing to hit the surface of the planet.
"Clank, I know you're busy but I think we might have some trouble." Ratchet said, sounding nervous.
"I apologize, but I am currently preoccupied with Chairman Drek." Clank said as he avoided some gunfire from Drek.
Suddenly, the meteors hit the surface and caused both machines to stumble around. Everyone was fortunate enough to avoid being hit by them only to see what was left. Rather than finding piles of broken rocks, B and the boys saw various grotesque monsters piling out.
"What the heck are those!?" Ratchet asked as B gasped.
'Are those the Doom monsters?' B wondered.
The creatures didn't seem like much of a threat until some started attacking from a distance. As several zombified soldiers with guns started shooting at B and Ratchet. Along with some Imps who were shooting fireballs at them. Luckily, Clank wasn't taking any damage from them as his armor was already thick enough without B's shields.
"What!? That's my secret investment plan!? That crystal faced monster tricked me!" Drek shouted in anger.
B raised a brow in confusion. The original game was meant to finish without any secondary enemies or mobs getting in the way. He realized that the game must be getting tampered with as monsters from the classic version of Doom were attacking.
'Wait, DiZ mentioned an incoming danger. Is this what he meant?' B thought as he avoided a fireball that came for him.
"B, do you have a plan for this?" Ratchet asked.
B stared at Ratchet before reaching for his back pocket like a true video game character. Where he somehow produced a homemade jetpack for Ratchet.
"The old fashioned way it is." Ratchet said as he took the jetpack.
B pulled out a jetpack for himself and started flying towards the monsters. B pulled out his Drone Device and launched a wave of six drones that blocked incoming attacks before exploding into the first wave of enemies. Once that was done, B landed on the ground and was charged at by an incoming pink demon.
B jumped out of the way and bashed his Omni Wrench against the skull of the demon. B then turned his attention to several more demons that charged at him. All the while Ratchet used the Bomb Glove to throw small explosives at the waves of zombie soldiers and imps.
"Just how many of these things are there?" Ratchet asked before another meteor crashed a few feet away from him.
Then in came several more pink demons who roared and charged at them both.
"I just had to open my big mouth." Ratchet said as he threw more bombs at the waves of enemies.
As B and Ratchet dealt with the mobs of monsters. Clank punched Drek with enough force to make him hit the ground.
"Drek, why are you doing this? There has to be another way to make a home for your people." Clank said, trying to reason with the businessman.
But Drek scoffed, "You think that's what this is about? Who do you think polluted my last planet? I did! This is about one thing and one thing only! Cash and lots of it!" he exclaimed.
Drek then punched Clank and made him stumble away.
"You see, I've been paid for every square inch of my new world. Once the new inhabitants move in. I will begin polluting this world next and the whole thing stars all over again. Brilliant." Drek said as he shot Clank, sending him skidding backwards.
Once Clank was vulnerable, Drek approached the ignition switch and activated the timer. With that, the urgency to stop Drek began.
"Ratchet! B! You must stop the countdown!" Clank said.
"A little busy here!" Ratchet said as he shot at a few imps.
Then a couple of more meteors came crashing down and more demons arrived. Ratchet groaned as he looked around and saw the switch. He then looked at B who was running low on ammo for his blaster.
"B! Use a Powerslam on the switches! I'll hold them off!" Ratchet shouted.
B opened his mouth to verbally object but realized he ran out of ammo.
"Don't argue with me! Just do it!" Ratchet exclaimed as he brought out his Pyrocitor.
B looked between Ratchet and the switches and nodded. He quickly ran across the platform and pulled out his Omni Wrench. Where he jumped into the air and slammed his wrench against the platform.
The timer seemed to have stopped but that was when Drek saw B and shot a wave of explosive mines at him. B then quickly used his Suck Cannon and started to suck in every explosive. In turn, he fired Drek's weapons right back at him.
Drek growled in response and prepared to fire more projectiles when Clank punched him across the platform a few times.
"You truly are evil! You are without remorse and that is unforgivable!" Clank exclaimed.
"I don't care about morality! Do you think I can live in luxury with morality!?" Drek asked before shooting several missiles into Clank.
"Hey! We got your morality right here!" Ratchet shouted before firing a rocket at him.
Drek reeled back and glared at Ratchet who kept firing rockets at him. However, the businessman couldn't do much as he had three foes who were attacking him all at once. The back and forth movement repeated itself until Drek's machine got stuck into a slot from the Deplanetizer. Drek desperately tried to eject from his machine but failed as he was sent flying into space and towards his homemade planet.
Before B and Clank could respond, B hit the switch to the Deplanitizer and fired the laser at Drek's planet.
"Good call." Ratchet said before fragments of the planet hit the surface.
"Bad call! Bad call! We should have taken cover!" Ratchet shouted.
B then grabbed Ratchet and Clank and began to fly as far away from the Deplanitizer as the fragments hit the surface of the world. Once far enough, the trio took cover and waited for the cataclysm to end. Where they realized it was all over now.
B then let out a tired sigh and looked at his friends.
"B, I will always struggle to understand you but I know you will always be there to have my back." Ratchet said.
B nodded before fistbumping Ratchet. Only to hear a loud cracking sound coming from Clank who held his arm.
"I believe I am in need of repairs." Clank said.
"Let's go get that arm fixed, pal." Ratchet said.
B then prepared to follow his friends when he saw the doorway back to reality open up. He was about to say something when Ratchet and Clank beat him to it.
"Hey, this adventure is over but we'll see you again." Ratchet said optimistically, almost as if he knew this was the end.
"Indeed, the universe is quite vast but anything can occur. Do not worry about us." Clank said.
B nodded at the two and gave a thumbs up before returning home.
Meanwhile with Crimson
Crimson just yawned as she lay on the ground and looked at the remnants of Dracula's castle. She felt a bit tired of seeing the place collapse. It wasn't like she felt emotionally conflicted again but by this point, the goth assumed Dracula's castle was made of popsicle sticks and held together by gum.
'Seriously, I know there's this whole curse thing but it's always coming back and collapsing.' Crimson thought.
Crimson had helped Alucard defeat his father and free Richter when he was possessed by the vampire lord. Now she just waited to leave once Alucard finished his talk with Maria and RIchter. Seeing as how Richter is still alive and Crimson explored the castle twice (once with the whole thing being inverted), she knew how this would end.
"But Alucard, what will you do now?" Maria asked.
"The blood that flows in my veins is cursed. It would be best for this world if I disappear." Alucard said as he closed his eyes.
"...I see." Maria said, sounding disheartened.
"Farewell, all of you. We will not meet again." Alucard said before running off.
"Maybe never again in this lifetime." Crimson said.
"What was that?" Richter asked her.
"Ignore me." Crimson replied.
As Alucard left, Maria felt a pang in her heart seeing Alucard run off into the distance. Feeling alone and wanting to disappear from the world. Which might be quite difficult given how he's immortal.
"You're going after him, aren't you?" Crimson asked without looking at Maria.
"...I can't leave him alone. I can't let him disappear from my life." Maria replied.
"Then follow him, Maria. Perhaps you can save his haunted soul." Richter said.
"Maybe, you have plenty of time left in this world." Crimson added.
Maria smiled and nodded at Richter and Crimson.
"Fare thee well, the both of you." Maria said before running off after Alucard.
"And yourself, dear lady." Richter said.
After Maria left, Richter turned and looked at Crimson.
"I'm sure you have your own path as well?" Richter asked as Crimson noticed the portal open up.
"I do, I'll probably never see you again in this lifetime, Belmont." Crimson said.
The goth then stood up and picked up her bag of souvenirs which included fragmented remains of various monsters. Such as fangs, claws, scales and generally anything cool she found on her journey which confused Richter as it did Maria and Alucard. The only thing that confused Crimson was why a bunch of Resident Evil monsters appeared towards the end.
Luckily her skills in this game and Alucard's abilities helped her overcome them with minimal issues. Not that it was anything to think twice about. Last time, a bunch of droids attacked and she defeated Dracula with the help of her friends.
"Goodbye, Lady of the Dark." Richter said, giving Crimson a nickname.
Crimson nodded at Richter before entering the portal back to her reality.
In outer space, a few minutes earlier
Drek was still hopelessly trying to find a way out of his situation. Just as he came close to crashing onto the artificial planet he made for a profit. His robot crashed onto an incoming Star Destroyer and smacked into the glass of his robot.
"What the!?" Drek asked as the glass began to crack.
Before Drek could question anything. He saw a few TIE Fighters floating around him when he felt himself being pulled in by the tractor beam. Then through a quick but messy process, Drek was pulled out of his robot which was then jettisoned into space.
"What is this?" Drek asked, feeling confused.
That's when a few Stormtroopers arrived and aimed their guns at Drek.
"You're coming with us." one of them said.
Drek glared at the two, "Do you know who I am? I am Alonzo Drek! I…"
Drek was interrupted by a blow to the head from the blaster of one of the Stormtroopers. He was then dragged through the hangar and towards an elevator leading to the bridge. All the while Drek tried to get a word in but the soldiers of the Empire ignored him. Eventually, they dragged him into the bridge and tossed him towards the center where a couple of officers worked on the console.
"Where am I? I would be grateful for the rescue without the brutality!" Drek angrily said.
"Just one moment, you impatient ingrate." said one of the officers.
A moment later, a hologram of Polygon Man appeared and he looked down at Drek. Drek was surprised to see the strange man again. He would feel angry given how ineffective the demons were when they tried and failed to stop B and Ratchet. However, something about Polygon Man's disappointed expression scared away the anger he felt earlier.
"I see the ship I sent had caught you before your demise." Polygon Man said.
Before Drek could question man, a laser went by the Star Destroyer. The entire shape shook as they watched Drek's planet explode. Prompting the Star Destroyer to start moving again.
"Increase power to the engines and enter hyperspace. Maintain the connection as well." the officer commanded.
Soon enough, the Star Destroyer escaped to avoid being hit by the chunks coming off of the destroyed planet. However, Polygon Man was not finished with his talk.
"Drek, I want to say I expected more from you but I've expected the same from fools that were less intelligent than you." Polygon Man said.
"What is it that you want from me? I thought you were just an investor." Drek said.
Polygon Man scoffed, "I am more than you realize. A god among fodder such as yourself. Fortunately for you, there is a bit more I can squeeze out of you." he said.
"Just who do you think you are?" Drek asked, sounding flabbergasted.
"Clearly you were not paying attention, but that will not matter. I will scrounge up your remaining assets and you will do as I say for what is to come." Polygon Man said.
"I don't know what you are talking about! I can't understand this mysterious nonsense!" Drek exclaimed, sounding frustrated.
"Youonly need to understand who your superiors are and what needs to be done. That is why I saved you rather than let you be eradicated." Polygon Man said.
Drek lowered his head, giving into Polygon Man's demands as he had nothing else. Ratchet and Clank already destroyed his company and there was likely little to nothing left. Then again, with any luck, Polygon Man's plans may involve running into the alien and robot again along with B. At the very least, Drek would like to get back at the people who destroyed his business.
Maybe somehow get reimbursed for everything. Bankruptcy would be the softest way to describe his financial situation now that his planet was destroyed.
'What else is there? Being thrown out the airlock?' Drek wondered.
TO BE CONTINUED…