Chapter 282: Rising to Uncertainty to make the Toccata into Blood Soaked Darkness across the Fires of the Rubicon At Doom's Gate.
While the sudden disastrous outcome to the Viltrumite invasion of Cornelia had left the majority of the planet's defenders left in some degree of shock, few were as confused as its official leader.
Bria had spent the majority of the battle hunkered down in the shelter with Makima, Die-Hardman, and some of her other security members, and while she was physically unharmed, seeing Thragg, Omni-Man, and the rest of the Viltrumite invaders plow through all the defenders her kingdom had left made her nearly faint more than a few times.
Just when Mike's sister-in-law felt like she was about to have a stroke, she heard the rumblings stop, and saw over some of the monitors that Omni-Man and the other Viltruimte's had stopped fighting.
She then saw the video showing the Tick consuming Thragg in his unwilling Kamikaze explosion before she flicked her hair out of her eyes and she cleared her throat." It...it's really over? That crazy Tick man blew up Thragg?"
Makima saw Die-Hardman gesture to her before she gave an uneasy nod." It would seem that the prototype of the Garmillasclan succeeded in killing Thragg with that self-destruct maneuver.
It's unclear if Thragg can still back up a Sleeve body but, it still seems to have crushed the momentum the invaders had."
Bria looked at the monitors and blinked a few times before she stood up." Wait...so that means that Ezan knew what he was doing after all? Then...then the plan worked after all? We...we are safe?"
Die-Hardman took a deep breath before he walked up." I don't mean to damper your hopes Queen Bria but that's as far from the truth as one can get.
Thragg is indeed one way or another out of commission, and as a testament to Ezan's skill, he just might have persuaded Omn-Man and what's left of the Viltrumite race to turn around.
But frankly, that just makes this have not been a total disaster. All of this was just a distraction, and we fell for it, they got away with the Hague."
Bria blinked a few times before she looked around." Huh? I thought you just said all these mustached brutes fighting spirit fell apart!?"
"They did my Queen." Makima retorted grimly." But they were being used as well. The demons under the" Shadowlord" Muzan Kibutsuji attacked while we were distracted with the invasion. As we saw, Ezan was not underselling the threat of the Infinite Victory and Conquest Corporation, in a matter of moments they swept aside the Viltrumite race, what we thought were among the biggest threats to are nation for nearly a century, like they were nothing but bugs.
They used the entire clan as a decoy, and if we can't respond flawlessly soon, we could be next."
Bria turned pale as she moaned out," How...how did you let one ship get away from the planet!"
"Muzan's henchmen used enhanced warp magic to whisk away the ship and himself off world." Die-Hardman retorted grimly." Thragg's earlier attack damaged our barriers, and now we have to use all of our resources to track down Muzan before he hands over the SRX team to Homelander and Sieg...or it really is the end."
"So, we are going to fight again!?" Bria shouted out with indignation." The planet's just about to fall apart from what just happened!"
Makima put her hand on the queen's shoulder before letting out a sorrowful smile." I know it's exhausting Bria, but you must endure. Putting everything to the next operation is the only way to ensure it's not the last operation of the Bethal Kingdom. Its thanks to Master Ezan's masterful tactics that are losses are as minimal as it is."
"So, we really lost no one?"
"I...I did not say that. There have been many deaths but...to be blunt it's within the best margins that we could have hoped for. Thankfully many will recover, like your, oh, right."
Bria saw the red-haired woman's unease before she widened her eyes." Like, who? Wait...you mean my family? What's going on?"
Die-Hardman sighed before cutting in with," Jerry and George both fought against some of the Viltrumite invaders. They attacked the Viltrum woman known as Thula, and seemed to think they had the advantage till more of her comrades showed up.
Thankfully Sonic proved he really lived up to his name as one of the Last Emperor's comrades and swiftly drove them off before the injuries could become...fatal. They are ok...just recovering. Look we even have a video feed of them in their medical chambers."
Makima nodded to an angelic security guard before the pressed a button and showed a hologram of her two sons along with an angelic male in a Public Safety suit that had shoulder-length red hair.
Her stouter son with shorter hair was in a bed while her taller son Jerry was over him with some bruises in his face. The shorter son George just moaned loudly." I'll tell ya, if I ever get out of here, I'm gonna change my life. I'm gonna do a whole Zen...thing..."
"C'mon George cheer up, things are calming down enough that the normal programming is back on track! Hey it's the show I was telling you about when I was half asleep!
That's it! Flaming globes of Sigmund! Flaming globes of Sigmund! That's my note! Wait...that's what I thought was so funny? That's not funny. There's nothing funny about that. Maybe all the flaming parts of the city shifted my humor taste buds a tad."
"Ugh forget it Jerry it's all over for me." The fatter brother replied." Susan and the kids will never let me live it down that I failed to step up to dad and Grandpa's shoes.
In fact...let's end it right now. Jerry, kill me, kill me now. I'm begging you. Let's just get it over with. Be a pal kind of bro. Just take the pillow and put it over my face.
"Well, uh...What? Kinda like this?"
George looked shocked as his brother went through with his request and pushed the pillow aside." What are you doing?! What are you, crazy?!"
Jerry saw the angel next to him clear his throat before he rolled his eyes." C'mon can't a brother break the tension or something? Oh? Hey George wave to ma and show her your still the master of your domain!"
Bira saw her two sons' wave weakly to her before she grasped her hand tightly." My children, my grandchildren, everyone almost died because of those animals! Make sure none of them can ever hurt my family again!"
Makima sighed before she looked at the data." I don't think you have to worry about that my Queen, the Vought clan, or more like this "Lord Drakkon" and his " Zeo Getter Emperor Zord" on behalf of the Infinite Victory and Conquest Corporation and Sieg wiped out their planet after finding them as an annoyance."
Bria's eyes at last turned to the recording before she looked at it and shrugged." Oh...so they are at last killing each other off? Good...then if Ezan is as elite as he says and finishes off Thragg...Omni-Man and the rest of the Viltruimte's here then they will really be finished at last right?"
Die-Hardman saw some of the others pause before he cleared his throat." Bria...it seems Thragg's been taken out, but that extreme measure might no longer be needed. Vie his Sharingan magic Ezan got Omni-Man to see the error of his ways, and the remaining Viltruimte's are about to leave."
Bria blinked a few times before she let out a detached giggle." Is that your attempt at a joke? What he used one of those Sharingan spells I heard about to trick them?
Well guess it's better to not make any more of a mess on the planet but once they are at a safe distance then finish them! I mean, why would we ever let them have a chance to attack again?"
Makima cleared her throat before she walked up." My lady, I know you been stressed by today's events but we have to act with the bigger picture. Ezan exposed Thragg's lies and now Omni-man should be in charge of what's left of the Viltrumite clan.
As their true leader, he can rally all of the Viltrumite warriors that are left in to are allies. And we need every possible solider to hope to fight the Vought Clan and their superiors."
Bria had her eye twitch before hissing out," You think I'm not seeing things clearly!? We already had a " deal" with those mustache loving savages and they broke it!
You people are supposed to be the" Brains" behind things here but you're too dumb to forget how quickly they turned on us? No, they tried to kill me and hurt my family, I can't ever forgive them!"
Die-Hardman cracked his neck before walking up." Queen Bria...please remember you're the acting leader of the Bethal Kingdom...and that it's not the way of the Savior to just be as ruthless as the other clans. We are supposed to be building bridges to a better,"
"Oh, save the bridge crap for people that will still buy it John! All that honor and pride just led us to where we are now!"
"Listen...this is not the best course of action to take because of values, its the blunt fact that whatever the odds are that Omni-Man's change of heart is fake, we have to take a chance at seeing this through because it's are best course of action to keep things together by the end of the month!
I understand why you feel this way about them, but the blunt truth is that there are no ideal choices right now...just the ones that let us avoid the worst possible outcome, AKA us all dying horribly to sadistic enemies.
In light of everything else that's gone wrong we can't throw away the good outcomes today."
"What do you mean the only good outcome?"
"I was trying to get to it, but it's clear that the Shadow lord Muzan used the Viltrumite attack entirely to hide his own attack on the Hague, and, he succeeded in getting away."
Bria had her jaw drop before she looked around." I thought Ezan was the number one demon killer besides Grandpa and Grandma? Then how did he let some demon that you swore was " Not too big a threat" get away!?"
"Muzan is not stronger than Ezan, but even he could not be everywhere at once."
Bria saw the bitterness in the masked man's eyes before she winced." Then...what happens now?"
Die-Hardman saw how tense everyone looked before he took a deep breath." We...we need to gather more data before properly seeing are options your majesty...that's all we can do now. At least the situation is under,"
Makima saw an alarm before she grith her teeth." No…those demons attacking the city were driven away but they damaged the shield, and now Timefall is about to fall down on the central area of Neo Arcadia!"
The masked man saw time accelerating rain starting to fall just as most of the citizens were coming out before he grit his teeth." No, get Tigerhawk and anyone that can manipulate the weather or cast barriers over there now till we repair the barrier! If they don't take cover we will have more casualties then the entire battle! We just have to keep things together…as long as we can."
Bria realized the Director of the Bridges division looked tense before she stepped back." You...you have no idea what to do? None of you do? Damn it Mike, I trusted you but all of you are as washed up as always! I'm seeing my family, that's the only thing I can do right now.
But by the time I'm done so help me god, you better have an idea on what I can tell everyone or don't blame me if everything falls apart. You made it clear I'm just the face of the machine you're using to keep things together, so it's all your fault for having nothing to back it up!"
Bria ran out before anyone could say more before Makima let out an uneasy chuckle." This time...we can't blame her anger on being drunk I suppose."
Die-Hardman took out a cigar before he lit it." Ezan...X...I hope you made contingency plans because...frankly we are running out of time fast before everything falls apart."
He and the other unofficial leaders of the Bethal Kingdom scrambled to keep things from getting even more chaotic than they already were.
As we return to where we last left off the group, Mike was still blinking at seeing Muzan, and the ship that he spent many tense moments repairing, and the only link to the Multiverse and possibly stopping Sieg whisk away in a flash before he saw Ezan looking before he cleared his throat." What's the play Ezan? My dad told me your Rinnegan can do all kind's of Space–Time Dōjutsu jazz like tracking where they ran off to!"
Ezan grasped his fist before answering with a restrained," I'm glad you're a quick thinker Mike, but alas I don't have all the answers. I do have magic that allows me to warp to different dimensions, it's not a kind of all access teleportation like Fitter's Instant Transmission. If just a small amount of his magical energy lingered, I had a few options, but it seems this" Shadow breaker" is no fool, by having many demons perform this warp spell it canceled out any trace.
We still have options, but we will have to do this the old-fashioned way. Damn it, I was so focused on the Viltrumite's that I failed to anticipate another part of this. Right before I first became an Enji, your father's first major enemy, Xehamaru launched his own invasion of Corneria.
He attacked with both his own forces and both the forces of the Zeon Federation under Weill Zabi and the former" Dark Enji" of Organization XIII under Xemnas. And yet, despite an even larger force they failed to leave the planet with King Atem.
I tried over the years to excel at leadership as much as Grand Master Myers and the other leaders of the Enji did, but even after all this time I still seemed to fail to reach that level, how disgraceful."
As those around him looked conflicted at how to respond, he heard Kira snicker across his Codec." Well there's a very good reason that invasion failed while this one succeeded my apprentice, and it's because I commanded the majority of that battlefield, not your beloved Master Myers.
It seems in your ego to deny my superior wisdom you damned yourself past the point of no return eh? If you want to redeem yourself then correct that mistake…I assure you no pretender can outwit me. You really think my leadership can produce any worst results at this stage of the game Ezan?"
The sliver haired warrior glared bitterly at the ground as he hissed out," If you're not going to be productive then be silent!"
He was looking in Astra's direction, and the blond woman was about to speak before her eye twitched." Hey, don't act like you can judge me in an instant just because things are going crappy "Super elite!"
As Ezan winced, Zero walked up before he chuckled bitterly." Trust me Ezan, now's not the time to question what you're fighting for. I know how many times I blamed myself for things falling apart and what I could have done, and it never ends well. For someone who never wanted to have the commander spot you did far better then you think man."
X nodded before he took a long sigh." Zero's right X, for as much as things have gone wrong don't act like you failed. You countered the Viltrumite invasion masterfully, and neutralized some of the deadliest enemies the Bethal Kingdom has.
Things did not go wrong because your plan failed, things took a turn because a factor none of us expected broke out before you even had time to react. Even you are not omnipresent Ezan, don't doubt that you planned things as well as Ben, Squall, Master Myers would have. None of us figured that Muzan Kibutsuji would show himself here.
He rarely if ever took part in his own operations, but we did not realize how badly he wanted the ship, or more like how badly he wanted to leave a good impression to the IV&C, though after what happened to planet Viltrum, I suppose it's understandable how anyone, even a demon Maverick scum would be willing to risk everything to " impress the winning side" in time. The blunt truth is, we should have known but we are all stretched too thin.
Even after having our allies send as much support as we could, are total forces here was only a quarter of the forces that defended Corneria during the Cosmic War.
We, been reduced to so little, and after this it's going to be even harder to get reinforcements. But, speaking of reinforcements, I don't suppose you can get any more members of your Multiversal Rebel Alliance to aide us?"
Ezan saw how hopeful everyone looked before he closed his eyes." Sorry X, but the SRX team was the reinforcements. They would not risk sending any more out of fear of being discovered by Sieg.
As hard as it might be for you all to comprehend, our universe, the Prime Universe is important, but not so important that they will risk all the other universe's of the alliance falling, not without any hope. For now, we must make use of what allies we currently have to survive, is that not right Nolan?"
The two Maverick Hunters turned around to see Omni-Man flying down, with Marc, Eve, and some of the other Viltrumite warriors around him. While many got alarmed, Ezan saw the look on the official heir to the Viltrumite race look at the damaged hanger bay before he grasped his fist tightly." So…what was here is why that Shadow broker used us as bait Ezan?"
The sliver haired man saw mustached man looked angry, but also bitter before he nodded." As you can see, Muzan expected you all to be very loud distractions so he could slip away with his prize. As for if he knew what would happen to your world, you will have to talk to him yourself. I don't suppose this was part of the battle plan?"
Omni-Man looked around before he cracked his neck." The Shadowbroker" offered his services for money, we thought it was as simple as that. Thragg thought that Muzan would not be foolish enough to try and "con" us, but he still assumed that he could only turn to Homelander, and now we all have paid the price for that arrogance.
I wondered if Thragg had become too sure of himself, but I thought it was not my place to question him because I was only a soldier. But clearly…he refused to even humor all the news of the Vought Clan amassing more and more power. For the sake of are race's survival, we can no longer act on delusions. Whatever grudge we had with the Bethal Kingdom means nothing now."
Ezan took a sigh of relief before he nodded." Then can I have your word that no member of the Viltrum clan will keep attacking the Bethal Kingdom?"
"Anyone that had any sense would realize what matters, but I can't speak for everyone. There are many who might refuse to see me as the true ruler of the clan. Despite what we found out, Thragg still is stronger to me and there are many of my people who will think that's all that matters."
Mark looked conflicted, but before he could say anything, another male voice said," It was not Argall's strength that caused his people to follow him Nolan, it was his wisdom."
Everyone saw that Kregg, Lucan, and many of the other still living Viltrumite warriors fly up to him before the man with a cybernetic eye nodded." Its true Argall lost his way, but if it was all because of Thragg's greed then this changes everything. Only the most single minded among us will not see how Thragg marched are race into oblivion. We will follow your lead Nolan."
Omni-Man saw another son of his, Mark's half-brother Oliver fly up before he nodded." We know you care about are people father, we want are race to live so please, you're the only one that can help us do that right now."
Mike saw the man that was his enemy till just a few minutes ago take a deep breath before he nodded." Very well, I'll accept the burden of leadership. I suppose I should make a speech about this, but in light of are situation I'll make this brief.
We are all receiving a startling, horrifying amount of news in one day. We've learned that the heir of Argall has been found, and that I am that heir. It was never my desire to lead, but who am I to deny my birthright? I've never skirted responsibility and I'm not about to start doing that now. I stand now, Emperor Nolan Schillinger of the Viltrum clan.
Some of us might see me as a traitor, but after an intense session of self-reflection, I see things differently than what has become the customs of are clan and I hope in time most of us can see the same.
It's clear Thragg and all of us assumed too much, and now in the blink of an eye we went from thinking we were going to be masters of this universe to being on the verge of extinction. But even before this, our people have been withering even if we refused to see it.
The only way to survive is to change, and I hope you will welcome those changes because if we can adapt, it can lead to a new dawn for the Viltrum one, one that might even be able to have a stable peace."
While some of his fellow comrades looked conflicted before Mark took a deep breath and pumped his fist into the air." All hail emperor Nolan!"
This caused his half-brother and some of the others to nod before hailing their new leader as well.
Mike saw that most of the mustache super soldiers around him looked loyal before he took a sigh of relief." Well…at least one of the gambles paid off today. Glad everyone's a good sport about it."
Mark saw his friends looking tense before he nodded." I know how much you hated my family for a while but, as stubborn as they are, when they change their mind they don't flip-flop about it. Guess it helps Thragg is gone now so there's no challenge."
Ezan paused before he looked at where he last saw Thragg." But is he truly dead? The Tick's forced kamikaze blast did seem to succeed in killing Thragg, but he seemed like the type of person that would have a Sleeve clone backed up these days."
Omni-Man winced before he stroked his mustache." Most of us did have sleeves backed up, but nearly all of our Cortical Stacks were stored in Viltrum, and thus destroyed.
However, Thragg did talk about always having more than one backup plan. But he would never say just were. He, might have feared the truth would have come out and planned for that.
But if he's waking up to his new body now, he won't have nearly as many followers. Still, I will keep a look out for him but for now we must do what we can to survive.
We must go, I have to rally all the surviving members of our race to ensure we live on. I understand things have changed quickly, but will you tell me all you know about Homelander and Muzan's new master?"
Ezan saw the firmness in the new ruler of the Viltrum clan's eyes before he sighed." I admit that nothing I will tell you can help beat them but, at the very least I can tell you what to look out for to raise your odds of survival as much as possible."
"Thank you. For now, we will try and wrangle the location of Muzan out of all the sources we know. I assure you that's far more important to us. By doing that we will prove this alliance is sincere."
Ezan nodded before he looked around." That sounds fine to me, nothing else matters if we don't overcome this. Still, I suppose we should make some official announcement to ensure there is no confusion. It may be tense but, perhaps the Queen will make a statement at the White Castle."
Optimus Primal checked his Codec before the Maximal winced." That might not be a good idea sir. It seems during the attack some of the demons further damaged the shields, and now timefall is raining down all over the area of the capital around the castle! Tigerhawk get over there pronto, we can't let thousands age to death before they realize the shield's not working!"
Omni-Man winced as he saw the Fuzor Maximal fly off before he sighed." It might be best that we leave till things stabilize, I am sorry for the further pain to your capital, time fall is a death no Viltrumite feels is worthy. Mark, you found strong friends. It would be best if you stay with them, for the sake of everyone seeing the strength of this reformed alliance."
Mark saw his father was sincere to him before he let out an uneasy chuckle." Wow…thanks dad. Sorry, it's just, use to an insult or a trick following up something like that."
"I am sorry for how I treated you, when this is over we have much to talk about but I must hurry. Oliver, stay with Ezan so you can get a full debriefing about are true enemy and then inform me later."
Oliver gulped as he looked around." I mean…sure that Kregg or some of the others are not better at that kind of thing?"
"No, but since we just got massacred, you have to learn fast to make up for those that died boy. Besides, it's a token of goodwill that I leave my son behind the capital I just attacked to show how serious this new alliance is. Understood?"
Mark's half-brother saluted quickly." Y…yah father, I won't let are tribe down!"
Omni-Man looked around before he nodded." Alright then, we will head to Sveto and make our next move there. Ezan, Prince Auro, may we live to figure out the next move for both are people's later."
Ezan nodded before he looked up." And if Thragg did live past that, if he still clings to his ego I'll make him wish he was dead."
"Then a race to who gets to him first "Warrior of Light." "
Ezan realized that was the highest remark Omni-Man was going to give and nodded before all the Viltrumite's sans Mark and his brother Oliver fly into the sky.
As shocked as most of the citizens of Corneria were to see the swarm of mustached men and woman leaving the planet, most were happy with seeing the savage siege's sudden end.
One of the few not happy with this outcome was Thragg. While he was killed by the Tick, he did have a backup Sleeve aside from on Viltrum.
That's why at the moment the deposed leader of the Viltrum clan found his eyes awakened in a tub of energy. He slammed at it, before it opened. He saw a young man and a young girl that both wore Viltrum uniforms and saluted before the girl uttered," So glad to see you awaken father! It's an honor for you to grace Thraxa with your presence. But, at the same time, the fact that you're here because something happened to our capital is even more horrifying. I, I don't understand."
Thragg glanced around before he grasped his fist tightly." You did well going through with the protocols so quickly Ursaal. But you're more right then you realized my daughter.
We were betrayed…and all will pay for making a mockery of my rule! Onnan…has any ships related to the Vought clan, or any that we don't control been sighted near Thraxa lately?"
His son Onnan paused before he shrugged." Some scout ships but nothing that looked like a weapon father."
"We can't assume anything son." Thragg hissed out as he stomped out of his Sleeve tank." I admit, I assumed Homelander had lost his mind and was just making more and more ridiculous things.
But even if he has, clearly Black Noir and the others around the" Seven" are far more cunning than that man child. Ezan, that spineless rat of a Shadow Broker, all of them will pay! Ursaal, send out my personal code across all known Viltrum warriors.
Anyone that does not respond, is to be seen as compromised by the enemy. Are enemies are far more desperate then I assumed, and many, even Omni-Man have fallen to there lies already."
Onnan nodded before he grasped his fist." I understand father…no matter what I'll kill anyone who turns there back on the Viltrum race! Shaw we prepare Thraxa for an invasion?"
Thragg paused before he closed his eyes." No…prepare to depart. We can't afford to linger on any one world and I won't be surprised again! As much as I want to make a totem pole out of the heads of all who denied me what was mine today, I can't let my rage devolve me into a simpleton like Conquest and the others.
This requires a game of cunning, and I will come out on top! Are all the Sleeve clones stored on the shuttle and ready to deploy?"
Ursaal paused before she glanced at a monitor and pressed a button. A wall opened up behind where Thragg 's clone sleeve body turned on, showing dozens of stored bodies of various Viltrumite warriors.
She paused before she looked down." The Mauler Twins and Angstrom Levy said that all the data for the Double Sleeving process worked as you wanted, but there is no way to know till you try. Its just, all other attempts to creating a duplicate of oneself within another Cortical Stack failed."
"That's why we will wait till we amass enough power to properly fuse all the Sleeves into one body. Ezan may have been a little stronger back on Corneria, but if I can successfully combine my strength with my own clone, or three of my own clones, then the tides will turn!
We will hide till we perfect the process, nothing is more important than insuring I can amass the power I deserve! All of you scum will kneel before this is done.
But most of all the "shadow-lord" will be dragged out of the shadows before I throw him into the sun! If he thinks he's got the last laugh, I'm going to enjoy how wrong he is! Muzan, Ezan, and everyone else will soon known the price for mocking the only true ruler of the Viltrumite clan, and the master of this universe!"
Thragg barked orders to his children and the others on his hidden base on Thraxa to prepare for his next move, but despite what he thought, the one who sold out him and his race was feeling the happiest he had had in lifetimes.
After his minions completed their combined warp spell successfully the demon saw a fortress connected to an asteroid surrounded by a massive dark cloud, the Scourge, covering his line of vision before Teasel snickered from his cockpit." Is that your base? No offense but thought you had enough forces for a bigger base? It seems like its right about to fall into the Scourge!"
Muzan eyed the Gesellschaft with restrained annoyance before he cleared his throat." This "Fortress of Doom" is hardly the extent of all I control. It was designed by the people of Argent D'Nur, but built around a core of Maykr technology, originally intended as a base of operations for their Night Sentinel commandos.
Its functions are useful for what's about to come, and unless you want to see firsthand what this fortress specializes in, you will dock the prize into the Fortress's hanger bay precisely as I instruct."
"Er…yah whatever you say boss."
With Tron helping him, the Bonne pirates docked both the Gesellschaft and the still frozen Hague into the space castle. When the ship landed Mahito, Kirinmaru, Kokushibo, and the other demons who survived the battle got out and looked at the other ship from across the Multiverse before the stitch faced demon snickered." Congrats boss-man you showed all those "heroes" who " justice" favors these days eh? So…was expecting a lot cooler ship after all the fuss but guess it's one of those "inner beauty things" eh? Alright so…who do we kill first?"
Mahito saw Muzan glare at him before he tugged his collar." I mean…I know you always get first dibs and all that."
Muzan cracked his neck before he walked up to the lanker demon." Mahito…if you want to live through this day you will precisely follow my instructions. We are not going to kill anyone, not yet."
Mahito saw Kirinmaru and the other demons nod before he raised an eyebrow." Ok…my bad if I heard it wrong but, I thought Homelander and his crazy new buddies want the information the crew of this ship has? And if they are super hardcore about their cause they won't spill unless we torture them right?"
Grimoire Noir snickered before cutting in with," This task is far too delicate for someone so eager to torture fool. The task was to extract the location of their leaders, a task that can not be complete if excessive torture caused them to expire."
"He's right." Muzan added bluntly." We don't know who knows what in this ship…casually killing the person that would reveal the information for us would be…more than a tad counterproductive.
That's why this is far more than a casual interrogation where one hopes to beat the information out of a target, but a more, in depth operation were by the time it's done, are targets will gladly tell us the location of their superiors. After all…it's one thing to withhold information to an enemy, but another to tell a valued comrade.
We will let the "rebels" think they are being freed, and then…after we have all the information needed to sate Mr.V Day and the IV&C, cruel reality will descend on them all."
Mahito snickered before he looked at the leader of the demons." Heh, that does sound way more fun Muzan. Sure, string them along as much as you want. But um…what about Homelander and his Boys?"
"That clown will not be allowed to take my glory from me. We will inform the Vought clan the ship ran off and we are cornering it, and when we extracted the information we will have "found it". I'm almost at where I want to be in life, I won't let any pretender deny me my destiny!"
Teisel saw the raw ambition in the Shadowlord's eyes before he let out an uneasy chuckle." Man oh man you sure are the craftiest guy I worked for sir! No doubt you're going to come out on top of all the others trying to be top dog in the universe mister Shadow Lord! But er…before you go on and do all that would it be ok if we got paid?"
Muzan glared at the space pirate before hissing out," You dare ask for more then what you deserve vermin?"
Tron was unphased by the demon lord's glare before she jabbed a finger at him." Hey, don't try and hustle us that's are thing! We risked getting blown up by all those Bethal agents to get you your ship and we delivered so getting paid what we were hired to do is only fair and square!"
Muzan saw Tron's defiance, and saw the Servebots surround there master before he glanced at Mahito." In any agenda, political, or otherwise, there is a cost to be borne.
Always ask what it is, and who will be paying. If you don't, then the agenda makers will pick up the perfume of your silence like swamp panthers on the scent of blood, and the next thing you know, the person expected to bear the cost will be you.
And you may not have what it takes to pay. Mahito, just what did you offer these pirates to get them to take this job?"
The patch faced demon gave a sheepish shrug." I did promise anyone who would get the job done would be rewarded a fortune as a reward."
Muzan eyed everyone carefully before he shrugged." Fine…as a reward for getting the job done you get to reward these pirates as you see fit. Just make sure it does not interfere with things here understood?"
"Loud and clear Shadow Lord!" Mahito uttered eagerly as he cracked his knuckles. "Have to say man, there were very few folks who responded to the contract. Not many had the guts you had."
Teisel smirked before he puffed up his chest." The Bonne family has clung on in this broken universe because we sniff out whatever it takes to survive and get the job done! And we don't put up with posers! I heard you honor your word so you're not going to be like Mr. Lex Loath and back out on the deal eh?"
Mahito saw that Bon Bonne let out a loud," Babuu!" Before his mecha and the Gesellschaft both had its cannons get out.
As some of the demons expressed outrage Mahito put out a hand and laughed." It's cool man I get it. No one likes getting stiffed. You really want your crew to get paid eh?"
Teisel saw that Mahito looked content before he glanced at Tron and nodded." They are more than my crew, they are my family. I had to do a lot of rough things to keep things going but, not like we had much choice if we wanted to survive. Some choices left a bad taste in my mouth, but we are still alive so it was worth it."
Mahito saw Tron smile before he laughed." Oh wow…real family man eh? You know Teisel Bonne, I was wrong about you. You do have a good head on your shoulders! Guess a father caring about his kid is one of the most basic rules of nature and all that."
"Er...I'm her brother."
"Wait seriously? How old are you?"
"I'm twenty nine! Look I tripped and got caught in some timefall alright? But a brother cares for his sister as much as a father does!"
" True enough man! That's why I'm going to live up to my end of the deal and pay you a fortune, a fortune in dracarys!"
Teisel smirked before he gave a thumbs up." Great! Not sure what world's currency it is but as long as it can be traded for fuel it works for me!"
Tron pressed a few buttons on her monitor before she felt a chill down her spine." T…Teisel… dracarys is a word mostly used from the world of Westeros by the" High Valyrian" race, and it means fire and death!"
Tron had his eye twitch, before he looked around, and saw how cold or amused Mahito and the demons behind him looked before he let out a loud laugh, and slowly reached for his pocket." Don't get to paranoid Tron that…must be a mis-translation of another term. Big universe out there and all eh? I mean…there's no way these fine fellas would think I would just let my family get killed eh?"
He looked right at Mahito before the two men laughed. The patch faced man laughed before he pat Teisel on the shoulder." Oh of course I'm not going to kill your family man! Get me some drinks Elizébet!"
Teisel laughed with relief before he nodded, Mahito then walked up and said," You wanted the cash? Lets talk cash! Just enter the code here and its all good man!"
The man in green armor saw Mahito had him a sphere with some numbers. He looked at it and pressed open, before a hologram came out. After a few moments of static it turned into man with short orange hair in a suit in front of a old microphone that danced for a few seconds before singing out," Never Gonna Give You Up!"
The space pirate saw the man sing for a few moments before he raised a eyebrow." I don't get it, is this guy your accountant or something?"
Mahito facepalmed before throwing out," Man you guys really are thick eh? It's a Rickroll! I found some old recording that said that Rickrolling or a Rickroll is an Internet meme involving the unexpected appearance of the music video for the Earth Prime 1987 song "Never Gonna Give You Up", performed by English singer Rick Astley. You know, just thought you could use a good joke before what happens."
Before Teisel could respond Mahito went up to his ear." Because now you're going to kill them. Idle Transfiguration!"
And tapped Teisel on the shoulder. The pirate instantly started to groan before Mahito licked his lips." I heard you rant about how foolish all those "heros" were the whole trip to Corneria!
But the truth is that you're almost as foolish as those people you call fools yourself fool! After all…you really thought you were just going to walk away from here? no matter how hard you "hustle", in the end no matter what you say or do it does not matter if every moment you talk your annoying to your superiors. And when annoying eyesores no longer have a use this is the only fate you deserve! Nah…you can tear your self's apart, like a family!"
Tron screamed in terror as a large boil formed on her brother's neck. He grasped his head before boils erupted all over his body, and he transformed into a demonic lemming.
As Tron and the Servbots screamed Mahito laughed with sadistic glee." Man…guess the true shape of your soul is a tool! You must have been either truly stupid or truly desperate to not read the room but…play stupid games…win stupid prizes!
You were going to be hunted down by someone or another anyway so really I'm just saving you all the time you would be hunkering down for the rest of your miserable lives so really I expect a thank you as you die!"
Tron saw he brother stagger forward as tears amassed in her eyes." No…Teisel…you can't be gone! Please…fight it!"
Her brother eyed her before his eye twitched and he gurgled out," Tron…run!"
Teisel grasped his head and staggered forward before Bon roared out," BABBU!" And tackled Teisel. Mahito saw the younger Bonne grasp the older one tightly before he laughed." You're not hugging him back to normal you broken little, huh?"
To his shock Bon extended his hand before firing a laser at the demon. Mahito got burned across the face before he had a wild look form in his eyes." Think you can burn me brat? I'm going to rip you apart!"
Mahito had his right fist grow to three time its size before he smashed Bon into the wall. He prepared to rip him apart, till he saw many of the Servbots fire lasers from there Blumebears, Draches, Leopolds and Hornisses mecha, but Mahito 's body kept bending out of the lasers path before he snickered." Your just kids who wanted to play at the adults table, only to realize the hard way you're not even close to being good enough to play with the " big boys."
Tron saw one Servbot after another get sliced apart before her favorite, number 42 tugged Tron hard." Please miss Tron…we have to escape! Master Teisel and Master Bon, and all of us want you to live no matter what!"
Tron saw her brother cough up blood before she cried out," I'm…I'm so sorry!"
Mahito saw Tron serve her mech around to try and dash for the ship before his eyes widened." You think you have enough worth to even be sacrifices? Please…your already in the domain of death. Seriously! Self-Embodiment of Perfection!"
Mahito made a hand gesture before large hands started to form a dome around everyone. Bon saw Tron's process and winced before having his left hand extend, and punch Tron out of the area before it closed. Tron heard Bon cry out one last time and tried to repress her tears as her and the Servbots with her got into her ship.
Mahito saw Bon's defiance before he licked his lips." They programmed you good eh you scrap pile? Don't put so many of your hopes and dreams into your plans, it's so awkward I almost don't know how to react. Well, I mean I'm still killing yah but just trying to get the right idea."
Bon suddenly charged at Mahito and bear hugged the demon. Mahito saw Bon start to glow before he snickered." You trying to take me down with you scrape heap? Joke's over."
Mahito had his arms morph into bladed tentacles and sliced off Bon's arms, only for thrusters around Bon's head to ram right into the demon. Mahito saw Bon's head glow before his eye twitched." Wait…I'm sensing a soul. You're a legit baby and not just a robot? How desperate are you guys?"
Bon just responded with," Babbu!" Before he self-destructed. Tron saw the explosion but used all her willpower to run into the Gesellschaft. Kirinmaru saw the ship start to take off before he cracked his neck." There's nothing left in that vessel that we still require yes?"
"No." Muzan answered flatly." Kirinmaru nodded before his aura exploded." Then learn the price of pointing your gun at your master's you wench!"
The demon had his aura flare up before in a flash he knocked the Gesellschaft hard enough to knock it away from the Doom Fortress before he held his sword back." Die like the worthless curs you are!"
He unleashed a Demonic Energy Blast from his Bakuseiken sword, and hit the Gesellsfaft before it could stabilize. Everyone saw the green ship explode before Muzan knocked the dust off his shoulder and snickered." Now that we wasted enough time taking the trash out, let's get to business. Noir…does Doma and Kenjaku have everything ready?"
"Yes Master." The living book answered as he had an unconscious Nezuko float over in a red sphere." Both rituals are ready to begin, and Barnabas, Anabella and Hugo are being informed that the" Ceremony" will begin soon. The entire planet is ready to devout everything to you ascending to the throne that its your destiny to have."
"Good, then it's time to begin. I'm glad my cunning proved superior, but I want to see Yonan in my true, perfect form. This way, just in case Ezan Zeon shows up even he or Fitter's offspring won't be able to stop me.
The time has come for the true ruler of hell, and the entire universe to ascend to his throne. Prepare the descent to Valisthea and have the mother curse seal crystals prepare to charge to begin the ritual."
Mahito's blasted upper body bounced over to Muzan and gave a thumbs up before the Shadowlord rolled his eyes." And do try and pay attention to everything till this is done yes? We can't afford any surprises."
Mahito saw Muzan and most of the others take out before Mahito let out a weak laugh." No worries boss, all the morons got shown how outclassed they are, so we got this in the bag!"
Killvearn walked up before he groaned." You know anyone who says that just leaves themselves open for a very large amount of misfortune yes?"
"Dude you really had to kill the vibe?"
"My name is Killvearn you know?"
"Touche. Well, at least these idiots got put in their place." He saw Teisel hiss at him before falling over dead before he laughed and stood up with his regenerated legs." Like I said…they were so pathetic someone was going to own them sooner or later, at least I could make a work of art out of it. Oh well, we are done here so who wants drinks?"
Mahito went to get said drinks after thinking he got everything done, but little did he, Muzan, and the rest of the demons realize their work was not as complete as they thought. While the Doom Fortress rippled before sinking through the Scourge. As it did head for Valisthea with the Hague in toe, as it did some of the rubble of the Gesellschaft twitched, before a plane sized red dragon like mech flew out.
From the cock pit, Tron and the Servbots that survived flew the mech out before Tron found her hands trembling as she grasped the control stick tightly." All…all the systems on the Focke-Wulf are working. We, launched before we could get caught in the explosion. I…I'm still alive Teisel. I, AHH!"
Tron broke down sobbing as she realized everyone in her group aside from the handful of Servbots around her is gone before she cried harder. As she cried for a bit her lead servbot looked at the others and nodded before hugging her." Its thanks to them that we are still alive Miss Tron! But…if we are going to keep staying alive we can't stay here! Where…where can we go?"
Tron saw the servebots all look horrified before she hugged them." None of are contacts will dare help us now. The only place left…is a place that still believes in things like mercy, a place with heroes."
The Servebot to her right rubbed his head before muttering," But um…won't they be like, super mad we helped steal their ship? That Megaman seemed really not happy because people he knew were on it."
Tron winced before she looked down." They…they all might hate me but…if they really care about rescuing Roll and the others then I'm still the best choice they got to rescue them in time. It, it's the only shot we have to live by the end of the week. Just, just got to know how to present things in a way that we won't get shot down in sight.
There…emotions are likely all worked up right now so, got to look at things very carefully right now. Have to…survive no matter what. Teisel…Bon…no matter what I will live through this hell of a universe!"
Tron tried to calm herself before going over as much data as possible to figure out how to convince the people she just screwed over not to further screw her over.
As she did, her judgment was right that everyone back on Corneria was either furious or mortified at the state of things.
With the damaged shields letting Timefall rain down on Neo Arcadia, most were doing all they could to prevent more lives from being lost.
While Tigerhawk, Golbez, and all other available magic users tried to use their power to break up the storm as swiftly as possible, by the time they arrived the clouds mutated by chiralium had already rained down on thousands before they realized what happened, causing human bodies and unshielded buildings alike to age in seconds.
While most instantly fled behind buildings the moment they saw others age, as the buildings themselves crumbled many got hit by falling segments. Even though it only took less than ten minutes for the shield to be restored, in that time the entire planet fell to chaos.
By the time Mike's group arrived at the city he saw that the city was nearly a ghost town. Still having to keep his identity a secret even now, Mike and Astra wore military helmets to hide their identities as they tried to do what they could. At the moment Mike used his magic to reduce the weight of a fallen wall, allowing the others to get to those buried.
As Mark, Ratchet and Clank, Shinra, Crash, and a few others helped people out Mike and Shinra saw the front most bystander was a young woman with short pink hair, pink eyes and a thin yet voluptuous build in a dark jumper with eye-like circles on the hoodie, matched with a checker-board patterned scarf to hide her face.
Shinra saw her shocked face before he grinned at her." No need to worry miss, um."
"Inca Kasugatani." The pink haired woman answered bluntly. Shinra was caught off guard by her bluntness before he cleared his throat." Its clear you guys have been through a bad time but don't worry, this will all be,"
"What…over?" Inca curtly cut him off with." The sea of flames? The smell of freshly sprayed blood? I heard that was never supposed to happen here, but you "heros" could not even protect the " garden of eden" without Emperor Auro. Just let me go home."
The woman next to Shinra, a young girl of average height with long, straight dark hair tied into twintails, golden eyes with white pupils similar to Shinra, and a curvy body clad in an oversized bunker jacket that functioned as a dress although with black tights and shoes saw Inca and raised an eyebrow." Hey, wait…you're on are database for suspects! Inca…you're the one who's reported to have been saving people from fires in exchange for their goods?"
Inca did not even try and deny it before she shrugged." Life's expensive, its clear that virtue does not pay the bills so got to do something to insure I'm one step ahead eh? It's not the law that you have to save someone for free."
Mike saw the others behind Inca looking furiously at her before he snickered." Yah but charging asinine rates sure gives bad reviews girl."
"You think I care about being liked? I had little purpose in life and actually wished for myself to spontaneously combust just to feel alive. It's the only control I had over life.
After all, you so called hero's could not even keep the barbarians away and whatever new pets the Vought clan threw out had to take down the Viltrum race."
Mike winced before he looked up." Inca, right? Trust me…you don't want to be on their payroll."
"At least they are honest about things, what can you guys even do other than cling on a little while longer."
Mike saw Crash, Ratchet, Tyson, and the others around him look uneasy before he sighed." Look…miracles don't happen in an instant but, I swear we are working on it ok? Everyone, we might be down but we are not out! Just got to keep things tight so everyone does not know the cards in are hand ok?"
Inca and some of the others behind her looked unconvinced before Astra snickered." Looks like you're going to up your hustle game even more if you want anyone to trust you or your " Brand" by the end of the night "Bosely."
Mike saw Eve, Raymond, and a few more helping people behind him before he sighed." Well, still working on it but hey if you don't believe what you're selling no one will right? Just, better fine the sells pitch soon before all hell breaks lose."
"Yah well keep thinking about that and when you let me know I'll be bailing out some poor trapped saps in the meanwhile."
Mike saw Astra was sincere before he raised an eyebrow." What…you're going to rescue people in the capital of the Bethal Kingdom…for free?"
"Well, I was going to try and charge some but then I saw how much of a asshole this twit looked doing it and figured I'll forget about it. No matter how much I may not be a fan of the Bethal Kingdom, not going to be prideful enough to be a jackass to the innocent folks caught in the crossfire. It's the whole Equalizing thing yah know?"
Astra saw Raymond salute before Mike sighed and she flew up. She looked around and focused on looking around for those trapped in skyscrapers, and heard a girl's voice.
She quickly flew in and heard a girl crying for help past some fire before she cracked her neck." Hang on gal, the nightmare is almost over!"
Before she could run in, a cocky male voice cut in with," Sure got that wrong Astra. Now that this" Garden of Eden" has a reality check the nightmares are just getting started. Though, I reckon who's going to be having the nightmares is yet to be figured out if you get my drift eh?"
Astra turned around to see Higgs casually sitting on a cough. The masked man put a whispering gesture just as the blond woman took out her sword." Now keep your voice down, don't want to scare the poor girl eh?
Ah hell who we kidding there was no girl, just needed something to draw you in so we could chat in private, Equalizer to Equalizer. Just…" borrowed poor Lockne's voice" to get yah here."
"Really not in the mood to talk after your "buddies" are about to screw us all over hardcore!"
"Heh, we have a misunderstanding gal, Muzan Kibutsuji is no pal of mine. That's why I came all the way to the planet that I hate most to give you a heads up. I knew Muzan had big plans but, trying to become a" Devil that would bring order?"
That sure as hell would piss off the old man the most so while he's universe cruising figured I would help pass judgment in his place. So you want to curse me out or want to shut down Muzan in time?"
Astra glared at the gold skull faced man before she spat on the ground." You're the one who delivered Muzan that Sleeve body in the first place right? Why do that just to rat him out?"
"To get enough trust out of him to know where he's hanging out! And on that matter, if you want to bail out your multiverse traveling buddies while they still are in one piece you better tell your amigos to get your ass over to planet Valisthea yesterday."
Astra raised an eyebrow before she muttered," Valisthea? Never even heard of it."
"Heh, that's because it's a "isolated world." That Muzan propped up as a forte planet or something. Your buddies might know it better under its "former" name, the name of Ormus, a big base for the old order of Sithantos when that snake Xehamaru used it as his own base.
After Zannacross went down the Lylat goonies let one tribe on the planet register it back to its "old" name, and when heaven broke the whole world decided being " on the grid" just brought nothing but misery so they threw off all contact, and even reverted to medieval times, which was perfect for Muzan to act as the god of the world. I'm not fooling yah Astra, if he's not there feel free to kill me."
Astra eyed Higgs carefully before she walked right up to him." That would be letting yah off to easy yah hear me? I have friends on the line, so don't think for a second that you can troll me with this."
"Hey I know are methods differ gal but you can bet your pretty ass that I'm big on not letting Muzan's new boss have the last word. Just don't expect this to be easy, Muzan's most likely transformed that spare body into his "Dream" bod by now. Don't expect just a deja vu with Knull's body either. He's grafted all kind's of demon fragments to make him" The Ultimate Icon of Sin.""
"You mean like Zannacross?" Astra spat out." They say Muzan had one of those Curse Seal of Necrocalcous crystals the Zannacross cultists use to use to " Embrace the power of the dark side." You give him that to?"
"Hell no! You know boss man hates all the old school devil stuff and anyone that needs him. Blame the Vought clan for that. He's not anywhere close to your pa's power but, just don't treat him like a joke either at this point.
More or less, careful, contents are fragile. Like the current universe and everything in it. Me, I'm… I'm no exception."
Astra grasped Higgs by the face and narrowed her eyes." Would take you more seriously if you were not dressed up like a damn demon poser yourself Higgs. If your really on my side then tell me something. A while back I had a little run in with your old pal Geto.
He, he said some things that really pissed me off but was not sure if he was just messing with me. Since Makishima is still doing whatever wherever guess I'll ask you.
Higgs…is it true that, that my ma was corrupted or whatever by Geto and I got his whatever in my blood? That he took over my mom, just so he could get, get the devil to give someone that whole Atavism of the Mazoku junk to pump out a Demi-Fiend or something?"
Higgs paused for a moment before he let out a chuckle." Hell Astra, I'm not all seeing. You know your old man kicked out Geto because he was tired of him acting like a smart ass to him. He ranted about how Geto was one of the " assholes who thought he was better than him. So, one way or another it's nothing for you to,"
"Don't tell me what to worry about!" Astra hissed out as she threw Higg's mask off and got right in his face." I'm tired of the damn masks yah hear? If the old man really was pissed off at Geto or Kenjaku or whatever he called himself he would have erased his sorry ass. So what, he let him give birth to a devil child for the lols or what?"
Higgs saw Astra's eye twitch before he gulped." Astra…I been around the boss man for a while but you know more than anyone how big he is on the whole chaos eh?
I do know there's been plenty of things he was too drunk to remember. But, I also know that it's not what you are that makes him see you one way, its your actions. C'mon, you know both of us long enough to know that's no BS right?"
Astra looked conflicted for a moment before Higgs let out a uneasy chuckle." It's OK. It's OK I know it ain't easy wearing a mask all the time. But now the mask can come off, right? Hey, hey, hey, hey. I'm not the only one wearing masks either.
There's your boss man, that woman… And… oh, let's not forget little ol' you. You really think mister "Ultimate Warrior of light." Is going to let you just do your own thing if somehow you stop Sieg?"
Astra paused before she chuckled bitterly." Ezan may be a hardass but at least he you know where he stands."
"I'm not just taking about Ezan and the rest of his Enji pals, but the ones that still hold their leashes. Look, I know we don't have time for games, because let's be real right it's a race, hm? Whoever wins gets to usher in the end of days. Nothing like the eve of extinction to bring focus to the mind.
Makes folks honest. There'll be no need for masks soon. That's why I want to make sure the right side wins the race, and that no one big on order gets to make there joke of a dream everyone else's nightmare."
Astra eyed Higgs before she threw him to the ground. She picked Gorr up and hanged it over his head." I'll agree that it's a race alright, one that I'm a lap behind or so. If I can fine a shortcut, I'll take what I can get to catch up. But like I said before, I'm doing this my own way, no one else's."
"If that's what you want Astra, if you were just a suck up follower, I would not respect yah. Still, hope you're not getting soft for your new teammates. Figured someone like you would not attached to the" heroes."
Astra narrowed her eyes before she shrugged." I do what I have to make do, and it's nice that not everyone I work with might stab me in the back."
"Oh, come on Astra…don't be naïve. Everyone is like that, some just use words instead of daggers or guns, its why your old man hates society all together. Once this is over, when your pa breaks Sieg and his big ass multiverse corporation, then everyone will see that chaos has beaten order once and for all. Then, everyone will accept how it is, or get their ass kicked till they shut up. But."
Higgs heard some shouts in the distance before he winced." But, to wrap things up I think it's time we cut the chitchat and get to more equalizing. Eh, can you do me a favor and kill me? If you kill me here and now it will be make it easier for your cover story and I can sneak out of here later when the heat's down after coming back from the beach."
Astra looked behind her before she raised an eyebrow." You sure?"
"Just make it clean. Don't want to come back with a, GUH!"
Astra punched Higgs in the chest hard enough to hear a cracking noise before she grinned." Oh, don't worry, I'm a professional."
Higgs coughed before he chuckled bitterly." Least I got all the jobs delivered in a day and,"
A second later Astra released a red energy blast that vaporized him entirely. Just as she did, Zero and Axl slid down from the wall behind her before the blond woman flashed a half-lopped smile." Sorry if I made some noise but, was a BT Shade popped out from all that damn Timefall. Sorry, anyone else, one way or another is gone."
Zero looked around before he sighed." X says it should stop soon now that the barrier is up. Damn it, those mavericks are going to pay for this."
Astra took a deep breath before she shrugged." Speaking about that. Reason I hung around is that I caught a call from one of my pals. I might know where Muzan landed."
She saw the two maverick hunters at each other before she rolled her eyes." What…we got any better ideas so far?"
Axl shrugged before he looked around." Well, aside from a mad charge into Homelander's planet he made to look like himself. Still, how you find the location so fast?"
"Hey…Muzan screwed with me, and you don't last in my line of work if you don't know how to strike back hard and fast eh?"
"Well, no time to waste and all. Alright everyone's heading to Outer Heaven anyway. Sure no one's here? Seems like there was a struggle."
Astra looked around and saw Higg's discarded mask was still there before she sighed." Seems like it, but one way or another the struggle's over now."
Zero eyed the room carefully before he sighed." She's right Axl, no life sighs detected, and some footprints lead to out the window. Guess they panicked before the room collapsed. Damn it, centuries of this and still can't stop getting mad."
Astra snorted before she looked up." Glad you have a heart in that tin can then mister "God of Destruction." The only thing to do about it is, hurt those who hurt you faster then they can react to, and hit them hard enough to make sure they don't get back up. At least the ones that want to hit you again the next day. See yah at the briefing room boys."
The blond woman burst out of the building before Axl shrugged." That's Fitter's kid Zero? She's not as nasty as some of the others were saying."
Zero saw the skull mask before he sighed." From what X told me…she's bonded with the Prince and some of the others. Still, we saw how the bond between Ben and Doug came to the breaking point. That being said…seems unlike Doug, she has a grip on what's important so, got to hope she won't change her mind. C'mon."
The inorganic hero's gave one last look before taking off.
Everyone helped rescue people for another hour till they were called to the official capital of the Bethal Kingdom, and the former Lylat Kingdom before it, the White Castle otherwise known as Outer Heaven in its defense mode.
As Mike landed on the castle flying above Neo Arcadia Tyson was with him, and caught his childhood friend's eye." Know it's not the home tour you had in mind dude but hope its at least a sight for sore eyes seeing home again dude."
Mike looked at all the emergency shuttles still flying across the city before he weakly shrugged." Have to get to the places first dude. Everything, up to the food stands are closed because of the barrier breaking. Even if I wanted to sneak somewhere, need something open to sneak into eh? Can't help but feel that if I was on top of things none of this would have happened and that Corneria would not have shut down on my watch. Just…hope the sighs will flip open again at some point."
Before Tyson could answer a calm female voice cut in with," The Lylat System has opened up after the Apocalypse many times now Prince Michale, just leave the reopening to us at the public safety division while you focusing on making sure we can do are work uninterrupted. "
Mike paused to see Makima walk up before he smirked." Guess its best to leave things to the professionals Makima. Thanks for doing your job so well. Hate that it got this bad but at least I can focus on the next step knowing you guys got this handled."
Makima smirked before she flicked her hair out of her eyes." Aion has calculated the best path to recovery. As long as there are not more hidden enemies to root out, it should take within a week to repair the damage. Of course…the psychological damage is another factor but, that's outside even Aion's control.
It's not like this is the first time the planet's been attacked, but, it's the first time without your father here, the first time your mother can't repair the majority of the damage in an instant with her magic. The realization, is causing panic to spread."
Mike winced before he let out a somber nod." Can't do much about that for now, but just got to prove that we can still deliver even, even without them right? Its thanks to gals like you that the lights are still turning on Makima, thanks for all the hard work."
"Oh, it's nothing special. After all, it is my job to keep the public safe and all Mike. I' m more impressed by you."
"Thanks for trying but I know anyone saying I did good is just sucking up. It, It was my job to protect the planet and I blew it. I, I gambled that I could bail Mark out of his clan's control without it coming back to us, but was to stressed out to remember how much Thragg was looking at a excuse to go nuts.
Then, Muzan out hustled the Hague right under my nose. Masaki and everyone else could have gotten back home but waited for our sake. God damn it, gambling on me really is an suckers bet eh?"
Makima saw Mike was struggling to keep it together before she put her hand on his shoulder." Michael, please don't blame yourself. Anyone who thought you had the means to make everything be resolved perfectly just because you're the son of Ben and Lacus were being unreasonable.
You did all you could, when many would not have been surprised if you just wanted to hide. Do you know what Prince Jerry and Prince George have done since their father died?
They buried themselves in drinks and just counted on everyone to avenge their father and grandparents. It's because of their excessive drinking that we have not revealed your survival to them yet to be honest. The point is that, even though you're not someone who excels in fighting and spent most of your life trying to get out of fights, you double down on doing what needed to be done, like a worthy public servant."
Mike saw the sincere look in her eyes before he shrugged." I…never really been a big fan in the violence department. I thought, someone else could do it. But, I saw what Sieg did, what he wants to do, and at the very least want to know I tried to do something about it. Still, actions speak louder then words and right now a plan sure as hell means more then good intentions."
"Still, sincerity goes a long way. Denji the "Chainsaw man" just keeps fighting because he thinks he can date me if he kills enough enemies.
I mean, I may have gave him a impression when we encountered him but well, it was that or kill a demon on the spot so I guess it was mercy? Still…his taste of movies still leaves much to be desired."
Mike chuckled before he nodded." Oh, another dude with no tastes for the noir films? Eh, if we win the one in the million bet this would make one crazy movie."
Makima giggled before nodding." I would not mind watching a film like that. Yet another reason we got to salvage this mess eh? Just remember not to place the burden entirely on your shoulders Mike, only by everyone focusing on what they can do can we survive this."
Mike smiled, and Makima was about to say more before she heard shouting to the right and stiffened." Alas, some that assume to much about themselves bring nothing but misery in their wake, like that rouge comrade of yours it seems."
The group looked to the right and saw Billy Butcher, now shackled, being escorted by a few guards. Ezan, Johnny Sliverhand, Takeshi Kovacs, and a few others as Butcher snarled out," Let me go you idiots! Your just jealous that I'm better at getting the job done then you pretty boy!"
"I'm several centuries' years older than you at this point Butcher."
"Don't mean much if you still have the mindset of a boy who gets squeamish doing what yah need to do to get the job done mate! Honor died with heaven " Warrior of light," No price for getting your hands dirty other then you not having the guts to do it! Cause are enemies sure as hell don't hesitate."
Johnny rubbed his eyes before looking at the man he called a friend." Yah but enemies are one thing, backstabbing a crewmate is another Billy! The Tick might have been as smooth as sandpaper but his heart was in the right place. You had no right to sell him out like that, its as bad as when Alt was betrayed to Toshiro Harada because his body guard Akira thought we were just pawns to get to the old man! If we act like those monsters Billy we already lost."
Billy chuckled darkly before he looked down." Damn it Johnny, Altiera Cunningham is always taking up room in your head eh? You really want to lecture me about morals when your only standing in front of us because after Adam Smasher watched your mind get caught up in that Soul Killer program had your consciousness scanned and stored on an engram before that sap "V" by mistake uploaded your mind into her head and you hustled her into letting you have her body!"
"Hey that was her choice Billy!"
"Sure it was mate, or more like you told yourself that to sleep better eh rockstar? And I guess it's the same with Quellcrist Falconer for you eh Kovacs? You're just like the Enji, going by a code for your woman's ghost.
But that code's not worth a damn, only results is! Who cares if we become worst monsters as long as we are still alive, and the blokes are dead as a doornail? It will only stop when every last, GUH!"
Ezan had more lighting discharge into Billy before he grasped his fist tightly." It will only stop when the cycle of violence stops…not when the most brutal beast butchers everything else in its sight.
I have no time to humor another person who thinks he's the sole manifestation of justice. I have to know just what other antics you been up to in your quest for revenge, but we have priorities so I hope Fortress Maximas can still hold criminals Primal."
"I think we can find the room." The leader of the maximals bitterly answered before he turned to a half human half manta ray transmetal commando next to him." Keep as tight a watch as you did to Rampage on colony Omicron Depth Charge. He may be a "Normal" human but he's a crafty one."
"Crafty's just how I like to play Primal, he's not going anywhere."
As Depth Charge took Billy, Inca, and a few others away to be locked up Ezan sighed." I don't need my Sharingan to tell how close to the breaking point this city, if not the entire universe is. We need to ensure the planet is stable, but then we have to move, even if it's on Arasaka Tower and the rest of Mekacity."
Before Mike could response a snort cut in followed by," Thankfully we don't have to go there, because I think I know where Muzan went."
Everyone saw Astra, Raymond, and a few others walk up before Ezan answered with a blunt," You know for sure?"
"I can't call him on the phone right now but I'd say unless you know something I don't I heard he went to some off the grid world called Valisthea."
Ezan's eyes instantly widened in shock before Astra raised an eyebrow." What…you been there? That's not your home world is it?"
"No Astra, but it's a world all of us "Vets" of the cosmic war are quite familiar with." James uttered as he once more emerged from his Holocron. The former member of Squad 7 saw everyone look at him before he sighed." It may be called Vasistha now, but when we first joined Enji its name was Ormus, and it was the world that was the headquarters of Sithantos, and the base of operations of the fallen Enji Xehamaru, our first major enemy was posing to be Havoc Drashid, Patriarch of the order before Master Myers exposed him and he took over the order under his true name.
After Xehamaru fell, the Zannacross Empire emerged official and focus went to the world of Vandalgyon, and Ormus was mostly an afterthought. The planet was occupied, but after Zannacross was defeated it was returned to its people, hence it reverting to the name of Vasistha.
For a few years there was progress in relations but when heaven was shattered, we were overwhelmed and the planet took an isolationist stance as the various nations devolved into infighting, I admit the planet was all but forgotten.
Clearly, Muzan took advantage of that to make the world his personal fortress planet. It makes sense, even though we secured the planet, Ormus, as the public front of the Zannacross Empire would have plenty of research from Xehamaru and others for Muzan to use."
Ezan nodded before his eyes hardened." The planet could very well be entirely configured to serve Muzan, but it just means that we have to proceed as carefully as possible. Failure is not an option. Still, it seems its time to correct your mistakes once and for all James."
The holographic Enji Master winced before he looked up." I will do all I can to atone for my mistakes, it's the least I can do."
Before anyone could say more a younger voice then cut in with," If your sincere myself Master Elrond, then please, I can't wait any longer!"
Everyone saw an anxious Tanjiro walk up with Weiss and Kaine. Mike saw Tanjiro grasping his chest before he winced." Hey man, you finished healing?"
"I'm healed enough to know I need answers more than spells right now! I knew from the start that there was a lot I was not aware of in the universe, but now not knowing has directly related to my sister being taken from me! What is all of this about Gestalt experiments? How, how am I a clone of Muzan? What does this all mean? Am I and my family nothing but toys!?"
James sighed before he looked down." Tanjiro, you and your entire family are no "counterfeits". I did not mean to mislead you, it just, with all that was going on it seemed not important. But, that was clearly my miscalculation so I' will do what I can to amend that. You are a human, just, your origins have a artificial root to them, the body at least.
Gestalt…means the essence or shape of an entity's complete form in German, one of the old languages from Earth Prime. The project was made to was initiated in an attempt to save humanity from the incurable White Chlorination Syndrome, Timefall, and all the other problems that beseeched the universe after the Forth Impact broke heaven.
It was a way to experiment on people and insure they could be revived if the experiment failed more or less. The soulless Replicant bodies were created from human genetic data, and their corresponding souls became Gestalts. This process was made possible through the success of the Original Gestalt, which was Muzan" Neir" Kibutsuji.
You see, on my world of Krakoa, many were getting ill and I admit it impaired my judgment and pushed me to make decisions I would have called to extreme in the past. Muzan, was more ill than most.
Before he was even born, his heart stopped multiple times in his mother's womb, and when he first entered the world, he was deemed stillborn, having no pulse and not breathing. When he was taken to be cremated, he escaped death by releasing his first cries.
Even then, throughout his young life, he struggled with illnesses and that led to his thanatophobia. As a young man, Muzan was diagnosed with a disease that would kill him before he reached the age of twenty.
Nothing seemed to work, and he was a bitter about " god cursing him from the moment he was born. The only one he was really pleasant around was his younger sister Yonah.
She was in sightly better health but also ill, and the two kept each other going. Muzan agreed to take the special treatment on his sister's behalf, but when Yonah took the treatment, and went into a coma, Muzan went ballistic.
From there, one of my assistants have Muzan react to a potion with the Blue Spider Lady flower. It seemed to react to Muzan, and cause his X gene to awaken.
It seems that the scientist also had Muzan react to Grimoire Noir, and the two formed a bond. I, thought Muzan was dead and lamented I could not convince him. But the blood he gave did help the research.
On the planet we dubbed Endless Illusion, on its Kattelox Island, the experiment continued.
All of this, was to see if we could in time evolve the universe so that they would no longer have to worry about so much of the things plaguing it. It was desperate yes, but we have been desperate to figure out how to fix things. But, there was a error. an unforeseen error occurred during the separation process for the rest of humanity.
It is postulated by Devola and Popola that researchers failed to account for the Original Gestalt's own genetic instability, meaning other Gestalts made following the Original Gestalt's data were also corrupted.
Adding to that oversight was the Replicants' unexpected self-awareness, which caused them to reject their Gestalts.
This effect is known as a relapse, which causes Gestalts to lose their sapience and become hostile, and causes the Black Scrawl on their Replicants. In essence, it makes them more prone for the BT shades to be drawn to them.
We realized as things progressed that the experiment would never work as intended, so we did what was needed to transition to the most humane option."
Tanjiro looked at himself before he grasped his hand." So, was my life a lie? Was it all just a test, a failed test at that?"
Before James could respond a female voice cut in with," No, you and your family are not pets or lab rats Tanjiro, they never were."
Tanjiro was shocked to see none other than Devola and Popola walk up. He saw the twin red haired woman that acted as mayor of his hometown before he widened his eyes." Devola….Popopla? What, what are you doing here?"
"Master Elrond contacted us and said that Muzan might be a threat so we came to bring all the data we had on him. It was a long trip but it went smoothly, thanks to Giyu being a good body guard."
Everyone saw the demon slayer that first met everyone when they arrived at Endless Illusion before Tanjiro looked at him in shock." Sir Tomioka? You came here as well? Its like, you all were expecting Muzan to do what he did!"
Giyu grasped his sword bitterly before he sighed." We figured he would act, just not this soon. But I guess we all underestimated how much of a shadow the Vought Clan has over the rest of the universe, it made someone as detached as Muzan become desperate. We, just can't afford to be as desperate if we want to stop him in time."
Popola sighed before she grasped her staff tightly." We knew if Muzan found what could at last awaken his sister he would not stop at anything, but hoped he would not put it together."
Weiss saw Tanjiro's shocked look before the book hissed out," By my pages, you two knew the truth as well and kept it from the lad the entire time?"
Devola cleared her throat before looking down." Oh right, you forgot. Well, to be honest, we kind of been watching over the village since Endless Illusion was created.
We are really androids, and were built as a result of the initial experiments of the project, and have thus been charged with keeping eye on other experiments as a result: namely over those who would live on Endless Illusion. Are, original purpose was to provide support when the day that Gestalts were to return to the Replicants' vessels.
They were tasked with extracting data from Gestalts' souls, making new Replicants' bodies, and returning a dead Replicant's data to its Gestalt.
But when we all realized the experiment was not going to work, we just wanted to make sure everyone could live in peace, as much peace as the current universe would allow. We, we knew Nezuko was the reincarnation of Yonah, but she was not a perfect reincarnation, the hair and all, so we thought Muzan would dismiss it.
But, we underestimated how badly he wanted to bring his sister back. Tanjiro, please forgive us. I know we should have told you from the start but we just did not think telling you the truth would do anything but add to your grief after just dealing with the lost of your family.
We want to help make this right though. We have all the data on Muzan, you, and your sister. Also with us is lady Tamayo, a woman who's spent nearly as long as us working to undue Muzan's ambitions."
She motioned to the right before a new woman walked up past Giyu. She was a petite young woman with long, dark brown hair, parted in the center and worn braided back into a large, low bun, which was held in place by a floral tama-kanzashi hairpin.
She had large, gentle eyes that initially did not seem to possess pupils, only a haze of lavender that faded to dark purple the higher it got, and notably red lips in contrast to her pale complexion.
The woman wore a dark purple medium-lengthed hōmongi kimono that is decorated with wavy pale purple tree branches and red flowers, and a cream-colored taiko musubi obi to secure it around her waist, as well as plain white socks and violet zōri sandals.
Tanjiro saw her smile at him before he widened his eyes." Wait…you were the doctor at the village! Your scent, it, its almost like a demon but not quite."
"That's because I almost was a minion of Muzan, but overcame it Tanjiro. I am Tamayo, and I was the first person Muzan turned into a demon. Like Muzan, I to fell ill with a life-threatening disease at the age of nineteen and began seeking a cure, which is how I first came across him. Hiding his true intentions, Muzan offered to treat my's illness; when I naively accepted.
He swiftly transformed me into a demon and left me to run rampant around the town. I…I killed not only her husband and children while on this rampage, but also a number of other innocent lives. After the realization of what I had done to my family, I fell into a void of despair and was too broken to resist Muzan.
But, after a while we encountered a warrior of light, or demon slayer or whatever named Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Muzan overestimated his own power, and Yoriichi not only was able to avoid Muzan's attacks up close but completely overpowered him in an instant, slicing the "Shadowlord" into several pieces before he could react.
Muzan realized he was going to die, and fled by scattering himself to hundreds of pieces, which still prove to be close due to Yoriichi's speed, suddenly, I realized that I was not dead after cheering in happiness due to Yoriichi causing Muzan to expend so much power to escape, his curse failed to kill me.
As Yoriichi sheathed his blade to spare Tamayo, I told him everything I knew and that's how I met Master Elrond. "
James smiled with pride before adding," She truly wanted to atone so I helped her. She fought her internal instincts and refused to attack humans, despite all the pain she felt.
A period of time elapses, so Tamayo regained her sanity and proceeded to set up a life in which she could study the biology of demons and seek a cure. It took two hundred years of study, but Tamayo became capable enough with medicine to modify her body so that she can function without eating humans."
Tamayo smiled before saying," It took many mistakes, but I have found a way to reverse Muzan's "Curse." It has worked with my understudy Yushiro. But don't take my word for it, see for myself."
Everyone saw Yushiro walk up next to her. He had the appearance of a young man of short stature and average build with pale skin and lavender purple eyes. He had short hair that was neatly styled and vertically shaded from a dull and light green to black.
He was dressed with a button-up collared shirt under an all-white iromuji-haori and dark blue Seigo-Sendeihira styled hakama pants.
Tanjiro saw Yushiro and widened his eyes." So, he was once a demon and you helped him? So, we really can unravel Muzan and help my sister?"
"If I can be saved so can your sister." Yushiro uttered bluntly." I never met Muzan, but from what lady Tamayo told me, despite his love for his sister he's clearly clung on to life too long. Someone who never gives to others will someday become unable to receive anything from them.
Only wanting is, in the end, the same as having nothing... because one is unable to create anything. Such a pity to die alone, but it's what he deserves. That's why I wish to take part in this mission. I might be able to fool Muzan's forces and help you get to him and your sister in time."
Devola nodded before adding," It took so long because the serum has to be a match for Muzan's DNA. I admit, if he succeeds in " sacrificing" Nezuko to revive Yonan, I'm not sure if she can still be saved if she is, overwritten. All the more reason to hurry yes? Sorry it took so long to get this all together."
Tanjiro saw everyone looked determined before he took a deep breath." Everyone, thank you for going to such lengths to want to help Nezuko. I know, in the grand scheme of things she's unimportant but to me, she is the universe!"
Mike smirked before he patted Tanjiro on the back." Hey man she is one of us and we don't just leave one in are group out to dry eh? I mean, we kind of have to shut Muzan's gig down hard and fast anyway so might as well make sure no one else goes down because of him ever again. He may have pulled a fast one on us but, he's about to learn he overplayed his hand."
Ezan paused before he cleared his throat." Don't underestimate him after he realize outwitted us so far Mike. If he really recreated the Curse Seal of Necrocalcous, then we have no idea what other aspects of the Zannacross Empire he recreated.
But he's clearly no fool, he would not make an attempt to overtake control of the universe from everyone unless he thought he had enough power to do it. Still, I can't help but feel nostalgic for what's to come, it will "be just like old times."
James nodded before he crossed his arms." Muzan is so fanatical about becoming death he forgot that succeeding in "becoming the new devil" will just make him share the fate of the last one to take the spot to sit on hell's throne. For the sake of everything there is, it's a destiny he won't escape."
As those around him looked more encouraged a new woman voice cut in with a blunt," But, in the end you failed that destiny, along with all of the hero's right Master Elrond?"
Everyone saw that the person who said that was Bria, who was surrounded by Ringo, Figue, and many of the others. Everyone tensed up as they saw the queen of the Betha Kingdom looked even more agitated than before as she saw everyone looking at her and shrugged." I won't begin to act like I understand things from the old wars, but all I know is that all of you have been giving promises you cannot keep for a long time now. After you failed to keep things together today, how can you promise that things will go well with this plan of yours? How do we know the moment you don't all leave that tacky robot won't blow up are planet next!?"
Ezan sighed before walking up." I understand the impression the Zeo Getter Emperor Zord gave but, the reality is I can easily destroy it, and Shinryudramon and at least a few others can stop it before it could fire on Corneria."
"Are you sure!?" Bria spat back." What if they have another one of those things to fire on us while the others distract you!?"
As Mike, James and some of the others looked conflicted Ezan eyed Bria with a detached look." Nothing is absolute, but based on all the information we have the means to victory are within our grasp as long as we have the resolve to grasp it.
With everything that's at stake we can't afford to cower in fear now. I assure you, doing nothing will only ensure that things only get worst from us. So just stick to your role "Queen Bria" and we will do ours."
Bria giggled darkly before responding with," Your right Ezan, I'm just a pretty little face that's only good for moral and parties. But you know why that's how it is? Because that's the only thing I was good at, because it was the only skill I had to learn growing up.
I mean...droids and magic take care of so many things that people use to make careers out of that mattered was being a soldier or some sort of protector, the only thing left was to be a good party girl.
I mean sure the Bethal Kingdom like the Lylat Kingdom before it tried to pass laws to let artists and all the "creative types" keep being able to make something out of there passions, but most across the universe are to stressed out to risk any kind of artist's work in person.
In the " Good old days" of the Lylat Kingdom sure, artists could still sell there work to people from other worlds. But since we been on lockdown for so long no one has the will to pay attention to anything nonessential and just have their droids do any of that kind of thing to make something without having to trust anyone.
So, all that's left is for the pretty people to make everyone happy being all charming and graceful and beautiful to get everyone to forget how much life sucks. It worked for my husband, long as I made him happy when he was back from a mission.
And, was better than getting killed so worked for me. After all, the deal was they do the fighting, we make them happy and it all goes around.
But, that was under the promise that you could keep us safe! My husband promised everything was going to be ok and he just had to clean up another mess his careless brother made because that's just how things worked, till they did not work.
Don't misunderstand, I loved him and his parents, but in the end, the facts are that the things they promised failed to do. And I know Mike and all of you tried your best, but you still failed to keep your promise to! So how am I supposed to have faith in any of your ideas!?"
Ezan saw Mike looked tense before he took a deep breath." I won't lie to you, any promise about an absolute insurance of victory would be a lie.
No matter what tricks Muzan resorts to I'm confidant we can beat him but after everything that's happened, I won't promise anything. I realize that's not what you want to hear, but you must do anything that it will take to get over it because that's the blunt reality. Well, anything that won't incapacitate your duties."
Bria snickered before snapping back with," Just shut up and grit it? That might work for you soldiers but if you don't want the people your protecting to just flee anywhere you better have something I can tell them! Is this last-ditch effort even based on anything other then a hunch?"
Before Ezan could respond a course female voice cut in with," Don't trip over your dress queeny its more then just a hutch, cause I just confirmed it!"
Everyone saw Astra and some of the others walk up, and Mike saw the blond woman's confidence before he chuckled." I heard you're the one who figured out where all the demons are hiding out eh Astra? It was, more then just someone who owned you a favor eh?"
"Well, it was at first but now its more then one." Astra smugly replied." After I told everyone what I found out, we realized if there was anyone on Vasistha that could prove it, and there was."
James was one of the many shocked before he retorted with," Really? I'll take the lucky break but I thought Vasistha had been forcefully isolated after being consumed by the Scourge?"
"Yah, but things always fall through the cracks, or in this case people. Remember right before I thought Bob and he made me fight a bunch of other s, er, "contestants" from other worlds?
I know I owned them quick but one of the teams was from Vasistha! It was the guy who turned into Ifrit, and lucky for us they lived through the invasion so I asked them and, well they are more then happy to have there home get bumped up on the priority list. But don't take my word for it, ask them yourself."
Everyone saw Kisara and Dohalim walk up, and Shionne and Rinwell, who had been with Mike got excited before Rinwell cried out," You guys are ok!"
Kisara hugged the younger woman before nodding," It was close, some demon's attacked us but thankfully reinforcements caused them to retreat before we could get surrounded. I'm so glad you two have made it through this madness."
Shionne smirked before nodding," That's because I'm to pissed off to let these jackasses kill me. Guess I united with all these people that had the same idea as mine to help improve the odds too. Seems like you two did the same."
Dohalim nodded before he looked behind him." Since we left you we got to know the other worlds that were taken over by the Poseidal clan like Nolan. We, tried to help people escape being taken over by the Vought Clan.
I'll explain more later but what matters to the issue at hand is that we got to know the refugees from Vaistha, most of all Prince Clive Rosfield. I'll let him explain from here."
Everyone saw Clive, Jill Warrick and Joshua walk up. Clive saw everyone looking at him before he cracked his neck." I heard my people suddenly became more important to all of you?"
Mike let out a uneasy chuckle before shrugging," Sounds like a lot more is going on than we figured. So, word is that Muzan, or the Shadowlord is holding up on your planet?"
Clive looked down before letting out a bitter," I never met this Muzan before, at least I thought I did not, but demons have made our world there plaything. I am the firstborn son of the Duke of Rosaria.
Joshua is my brother, and Jill is my long time friend, and we met because she's a former princess of the now-destroyed Northern Territories, and she originally lived with us in Rosaria as a political hostage.
The short version is I spent most of my life training as a swordsman and to become the First Shield to my brother Joshua, who inherited the Phoenix's power, a being we call Eikon's that I heard many of you call summon beasts.
I trained hard to bring honor to my nation, but it was never enough for my mother, Anabella Rosfield. She was the Duchess of Rosaria through a cousin marriage to Elwin Rosefield, my father.
While she loves Joshua dearly, she despises me for not being chosen by the Phoenix. She thought my father was "to weak" so to "preserve her bloodline and nobility, she allied with our rival nation Sanbreque and betrayed Rosaria to them, and did not hesitate to have us all enslaved.
We were sold to fight, and were sent to fight you all, and the one who put us there was a man who match's what you described as this Muzan.
I had seen this Muzan give advice to my mother, and the leaders of the other nations of are world like Hugo Kupka and Barnabas Tharmr like he was there master. The darkness of are land, the same scent comes from him. So, I think are enemies are the same."
Ezan saw Clive's passion before he nodded." I'd say enough match's to go with this."
Ratchet smirked before he grabbed his Omni-Wrench." This planet's tech is like medieval level right? Then it should be like, easier to sneak into a world with no tech than it was on Dahna. Reminds me of how we snuck into the Cragmite home planet eh buddy? At least Quark won't screw this one up."
Raymond paused before he shrugged at the Lombax." Don't be so sure. I think I heard some of my pals at Lawrence Logistics wanted to find the "Lost planet" but could not because that region of space was covered entirely by the Scourge. He won't need a fleet if no ship can get to it without blowing up!"
Tyson paused before responding with," The dude clearly is able to get past it though, and if he moves cargo bigger then himself it can't just be with a warp spell."
Primal saw the tension before the Maximal walked up." We been working on a ship, the Axalon, that's a stealth ship meant to fly through the Scourge. We will do all we can to help."
Rattrap winced before rubbing his head." Just when I thought we were not all going to die you have to throw us into the fire fearless leader? Ugh…I better get one massive medal for this."
Clive nodded before he looked around." I'm not use to technology but, I'll recount how we left are world if it will help. I'll do anything I can to free are people."
Mike looked around before he smirked." Well then looks like we got a game plan eh people? Might not be the best odds but I bet on worst."
Bria saw Mike's confidence before she narrowed her eyes." After all this you still are treating this like another bet Mike? When are you going to take things seriously?"
Mike had his eye twitch before he looked down." Bria, gambling is no joke to me. I can act like it's something else but, calling it destiny or fate would just be jinxing myself so, just trying to be real here."
Mike saw his sister in law's bitterness before he looked around." Hey guys, I know how urgent things are but, think we have time for me to have a bit of private family talk? I just feel, there are things I want to go over without slowing things down."
James saw Mike's sorrowful eyes before he nodded." I understand completely Mike, don't have any regrets."
Ezan saw his longtime friend look at him before he nodded." Understood. We will finalize things and let you know when it's figured out. Follow me."
As most of the group followed Ezan, Bria saw a few like Tyson and Astra wait at the end of the hall before she raised an eyebrow." What is this? You did not want to be seen yelling at me in public? Don't expect me to apologize after all you did Mike, based on all you have done this is me holding back."
Mike shocked the blonde woman by just letting out a sorrowful chuckle." After all I did to come off as a dumbass smuck, I'm more shocked then anyone that people have not sold me out to try and get a good word with the "New boss" yah know?
Good thing everyone's too horrified of our enemies to trust them, right? What to wish I was never born? That I disgraced the family? C'mon, got something to tell me that I have not been telling myself for weeks cause I would not mind if my own thoughts got new material."
Mike saw how shocked Bria looked at his own self-depravity before his grin faded." Alright, long past the point of jokes. Look Bria. I'm not saying I feel worst then you feel but, I have not stopped feeling like crap since I was thawed out of carbonite.
But you really think crying all the time is going to help moral? I'm trying to act like, ten times more confident than I feel because I know that doing everything I can to the very last moment, do or die, is the only way I can even come close to making up for screwing things up so badly.
With how much is on the line of this mission, this is, we can't operate at a higher level without consistency. Just tell me this Bria, did you ever not hate me?
Back in the "normal times" you were always pissed off I was not like Richard, and now your pissed off I am trying to act like him so it's really giving off damned if I do damned if I don't vibes here."
Mike saw his sister in law's shock at his blunt question before she sighed." I understand why your parents raised you like they did, I even understand why you wanted to prove you were your own person Mike.
Its…it's just one thing to make a fool out of yourself, but to hurt everyone else because you're trying to prove something? I heard you held your own, but the fact is that without the others you would not have lasted ten seconds. If you really want to help then why are you trying to be something your not? Its not your destiny like your parents to fight."
Mike saw Bria was trying to meet him halfway before he looked down at his hands." Well for one I still can't publicly show my face without dooming the entire universe but, still, your right Bria.
I like to think I leveled up my job class at least a little since this whole nightmare started, but I think the only opponent I really beat on my own was a fat man with a large stick and a glitching bureaucratic unit that modded some guns on it.
No chosen blade came to me to help save the multiverse, I'm not the savior that's fated to be the leader of the Multiversal Rebel Alliance, and all I'm really doing is being support for the others.
But, if it kept them alive then at least I'm not being total deadweight. I know Richard or dad and mom would be able to do a lot more, but if its my fault they can't be here, I at least have to add something helpful or die trying right? Before I go, there is one thing I have to know. Did, did Richard hate me? Did he think I was just a pain in the ass who dragged him down?"
Bria saw the curly haired man looked truly conflicted before she looked conflicted herself." He, your, your brother did not hate you Mike. He, he just felt that you were making bad choices and that was sad that you seemed to be all over the place, and that the chaos in your heart was affecting everyone. He, was going to help but, well, you know how that turned out."
Mike winced as he used all of his will power to not lose his composure, though he grit his teeth before he nodded." Richard always called me out on my BS, though I got annoyed he had plenty of gripes but no solution.
But in the end I guess I could just be mad that I had no idea myself what to do with my life, or at least how to feel like I was really alive and not just weighting down the family.
But Richard, kept trying. I'm just mad I called him a addict, a addict to heroism and glory. Really, really did not think that was going to be the last thing I said to him.
It was just something I use to say when he said I was a gamble addict. My brother and I, we would cook a lot together, especially when we were kids. Then we would just shrug it off and play a game or two together. At least in the video games I would get a few wins over him. You know, that's-that's when we were closest, when we were yelling at each other. That, and when we were cooking with each other.
You know, did he tell you how we use to talk about opening a restaurant together? Like, a way to expand the family brand in a way that was less imposing than the army of god and all that?
Cooking, was something we could do together, got me the idea of having a restaurant big enough for everyone to come together and laugh off all the problems. Sort of like the " Restaurant at the end of the universe" but bigger and for kids, for everyone really.
Um, we had a name, we had a vibe, all of it. Guess you're the only one that gets it more then me but, Richard could make you feel confident in yourself. You know, like, when I was a kid, if I was nervous, I was scared, I wouldn't wanna do something, he'd always tell me to just face it.
You know, get it over with. He would always say, um...something like, "Let it rip bro." He was loud. And he was hilarious. And he had this amazing ability. He could just, he could walk into a room, and he could take the temperature of it instantly. You know, he could just, he could dial it.
And, um... I'm not built like that, no matter what my parents hoped for. I, um... I, um... I didn't have a lot of friends growing up."
Mike saw Tyson in the distance and snickered bitterly," At least not ones that were around enough to make hanging out more then a holiday treat.
I guess its a no brainer to you I'm sure, but I guess but just saying, I had a, a stutter when I was a kid. I was scared to speak half the time, dad and mom were always stressing out about one planet or another, one race calling it quits on them and all that so, aside from the droid nannies.
Did, did he tell you why things got bad between us?"
Bria paused before she looked down." He just said you were getting harder to over look and that he wished you grew up already. I think, after Doug caused the Nahobino to appear and the Vought clan and the others got more and more aggressive with there clone crap it was starting to really feel like hell."
Mike paused before he nodded." Dad always seemed to be pained to have to do anything with me, in Richard he saw the best parts of himself but I heard ma say that he reminds me of all the stuff he wanted to change about himself. That's why Richard was the one I could count on the most.
I always thought my brother was my best friend. Like, like, we just knew everything about each other. Except... everybody thought he was their best friend. You know, he was that he was that magnetic.
As we got older, I-I realized I didn't know anything about him... really. He stopped letting me spar with him a couple years ago. He just cut me off cold. And that, um... that hurt, you know. And I think that just, that flipped a switch in me where I was like, "Well if you're just jumping on dad's side then I'll show all of yah!"
And a couple years later, this funny thing happened which is like... for the first time in my life I-I started to find this, uh, this station for myself. And I was fast. I wasn't afraid.
And it was clear, and I-I felt... I felt okay, you know. I started making lies to get things to work, and even if it only lasted long enough to get someone to trade the thing I, and the family needed then I thought that was all that mattered.
I felt like I could speak through the food, and the gambles, and the con deals, like I could communicate through creativity. And that kind of confidence, you know, like I was finally... I wa... I was good at something, that was so new, and that was so exciting and I just wanted him to know that and, damn , I just wanted him to be like, "Good job!" And if he did then maybe dad would say it to!
And the more he wouldn't respond, and the more our relationship... kinda strained, the deeper into this I went and the better I got. And the more people I cut out, the quieter my life got.
And the routine of the hustle was so...consistent and exacting and busy and hard and alive, and I lost track of time and he died, and mom, and dad, and cousin Max, and so many others have all died.
Maybe Sieg would have invaded anyway but, at least we could have fought together as a family, but because of me we can't. Even, even without Sieg there still would be this sky consuming bear like grief that I have to keep running away from or it will devour my mind Bria.
On the weekends it's a Wookie, on Monday it's a Yoshi, on a Tuesday it's a wolf, on Thursday it's a dragon but the point is I had to keep running before it rips me apart from the inside. That, that's why I can't stop Bria. Only when the universe is not broken will I even begin to forgive myself to allow myself to stop."
Bria saw how haunted her brother in law looked before she winced." I know, you feel you have to fight because it's the only way to atone, but, is it really the only way to fight? To fight to get these "Multiverse" alliance members to take you to their leader so you can get enough rebels to stop Sieg? Its just…your parents were already supposed to have won the ultimate battle between good and evil, the war to end all wars.
But then Doug ruined everything, and now somehow this ultimate cosmic war is now just nothing compared to this, Omega multiversal cosmic war or whatever. When, when will it stop? What did all the fighting even do but just make things worst?"
Mike chuckled bitterly before looking around." I mean, we would not have been born if my old man did not stop Zannacross right? I, I have to believe that was worth something. That's why, I have to stop Muzan, Homelander, and everyone else to somehow make a last stand on Sieg that people will feel is not a sucker's bet. That's why, guess I should get going."
Bria saw Mike looked confident before she nodded." Well, if nothing else I can see you know what you want to do. That, that's more than I can say about myself. Just, just don't lose sight of things, ok?"
"Don't worry about that." Mike uttered as he put on another half-lopped smile." Ezan's leading this mission and his eyes see things really damn well.
Heh, if I can pull this off, think I would have done enough to become an Enji Knight like my old man? Well, guess there would have to have been an Enji order for that to be a thing."
As Bria figured out what to say another strained voice cut in with," Regardless of the state of the order, you are a warrior of light like your father before you prince Auro." The two turned to see none other than Abdiel, with her wing broken before she staggered up.
The Archangel saw everyone's shock before she sighed." My apologies for being gone so long, a Viltrumite uppercut me into the moon when my guard was down. I'm, disgraced at my own weakness, but I have faith that you all can overcome the forces of darkness Muzan is amassing.
No matter how many relics of the Zannacross Empire he gathers, he will never be the true god of darkness. Still, you must stop him before he crushes the last hope this universe has."
"Guess that's my cue." Mike answered sheepishly." Just, keep a look out for anything while we are gone ok?"
Makima giggled before she put her hand on Mike's shoulder." Don't worry, I'll take my job seriously to the end Mike, just do the same. With Shinryudramon and the others, even if that planet busting mecha comes here we, should be able to fend them off. Just, focus on what you have to do."
"Thanks Makima. If nothing else, I want to see this done so we can see that movie. Alright, I'll see you guys when we get back, and we will get back."
Mike ran off down the hall before Astra saw Mike's eyes and snickered." So that Makima chick is your girlfriend or something Mikey?"
The curly haired man saw Astra looked more amused than anything before he rolled his eyes." Seriously? She's just someone I have known for a while who shares the same taste in movies and food and a few other things."
Tyson shrugged before adding," I don't know dude you two have been buddy buddy since the first time I met you so sure as hell seems more than a casual friendly employee of your folks."
Mike paused before shrugging," I mean, yah we are friends, but not like its anything more."
"I don't know "Prince." Astra retorted." That look she's giving you sure seems like more then just a friend."
"Wait seriously?"
"Oh my god you feel for it! "Your poker face sucks dude I totally called it! Eh, guess it makes sense."
"Hey, don't act like you know it all! What, your jealous?"
"You want me to throw you into the mouth of the next demon we see? Just wondered who still was important to you. Alright let's get this going."
"That's right!" A new voice cut in, as everyone looked and saw Van was the one who said it." This new planet, a planet all about death sounds right where the Claw would be!"
Astra eyed the man in the hat and tuxedo in confusion before she raised an eyebrow." Dude where the hell did you go? Thought you were on the Hague with the others at this point!"
"Er…sorry…tried to fight one of the Viltrumite's but they punched Daan through an asteroid, the Gundam's just pulled me out just a few hours ago. You guys sure drag me through a lot of crap, but it's worth it if I can finally corner that clawed bastard."
Tyson saw how driven Van looked before he cleared his throat." I know I should have asked earlier but who the hell is this claw dude again? I mean, there are a lot of jackasses with claws running around the universe these days dude. Does…does this claw dude use sound projectiles? Wakanda has had problems with those kind of claw punk's for a while."
"No he's not like that. It's not just a claw panther dude! And he's not just a thug, he's a mastermind that only cares about his own dream coming true at the expense of everyone else! He may be all smiles and call everyone his" Comrade", but he won't hesitate to stab you in the back the moment you're in the way of his " Dream."
But no matter what he's up to, he's going to pay for what he did to me and Elena! He's not a demon but this cut off planet sounds like the perfect place for someone like him to hide! I'll drag him out of hell if I have to!"
"Calm down Van." Mike through out playfully." Maybe your right but only way to find out is to get there in one piece eh? Let's see if the others have figured that out yet."
The bitter mecha pilot let out a begrudged nod before they went to join Ezan and the others. Bria saw Mike laugh with the others before she grasped her hand tightly." Everything, everything depends on them knowing what they are doing."
Abdiel nodded bitterly before looking at her own broken sword with shame." I loath that we must count on demons to slay demons but, reality became painfully clear to me over who can decide things at the moment."
Bria saw they both looked uneasy before she smiled." Please believe in them my queen, I know it's been one horrible turn of event after another but, based on the data I think its within the realm of reason that they can overcome this Shadowlord and his demon minions."
"Maybe. But what about everyone after him? What are the odds for that working out well? When does it end?"
"Er…there are to many unknowns to be honest but just focusing on the task at hand is key to staying sane yes?"
"Well…the first thing I know I need to do is have a drink."
Abdiel and Makima looked at each other before the archangel cleared her throat." I'm sorry my queen but there are still a few…duties you need to do to keep the people calm before you can call it a day.
Many planets need to be assured that the Bethal Kingdom still stands, and be aware of the changed situation with the Viltrumite clan."
"Damn it, can't one of the generals do that? I'm to twitchy to even keep things straight at this point."
"Then perhaps we should have a session first to discuss your thoughts for today my queen?" A new male voice cut in.
The three women saw it came from a man in a bethel uniform. He was a tall, bespectacled man with brown, short unkempt hair and a small stubble underneath his chin.
Over his uniform he wore a white lab coat over the top. On his feet he wore open-toed sandals without socks. In his suit's chest pocket, he had a yellow pen and a staff ID that's further tied around his neck with a red strap.
Makima just responded to the new arrival with confusion." Doctor Takuto Maruki? I don't believe Queen Bria was to have a session today?"
Maruki smiled before nodding." I understand. Its just...with how traumatic a day it was I thought Queen Bria might want to talk about it. I don't mean to overstep my place. I understand you have your family and so much else to worry but I just wanted to see if I could help make the day sightly less painful."
Bria saw Maruki looked tense before she sighed." Don't worry about it Maruki, I think I'll take a chance to rant before I have to "put up a queeny face" again. I think everyone can understand I need to compose myself before putting on the song and dance yes?"
Makima paused before she nodded." I understand, lets proceed."
Bria followed Makima, and Maruki, and met Figue before they went to the personal chambers next to the throne room.
Maruki saw Bria was looking at a statue of the last leader of the Lylat Kingdom, King Atem before he shrugged." King Atem faced many invasions and traumas, but he overcame horrible odds to my Queen. You're not alone in having this weight be on your shoulders."
Bria glanced at both the statue of Atem and the statue of his father before she sighed." At least they wanted the job, I just don't want to die."
Maruki chuckled before opening the door to his chamber." I see death is on your mind a lot today? I understand based on how it went. Is there anything you would like to focus on?"
Mike's sister in law saw Figue and Makima were both in the room before she groaned." Look I know this is all just so you make sure I'm not going to kill myself or something ok?
I'm not going to do that, not even sure I'll wind up in a safe afterlife. But don't act like you can understand. None of you understand how much pressure I'm under. I'm just the scapegoat for when everything falls apart and everyone knows it. And, and I can't do anything about it. "
Maruki saw the two woman 's unease before he shrugged." Everyone is capable of changing themselves - your imagination is the only limit my queen."
"Don't recycle that self help stuff now, I can't will myself into a god or anything like that."
"I admit that sometimes we need others to show us the paths we can take, or the pepole we can become. I also admit that someone like me can't image your situation entirely. But, you do have people you know what it's like in your shoes.
Would you like to phone a friend for comfort and support? From what Figue told me, there are a lot that reached out that are concerned about your well being. In fact one friend kept making urgent calls about your well being."
"Really? Who's still alive that can even pretend to act like they can say that?"
"Well, here it is. Just keep in mind, I was asked to put the call through because they could not reach you, nothing more."
Maruki pressed a button before the hologram of a man appeared, as the image stabilized Bria raised an eyebrow before saying," Is this a joke?"
The man smirked before crossing his arms." No joke, I'm truly glad to see you alive Bria, it's been a while."
Makima looked alarmed before uttering," Brandon Sampson? You dare taunt the Queen?"
"Taunt?" Brandon uttered casually." I was always Bria's friend, nothing changed that."
"Man your even more insane then they said." Bria spat out bitterly." Cause a whole lot sure changed when you betrayed us and killed your parents!"
Brandon sighed before uttering," Is that what they told you? I'm not surprised. But I reached out because you had to know the truth before it's too late. I did kill Utopia, but even as I vaporized his very head, I did not betray you Bria.
Whatever they told you, I and Uncle Walter betrayed him because he was going to get us all killed, like the people around you! It's true that your grandfather and my father were friends for a while, but my parents took that friendship and bound everything to it, beyond reason.
They were going to have all of us launch a suicide attack on the Vought clan for the sake of "justice" but, so, we had to act to ensure we would survive! That's what this is all about, doing what has to be done to survive the new era Bria."
Figue glared at Brandon before getting in front of Bria." You're not as clever as you think "Paragon." Your own sister was running for her life because her family was trying to kill her!"
"Chloe is still emotional about mom and dad. It's the Viltrumite clan that tried to get her because they were with some others. I don't know what your agents told you but we are not allies with the Viltrumite savages."
"I know that you signed up to let the Vought clan walk all over your territory. This them trying to get you to get me to surrender?" Bria lashed out bitterly." I'm somber enough to remember what Homelander has done, I'd rather die then be his toy."
"I'm not asking you to get killed Bria, I'm trying to keep you alive! I was your brother's friend, that was not a lie. But he died, along with his parents, and we just were expected to die along with them for a lost cause.
Even if there was another way, all the old guard can't admit it because it means they are in the wrong. But, is it really crazy to want a way to be happy that the universe is going to change for the better?
Bria raised an eyebrow before she leaned back." No matter what drugs you take its not going to change that you're a slave or a puppet Brandon, I tried."
"I'm not talking about any of that Bria, I'm talking about the universe changing, evolving to make it a better place for all, not just the few! All these soldiers stuck in the old ways refuse to think that things can change, but they are holding back everyone from being happy because of there own damn pride."
"What are you talking about?"
Brandon saw she was confused before he smirked." The universe is changing, and it can be a change for the better if all the stubborn people can't be allowed to smash those changes to a hault. They don't care if people are happy if they are not useful anymore."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Heh, I may not be the best sells men for it, but I got someone who could explain it better.
This is a friend of mine. She's Tokiko Shigure, the Matriarch of the order of Naixatloz."
Makima raised an eyebrow before responding with," Wait…that's another name for the" Universal Church of Truth" yes?"
"Yes, that is one way to view it." A female voice from behind Brandon uttered before a new woman came across the hologram. She was a woman with purple eyes and hair, worn in a chin-length bob with long, side-swept bangs.
She wore a ribbed purple turtleneck underneath a long-sleeved, form-fitting white jacket. She also wore an black gloves and leggings with a subtle diamond pattern along the sides.
Her shoes were purple and white heels. This Tokiko saw Bria and gave a curt nod." Good evening, Queen Bria. Tell me, with all your servants to help you, do you know about the simulation theory? Have you heard of it? Because the order of Naix is a perfectly legitimate ideological society. We are no fanatics making up excuses to kill. We are merely a group of like-minded individuals who act together based on a certain understanding of the universe. "
Bria retorted with," "You're the ones that been saying everything in this universe we're living in isn't real...?"
"Yes, it's a false reality constructed with specific rules, by a program. And if it is made by a program, there must by necessity be imperfections, edges, or seams. To find these seams, or to create them, is our objective. Despite what others say, we just want to help people become enlightened...vie seeing the Nirvana Initiative realized.
I have nothing but respect for your late husband and his father, but they were working for a false, obsolete idea. The only way to truly bring this universe to paradise, is to fulfill god's will and evolve it so that the promise of paradise can at last be delivered. The intersection between the warp and weft... that's where the seam can occur, and the transformation can begin before the promise can be fufilled."
"What are you even talking about? You're trying to destroy the universe with a bomb or a spell?"
"No, with faith, faith properly channeled and united, faith that will reform the universe. And it won't destroy, but heal. Because we are going to fix heaven at long last."
Makima paused before she tensed up." We heard how your church uses "Faith Generators" and "belief-batteries" to literally weaponize belief after trying to recreate the power rings of the Green Lanterns and others. You talk of peace and want to force it at gunpoint to the universe? This could break the universe, not fix it."
"No, we just need to show people the truth. Its true that there is riskes, but honestly with how bad things are what do most pepole have to lose at this point? But this is all according to the vision of our current Grand Unifier, who's hardwork has made it so that this dream can be the new reality. Only he can properly explain his vision to save the universe. Here he is."
Tokiko walked to the side before a new man walked up. He was a an elderly man with shoulder length grey hair and amber eyes, and was clad in a white, straitjacket-like overcoat with a chain.
His most noticeable feature, was that he had a golden metal claw where his right hand should be. The clawed man saw Bria's shock and smiled." It's a sincere pleasure to meet you Queen Bria Raffles Auro. I know we just met, but I hope one day you can call me your comrade."
Bria saw the clawed man's smile before she gulped. He looked at his claw and sighed." I hope my appendage does not scare you, alas it's a rather horrifying universe out there and I refuse to die till I see my dream through.
I dream of a universe where everyone lives in peace, where people can walk side by side in harmony together. And I need your help to do that, if you can trust me. My comrades call me…various names from time to time but you can call me...Father Woo."
Bria saw Brandon and Tokiko both seemed to be seeing the" Comrade" as there superior, and saw three others in the distance, Fasalina, Lady Prospera, and Michale Garrett before she cleared her throat." And…how just am I supposed to help you?"
"By helping us repare heaven, and bring peace to the universe. If things just go on as they are, then the mindless violence is going to keep darn escalating till it will kill everyone. Folks these days are so consumed with revenge and pride that if nothing is done, only despair awaits. Yet, with your help, people can be united, and be at peace."
To her shock Maruki stood up before adding a determined," With the combined resources of the Bethal Kingdom and the order of Naixatloz, like say, merging are Faith Generators with Cornerai's Argent Energy Tower, the power to merge the collective mass's dreams and faith with the universe will evolve us to the point we will be able to leave their pain behind and truly ascend, and not only repair heaven, but merge heaven and earth to a true paradise! And the best gosh darn thing about it is that no amount of fury from Homelander, or anyone else could stop it.
Those around you keep telling you to endure, but suffering and pain bring nothing to people except their ruin! Even if we live through this war, there will always be another, unless change is made. Your warriors of light are without question loyal to there cause, but they fail to see that they are no longer needed to bring peace, or more like they won't allow a universe were they have no purpose to exist.
After all, Doug Fitter would have rather broke the universe then allowed those he deemed " Unfit for happyness" be his equal yes? I'm not saying your husband, and the rest of your family thought like he did, but they and the angels alike failed to realize they grasped God's will incorrectly.
Ben Auro and all the other angels were devouted to the light, but they were punished because they refused to see God's plan. But, the faith of everyone's dreams can change the universe to the true paradise if, properly lead.
You can free yourself, and everyone from this pain at last."
Bria paused before she glanced at Figue." Makima, Figue, what is Aion's calculations on us surviving fighting the rest of the universe? Not the hopes that another universe will save us, but the reality of are forces aganst everyone else?"
Figue paused before her eyes glowed. After a few seconds she uttered," Based on the data we have…the odds of survival are lower than odds of are success."
Bria took a deep breath before her eyes hardened." When has any of the promises made by these people ever come true? A way…without fighting, without suffering…if I could give that to my people, if I could repair, and even improve heaven when Lacus could not, then I would not just be a useless figure head right?"
Makima looked conflicted before she sighed." The needs of the many…do outweigh the needs of the few. Those who serve the public, must put there feelings aside for the sake of order. Death...war...hunger...if we could truley blot them out then everyone would be happy. Even if it must take...sinful acts to get there, if evil is a fate of life, then the truly necessary evils are always kept collared and controlled by the state. But, only if its for something real."
Bria paused before she looked at the "Comrade", Brandon and the others with wavering eyes." No matter what I think or say, no one around here will just sit back and let the planet be invaded again after this."
"Invasion? Heavens no." The Comrade uttered." We are not enemies, but hopefully comrades yes? There's no plan to invade or kill, just friends coming to friends aide. Now, in these tense times I can understand how people are mighty jumpy and might rashly make the wrong choice.
But, with your help, those misunderstandings could be avoided. So, you willing to listen to what I have to say Queen Bria? If all goes well, it will be happy birthday, to a new better universe."
From behind Brandon and the Comrade, Brandon's uncle Walter, watched from a balcony. He saw Bria's look and smirked." Its as you thought…she's desperate for a out and its just what she wants to hear."
"Then it looks like you might have the last laugh after all Brainwave." A raspy laugh answered, as the Batman Who Laughs walked out of the shadows." These "Enji" are amusingly stubborn, but they just unable to see the game on a multiversal level, and when you have resources from countless universes to spare then well, it's going to be a laugh to see how they react to the punchline. I mean, sure we could destroy Corneria as swiftly as Lord Drakkon did to Viltrum but, where's the fun with that?
Far more of a laugh watching the people eat themselves alive in despair so that when Master V-day descends to the world, he will be cheerfully greeted as the savior.
Since you been helpful and almost productive enough to pass the audit I'll let you in on the joke Brainwave. All the counterparts of these hero's that we have form other universe's see the state of this universe, and laugh.
After all, this Prime Universe is the most miserable, the least accomplised for its age, and in the end proof that the one most devout to virtue, justice, and heroism is just one bad joke.
All the effort to prove that morals have value, just proves that there is no meaning in such actions, the only meaningful act is to win.
Regardless of if Ben Auro is alive or if his soul is watching from one after life or another, wherever in the multiverse he or his soul is, we will make him watch that his home renounces everything he believed in, till the hero's get what the punchline for justice is once and for all."
Authors Notes: Got a lot to go over today so lets get started. The Fortress of Doom is from Doom Eternal. Sorry for any fans of the Bonne family but, they could not play in the "deep pool" without the beasts being drawn to them, and, I suppose with what Teisel's voice actor did in real life he had it coming.
Inca is a woman from the Fire Force anime, Tamayo and Yushiro are from Demon Slayer, and the" Comrade" is the central enemy from the Gun X Sword anime, after all but teasing he's about to at last have an impact on the plot.
The cult he lead in his own series did not have a name so once more, I'm merging his order both with Marvel's Universal Church of Truth, along with the cult called Naixatloz from a lesser known recent PS4 game called AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative.
In that game Naixatoz is an acronym for "Nine X at Lozenge", that is, a description of the organization's logo "Nonuple-X. Tokiko Shigure is a member of Naixatoz in that game.
On top of that, Takuto Maruki is from Persona 5 Royal, I'll just say he is a counselor that does some things that I thought left enough impact to give him a role here.
So as you can see I'm also going to be mixing Final Fantasy 16's events into that of Demon Slayer and a few others, Muzan's going to be replacing that stale plank of wood of a final boss…it's amazing that Square manages to surpass my expectations with how much each Final Fantasy since 12 has disappointed me. When I first started Cosmic wars back in 2006 I felt Final Fantasy 12 was losing what it meant to be a final fantasy, and then by the time I got to vol 3 and Final Fantasy 13 came out, after all the hype it was even more disapointing.
But, by the time I got to Cosmic Wars EXE and Final Fantasy 15 came out it was even more disapointing then the 13 trilogy as it felt hardly like a RPG.
And now while i'm at Cosmic Wars omega, after all this time, somehow they managed to make something even MORE disapointing with a game that shows Square has outright given up even trying to be anything like a RPG all to be as we got something trying to be like Game of Thrones with action to slow to come close to the likes of real action games like Devil May Cry, Ninja Gaiden and more, but to streamined to even be on the same kind of area as Kingdom Hearts, leading to just a shallow marathon of generic fights with a few flashy half movie boss fights...their failure is now complete as they only care about getting the Last of Us fans and all that...lets hope the next part of the FF7 remake game at least still feels somewhat like a RPG.
Anyway as seen its going to be a even more brutal ride from here, hope you liked what you seen at this point to leave another review, thanks for the ones left so far and as always till next time.