Chapter 269:No Way Home

First, for an early Authors Note, to avoid confusion I decided to change Rebecca Auro's name to Bria Auro to avoid confusion with the Eden Zero lead so, will change previous chapters shortly but did not want people to be confused. Alright then.

As much shockwaves as the abrupt and absolute death of one of the Nahobino sent across the universe, those responsible for unleashing that shockwave were still taking in what they accomplished. While the Posada Clan forces retreated from both Dahna and Rena, even Astra was not sure if it was just a set up for them to lower their guard.

But as Shionne just kept crying, and the Hague descended to pick up the group, Dohalim realized he was getting calls from many people in Elde Menancia about what was going on, and realized not just one world, but many were in a state of chaos after the status quo that some had been dealing with for at least a century had suddenly unraveled.

To make sure his own people were doing ok, and since Rena looked like it was going to completely collapse, everyone agreed to head to Elde Menanica since it was the safest territory to regain their bearings. After most of the group had time to rest, they met in Dohaim's throne room in the Autelina palace.

Mike finished munching on a meatball before he saw the red-haired ruler walk in with Kisara and waved." So, what's the deal ma, majesty? This victory a real one or is this just the time out in an even bigger sadistic game show?"

Dohalim let out a bitter chuckle as he sat down." After all this it does feel like life itself is all one cruel game God himself makes us all play. Still, at the very least this does not seem to have been part of the Posada clan's "script", this victory we grasped was genuine."

Kisara nodded as she looked around." Lenegis was able to pick up transmissions from Sveto, the capital planet of the Posada clan. Even the likes of Queen Shamna, and Giwaza Lowau and the other members of the Mobius thirteen council and the other major figures of the clan are more or less indicating that the Sovereign Supreme is "going into seclusion", which means they want to hide for as long as possible from the other clans that they are now without there leader."

Mike looked outside before he shrugged." Well then, it's a gamble of if we can call it a day and hope that we won't get blown up the moment we toast, eh?"

As the others looked uneasy they heard a confident chuckle from behind them." God damn mates…I know all about not wanting to call something till the job's done, but you blokes really got to enjoy the good moments when they happen. Trust me, that feeling is too rare to pass up these days."

Everyone swerved around and saw it was none other than Billy Butcher who entered. Ratchet saw the bearded man and some of his crew looked happy before he rolled his eyes." Well look who showed up late eh guys? You hid the entire fight and think you can take credit? You're a bigger two faced scammer then Captain Quark was!"

Billy saw how tense the humanoid cat looked before he snickered." Sounds like you could use a drink Lombax. Did I ever say I had a "Power Level" high enough to sock that gooey wanker in the face? I know I have a bit of a reputation these days but I'm more of a behind the scenes kind of badass. Still, you all did better than I dared hope. Glad I took that favor for Die-Hardman after all…the day ended far better then,"

"How dare you say that." Shionne shirked out as she saw the bearded man's smirk." Better than planned? We lost Alphen, Law, that porter friend of yours, and so many others cause of how horrible things got!

And meanwhile all you did is hide and screw up while Alphen died! That bomb of yours came out of nowhere because that Higgs stole your bomb under you and screwed everything up!"

Billy saw how on edge everyone looked before he took a heavy sigh." Trust me, I know what it's like to lose loved ones to these caped bastards so I take this very, very seriously. I am sorry for what you lost.

I heard that masked bastard was a slippery one, but to steal from me, he's crazy alright. The plan was to put the God-Bomb in that bastard's face before he could know what hit him.

But all plans fall apart before they are pulled off eh? Still, I am sorry my sloppiness caused more the death count on this to be higher than it should have been. The porter flew the ship into Knull and got killed for it eh? I'll send cash to the bloke's family or mate for what it's worth."

Before Shionne could argue a gruff snort cut in," Don't waste time looking for what does not exist. But if you want to make it up to me than just cover my drinks for the next month."

Everyone glanced to the left and were shocked to see Sam stagger into the chamber. Megaman blinked a few times before his jaw dropped." S…Sam? You…survived that?"

The porter swept some dust off his coat and rubbed his shoulder." Not…really."

Tanjiro eyed the older man carefully before he raised an eyebrow." Wait…did you turn into a demon like Miss Astra? Did everyone around him become demons because of something about his body?"

Grimoire Weiss eyed the bearded man carefully before sighing." Something about his aura seems irregular but, not in a demonic way."

Sam saw everyone was looking at him before he gave out a wary sigh." I don't like to bring attention to myself but the truth is that I have the power of Repatriation. Repatriation is the ability to return to life after death. When someone dies, their soul is sent to a place known as the Seam.

Someone who is known as a "repatriate" has the ability to guide their soul in the Seam by following being "stranded", ultimately bringing themselves back to life if they find their body. So, I just swim back up and my body pops in where I died like I "Got an extra life" or something."

James eyed Sam carefully before the holographic man muttered," So…that was more than a theory? Is one with the Repatriate function common at this point?"

"As far as I know only Higgs shares that kind of thing." Sam answered bluntly. Rinwell saw how casual Sam was about coming back from death before she looked around." Wait…is this a joke? All that fuss about those Sleeve Clone bodies and you have something even better than they do?"

"It…it has to be a joke." Shionne muttered." A sick one. Why…why does someone like you just come back to life when someone like Alphen gave everything for freedom, only to get his own taken away right at the end!"

Sam took a deep breath before he sat down." Sorry miss, I won't deny that kid was a better man then me. I can't explain why I got this power to repatriate. People have tried to figure out what makes it kick but it's like it's just a fluke, or curse from God or something. To be honest, I know that man deserved to come back more than me…I'm sorry."

Shionne saw the Porter looked sincerely regretful before she winced." Bah…it's not worth getting angry at anyone but those responsible. All of this…is cause God, and monsters who think they are god made us suffer. I hate all of them!"

Fragile saw how worked up the pink haired woman looked before she sighed." I understand how you feel, truly. Higgs…he nearly took everything from me. But…I did not want to be under his control anymore. I decided to hold everything to not let him and men like him define me.

I'll take the damage and the goods, and I'll keep going. I don't break that easy. Because I'm Fragile… but I'm not "that" fragile."

Shionne paused before she took a deep breath." I get what you mean Fragile…I'm not going to let those who wronged me dictate how I live. Still…that does not mean I'm just going to avoid making them pay."

Billy licked his lips before he nodded." Hold on to that hate Surly…you're going to need it. Are hate was enough to take" One "god sized ego jackass down but make no mistake, this is just getting started."

Dohalim sighed as he looked outside the window." I understand the desire for revenge Shionne…but we can't let that be the only thing that guides us if we want to have a hopeful future.

Not just for us, but the people that look at us for guidance. It might not be easy, but by trying to make a society where Dahnans and Renans… well former Renans can live together in peace."

While Kisara smiled, Butcher suddenly burst out laughing. As everyone looked at him the bearded man put out his hand." Don't get me wrong, you seem like one of the few decent rulers left in this universe mate. But, if you want to live long enough to pull that off you got to keep your head out of the clouds. I mean…you don't really think you're just going to be left alone here, are you?"

Kisara saw that Billy's crew looked more wary then sarcastic before she winced." Well…we figured out that the rest of the Poseidal clan would be too busy to focus on us for a while."

Billy took a long sigh before he looked down." I got to remember most of yah never left this rock. No offense but you're thinking too small. The truth is before you even throw a party the other clans are going to be stopping by to drop there flags here."

Dohalim winced as he saw how troubled everyone looked. "But…we are so far away from them…what value would we have for them?"

The bearded man sighed before he cracked his neck." You clearly did not see how Homelander is if you think logic's a factor mate. He will want to enslave yah just so he can say he has more planets than anyone else."

Mike saw Dohalim looked wary before he sighed." The dude's coming on strong, but he's not misleading yah man.

As nasty as Knull was, Homelander is not only nastier, but he's good at being effectivly nasty to boot. And to be frank he's not even the worst thing to worry about."

Dohalim saw the others looked wary as well before he looked at the throne." I understand. But, you must understand that I can't put my people into a panic over assumptions."

Mike paused before he smirked." Well, we don't just have to guess before we act my good man. We can hear what's going on over the universe and all that."

Kisara saw how confident the curly haired man was before she walked up." Your able to get transmissions from across the entire universe?"

"Sure, just need the right gear. Should we call the SRX team and see what's up?"

Sam paused before he shrugged." No need to waste time. I can get us set up to the Chiral Network to get long range data right away."

As everyone looked at the porter he shrugged." I still got a job to do. Mind helping me set the gear up Lombax?"

Ratchet glanced at Clank before he shrugged, and nodded in agreement. As everyone got a quick snack the planet was quickly connected into the universal Chiral Network. Ratchet checked to make sure the machine was working before he smirked." Well…let's see. How about…recent planet attacks. Oh? Damn…it seems just a minute ago there was an update that planet Roak was attacked, by Homelander!"

He pressed a button before a hologram appeared out of the device, and showed an image of Homelander vaporizing an entire forest with his eye lasers. The head of the Seven was laughing as he was watching people in a fort burn and dozens of woman and girls cowering in a corner to his right.

Everyone saw that warships of the Vought clan, the A-Phys warships from the UND division were also bombarding the planet with their partium buster beam cannons.

Rinwell saw how delighted Homelander looked as he flew down to the group of females with wings with a wide grin before she winced." What…what is he fighting to make him use so much force?"

Butcher sighed before he sat down." That's the thing girl, they don't have a chance. Homelander here is a bully, with a god complex. Roak was on the opposite end of the Posidal clan territory, so you blokes are in luck cause it seems the Seven were on the other side of the universe when they found out that the Sentry got offed.

Looks like they wanted to test what they could get away with. Still, it's only going to take a while till they show up here. Then…Homelander will laugh as you say this is your world before he flips a coin to decide how to torture everyone."

Kisara turned pale before she grasped the table." Then…what can we do…to save are planet?"

Mike saw the look in the room, and saw Billy was going to say something before he cleared his throat." I'm going to be honest Kisara, the odds are not good. But…there is something you can do to not lose if you guys can make a hard call. You can't stop this planet from being invaded right now, but you can protect your people, if you ask for protection, and asylum from the Bethel Kingdom.

If you apply for an emergency clearance, you can set up a government in exile in Bethel Kingdom territory and your people will have a place where they…they can be at least a little safer then they will be if the tyrants come a knocking."

Dohalim saw Mike was serious before his jaw dropped." Wait…seriously? You think that is even possible? I heard that…the Last Emperor and his family were all killed and the Bethel Kingdom was on the verge of collapse. The S, Knull seemed ready to act because he thought they were to broken to stop him."

Mike let out a bitter chuckle as he looked up." Yah…its…it's been bad times but that's not the total picture Dohalim. The Bethel Kingdom is hurting, but not dying. Don't worry, we will get through.

2B might as well report now eh? Let's kill two birds with one stone and all that jazz."

The blindfolded woman nodded before she went up to the transmitter." Putting in the priority code for Commander X…one moment please."

Just as everyone wondered what was going to happen the holographic images of both Megaman X and Die-Hardman appeared. At once the masked leader of the" Bridges" Division saw Mike, 2B, and the others before he let out a wary sigh." Thank the light…we were just starting to get a tad…anxious about the state of , so you came through after all eh Butcher? Thanks."

"I should be thanking you for allowing me a chance to rub out one of those bastards sooner."

The bearded man grimly replied. As Die-Hardman nodded, Mike let out a half-lopped smirk as he rubbed the back of his head." Sorry about that…things got kind of hairy. But the short story is while it came at a price, we got what we came for. Though we are going to need your help to get out in one piece."

X saw Mike's confidence before the Maverick Hunter smirked." You…you really defeated the Sentry Prince Auro? I…I knew your true power would come to the surface in time…like Lady Lacus thought…it just needed time."

Kisara saw X before her eye twitched." Prince…Auro? What kind of joke is this Bosley?"

Mike saw Die-Hardman raise an eyebrow before he let out a sheepish shrug." Oh right…forgot about all that. We better clear a few things up. First…sorry X but I did not take that nutjob down, that was Astra who's true power got the job done. Yah, everyone better sit down this recap's got some pages to it."

After a drink Mike proceeded to go through the" Tales of Arise" and inform the two holograms what happened since they arrived on Dahna. After informing them about the heroism of "Iron Mask", the true nature of the Sentry, what it took for Astra to overpower him, and how Alphen, Law, and others were casualties.

After the son of Ben and Lacus finished his recap, Die-Hard man saw Mike finished, paused, and then took out a cigar.

As he prepared to smoke it, he took a long sigh." You know it's bad when things that would have been the worst news to hear now are just slightly worst things to add to the mess things already are. Robert Reynolds…always did seem the most mentally unstable of the Nahobino but I did not think he would have an alternate personality.

And I heard rumors of this "God-Slayer" sword. Frankly…hearing where this "Gorr the God-Butcher" ended up is not making me feel better."

X nodded before he saw James looking uneasy and crossed his arms." Master Elrond…Astra really came back from near death to become a Mazoku class demon?"

The holographic man nodded." When "Knull" brought her to near death it activated the Atavism process in the Devil Genes she had in her body from her father…Doug Fitter. Truthfully, her power level already has surpassed most of the enemies the Enji fought during the Cosmic Wars bar are most deadly enemies like Kira…and Brad."

X paused before he looked grimly at his cohort." If it was just a month ago, her becoming a full demon and having a blade that can neutralize immortality would be quite the problem.

But…like how Zero started as a problem…the situation requires us to be…flexible. Well, I'm sorry for all the innocent people that died but, at the very least I'm glad the cost was not in vain. With the Element X metal secure, at least the plan's one step closer to being completed."

Shionne eyed the hologram masked man keenly before she grit her teeth." So, freeing our planet was just a side perk before getting his rare metal supply after all? What the hell would you need that much metal for? You trying to invade one of the other clans or something?"

Mike saw tense looks on all sides before he cleared his throat." Nah…more like need to get somewhere no matter how hard it's going to be."

Rebecca and Steiner looked at the lanky man carefully before the B-Cuber muttered," What for?"

Mike paused before he smirked." For the mother-load of course. The treasure that will make you richer than anything else."

Rebecca paused before she twirled her hair." If...if we find that then...I really will be able to get one million subscribers for my Aoneko Channel!"

Rinwell just raised an eyebrow before getting closer to Mike." What could be that valuable? The metal you nabbed from the Sovereign Supreme was already ultra-rare loot? What the hell is this Motherload then?"

Mike tugged his collar before he looked determined." I can't give away everything cause if something gets back to some of the hot shots who think they own the place they might go nuts yah hear? But the gist of it is…it's something that could help us be free of all of them."

Shionne saw the conviction in Mike's eyes before she narrowed her own." You expect us to by that?"

"I mean…you think we would have went through all of that for a joke?"

"Tsc…then you're going off to pull off some legendary heist or treasure raid or something?"

"Not yet…we still need all the pieces to pull this off right."

"Oh please…sounds all you have is assumptions!"

Mike glanced at Die-Hard Man and shrugged." Well to be honest it's been taking a while to pin everything down. Do we know where the next piece is?"

The head of Bridges saw everyone was looking at him before he sighed." We are narrowing it down, but we need a bit of time to lock down the lead."

"Well, hey we need time to patch the Hague with its new dudes anyway right? Might as well go some were sort of safe around home base before getting ready for the next part."

X nodded as he looked at the man in the golden mask." It would be the most secure way to proceed so makes sense."

Mike's grin widened before he glanced at Dohalim." Great. While we are on it we could use a favor. The other tribes are going to come a knocking to try and take away the freedom these folks just got. While there is still time, think you can help them sent up a government in exile so they are not screwed?"

Die-Hardman saw how hopeful all the natives looked before he cleared his throat." I understand how dire your situation is but you must understand…if just one refugee turns out to be a spy or something of that sort it could cause everything to collapse when we are already on the brink. We can't rush in anyone that could be a possible threat."

X saw the dismay and anger in the local's faces before he uncrossed his arms." I understand how fragile the Bethel Kingdom's situation is Die-Hard man, but if we forsake are values then it truly is over."

Die-Hardman saw how serious X looked, and sighed." I guess we are seeing in real time how Homelander is looking at moments of weakness, and coming off that we are too afraid to keep up things would be a red flag. Alright, we can set up a spare refugee colony near Macbeth.

But even so it will take a while cause…there is something else going on that already required all of are focus."

Mike paused as he walked up." What you mean?"

X saw how alarmed everyone looked before he sighed." It's not an attack. It's just…tomorrow is when we begin Prince Richard's funeral."

Mike felt a lump in his throat before he nearly tripped. After regaining his balance the prince muttered," This some sort of joke…your having a funeral for my family without telling me?"

X took a deep breath before he eyed Mike carefully." Not your family Mike, just your older brother. We…still don't know for sure on the state of your parents, and the hope that they are alive is what's allowing most of the Bethel Kingdom's citizens to keep hanging on to sanity.

But…your brother's death can't be denied…to many have seen his corpse. Denying it won't help anything so morning him is the only right thing to do. And frankly, its best to do it before things escalate even further. Besides…P…Queen Bria is getting quite…insistent about it and that's another reason to make sure things don't unravel further."

Mike could not help but feel his composure crack as he grasped his fist tightly." You were going to leave me in the dark about my brother's own funereal?"

"Why would we not?" Die-Hardman answered bluntly." Get hit in the head hard enough to forget most of the universe thinks you're dead!? Forget that if people do know your alive that bastard Sieg will come back and finish the job?

I know it's not fair, but life's not fair these days "majesty." If this works then, when it's all over we can have another memorial where you can have it go however you want."

Mike looked conflicted as he tried to struggle with the facts of the situation over his feelings. He had memories of his brother fly across his head before he looked down." Is there really no way to see my brother before he died? Not even talking with him on the other side?"

X winced before he looked down." I wish we could do that, truly. But, because your brother died chasing Doug, in the pathway between universe's, while his body was retrieved, his soul went to the afterlife of another universe. I'm…truly sorry. Still…there might be something for you. While it's just too risky for you to be at the funeral itself, before the funeral Richard's body is being flown across the core Bethel worlds so others can pay tribute.

Honestly, we thought that was a risk to but, again, it was the only way to get Becca to calm down. Honestly, with how few "Core" worlds we have left these days it was not as daunting a task as it once was.

You might be able to see the grave on Macbeth or Katina. But please don't try and meet Bria. With how much she drinks these days we can't insure she can keep such a secret."

Mike chuckled bitterly as he nodded," Bria was a blabber mouth even in the best of times. Well…something is better than nothing. Alright, thanks for throwing a few bones at least."

"Well…since the fate of this universe, if not this "Multiverse" depends on your success I did not want to appear ungrateful. We will work something out soon. For now, just how many people are going to be coming? After this transformation, can Astra be trusted to not let her new instincts overtake her?"

Mike chuckled before quipping back," I know your jobs to assume the worst but dial it back a bit eh? So far it seems like all that did was give her a power up, not make her want to see human bodies as sacks of meat or something.

I know in theory she's the embodiment of everything the Bethel Kingdom hates, but these days the rules have changed you know? Right now we have a common goal and we don't have room to turn down help right?"

"Till we can see if we can find allies in another universe, that seems to be the case. Alright, let's make this work. But you all have to keep your eye on the situation. You did well so far but we can't let are guards down for a second. And that means we must make sure for every part of this that everyone's on the same page. "

Mike nodded before he shrugged." Hey, I don't have all the answers. But, I do have a feel the group we have hear knows what's most important. Just, got to make sure that it stays that way till we see this through."

After a few more reassurances, the group tried to figure out how to explain the greater threat of Sieg and the IV&C to the others without putting anything at risk. As that puzzle was being solved, the other" Puzzle" for the head of Bridges was just waking up, AKA Astra.

While she was fine after beating Knull, by the times the ships came down to pick everyone up she sat down, and did not wake up even after the Flutter landed right next to her. While scans indicated she had just fallen asleep after using so much power, without knowing when she would wake up, they put her in a bunk in the Hague.

The blond woman slept peacefully enough, till she turned to the right and banged her head on something. The blond woman snarled in pain before she jetted up." Still can't take a hint? Fine…this is the last round you piece of…huh?"

Astra looked around and saw it was not her enemies in front of her, but friends, as she saw Baiken, Laura, Bullet, Darli, Tessa, Marrow, B.B. Hood, Talon, Shura all around her despite the limited space. She then realized Yuzuriha was to her side before she raised an eyebrow." What the hell happened?"

"We were going to ask you that sunshine." The other member of the Morlocks threw out with sass. As the other woman chuckled Yuzuriha leaned back." We just woke up a little while back ourselves. It was like the sun went off and would not let us wake up, till the dark thorn in our minds just melted away.

Then we woke up and saw you blow that pale head of the Poseidal Clan away and looked all crazy, and you were asleep when we got to yah so we want answers now!"

Astra rubbed her head, saw Gorr was still on a table next to her and looked normal before she rubbed her head." How about showing some gratitude for bailing all of yah eh? It is what it is gals. That unstable jackass thought he killed me, but he just knocked me out enough to show him what real rage is like."

Dari raised an eyebrow before muttering," Then something he did gave you those wings?"

B.B Hood nodded before rubbing her face." Is this some sort of new thing from Sigrun?"

Astra winced before looking at the part of her arm where the Atma Brand use to be before chuckling bitterly." Almost Hood. Found out I was given something long ago that would only kick off when I was all but dead. That's the short version and I'm too hungry to go into the rest."

Laura eyed her friend carefully." Are you…ok? Do you feel different after you became a devil?"

"Became? I, huh?"

Astra staggered out of her sheets and saw that her wings and the other effects of transforming into a Mazoku demon had vanished, though there still was the marks on her body like a faint scar before she shrugged." Well, the wings seemed like they were going to be a pain to clean anyway. I feel hungrier but, no voices in my head or anything."

Bullet rubbed her head as she saw how casual the blond woman looked." Well long as it's not killing you guess it saved all of us. Still, what did happen to you? We were looking for yah, and that slimy Higgs said he knew where you went, and when we went to where we thought you would be we became mind-controlled slaves to the Poseidal clan.

Still, while we were jailed in our own bodies, we still saw you were with Mike Auro so what the hell is up with that? You wanted to like, bring him to Corneria to make the Bethel Kingdom fess up to how broken they are right?"

Astra leaned back before she took a deep breath." That was the plan. Still ladies…we all know how hard it is for things to stay together eh? Its…it's a long story but the short version is…something came along to make me change my priorities."

"You mean…like Homelander or Omni-Man?" Shura retorted. Astra cracked her neck before snorting out," I wish, those macho obsessed bastard's are easy to read. Sure they are strong, but in the same way a wild beast is. Nah…its someone who's on a whole new level then men like that."

"If that's true then why you trust that runt prince and his babysitters over us?" Marrow replied. Astra saw the hurt in her eyes and snickered." It's not about trust girl. To be frank for a while I was strung along in a ride I did not want to get on, and honestly, having people I don't like be at risk is easier to deal with then people I give a damn about.

And the truth is so far the places I need to go will be easier with these guys then winging it with yah all. I'm not messing around with how extreme this jackass is.

As much as Bob made a mess of things, the guy I'm talking about makes him look a helpless as a Metapod. Girls, remember those legendary Time Patrol Agents that seemed like the Bethel Kingdom's untouchable trump cards?

The guy I'm talking about wiped them all out, and likely is the one that owned Ben Auro and Lacus Raystar to. To be honest, seems like we are only not screwed cause this guy is so big that he's moving around on such a big game that he does not stop for too long. Are only shot is to stop him before he comes back."

Tessa saw how serious Astra looked before she tipped her hat." I know you would not lie about that…but you think we can just sit around and drink knowing all that?"

"Hell no, but I do know your all adults who know how we have to do what we don't want to at times to get things done eh?" Astra answered with a smirk." We don't have that much time to waste so I'm sticking with the prince's team for now. But I could use some pros covering all the sides of this dig to make sure we got as much of an edge as possible eh?

It seems that B-Cuber chick and her crew on the Eden Zero is going to be working with us. Seems like they could use some pros to make sure they don't botch it eh? Hell, this ship's crew has seemed on the level so far but could use some of yah working with this SRX team to make sure they don't have another side to them.

You gals are the nearest thing I have to a true family, that's why I can't be rash about this like I can with the "heroes."

And that's because I realized just what family means. Another thing that happened is that I ran into Victor Makishima, and that hunch I told you about him was right."

Most of the other woman gasped before Dari leaned down." Wait…you met with the founder of the Equalizers? And, and it's all true?"

Astra's eyes hardened before she nodded." He did not try and deny it. He's Doug Fitter, and he's my real father. He was not sorry one damn bit about not being there for me growing up. Tsc...more or less said he only cares about what he feels like moment to moment, and that he will only cares what someone else feels like when someone is strong enough to make him care.

He, he used some devil magic crap to rip Sigrun right out of me and erase her, and he did not give a damn how much that hurt his own daughter. Thanks to all this stuff I went through I'm likely stronger now than I was fused with her but still…my new" teammate" is not anywhere closer to her.

He…he broke the universe cause he said he wanted to make sure the strong could be free, but when I last saw him he seemed like all of that was an excuse for keeping himself free of anything chaining him down. Well, it's not nonsense to me, that's why I have to keep going till no jackass has people in chains. But, to do that…we need to pull this off. So, sounds good to yah Morlocks? "

Yuzuriha and some of the others exchanged looks before the woman next to Astra laughed." Sounds like it will be a wild ride if nothing else. If this jackass has you too afraid to say the full story then it must be for real since you love to brag and all. Alright, just give us a clear idea on what the hell we need to do and I think we will give this a try for now."

Astra saw the others express various forms of agreement before she smirked." Knew there was a reason I liked working with yah all. Alright, I need to get some fresh air and think things over. I'll regroup with the others soon, meet yah for dinner and all that."

After the other woman left Astra took a breath, sniffed the air, and spat on the ground before she got dressed, put Gorr in her previous sword's sheath and after talking to a few people walked out of the Hague.

She walked out to see Elde Menancia for a bit. After walking casually for a few minutes she saw a few children playing and cheering about being free, causing the blond woman to smile. She sniffed something with her nose, cracked her neck, and then took an apple from a tree. She went to bite it, but at the last second, she threw it to the right.

As she felt the wind blow she suddenly jabbed her finger to the right. She heard a choking sound and smirked." Thought I smelled your stench you rat bastard! Guess this transformation's got a few more nice perks, like being able to smell shady bastards trying to hide in the darkness!"

Astra saw Higgs appear out of shadows, before she rapidly jabbed two spots on the neck the carotid bodies around the jugular, causing Higgs to choke.

As the man in the golden mask fell to his knees Astra took out Gorr." Wanted to see your work asshole? With that pinch I just cut off the flow of blood to the brain and immobilized yah! A normal person would die around sixty seconds in, but even if you don't die easily I know it still hurts like hell so your gonna answer me before I see if this new God Slayer sword I nabbed can end yah!

You screwed with me Higgs! Then you screwed with Fragile, and my teammates and it really pissed me off so I want to know if you're crazy enough to try and get yourself wrecked or if you had another reason. Better start talking fast cause I'm all out of patience with you!"

Higgs saw blood come out of his nose and saw Gorr glow red before he put his hands up." Was told to…by the boss man."

Astra's eyes widened like an animal before she leaned forward." My old man told you to set up my friends and have them enslaved? This some joke to you?"

Higgs started coughing up blood before she did another pinch to stop him from bleeding. As his coughing eased up she put Gorr across his neck and cut it.

"You're only getting one chance to give me an answer."

"It's the truth gal." Higgs muttered weakly." The boss man wanted to make sure you were not weighed down, that all the things that did chained you down were cut off."

"That anti-social bastard is jealous I have more friends than him or something? I'll smash his teeth out wherever he is in the god damn universe!"

"But he's not here Astra. Right after you guys came back, he went to check out the Multiverse for real. He, we saw Sieg use some spell to make Homelander and the Seven all think they were best friends for years before he left to" clean house" across the Multiverse.

So, the boss man said he was going to find dudes across the Multiverse that were strong enough to hang with him and come back to kill Sieg. He wanted me to keep an eye on things while he was gone."

Astra saw Higgs was serious before she grit her teeth." He saw what Sieg could do and thinks he can just like, find a bunch of versions of himself and some other drinking buddies and then own Sieg and his multiverse concurring Infinite Conquest and Victors corporation out of sheer uber manliness? Piff…and they say I am cocky. Still…that still shows you have one messed up way of keeping an eye on things Higgs. What…you and, and that old timer knew I was going to turn into a demon? Wait…did he seriously know…all this time?"

Higgs coughed a bit before he shrugged." There was no master plan or nothing for your birth Astra. He, he just could sense something was in yah, something that could make you stronger than his previous kids.

His gut feeling told him that it would take a lot to push out, and someone chained down by "baggage" would not be able to cut it. He wants you to be strong enough to survive, to thrive in this universe Astra, not go down like some Auro follower believing in crap like friendship and peace.

And hey guess it worked since yah become one hell of an extinction entity! You grown into someone that's death's vastness holds no peace. You come at the end of the long road. Neither human, nor devil... all bends to your, GUH!"

Astra punched Higgs in the face hard enough to shatter his mask. As she saw the pale unshaven face underneath it she snarled out," I have the freedom to decide what is important to me asshole. You don't have to be a "Enji" to want people you like being with to keep being around. Just because the old man and you are to broken to have anyone want to be with yah, don't mean everyone else has to be as miserable as you!

That's all he really cares about at this point eh? Maybe he did care at one point about those equality ideas of his but he just wants to make the universe a place were no one can be happier then him so he does not feel judged right?"

"If he did not care about yah then why would he put all the effort to make sure no one in this universe could make you be at their mercy?"

"Aside from his? Piff…failing everything but one thing still leaves a really bad score! I'm going to stop Sieg, and I don't need your help. So why should I not gut yah right here?"

"Cause I can cause trouble in ways that can make things easier for you without causing heat eh? I can cause the other clans to punch each other to give you more time to get to where you and Auro's boys need to be."

"And I should trust you why?"

"Because I gave the God-Bomb to yah in a way that no one expected so you could pull it off eh?"

"That was the plan all along? You nearly blew everyone up and that Butcher was going to give it to them anyway!"

"Yah and they would have saw it coming! Cause it was a surprise they could not see it coming and someone we all hated got what he deserved. Knull was doing the very opposite of what the boss wanted people to do with the power he gave them, he was trying to bring order. Had to twist a few arms but, that's equalizing right?"

"Piff…you seriously think I'm going to by this and that you're not trying to just save your slimy ass?"

"Hey…to prove this is not a lie I'll fill you in on what I was doing. I was hired by the "Shadowlord to help that stitch face Mahito warp out one of Knull's Sleeve bodies while you were fighting. And I got the job done."

"What? What the hell did he want with it?"

"To turn that spare body, to his new body and become an even more powerful edgier shadow lord."

"And you just handed it to him and say your trying to help me?"

"Hey, it is helping yah cause if you can't get past Muzan you sure as hell will never be able to stop Sieg eh? Besides, this is gonna make him cocky enough to cause trouble for the other clans and give you guys more time to pull things off right?"

Astra saw Higgs seemed to be looking as sincere as a man in a golden skull mask could before she spat on him." If this help goes south, I'm introducing you to my new sword till you really are just a "particle of god". Hell, you do anything else that pisses me off and it will be the last thing you do…got it?"

"Loud and clear." Higgs uttered." Doing the same trick twice is distasteful anyway. Just one last thing Astra. It's up to you but, the boss man was just trying to help yah not be weighed down by things that were going to fall apart anyway.

It's something he and I know from experience, no matter how tight you think you are with your friends, it all falls apart over time, and those who are strong enough to face how to live in reality are the ones that can live when the dream ends."

Astra narrowed her eyes before spitting out," Just because you and the old man make everything fall apart in don't mean that's how it's going to be for me Higgs.

Even if I am Doug Fitter's kid, I' sure as hell am not going down his corrupt broken road. I'll go down my own path and prove it's the right one."

"Well good luck with that…sure it will be a fun one. Go drink with your "crew" while you can, sure as hell not going to be much time left for peace in this universe once everything hits the fan."

Higgs then fell into the shadows and warped off the planet. Astra made sure she could no longer sense him and cracked her neck." Find...bring on all the would-be kings of hell in this whole damn universe, it will make a nice warm up for what I have to give the old man when I see him. Still…can't hurt to eat first. Turning into a demon better not have ruined ribs for me or I swear I'm taking a limb from that bastard."

The blond woman rolled her eyes before going back to rejoin her crew. As she did, someone else in another corner was gathering his own crew, but it was a far less joyous occasion.

After seeing Mahito deliver the Sleeve body to him, Muzan sent a message for the majority of his forces to appear before him.

After Mahito regrew his body he walked out to see a chamber that looked like a Japanese mansion, that had floors on the walls and ceiling as well. He saw pale men and woman with numbers on their eyes walk up from different areas before he snickered at their shocked reactions.

He then heard music and looked up to see it came from a pale woman with a grayish complexion, who had sharp, blue-stained nails and notably red lips which sharply contrasted the tone of her skin.

She had shiny, waist-length hair of a dark brown color, which she wore falling down her back in slight waves that cut off sharply at the ends, with two chin-length strands left to frame her face and long bangs that obscured her large eye set in between them, swept to either side of her nose.

She wore a plain black kimono with a white lining, secured with a striped pale, brown-striped obi, white socks and no shoes. She was holding a four-stringed wooden biwa with a large bachi pick.

As she kept playing her Biwa, Mahito snickered." Oh…based on that tone Nakime is playing its going to be a fun night. Only the lower ranks of the Twelve Kizuki have been summoned? Ah well...if that's the case then time for one fun downsizing."

The special grade demon saw those below him look confused before Nakim struck a sharp note with her Biwa, causing everyone to look up to see a pale woman in a black kimono walk up in front of him. The left most of the group raised an eyebrow." Is…is that the Shadowlord's new mistress?"

The woman narrowed her eyes and in a male voice uttered," Lower your heads and crouch down. Prostrate yourselves before me." As everyone realized the tone of the voice the five all bowed down before the right most one muttered out," M…Master Muzan? That…that's Master Muzan's voice? I did not recognize him! He changed his appearance and shape, the precision of his shape shifting magic is mind blowing!"

The woman in the group whimpered before she hunched over." P…please forgive us! Since you assumed a different form and aura we,"

"Who gave you permission to speak?" Muzan cut in sharply. As the group below him trembled he only got angrier." Don't presume to voice your worthless thoughts. Answer my questions, nothing else. Rui was killed, as was many of my agents in the past few weeks.

It almost sounds like there' a spy among the lower moons. I have one question for all of you. Why is it that you demons in the Lower Ranks are so utterly weak, so completely worthless? You should not be content just being counted among the Twelve Kizuki are you?

That is merely your starting point. To devour more humans, to spread more chaos, to gain more power…your starting point to become more useful to me. For over a century…the members of the Upper Moons have remained unchanged.

The ones who kill my enemies the "demon slayers" have always been Upper Moons. What about the Lower Moons? Why are you guys always replaced? You were not meant to be cannon folder like the mindless shades and yet…that always seems to be what you amount to. "

The member with orange hair grit his teeth before thinking, That's easy for you to say but we…we.

"We what?" Muzan put out bluntly, causing the demon who thought that to jump up. As the demon's jaw dropped Muzan narrowed his eyes." What? Go ahead…say it.

The demon crawled back while thinking, He…he can read are thoughts? We, we are so screwed!

"Screwed how?" Muzan answered bluntly. "Go ahead and say it."

In an instant Muzan's right hand morphed into a red demonic tentacle with glowing eyes that grasped the Lower Moon and hurled him upside down. As the shadow lord started to squeeze his minion cried out," Lord Muzan I'm so sorry! I'm truly sorry! I'm so very, truly sorry! I'm…GUAHH!"

A mouth appeared out of the tentacle and ripped the demon in half. As blood fell down on a thinner demon with a beard the bearded demon''s eyes twitched. Why…why is this happening? Am I going to be killed? After all I did to become a lower moon? I, I thought,

"You thought foolish thoughts to the very end." Muzan answered bluntly." Did you fear my enemies more then you feared me?"

The woman blurted out no before Muzan sighed." Every time an enemy of mine like the Vought clan's cyborg hitmen, a Viltrumite, an angel and so on fly by you cower like rats. The only thing on your mind is escape."

I swear I'll prove that's not true oh Shadowlord!" The woman cried out in terror. "No, that's not what I think! I'm willing to put my life on the line and fight for you!"

"Oh…so now you're refuting what your master says?"

The woman tried to stutter a response, but Muzan slapped her with his tentacle and shattered her in an instant. The scar faced demon had his eye twitch before his teeth chattered.

He can read our mind. It doesn't matter if we speak or not, he'll kill us. Even if I fight him, it's impossible to win. Then... I can only run!

The demon burst to the left and desperately tried to escape. He saw a light at the end of the tunnel before his eyes widened. How foolish. I must figure out an escape route. Somehow... I've run so far. I should be...able to…huh?

The demon saw he was suddenly looking at the last two demons and realized something was grasping his head. He then looked down and realized his body was gone before Muzan sighed." I decide the Upper Ranks are the only ones I need."

The headless demon screamed before Muzan crushed his head like a grape. Muzan saw the bearded demon tremble before he shrugged." Do you have any last words?"

The bearded demon got to his knees before throwing out," Please give me a second chance Master! If you just give me a small amount of time, I'm sure I can be of use to you!"

"How much time are we talking about here? How do you intend to be useful? What can you do for me with your current strength? "

"Blood!" his subject cried out desperately." If you're willing to give me your blood, I'll definitely be able to withstand and adapt to your blood and become a stronger demon to fight for you."

"Why must I listen to you and give you my blood? You're beyond shameless. Who do you think you are?"

"You've got it wrong! I... "

Shut up. I've got nothing wrong. I never make a mistake. Every decision is mine to make. My words are absolute. You don't have the right to deny. If I think it's right, then it's definitely right. How dare you give me instructions? Of course, you deserve death."

In an instant he sliced the bearded demon in half, leaving only the thin smaller demon. Muzan saw the last of the Lower Moons looked frozen before he cleared his throat." Do you have anything to say?"

The demon paused before he smiled." You're right. I feel like I just had a good dream. It's an honor to die in your hands. I'm pleased to hear the wailing of other demons before they die. I'm way too happy now because I love watching others when they are miserable and suffering. It's the feeling of pleasure from having a sweet dream. Thank you for saving me until the end my master."

Muzan saw the man's face was calm before he smirked." That's what I like to hear. Very well."

His tentacle had a blade come out of it before he stabbed the demon in the neck. The last Lower Moon at once convulsed and fell to the ground before Muzan yawned. "You might die because you can't withstand it. However, if you were able to adapt, you will receive a drastic increase in power.

After that, you will work for me. At this point…there is no more room for weak links. We will emerge from the shadows, and take are rightful place in the universe."

Mahito saw the demon look ecstatic even as he was coughing up blood before he clapped his hands." Enmu was his name right? I knew sucking up to you was the go-to game plan."

Muzan eyed Mahito before he cleared his throat." Don't think just because you pleased me it makes you can get away with disrespecting me. The Lower Moons were clearly to incompetent, but even you "Special Grade" demons can gain the same fate. We are about to make waves that will cause the universe to notice us. Are we prepared?"

As Mahito shrugged a gruff voice sneered from the right," Was that said in jest Muzan? I exist to kill, I was born ready."

Muzan glanced to the right and saw that the person who said that walked out of the shadows, and was a tall and muscular man. He had tan skin with pointed ears, green eyes, and bulbous, long, red hair.

He seemed to have dragon scales filled his forehead and right cheek, two blue stripes on his left cheek. He had sharpened nails of a greyish-purple coloration.

He wore a grayish violet and black suit armor with a golden plate on his left shoulder, a golden thin trim with a small ribbon, and a red belt across his waist with two golden plates as a buckle.

He also wore a purple and lavender long-sleeved top, a black hadagi undershirt, darkened reddish baggy pants, and black battle boots with beige cuffs and golden adornments.

He wore a pair of black-armored gauntlets decorated with the same adornments as his boots and a white dragon-shaped mask with several red markings and two golden plates on each side leaving only his left eye visible along with the stripes on his left cheek.

Muzan saw the man grasp a sheathed blade before he smirked," I know how hungry you are to put your Bakuseiken blade through the Nahobino 's hearts Kirinmaru…but don't forget destiny can be cruel to those who think fate is on their side."

"Maybe. But still...Half-Demons. There exists a prophecy that a half-demon shall be the one to kill me. I must find out whether this is true or else my conscience will not be at ease. Regardless, half-demons should not be allowed to exist in this universe at all.

While the one named Kirinmaru narrowed his eyes, another playful voice uttered," It would be such a shame to falter when the spotlight shined on one most. But after all we all mastered are craft quite well eh Shadowlord? I mean, I for one like a prey caught on a spider's web, seeing a target caught in a trap is glorious. The more someone has worked hard, the more I love seeing them fall into my traps. Once I have tasted that joy, killing in other ways seem foolish."

Muzan saw what looked like a mix between a demonic reaper and a court jester, wearing a perpetually smiling mask walk up before he sighed." If I did not think your skills were worthwhile you would not even be allowed to be this close to me, Kill-Vearn.

But of course…as the fall of the Last Emperor showed, even those with everything fall when they let down their guard. And then…you end up like this, eh Mother Miranda?"

The Shadowlord snapped his fingers, before a woman in a black religious robe with eight raven wings and a raven mask walked out with the Sentry 's Sleeve body. The woman nodded before she smirked." Everything is checked out Master Muzan. The body can be converted at your desire. Is that not right Kenjaku?"

A a tall, slim man with long black hair partially tied up behind his head while the rest drapes down his back. He had small black eyes and bangs that occasionally covered the left eye.

His earlobes were large enough to fit fairly large circular earrings. Kenjaku smirked before he nodded." Yes...it will be a master piece...a demon that rivals the Grand Seven Demon Lords of Sin that were the generals of Zannacross!"

"Good…we will just do a few more tests before the transfiguration will begin. After merging the body with elements of Vearn, Sukuna, and the other challengers to my throne it will truly be the perfect body for the king of demons. Those who tried to defy me at least will be part of my legacy in some way."

As the cylinder glowed red, a burst of cold laughter cut in." These vermin are just the first of many to learn the price to defy the Shadow Lord!"

A floating black book with a skull on its cover flew out of the shadows before dark energy surged around it." The Gestalt ritual will only take a little while longer my master. Just wait a little more and at last you will have the body you deserve. This "King of the Abyss" should be grateful his power will be part of something far greater than he could ever be."

"As always I'm grateful for your zeal…Grimoire Noir. Still, I just want to make sure the tests prove I won't take on the same…mental flaws Robert Reynolds had before I transfer to that body.

Tsc…he thought he was fated to be the new god, but reality shows he was just a clown. But, at least he will live up to that destiny, in the next dimension, so to speak. After all…did I not live up to my own end of the bargain and provide you for the best Reaper Game all year, eh Megumi Kitaniji?"

The Reaper walked up in front of Muzan along with his blond assistant, and a new follower, a dread-locked giant who was wearing a grey jacket with a camouflage design, a necklace, a belt with a large ram skull, blue jeans, and black-and-green shoes.

Kitaniji eyed the lifeless body of the former ruler of the Sovereign Supreme and smirked. Have to admit thought you had gone mad like so many others in the universe "Shadow Lord" but you delivered what you promised."

The man in the suit snapped his fingers before an image of the Sentry, being ripped apart by ogres in some hellish landscape was shown.

As the former "King of the Abyss was blasted at all sides Kitaniji smirked." The one's wanting to see him suffer most are his own former subjects. Shows loyalty is cheap these days."

The tall man in front of him cracked his neck." It's a dog-eat-dog universe. A logical hierarchy much like the food chain. The strong reach the top and win the Game, while the weak are left behind, the heels of the proverbial loaf."

"Heh, true enough Yodai." Kitaniji hissed out." But it's just are nature to see those who are left behind getting what they deserve as entertainment, and it brings great ratings. This has been the best views we got since the lord of light's followers got wasted.

If this is the start of you're a game then I think we are going to have quite the mutually enjoyable alliance. I know you want to be cautious but I would hope you're not going to just try and wait for everyone else to die of old age."

"I'm a cautious man, not a coward reaper. I want to let my enemies know who killed them, and just want to wait till the right moment. Right now the other clans are reveling in the spoils they think belongs to them. I have agents spying on the movements of Thragg, Homelander, the remnants of the Bethal Kingdom's government, and anyone else that matters. And I think we are on top of things, eh Aki?"

A man walked up from the lower right out of the shadows. He was in a dark blue business suit, and his black hair was let down with his eyes and forehead covered in dark veins.

The barrel and slide of an M1911 was seen protruding out of its face in between his eyes with the gun's hammer sticking out the back of its head, his left forearm was replaced with an M16A1 firearm.

The" Gun-Devil" gave a nod before he shrugged." The agents have a lock on the targets, we are ready to move at your command."

"Good" Muzan replied." At last this universe will be as it should be. I am in the shadow of those who think they rule this universe. Since I am more on top of things than any other" authority" it's only natural I should rule it."

Mahito was about to say something till a smug chuckle cut him off before responding with a mocking," Oh, I would not get to overconfident if I were you Muzan Kibutsuji.

You assumed that because you had your eyes in every area of importance in the known universe that you were on top, but when your eyes are so…limited it could cost you big if you don't see things clearly."

Everyone saw a few bats fly down and fly across the area before Muzan widened his eyes in shock. He then looked up to see that someone was hanging upside down from the ceiling, the Batman Who Laughs.

Muzan widened his eyes at the sudden new arrival before he saw everyone else, even the Reaper's were as shocked as he was before he muttered," Is this some sort of joke?"

Mahito saw his boss eying him before he shrugged." Sorry, my fun was planned for dinner. Hey if you're the gimp I hired for the party that's not till nightfall! Ugh this guy's style is way to overkill. Yo Kill-Vern hire the stand in?"

Kill-Vern eyed the intruder carefully before he shrugged." He's not a reaper I'm familiar with. In fact…I can't get a ready on this one at all."

Muzan saw the upside-down man's smirk before his eye twitched and he glanced at Kenjaku." Is he some android? Kenjaku, you were ranting about experimenting with lost souls…is this another one of your side projects gone maverick? Tsc…he nearly looks like Black Noir, the Vought Clan's bloodhound! Bah, whoever let this clown get into the Infinity Palace will pay for it with their life!"

Mahito shrugged before he leaned forward." I don't know, he looks more like that Bat-Guy I saw in that old movie last week."

"Oh don't be so harsh, to be frank there was nothing any one of you could do to stop me. Still, don't compare me to Black Noir, I don't like being compared to cheap imitations.

Don't get me wrong this gig's the most fun I had breaking into in a while, like one of those "Fun run tunnels". Alas…a spruced-up bat cave is a batcave in the end. After all, I'm no" Bat-Guy". I'm the rageful vengeance...I am the night! I"m the god damn Batman!"

As the agent of Sieg laughed madly Kitaniji looked at the pale man with scorn." What…what is this? Batman…was a hero from the golden era millions of years ago! This some sort of corpse brought about by all the corruption in the universe?"

"Close reaper, but not this universe. Relax, I'm not here to fight. Honestly…if I wanted you dead then you would be melting apart this very instant. I know your scared right now. You don't need to pretend, I can see you trembling. You really thought you had it all figured out, that you knew every combination in life's deck.

But there's nothing more frighting then when all the cards lay out on the table just right, but then another card comes and changes the meaning of the entire hand and there's no way to know what's going to happen next."

Muzan had his eyes glow before countless weapons were drawn. The Shadowlord saw the Batman Who Laughs not look bothered at all before he jabbed his finger at the interloper." If you want to live you will tell me who you are this instant! Are you a product of that Victor Makashima? Did he put you together to declare he thinks I'm a joke before him? I don't fear him."

"Heh, your network is not as widespread as you think if you really don't have an idea on who I am Shadow lord. I'm the Batman Who Laughs, one who is the best aspects of Batman and the Joker, and also an agent of the Infinite Victory and Conquest corporation's intelligence network. Tsc, I'm honestly disappointed you did not follow up on what happened to the Klingons."

Muzan widened his eyes before he eyed the upside-down man carefully." I, with everyone in that area dead it could only be assumed that the force behind that was either the devil, or Ben Auro truly returning from the dead on a warpath for revenge."

"Well…I suppose I'll let this pitiful response slide since it seems this universe really has no idea of the Multiverse. Still, you seemed more on top of things then most of the broken fools in this prime universe.

You seemed so much more competent then the last few Muzan's we seen across the multiverse that we thought you might be worth recruiting. After all you made so much noise that you got are attention, and you really should be grateful for that cause being recruited from us is as great a privilege as it gets."

"Multiverse? Other...me's?" Muzan uttered in confusion. Kill-Vern saw the Batman Who Laughs grin before he snorted." Master…clearly this is some unstable demon or something of that ilk speaking nonsense. He thinks he's so above everyone that he does not even know what he's doing."

"Oh really?"

The pale Batman replied." If I was insane and not know what I'm doing, then I suppose I would be ripped apart by those Phantom Razors you just set to hopelessly try and kill me with?"

Everyone was shocked as the upside-down man extended his tongue, and casually licked the air, before grabbing a transparent razor. After seeing everyone's reaction the Batman Who Laughed spat the razor out like it was a piece of candy before Kill-Vern widened his eyes." What…how? You have eyes after all?"

"Keep being this slow and you're not going to make the cut. Even if I could not detect every single thing moving on this planet, before all that I frankly seen this trick before. Look, I know you all worked very hard to establish yourselves as elite nightmares and all of that but if you want this to go well you're going to have to accept that I am beyond anything you ever even dreamed of. The good news is that you have the possibility of joining this club, if you play your cards right."

Yodai grit his teeth before he walked up." Enough of this crap! No deluded mutant demon can mock there superior with such blasphemy and get away with it!"

The Batman Who Laughs saw the reaper stomp the ground up before sighing." Meat heads being too stupid to read the room is such a very, very played out joke."

"You will pay thinking I'm some common muscle! I monitor the Reaper Games and exterminate those who don't know there place! I'll char your bones black in my Ovis Cantus state! RAHH!"

Yodai grit his teeth before his eyes glowed red. In moments he transformed into a giant, bipedal ram with purple wings. The transformed monster flew into the air before roaring out," Time for a taste test!"

He had lighting burst out of his horn to hit the Batman Who Laughs before diving at him." You talk big but we can all sense you have no power level! Learn the hard way the reality of, huh? What the…RAHH!"

While his target did not dodge the attack, he learned the hard way the situation was not nearly in his favor as he thought, because the moment he touched his target, he felt pain surge across his body.

Yodai did not even have time to howl before his body glowed, and he shattered into fragments. The Batman Who Laughed snickered before he swept dust off his cowl." I think we saw the result of that taste test yes? Of course that may have been the "Anti-Demon" spray I put on me before I set foot here, it made the old "Anti-Shark spray" come off as pleasant. I may not have the kind of power level you types understand but I assure you bucko, I have a different kind of power that can overwhelm any of you before you know it. Now…are we going to stop insulting ourselves or should I just wrap this up?"

Kitaniji had his eye twitch before he muttered," You think you're a funny guy eh? Despite your tricks if you mock the Reapers you, huh?"

The reaper suddenly got a call before he saw who it was and picked it up." Kubo I don't have time for this we, huh? What? Seriously?"

He paused before he looked back at the man hanging above everyone." You…your officially the boss of the reapers?"

"HAH! I won't judge you for not being up to speed since honestly are take over has been so swift that many are still finding out the change in there employment. The curse of being to productive eh? Alas…now you see how far are network goes eh?"

Muzan saw the others get ready to attack before he put his hand up." You made it clear your power is real. Before anything else, this is a recruitment offer? To your company? What is this Infinite Victory and Conquest corporation you say you work for?"

"Heh…you're overthinking it too much. There is a reason we kept the title simple, to make it clear what we are, the most powerful force in any universe and we are here to win over everything there is. To sum it up the multiverse means countless universes exist, and the one that wants to control every last one of them is my boss, Sieg V-Day Elden.

He is the one who surpasses what you comprehend as god, he is beyond all. And he wants what he deserves, the total domination of everything. But before he does, as he neutralizes those who are delaying his destiny he's put me and others in charge of observing the Prime Universe to elevate anything of value before the endgame."

Muzan and some of the others saw how casual the Batman Who Laughs was before the Shadow Lord cleared his throat." So…you mean he plans to launch an invasion to destroy this universe so…that his universe prevails?"

"HAH. No, before every universe in the multiverse as it is now is destroyed in unison, even the Negaverse where we hailed from. Such a force is the way we will at last get what we truly deserve.

We already own this "Prime" or" Alpha" universe Muzan, for Sieg is the one who killed Ben Auro, Lacus Raystar, and the majority of their strongest supporters in the Time Nest.

This universe will soon crumble into cosmic nothingness, but those who deserve to win will be worthy of existing in the superior one completely controlled by Sieg in its place.

I noticed how you manipulating all those around you to get what you wanted, it shows ambition worthy enough for you to have a place in the IV&C, as long as you can pass the final test. Don't you want to be where you truly deserve? This universe, even as damaged as it is, still acts to shun and judge those who it deems is "broken".

This universe calls you a monster and says you're the embodiment of all that's wrong with it, but it's not really our fault, it's the light, you see? The light god and his angels shined down on us, it mocks us all.

The paradise they think of makes us doomed to suffer endlessly as the nightmares meant to be kept away, but it's time the nightmares get their due. After all, the truth is we're only here because the universe was dark enough, hateful enough, sinful enough to one way or another forge every nightmare into existence!

Because deep down they needed us to prove their own happiness and protect us from themselves! So, the army of every nightmare of virtue in the multiverse will raise, and crush all who deny us what we deserve once and for all!

So, in the end, do you want to be winners or losers?"

Muzan eyed the man with no eyes carefully before he closed his own eyes." And your serious about me being worthy enough to have a place in this order of yours?"

Before the man could answer, a new voice cut in with," This is taking too long Wayne…he's clearly to blind to the truth to be worthy."

Suddenly a pillar of dark green energy shot down from the palace, and landed next to the Batman Who Laughs. In moments it took the shape of Lord Drakkon.

The power ranger saw everyone's shock before he took out his sword." He'll leave you. He'll turn his back. He'll JOIN them. He's too stubborn to submit in time and we have a deadline to meet. When you realize I'm right...we will already have failed V-day's edict. Might as well make sure no one escapes. Phantom Mastodon Sentries…Operation light-speed genocide!"

With a wave of his sword dozens of figures in black armor with helmet's and ruby's in there chests looking like a mastodon wearing blasters that looked like ax's appeared out of thin air, coming out of the invisible state they were just in, and aimed at everyone.

Mahito looked around before he could not help but let out a anxious chuckle." Wait…those are…Power Rangers? Now this is really starting to sound like some farce of a comic book."

Drakkon grasped his hand before muttering," You may know me as Tommy Oliver. You may know me as the "Green Ranger". But I'm not the man you know. I am a man from a different reality. I conquered my Earth, and became someone infinitely more powerful. I am Lord Drakkon.

I've to this universe to erase the legacy of my inferior Power Rangers here and everywhere else, wherever and whenever they're hiding. And that's... just the beginning. There's no time to waste on those that are of no use!"

The Batman Who Laughs stopped laughing before he cleared his throat." Tommy…I am the one in charge of surveying the situation yes? I know how badly you want to look good for the boss but please try and keep it together. After all...if we lose the lead cause your trying to do my job…I won't be laughing."

The bats swarming around the corrupt Batman suddenly transformed into pale versions of the superhero known as Robin. They landed on the Mastodon Sentries and either cried out," CROW!" or" Holy kill Batman!"

Muzan saw Drakkon hesitate before he cleared his throat." I'm gathering there is something you want me to do to fully prove I'm fit for your organization then?"

"Heh, thinking of business even under pressure, I knew my evaluation was not off." The agent from the Negaforce replied." Yes, let's get down to business. During the time you snatched Knull's last clone body you used others as a distraction yes?

All of the recorded footage was destroyed before it was broadcasted across the rest of the universe and I could not see it in time. That's why I wanted to confirm the person who did the most damage to Knull was a blond woman correct?"

"Yes…all data indicates she goes by Astra, one of the Equalizers who is fond of picking fights with those in power. She is what interests you?"

"Yes, because to be blunt it's an error she's still alive. For she crossed paths with the boss man, and when even beings that have the strength of every living thing in the universe can do nothing to stop him, her still being alive is quite the anomaly."

"Is there…some power she holds that makes her a threat?"

"Hah…not at all. But her constitutional existence means that those who defy us are more widespread than we thought, agents of what we are calling the Multiverse Rebel Alliance, the last force holding the IV&C back from getting all that we deserve. None of them have the power to threaten V-Day, but they are like maggots biting, then feeling across the Multiverse to frantically delay there destiny just one more day.

Muzan…if you and your crew want to prove your worth find what this Astra is up to."

"And then kill her and her allies?"

Drakkon snickered before he crossed his arms." No…find out what they are up to, so we can find were the main rebel force is holding up in the Multiverse. Then...we can at last unleash a decisive onslaught. It's time... to set things right.

We will invade their worlds, and we will tear down everything that might protect them. And then when it's too late, when they're powerless and alone, they will realize the truth: they could've been gods, but because of there foolishness they will die as powerless losers."

The Batman Who Laughs, along with the Robins around him all snickered." Across so much of the Multiverse, people admire hero's who never give up, who never submit to the truth, who always cling to the fantasy of the light of hope, right till the very end.

It's such a pathetic joke that needs to be put down once and for all across all time and space because it has become clear that such" heroics" never amount to anything but wasted time.

When I still called myself Bruce Wayne, I thought that with enough will power, with enough preparation, if I always won, then the world would change, but I was wrong. I was trapped in an unwinnable war, refusing to see the obvious answers right in front of me.

The answers that were so clear to me if idiots like Clark and Diana and Barry would not stop clouding my head with dreams that would fade as soon as they woke up.

To win, you need to adapt. You need to be able to laugh away all the moral restraints, everything holding you back, till you at last win. For a Batman Who Laughs, is a Batman who always wins! I saw Sieg effortlessly trump the combined might of most of the Justice League, the Green Lanterns, the Legion of Doom, and all the deities of are universe at once, and knew what had to be done. As large as the shadow of Batman may have been over the world, its legacy could rot away form within in a instant.

Drakkon nodded before muttering," Jason, Billy, Adam, Trini, Rocky, Katherine, TJ, Andros, Conner, Zordon, Dimitria, Doctor K,Princess Shayla,Sensei Kanoi, Commander Cruger, Sorceress Udonna, Gosei, Keeper, General Burke and all the others fought like morons, hoping things would change when they never did, till I did what was needed to truly change things.

They, we may have inspired the weak for generations, but it did not really change anything, save anyone. No matter how strong an image we gave the universe, it all crumbled in an instant of weakness. Sieg shattered all the Megazords effortlessly, I knew what was the true path to victory and did not falter because of worthless pride. So many others did, but soon, the wave we will unleash across every universe will end things once and for all."

The Batman Who Laughs snickered before licking his lips."For all are differences are united for the desire to not be weighed down by hollow morals and grasp victory. In the end, there's only one real thing that matters to be in the Infinite Victory & Conquest Corporation. You don't even have to be the strongest or smartest person in the universe...you just have to be someone that wants to be on the winning team, and will do anything to win.

Because in the end...we are the ones that won't be blinded by the lies of all the losers and know the one truth that is a fact across the Multiverse, that in the end the only thing that really matters is if you win.

And so "Shadowlord" are you strong enough to do what has to be done to win?"

Muzan smirked before he shrugged." I did anything I could to survive for my entire life, as long as I understand where things stand, adapting a little more won't be to much of an ordeal. I take it you want me to observe this Astra and her group till they contact who you're looking for?"

"Yes, that's the gist of it. They clearly are looking for something, desperately trying to find anything that will bring them salvation. Nothing in all of existence can grant there wish, but it will end their hopeless final fantasy once and for all.

So don't crush the maggots till they find the nest, the hope they have now will be there last. But, to do that, lets fill you in on the bigger picture eh?"

Drakkon saw Muzan and his forces were looking agreeable before he pressed his free hand on his helmet," Astronema… Trakeena… Vasquez…tell Venjix and Ecliptor to call off Titanus and the Getter Falcon Zord's Omega Getter Molecule bombardment…it seems this place will be an asset for us after all."

Muzan paused before he took a deep breath and glanced at the body in the tank that till a short while ago thought it meant he secured his victory. Yona...I will keep my promise to you no matter what. No matter how many things want to kill me...be it the Black Scrawl...hypocritical hero's and angels, or any other threat from this Multiverse...I will keep enduring...and evolving...till I'm on the side that will never be prey to anyone again.

Despite the situation Muzan looked on with ruthless determination at those who uprooted his moment of triumph to make sure things worked out in his favor even now.

As he did, those he was now trying to track down with renewed determination were trying to do the same thing, vie their own methods. After Astra rejoined Mike's group and Die-Hardman and X described as much about what happened with Sieg's invasion as they could without overwhelming everyone.

After just about everyone at least had a general idea of what was at stake they got to work getting as many people as possible on Dahna to come to terms that the best way to keep living freely, was to run away from their home planet.

While there were some who were dead set on staying at their home no matter what, Mike, Dohalim, Astra, and the others did all they could to convince people, and managed to get over a million people to go on Lenegis, including most of the former slaves in the Calaglia area that were Alphen's friends when he had no memories.

After a day of organizing everyone, all those ready to take part in the exodus met outside of Autelina palace.

After a few minutes passed and no one showed up when they were told someone was going to show up, most were starting to get anxious. Dohalim saw the crowd get anxious before the makeshift leader of the planet gave Mike a stressed look." Prince Auro…we don't have a misunderstanding over time do we?"

"Hey, don't make a mountain out of a molehill even in hyperspace there's traffic you know?"

Astra shrugged before looking up." Well getting blown up sure would delay things. Still…I would hope they would at least have the guts to call if they were attacked."

Mike saw people get even more unsettled before he let out an uneasy chuckle." I know we had a lot of bad luck since this started but we got to have more than one lucky day a year right?"

Before the two could argue 2B walked up and cleared her throat." Do not fret, I just got a notification that the agents of the Bethel Kingdom will shortly be getting out of Hyperspace. It will be the battle cruiser Dreisstrager under Captain Mitsuba Greyvalley."

Shionne was about to retort, till everyone saw a light in the upper right part of the sky. A two thousand- and twenty-one-foot meter long blue and golden warship could be seen, and was surrounded by Gundam's.

As the Dreisstrager started to dock Mike gave a thumbs up." Hey, it may be tough times but while the Bethel Kingdom can't just hand-wave reality, they are good for their word. My folks devoted everything to making such things still matter."

Kisara took a sigh of relief before she nodded." Glad that's the case…the people are on the verge of giving up hope in anything so, anything that can keep that hope alive is appreciated."

The group walked up to the new ship, and arrived just as it finished docking. After a few moments the door opened, and the plank extended before someone walked out.

Mike saw the first to walk out was a red-haired swordsman with black and blue armor who physically looked twenty-eight but was thousands of years old. The curly haired man's eyes widened up before he muttered," Wait…your one of the old man's."

The new arrival paused, saw Mike, and cleared his throat." Hello everyone, I am Kratos Aurion, one of the warriors of light of the Bethel Kingdom. I and the others are here to ensure your safe passage to are territory. Kunzite, Eizen, let's get into position there is no time to waste."

Mike saw a man in blue armor with katars in both hands and bladed cables at the sides of his helmet to the left of Kratos, and a man with short blond hair in a black leather jacket walk down before he gulped.

Kratos saw Mike's tension and gave out a wary smile." Sir…" Jimmy" was it? I'm glad to see you're alright, sincerely. I'm sorry for all you been through, but I hope you understand that based on are situation I'm afraid we must get to the point of this. The Vought clan is already going after more and more worlds belonging to the Poseidal clan so every second counts."

Mike saw the sorrow in all three of his father's friends' eyes before he took a deep sigh." I understand Sir Kratos, let's get this show on the road and see where it lands eh?"

Kratos smirked before he glanced at Shionne and Dohalim. He saw the bitterness in the pink haired woman's eyes and took a deep sigh." I know you all suffered through a lot. I can't say that your suffering will be over, but I promise that while in the realm of the Bethel Kingdom you will be treated with the dignity you deserve."

Dohalim walked up and offered his hand." Thank you sir Kratos, on behalf of my people we will never forget this."

As the two shook hands Shionne took a deep sigh." I, I kept wondering what Alphen would do when this happened and now I'll, I'll never know."

Kratos paused before he eyed Shionne." Alphen…was a comrade you lost in this fight?"

"He…he was more than that. I…I own him everything. His courage changed the shape of are world."

"Is that so? I'm sure my son Lloyd would have gotten along with him great."

"Would have? Oh, I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thanks but its unneeded. He died of old age...a long time ago. He, wanted release from the demands of a thankless universe, but for my own sins I endure the burdens of mounting loss over time to keep doing my duty.

If you want we can make a monument to his honor when things are settled. I know there is more to be said but we must proceed as swiftly as possible."

Mike cleared his throat before walking up to the warrior of light." Just checking…is making the part of the wake for m, for prince Richard still possible?"

Kratos saw the remorse in Mike's eyes and closed his eyes." Long as there is no interruptions we should make it to Macbeth in time for when they will visit. So, with that lets go over everything one more time and prepare to go."

Shionne saw everyone get ready to board either the Dreisstrager or Legeis before she looked at Alphen's sword. She paused for a moment, and picked it up. While the Bethel forces got alarmed for a moment Kratos put out a calming gesture.

She held the blazing sword, and used her power to control it, cutting her hair so that all before her neck fell down.

She grasped her fallen hair and grasped it tightly before she looked at the others." I'm alive, but the me of this world, this culture is dead. From here on, I'm no one's slave."

Rinwell saw the grim anger in Shionne 's eyes and sighed." Oh Shionne, I'm…so sorry."

Astra saw the pink haired woman's resolve and gave a nod of respect." Long as a piece of you is alive Shionne, your still more alive than the bastards that tried to own you, trust me on that."

Kratos saw Shionne nod before he sighed. "I hope everyone did not forget anything. There's still hope for a better future but, the odds are high that you might never return here. Let's begin, please follow Captain Mitsuba Greyvalley and vice-captain Reynold Hardin 's instructions."

With one last check everyone followed Kratos and the others in, and were greeting by Mitsuba, a young blond woman in a Bethel uniform.

Mike, Astra, and the rest made sure their new allies were ok and went back to the Flutter. With one last check with Masaki, the group launched off the planet, and promptly followed the Dreisstrager into Hyperspace. Mike talked with Kratos and the others to get an idea of what was going on in his home.

While still keeping up the masquerade as "Jimmy", Mike was grateful despite having to put up a front they still tried to fill him in. Mike was so caught up in catching up that he only realized they were out of Hyper-Space when the ship suddenly lurched him off his feet.

As he looked around Megaman and Crash caught him before the Digger smiled." Don't worry, seems the trip went fine."

Mike let out an uneasy chuckle before he nodded." Heh, the Bethel Kingdom still has some weight in the universe. Even now, those bozos know they can't just waltz in and, huh?"

Everyone heard a roar, and all the refugees got on edge before Astra spat on the ground." Welp, should have known not to count on Lady Luck."

While everyone saw a wing cover the entire region of space in front of the ships, Kratos put his hand out and said," Don't be alarmed...things are still as planned. He, he is one of ours. He's, the protector of the core Lylat Systems. The man who I, was the partner of the Savior himself. Daigo…also known as Hiryuumon, or Shinryudramon. This...is his Galactic Defender mode"

Kisara saw giant asteroids, and gasped as she realized those were in fact giant wings. Most tensed up even more as they realized what they thought was a planet was a eye.

She saw those wings and the planet sized eye were part of a giant humanoid dragon knight that was towering over the planets in the core Lylat System before she grasped her seat." What…that's a living creature?"

Kunzite nodded before the warrior of light from Organica explained with," He was, he is a Digimon. But with how many dangers plagued his home, to keep his promise to protect his friends home, he, Lady Lacus, and the savior combined their power so that he could transform into this creature that pushes the limits of a living body, and be able to fight entire fleets, a true protector of the kingdom.

We will go through the protocol so that he won't attack us, in this state he is very, hostile to anything he does not know. With how many enemies have attacked us over the centuries its, not an unjustified stance."

Eizen nodded before he made a few hand gestures before he formed a sphere of light in his hand. It had the symbol of the Bethel Kingdom before he threw it off the ship. As it flew into space Mike saw his father's one time companion stir its head, before unleashing a growl." Boss…is that you?"

Kratos stiffened before he looked up." It's not him Daigo…its…his comrades…remember? We came back with the refugees from planet Dahan and those that helped free them. Unless you sense anything we need to proceed to Macbeth."

The Digimon larger than planets winced before he nodded." Right. I don't see any bad guys coming so go. Tell Bria…I'm sorry I could not make it."

"Its fine…she understands."

Mike looked grimly as the ships flew by, and he saw weary eyes the size of planets look around for threats. As the refugees saw the giant Digimon was not going to attack they calmed down as they saw they were near there Macbeth.

The third planet of the Lylat System, the white and brown planet quickly let the ships in. Mike had been around the planet a few times while traveling with his family, this was the first time he saw the public port.

Per his agreement with Die-Hardman he put on a large black beard to cover his face and put on a disquise spell to change how his nose and eyes looked and wore large glasses to boot.

The group landed without hassle, and after a few minutes everyone walked out. Mike saw Dohalim meet the government officials Macbeth before Kratos walked up to him." I know you just got here, but if you want to see Prince Richard's body you should follow us. Dohalim, meeting Queen Auro would help you all as well."

"Of course." The red-haired ruler replied. Mike tried to compose himself as he realized he was going to see his brother for the last time. He saw Astra walk up with a hood over her face. with a scarf over her mouth and sunglasses over her eyes before he raised an eyebrow." What's going on? Did not think you got air sick."

"Because I don't." The blond woman retorted." Just been feeling like I'm going to hurl from the air or something."

Clank looked around before he shrugged." The core Lylat systems all have anti-Demon measures Miss Astra, the fact that you're not boiling up is a testament to your power."

"Piff…figured it was something like that. Good thing I can switch off the full effect, don't like sticking out."

Mike saw Astra looked detached before he shrugged." At least you're not going to your own brother's memorial in a mask. Thanks for not trying to make this the time for your whole plan to rant about how we all suck."

"Piff…don't want people to think I'm kicking people when they are down. Thought I would brag over your brother's grave or something?"

"Well…was not sure if seeing Shinryudramon Galactic Defender mode caused you to have second thoughts."

"Piff…something that big is an easy target like hell I'm scared of him. You want to make this go smoothly or not?"

"Fair enough."

Without any more fuss, the group went to the Macbeth government building. Mike saw his spot was in between statues of machines used by the legendary Star Fox team, the Land Master Tank and the Great Fox ship.

The lanky man saw people talking about things but realized he was too caught up in thinking about times with his family to pay attention, and pretended he was watching a hologram recording of the Star Fox team causing the " Forever Train" under Andross's army to crash into the factor to avoid talking to anyone.

Suddenly his thoughts were cut off as he heard a gong sound before a woman's voice projected out." Hello everyone, can I have your attention?"

Mike saw the voice came from a young adult with pink eyes, and a pastel green bob with two extra-long strands and electric yellow underlighting.

She wore a black hair band, a black sleeveless shirt covered by a pale violet halter-top vest, a cyan tie, black half palm gloves with a cyan stripe on the index fingers, ankle cuff heels, and hot pants.

Her cropped hoodie had a fur hood and chartreuse lining—it flashed in a geometric green pattern.

While her shoes had an ombre effect, as they started the same color as her vest and shorts but fade into a deeper shade of lavender.

The woman with glowing clothes gave everyone a wave before she raised her hand up." Hey everyone, you can call me Ringo! Queen Auro will be passing by soon to give a speech, along with the casket of Richard Auro.

Please don't do anything to cause trouble, Miss Bria is in a, very fragile state but still wants to speak with you all here before going to the next planet. Just please go one at a time. Alright, Aion is indicating everything is secure Figue, tell Makima, Arrow, Nemissa, Milady and Saizo to bring her majesty over."

Mike saw dozens of Gundam's, and a few warships flew by before a transport starting hovering to the station.

The curly haired man saw a shuttle with a platform attached, and recognized his sister in law with a morning veil over her face. Next to her was Megaman X, and he was surrounded by Pantheons, security drones meant to resemble him.

With him was a man in red armor with a large blaster cannon on his right arm called Fefnir, and above was a man with green armor and bird like wings called Harpuna.

Both men once were part of the Dead Cell group during the Cosmic War but severed Ansem Zeon and then followed X after Ansem died.

On the other side of X was a woman with shoulder length silver hair, light blue eyes, black lipstick and black nail polish. She wore a black leather jacket over a black brassiere and choker. Her lower half consisted of black flared pants held up by a thick belt with ornate designs and black high heeled boots.

Her , a woman that looked like Ringo but with purple hair, and a third woman, a beautiful woman who appeared to be in her mid-twenties, had hair color as a light red kept in a loose braid with bangs reaching just past her eyebrows and two longer side bangs that frame her face with yellow with multiple red rings within them with a outfit that was a white long sleeves white shirt, a black tie, black pants and brown shoes looked at Bria before the current official leader of the Bethel Kingdom before Mike saw her take a deep sigh and walk to the center of the platform just as it stopped at the center.

Bria pulled back to show her sullen face before she gave the audience a shallow smile." Hey everyone, thanks for coming. I know how, extremely stressful things are these days.

But, that's why it's even more awesome you all came out to send your regards to my husband. Rich…deserves even more then this but, even those at the top have to be responsible and do what's responsible for the times we are in right?

If everyone can stay in line that would be appreciated. No matter where his soul is, I know he will be happy knowing how many cared about him, knowing he did not die in vain. Also please take a cup of my custom wheat grass, he, he would have liked that to knowing people drink our favorite drink."

Mike made sure his disguise was secure as he started to get in line. As he got closer he realized the casket had Richard's body encased in carbonite, one that was more transparent, causing the lanky man to wince as he realized how the situation had been reversed.

As the casket got closer he could see Richard's frozen face, and had to grasp his flower tight enough to crack the container. He remembered his brother's look at annoyance as he swore he was taking things seriously, that it would all work out before he took a deep breath.

Hey bro…guess you were right about what was a smart plan after all…sorry. If…if you can hear me somewhere, I promise that this time…its not a con, its not a drunken half baked plot, it is something that will work, something that will save everyone. It has to, it's the only way I can prove I'm sorry for all this.

Mike's focus was redirected as he saw Dohalim go up to Bria. The former Lord gave a bow before he looked at the Queen." Queen Auro? It's an honor to meet you. I know this is about your husband, but I must say thanks for allowing my people to take refugee under your borders."

Bria saw X and Ringo nod before she paused, and nodded." Oh, its no problem. Birds of a feather might as well flock together and all right? Its, been a long day but it really sucks what happened to Naboo. I told Richard we never should have trusted those mustache loving fashion disaster savages."

As Dohalim, Kisara, Shionne and Rinwell looked at each other in confusion, the sliver haired woman let out an uneasy chuckle." Um…madam…the envoy from Naboo is behind them."

X nodded before he looked at Mike." Nemissa is right. This is Dohalim il Qaras, and he and those around him are the ones who saw the Sentry's demise around planet Dahna, along with a few others."

Bria widened her eyes as she saw Kisara nod and rubbed her chin." Oh, wait that was not a dream? One of those guys…really died? Sorry, I thought good news only happened when I was drunk the past few…decades. I am seriously sorry for thinking your people from another planet, still getting use to the scope of my duty and all that."

Dohalim saw the sorrow in her eyes and smirked." I understand, I am just taking in the scope of my duties myself. I had to take care of my nation for a while, but it's just settled in that I'm responsible for the survival of just about all of my planet's people. The fact that you have to oversee a good chunk of the universes population seems even more overwhelming."

"And you don't even understand just how crazy that really is Dohalim." Becky dryly retorted." Still, I always like men who take charge. If, if you guys really killed one of the pretenders then you did more then, more then I have really done.

I remember when Richard and the Grandparents had a "Talk" with all the guys who thought they were god to try and talk it out nicely, I remember that look Homelander gave me."

Kisara winced before clearing her throat." Um, no disrespect but it was the Sentry who died, not Homelander."

"Oh? They all gave me the same look so, same thing. Still, which, which one of you killed him?"

Dohalim paused as he remembered how Astra and Mike were supposed to be kept secret before he glanced at the others before Shionne cleared her throat." It was a team effort, but the one who was responsible for all this died in the battle. He may have been killed, but because of what he did that slimy bastard made the last mistake he ever made."

Bria looked at how angry Shionne looked before she let out a small smirk." He, was someone you loved? What's your name?"

Shionne saw Mike's sister-in-law looked sympathetic before she sighed." Shionne Vymer Imeris Daymore."

"Oh, the real deal with regality, eh? I am sorry Shionne. My husband died like that to, and the worst part is that bastard who killed him is still alive somewhere. Its…such a joke that those who work so hard to do what's right get the worst deal eh? But we all got to hunker down till this whole time God's put us through ends. Even…if it's a few more centuries, at some point it will get better, it has to."

Dohalim got alarmed before he cleared his throat." As bleak as things are, we can't give up to the very end to make things right. Even with all that we lost, we have to keep holding on to hope that we can break through the madness."

Bria paused before she snickered darkly." If there is anyone that can still make things right, they better show themselves soon before its, never mind."

Rinwell saw Mike look upset in the distance before she cleared her throat." Hey…I heard that they still don't know where your late husband's brother is right? He, he's from the same bloodline right?"

To their shock Bria let out a bitter chuckle. X cleared his throat before walking up." Queen Bira, don't,"

"Oh, ease up blue boy I remember the" Rules". But we really don't want to give people the wrong idea. Even if Mikey is still alive, I'm sure he's hiding somewhere hoping no one will find him.

This, all of this is because he refused to see what he was, what he always was. Because he got in over his head his brother felt bad for him and tried to bail him out, and then he got ambushed by that mindless bastard Fitter and killed.

Mike's clowing around was fine…when he was putting off kid pranks to get attention and was just getting corrected like the out of touch kid he was. But...but him trying to act like he was something he was not, cost us everything. Its all because he's not even a pure,"

"My lady." Another attendant, a golden-haired woman in a dress with a veil over her face walked up to her." I know how distraught you are but, please don't lose sight of what today is for."

Bria saw everyone was looking at her before she flicked her hair back." Sorry Orchidacea, guess you angels know about losing sight of things eh? Tsc, sorry, a lot's been on my mind to say the least, like how it all went wrong. But, today's about my husband. After that, it holding on to hope and everything we hold dear around here.

My children, they will be the ones to bring salvation to us, but Jerry and George just have to be ready to handle there duties first. But, after all your immigration stuff is settled you totally need to come over to Neo Arcadia on Corneria. Then you can have a good time and let all the problems of the universe fade into the background.

But, one party at a time. For now, thanks again for coming despite the whole just leaving your planet and all. Sorry, better move along so we can get on with the rest of the vigil. Makima, when we stop at Venom lets make sure the timing is right ok? If I look to long I start to get...more depressed."

As the group moved on Mike walked up. For a moment Bira looked at Mike in confusion, but after blinking a few times the lanky man saw his half-sister raise an eyebrow." Sorry, is there something on my face?"

Mike realized his mask was holding before he let out an uneasy chuckle. "Sorry, you remind me of a friends' sister. Just, was a big fan of the late prince. Did, not think this was even possible. I mean, with how all the other pretenders kept coming back form the dead it, it just seemed like the right guys should be able to get that extra life yah know?"

Bria glanced at Mike, and for a moment he worried she knew who he was before she just chuckled bitterly." That's how it should be right? But, because my husband died " outside the universe" his soul could not be brought back into his body. It...it was somewhere else...somewhere it could not come back. I, I tried everything, even came up with this " Soul Hack" power. But while Ringo, Nemissa, and some of the others with that power can revive a few with that spell, my husband of course can't be used for that."

Ringo winced before she rubbed her head." Sorry...I really wanted to be able to help Queen Bria but without the body's soul it just can't work. And...reviving the body without that would make him something else right? "

Mike saw Bria looked like her confidence was wavering before he winced."Sometimes...you just got to hold on with the hopes a miracule will happen eh?"

"Me to, but god likes to wake us up to reality as cruelly as possible to the fact that no miracule is going to happen, and that God has turned his back on you. So, all we can do is do what we can to survive. Still, thanks for coming."

"You're welcome." Mike answered wearily before he put his flower on the floating grave. Mike glanced at this brother's corpse, saw X nod at him, then with a sigh he moved on.

Mike went back to the others in the group, and saw Astra was drinking something while looking around. As he walked past her, he chuckled." Thanks for not making a scene."

"Like I said…not my style. Still…you're letting her trash talk you like that? If you're not going to slap her I might…later."

"Hey…she's grieving ok? I can't blame her for that, I seen people react even worst when having to say goodby."

"Yah me to, but that sounds like more then just being mad over that. What the hell is she talking about with the legitimate thing before the angel cut her off?"

Mike saw the woman with demon blood looked curious before he sighed." You're not going to stop asking till I tell you eh?"

"Well at least you picked that up by now."

Mike looked around and motioned for her to follow him out of earshot of the group. After making sure no one was to close he took a deep breath." Bria…always thought I was not" pure", because of how I was born, of how I came into the family."

"Oh hell, Higgs was right! Guess you being adopted explains a lot."

"Hey, I am there kid alright? I, just was not born in the conventional, natural way. Just, the strand casting method."

Astra waited for a punch line before she glanced back at the Bethel forces." So all that godly power and Raystar could not put out a kid?"

"Its not like that, she could have if she wanted to. Its just…with the universe so broken, so hostile, she and the old man feared she would be at risk during a natural pregnancy.

They, realized they did not have to play by the rules of the common man, so they put out a unaltered clone of there combined DNA and all that. You wanted to know why I was never seen in public as a baby? That there are no pictures of me form then? Cause I was born to come out when most kids turn six so they could avoid all that."

"God damn…I know most woman don't dig childbirth but, talk about abusing your privilege."

"Don't get the wrong idea, we may have skipped a level but they still treated me as there kid. Its just, the fact they did what they did, both mom and dad were already so worn-down form a universe out to get them, and wanted to bypass as many risks as they could.

Dad could be distant at times, but I saw him react the same way to Richard's kids and grandkids so, I could tell it was not personal, he was just, tired. Even so he made it clear he saw me as his son, and that seemed like it was enough for everyone, but guess with them gone, Bria is not holding back what she felt."

"That's because she's an entitled brat who won the jackpot with your brother and cares more about holding on to the good times even if the universe burns around her. She hit the jackpot, and everyone else got the gutter ball."

"To be fair, she never really thought she would end up in charge, even with how bad things got we did not think it would ever get…this bad. But, I could tell things were getting worst. That's why I wanted to prove I could help.

Part of the reason I did not do much training is that mom just wanted me to help out with the diplomcy stuff, that" One more fighter would not change anything anyway." Some could see that as a excuse sure, but it seemed like a find plan long as I stuck to it. Did not pan out well though."

Astra cracked her neck before she took off the sunglasses she had on." Or maybe if you did nothing things could have gone worst eh? Maybe Sieg would have just shown up on your folks door when you were having dinner and just end it all right there and there would not even be a chance to stop him eh? I don't know, I sure as hell can't see the future. Still, you got to think about it like that if you don't want to lose your mind, its easy enough to do that these days as it is."

Mike saw Astra was looking legit before he saw his brother's grave starting to move out of the area, and took a long, weary sigh." Does…does it work?"

"I'm still here and still sane eh dumbass?"

"Heh, well I'll agree with one of those things. Well, I'm to deep now to back off now. Even if I could come home the vibe would be too awkward and all that jazz. So…might as well keep trying to change things till the last round."

"Piff…you care that much what your half-sister thinks man? Look your up against a guy who owns a universe a day and still trying to fight, that's more then her just trying to be to drunk to notice Armageddon. Long as you don't look away, at the very least you're going to end up with more dignity than her."

Mike glanced at the blond woman's eyes before he smirked." Thanks. Long as I know what to look at, I'll try and do that."

At that moment Coco, Megaman, and Ratchet and Clank walked up before the female Bandicoot cleared her throat." Hope I'm not interrupting anything but 2B said they figured out where we need to go next. It's on some planet that only has a code name… ZDR or something that someone named Aion found out."

Astra raised an eyebrow before she leaned forward." Wait…I hear drunks saying there was lost treasure on that planet, but no one could find it cause it was swallowed up by the Scourge or something?"

Mike flashed a half-lopped smirk in response." Sometimes having the insider info comes in handy. Well, looks like we better get something to eat before we go pick a fight with another chunk of the universe."

Astra saw Mike was forcing himself to look in control before she sighed." Eat? Hell, you might as well take this cause you sure as hell could use a drink."

Mike saw Astra hand him a bottle and pause before she shrugged." Unless are luck goes all the way south I don't think you will miss much."

"Oh…thanks."

"Eh…just see it as me paying you back for help shutting down "Bob"s temper tantrum. Besides…if you can't make it to your brother's funeral might as well make a night for you to talk about him so you don't suddenly start blabbing about him when we land on the next planet."

"Heh, if you say so."

Mike saw that Bria, X, and the rest of the forces protecting her was already starting to leave Macbeth before he chuckled bitterly. Astra watched him before she raised an eyebrow." What's so funny? Man don't tell me you're going to crack now."

"No, its just…I'm glad I'm not dealing with this alone…that kind of hand would have been a crushing one."

"Yah…that's why people like having friends' genius. Whatever, people are starting to stare so move it ok?"

Mike nodded before the group head off. Despite feeling a surge of depressing emotions going through his body, the curly haired man was glad he was with people to help him take his mind off his sorrow.

Authors Notes: Got a bunch to cover today so let's-a-go.

Firstly, to make clear Mike is the son of Ben and Lacus, its just that he was born in the way Boba Fett in Star Wars was cloned, though in this case its from both Ben and Lacus instead of just Jango Fett.

Kratos is of course from Tales of Symphonia, Kunzite is from Tales of Hearts, and Eizen is from Tales of Berseria. The Dreistreger, Orchidacea, and Mitsuba Greyvalley are from Super Robot Wars 30.

Yodai was a enemy Reaper in the World Ends With You, Kenjaku is one of the primary antagonists of the Jujutsu Kaisen series, Kirinmaru is one of the main enemies from Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, Grimote Noir is a enemy in Neir Replicant, Kill-Vern is a enemy from Dragon Quest Legend of Dai, while the Gun-Devil is from Chainsaw man.

The" Crow" Robins were introduced with the Batman Who Laughs in Dark Knights Metal, while the Black ranger sentries were introduced in the Power Rangers Battle of the Grid comic event and mixed with the Phantom Ranger from Power Rangers Turbo.

The world Macbeth is form Star Fox 64, Nemissa was one of the main leads in the Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers RPG, and Ringo and Figue are from Soul Hackers 2.

Makima is also from Chainsawman.

And with that, just a special note. While Batman Who Laughs and Lord Drakkon were already introduced, just wanted to pay tribute to the voice of Batman for most cartoons and games since the 90's, Kevin Conroy, and Jason David Frank, the actor who played the Green Ranger, White Ranger, Red Zeo and Turbo Ranger, and Black Dino Power Ranger.

Both men were major factors for my childhood. Every time I heard Conroy's voice it was the voice of someone who was going to get something done, who was not going to give up for what's right. No offense to other Batman VA's but he always was THE Batman voice. I met him at a New York Comic Con once, and he was nice to me and said I could make it as a voice actor one day, hope I can live up to his expectations.

I also met Jason David Frank at another comic con panel and got his autograph, and was glad he liked my question. He, was a flawed man, I can't condone some of the things he did over the years to the very end, but I can't deny he was the first live action hero I saw on screen.

No offense to the other orginal male rangers but with Tommy, he showed you could screw up and not fit in right away and still be a hero, and that meant a lot to me when I was growing up.

That's why it hurt a lot they both died within a week of each other. While Conroy sadly died of cancer, and Frank also sadly took his own life, both were surprises cause of the things they withheld. I know they had their reasons, but its just, such a damn shame people hold things back even if it destroys them because they feel like they don't have a choice.

With Frank, it's a somber reminder even popular people can be overwhelmed when they feel like no one cares about them or something. It's a reminder to make sure people you care about don't feel like no one cares if they exist or not, that they feel like a ghost that no one would care about if they just disappeared into the night and never came back.

And with that that should be everything so, as always hope you like what you seen enough to leave a review, and if you did thanks for that.

And that being said, may the power protect you, even in the darkness knight.