Loyax's Last Stand
The members of the Alliance and Adora's group struggled against the stasis field they were caught in. The crackling and shocking feeling they were experiencing kept them in place, convulsing but keeping them wide awake as Modulock and Hordak dragged them to the foot of the pyramid. Their minds were conscious but their bodies were no better than frozen as Modulock and Hordak spoke. It did tick them off that they did so like they weren't even there.
"At long last, after a thousand years, the last seat of power of the First Ones has been found." Hordak looked upon the pyramid as though he was looking at the crowned jewel of his own empire and religion. "One of the last gifts left by my masters."
"Yes, yes, yes, so you've said, Lord Hordak. But I'm more interested in the tech that's inside this old dusty wreck." Modulock pulled the two teams along with his containment staff. "Come along now, children, the tour is about to begin." He chuckled in a mocking tone.
The pyramid cast a large shadow over them as the sun struck it. It was as imposing as what it represented. Even after spending ten centuries buried beneath the red sands, the First One ruins looked pristine and barely touched by time. This place was the spot that Mara had come to bring down the First Ones Empire, and now The Horde had their pick of the place.
The entrance to the pyramid was bright pale white, contrasting with the rest of the desert sand. It looked more worn and worked on than the rest of the pyramid. But two marks stood out from the rest. Two handprints colored bright red with a golden outline surrounding them. They almost looked like they had been made with someone's blood. Which did not make the prisoners feel all that comfortable or happy to see it.
"Now, how to open this little morsel?" Modulock scratched his chin. "I doubt that the First Ones used a blood sacrifice, but we could always try it. Any volunteers?" Modulock turned to the prisoners with a sickening grin.
"There's no need to kill them yet, Modulock. I shall open the pyramid myself." Hordak walked forth to the door, leaving Modulock to pout. "Activation code: Keldor-008000." His words brought out a hologram of a woman resembling Lighthope, though lacking the AI's tunnel vision desire to keep Izuku and Adora under control.
Izuku, Catra, Glimmer and Bow all went wide-eyed at the words that Hordak had just used. His actions and knowledge showed that he knew what he was doing. As far as they knew, only Izuku and Adora had the ability to read First Ones' writing and even with what they'd uncovered, they had never even once seen anything like this.
"This is a restricted area. Please, speak the password," The hologram spoke in a robotic voice.
"Eternia." Hordak spoke.
"Password not recognized. Please try again." The hologram turned red.
"What? Eternia!" Hordak repeated, only to get the same result.
"Password not recognized. Please try again." The hologram turned red.
"Eternia! Capital City of the First Ones Empire!" Hordak fumed.
"Password not recognized. Please try again." The hologram turned red.
"Eternia! Home seat of the Council and the King!" Hordak growled.
"Password not recognized. Please try again." The hologram turned red.
"Eternia! The Crowned Jewel of the First Ones Empire! The place where magic was first conquered!" Hordak held up his hand, forming a fist while gritting his teeth.
"Maybe if you repeat it over and over again without added context it'll get it?" Modulock suggested, trying not to laugh.
"Shut up!" Hordak snapped at Modulock before turning to the hologram. "Override password protocol. Verification code: 008000-Keldor!"
"Unable to comply. Last modification by the last administrator has not been completed," the hologram said.
"And who was the last administrator?" Hordak asked.
"Designated She-Ra, Mara." The hologram transformed into a holographic version of Mara.
She was a young woman with tanned caramel skin, long brown hair tied in a braided ponytail that hung over her right shoulder with dark eyes. She didn't look that much older than any of the Alliance members. She wore a purple choker, a blue uniform shirt with white shoulder pads, a white skirt, dark blue leggings and white boots. She had cuts and scars on her face and arms with bandages wrapped around her torso and her left arm.
"M-Mara?" Adora let out.
"The Last She-Ra," Izuku grunted.
"She doesn't look so good." Catra added.
"Not as grandiose as I pictured her. Then again, fashion has changed over the last millennium." Modulock shrugged.
Hordak growled, glaring at the hologram with hatred in his eyes. If the glowing of his armor and the snarling he was doing weren't telling enough, the leader of the Horde looked like he wanted to strangle the woman. Even long dead, she looked as defiant as ever against the authority Hordak had been created to serve and uphold.
"If anyone is watching this, it means that I accomplished my mission and have freed the heart and now the remnants of the Empire want to get their hands on it." Mara's recording spoke. "On the off chance that Serena's Belt is discovered by anyone else, let what's inside stay inside. The world is now free and the magic is yours to do as you please. Live your lives away from this shadow." Hordak punched through the hologram before it turned off.
"Even long dead, she still finds ways to make my life miserable." Hordak gritted his teeth.
"Well, it seems like the First Ones and their codes aren't gonna cut it," Modulock said. "Shall we go back to the blood sacrifice idea? One of them even has a sword we could use if you want to keep your hands clean."
Hordak's eyes snapped open, turning around to see the Sword of Protection's handle sticking out from Catra's back.
"Modulock, you donkey! You've finally said something useful." Hordak walked over to their hostages, grabbing Catra by the throat, pulling her out of the stasis field. "The codes the First Ones created aren't useful here. But the Sword of Protection has a bypass to any and all locks, even that of past She-Ras."
"Like I'd help your sorry ass." Catra clawed at Hordak's metallic hands, baring her fangs at him.
"Modulock, increase shock intensity by twenty percent." Hordark narrowed his eyes at Catra.
Modulock turned the dial on his stick, making Izuku and Adora's groups cry out in pain.
"Back off!" Catra growled, only for Modulock to increase the power of the dial.
"Open the pyramid or Modulock will turn your friends into corpses for the desert to claim." Hordak snarled.
"Um, boss, I believe you'll need these two alive." Modulock pulled up Izuku and Adora, throwing them against the door. "Apparently, they are descendants of the First Ones and the catgirl isn't the best one with their tech. So, you kinda need all three alive, for now." Modulock shrugged as he continued torturing everyone else.
Hordak looked at Izuku and Adora as they both gave them daring and challenging looks. For the briefest of moments, he saw Mara in them. That fire that destroyed the empire his masters had created was all too hard to forget. They could easily attack him, so he needed to make sure they were contained as long as they were useful. He didn't appreciate that they were so powerful that they could rebel against him while his army had yet to arrive on time.
"You three will open up this door, or your friends will die." Hordak tossed Catra at them. "One by one and each more painful than the last. Starting with the youngest one."
Izuku, Catra and Adora stiffened up. This was not some idle threat.
"Wait!" Adora called out. "I'll… I'll do it."
"We'll do it." Izuku and Catra got up, helping Adora to her feet. "And I promise you, Adora, you're not alone in this."
"Just know that we'll kick your ass if you try anything, Hordak." Catra pulled out the Sword of Protection, glaring at Hordak.
"I wouldn't expect anything less." Hordak snarled, glaring at them.
Izuku, Catra and Adora turned to face the door.
"So, how do we do this?" Adora asked. "I'm still new at this whole thing."
"Just hang on to Izuku and let me use this thing." Catra held her sword. "Just try not to overthink things."
"We're in this together, Adora. Just leave it to us," Izuku said. "Think of it when we had to do some team exercises. It'll feel like a tingle at first, just focus on us if you feel it getting too strong. We're your anchor if anything happens."
"Enough stalling!" Hordak snarled.
"Jerk." Izuku muttered.
Catra held the sword up, making it glow as Izuku and Adora placed their hands on her shoulders. Their combined presences activated a beam of light that struck the door.
The whole Pyramid lit up in a bright blue light before it faded back. The only things that glowed were the handprints on the door before them.
Izuku and Adora pressed their right and left hands on the door, pushing it open. They saw a corridor light up before them, showing them to the inside of the pyramid and all its secrets. However, before they could go inside, they got pulled back with their friends.
"After you, Lord Hordak." Modulock gestured.
Hordak walked forward with Modulock and their prisoners behind them. As they entered the pyramid, the Alliance and Adora's group gazed at the impressive technology that was inside the black pyramid. The floor, walls and ceiling were crystal white and clean, as if they had just tidied up. Lights led the way deeper into the larger room where it was connected to different levels inside the pyramid. On the different levels, they could see entrances to other rooms they could only assume had connections to the other facilities in the pyramid.
Modulock watched everything like a child in a candy store.
"Oh what a joy!" Modulock cheered. "What to play with first?"
"First things first." Hordak walked over to a seat that appeared to be the central hub of the whole pyramid. "It is time for the work of my masters to come back, and bring back the control that has been lost in this dark age. But I will make sure that their legacy returns and all will tremble in their might!" Hordak brought up a large holographic screen for all to see.
Izuku, Catra, Adora and their allies watched everything in shock and awe. The First Ones were so advanced and yet much older than all they knew. And now everything was in the hands of Hordak and Modulock. Fear could not be the only way to describe their feelings. A heavy pit formed in their collective stomachs at what Hordak was talking about. If the First Ones were dangerous and ruled with an iron fist, then Hordak was bound to be worse.
They could only hope that they could get out of this and stop Hordak and Modulock once and for all.
Outside the pyramid, a figure cloaked in a long brown cape and hood stood up from behind a dune. It put down a pair of binoculars while gritting his teeth.
"Damn it. Of all the times those two could've picked to come back for a visit."
The figure took off his hood, revealing his golden locks.
"They just had to come here, and in the middle of the Horde's arrival too." Toshinori cursed the change of events. "I was hoping not to use this thing. But at least Angella won't mind me calling in if her daughter is involved." Toshinori pulled out a pink crystal mirror. "And to think, Catra wanted me to pawn this thing."
Toshinori pulled one of his hairs, dropping it into the mirror. The reflective surface illuminated his face.
"How could they do this?!" Angella snapped at the rest of the Alliance. "To sneak out in the middle of the night and only leave a note like she had finished the last of the cookies?! What is going through my daughter's head?! Did any of you know about their little escapade?!" Angella nearly breathed fire with her rant as she glared at the other princesses.
"No, no, no, no!" They all shook their heads, holding up their hands in defense.
"We were just as surprised as you, your majesty!" Spinnerella clarified.
"Yeah, if we'd known, we would've tied them down to their beds to keep them from going." Netossa added.
"Maybe you shouldn't mention what you ladies like in bed," Mermista muttered.
Angella decided to ignore that last comment as there were more important things to do. Loyax had returned from the sea front with news that a good portion of the Horde's forces had retreated to protect their sea bases. Which meant that a lot of their ground troops were being mobilized to another location. That was giving credit to Shadow Weaver's claims that the Horde had found something in the Crimson Wastes. With any luck, they could reach the Wastes before the other forces made their way there. Angella hated that her daughter was a little too much like her father and had jumped in without thinking. She hoped that she was safe along with her friends.
"Honestly, I'm surprised Izuku agreed to such a plan," Angella said. "What could Glimmer have done to change his mind?!" Angella turned around, missing the slight blushes on the rest of the harem.
"Your majesty, you need not worry. I am certain that young master Izuku and lady Catra are more than capable of aiding and protecting Princess Glimmer should she require assistance." Loyax spoke up like the old knight errant that he was. "Even master Bow will be of great aid. We must trust that they have everything well in hand."
"That is what I'm worried about. So far everything has gone well for them, but that can lead to rash thinking and that can cost lives," Angella said.
Angella was proud of how far Glimmer had come in such a short time, yet she felt that her daughter didn't fully understand what it meant to lead. The decisions that had to be made required a lot of planning and thinking, while Glimmer was more focused on rushing into the situation without assessing them. Part of her often pitied whoever she picked as her future partner if she didn't learn to calm those impulses. And this latest act was only proving her fears to be true. She just needed to get her back home and then she'd figure out how to help her daughter prepare for the future.
At that moment, she sensed something coming from one of her earrings. She moved one to look at it, seeing it flashing slightly. It was a flashing she never thought she'd see again.
"It cannot be," she muttered.
Angella tapped on the earring, making a small hologram appear, revealing the kneeling Toshinori. He looked up at her, with age touching his face. He had more wrinkles and white hairs since the last time they had spoken. But she still saw the warrior that had helped her and Micah so many times in the past.
"Toshinori?" Angella asked.
"Angella, so glad you kept this thing around," Toshinori said. "Time is short, you need to get to the Crimson Waste quickly."
"We know that there's a situation taking place there," Angella replied. "I don't suppose you've seen my daughter and her friends gallivanting around, have you?"
"If by friends you mean my son and daughter, then yes." Toshinori narrowed his eyes. "That's one of the reasons I'm calling."
"What? What happened?" Angella asked as Loyax and the other princesses gathered around her.
"The Horde has captured them, and they've found an old First Ones' ruin." Toshinori explained. "Hordak and Modulock just went inside with Izuku, Catra, Glimmer and seven others."
"What?" Angella's eyes widened. "Are there other forces in the pyramid?"
"Not yet but they'll be here soon. You need to send your forces here now." Toshinori instructed. "I'll go in and try to slow them down, but I don't know what Hordak and Modulock have planned inside that thing."
"Our forces are at best a day away from reaching them." Netossa pointed out.
"Then we'll have to get there ourselves somehow." Mermista pulled out her trident. "Anyone have a super flying machine they'd like to show off?"
"Shoot, I knew there was a project I had to finish." Entrapta snapped her fingers.
"Even a flying ship won't get us there fast enough," Spinnerella said. "We need to get there before Hordak uses anything in that pyramid."
"I'm more concerned about what Modulock will do to our friends." Perfuma's plants grew out of concern.
"Yeah, and who are the other people that are with them?" Frosta asked.
"Time is of the essence, we need to get to the Crimson Wastes post-haste!" Loyax asserted, fist over his heart with courage, more than prepared for the journey. "My vessel is ready to go, your majesty. Just give the word."
Angella narrowed her eyes, thinking on what they should do. She wanted to get there in an instant. Moving her head up, her eyes landed on the Moon Stone. The source of her family's power and their connection to magic itself. The same thing that gave Glimmer her teleportation powers. It was risky, and it would weaken her, but it was still the best plan she had.
"We'll use the Moon Stone to teleport ourselves to the Crimson Waste." Angella revealed.
"Your majesty, that-that sounds… Can such a feat be possible?" Loyax asked.
"No offense but we don't know what we'll be up against," Netossa said. "This is more in Glimmer's brand of planning."
"Exactly what they won't expect." Angella said. "Gather what you need and prepare to go."
Loyax and the princesses nodded. However, before he could take another step, Angella stopped him.
"Loyax, you've served the Alliance for more than most men were willing to go. This mission will be even more perilous." Angella explained. "You need not go."
"Your majesty, with all due respect. I'm aware of the situation and the dangers it poses." Loyax bowed on one knee. "And that is exactly why I must go. To save the lives of my friends and allies. I'll go to the depths of hell if need be. Besides," Loyax said with a small yet confident grin, "What kind of knight goes into battle knowing that it may be their last day?" he said, giving Angella a small but respectful bow of his head.
Back inside the pyramid, Izuku, Catra, Glimmer, Bow, Meelog, Adora, Lonnie, Scorpia, Rogelio and Kyle watched Hordak try to bring the pyramid back to full power. It carried a bad feeling that crept up their spines. Every time Hordak smiled or pressed a key, they didn't know if it would end up wiping out the world or if he planned to make himself almighty and godlike. Regardless, they all looked at each other, knowing they shared the same sentiment.
They could barely move, but they could speak. If only a little.
"So, we can all agree this is bad, but not all of us know how bad it is," Scorpia said. "On a scale of one to ten?"
"I'd say around a twenty," Bow groaned.
"Izuku, can you figure out what he's doing?" Glimmer whispered.
Izuku narrowed his eyes at the screen.
"It reads: Protocols, System Reboots and something called…" Izuku narrowed his eyes to read it better.
"The Heart of Etheria?" Adora finished. "Guess we really are First Ones."
"What is that thing anyway?" Catra whispered. "A Runestone? Some ruins? Glimmer, Bow?"
"I've never heard of a Runestone called that," Glimmer replied.
"No ruins either." Bow shook his head.
"What does that mean?" Catra asked.
"It means that there is a good chance that that's what Mara used to bring down the First Ones and Hordak wants it." Izuku grunted. "He is doing everything to find it and reactivate it from here." Izuku looked at how Hordak growled at the computer screen as it turned red.
Hordak was trying to undo something the past She-Ra had started and he seemed to be having a harder time than what he had expected. For every single key he stroked, it brought up another set of commands and functions. But every single attempt he used was met with the same answer, a red screen. Each growl was more and more savage, almost as if Hordak was turning more animalistic and erratic. It was almost funny to watch if it didn't mean that he could turn that rage and frustration on them. Hordak slammed his fists on the controls of the console.
"Having trouble, boss?" Modulock asked. "I'm not much of a computer genius, but have you tried turning it off and on again?"
"This isn't some gizmo you can put together with a couple of nuts and bolts, Modulock." Hordak snarled. "Whatever the last She-Ra did made it impossible to restart the Heart of Etheria from the console. I've gone through every command and code I know to erase her mistake but she made sure they wouldn't work."
"Sounds to me like the last She-Ra is more and more my favorite kind of gal," Catra chuckled.
"I mean, she did plan ahead very thoroughly." Scorpia nodded.
"It seems like your plan has fallen through, Hordak. I guess without Shadow Weaver doing your job for you, you're useless," Izuku said.
"Hey, I resent that! I've done more than plenty to pick up her crap." Modulock snarled.
Hordak glared at the prisoners.
"The only reason you are alive is because you hold some use." Hordak's eyes glowed. "You and the former Force Captain may be descendants of my masters, but they would be disgusted by your weakness. Magic is a threat to all beings. Those that practice it are wild and unpredictable. They bend forces to their will without any knowledge of what they're doing!"
Izuku glared, not willing to give Hordak an inch. He hated magic, that was clear to see. But he knew for a fact that the First Ones saw magic differently.
"Then why take us in? Why take us from our families?!" Adora glared at Hordak. "Where did I come from? Did I have a family? Answer me!"
Hordak took the stick, increasing the voltage.
The group screamed in pain as the red crackling lightning coursed through their bodies. It felt like they were being struck by lightning over and over. Gritting their teeth did nothing to endure the pain or to focus on something else. Hordak was not going to give them a second of rest or relief. All his anger was going to be unleashed on them.
"Let me make this clear to all of you, I do not know who your family was nor do I care. You were found on a raid mission to find the work of my masters and that's all I cared to remember." Hordak continued shocking them. "And the only reason you are still breathing is because I allow it!"
"Hey, if they're dead I won't be able to get anything from them," Modulock pouted.
Just then a loud boom echoed through the entrance as the doors were sent flying all the way down to the command hub. Hordak and Modulock looked at the sound of the explosion, but all they were met with was a giant fist hitting Hordak in the face. They were both sent flying all the way to the other side of the room, crashing against the side of the wall.
The stasis field was broken, dropping Izuku, Catra and the rest of the group to the floor. They all groaned, looking up to see what had happened. And there they saw him, looking larger than life with a massive smile on his face.
"Fear not, young ones, for I AM HERE!"
"Dad?!" Izuku and Catra called out in complete unison.
"Dad?" Adora asked.
"That's your dad?!" Glimmer asked. "Holy crap." She muttered as she looked at the legendary warrior before them.
"You two picked one hell of a time to come visit," Toshinori said. "And I see you got yourselves involved with the Alliance of all people. Nice to meet you, Princess Glimmer."
Glimmer just waved at him as her body still recoiled with pain from the shocks. She couldn't believe that she stood this close to the man that had raised her two lovers. It was quite intimidating, and it made her realize what her mother must've felt like when she looked at them.
"Can you stand?" Toshinori asked.
Izuku, Catra, Adora, Glimmer, Lonnie and Melog managed to get back to their feet first with everyone else groaning behind them. The shock therapy they had received took a lot out of them, but they could help the others get back to their feet.
"We'll manage, sir." Bow helped Rogelio and Kyle up to their feet.
"I don't suppose you know what they want to do here?" Toshinori looked at where the leader of the Horde and the Head Scientist had been punched to.
"They're trying to get something called The Heart of Etheria working again. But it looks like Mara made it nigh impossible for them." Izuku helped Catra and Adora stay on their feet. "And um, we may be descendants of the First Ones, me and Adora." Izuku gestured to Adora.
"Um, nice to meet you, sir." Adora shyly waved at Toshinori.
"Let's keep the greetings for later," Toshinori said just as a portal opened up behind the group.
"Oh what now?!" Scorpia asked as she helped Glimmer and Melog to their feet.
From the portal came Angella, Loyax, Spinnerella, Netossa, Mermista, Perfuma, Entrapta, Emily and Frosta. They all looked angry and were ready for a fight. But out of all of them, Angella's angry look sent shivers down Glimmer's spine. The look of disapproval was far more painful than anything Modulock or Hordak could have done to her. If Glimmer had to guess, she would not be seeing the light of day until her children were ready to take the throne. And that was if she was allowed to have Izuku and Catra as visitors from time to time.
"Angella, see you brought the cavalry." Toshinori smiled. "Though, it looks like the fun is over before it even began."
"I'll take that as a win, Toshinori." Angella turned to Izuku and the group. "Are any of you hurt?"
"N-No your majesty. We're a little rattled but-" Izuku started only to hear a loud crack.
They all turned to see Hordak pulling himself out of the hole that Toshinori had punched him into. There was not even a single scratch on him and he looked furious. He reached back inside, pulling the mangled corpse of Modulock from the rubble before jumping out of the hole. His eyes glowed bright red as he dropped the body of his head scientist.
"Modulock, pull yourself together," Hordak said. "Fate has seen it in kind that we can bring this war to an end in one fell swoop."
"Um, I don't know if you've noticed, but we outnumber you and that guy is kinda dead." Mermista aimed her trident at Hordak.
"Stay on guard, Lady Mermista." Loyax held his sword tightly and on guard. "An evil such as this creature cannot be killed off so easily."
Modulock's bones began to snap and rearrange in a sick symphony of sounds. Everyone watched as the monstrous scientist of the Horde stood up after every single one of his bones put themselves back in their proper place. It turned a few stomachs, but it did show the monster was not one to die so easily. Modulock finished rearranging himself by grabbing hold of his own jaw, snapping it back in place. He spat out some blood and a couple of jagged teeth from his mouth before looking at Hordak.
"Did you have to use me as a cushion, Lord Hordak?" Modulock asked. "This instant healing serum is still in development."
"Then it is a good thing it does work." Hordak turned back to the Alliance as they all got ready to fight. "It would seem like the odds are not as one-sided as you believed, princesses. For at this seat of power, you could never hope to best me."
"You're still outnumbered, Hordak. Surrender now." Angella's fists glowed brightly with magic and power.
"Or we will not show any mercy." Toshinori held up his fists, ready to fight once more.
Modulock pulled out a glowing capsule, giving it a sickening grin.
"Then it is a good thing that I had this baby for just such an occasion." Modulock tossed the capsule at the Alliance.
Bow quickly took one of his arrows and shot it at the capsule, hitting it.
A bright light engulfed the area before a figure appeared between the two sides. It stood up, with Bow's arrow in its chest. The figure looked down at the weapon, letting its messy long black hair cover its face. It then started to laugh like a madman, revealing their face to the Alliance.
Everyone blinked in shock to see that it was Shigaraki with an even crazier look to him than before. He let off a menacing aura like that of a chilling wind throughout the pyramid. It was the kind of feeling that a twisted version of Death would invoke.
"Shigaraki?" Izuku asked.
"What fun! Is this supposed to be painful?!" Shigaraki pulled out the arrow from his chest like it hadn't pierced his heart. "It tickles. After everything, it only tickles." Shigaraki's wound closed up as a black armored suit manifested itself on his body.
"What-What have you done to him?" Angella stood in shock as Shigaraki continued laughing.
"I set him free." Modulock shrugged. "I had hoped to make an army just like him. But then I thought, what better way to control this power than by making sure there's only one?"
Shigaraki's eyes glowed bright red as the ground underneath him cracked with every step he took. A powerful black aura covered his whole body as he continued laughing at the sensation that he was feeling. It was euphoric. Looking at his own hands, he could feel it. More power than whatever he could have ever hoped for. But was it really his? It was time to see if it was true.
"So… who wants to die first?" Shigaraki asked with a crooked smile.
"Have at thee, fiend!" Loyax called out before Toshinori beat him to the punch.
Toshinori appeared before Shigaraki in the blink of an eye. The feeling of a giant fist that could shatter mountains dawned upon the twisted villain like the hammer of the gods. But instead of fleeing, Shigaraki smiled. Toshinori's punch landed on his face, sending a powerful shockwave through the entire inside of the pyramid, lifting up every bit of dust that laid on the ancient seat of power. But instead of splattering the head of the mad sorcerer on the walls, Toshinori saw Shigaraki still standing, even after taking the blow with such strength.
"I don't know how, but that didn't hurt as much as I thought it would," Shigaraki said.
"For the HONOR OF GRAYSKULL!" Catra called out transforming into her She-Ra form.
Izuku and Catra flanked Shigaraki from both sides, punching him in the stomach so hard that he was sent flying. The strength of their combined might was equal to, if not greater than Toshinori's, but Shigaraki still laughed.
"Perfuma, bring him down!" Izuku called out.
Perfuma slammed her hands, using the seeds in her clothing to create giant vines. Shooting out from the ground, her vines wrapped around Shigaraki, bringing him back down to the ground with a loud boom. On her command, the vines tensed up and held him in place.
"Mermista, Frosta, hit him with everything you've got!" Catra instructed.
Mermista and Frosta joined their powers for a combined attack. Mermista called forth the water from the other side of the portal hitting Shigaraki's whole body, encasing him in a bubble of water. Frosta followed up by blasting the water with her ice magic, freezing it until it was a ball of ice.
Hordak growled, transforming his arm into a blaster. He was about to fire when an arrow struck his hand mid-transformation. He turned to see Bow, Loyax, Spinnerella, Netossa, Glimmer and Angella all ready to fight him.
"Your experiment better work now, Modulock." Hordak tore off the arrow from his arm.
"Oh trust me, it will." Modulock watched the ice ball with anticipation.
Izuku, Catra, Mermista, Perfuma, Frosta and Toshinori watched the ball of ice crack little by little until Shigaraki broke through with a mad cackle.
"What boon is this?" Shigaraki laughed, feeling nothing.
His body was feeling so light. The pain actually felt good to him. It made him want to laugh. It made him want to smile. It gave him power. Power unlike anything he'd ever felt before. This was the gift he sought. And now he would use it against everyone and everything that had wronged him.
"What the hell is wrong with him?" Toshinori growled, tightening his fists.
"I don't know. He wasn't like this last time we saw him." Izuku felt pricks of needles running down his spine.
"Modulock must've done something to him." Catra readied her sword. "And now he's even crazier."
"Oh, I'll show you crazy." Shigaraki's eyes turned bright purple before they fired two purple lasers out of them.
Catra lifted her sword, blocking the beams. But it was so strong that she was pushed back. Catra tried to transform the sword into a shield to better protect herself. But as soon as she did, her sword and body were covered by corrupted circuitry. Her whole body felt like it was on fire as she slammed against the wall. Her body went limp as she transformed back.
"The Disruptor Laser Eyes work nicely," Modulock said.
Izuku and Toshinori screamed in rage as green sparks and lightning coated their bodies. With the power of One For All coursing through their bodies, they charged at Shigaraki, landing a barrage of punches and blows on his face and body. But every time they landed a blow, they felt Shigaraki's body soften and loosen up. It felt like they were punching a fluffy cloud instead of a monster. They jumped back, spinning before landing twin kicks at Shigaraki's face, but they didn't feel it connecting. Their eyes widened as they saw a thick wall of translucent light standing between them coming from Shigaraki's palms.
"My turn!" Shigaraki pulled the light shield back into his hands.
Shigaraki was on them before they could blink. His arms were reeled back as dark purple energy crackled around his fists. His fists collided with their faces before they could blink, sending them back. Izuku and Toshinori skidded to a halt before attacking Shigaraki again, but he moved and countered all their attacks. Weaving his hands at faster speeds, he flicked and slapped the attacks away like they were nothing to him. Shigaraki opened his palms before the two warriors, summoning his light shields once more.
They received a powerful blast, being sent back only for Shigaraki to attack them with another barrage of punches of his own. Izuku and Toshinori dodged and blocked the blows as best they could, but Shigaraki landed blow after blow. They felt the punches on their faces, arms, chests and stomachs, losing their balance as Shigaraki laughed maniacally.
"Light Shields, Shock Absorption and Fists of Fury, all checked." Modulock clapped at the show before him.
Perfuma summoned a wall of plants filled with large venus flytraps to spring out of the ground, chomping on Shigaraki's body. She was mostly opposed to violence but she would protect her friends above all else. Tightening her fists, her vines tightly wrapped and bit down on Shigaraki's body with rage.
Shigaraki however, was not one to give up easily. From his fingers came long, sharp vines that cut through Perfuma's plants. Pulling himself free from the attack, he twisted his body, swinging his new black vines like venomous whips. His arms contorted, coiled and swung like whips with blades attached at the ends, regardless of bones or muscles breaking and tearing. His black vines struck with deadly accuracy, cutting and ripping apart any plant form that even came close to him. His attacks were so wild and deadly that they started to cut everything around him.
Mermista stepped in, blasting Shigaraki with a massive wave that looked like a water dragon. Her wave consumed him, twisting and turning him inside like a piece of driftwood caught in the rapid currents of an oceanic storm. She slammed him against the walls over and over again. But he pulled himself out of the water much to her shock. Her waves became dark green and purple as Shigarakai wrapped the water around him.
Shigaraki commanded the water around him into the shape of a large octopus. With a sick laugh, he sent the large water beast against the princess. She tried to command the waters, but they wouldn't listen to her. Mermista swung her trident against the tentacles Shigaraki controlled, but they quickly caught her with a dangerous grip. She started to cough as Shigaraki smacked her away.
Izuku jumped in, blasting the water away with a finger flick.
"Poisoned Waters, also checked." Modulock counted with his fingers. "We're on a roll, baby!"
Frosta fired her Ice Magic at Shigaraki. His monstrous poisonous octopus became an ice sculpture before her magic. Helping Mermista to her feet, she gave Shigaraki a glare. Despite being the youngest and out of her element, she would turn that creepy cyborg into an ice cube and shatter him. She glared at him as she sent another blast of ice against Shigaraki. However, her attack didn't land on him.
Shigaraki thrusted his hands forward, blocking the ice from touching him. A bright yellow glow came out of the palms of his hands. Little by little the ice began to crack and break against an invisible force. With a crazed laugh, Shigaraki unleashed the full might of his newest power. He released a powerful blast of force that shattered the ice and sent Frosta into Perfuma, with the flower princess catching her.
"Concussive Force is a go, people!" Modulock cheered. "I'm a genius!"
Shigaraki landed on the ground with a cough followed by a chuckle. All the power he had gained at the cost of some of his body and his sanity was worth it. Looking at his hands, he could feel the power growing inside him. It was intoxicating and he wanted more of it.
"I think I should go show Micah's brat and widow how much better I am than him now." Shigaraki looked up only to receive a kick to the face from Izuku.
"I won't let you get near them!" Izuku grabbed hold of Shigaraki's arms as he stomped on his face. "Adora, get Catra and the wounded out of here!"
"Scorpia, Lonnie, give me a hand!" Adora rushed to Catra's side as she was just waking up.
"What hit me?" Catra groaned, grabbing her sword.
"Shigaraki's been altered and turned into an anti-princess machine." Adora helped her up. "But he seems to be getting more and more out of his mind. We need to hit him before he adapts or loses control completely."
"Okay, let's at least try to wreck this place before we get killed and then get out of here." Catra called Melog as they rode to help their friends. "Get on." Catra pulled Adora onto Melog's back, getting Adora to hold on tightly.
Hordak found himself being blasted and forced to defend himself against the thing he despised the most. Three of the princesses, the leader of the Alliance, an archer and an old swordsman attacked him in unison, keeping him from victory. His red glowing shield blocked their foul magic blasts and arrows while her blaster was held back by the nets of Netossa and the winds of her wife Spinnerella.
His armor granted him power and kept them back but they were too many and the swordsman was getting on his nerves.
"Have at thee, Hordak!" Loyax swung his sword at him, striking his armor's side.
Hordak fell on one knee before activating his shoulder blaster. He fired at Loyax, sending him back to the control console. Just then, his eyes widened at the sight of another princess messing with the console.
"Oh man, there is so much information and knowledge in this console alone," Entrapta gushed. "I could stay here forever."
"Um, Lady Entrapta, we may not have that much time." Loyax pulled himself up before rushing into battle once more.
Entrapta shook her head.
"Right, time to see what's in here." Entrapta typed away at the console while all the fighting occurred behind her. "Okay, so this is a hub where the whole world was controlled from, or at least the last remaining one. There's information regarding attempts to control the weather, keep fields fertile and having a-whoa. A control over the flow of magic itself! They actually pulled it off! But, wait, that is actually bad." Entrapta looked at Emily who beeped in agreement.
"Get away from that!" Hordak transformed his cannon into a sharp blade freeing himself from Netossa's nets. "You will not undo my work!" Hordak jumped at Entrapta only to be cut off by a powerful blast from the queen.
"I do not care what it is, if the Horde wants it, then it must be destroyed!" Angella ordered. "Entrapta, erase everything, blow it up if you must!"
"Yes, Glimmer's mom." Entrapta shed a tear. "May science forgive me!" Entrapta connected Emily into the console, downloading everything.
Hordak growled as Entrapa downloaded everything the station had onto Emily. Shooting up to his feet, Hordak activated his rocket boots, flying straight at Entrapta. He reeled back his right fist, turning it into a blade once more.
"And now to erase everythi-AAAAAHHHH!" Entrapta saw Hordak coming down on her.
Netossa wrapped Entrapta and Emily in her net, pulling them away from the console, missing the blade by three hairs.
Spinnerella blasted Hordak in the back with her winds, making him go through the console, cutting into it before smashing the rest of it.
"Man, that was close," Netossa said.
"Okay, I'm pretty sure it is destroyed and we can go now." Entrapta and Emily hugged the two wife princesses.
"Your majesty!" Spinnerella called.
Angella watched as Hordak looked upon the remains of the console he looked so far and hard for and how Izuku, Catra, Adora and Toshinori working together were doing their best against Shigaraki. The battle was still going strong, but they weren't gaining any ground and it would be long until the rest of the Horde would arrive. They needed to leave while they still had a chance.
"Everyone, back to the portal!" Angella commanded. "Spinnerella, create a gust of wind to give us cover. We're leaving!"
"What? No! We can still win!" Glimmer argued, swinging her staff at Shigaraki.
"Not if the Horde forces arrive here and take us all prisoner!" Angella countered. "We need to leave now!"
"I agree with the scary angry lady with wings!" Scorpia picked up Kyle and Rogelio running to the portal with Lonnie in tow.
Hordak's eyes narrowed on the remains of the console. He was looking at the remains of the console, unable to come to terms with what he'd done. All the years that the information and works of his masters had endured and now… Now… Now it was all in pieces. His hands filled with the remains of all his masters had ever hoped for and worked so hard. Their legacy was now in pieces. Anger and hatred now the only thing that filled his mind, he let out a roar of rage, desperation and livid fury.
His armor lit up with energy, screaming bloody murder. His head snapped towards the Alliance and all that dared to get in his way.
"Boss is mad now." Modulock muttered.
"Everyone NOW!" Angella ordered as Perfuma, Mermista, Entrapta, Emily, and Frosta went in through the portal.
"Alright guys, time to go!" Netossa aided her wife, pushing back Shigaraki and Hordak.
Izuku, Catra, and Toshinori punched Shigaraki in the face. Even if it didn't do anything, they felt better, sending him back with a combined punch. They turned to leave, helping Adora and Melog along.
Hordak aimed his cannon arm at the portal, intending to destroy everything that was on the other side. But just as he was about to shoot, a sword was plunged into his arm.
Hordak screamed as his vision cleared of rage long enough to see the face of his attacker was none other than Loyax.
"THIS IS THE END OF THE LINE! YOU'RE ALL MINE, HORDAK!" Loyax yelled in righteous anger as he sliced away Hordak's arm before pirouetting and preparing for a follow up strike, only to be grabbed by the throat as Hordak seemed to barely even flinch at his own dismemberment.
"You annoy me," was all Hordak growled before tightening his superhuman grip around Loyax's neck and snapping it.
"NOOOO!"
"LOYAAAAAX!"
Time slowed down as Hordak tossed Loyax's lifeless body away. The old knight's tale had come to an end before the heroes and all that called him friend. Death had spared him many years ago, all so that he could live to greet this moment. But even in death, he was a knight at the end of everything. All the years, challenges, pains and toils that he faced had led him to that moment. He had given his life for his comrades and he would do so in a split second.
Loyax's body fell down to the ground with a resounding clatter of his armor, his sword still clutched firmly in his grip.
"We can't leave him!" Glimmer teleported to Loyax's body.
"Glimmer!" Angella flew after her daughter.
Modulock saw this and a sinister idea popped in his mind. He pulled out a vile full of a glowing purple liquid. A nasty little poison he'd spent time developing against any magic user and he really wanted to use it on all the wizards of Mystacor and watch them choke on their own blood. He hadn't perfected it but it should have quite the powerful kick to it. And every test needed a guinea pig.
Loading the poison into a dart gun, he aimed it at Glimmer. He fired at her, expecting to hit her somewhere where the dart would infuse the poison.
But just as the dart was about to hit Glimmer, Angella got in the way of the dart.
Angella screamed before taking out the dart from her arm.
"MOM!" Glimmer cried out.
The portal began to close back on them.
"Glimmer!" Izuku and Catra channeled their power through their bodies, blitzing through the room all the way to their friends.
They picked them up as fast as they could, rushing back to the portal.
"Don't let them escape!" Hordak commanded.
Shigaraki's hand morphed and contorted as it stretched out. Nasty decaying fingers sprouted from his arm as he reached out to the Alliance. His hand had now transformed into a large monstrous creation made up of hundreds of hands stitched together. His feral instincts twisted and turned inside him, making Shigaraki no more than a beast.
He was getting closer and closer to his targets when a loud beat and pain in his chest stopped him. Freezing for just a split second to clutch his heart was all the heroes needed to escape him.
Izuku, Catra, Glimmer, Angella and Loyax's body crossed the portal as it closed up behind them. All they could do was breathe. Everything that had happened reeled in their minds. The terror, the fighting, the brutal reality of what had transpired before them was now on full display.
Angella collapsed in Glimmer's arms.
"Mom!" Glimmer grabbed onto her mother as she saw purple veins spread through her arm.
"Get a healer! Now!" Toshinori commanded.
Glimmer and everyone just watched in horror as the queen started coughing violently.
Izuku and Catra stood with Glimmer as they waited to hear anything from the other side of the medical wing. They had tried to comfort their friend and lover, but she wouldn't stop pacing. Neither of them could blame her.
"She'll be fine. Mom rarely gets sick. I bet she'll be back to normal by tomorrow." Glimmer muttered, but her expression was one of pure fear. "Besides, if this is anything like what Modulock did to me then Aunt Cass will have this in the bag. If not, we… we'll go on a mission to cure her. Yeah. We can do that. Or-"
"Glimmer, please, sit. Take a breath, muttering and thinking of the worst won't help." Izuku comforted her. "We're here for you. We all are."
"Just say the word and we'll be there." Catra hugged Glimmer.
Glimmer returned the hug, burying her face on their chests.
The door opened up, revealing the healers and Castaspella walking out. They sighed in exhaustion, wiping the sweat from their brows before looking at Glimmer.
"Aunt Cass, how's my mom?" Glimmer asked.
"Is she gonna pull through?" Izuku asked.
"You brought her just in time. The poison was a nasty thing that fed on magic, but we were able to stop it, drawing out all we could." Casstaspella placed a hand on Glimmer's shoulder. "But the damage will take time to heal. I'm afraid that Angella will be weak and bedridden for… a long time."
It didn't sound good, but at least she was alive. A weight lifted itself from Glimmer's heart as tears welled up on her eyes.
"Can… Can I see her?" Glimmer asked, sobbing.
"She's resting at the moment, but you can see her." Casstaspella took Glimmer inside.
"We'll be here if you need us," Izuku said.
Glimmer walked into her mother's room, spotting her in her bed. She was lying down on her bed, sleeping after everything she had been through. Everything Glimmer had put her through. As she got closer, she saw the remnants of the purple veins going from her arm all the way to her face. She gently held her mother's hand, feeling how it lacked her usual strength. As if the guilt and sadness were finally being too much for her, Glimmer dropped to her knees, sobbing.
"I'm sorry mom. I'm sorry." Glimmer sobbed.
Angella tightened her hand on Glimmer's hold. She might've been exhausted and weak, but Angella would still comfort her child. That was her motherly duty.
Everyone had gathered for the ceremony, it was small but all princesses, allies and the troops were there to give their respects. Loyax's deed had spread like wildfire and many wished to pay their respects. His many years of service had been honored with a funeral with all the rights and honors that a knight of his caliber deserved.
"We're gathered here to honor Loyax, a knight, an honorable man, a loyal soldier, and a friend. He was a man that long held on to his beliefs and codes when everyone told him to abandon them." Seahawk spoke in the name of his friend. "He refused to abandon his post when he was the only one left to carry on the will of his friends. He believed in the Alliance and the freedom we protect. He once told me that to die in battle is not the worst thing to happen to a knight. The worst fate a knight could suffer was to be told to abandon his code of chivalry when it was convenient. To live each day as it were your last is a gift we all share and cherish. For it is fate that has put you here and it is up to you to see it through. Be it a long winding road that tests your mettle or a short voyage that makes you appreciate the wonders of the world. Farewell, Loyax. You have earned this."
His coffin was laid down to rest with his sword in his hands and a peaceful look on his face. Despite his defeat, he had earned his place amongst the heroes of old. For he had stayed at his post long after his guard had ended and now he went on to his final rest.
The war had taken much from them and now the heroes had to live with the consequences of their actions. But for good or ill, they were still there and they would see the world Loyax fought for, protected and safe for all.
A world where everyone could smile.
