The Princess And The Maverick Vol 2

by SORARULES23

More than a year after Rapunzel and Orion left Corona for separate journeys. Both the Princess of Corona and the Maverick have returned with new friends. Nee challenges to face. Worlds to see. A Kingdom to defend. All the while preparing for the biggest challenge they'll ever face that is soon to come. (A sequel to The Princess And The Maverick: What If?)

21. Vengeance Is Mine

WE'RE BACK FOLKS!🎉🎉🎉

So yeah. As you can all tell. I am aiming to bring Cassandra back from the Darkside as soon as possible. Cause let's be honest. Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure Season 3 took too long to do that. You can argue that their slow burn was a build up. But considering that Cassandra didn't really do any lasting damages as the villain or lost anything. I feel like the episode titled Cassandra's Revenge or Once A HandMaiden should've been it. 👌

"Especially when we have YouTubers that piss on her villain arc. Calling it rushed or messy." Maverick stated. "Which I think is bull!" 😠

Yeah cause let's be honest. Cassandra was vexed by the memories she repressed from her miserable childhood and that 'Mysterious Girl' was using those memories to manipulate and twist her logic. Which happens to Marvel Villains all the time when you think about it. Memories or past scars being manipulated by a dangerous source of power.

Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed Season 3 and it still felt satisfying to see how it ended with Cassandra's redemption. But like I said before. I'm gonna do things differently. On account that this story wasn't getting enough of her. And I think after all the good we've seen Cassandra do in Season 1 and Season 2. She deserves to have a spotlight in this story.

So while this chapter will conclude Clive's Count Of Monte Cristo parody arc. This chapter will also include events that are a mix of Moon Cassandra's episodes but in a twist of fate that will change the course of this series for better events.

And trust me. There will be some future new challenges that none of you might ever expect.

Even Yozora is about to make a big discovery. Oh and we also got some very special guests from the Marvel Universe coming. And they all look good in yellow

"Ooooh. Someone's looking forward to Deadpool and Wolverine." Maverick remarked. 😏

WHO ISN'T?!

Anyhow. Let's answer some comments. ⌨️

Cliveisking: Yeah. How about that? Personally I despise the Anabella from the video game. But that's what fanfics and alternate universes are for. Besides, if Thanos can call Nebula his favorite in one dimension (Telltale) while finding no favor for her in another (MCU). Then anything is possible. 👌

FF 16 Fan: A very good point. In fact that's what I've been trying to tell everyone.😊👍

Yozora And Sora: You'd be surprised what revenge can drive a man to endure. And that's all Clive (Or in the movie's case Edmund Dantes) thought about in order to survive. And yeah. You definitely should see that movie. 👍😉

Remember it's the 2003 Count Of Monte Cristo film.

KHfan13: Oh I agree. It needs more attention then what's it's been getting these days. 👍😁

RustyPete12: Thank You! And no worries. We all go through some tough times. I'm just glad to see you're still around. Also no. Paragon isn't a name from the Marvel Comics or anything Marvel related (Unless you count Marvel Nemesis). Orion called Cassandra that name during the Great Expotations chapter. So it's playing a role here. As if Cassandra never let that title go.

Also yes. Yozora has a connection to some people in Radiant Garden but I won't give it away. 😉

And to answer your other question RustyPete12 regarding when the characters refer to God. They mean the Biblical God. The 'God'. Not some god from Final Fantasy. Because if you read closely to what Harpocrates said to Cloud during his studies. The people of Valisthea came from Earth (or Terra as the Aliens of this Universe calls it), during Medieval Times and was brought to this world because of the gateway from the world's Mother Crystal.

This isn't exactly a Final Fantasy 16 story for purists who don't like change. But if the Kingdom Hearts games can do it. So can I.

And yes. Eugene claiming Excalibur as his birthright is awesome. I'm glad you're enjoying this RustyPete12 😁👍.

Also forgive me everyone. But the Gargoyles won't be in this chapter. It would've been too crowded to include them in a chapter like this. But don't worry. They'll come soon. 👌😉

Alright! Now that we're all here!

LET'S GET DANGEROUS!😎

---

Vengeance Is Mine.

A couple of months back at Xavier Academy...

A weekend after the Planet Z incident. Orion was giving his adopted sister Rapunzel a tour of the one place where there are others like him. And it was the home of the X-Men. And a safe haven for other young mutants to adapt in society. And if chosen. Become Super Heroes.

Here they were. Standing at the front gates of Xavier Academy. There was a plaque that read 'Xavier's School for gifted youngsters.' Along with the address to the school at the bottom.

Orion was wearing his normal keyblader attire while he had Rapunzel wear her Twilight Town modern attire. But with the sneakers this time.

As they both watched as the gates were open. Orion walked with Rapunzel inside.

"Before you ask. None of the bad X-Men movies happened in this universe." Orion said to the readers. And then he said to Rapunzel. "Here we are, Zel. My X-Gene's personal country club and the only place that makes black and yellow look so damn fresh."

"Wow. This place is amazing." Rapunzel gushed at her surroundings. "A beautiful home for incredible people, just like you."

"Men in tights or mutants? Cause even the Avengers got that first part." Orion guessed on what Rapunzel meant.

It was so obvious even Pascal scoffed while the little chameleon was riding on Rapunzel's shoulder as always.

"You know what I meant. Mutants." Rapunzel giggled with an eye roll.

"Right. And to think I could've ended up here if I had mutated early. Dad, or Alex Forge. He was a huge supporter of this place. He even helped beef up security against the worst of invaders. From Sentinels to house mice." Orion said and pointed out as they were walking up to the front entrance.

"Really?" Rapunzel asked in surprise. "So, does that mean you'll be making upgrades to their security now that you're in charge of your father's company?"

"Pretty much. Only I left Hank in charge." Orion said.

"Hank?" Rapunzel asked.

"Beast." Orion clarified.

"Oh, you mean the guy with the blue fur." Rapunzel said in recognition. "He's one of my favorites."

Just then the door opened and a woman with red hair in a ponytail and wearing a red and dark blue X-Men uniform came out with a smile.

"Welcome back, Orion." The woman greeted.

"And nice to see you out of Jenssen and Turner's pants, Miss Grey. Anyhow, this is my sister, Princess Sunkist formally known as Rapunzel. Zel this is Jean Grey." Orion greeted and gave an introduction.

"Oh Wow." Rapunzel muttered in awe before taking Jean's hand to shake. "It's an honor to meet you."

"Same to you, Your Highness." Jean Grey shook her hand back.

"Don't worry. You'll see a few more cameos before this flashback is over." Orion said to the readers. "No charge."

Then a tall seven foot chrome muscular man in a red, silver yellow X-Men uniform was waking up from behind them while carrying a large duffle bag over his shoulder.

This was Colossus.

And he was with some teenage girl with a hardly noticeable nose ring, and a short buzz cut while wearing a leather jacket over an X-Men uniform. She looked pretty emo-like.

"Dobroye utro, Miss Grey." Colossus greeted as he walked up to the door with the teenage girl. "Negasonic and I finished dealing with Boston traffic jam. It was caused by dirty thugs with contraband Sentinel tech."

"They screamed like pussies when I rammed their truck full of loot into the river." The teenage girl snorted.

Orion shifted into Maverick and teleported to pose next to Colossus.

"Be honest. Who's shinier? Me or Silver Balls here?" Maverick remarked as Colossus just shrugged.

"Ooo, that's a tough one. Hard to say." Rapunzel said with a smirk before she greeted Colossus. "Hello, Mr. Colossus. It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too. Princess Rapunzel. And 'Mr's not required." Colossus greeted back and stated.

"Don't be too modest, Shiny Gandhi. And...You are?" Maverick inquired of the teenager.

"Negasonic Teenage Warhead." The teenager answered bluntly.

"Negasonic Teenage-" Maverick gocked with his mechanical eyes widened. "What the SHIT?! THAT'S GOT TO BE THE COOLEST NAME EVER!"

'Digital boner, engaged!' TEC beamed.

'I wonder what her name will be when she's twenty.' PRO wondered.

"Yeah, that really is a cool name." Rapunzel beamed before asking Colossus. "So, is she your sidekick?"

"No. Trainy." Colossus answered.

"He was recommended by his sister, Magik." Negasonic said.

""Really? That's pretty cool." Rapunzel said with a smile. "So, how do you like being an X-Men?"

"Meh. It's a breeze. Besides the matching unitards or the house blowing up every few years." Negasonic shrugged.

"Please. House blowing up builds character." Colossus replied with a scoff.

"Speaking of 'house blowing up', what happened to that portrait of Obama?" Maverick inquired as he saw the portraits of famous figures like Howard Stark, Neil Armstrong and Ronald Reagan. But the Obama portrait next to the dining hall was replaced with a portrait of Martha Stuart.

"You burned Obama portrait after his Arizona speech." Colossus reminded.

"Yeah well ***k him. My Author still has scars from the living conditions he started." Maverick snorted before he asked Jean. "Is Hank or Alleyne in by any chance?"

"Is this about Project-Red Grid?" Jean asked looking concerned.

"Project-Red Grid? What's that?" Rapunzel asked.

Maverick shifted back into Orion to answer this.

"A worst case security measure for when or if we have to deal with Cloverfield sized threats." Orion answered Rapunzel and then answered Jean. "And yeah. The mech is ready. But I'll need the blu prints and binary telecommunications codes to go through some tests."

"Just make sure you're testing it in an uninhabitable environment." Jean cautioned.

"No worries. I'll be using Thanos' empty planet. No one will mind the mess." Orion assured.

"Dr. McCoy is down in Sub Basement." Colossus said as he gestured for them to follow him.

"Before you go, Your Highness. The Professor asked if he could speak with you. If that's alright." Jean requested for Rapunzel's attention.

"Oh, sure. I'd be honored." Rapunzel said.

"Don't rush it. I got some brainy exposition to go through but once I'm done, they'll give you the tour of the lair down below once I'm done." Orion winked.

"Sounds great to me." Rapunzel winked back playfully.

On that note. Rapunzel followed Jean down to Charles Xavier's office. As they passed by Rogue and Gambit who came out of a secret elevator hatch that surprised Rapunzel.

"Hey there, Suga." Rogue greeted.

"Bonjour jeune femme." Gambit grinned as he flipped a card.

"Oh, wow. Hey there." Rapunzel said with a surprised smile.

"You must be the Mav's Golden Goose Sib, Yes?" Gambit guessed.

"Yes. That's me. It's nice to meet you both." Rapunzel smiled brightly.

"Well ain't you just pretty in a bright ray of purple mornin?" Rogue complemented Rapunzel in her southern accent. "Remy and I are gonna do some R&R at the pool. If y'all wanna hang out later, we'll be there for a while."

"Oh, sure. That sounds like fun." Rapunzel chirped.

After that Rapunzel was led down the hall where Wolverine was in his yellow spandex and mask. As he was playing cards over by a table. With another mutant in a traditional X-Men uniform and a pale face named Morph.

As Wolverine sniffed and looked up from his cards and saw Rapunzel coming over with Jean.

"Well well. Look who's back." Wolverine grinned.

"Logan. It's so good to see you again." Rapunzel said with a friendly smile.

"Same to you, Princess. How's Sideburns, his sidekick and Cassandra doing?" Wolverine greeted and asked.

"Eugene and Lance are great. Cassandra..." Rapunzel said, starting to sound timid. "It's complicated."

"Ooooooh sis-mance break up?" Morph inquired humorously as they looked over their chair and they shapeshifted into Thelma from Thelma and Louise. "Trying off a cliff in a convertible always helped me. Don't ask if I survived after the credits."

"Put a sock in it, Bub." Wolverine warned.

"Hehehehehe." Morph snickered as they shapeshifted back into their normal self.

"Oh, hi there." Rapunzel said with a smile. "I'm Rapunzel. And you are?"

"The name's Morph, Doll. A total grand scale shapeshifter, and major people enthusiast." Morph smugly mused as they shapeshifted into Rapunzel and beamed. "See what I mean?"

"I do see what you mean." Rapunzel beamed with a giggle. "You know, my brother's wife is a shapeshifter too."

Morph shapeshifted into Shift. "You mean her?" They mused before they shapeshifted into Friday in her natural blue skin. "Or her?"

"Technically both." Rapunzel said with a giggle.

After that, Jean opened the door to the Professor's office while Morph and Logan continued to play poker. As Rapunzel walked in. He was greeted by the bald man in an advanced yellow hovering wheelchair. Wearing a blue suit and tie.

Who of course was the Professor as he wore a smile and placed his documents aside.

"Hello, Princess Rapunzel. I am Professor Charles Xavier. And I have been expecting you." The Professor greeted.

"H-hello, Professor. It's an honor to meet you." Rapunzel said calmly even though she was very excited. "Your school here is incredible."

"I owe it all to my students and the allies we've made. Especially to your brother, who spoke highly of you. After Orion joined us as a reserved member he asked us to keep an eye on any potential other worldly threats that would interfere with your journey to Camelot." Charles stated.

"Really? He never mentioned that to me." Rapunzel said with intrigue as she came over to take a seat in front of his desk. "Does that mean you guys didn't encounter any threats to my journey to Camelot?"

"Not that we know of. Doctor Steven Strange and Yid Sen even warned me regarding any interference about your world based threats. Your journey was a critical event that needed to happen exactly how it happened. From the start all the way to the end. Any major changes to a canon occurrence would've triggered an Incursion." Charles explained the details.

"An incursion? What's that?" Rapunzel asked.

"I believe a man named Reed Richards explained it like this. An Incursion occurs when the boundary between two universes erodes and they collide, destroying one or both entirely." Charles explained what an Incursion was. "If anyone, like say 'Orion' had interrupted your critical cannon event, which was your journey. Events would have occurred to cause his universe and yours to clash together until both are erased from existence."

"Okay. I'm glad I wasn't aware of that during my journey. I probably would've had a nervous breakdown." Rapunzel said while dumbstruck.

"There is something else. Regarding your friend. The one who took the Moonstone." Charles stated as he looked a little serious.

"Cassandra..." Rapunzel muttered with concern. "What about her?"

"The moment after she betrayed you. Orion made me and a few others aware of her actions. But what he is made aware of recently is that Cassandra has found a way to travel across the Multiverse. As a means to master her new found power." Charles stated.

"That explains how the rocks being seen on Vormir." Rapunzel muttered in thought. "But how is she traveling to other worlds?"

"Back when Syndicate XIII was still around. They would use secret dark pathways to traverse across the cosmos to their destinations. Orion is certain that she is allied with someone who knows how to use those pathways. Though we are unsure of who her mysterious sources are. One thing is certain. She is using those pathways. And every time she does. She leaves a trail of the black rocks." Charles stated.

"Could we use this to find out where she might be or where she'll go next?" Rapunzel asked.

"All of us are working on an algorithm to figure this out. Me. Hank. Even your brother. But believe it or not. Just last night. We found her here in our world. Breaking into Kamar-Taj." Charles revealed.

"Kamar-Taj? As in the home base for the Sorcerers of this world? Why?" Rapunzel asked.

"To steal a full copy of the Demanitus Scroll. The Ancient One before her death kept a copy in the library. And since Kamar-Taj was still recovering after Wanda's attack. The building itself still had damaged holes to slip through." Charles explained as he held out his hand for Rapunzel to take it. "If you like. I can show you what happened via the Astral Plane."

"Yeah, please do." Rapunzel said, wanting to know. "I need to know what happened."

Rapunzel then placed her hand on Charles' hand and she closed her eyes as her mind transcended beyond the physical plane. And into the realm where thoughts become reality.

---

Inside the Astral Plane...

As Rapunzel opened her eyes. Her eyes widened as she looked around and saw that she was standing in a vast open realm that appeared like out space in ocean waves. Everywhere.

And standing next to her was Charles who was standing on his legs. She knew he could walk in the Astral Plane. And Rapunzel looked down to see that she was back into her Corona based outfit in this realm while barefoot.

"We're about to enter the memories of your brother. He came by Kamar-Taj last night with permission from Wong to find the Script of Foretellers. As a means to give your weapon a new upgrade." Charles explained as they walked over to a floating door right in front of a silhouette of the Maverick's mind.

"Are you saying Ryan ran into Cass?" Rapunzel asked in shock.

"Yes. And he asked me personally to show you what happened. He said he wasn't sure how to explain without you seeing what happened." Charles stated an important fact. "Your feelings and impact on everything that happens matters that much to him."

Orion is too defensive of his sibling relationship with Rapunzel. And he didn't know if Rapunzel would be mad if he told her he encountered and fought her best friend.

"I'm glad Ryan isn't closing himself off completely." Rapunzel said before addressing the Professor. "Please show me what happened."

Charles nodded as he walked her through the door to Orion's memory. And when they did. They ended up standing in the library of Kamar Taj. Right in the middle.

In this memory. Rapunzel couldn't touch or feel anything as if everything was a hologram. And she watched as she saw a woman with blue hair wearing a brown cloak hood. Which Rapunzel gasped as she recognized her as Cassandra.

She saw Cassandra looking over her shoulders to be sure no one was watching. As she used a small black rock dagger to break open a magic lock on a forbidden catalog. And when she opened it. She searched through it and found what she was looking for.

Cassandra pulled out the Demanitus Scroll and smirked as she looked at its content.

"Excuse me?" Orion called over.

Cassandra halted as he came up with a book.

"Do you know where I can find the book titled 'Codex Imperium'. I keep asking the internet but they think I'm referring to Man Of Steel or whatever the hell Workshop 40K Hammer is..." Orion looked over and noticed a blue fringe on her head. And he noticed the open scroll in her hand. "Do you have a license for that?"

Cassandra responded by quickly turning and holding her hand out to sprout some black rocks that knocked Orion out of the window. Crashing through the glass as he fell out and landed out in the empty yard.

Because most of the sorcerers were training high in the Himalayas and other sanctums to gather new recruits. There were only a few at Kamar-Taj that night and they were alerted as three Sorcerers ran over. But they ended up getting knocked against the wall by more sprouting black rocks.

And Orion flipped back up and shifted into Maverick as he summoned his two Keyblades.

And Cassandra jumped out of the open window with her hood down and stood with her shadow Blade drawn and a hard stare.

"Cass-not-Cassie! How ya been, Dollface?! Also you owe the Librarian thirty hundred Yuan for the window." Maverick quipped as he greeted.

"Of all the people I had to run into, it just had to be you." Cassandra sneered with her sword raised.

"I know. Ain't I just contagious?" Maverick gushed humorously as he held his Gummi phone out to take a selfie with two fingers held and Cassandra glaring in the background.

*Snapshot*

"Jinx being congratulated by yours truly for joining the Backwoods Goth Club. A couple of emojis and…..send." Maverick muttered as he finished typing. "Anyhow you were saying?"

"Do not get in my way, Forge. It won't end well if you do." Cassandra warned with a hard glare.

"You better be glad it's me and not my wife. Cause if Friday was here, she'd snap your neck." Maverick remarked.

"Married?" Cassandra inquired.

"Yep. Happened a while back. She's a lot more NSFW since the last time you saw her." Maverick pointed out as he walked slowly towards the outdoor bar. "Would you like a drink? Since you came all this way and you must be parched."

"Stalling me won't do you any good you little-" Cassandra said with gritted teeth but Maverick cut her off.

"Woah woah easy on the rants, CNN! I'm not stalling, I'm threatening." Maverick corrected as he opened a bottle from the rack and sniffed it. "Ugh! Don't drink those, they're passed their warranty."

"Oh my God. The headaches are coming back." Cassandra groaned out with an eye roll.

"I beg to differ, you used to like my jokes. Especially the one about Eugene jerking off with his comb." Maverick reminded.

Cassandra shrugged in response Even she couldn't argue with that.

"But previously on 'Cass Screws The Pooch'. I asked you to protect my sister, you said yes. And. Instead. You made off with a dangerous artifact and went around the Multiverse behind everyone's back, endangering God knows how many lives!" Maverick stated as he hovered off the ground. "And believe me. You've painted a target on your back."

"I took what was rightfully mine." Cassandra said with an aggressive tone. "I am fighting for my destiny here. And nothing will stand in my way."

"Not even him?" Maverick pointed behind Cassandra.

Cassandra turned to see Wong who casted a spell from his fingers which were the Crimson Bands Of Cyttorak that wrapped around Cassandra's body and made her groan as she fell to her knees.

"Stand down." Wong warned as he held her into the bands.

"Never!" Cassandra snapped aggressively as she shot black spikes out of her armor, tearing through the bands.

Cassandra even held her hands out to sprout more rocks. Encasing Wong in a cage made of the black rocks which trapped him instantly.

"Alright then." Maverick remarked.

Then he zoomed in and slashed at Cassandra with his keyblade. Knocking her onto the ground for Cassandra to stand back up and block his incoming attacks. As they spun their weapons and clashed like two professional fighters. Cassandra fought like one of the best knights in existence while Maverick fought like a ninja. With flexibility beyond most as he kept teleporting around Cassandra but she kept blocking his surprise attacks with her Black Rock sprouting out.

Then they clashed their weapons as Maverick was pushing her down. "You know. If you had been there during Zel's homecoming. I could've recruited you. Showed you the new suit. Maybe take you and your dad to Venice or even Contraxia. But nooo!" Maverick sassed. "Cassie had her own plans."

"I'm following what my heart is telling me! Isn't that what you Keybladers always say!?" Cassandra snapped as she pushed him back.

Maverick twirled and flip kicked her in the jaw which knocked Cassandra over a table. And she groaned in anger as she rubbed her chin. Then Maverick perched on the wall like Spider-Man.

"Well no need to be a dick about it." Maverick quipped and stated. "But seriously, you're doing this in favor of a woman who left her only daughter behind for a baby youth potion?"

Cassandra growled as she stood back up.

"It's because of Rapunzel that my mother abandoned me! She took her from me!" Cassandra shouted as rocks began sprouting on the walls.

Maverick jumped off the wall and shot a neon burst bubble to knock Cassandra into the air and he hovered her in the neon field which he gripped her in.

Oh that is bullshit and you know it!" Maverick snapped back in defense of his sister as he held Cassandra close. "That Goth Bag took her for her hair, and took away the first 18 years of her life! Is that what you're bitching about?! Or would you have liked it better to waste your life in Un-Freedom Towers?!"

Cassandra faltered a bit at what Maverick was saying. But the revelation of her whole life was still fresh on her mind. And what she lost along the way.

*'Cassandra. Don't listen to him. He's taken Rapunzel's side to rob you of your birthright. Fight back!'* The Mysterious girl spoke in Cassandra's thoughts.

Cassandra still doesn't have any good memories of her mother. And she still believes her mother loved her. So she glared back at Maverick. Taking in the girl's words.

"You don't know anything!" Cassandra yelled as she slashed her shadow blade across his neon barrier to break out.

But Maverick retaliated by casting a thunder spell to trip Cassandra and he constructed neon chains to strap her to the ground. But then Maverick noticed quickly that Cassandra keeps causing spikes and rocks to come out of every surface and every object. So he quickly teleported her and himself to another location.

Which was up high in the sky.

Maverick hovered up above the night clouds as he gripped Cassandra's arms.

"I do know that damn stone on your chest is doomsday on speed dial, Sailor Moon. That thing you're wearing is responsible for the death of billions and took whole universes down to ground zero at the hand of the demon! I do know that my goddamn variant who slaughtered my family, spent millennia traveling across time trying to destroy a demon who wore this rock! And I've been working my ASS OFF TO KEEP YOUR WORLD SPENDING WHILE YOU'RE TRYING TO END IT BY BEING DARTH CASS!" Maverick bellowed in her face. "So as far as I'm concerned. It's you that's at a complete loss."

"You're wrong. I can control this." Cassandra argued back as she tried breaking out of his hold.

Maverick's power is also just as capable of being doomsday. And if he can make his mark. So can Cassandra. At least that's what she's thinking.

"Magneto! Loki! Osborn! Victor Von Doom! The Scarlet Witch! Even ***king Thanos! They all said the same thing, and they're either dead or living under a rap sheet!" Maverick exclaimed as he grabbed her hair and made her look down as she grit her teeth. "Look at the damage yourself! The last time a woman broke in here for power! Too many innocent people died! Is this what you want for a destiny?!"

Cassandra looked down to see how broken, Kamar-Taj looked from the gates to their memorial sight that was placed on one of the sections with candles lit.

All caused by Wanda Maximoff. A woman who was seeking a dark power and turned on everyone to gain it.

Cassandra saw it. And even though she faltered at one point. Wondering if she truly was being no different...No! She figured there was a difference. This power belongs to her. And she doesn't plan on shedding innocent blood to acquire it. Only to push harder than ever before to go the distance. And not be held back by anyone.

"This power is mine. I don't plan to hurt innocent people, but I won't let you twist my judgment so you can CONTAIN ME!" Cassandra yelled as she extended spikes from her suit to stab Maverick all over.

***MULTIPLE STABS!***

"Uck!" Maverick choked as even a spike thrusted passed his neck. Some into his chest. Legs. And arms. As the spikes disconnected from Cassandra's suit. And she stared hard as the neon dissolved and she free fell from the sky. Determined to escape as she dove past the clouds towards who knows what.

Rapunzel gasped in horror at the sight of her brother. As she saw in the memories that he teleported and fell on the ground of Kamar-Taj. And Cassandra had managed to get away with the scroll.

Maverick had landed near Wong who was still trapped in a black rock cage. As the armored keyblader yanked the first spike out of his neck that bled profusely. Until he yanked the rest of the spikes out one by one and quickly. Then his body healed instantly as he breathed.

"Ugh...This power is mine." Maverick mocked at a high pitched tone and exhaled. "Where is she getting that from, a Jim Rohn meeting?"

"Pardon me. But I'm still stuck." Wong held a finger up.

"Right. Sorry." Maverick sighed as he teleported over inside the cage and teleported Wong and himself outside of the cage.

"Thank you." Wong nodded as he dusted himself.

"Sorry about all this. She's my Sis' BFF who turned to the Darkside. But she's usually better than this." Maverick said.

"She's in a dark place right now." Wong said in understanding. "I won't hold it against her. The same cannot be said for others if she crosses the wrong people with that stone."

"That's what I'm afraid of...God I am so cross right now." Maverick exhaled as he sat on the ground. And hung his head back briefly.

Before an idea got into his head. As Maverick stared at the loose black rocks on the ground. The ones that stabbed him. He was coming up with an idea to counteract Cassandra's new found power. Rapunzel couldn't see what that idea was.

But the memory of seeing her best friend was so lost enough to even hurt her brother like this. And to even show a rage that was not expected from her. This wasn't the Cassandra she knew.

As the memory ended. Rapunzel turned her back to look silently cry as she covered her mouth.

"Your brother came home afterwards. And he contacted me to see all of this." Charles stated before he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Forgive me if it was too much to see."

"No. It's okay, it's just…." Rapunzel muttered in a broken voice. "How could she do this? This is not the Cass I knew."

"I know." Charles smiled in understanding as he waved his hand.

And he caused a memory of some of the best of Cassandra to appear based on Orion's memories. As he showed life like Astral Projections of Rapunzel and Cassandra together. Fighting the Dark Mongers. Standing together after the Challenge Of The Brave.

Being there at Rapunzel's birthday party to laugh and toast. And even a life-like image of Rapunzel and Cassandra hugging each other.

Rapunzel looked around as she wiped her tears and stared at them with a sad smile.

"I've seen the best of her in Orion's memories. She seems like one of the best...She reminds me a lot of an old friend of mine. When he was at his best." Charles smiled at the memories.

"Magneto?" Rapunzel asked.

"Yes. And even he found his way back. When it seemed impossible. And it might seem impossible for your friend." Charles said as Rapunzel turned to look at him. "But it's not. Not if you and the others show her a better path."

Then on that note. They exited the Astral Plane.

---

And suddenly Rapunzel blinked as she was back in Charles' office at the X-Mansion. with him back in his wheelchair and facing Rapunzel who was still seated.

Jean was standing behind Rapunzel with a tender look. And Pascal squeaked quietly as he hugged Rapunzel's shoulder.

"Professor?" Rapunzel asked Charles, daring to hope. "Do you really believe Cass can come back? To who she used to be?"

"Just because someone stumbles and loses their way. It doesn't mean they're lost forever. Sometimes we all need a little help." Charles said with wisdom.

"Myself included. Even in my darkest moments." Jean said as she looked down remembering her time as The Dark Phoenix.

Even Charles had his moments. Especially during his younger days.

"Your friend thinks she has to get even with what caused her so much pain, instead of facing and embracing it. And she is too afraid of breaking again. Just as your brother was. But as frightening or as hard as it may be. That pain will make her stronger. If she allows herself to face it. And embrace her victory over it, she will return. And it will make her more than she could ever imagine. More than what she is now." Charles promised as he kept speaking and Rapunzel looked at him. With a tear falling from her cheek. "As humans or Mutants. It is the greatest gift we have. To bear the pain without breaking. And it's born from what many take for granted. Hope."

Then Charles gently took Rapunzel's hands and encouraged her.

"Rapunzel. She needs you, to bring hope back to her." Charles stated. "And keep hoping for her."

Rapunzel gave a watery smile before she hugged Charles and whispered. "Thank you."

Charles hugged her back. And when Rapunzel stood up from her chair. Jean gave her a hug which she accepted and returned.

Then Orion walked in and Rapunzel walked over to him with a smile that read sadness turned to hope.

"I take it you saw the highlights from the fight last night?" Orion asked nervously as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"I did. But don't worry. I'm not mad at you." Rapunzel smiled softly.

Orion smiled back.

"I could tell. Barely. But...Let's shelf this one for a possible mid season finale. Want a tour of the Sub Basement before we hit the pool out back? Friday's on her way with a new bikini." Orion said as he walked out with Rapunzel.

"Yeah, let's have the tour before you super glue your eyes to your wife's body for the rest of the day." Rapunzel smirked jokingly with a giggle.

After that, everything else that happened. Happened because Rapunzel never gave up hope. And she spread it to everyone she met and saved with the Guardians.

And even after others encouraged her to give up on Cassandra. The Princess still held onto hope. And it's what Cassandra doesn't have right now.

So Rapunzel will hope for her.

---

Present Day at the Radiant Garden safehouse...

Rapunzel was having a chat with Lucas and Kara, the Ex-Nobodies of Yozora and Hoshi. As they were seated around the lounging area. Lucas shared stories of certain battles that took place within Syndicate XIII.

Lucas and Kara were seated together as Rapunzel had a reclining chair all to herself. Lucas was wearing his keyblade wielder outfit which had the same colors as Verum Rex. But in a different pattern. And Kara was still wearing her white sage outfit as her bare feet were propped up on the couch.

"And that's pretty much what life was like for me and Kara. Even back during my days as Number 12, I didn't have as much authority and influence over the Syndicate. Not as much as Hugo Kupka and Beniditka did. But there was one other person that was in the same rank as them. In terms of Nobody Troop authority." Lucas stated as he mentioned someone else.

"Really? Who was it?" Rapunzel asked.

Lucas used a hologram-projection mod on his Gummi-Tablet. And displayed a seven foot robotic samurai armor. With a menacing warrior inside. The armor itself was completely silver and the helmet had a mask that covered the face with two slits that were displayed for the eyes.

"Kenuichio Yashida also known as Silver Samurai. Son of Shingen Yashida. Ex- Crime Lord over Japan and head of Clan Yashida." Lucas explained to Rapunzel. "Even as a Nobody. He was Zhan Trixx true second in command."

"Woah. That's a lot of muscular silver." Rapunzel mused with a nervous chuckle.

"Heh. He might as well be made of it. Being a mutant like many, he has the power to generate an energy field to channel through inanimate objects, with his power he was able to transform the sacred silver sword of his ancestors into the most effective blade possible. And being able to pierce through steel with no resistance and disrupt electronic and biological systems with energy." Lucas explained as he displayed Silver Samurai's long sword. "And he had a battle against Wolverine in the aftermath of the Vietnam War."

"He did?" Rapunzel asked in surprise. "How did that turn out?"

"About as well as you think." Kara shrugged.

"Wolverine took down Yashida's entire criminal empire within a matter of days. And all that was left was a one on one fight with Silver Samurai." Lucas stated.

Then he displayed a man in a silver samurai outfit. Less tall and robot. More like a normal size samurai. With a red star with rays as an emblem in the middle of his suit.

And he held his silver sword in a battle pose against Wolverine.

"It wasn't an easy battle for Wolverine though. Silver Samurai landed several lucky hits that would've killed most men." Kara stated.

"Is that what he looked like back then?" Rapunzel asked.

"A lot more down to earth, I know. But even like that he was dangerous. But because of Wolverine newly acquired metal adamantium claws. He landed one death blow to Silver Samurai. And he left Yashida to die in an explosion." Kara stated.

Then Kara displayed an image of Wolverine impaling Silver Samurai in the chest with both claws. And then another of him walking out as Silver Samurai screamed words of vengeance at him.

"However. At the time Zhan Triix came and saved Yashida. Recruiting him as one of the first in her ranks of Nobodies. As Number 4." Lucas stated and shook his head and scoffed. "And to think. I used to take orders from this chrome dome."

"We both did." Kara shrugged.

"Is that how he got the upgrades to his armor?" Rapunzel asked.

"Yeah. Especially since Zhan Triix had connections to Hydra and a few others from the Marvel Earth." Lucas answered.

"Silver Samurai's armor is completely woven as a mix of vibranium and adamantium. And with his Mutant ability to advance it. He could slice through the black rocks. His only weakness however is a pure source of light."

"So he won't be able to cut through keyblades. Or my hair." Rapunzel said.

"He never could cut through ours." Lucas shrugged.

"But Verum Rex managed to cut through him. At least in his nobody state. If he's back, then...We'll definitely need a back up plan in case he shows up. Especially with the party this evening." Kara said.

Rocket came in and cleared his throat. "Sorry to interrupt the family photo album, but Forge and I got something to remedy that thing with the rocks we've been talkin about. And Shiny shoes over there." Rocket said as he pointed at Silver Samurai's image.

"Really? That's great." Rapunzel smiled gladly. "Talk about perfect timing."

"What have you got?" Lucas asked.

Rocket grinned as he gestured for them to follow him out of the room and upstairs at the tech room.

---

Inside the tech room...

What normally is supposed to be used as a place for a studio or business is now being used to hang up Rocket's spare weapons and his tech table. Orion brought in some of his spare advanced tools from the Mav Club for this room.

As Orion was in the room with Lucas. Kara. Friday. Yozora and Hoshi. And he was showing Rapunzel as well.

Rocket was standing next to Orion as he typed in some key figures and displayed something on the tech room display table.

"After my encounter with Casslo Ren, I used the rocks-" Orion almost said.

"Achem?" Rocket crossed his arms as he raised an eyebrow at him.

"WE. We used the rocks Cass left behind. The loose ones she stabbed me with to Forge some new material as a means to match and counteract her attacks." Orion stated as he displayed a liquid bubbling form of the black rocks.

"Really? But how were you able to melt down the black rocks?" Rapunzel asked with wide eyes.

"I made a short business trip to Mount Olympus where I paid a visit to Hephaestus, god of the forge. Not me 'Forge' but the fire 'forge'. He allowed me to use his cauldron to melt those rocks down into a liquid metallic substance." Orion revealed.

"Oh yeah. I remember meeting him along with the other gods during our trip to Mount Olympus." Rapunzel said as she remembered that day. "So, did he let you use his cauldron for free?"

"free? what good is anything if it free?" Orion quipped.

"Thank you!" Scrooge McDuck called out from the open window behind him. Which made Orion roll his eyes.

"Anyway. I converted ten million dollars into drachma and used it to purchase one of his forges." Orion stated.

"Which was heartless!" Scrooge McDuck echoed again.

Orion covered the window with a neon brick wall. And exhaled. "And I brought that forge to the Mav Club. Trust me it was worth the full price." He assured.

"This is coming from the third richest schmuck in the Multiverse so take his word for it." Rocket said.

"I usually do." Rapunzel said with a giggle. "But what's so special about this forge you bought that it can melt the black rocks?"

Orion displayed Hephaestus' forge which was a large red cauldron hanging hovering above some gold fire.

"So far we've used earth and space based material against the rocks and nothing could cut it. But we've never tried using anything made by the tools of a god before." Yozora stated some facts.

"Exactly." Orion replied.

"And those tools did the trick? They allowed you to melt and reshape the black rocks?" Rapunzel asked in awe.

Just then Eugene and Lance walked in after hearing this. And they held back a laugh.

"Wait wait wait! Just to be clear. Forge! Purchased a forge?!" Eugene stifled a laugh.

"So now!" Lance squealed as he held it in a laugh.

"IT'S ORION'S FORGE! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Eugene and Lance exclaimed and laughed real hard.

"Wooo classic." Eugene exhaled.

Orion gave an annoyed look as he covered his face with a neon paper bag. And he turned to face Rapunzel.

"Can I toss them out the window?" Orion asked.

"As long as there's a pool waiting for them." Rapunzel smirked with a giggle.

"Damn it." Orion muttered since there was no pool outside. Which made some of his teammates snicker.

"Anyway." Friday spoke up after she shook off a giggle. "We're about to get some new suits for armored forms. Not to mention swords and weapons made from the same black rock material. But Rapunzel?"

"Yeah?" Rapunzel answered.

"You have something that is equal to the rocks. And since your hair keeps protecting you from everything fatal. like when you fell out of the sky that one time. you will need to wear any of this, but with that said. Ryan and I made an agreement. And we both decided to use the forge to give you an new battle armor. And a new frying pan made from the black rocks." Friday revealed.

"So, now, I'm gonna have two frying pan weapons?" Rapunzel asked excitedly.

"Nah. Your current frying pan will just shift into the new one when you put on the new dress." Rocket clarified.

"But you can split it into two." Orion assured.

"And yes, before you ask. You both are also gonna get new suits." Friday glanced back at Eugene and Lance.

"Just what I need. A suit of armor that's almost impossible to pierce." Eugene said.

"Perfect for any exe besties that come after ya." Lance muttered a joke.

"Yes! A new battle outfit!" Rapunzel beamed happily, excited about getting a new outfit.

Just then Groot walked up to the door to tell everyone something. "I am Groot." He said.

"Clive's party is about to start?" Rapunzel gasped as she understood him. "What are we waiting for? We gotta hurry."

"You. Eugene and Lance are going. The rest of us will be there, but discreetly." Yozora stated.

"The former Syndicate XIII members won't recognize any of you. But if they see us, they might make a scene." Friday explained as she shape-shifted into a random noble woman with a British accent. "But I'll be there close by. To keep an eye on you." She winked.

"I understand. Discretion is key." Rapunzel said in understanding.

On that note. Eugene. Lance and Rapunzel walked out as they went downstairs to the carriage outside. Which Max and Fidella are the horses for.

This party is mainly meant for the Guardians to study Clive's targets. And they can only hope this goes smoothly.

---

Down at Count Rosfield's mansion...

Everyone across Valisthea was unaware of who the Count of Radiant Garden was. Except for the Guardians and those of Cid's Restoration Committee.

As many nobles from across this world showed up. From Waloed. Sanbreque. And Dhelmekia. Arriving on either chariot. Carriages. Horses. Or Chocobos.

All of Clive's targets had arrived.

Gibson Clarion, who had Clive arrested years ago, arrived from his personal carriage. Wearing a fancy black suit and top hat. Along with his wife. Who seemed like a pretty lady with blonde curly hair and a summer blue dress. As they were locked arms.

Barnabas Tharmr arrived from his royal carriage in his usual armored attire. With Beniditka at his side.

Hugo Kupka had arrived from his escort of Chocobos who were surrounding his carriage. As he came out.

All were standing at the main entrance courtyard of the mansion that spanned for two miles. As the entire crowd watched as the fireworks were going off over the sky as the sun set.

Eugene. Lance and Rapunzel were there. And thankfully no one found them to be strange or recognized their Coronian attire. They didn't question Rapunzel's bare feet. Considering that they had different species there as well.

Some of the nobles were of different color skin from different planets. Some like from Knowhere. Even Scrooge McDuck was there but not with Donald and Goofy since they were hiding themselves among the crowd along with the other Guardians.

"Man. I'd hate to be the guy who has to deliver mail to this place. That was a long walk." Eugene said with a whistle as he noticed how far they got from the main entrance.

"What? And you think it's better for mailmen back at Corona?" Rapunzel asked with a smirk as they stepped out of the carriage.

"Except back home, they don't have to walk down a main courtyard that's long enough for two Coliseums to get lost in." Eugene joked.

Just then as the grand finale of the fire works were going off. The crowd of party guests watched as Gav stood at the upper tarrace of the main entrance. To announce the arrival of the Count.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. It is a great honor that I present to you his grace. The Count of Radiant Garden!" Gav announced, gesturing towards the Mansion, where floating above it was a blue hot air balloon with the symbol of Radiant Garden on the front of the balloon. The fireworks were still going off behind it, giving even more emphasis to the balloon.

The people in the crowd all watched with various expressions of awe, shock, surprise, excitement, boredom, or even neutral.

As the last of the fireworks continued to go off, four ropes fell from the basket, and four acrobats started swinging around and climbing down the ropes as the balloon made its descent.

Once the acrobats touched the ground, they grabbed their ropes and quickly pulled on them to direct the baloons landing before tying the ropes down to keep the balloon from going anywhere.

Two guards walked up to the balloon, and opened the front of the basket, allowing the passenger to step off in all his glory.

And there he was. Clive, in a fancy crimson gentleman's attire for the occasion. He moved slowly but with purpose to the front gate and stood at the top of it as the audience looked upon him in mostly awe. No one who didn't know couldn't recognize him due to his beard and demeanor.

Clive looked down upon the crowd, his eyes sweeping over them for a moment before finally speaking.

"Greetings." Clive simply said before walking out of view of everyone.

The crowd then began to chatter amongst themselves and each other as they started moving towards the open gate.

---

As Clive was moving around shaking hands with several nobles. Even at one point. He was staring at Anabella. Who was with her son and her husband the Emperor of Sanbreque.

Then Clarion's wife walked up to the count with her husband.

"My dear Count. Allow me to introduce my husband. Gibson Clarion, Chief Prosecutor of Waloed." The woman introduced with a friendly smile.

"So kind of you to have thought of us, Sir." Gibson Clarion shook Clive's hand.

Clive made sure he had a friendly smile. Even though he wished he could strangle the man that sent him to Chateau Épine. But he stayed in character.

"The honor is all mine." Clive said with a fake friendly as he shook Gibson's hand, restraining himself from outright snapping his arm off. "Enjoy the party."

And on that note he walked away and used his earpiece to talk to the Guardians.

"Alright my friends. Everyone is here. I'm going to negotiate with the Emperor of Sanbreque regarding an alliance against the persecution of bearers and branded. You keep an eye on everyone else." Clive said to the Guardians.

"Consider it done." Yozora said over the comms.

As Rapunzel and Eugene were going past the main entry doors. A random noble woman with red hair and a black dress came up to Rapunzel.

"Psst. Rapunzel it's me, Friday. Follow me." She whispered.

"Right, thanks." Rapunzel whispered back before whispering to her boyfriend. "Come on, Eugene."

"Don't parties usually have guides?" Lance asked in a whisper as he was walking with them.

"I am the guide. At least for us. Each royal guest and representatives are each given their own dining hall for a private section of the party. We have our own." Friday explained quietly.

"Ah...No wonder you asked me to help you make a cake yesterday?" Lance grinned.

"All of the cakes at the bakery were booked. Except for mint. I hate mint flavor." Friday groaned.

"This place is so beautiful. It even has a chandelier made of diamonds." Rapunzel gleamed in excitement. "We should get one for the Castle back in Corona."

"Yeah, that's a great idea. Tease two former thieves with the most expensive item dangling over their heads." Eugene said jokingly as they followed Friday. "Like taking an alcoholic on a tour through wine country."

"More like an ex-alcoholic but sure. The rich display their wealth. Why else would Ryan own an 8K TV in every room at his mansion? Even the indoor pools." Friday whispered as she led them up the third floor.

Then Friday handed their table invitation to the door men guarding two double doors.

"Thank you." One of them said as they opened the doors and they were invited in.

Once inside. They sall a large dining hall with a mix of a bright marble theme with Greco Roman artistic patterns on the columns. And there was a large dining table with a white tablecloth and a cake in the shape of Castle Corona in the middle.

Inside were the some noble civilians of Radiant Garden. Along with Cid and some of his men.

"Ah. Princess. Had trouble finding the place?" Cid remarked as he smoked a cigar.

"This place is huge." Rapunzel said in response. "I think this mansion is bigger than my castle."

"Well in width maybe but those towers back home are tall." Eugene mused as he pointed at the towers in the cake. "Not that I'm falling this place fat! In pocket changed maybe but lets just say this place should be the new Buckingham Palace."

"We get it." Friday rolled her eyes.

Just then Cid walked them over to the table.

"We brought a couple of my known associates whom might be new faces for you. Over here is Otto. He's the overseer of our main HQ." Cid introduced them to a stoic man with a beard.

"Hello, Ma'am." Otto nodded with a smile.

"And this is Vivian Ninetales. She's our intelligence expert and keeper of the library." Cid introduced them next to a tan skin beautiful woman with white hair and a purple dress with a vest.

"A pleasure to be acquainted, Your Highness." Vivian greeted with smooth grace.

"The pleasure is all mine." Rapunzel said with a curtsy. "So, what brings you guys here?"

"I came here to observe our new secondary hideout hidden in this mansion." Otto answered.

"And I've come across some info regarding those two extra infinity stones your brother spoke of yesterday." Vivian stated as she received a glass of champagne.

"You did?" Rapunzel asked in shock before lowering her voice. "Where did you find this information?"

"From the complete Demanitus Scroll your brother sent to me. He made copies and sent it to several known sources of his and gave me the original. But I made a major discovery, regarding who Orion's predecessor is." Vivian revealed.

"You mean the Maverick before Ryan? What about him?" Rapunzel asked, now very curious how Ryan's predecessor was connected to the two stones.

"It's best if I tell you once Orion is here. But from what you spoke up about your journey. I believe you already met him." Vivian said as she took a sip of her drink.

Rapunzel looked intrigued as she wondered who it might be. Who has she met that was the previous Maverick? Was it someone she met from another world? Or her own world.

And just as everyone was settling in. The double doors opened up. As someone in a cloak and hood walked in.

"Are...you expecting extra company?" Lance asked as he took a plate of deviled eggs and tea crackers with caviar on them and started eating them.

"No..." Cid looked skeptical.

And then as the mysterious figure dropped her hood. Rapunzel widened her eyes in shock along with Eugene and Lance. Someone they didn't expect to see again around a time like this. Especially since her betrayal was so fresh after months away from the effect

It was Cassandra! She came in!

"Swell party." Cassandra said as she stood leaning on the open door with a sinister smile. "I'm guessing my invitation got lost in the mail."

"I think for the next party, I'd like to have at least some input on the guest list." Eugene quipped with a nervous look.

"Maybe for your birthday party, maybe." Lance quipped with an uneasy expression.

Cid pressed his ear piece to signal onto Orion's earpiece.

"Forge. We've got a problem. Some dame with blue hair and a large black sword walked in. Friend of yours?" Cid spoke quietly.

*"What the ***k?! What's Cass doing here?! Ugh...Is she really doing this right now?"* Orion asked in his earpiece.

"At the moment, she's doing nothing. But it's getting very tense here." Cid whispered back. "How should we proceed here?"

*"Nothing. Don't engage in a fight unless she does something. We don't need to start a panic, not while Clive is making progress."* Orion answered firmly.

"Agreed. I never like a messy dining hall anyway." Clive nodded as everyone watched.

Then Cassandra walked forward as she drew her sword and dragged it across the floor to warn everyone not to fight her. As she kept her smug smirk.

"If you don't mind, I'll just help myself to a slice of this cake." Cassandra said with a dangerous tone.

"What does she want?" Lance rapidly asked Eugene while still eating his plate of caviar hors d'oeuvres. "Why show up here now? Is she here to apologize? Or for a fight? She's probably here for a fight."

"Quiet." Eugene hissed back as Cassandra now stood in front of the cake display.

"It's-" Rapunzel started but tried to find the words to say, her heart and mind filled with many mixed emotions as she moved to stand behind Cassandra. "Where have you been?"

"Helping myself, you might say. It's about time I helped myself. Don't you think?" Cassandra said in a very salty tone as she took a knife and cut herself a piece of cake, the part of the cake that represented Rapunzel's tower.

Eugene glared at Cassandra while Lance just kept eating.

"I think she wants a fight." Lance whispered to Eugene.

"Shush!" Eugene hissed back.

"I thought a lot about how we left things and it makes me sad." Cassandra mocked sadness in her voice and expression, as she walked past Rapunzel, her face not showing any real remorse, though Rapunzel still hoped her words were true.

"Oh, it makes me sad too. I miss you, Cassandra." Rapunzel said with a small smile. "I want us to be friends again."

"Yeah, we both have things the other wants." Cassandra said before turning back towards Rapunzel. "Which brings me to why I am here. I want you to give me the scroll."

This caused everyone's eyes to widen.

Eugene quickly moved behind Rapunzel and held her shoulders. With a cringed smile.

"I wouldn't do that. The scroll has the instructions to wield the power of the Moonstone and the Sundrop." Eugene muttered to Rapunzel.

"Stay out of this Fitz Herbert!" Cassandra snapped at Eugene before walking forward with her plate of cake still in hand and smirked. "Blondie can think for herself."

Eugene glared at Cassandra and took a step back, but stayed close to Rapunzel.

"Give me the scroll, and I'll leave Radiant Garden in peace." Cassandra said with her own glare.

"Cassandra." Rapunzel started cautiously. "I don't think-"

"*tsk* Ooh, I know." Cassandra interrupted mockingly with another fake sad expression. "It's hard making decisions when the only friends and advisors you have left are ex-convicts and losers."

She said that last part with a smug smirk

"Hey! We are not ex-convicts!" Eugene snapped back with a glare while standing next to Lance.

"Technically, we have never been convicted of anything." Lance said as he and Eugene shared a quick fist bump while still glaring at Cassandra.

"You forgot one other category, Bitch!" Friday spoke up as she sat up from the table getting everyone's attention as she marched over in a noble woman's form. But then she shapeshifted back into her blue form and a death glare as she stomped up to Cassandra.

"Ooh look, if it isn't Little Miss-" Cassandra started mockingly when...

*POW!*

Friday punched Cassandra in the face hard, Cassandra recoiled and staggered back a bit before correcting herself. Rapunzel gasped as everyone else winced at the sight.

"ooooh...Drama~" Lance sang under his tone as he kept munching on the caviar.

Cassandra wiped her lip as she glared back. But Friday glared with static and danger in her eyes.

"Get the ***k out of her. Now." Friday seethed with venom in her voice.

As Cassandra stood back up. Danielle whistled from across the room as she was reclining with her boots up on the table.

"I'd do what she says, Moonbeam. This isn't a place to start a brawl." Danielle quipped as she gestured at every noble who had a weapon on them.

Cassandra scoffed as she settled with a impressed smirk.

"You all definitely grew bigger guts than I remembered." Cassandra said with a dangerous smirk. "I'll give you some time to decide. Enjoy your party. Guardians."

Cassandra then chucked her plate at Eugene who fumbled with, causing the cake to go up in the air before Lance ate it in one bite as Eugene finally got a hold of the plate.

After saying her piece, Cassandra turned and started walking out.

Rapunzel looked sadly as Cassandra walked out with a smirk. And she closed the door before puting her hood back on.

---

As Cassandra walked down stairs. She passed by Beniditka who was puffing a fancy smoking stick while leaning casually against a wall.

"I'd take it the reunion went well, Darling?" Beniditka grinned.

"Better than well, actually." Cassandra said with her sinister smirk. "I didn't even need to give away that I had your King's invitation."

"Marvelous. You're free to stay and enjoy the party if you like. It could be the last." Beniditka remarked.

"Nah, I'm actually gonna head out. I've outstayed my welcome, anyway." Cassandra said.

"Very well." Beniditka shrugged as she puffed another smoke.

Unknown to Cassandra. Something in a small hard to notice gush of sound blissed by as a small Mav Tracker was placed on the back of Cassandra's left shoulder.

"Wait..." Cassandra halted. But not because of the wind. It's because something dawned on her. As she turned. "What do you mean this could be the last party here?"

"Oh nothing. It's just that me and my associates don't intend to come to this town for another casual visit." Beniditka said, waving off her question.

Cassandra gave her a skeptical glance before she looked down. Before she shook her head and walked towards the exit.

Up on the skylight above the ceiling. Maverick was watching as he got the tracker online. And down at the main dining room with Clive and Jill. They shook hands with Sylvestre and Annabella. As they concluded their talk.

While this was going on. Yozora was close by to watch them in discretion. Jill had her hair a different color, thanks to the disguise mods the Guardians use for certain occasions. Anabella didn't recognize her. On account that it's been years since they've seen each other

"We can assure you both. Sanbreque and Radiant Garden will more than benefit with this alliance." Jill said graciously.

Jill was wearing a red ballroom dress to match with Clive's crimson regal attire. And she made sure to use her hair disguise mod to make her hair blonde. And a bit of facial make up to make her look less blonde.

Thus solidifying that Anabella couldn't recognize her. Clive's older features and beard made it hard to recognize him as well.

Jill of course was going by the title of Countess.

"I certainly hope so, my dear." Sylvestre said kindly.

"After all the hardship that has transpired over the years, our nations are in need of positive change." Annabella said.

Yozora saw that the treaty between Sanbreque and Radiant Garden was sealed. Yozora still had a strange feeling that he knew the Empress. Somehow. Just by her voice...But it doesn't matter right now. It was time for the Guardians to make their leave.

And find a way to remedy Cassandra showing up.

Clive didn't need to be involved in this. Especially when he's this close to getting justice for everything.

---

Later back at the Guardians Safehouse...

Rapunzel was in the living room pacing back and forth as the whole time was available as they sat around pondering what just happened. Donald and Goofy were finally there as well.

Orion and Yozora even invited Kiera and Catalina as they were playing with a spinning globe pedestal. Or rather Catalina was spinning it while Kiera was riding it.

"So. Your BF-Ex is back." Rocket snorted as he was shining a pistol of his.

"And she couldn't have picked a worst time." Friday pinched the bridge of her nose.

"If she says she'll leave afterwards. Why not just give it to her and avoid unneeded conflict?" Drax asked.

"I can't give Cassandra the scroll, Drax." Rapunzel said while pacing.

"Hey, I agree." Eugene said while leaning against a table. "On the one hand, if she gets the scroll, it could be the end of the Multiverse. On the other hand, she did say we would never see her again. So, ya know. Pretty big upside."

"Who knows what she's been doing since she disappeared." Lance said from his seat.

"Probably practicing betrayal. Thinking a lot about doing harm." Kiera guessed while riding the globe.

"Reading?" Catalina guessed while spinning the globe.

"Reading a lot about doing harm?" Kiera said before Eugene came over and stopped the globe from spinning. Gesturing for them to stop.

"So, Cass gets the scroll, total destruction of us. Got it." Eugene said while Rapunzel looked down before she sat down on a big chair, Eugene moving to sit right next to her. "So we should hide it, yes? Where is it?"

"That's the other downside." Rapunzel said with her voice filled with emotion. "I don't have it."

"If you don't have it, well then who do have it?" Eugene asked in improper English.

"I do." They heard and they turned to see Vivian Ninetales walk in as Orion answered the door.

"I called her." Orion whispered.

"What was quite a scene your friend made earlier. I almost thought the cake would end up with blood stains." Vivian remarked to lower the tension.

"I'm just glad that ended before it could escalate to that point." Rapunzel said with a sigh. "So you say you have the scroll? Is that how you made the discovery you mentioned earlier?"

"I gave her the original copy." Orion explained.

"She knows, I already explained." Vivian assured with her hand up before she told Rapunzel. "It didn't take long to translate. Except for the final codex within the texts. Here let me show you."

Vivian lead Rapunzel over to a table as she showed Rapunzel the scroll and her notes. As well as a row of texts and illustrations of the Sun Drop and Moon Stones power. The same that Rapunzel was already familiar with but couldn't read.

"According to these languages of the Foretellers. Written by Lord Dimanitus himself. This is the healing incantation and this is the decay incantation." Vivian showed Rapunzel who was looking.

Orion looked at the readers. " 'Flower gleam and' glow and 'wither and decay'. Just in case anyone missed the refresher course in season 2." He said while breaking the forth wall.

"But this however. Is a third incantation. That can grant the wielder of the Dark Stone complete control over the black rocks. With it. Your friend can unlock the full potential of the stone's power." Vivian revealed as she pointed at the third text. "This was missing in the copy she took from Kamar-Taj with the exception of a reference."

"So, that's why Cassandra wants the scroll. It could make her unstoppable." Rapunzel said, her eyes wide in understanding. "But what I still don't understand is how this ties in with Ryan's predecessor. Just who was he?"

"Princess...Lord Dimanitus is the previous Maverick." Vivian leaned in and revealed.

Everyone's eyes widened as Orion just nodded a few slow times.

Then Yozora. Donald. Goofy all exclaimed. "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!"

"WHAT?!" Friday exclaimed in shock.

"What?!" Hoshi exclaimed as well.

Danielle bursted through the balcony door. "WHAT?!" She yelled in shock.

"What?" Rocket shrugged as he wondered why everyone was shocked.

"I AM GROOT!" Groot exclaimed 'What?!'

"WHAT?!" Eugene and Lance exclaimed.

"WHAT?! Oh wait I already heard this off screen." Orion quipped.

"Are you serious?! Lord Dimanitus was the Maverick before Ryan?!" Rapunzel exclaimed in shock. "The greatest Engineer and Inventor in Corona's history?! The one who first defeated Zhan Tiri?! And sent his mind and soul into Vigor the Monkey?!"

"That last part still grosses me out." Orion muttered.

"Shhh." Danielle shushed.

"You shhh." Orion replied.

"Do you find it to be unbelievable? That one of the key legends of both Corona and the Multiverse was a Maverick? Who better to be his successor, then another who's young and yet twice as smart with an influence that's bigger than most?" Vivian pointed out as she gestured towards Orion.

Orion slowly turned towards Rapunzel with an unreadable expression. "If it weren't for the hot enchilada sauce skin. You'd see me blushing right now." He quipped.

"I'm sure I would." Rapunzel giggled with an eye roll. "But what I don't get is if Lord Dimanitus was the Maverick before Ryan, then why is there such a big time gap between the two?"

"Zel. Dimanitus lived over a thousand years ago. That's considered the terrible twos in Asgardian doggy years. Besides, a Maverick only shows up when independent jurisdiction is needed." Orion pointed out.

"He's right. Such independence for something as cosmic as a keyblade isn't something that's passed on by choice. While a Maverick can choose an heir. Dimanitus' mortal body passed before he could choose his heir. So Kingdom Hearts chose your brother when a Maverick was needed." Vivian explained.

"Oh." Rapunzel said in understanding. "That does make sense."

"So basically Kingdom Hearts only chooses a Maverick when shit's about to hit the fan." Eugene stated with fond exasperation and a smirk.. "It fits your little crazed sib perfectly."

"It does, doesn't it?" Rapunzel said with a fond smile.

"Like the Doctor from Doctor Who. He's great and you know he's gonna do everything he can to save the day. But the fact that he shows up means there's trouble." Eugene quipped with a smirk.

"I can just picture people's reactions being fifty/fifty." Lance said with a smirk. "The Maverick shows up, and half the people are like: Alright! The Maverick's here! He knows how to light up a party! The other half: ***K! IT'S THE MAVERICK! THAT MEANS ARMAGEDDON IS KNOCKING ON OUR DOOR! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!"

Orion groaned and facepalmed himself

"You should get your name changed to The Live Alert." Yozora grinned.

"Don't tempt me." Orion muffled in his hand as he faced palmed himself.

Vivian pulled up a black that had a numeric title about mathematics. But it was in another ancient language. And it was how Vivian made this next discovery.

"There is something else. Before we get into what this book is about. There's actually a fourth incantation that can grant you the full power of the Light Stone. Or the Sundrop as you call it." Vivian revealed to Rapunzel.

"What? Seriously?" Rapunzel asked in surprise and anticipation. "You found an incantation that would give me full control of the Sundrop's powers?"

"It's funny I just found out about that five minutes ago." Danielle remarked as she pondered on her own holographic copy . "But I still can't figure out what the last codex riddle means."

"I did." Vivian held the other side of the scroll up which was blank.

"Does the phrase 'Use The Sun To See The Sun' mean a metaphor or a recipe for a mimosa?" Danielle asked.

"No. I just held the other side up under the sunlight." Vivian said as she held up the scroll.

Danielle looked dumbfounded as she used her hand gesture, her own brain blowing up humorously.

"I found out about it a few hours ago. Unfortunately we can't see it without the actual sun." Vivian stated.

"So a flashlight wouldn't count?" Hoshi asked.

"I'm afraid not." Vivian nodded.

So for now until the sun rises, there's no use reading it. But it's okay. They've got a hail mary pass on reserve.

Just then. Orion's got an alert from the Mav Club computer on his Mav Ring.

He stood up and displayed a globe of Valisthea and saw a red dot at a certain spot.

"We got her." Orion grinned.

Rapunzel's eyes widened as she realized it was a signal from one of his trackers.

"Ryan, is that where Cassandra is right now?" Rapunzel asked.

"Pretty much." Orion answered.

"I placed a tracker on her while she wasn't looking. You're welcome." Hoshi winked.

Goofy noticed something about the location.

"Wait a sec. Donald? Is that where we fought all those Heartless during our second visit?" Goofy asked as he pointed at the map.

"Hey yeah! You're right!" Donald's eyes widened as well.

"The thousand Heartless battle." Yozora realized.

"The Thousand Heartless battle?" Rapunzel asked with concern. "You guys fought a literal army of Heartless there?"

"We took two...Twenty...No. One thousand each." Orion gloated after he was tapping his chin.

"Shut the front door." Eugene gawked.

"A thousand?! EACH?!" Lance gawked and squeaked the last part.

"That is the vocal point between Radiant Garden and Xhanas Terror's old Heartless castle. Which means her heart is about to summon an army." Yozora realized as he stood up. "We have to go now."

"Right. We have to stop Cass before it's too late." Rapunzel said with urgency.

"PRO. TEC. Get our new tuxes ironed and ready." Orion ordered for his A.I. Companions to get the new armored forms ready.

'But they're not done yet!' TEC answered.

"Then skip the spinning rims, we're on the clock! And make sure to have Project-Red Grid on stand by encase any Eikons show up." Orion sternly insisted.

'Aye Gov.' PRO snorted.

And they carried out his commands. And everyone left to go get ready. And before Rapunzel went up stairs. Friday came up to her.

"Zel. Listen. I know you still care about Cassandra. And I do too despite the left hook I gave her earlier. But with what she's putting at risk. And how she is now. We can't hold back. Not too much." Friday said with earnestness.

"I know. But this is still Cassandra, not some evil monster." Rapunzel said with determination in her eyes. "And despite everything. I know we can bring her back. Because I still believe."

"She might not hesitate to harm you. With her intentions clear right now, she's lost." Friday insisted.

Rapunzel looked down for a moment knowing Friday was right. Even Pascal leaned against her cheek for comfort as Rapunzel smiled and realized something. What she remembered Professor X said to her. Then she placed a hand on Friday's shoulder.

"Just because someone stumbles and loses their way, doesn't mean they're lost forever." Rapunzel said with a small smile. "So even though she's lost right now, it doesn't mean we've lost her for good. So I'm not giving up on her now."

Friday took in those words as she remembered something. Especially since she saw the movie X-Men Days Of Future Past.

"Charles Xavier?" Friday gave a knowing smile.

"Guilty as charged." Rapunzel said with a sly smirk.

Just then as Orion was getting ready. He sent a text to some contacts from the Marvel World. Sending them to some friends to see if any were available to help. Especially at a time like this.

Sure enough. He got seven responses that were available.

---

Meanwhile down at the Great Maw...

Down at the desert region outside of the borders of Radiant Garden. And near the ruins of the Hollow Bastion castle. The mountains that broke apart during the Thousand Heartless Battle surrounded the entire desert area like a broken chasm.

Cassandra was camping out by a tent she set up. As she was tenting to a fire. She had a bitter but determined expression.

Then the mysterious girl she met at the House Of Yesterday's tomorrow. A girl in a ballroom-like dress with a necklace of pearls she wore on her head with a diamond in the middle like a crown. She appeared floating behind her.

*"You've done well, Cassandra. Rapunzel is too weak to never put her friends and others in danger. Soon she will be here with the scroll that interprets the incantation."* The Mysterious Girl spoke.

"And then what?" Cassandra asked as she kept tending to the fire.

*"Then you must use the incantation. And face her with the full power of the Moonstone. Only then when she falls in battle, will you take her power. And fulfill your destiny."* The Mysterious Girl declared.

Cassandra looked down feeling conflicted about this. But she kept quiet. She has no intention of killing Rapunzel. But she doesn't mind kicking her ass to get what belongs to her. Cassandra intends to take the Sundrop from Rapunzel. Even if it means she has to break Rapunzel first.

Just then the Mysterious Girl disappeared with an evil smirk. Cassandra looked out to see two of Beniditka's patrolling guards riding up on white Chocobos from the distance.

Cassandra stood up with her sword drawn just in case. At first she thought they were a threat. But she eased up when she saw them. While she kept a serious look on her face.

"Lady Paragon. We've been sent by a request of Princess Rapunzel to deliver the scroll to you." One of the guards addressed Cassandra as they got off their ride and the second one handed it to her.

But something wasn't right. Wasn't Rapunzel supposed to be here like the girl said she would?

"Why didn't Rapunzel come to deliver it to me herself?" Cassandra asked as she took the scroll.

"Yeah...About that." The first guard remarked.

"She did." The second guard said as he raised his hand and shot Cassandra with an electrical bolt.

*Blast!*

"Ugh!" Cassandra yelled as she was blasted backwards. But she regained her stance and glared as she steadied herself on one knee and pulled out her sword.

The two guards shapeshifted and showed that they were really Morph from the X-Men, who was the first guard. And Shift who was the second that zapped Cassandra. Only her armor was now black with silver and red line patterns of lightning on it. And her metallic hair was still silver.

Cassandra then heard a strong wind as she looked up to see that the Maverick was with the Maveress. In black armor but with their original respective patterns in their signature colors. Maverick is still red and orange and Maveress is still black and white. But more black on her suit. And still with a hood on it.

Lance and Eugene had arrived on the horses Maximus and Fidella right up front.

With Rapunzel who was now wearing a new purple and navy pink dress, which looked similar to her first dress. With the dress ending just about her knees and the purple leg steeves of the dress ended below her knees and was barefoot. She was also wearing a gold plated chest and back armor. With metal shoulder guards. And she was holding her frying pan which was the same color as her armor and it was the size of a sledge hammer.

And her hair was loose and wrapped around her body like a dress drape. She looked seriously ready for a fight. And she had a purple flower on the right side of her head for a finishing touch.

"Zel's Mirrorverse armor, you know the video game in case anyone asks." Maverick whispered to the Readers.

Then in addition Cassandra looked around to see a sling ring portal open. To show as the leader of the X-Men. Cyclops came out of the portal along with Colossus. Negasonic Teenage Warhead.

Along with them was also Wolverine who was in his black and yellow spandex with the mask.

And coming out of the portal was Doctor Strange who flew out and hovered using his cloak of levitation.

And along with him was Iron Man who flew out behind him wearing a gold and dark red armor with the chest piece a triangle shape.

Then the portal closed.

"Wow. It's wierd who you run into on the side of the weird. Don't you think that's weird?" Iron Man quipped and asked Maverick.

"Definitely weird, but I think airports have it worse." Maverick remarked.

"Seriously?! Me against all of you?! I thought you people believed in fair fights!" Cassandra snapped angrily. "And how did you find me?!"

"What can we say?" Shift shrugged as she held a tracker up. "Technology's always been an Achilles Heel in your part of the world."

"And before you think about running this time. I've blocked your entry in the dark realm's pathways." Dr. Strange spoke up as Vishanti numeric ruins hovered around his fingers to prove his point.

"Which means whatever happens next is the final round, Cass. So don't embarrass yourself in front of the X-Men and show us that you still have common sense." Maverick declared.

"I should be saying the same to you, Forge." Cassandra said with a snort. "You think you've got the upper hand just because you lead a bigger team now. But the truth is, you don't. You have no idea how far I've come and how powerful I've become."

"Yeah spare us all the attitude, Destiny's Child. Also, I'm not the leader." Maverick grinned and gestured up at the sky. "He is."

Just then. Cassandra saw a figure up in the sky as it came into view as it got closer. And when she got a good look. She saw as Verum Rex landed in a black, red and silver suit with the same pattern and X form as his regular suit.

And then Verum Rex stood up looking serious.

"Cassie. I wanna introduce you to our lead key." Maverick grinned. "Verum Rex."

Cassandra remembered hearing that name when they defeated Lash back when everyone was together. As she stood up and gave a serious look to his determined look.

"The power that you hold, has a legacy of extinction. But inspite of your hostile actions, the Princess and the Maverick tells us otherwise about your nature." Verum Rex declared as he walked near his team, while speaking with grit and might in his voice. "So today you stand with us. Or. You stand against me, and the Guardians of the Unknown."

"I think you already know my answer, Verem Rex." Cassandra said with a determined voice while holding up her sword, a gesture that said she would be standing against them.

"Cass, please." Rapunzel pleaded as she stepped forward with a pleading look. "You know what's about to happen. You won't be able to walk away from this."

"I have every right to try." Cassandra replied darkly.

Everyone looked at each other, getting the sense that Cassandra isn't going to hear reason. Especially given that Rapunzel isn't making her stand down.

"Has anyone else ran out of patience?" Iron Man asked as his helmet flipped open to reveal Tony Stark's face.

"I have." Maverick deadpanned.

"Same here." Shift deadpanned.

"Ditto." Maveress agreed.

"Call it Stark." Wolverine grunted.

"Alright." Tony cupped his hands and called out. "Underoos!"

*Twip Twip!*

Cassandra was alerted as a string of webs yanked her sword out of her hand as Spider-Man showed up from flipping over the air and a second spin of webbing binded Cassandra's hands together.

Then Spider-Man landed on a mound of rocks near the team. In a spider pose and the shadow sword held up in his other hand.

However, everyone saw. Even Rapunzel's eyes lit up to see that this was someone new. Not Peter Parker. But Miles Morales. The second Spider-Man who was wearing his black suit with a red web pattern as his mechanical eyes squinted.

Spider-Man Miles Morales is in da house people!

"Nice job kid!" Tony called out.

"Thanks! Well I could've stuck the landing a little better. It's just that it's my first time out of the city. Well I mean not that I haven't been out of New York before." Spider-Man rambled a bit. Being a fifteen year old Brooklyn Visions student. Who wouldn't in his field?

"Yeah we really don't need to turn this into a conversation." Tony suggested.

"Alright. Hey there, Mercury!" Spider-Man greeted Cassandra who looked annoyed. "I heard you're cool but not right now, so no offense if we kick each other's asses."

"We'll discuss the wound licking terms later, Miles. Just get ready." Maverick said as he added to Tony's suggestion to focus.

"Hey everyone." Spider-Man waved at the team as Rapunzel and Pascal waved back with a big smile.

"Good job." Tony concluded.

"Grr." Cassandra growled in annoyance before addressing Maverick. "Well you've been busy. Where'd you find this Spiderman?"

"I was in the neighborhood." Spider-Man shrugged.

"He came to block party on campus." Colossus added.

"Pfft. You really have been busy." Cassandra scoffed.

Maverick shifted into Orion to say this next part.

"And you've been a complete idiot. Never mind taking the stone and running around God knows where across the Multiverse! But the fact that you had the nerve to come down here at the worst time possible to barely disrupt a party that made history for this world. And tag team with Barnabas, AKA King oppression 2.0 of Waloed and his slutty sidekick Beniditka, who is responsible for a vast graveyard of innocent people!" Maverick snapped with frustration in his voice before he switched to a . "I'M TRYING TO…...We are trying to save lives while you're busy trying to tear yours apart."

More than likely Beniditka fed lies to Cassandra just like The Mysterious Girl did.

'No, I'm taking my life back. The life I should've had." Cassandra said with an angry look.

While Cassandra didn't know what Orion meant by 'graveyard', she didn't care right now. She was focused on meeting her destiny.

"Alright, we're done." Orion muttered before he shouted. "You're gonna turn the stone over, and come with us now! Because it's US! Or an army of copy-written characters with no compunction about being impolite!"

"We have the entire Marvel World at our disposal! you start a fight! Will keep it going as long as you're still standing." Verum Rex stated as everyone got ready.

"So what's it gonna be, Moonshine?" Tony asked as he locked his helmet back on. "Cause it's not gonna feel good."

Then the Mysterious Girl spoke into Cassandra as the others couldn't see her.

*"Cassandra. Now's your chance. Time to even the odds!"* The Mysterious Girl spoke behind Cassandra. Urging her to proceed with the plan.

Then Cassandra settled with a smirk.

"The thing is…..I never needed the scroll. I just needed you here." Cassandra narrowed her eyes at Rapunzel.

"What?" Rapunzel looked confused and taken back by this.

Then Rapunzel began to realize. Cassandra already has the third incantation! She just needed her and everyone there!

"Crescent high above~ Evolving as you go~" Cassandra spoke, an oppressive weight making itself known to the Guardians, as their eyes widened in realization. "Raise what lies beneath~ And let the darkness grow~"

Dark energy sparked around her as the wind picked up.

"Bend it to my will~ Consume the sunlight's glow~ Rise into the sky~ And let the darkness grow!~" Cassandra continued chanting.

"Someone stop her!" Eugene shouted with seriousness.

But it was too late, as Cassandra looked up with narrowed dark eyes.

"LET DARKNESS GROW!" Cassandra yelled while spreading her hands out.

The webs on Cassandra's hands tore off as she held her hands out. Then suddenly, large spikes of black rocks sprouted all around the team and X-Men as some of them staggered and looked around. There were about a hundred large spikes everywhere.

And then half of them shifted in darkness until they stood. As Black Rock Heartless.

These Heartless were a gargantuan, brutish Heartless which wields a large ax. Their bodies were purple and covered in armor, with an opening in the middle where their heads stuck out, surrounded by chains attached to the armor. They each have a jagged dark blue mask covering their lower faces, with the rest of their faces darkened. Above their yellow eyes are a purple helmet where their Heartless emblem was placed. Above their heads at the top of their bodies, surrounded by two massive dark shoulder plates which feature dark blue hexagonal outer plates and a massive cracked horn on each. On each of their arms are a jagged purple plate of armor with a chain wrapped around it. Their legs are smaller than their bodies, and have two plates of armor above their dark blue feet.

"You stole those looks from the Rock Troll Heartless, didn't you?" Maverick deadpanned to the Author.

One Black Rock Heartless of course sprouted under Spider-Man who's spider-sense warned him and he staggered and jumped off while he tripped a bit and the shadow sword flung out of his hands. Only for Cassandra to catch it with her left hand. As she stood ready to fight.

"Guardians! Attack!" Verum Rex yelled.

"To me my X-Men!" Cyclops yelled out as they all charged.

"You take left, I'll take right." Iron Man told Doctor Strange who nodded as they flew into the fight.

Maverick of course started a track on his Gummi phone and projected neon speakers to the mountains surrounding the chasm.

(The X-Men 97 Theme)

And he had it play in the background of the battle.

"Remember all of your suits have been upgraded to take them on! Break them!" Cyclops yelled out as he fired his optic beam at three Black Rock Heartless and shattered them.

Showing that even the suits granted them the enchantment to use their powers on the black rocks.

Colossus ran through a lot of them. Punching the large Heartless down as he jumped in the air and slammed his fists down to shatter ten. But more kept coming as Negasonic ran up Colossus' back and she charged up to burst a sonic explosion on twenty.

But Cassandra's incantation caused more Black Rock Heartless to keep sprouting by the dozens.

Iron Man flew up and sent out an air strike of missiles from his suit to blow many more up. While Doctor Strange used the Bolts of Balthakk to strike down thirty Black Rock Heartless with blue lightning.

Just as Cassandra ran in to fight. Spider-Man flew in and swing kicked her down which made her tumble to the ground. But Cassandra regained her stance with the Shadow Sword to glare at him.

"This kinda makes me feel bad, cause my favorite color is black." Spider-Man quipped as he perched on the side of a large spike.

"Stay out of my way, kid! This has nothing to do with you!" Cassandra snapped at Spider-Man.

"Forge said you'd say that, Wow." Spider-Man quipped as his mask eyes squinted with a raised eyebrow look.

As Spider-Man spun two webs on Cassandra's right arm and her left lead and pulled to yank her forward as he spun and kicked her into a wall. She grunted as she held her hands up to sprout more spikes towards Spider-Man who turned invisible using his optical camouflage.

Cassandra looked around. Jerking her head around to find him. But Spider-Man was extremely stealthy.

"He also said to go for your hands!" Spider-Man echoed as her voice scattered.

But Cassandra still couldn't locate his voice. As she held her sword up.

"What else did he say about me?" Cassandra snarled out.

"That you're wrong! You think you're right! And that makes you dangerous." Spider-Man replied as his eyes squinted in his invisible mode.

Then Spider-Man charged up his fist with his bio-electrical ability or venom power to zoom in and while he was still invisible, he sucker punched Cassandra in the face. Causing her to crash through a spike.

But Cassandra rolled it off as her own rocks can't hurt her. As she stood back up.

"He kinda had a point." Cassandra grinned. Mostly about being dangerous.

Then Cassandra caused the black rock's essences to spread and cover the whole ground then she sprouted multiple arounds around her.

"Woah woaap!" Spider-Man yelled as he was sent into the air and his invisibility mode dropped. But he used the tips of the rocks to web swing and dodged the sprouting rocks.

Then suddenly another portal opened as Drax came out yelling with two new Black Rock based blue daggers.

"RAAAAAAGH!" Drax ran out.

Then Rocket came flying out on a jet back with a large gun. And Groot ran out as well.

Groot sends his vines out from his fingers to wrap around Cassandra's body as she struggles a bit.

While everyone else was dealing with the Black Rock Heartless. Rapunzel ran in just as they arrived.

"You know. Goldie said you weren't really a self-centered douchebag. Care to prove her wrong?" Rocket smirked while pointing his gun at her.

"I am Groot!" Groot yelled as well.

"How about I..." Cassandra started before looking befuddled. "Okay, what's with the talking raccoon?"

"I ain't, A RACOON!" Rocket was about to shoot her as he clocked his non-lethal suppression rounds.

But within a split second. Cassandra caused five rocks to sprout and impale Goot from behind and he roared in pain and staggered.

"Groot!" Rocket yelled out in horror as he flew over to help him.

As the vines around Cassandra fell. Drax ran in and slashed at her a few times. Cassandra nearly lost balance from how strong Drax was. But she summoned a black rock wall from the side to run into him and send him flying away.

Then Cassandra launched at Rapunzel who blocked Cass with her frying pan. As they clashed their weapons a few times. Rapunzel who was fighting in a defense while Cassandra was fighting in an offense. Rapunzel kept causing sparks to fly as she was blocking Cassandra's attacks. Who was getting aggressive. But Rapunzel had no intention of fighting.

As Rapunzel was pushed away. She steadied herself and narrowed her eyes as she ran in. Cassandra also ran in and they both jumped into the air and clashed their weapons. Two best friends who are fighting as if Destiny willed them to be enemies.

This was Orion's vision however. From the Challenge Of The Brave.

Rapunzel Vs Cassandra. Only much worse.

Soon Cassandra slammed her sword down against as Rapunzel new frying pan fell out of her hands from the hard hit. And Rapunzel had to use a strand of her hair to block the shadow sword, as Cassandra and Rapunzel held their ground.

"Cass, let's just talk." Rapunzel pleaded as she kept Cassandra blocked.

"Oh, sure. Let's have another chat about how my mother chose you over me." Cassandra said with a snarl.

Cass, Gothel took me and held me against my will. It wasn't my decision. You know that." Rapunzel said with narrowed eyes.

"Well, was it your decision to push her out a window?" Cassandra asked venomously.

Rapunzel gasped at that before narrowing her eyes and using all her strength to push Cassandra back and away from her.

"You weren't there. You have no idea." Rapunzel said as she took several steps back.

"Then why don't you make me understand?!" Cassandra snapped with her sword raised.

Then Rocket shot an electric net at Cassandra from behind. Sapping her with enough electricity to make her scream as she fell to her knees. Rapunzel was horrified to see her best friend in pain, but she had to stand her ground the moment Cassandra stood back up and ripped through it. Enough time for Hoshi to dash by and smack her to send Cassandra into the air.

Rapunzel was going to intervene but two Black Rock Heartless sprouted out in front of her and Rapunzel pulled out her large frying pan to clash with their axed hands. And she fought them off.

Rapunzel could hold her own as she was acting and thinking on her bare feet.

Meanwhile Cassandra was still in the air as she regained her stance and landed. Then Verum Rex as he drew out his keyblade.

"Is everything you do out of spite?" Verum Rex inquired.

"I do this to bring myself Justice!" Cassandra snapped angrily while holding out her sword. "Now stay out of this! This is between me and her!"

Then Maverick and Shift landed beside Verum Rex.

"You mess with my sister. You deal with me." Maverick snarled.

"All of us." Shift seethed.

Then all three of them dashed in as Verum Rex slashed the first two strikes at Cassandra which staggered her. Then Shift delivered a roundhouse lightning kick to Cassandra's jaw which made her roll over as she got back up to block and clash her sword against all three of them at once as they were slashing at her at the same time.

Cassandra gained an opening as she caused a rock mound to sprout under Maverick but he teleported and spung kicked Cassandra to stumble into Shift who delivered three punches and then she swifted grabbed the back of Cassandra head and knee kicked her twice. Making Cassandra stagger backwards.

Cassandra steadied herself after those hard glows that gave her a bloody lip. But before she could spout more rocks. Shift grabbed her wrists and squeezed hard to make her stagger. "Uugh..."

"One. Last. Chance." Shift warned darkly as she was crushing Cassandra's wrists.

But just as Cassandra was about to respond. A strong wind began to pick up. And it blew Verum Rex. Maverick and Shift away. Causing Cassandra to fall to her knees as she tried to fight the strong wind.

*WIND BLOWING HARD!*

The wind was so strong that it caused a thick fog to surround the area. And Cassandra ended up getting lost in it.

Cassandra tried to clear her vision as she saw the Mysterious Girl chuckling as she floated up to her.

"What is this? What's going on?" Cassandra asked, trying to see through the fog.

*"Oh Cassandra. You have a strong will. But you're too slow to finish the job on your own. No worries though. I brought some understudies to finish the job for you."* The Mysterious Girl said with a sinister and upright tone as she floated by her.

"What are you talking about?" Cassandra asked with narrowed eyes.

*"You'll see. May the best warrior win, Love."* The Mysterious Girl smirked as she vanished.

---

Then suddenly. Cassandra heard loud footsteps. Metallic foot steps as she looked ahead to see the gleaming shiny silver armor...Of the seven foot mutant warrior showing up. Verum Rex and Maverick regained themselves and theh could faintly see him pass most of the fog.

Verum Rex and Maverick's eyes widened as they saw him.

"Holy shit." Maverick whispered.

"Silver Samurai." Verum Rex gasped.

They both tried to run in. But a pair of large bird claws grabbed them in the fog. So that they wouldn't interfere.

Then Silver Samurai stepped up and hopped down to stand in front of Cassandra as he stood down and looked down at him.

"All these years, my Master has been trying to locate the Sundrop and the Moon Stone. And you..." Silver Samurai spoke with a deep metallic Asian voice. "You just hand delivered it to us."

"If you think I'm handing this over to you, you're delusional." Cassandra said as she stood against Silver Samurai with her sword held up. "It's my power to wield! My destiny!"

Silver Samurai chuckled darkly as he extended two large silver swords from his armor gauntlets and then extended two more swords that were shorter underneath.

"Hahahaha...You're Destiny?" Silver Samurai scoffed. "You think you're it's owner?!"

*Sling!*

Then a third pair extended under the two first sets. Showing that Silver Samurai had three swords extended from both of his hands.

Then he charged and slashed at Cassandra who blacked with her sword and she pushed and delivered a kick to his chest. Making Silver Samurai back away.

"Very good, Girl." Silver Samurai replied as he stepped. Twirled and delivered a speeded kick to Cassandra's shoulder making her stagger back.

Then she got back up and yelled each time she slashed at Silver Samurai. Which hit him each time but his armor blocked the blows. Cassandra even slide under when he tried to impale her. But she managed to flip up and land on his back to stab some expose spots. Making him yell. But Silver Samurai grabbed her face and tossed her to the ground. Only to kick her torso as she was getting back up.

"Ugh!" Cassandra yelled out in pain as she crawled back up to a mound of rocks. And she screamed in fury. "AAAAAH!"

Then Cassandra send five boulders to smash into him. But Silver Samurai just stood as they shattered against him. And he dusted his shoulder.

"You're problem, Girl. Is that you think destiny is an item. But we know otherwise. Or rather your mother did." Silver Samurai spoke as Cassandra launched at him. But Silver Samurai grabbed her by the throat and lifted her up. "Gothel left you. For her own personal gain. And yet you came to punish her victim."

"You don't know me." Cassandra groaned while stuck in his grip. "Or my mother."

Silver Samurai tossed her to the ground.

"Your mother knew all of us. And after all we offered her. Even after what your father, Mason The Wise offered. She still chose her ego over everyone else. Just like you." Silver Samurai stated as he stepped up to her.

"Shut up." Cassandra growled as she stood on her knees.

"You lost even before you began, Girl. And now there's no one left by your side." Silver Samurai stated. "All power. And nothing to show for it."

"SHUT UP!" Cassandra screamed in rage as she knocked Silver Samurai down, and began punching his metal masked face over and over, denting the mask. "SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!"

Silver Samurai grabbed her hands and slammed his head into her face which made her stagger back and hold her nose which was bleeding now.

"You fight like a child throwing a tantrum. Despite not holding back. Admirable. But mistaken." Silver Samurai spoke.

Then Cassandra got the sense that Doctor Strange was no longer blocking her pathway. She opened a dark portal. As she ran into it and collapsed.

But the portal was still opened as she tried to limp away. Silver Samurai's footsteps were still heard.

"Ooooh you think darkness is your path to destiny. You merely adopted the dark. Me and my brothers and sisters were born in it. Molded by it." Silver Samurai echoed throughout the darkness as Cassandra looked around frantically. "We didn't see the real light until we were real once again. And by then. It was nothing to us but BLINDING!"

Silver Samurai grabbed her by the throat making Cassandra gasp as he punched her back out of the portal to collapse near some rocks. And she could barely stand.

"The Stone betrays you. Because it belongs to Zhan Tiri." Silver Samurai spoke as he pressed his hand against Cassandra's chest where the Moonstone was. And he began to drain it's power.

"Ugh..." Cassandra groaned as her hair was blinking back into her black hair.

Then he stood up as he held the Moonstones essence in a tube connected to his suit.

"We will take what was taken. Use it to bring our Master back...Then we will cut the Guardians down." Silver Samurai declared.

Just then. Cassandra staggered as she didn't feel the need to give up. She grabbed her shadow sword and raised it up to hold as she limped over to Silver Samurai.

"Ah yes. We were wondering what gets cut first." Silver Samurai remarked. "Your spirit. Or your physical being!"

***Slash!***

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! EEEGH!" Cassandra screamed in pain and horror as her hand was sliced off. And she collapsed while holding it.

As Cassandra collapsed. She looked up to see the winds dying down. As Silver Samurai vanished in his own dark portal. And The Mysterious Girl walked by in her blue ghost form still.

*"Don't take it too hard, Cassandra. My Syndicate always was the ones for results. But if it makes you feel any better. You met them halfway."* The Mysterious Girl playfully mocked.

"That we were." Beniditka appeared in her own astral form behind the Mysterious Girl. Only her form wasn't blue.

Revealing that she and the Mysterious Girl were in league.

"You... tricked me?" Cassandra gawked.

*"We both did."* The Mysterious Girl shrugged as she brushed her fingernails.

"Who...Who are you?" Cassandra seethed, before the Mysterious Girl held her hand out.

In a flash, Cassandra saw many different images run through her mind, like the sundrop, the moonstone, and the shadowy image of a demon. This made Cassandra gasp in horror, releasing the girl's shoulders, and take several steps back as her eyes widened in horror and realization.

"You're... You're that ancient Demon, Zhan Tiri?!" Cassandra gasped in horror. As she finally understood.

"Took long enough to finally drill through the wood. Hasn't it?" Beniditka snorted.

*"Indeed. Farewell, Cassandra. You've served me well."* The now revealed as Zhan Tiri waved while Beniditka blew her a kiss before they vanished.

The winds died down as all of the Black Rock Heartless were all gone.

And the Guardians. X-Men and everyone else stood looking around.

Rapunzel frantically looked as she saw Cassandra on the ground wounded and missing a hand. As she gasped in horror and ran to her.

"Cass!" Rapunzel cried out as she knelt down and held her close. "No no no no no no no! Stay with me! You're gonna be okay! Just hang on!"

All of the heroes and Guardians looked horrified to see Cassandra in her condition. Whatever anger and resentment any of them felt now was gone. Eugene and Lance were also horrified. Maximus and Fidella. Even little Pascal.

"Strange! Open a portal back to HQ!" Shift yelled.

"Already on it!" Doctor Strange used his sling ring to open a portal.

And just as everyone was running back in. They looked up and saw as Beniditka's Eikon appeared over the sky.

Garuda. A colossal harpy-like creature with two pairs of large wings on her upper and lower back, the upper pair possessing a set of claws. She has wing-like protrusions on her head, and has yellow eyes and a mouth of razor-sharp teeth. Her body is covered in white and green feathers, and her hands and feet are equipped with large talons.

Garuda grinned and screeched her roar. "REEEEEEEEEEEEIK!"

But just as was ready to attack them. More footsteps were heard behind them.

*STOMP!*

And the ground shook as Maverick looked over and widened his eyes.

"We really gotta go now." Maverick insisted.

"Why? What- What is it?" Rapunzel asked with a slightly scared tone.

Then suddenly over the horizon behind them. They saw as a large 354 foot monster appeared.

"REEEEEEEEIK!" Garuda roared at it.

"That...Is Ifrit." Verum Rex answered.

Ifrit had a posture and demeanor that would rival Godzilla. Ifrit was a 354 foot lizard like monster. His body covered in flames and his skin appearing like lava rock. He has massive, backwards-facing horns. He possesses a wolf-like muzzle with sharp fangs, with a mane of white hair running down the back of his neck. Ifrit has sharp claws on its hands and feet, the latter of which are digitigrade. He also possesses a long tail.

Ifrit glared at Garuda. Rapunzel looked in both horror and bewitherment as she and the others ran through the portal and escaped.

But not before hearing his roar as the fight began between the two Eikons. And he lets out a roar that was more iconic then Garuda.

"SHREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOONK!" Ifrit roared massively as his voice echoed the mountains.

---

Later on inside the Astral Plane...

Cassandra awoke abruptly inside the realm where Thoughts become reality. As she was standing in an Astral form of Charles Xavier's office.

Cassandra noticed that her face didn't have any scars. And her hand isn't missing anymore. Her hair was still blue and she still had her rocky armor on.

She looked around and was briefly startled to see Charles in his wheelchair.

"Good morning, Cassandra." Charles smiled warmly.

"What's going on? Where am I?" Cassandra asked.

"Physically you are back at your friends' hideout in Radiant Garden. But here in your mind. This is the Astral Plane." Charles explained as he rolled up to her. "I believe you heard of me. If I'm correct."

"You're... Charles Xavier." Cassandra muttered in surprise.

She remembered hearing about him during the time Rapunzel would read Orion's comics during the road trip. The ones he gave to Rapunzel as a birthday gift. It contained plenty of X-Men comics.

Charles nodded with a smile. "I brought you here to show you what was taken. Which is understanding your past. So your path doesn't paint an evil picture to everyone you encounter." He stated.

"I thought that by taking the rock, my destiny would become clear." Cassandra confessed, before looking down at the floor. "But now... Now I'm not so sure. Maybe I never had one."

"Everyone has a path to Destiny Cassandra. But Destiny is a not something you can take. It is a destination. Not an item." Charles said with encouragement.

Cassandra looked up a little as she remembered Silver Samurai saying that to her.

"If you truly wish to understand what was taken from you. I can show you. At least from the memories you suppressed. But I must warn you. This experience will be heartbreaking." Charles offered and warned as he held his hand out.

Cassandra stood there with her eyes clenched, thinking what she should do. If it was worth going through this. But she wanted to know the truth, no matter how painful it would be.

So Cassandra kneeled down to Charles' level.

"Show me." Cassandra said.

Charles nodded as he touched the side of Cassandra's head and then the world around her shifted.

As she was standing in her mother Gothel's old cottage. Where little four year old Cassandra was standing.

Along with Old Mother Gothel who was showing her a music box.

Cassandra smiled sadly as she was beginning to remember how happy she was that day.

"Here. Let me show you, Sweetheart. Turn the key like this..." Gothel sweetly spoke as she showed Cassandra as she wind up the music box. Before she continued to her cute and curious daughter. "So whenever you hear this tune. You'll think of your dear sweet mother, and the love I have for you."

The music was a tune Cassandra used for her personal song from the feeling of Fantasia. 'Waiting On The Wings.'

Gothel seemed genuine in the memory as Cassandra's eyes lit up. As her mother hand it out to her. She embraced Gothel first.

"I love you, Mama." Little Cassandra beamed and chimed in a soft adorable voice.

Before little Cassandra was handed the music box and skipped happily away while humming to herself.

While Gothel was smiling. As if she was happy to make her daughter happy...At first. But then Gothel exhaled and rolled her eyes looking annoyed.

"Ugh. Hopefully that'll keep her out of my hair for a while. Lousy little pest." Gothel hissed in disgust as she stood up and walked off.

As the memory stopped.

Cassandra's eyes widened with so many emotions at that moment.

But mostly, she felt her heart breaking.

Cassandra. Dropped to her knees. As her heart shattered. Everything she has been doing. From taking the stone, all the way up to this point. Was for her memory and her dedication to her mother. The one that left her!

If this is how her mother truly felt...Then what the hell did she do this all for? She's now less than who she was meant to be. And betrayed her friends. Family...Rapunzel. All for this hateful woman she once called 'Mama'.

"No..." Cassandra whispered with tears in her eyes.

Then everything faded.

---

Back in the Guardians safe house...

Cassandra gasped awake as she saw that she was in a bedroom inside the Guardians safe house. A nice looking one at that. As she felt around her body and saw that her scars and bruises were gone. And her hand?

Her hand was back?! And it was no longer black from the decay incantation used at the Great Tree a while back!

But even this miracle couldn't stop Cassandra's depressed feelings.

Friday came by the open door with a sympathetic look. As she ushered for Rapunzel to come on over. Rapunzel was back in her Princess attire as she looked both relieved and sad for Cassandra at the same time.

"You should talk to her first. She's your best friend." Friday encouraged.

"Right." Rapunzel said softly before walking into the room and closing the door behind her. "Hey, Cass. How're you feeling?"

Cassandra's back was to her as she had her arms wrapped around herself. She was too ashamed to answer back let alone look at Rapunzel. After all that happened.

"Cassandra. Please talk to me." Rapunzel softly soke as she came up to Cassandra and touched her cheek.

But Cassandra recoiled and looked away.

"Cass... Whatever you're thinking. Don't. It's not too late to-" Rapunzel almost said.

But Cassandra cut her off when she finally spoke.

"Too late?" Cassandra said with a bitter self-loathing tone as she looked away. "Raps, look around you. We Failed. I'VE failed."

Because Zhan Tiri has the Moonstone's essence with her followers grasp. They can now do more damage then Cassandra ever hoped to accomplished. And whatever they do next. All the people they're about to kill is on her.

Cassandra feels it. Like she knows it.

"No. You can do-" Rapunzel started but was cut off by Cassandra who stood up.

"I can't do anything!" Cassandra snapped back, gesturing to herself. "Why won't you just give up on me?! Can't you see what I've done?! Look around you! This is all my fault!"

Rapunzel looked sadly at her friend who was now releasing tears from her eyes, while Pascal sat on the table by the bed.

"I've done terrible things! They have what they needed from me! People are going to die and it's all on me!" Cassandra cried, collapsing into Rapunzel's arms who held her close. "I tried so hard to prove that I was more than everyone thought. But they were right."

Rapunzel heart broke for her. But she stayed strong for her best friend.

"No, Cassandra. No." Rapunzel said softly, hugging Cassandra tightly while the sobbing girl clung to her.

She could never see Cassandra as a villain, or a monster. Because she knows Cassandra is good.

"Raps, I am so sorry..." Cassandra sobbed into Rapunzel's shoulder.

Rapunzel was glad to have her friend back. But not at this kind of cost. Still. Rapunzel believes that it's not too late. It never is too late.

While they were holding each other. They heard TEC in the background sniffing at the scene.

'Quiet, TEC. They're having a emotionally bond rebuilding moment.' PRO hissed. 'You know. The thing that gave the Russo Brothers too many Oscar nominations.'

'I'm not crying! You are!...Oh...This is just too much...I need to call my motherboard!' TEC sobbed

'Pretend we're not here. Please.' PRO deadpanned.

Rapunzel just rolled her eyes at the two AI's antics before pulling away slightly to look at Cassandra, but still kept close.

"Cass, I was thinking about when we first met." Rapunzel said with a small smile "Do you know it was nearly three weeks before I heard you laugh for the first time?"

Cassandra didn't say anything, but let her eyes fall to the side.

"I guess there wasn't much to smile about, you know, after being put in charge of a free-spirited flower child who painted smiley faces over your things." Rapunzel said with a sheepish smile.

"Huh." Cassandra gave a small chuckle at that before the brief smile fell again as she looked away

"But that first laugh was so remarkable because I knew you meant it." Rapunzel said with a smile, making Cassandra turn her gaze towards her.

"What do you mean?" Cassandra asked, slightly confused.

"When you laughed, you had this look in your eyes." Rapunzel said, trying find the right words. "I don't know. It was like seeing you, the REAL you, for the first time. And that's the Cassandra I became best friends with."

"Why are you telling me this?" Cassandra asked Rapunzel, who reached out and took her hand in hers.

"Because, even when I look at you now, after all that's happened, no matter what we've done to each other, I still see that look in your eyes. You're my best friend, Cassandra. And I will never give up on you." Rapunzel said to her , bringing a small smile to Cassandra. And the two met in a warm hug, a symbol of their mending friendship.

On that note. As Rapunzel and Cassandra were back together. Nothing can split them apart now.

(Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway - Back Together Again)

Seems we've weathered

Hard times we've been through

In silence I've waited

I missed you (I missed you too)

'Cause you, you and I back together again

Got the world in a spin

'Cause you, you and I back together again

Got the world in a spin

The song played from the stereo speakers from the living room. As it got their attention.

But then they heard a grunt from Drax.

"ORION FORGE! HOW DO I TURN THESE DEPRESSING SOUNDS OFF?!" Drax echoed from the living room.

"Respect the classics, Man! They're appropriate to the plot!" Orion echoed back from outside, sounding like a hippie.

"As you can tell, Ryan is as crazy as ever." Rapunzel said with a giggle. "And has built up his team with some very interesting people."

"I can tell." Cassandra sighed with a small smile. And she wondered. "Still. I bet some of them aren't really happy to see me."

"It's okay, Cass. None of them hold anything against you." Rapunzel said reassuringly. "We heard the whole thing from Charles. And what happened during your fight with Silver Samurai, and about what you saw in your memories."

Cassandra sighed as she stood up with Rapunzel and they both walked out.

---

Once they were in the living room. Cassandra saw Rocket. Groot. Drax. Friday. Hosi. Yozora and Orion. All halted what they were doing as they were doing random things around the place.

Yozora and Hoshi were passing the time with a book. While Orion and Friday were French kissing each other on the other couch until they stopped.

Rocket was fixing his weapon with a tool and Drax was trying to guess which button turns off the music but all he did was turn it down.

And Groot was watering some plans.

Friday and Orion were the first to get up and walk over.

"How are you?" Friday asked out of concern.

"I'm alive." Cassandra said with a shrug before sighing. "Listen. I'm sor-"

"It's fine. You've apologized enough for having your ass handed to you." Friday assured as she patted her shoulder.

"That's how she says 'apology accepted." Orion whispered.

"See? What did I tell you?" Rapunzel said with a warm happy smile.

"Be glad you don't have a criminal record like I do. I'm still on the hook for successful robberies. Octupled homicide. Blackmail. Assassinations. Black market deals...What else I'm I missing?" Rocket kept chatting and wondered.

"Ha! That is nothing compared to my past sins. I still have some of the spines of my victims hanging on the walls of my personal chambers." Drax declared with pride.

"Those were human spines?!" Orion gawked.

"No. I have never collected one from a Terran yet." Drax answered.

Meaning he has a spine of almost every other species.

"Anyway...Drax the Destroyer and Rocket." Orion introduced them and quickly added. "Not a raccoon."

"Just a fair warning. He doesn't like to be called a raccoon." Rapunzel whispered to Cassandra.

"Over there is Hoshi AKA Swift. She knocked you in the air a few times while you weren't looking." Orion remarked.

"Sorry." Hoshi meekly replied.

"And that's her boyfriend, Yozora. AKA Verum Rex." Friday pointed to Yozora.

"Just to be clear again. He's the boss. I just pay for everything, design everything and make everyone look cooler." Orion clarified again.

"Ryan is basically the Iron Man to Yozora's Captain America." Rapunzel said with a smirk.

"I can definitely see that." Cassandra said before greeting Yozora and Hoshi. "It's nice to officially meet you both, without all the tension."

"Likewise." Yozora nodded in agreement.

"Also if you're wondering why your wrist aint a stump no more. I used a Rajak tissue composer to reconnect the muscle and tissue back together before your hand rotted away." Rocket spoke up. "It was either that or build you a new hand so I went the cheeper route."

Cassandra's eyes widened as she pulled the blue glove off her right hand and saw that it was completely fine. Completely reattach as if it was never cut off. And never rotted from the decay incantation.

"Aren't those Rajak gears considered contraband?" Friday inquired.

"How should I know? That had a sale on Knowhere." Rocket shrugged.

"Wait...I don't understand. My hand turned black when I touched Rapunzel during that decay incantation." Cassandra looked both amazed and confused.

"A friend of ours named Kara fixed that, using a Foreteller spell." Hoshi spoke up.

"Basically you're in one piece again. Despite having an Infinity Stone on your chest." Drax stated.

"Well, that really is a big relief. Thanks, Rocket..." Cassandra said, gratefully thanking Rocket, before her eyes widened as she registered something that Drax just said. "I'm sorry. Did you just say Infinity Stone?"

"Did the evil sorceress not tell you?" Drax asked.

Zhan Tiri kept that in the dark knowing Cassandra would be easier to manipulate.

"Yeah, I only found out about this earlier today." Rapunzel said with an exasperated and nervous smile. "Apparently, there are not six, but eight infinity stones. The two secret ones are the Dark Stone, or as we know it, the Moonstone, and the Light Stone, which we know as the Sundrop."

Cassandra looked blown away at first. Before she spoke up.

"So you were born with an Infinity Stone inside of you. While I was stupid enough to take one and put it on myself." Cassandra concluded as she wasn't sure how to register that.

"Except the difference is the stone is liquefied and living inside of Zel's Heart like a vessel. Your stone, however, is just on you. You can take it off, but I wouldn't recommend it right now because you could blow up this building." Orion clarified.

"Right now the important thing is we have both with us. Which gives us an advantage over Zhan Tiri." Yozora stated. "And we already have a plan of how that will work."

"Alright...But wait. Silver Samurai mentioned my father. Who was he again?" Cassandra insisted on the one thing that stuck to her mind.

Yozora and Orion looked at each other. Knowing that if Cassandra were to hear it from anyone. She might as well hear it from the best. The people who once knew him personally.

---

Later on at the Restoration Committee HQ...

Cassandra was in another room. Listening to two people who were members of the Crimson Caravan, Mason The Wise's number one transit marketing team. Who were always known for bringing in the best in products for Radiant Garden. And now the Crimson Caravan is up again.

Two members of the Caravan as well as Committee members, Theo and his sister Eloise. Were both in another room with Cassandra. Telling her everything about her father, their old leader.

Meanwhile, Cid and his daughter Mid were with Vivian at the Committee library. As Rapunzel was seated with them around the lounging area.

"I bet you have questions about those giant monsters you saw before you left." Cid figured as he lit a cigar.

"Oh, not too many questions. Just... A thousand!" Rapunzel exclaimed in exasperation and disbelief at those giant creatures. "What were those things?!"

Orion teleported into the room on that note.

"Zel? Remember that talk we had about Dominants and Eikons? We had that just two chapters ago." Orion calmly reminded Rapunzel while breaking the fourth wall.

"Yeah, I remember. But what does that have to do with the live action Godzilla movie we just saw a glimpse of?" Rapunzel asked.

"Everything! The Eikons are the monsters! And the Dominants are the people who become them! Hell, Cid has one too! Where do you think his power comes from?" Orion expressed and clarified.

"You're kidding me. So you're saying all dominants can turn into one of those monsters?" Rapunzel asked in shock. "Even Jill?"

"Now she gets it." Mid remarked.

"Boom." Orion quipped and confirmed as he gestured a mind blow with his hands.

"Geez! I thought it was just some sort of blessing from the god in which they get their powers from!" Rapunzel expressed her shock.

"The Eikons aren't really gods. They were the original guardians of light and balance across the Multiverse back when it was all just one. Before the Keyblade War. Before the Darkness. But ever since the collapse began and Kingdom Hearts went into obscurity. So did the Eikons. but the only awake from a host, or Dominants as we call them, who are granted their power. And the means to become them when called upon and the situation demands it." Vivian explained.

"Okay. That's a lot to take in." Rapunzel muttered, taking it in stride. "And the Dominants have complete control when they transform?"

"Most of us too. Other times, they act in their nature to eliminate a threat to balance. The Eikons don't really choose sides. Unless the Dominant has a strong and mutual symbiotic connection within their hearts." Vivian answered.

"So...Who was that we just saw out there?" Rapunzel asked. "That harpie looking bird lady that attacked us?"

"Garuda. She's the wind Eikon. Mischievous. Predatorial. Deadly. She's Beniditka's Eikon." Cid sighed as he remembered his former partner. "She's also the one who cut your friend's hand off."

"the other you saw was Ifrit, the 'Warden of the Inferno'. And he is the most dangerous. You could say that Ifrit is an alpha male." Mid answered.

"And who's Ifrit's Dominant?" Rapunzel asked.

"I am." They heard Clive's voice. As they all turned over to see Clive walk in. Wearing his usual red and black attire. Looking a little worn out and tired.

And by his side was Jill. Who was helping him walk. As she wore her usual white and blue attire.

"Clive, Jill. Are you okay?" Rapunzel asked in concern. "What happened at the party?"

Rapunzel's first instinct was to ask more about this. But she was concerned for her friends as always.

"I had to excuse myself early when I heard Beniditka was causing mischief near my border. Ifrit drove her off. But barely." Clive said as he was out of breath and Jill helped him sit on the couch.

"Easy, Darling. Save your breath." Jill cooed as she took a wet cloth and helped wipe the sweat off.

Eugene walked in with Lance as they looked concerned.

"Hey Blondie. We just had to pick him up along with Chill Jill here." Eugene spoke up.

"He was on the ground after the fight, but not nude! Nobody ask that, alright?!" Lance warned.

"You look pretty roughed up." Rapunzel said in concern for her two new friends.

"Ifrit is a stubborn piece of work." Clive muttered.

"Clive's first transformation was during the Thousand Heartless battle. Then afterwards was the siege on Syndicate XIII's tower." Mid explained.

"We weren't really there for the first one, but that second one I got footage of." Orion remarked.

"While Ifrit was able to take on dark Eikon's like Chernobog. Zhan Tiri's Eikon. He can't take on everyone at once." Cid stated.

"Zhan Tiri is a Dominant too?!" Rapunzel asked in shock and horror. "As if she isn't terrifying enough."

Just then Yozora walked in as he was hearing that last part.

"Well she's not here. Not yet anyway. After Dimanitus banished her into the Realm Of Darkness, she remained there to send her Heartless and Nobody out into the world." Yozora stated as he walked in.

"But after we kicked their asses, Zhanny was sent back into her dark cell. Where she used her Astral Projection to find and manipulate Cass. Me and Strange could hear it. She was the voice whispering in her ear." Orion informed them.

"And I thought she was just going crazy." Eugene joked.

"But her followers took energy from the Moonstone. Could she use that to escape?" Rapunzel asked concerned.

"No. She needs the Seven Princesses Of Heart to come back and according to Yid Sen, the Syndicate needs a new Seven." Yozora revealed.

"And I hate to burst your spaz again. But...You're one of the new seven." Orion stated and revealed to Rapunzel. "That's why she had Cass target you like the media on Trump."

"I'm one the new Princesses of Heart?!" Rapunzel gasped in shock. "Zhan Tiri needs me to escape…. But. What about the other Princesses of Heart?! Are they safe?! What should we do?!"

"Zel, stay calm. One. We're not sure who the other new seven are, but two. We have a plan. Or rather Spike has a plan." Orion eased Rapunzel's tension.

"I was just approached by someone who claims that she's a member of the Undying." Yozora revealed.

"The Undying?" Clive looked surprised.

"Are you certain?" Jill asked, looking with wide eyes.

"Yeah. Orion can verify she wasn't lying." Yozora confirmed.

"The Undying? They contacted you?" Rapunzel asked in shock.

"Okay, who are the Undying? And please tell me they don't want any of our brains as payment." Eugene joked, making a zombie reference. "If so, they can have Lance's."

"What?! Why mine?!" Lance shrieked.

"Cause yours is packed with flavor with no hormones inside. Mine is dry, and being put to better use." Eugene smugly said as he brushed his knuckles.

"By that you mean leaner!" Lance snapped back humorously.

"The undying are not zombies or Bruce Campbell's playground, Smartass. They're a secret order meant to keep the bloodline of the Phoenix Dominants from going extinct." Orion quipped and clarified to Eugene.

"Which means if one's here. Joshua is ready to reveal himself." Yozora said with a grin.

"The one who's destined to save us all is almost here." Jill muttered in happiness and hope.

"Bring her in. Let's hear what she has to say." Clive said, eager to finally learn of his long lost brother's whereabouts.

Orion nodded as he teleported out. And then he teleported back in with a nineteen year old girl. Who had short brown hair, she was wearing a brown leather ware coat that drapes down low. She looked rather humbled and beautiful at the same time.

She held both of her hands together as Clive and Jill stood up and the young lady came over and gave a head bow to Clive.

"Greetings, my Lord. I am Jote of the Undying. My mother was the one who saved your brother's life years ago." The Undying member greeted with a soft and humble British tone.

"It is a pleasure to meet you." Clive said kindly.

"Yes Yozora told us you wished to speak with us." Jill said kindly.

"I do. Our caravan is based underneath Phoenix Gate. But the Syndicate plans to make for an extraction at the ruins of Rosalith Castle. With Barnabas' help." Jote informed them.

"Barnabas, that bastard!" Clive snarled at the name, rage burning within him.

"That's bad isn't it?" Rapunzel asked in slight fear.

"Very bad." Jill muttered.

"Not as bad as what we have on them. After Silver Samurai made off with the Moon essence, he and the others know they can't travel off world with it via portal. Otherwise the essence would dissipate. They have a ship coming in over Rosalith Castle which will arrive by the evening." Yozora explained.

"Before the eclipse starts." Jote stated.

"Which means we have until then to stop them from making it off world with the Moonstone's energy." Rapunzel said with a determined look.

"Uh, quick question. What's so special about this eclipse tonight and will it hurt?" Eugene asked.

"The Valisthean Eclipse is considered to be the one of the most sacred times of the year. Where light and darkness are balanced. And anything can happened. Be of good or ill results." Jill explained.

"And believe me. There will be a lot of Heartless. Which is why the X-Men are coming back to help us." Yozora stated.

"Kay so it will only hurt a little, gotcha." Eugene quipped.

"That's great. We'll need as much fire power as we can get." Rapunzel said excitedly. "Oh, is Spider-Man gonna come back for this fight?"

"They both are." Orion answered and looked at everyone else. "Hit the deck and cover your ears."

Both as in Peter Parker and Miles Morales.

"WHAT?! BOTH SPIDER-MEN?!" Rapunzel exclaimed loudly in excitement. "EAAAAAK! Somebody pinch me! I must be dreaming!"

"Just whatever you do, don't ask about Pete's love life. He's still recovering after...issue 121." Yozora cautioned.

"It happened eight months ago." Orion sighed.

"Oh." Rapunzel's eyes widened in realization and sadness, as issue 121 was when Gwen Stacy died. "I'll be sure not to say anything."

"Just not unless he says anything." Orion added.

"Yeah he quit being Spider-Man for five months until he got out of his guilt and grief phase. But he's back and he's slowly recovering. Miles however just became Spider-Man seven months ago." Yozora explained.

"I think there's two spiders in this big apple." Orion called out as he held a large red apple and then bit into it and shrugged as he chewed. "Not bad."

He was really making a joke about how the Big Apple has two Spider-Men.

"Ryan, you crazy lovable lunatic." Rapunzel giggled at her brother's antics.

"Are there actually spiders in that apple? Because I'm arachnophobic as all hell." Lance said nervously.

"Here, check." Orion smirked as he walked by while he tossed the apple at Lance.

"AHHHH!" Lance screamed high pitched as he threw the apple in the air and panicked. "Keep them away AH! Ah!"

"Hahahahaha!" Eugene cracked up laughing on that note.

While this was going on. Yozora kept the conversation going.

"We're all going to be using our current new suits and Strange did some changes to the moon stone on Cassandra. We'll talk about it as soon as she's out." Yozora spoke up.

"Speaking of which, I better go check up on her." Rapunzel said before slipping out of the room.

"I better get going too. The chief prosecutor of Waloed is spending time at the spa. And someone gave a tip to the Waloedean captain of the guard that we've got the location of the man responsible for the death of their king." Clive stated as he made sure his beard was straight.

It's time for Gibson Clarion to get his.

"Guilty..." Orion smirked mischievously revealing that he tipped them off.

And now Clive is getting the next half of his revenge.

"Why am I not surprised?" Yozora muttered with a smirk at Orion before he shook Clive's hand. "Good luck, Clive."

"Same to you, my friend." Clive shook his hand with a smile.

And on that note. Everyone made their move to get ready for the final act. But first Rapunzel had to make sure Cassandra was mentally prepared.

Especially since Cassandra deserves a chance to make things right.

---

Meanwhile in the analytics room...

Because the analytics team was given some time off. It was available to have a private conversation. Where Theodore was a lean man in his mid twenties with black short hair and a goatee, wearing a brown and black adventure attire with two metal shoulder pads. Of course he was a branded until it was removed a while back. Leaving the traditional facial scar.

His sister Eloise was a young lady in her mid twenties with short black hair and a casual commoner green dress. While she wasn't branded due to Theo making sure she didn't have a tough childhood.

They both explained to Cassandra what happened to Mason The Wise.

"After he blew the Syndicate's Kingdom Hearts with his machine. He was vaporized with it." Eloise explained. "He only faked his death during Zhan Tiri's coup. Only for him to give his life for our freedom."

Cassandra looked down as she heard this. A part of her was hoping that she still had a real parent out there. Given everything that's happened. but she is at least proud to know that there is at least one that she should be proud of.

"Thank you for telling me this." Cassandra muttered quietly.

Theodore and Eloise looked at each other. Figuring that Cassandra now needed time to herself. So they got up and got ready to leave. Besides, Theodore had to go check on Edda. Who is recovering well now that she's back with her Theo.

"You have our condolences. And our support." Theo stated as they were walking out.

And just then as they left. Rapunzel walked in. And took the seat in front of Cassandra and checked on her.

"Hey, Cass." Rapunzel greeted softly to her friend. "How are you doing?"

Cassandra was getting a little tired of everyone asking her that. But then again. It was good to see that she still had someone by her side. Especially after everything she did.

"I haven't really been an easy person to call a friend. And to think, I put all the blame for my rejection on you. When it should've been the old hag we both called mother. The one who damned both of our lives." Cassandra said as she felt bitterness to Gothel. The woman who took so much from them.

All this time when Cassandra thought it was the Moonstone. When really it was Radiant Garden. If she had known her real father. She would've had a different life. But this time Cassandra doesn't feel the need to take what's hers. Because what she's given and who she is. This is her life.

"Well to be fair, in your defense, a huge part of all of this was my fault too." Rapunzel said, getting the attention of her friend who saw the remorse in her eyes. "I made you feel like second best, and made you wait in the lime light even during those days you were fighting for me. And I'm truly sorry for that."

Cassandra was surprised to hear Rapunzel of all people apologizing for something that she had no control over. Especially since she was a victim as much as Cassandra was.

"No Raps. None of this was on you. You were dealing with a lot, and even after leaving that tower. Life hasn't been easy on you. You never even got to have a real childhood. My only excuse was because I was distant and focused on training, while you. You were taken from a life and a family all because my mother kidnapped you all because she wanted your hair. I was too bitter, and selfish to see that." Cassandra glared down to the floor and balled her fist. Before she sighed.

"She wasn't exactly the nurturing type. When she was around that is." Rapunzel meekly shrugged as she looked off.

"I can't exactly call my moments with her nurturing. When the Professor helped me get my memories of 'her' back. Most of my highpoint moments were either 'Cassandra. Would you be a dear and sweep a little quieter?' Or 'Cassandra what are you doing here? I thought I told you to make us dinner.' Just...***k her I guess." Cassandra crossed her arms. "And to think. If she had picked a much later time to abandon my father. I would've at least been left behind out here. I would've had a different life...Maybe be a different person."

"Gothel was a horrible woman. But despite that, there was only one good thing she ever did." Rapunzel said before smiling warmly at Cassandra. "And was bringing us together."

Rapunzel had a point. But Cassandra wanted to add one more thing.

"Actually if I recall. You did that all by herself. All she did was give birth and pawned me." Cassandra remarked with a small smile.

"Maybe. But in the end, we found each other, didn't we?" Rapunzel asked with a smile.

"Yeah." Cassandra smiled back. But then there was one more thing that was on her mind. "Speaking of parents. How's my Dad, the Captain of the Guard doing?"

"He's doing okay. He misses you a lot." Rapunzel said with a soft expression. "We rarely see him these days. But he always stops by once a month before he resumes his travel around the globe, searching for you."

If only he knew Cassandra spent most of her time off world.

"Actually...He did find me. Two months back." Cassandra sighed as she revealed. While recalling what happened.

---

Two months back at The Demanitus Maze...

Before this event. Rapunzel and Eugene had found Dimanitus as Vigor the Visionary. Who of course channeled his mind into the fortune telling monkey, before his mind withered away.

This stone maze was meant to hide the last piece of the Dimanitus scroll used for Corona. Which Rapunzel and Eugene had solved. And then they made it to The Dark Kingdom to finish the job. Before Cassandra's betrayal.

But afterwards. The Captain searched for weeks. Months. Until he retraced Cassandra's steps she took with Rapunzel. And he was walking down the maze.

Fortunately and unfortunately for the Captain. His daughter was there too. Looking for any missing pieces to understand the Moonstone. Wondering if Lord Dimanitus left anything.

And Cassandra wasn't too pleased at the time to see her adopted father.

The Captain was walking through the maze, while Cassandra moved quickly from the top of the walls.

Cassandra jumped from wall to wall, making the Captain turn to see if he could spot her. But found nothing.

He turned back around,, only for Cassandra to move quickly from behind.

The Captain quickly turned around with his sword drawn, only to find no one there.

The Captain backed up slowly with his sword pointing outward, until he heard the sound of a sword being drawn, making him quickly turn around.

In less than five seconds, Cassandra cut the blade of his sword in half, then in half again, before knocking the broken sword out of his hand, and kicking him away, knocking him to the ground.

The Captain slowly got up as Cassandra approached with an angry look, her eyes full of rage.

"Cassandra! Why have you turned your back on the Princess?!" The Captain demanded to know, earning him with Cassandra pointing her sword at him.

"How dare you ask me that! You knew all along how much was taken from me!" Cassandra yelled angrily while pointing her sword at the Captain, making them circle each other with the Captain finding himself inside part of the ruins. "You knew who my mother was, and you kept it from me!"

"Cassandra, I only did what I-" the Captain tried to explain, only for Cassandra to interrupt him angrily.

"You only did what was best for yourself! That's all anyone in my life has ever done!" Cassandra snapped back, holding a hand over the Moonstone. "Well now, that's what I'm doing! This is mine! This is my Destiny!"

"I command you to surrender!" The Captain snapped back, making Cassandra angrier.

"Never!" Cassandra snapped as she quickly sliced the two columns that held the entrance together. She turned her back on her father, as rubble fell and the entrance collapsed, separating the two from each other.

"Cassandra!" The Captain yelled out, but could do nothing as he peered the rubble before him, forced to watch her walk away.

Her father watched on in horror and heartbreak as Cassandra jumped and moved over the wall. Making an exit.

"CASSANDRA NO!" The Captain shouted for his daughter.

But Cassandra just looked away bitterly. And hopped over the wall. The Captain looked shocked as he felt like he didn't recognize her. But he kept going. To look for her still.

The Maverick later on showed up when he was sailing towards Terapi Island. And he redirected him away from that island. Convincing and encouraging him to keep going.

Even after this. The Captain never gave up.

Back in the present...

Cassandra had a look of guilt. As she was looking out the window.

"After that day. I used the power of darkness to travel the world like I have been doing. But when I look inside myself...It's gone." Cassandra said calmly. "And I rather lose the darkness then...lose my family. My real family."

Rapunzel couldn't help the smile on her face.

"This is the Cassandra I know." Rapunzel said happily. "The one I missed so much."

Cassandra looked at her and she couldn't help but smile again. It felt like she hadn't smiled in a long time.

*knock knock knock!*

"Excuse me. Is this room available? We got some important gear to refill." They heard someone say behind the door.

"No, it's okay. You can come in now." Rapunzel called out to whoever was behind the door.

Then the door opened to show a tall young twenty year old man with a brown wavy quiff haircut. Only he was wearing casual modern clothing like long blue jeans with a navy blue shirt and a brown jacket with white sneakers. And he had a backpack on.

With him was a fifteen year old black kid with a low tapper fro haircut, he was wearing a red satin jacket with a black t-shirt and a pair of black shorts with a pair of matching leg sleeves like a street player. And red Nike sneakers.

It was obvious to Rapunzel who these two are. Peter Parker and Miles Morales.

"You probably don't remember me. I was wearing a mask at the time." Peter greeted. While trying to sound less awkward.

"Oh don't think I forgot all about you, Peter Parker!" Rapunzel squealed excitedly before hugging the unmasked hero. "I'm so glad to see you again!"

"Woah! Haha. Nice to see you too." Peter staggered a bit and chuckled as he hugged her back before they separated. "Rough night? I can tell by the bone crushing grip you still have."

"Just another day of insanity." Rapunzel said with a giggle. "How are you doing?"

"Pfft. Don't even get me started. My typical Parker luck has its limits, you know. But I'm just, just taking it one day at a time." Peter said as he was dodging the real meat in the answer. About his dead girlfriend.

"More like one web at a time." Miles remarked with an encouraging smile.

Peter cleared his throat. "Right. Anyway Rapunzel, this is New York's Spidey number 2." He grinned as he introduced.

"Miles Morales." Miles offered a handshake.

"Yeah, I saw you in action earlier." Rapunzel smiled excitedly. "It's nice to meet you properly. You are definitely a tough one."

"I wouldn't say tough. All I did was add an extra edge. And uh speaking of which." Miles remarked and glanced over at Cassandra. "Your Cass, right? No hard feelings about the clash yesterday, right?"

"Nah. We're good." Cassandra said with a smirk. "You really did get in quite a few hits on me. I'm impressed."

"And this also means your back from the Darkside?" Miles asked with a smirk of his own.

"I've been there myself. I had a black suit to prove it." Peter held his hand up referencing the Symbiote suit.

"Oh yeah, I remember hearing about that." Rapunzel said with an understanding nod.

"Well, you don't have to worry. I've found my way out of the darkness." Cassandra said, giving Rapunzel a small smile. "Thanks to this big ray of sunshine."

"Good. That's good. I hope you don't mind, but this is the only place we can make more web fluid." Peter said as he held up some text tubes and his own web shooters.

"No problem. Do what you gotta do." Cassandra said before stepping out of the room to give them space.

"Actually, I was wondering how you go about making your webbing." Rapunzel said with great interest.

"Alright well. It's a quick but complicated process. Miles, I'll let you do the first batch. Show the Princess how it works." Peter invited Rapunzel over to the testing table.

"Yeah okay. Watch and learn, Your Highness." Miles said as he came over and showed Rapunzel how he mixes the ingredients.

While this was going on. Clive was making good progress. As the Ifrit attack near the borders of Waloed and Radiant Garden left a public unrest. Which gave him the chance to speak with the Captain of the royal Waloedean guard. For a proposition.

---

Meanwhile down at the Waloedean Recollection Spa...

The entire spa was built like a roman bath house. Especially since it had a steam room for people to melt away any tension. Especially since Gibson Clarion, Chef Prosecutor was there, wearing a towel as he was seated on a lounge in the steam room.

The same man who burnt the letter of Clive's innocence and condemned him to prison. Payback time was now. But Clive had to do this smart.

As Clive walked in wearing his Count robes. He turned the steam wheel to increase the steam in the room.

"No. Please don't do that it's too much." Gibson Clarion requested as he winced from the heat. And then he was suprised to see the Count.

"I hope you don't mind if I join you for a while." Clive said.

"Lord Count. What an unexpected surprise." Gibson Clarion addressed.

"Good afternoon, Lord Clarion. I came to thank you for waiving any need for investigations concerning the Ifrit attack near my town." Clive professionally thanked them.

In reality. Gibson Clarion waived those charges to keep from the law finding out that his contacts in Syndicate XIII were involved and the investigation would've led back to him.

"You're very welcome, sir. It was my pleasure." Gibson Clarion said like a gentleman.

"I believe this will be the start of something good coming, in return for your cooperation." Clive smiled and sat next to him. "Speaking of which. May I pose a question? Something business related."

"Of course. By all means." Gibson Clarion said politely.

"Well. I was curious." Clive said as he was acting like he was pondering a question. Before he went for it. "Why did you tell Dutchess Anabella that Clive Rosfield was killed in action?"

Gibson Clarion halted himself when he was asked this.

"I don't...Your Grace. Where is this coming from?" Gibson Clarion inquired looking confused.

"It's a perfectly simple question." Clive shrugged as he went over to the steam wheel and turned it with one hand.

"Because from what I've heard is that it's illegal for a previous Chief Magistrate to destroy evidence without the court's consent." Clive declared.

"How do you know about this?...Please that quiet enough..." Gibson Clarion staggered as the steam was building up in the room. "You- you don't understand, Clive Rosfield was charged for treason in delivering the letter to assassinate the King of Waloed. It was clearly treason."

"Except we both he didn't deliver it. And the king didn't die from assassination. The Duke of Rosaria did. While the king of Wallu died from his illness because nobody delivered the medication that was promised from the shipment from this town. Would you say that's a coincidence?" Clive inquired.

"Your Grace I have no idea what is provoking this perverse discussion." Gibson Clarion stood up looking assertive almost.

"Now I ask myself. What else does the King's nephew have to gain from losing his old friend over a lie." Clive asked with an obvious observation about Barnabas. "And he bribes those who have pockets available."

Gibson Clarion struggled to breathe due to the steam as he stumbled over to the water and wiped his face with it a few times.

"The answer is simple. Absolutely nothing." Clive said with a mischievous edge in his voice.

"Just as you said, nothing so why-" Gibson Clarion almost protested.

"And what would a Magistrate gain? Unless a promotion was saved for the one who played along with King Tharmr's rise to power." Clive grinned with a knowing look.

Gibson Clarion was looking almost afraid as he was getting the idea that he was officially about to be caught pulling off a conspiracy that he figured was settled years ago.

"My dear Count, it's far too hot in here and you're fully dressed. I think it's time we both left." Gibson Clarion urged in a calm tone to leave as he got up and walked to the doors.

The problem was that the doors were locked from the outside. As he was trying to open them.

"I think the one with the bigger coin was Mason The Wise's student, Zhan Tiri." Clive spoke up.

Gibson Clarion halted. As he walked slowly back to Clive.

"Where have you heard that name?" Gibson Clarion breathed in an unsettled look.

"I think it's obvious. The witch who had higher connections from space and beyond. Not to mention Hugo Kupka who was also a student. And all other students who despised their teacher's love for others and the compassion for those lower than men like us. All because they had a tattoo on their cheek." Clive declared.

"I don't understand, what does this have to do with our business relationship?" Gibson Clarion insisted on an answer.

"I'm about to tell you." Clive answered with a knowing look.

Gibson Clarion walked away and tried to use the door again, but he couldn't get it open.

"Why is this door locked?! I demand an explanation!" Gibson Clarion stressed.

"In short. All those who were in league with Syndicate XIII. A group of Nobodies who ravished Radiant Garden until everyone gave it a new more 'hollow' name. All benefited. And so far the only one I can see that's left besides them. Is the only man from inside the law that can help them process everything." Clive declared as he stood tall in front of Gibson Clarion who stumbled into the water.

"Even after the last king's death. A Magistrate should know that any compromises to the health of the crown is a serious matter. In fact. How hard did you look for the murderer that delayed the shipment for no reason." Clive inquired.

"You have no proof! No witnesses!" Gibson Clarion snapped as he pointed. "You just have theories and conjectures!"

"On the contrary. I have the Guardians. I have Verum Rex. Would you care if I sent for them?" Clive asked casually.

Gibson Clarion felt too scared and stressed to stay quiet. As he spoke up. No way he was going to face them. He knows their reputation.

"I had nothing to do with their actions! All I did was make deliveries and kept other trivial matters under the table! King Barnabas was the one who delayed shipment to let his father die! And Zhan Tiri was the one who made the poison for Archduke Elwin Rosfield! Barnabas had it delivered and made sure the guard who slipped it into his drink was killed! He covered his tracks and he'd never confess in a million years!" Gibson Clarion yelled his confession in frustration.

Clive smirked at this. "You're right. He wouldn't. But you just have." He said as he pulled a rope to the vents above.

Then as the thick fog of steam exited the room. Gibson was shocked and horrified to see three guards and the captain of the Waloedean guard standing there in the fog. With serious looks. Next to Gav who came as a second witness.

"Chief Prosecutor Clarion. You're under arrest for conspiracy to murder." The captain declared.

Gibson looked back at Clive who stood in front of him. As the guards came over.

"You remember?" Clive asked with a knowing look.

And realization finally dawned on Gibson as he recalled when young Clive walked out of his office.

"Rosfield?" Gibson said in shock.

---

And on that note. Gibson Clarion was marched out of the steam room and quickly given a set of simple clothing. Before he was marched outside.

At the front of the spa house. Was something that put Gibson eyes that expressed he wish a large rock would fall on his body.

He saw the prison carriage that he had Clive sent away in. Meaning he's about to be sent to the worst prison in Waloed. Even though there is no more Chateau Épine. This next prison would be considered a little less for competition.

As Gibson Clarion was brought into the carriage. He stepped in with dread and a feeling like his world was ending. Then he saw a pistol inside on his seat. Indicating a means of suicide to prevent his incarceration.

"A courtesy for a gentleman." One of the guards told him as they locked the doors.

Gibson Clarion looked up from the bar windows to see Clive and Gav staring back at him with scowls. As he settled in his seat. And chuckled to himself in a quiet breathless amusment. He had to admit. Clive Rosfield really did one hell of a 360 back fire despite his past predicament.

In different circumstances. Gibson Clarion would be impressed.

So. Gibson readied himself. As he grabbed the pistol and slowly put the end in his mouth. And pulled the trigger.

*Click!*

But no bullet came out as he yelped from the click. Thinking he was shot for a brief second.

Then Clive came up to the windows behind Gibson Clarion.

"You didn't think I'd make it that easy, did you?" Clive asked with a serious tone.

Gibson Clarion didn't allow Clive a merciful death when his life ended. So why should Clive give him one.

Zhan Tiri died twice as a Heartless and a Nobody. And Clive will be given the chance to help end her life again when the time comes.

But as the carriage drove away. And Clive walked off with Gav. There was one more target left now.

Barnabas Tharmr.

Now that the law knows what Barnabas was up to in the past. The court and the law are above the King if the King doesn't match both. So the Council will move to charge Barnabas for treason now that they know he was responsible for the death of the original King Of Waloed.

Things are now coming to a head in Clive's revenge.

---

Later on at the entrance of Phoenix Gate...

Verum Rex. Used the gummi ship to travel to the ruins of Pheonix Gate. A walled keep situated near Rosaria's northwestern border. It was originally constructed to serve as an outpost in the wars against the Northern Territories.

But it fell when the Kingdom of Waloed invaded and drove everyone out.

Verum Rex landed at the ruins of a fort that resembled a medieval castle or strong hold. As no one was around. He had Donald and Goofy with him. Since they were his original comrades during his first adventure.

*"You sure we can't postpone this union meeting, Spike? We're all getting ready for the big bash in an hour."* Maverick spoke on the comms.

"I'm sure, Forge. Jote herself asked to meet with me, so it must be of great importance." Verem Rex said to Maverick. "Rest assured, I will be there before the fight starts."

*"You know this world is starting to make you talk like a voice cast member of Dragons' Dogma 2. When this is all over, I'm taking you to Vegas to knock Shakespeare out of your vernacular."* Maverick quipped about the way his friend was talking.

"Should be a good half hour." Verem Rex said before shifting back to Yozora.

Then as they went radio silent. Yozora. Donald and Goofy went closer to the ruins. And they noticed how the towers. Walls. Floors and interior of the fortress was crumbled into debris and stones.

Yozora tried finding a set of stairs but there was none to be seen. As he made it into the middle courtyard he moved some stones over but didn't find a staircase going up or down. Leaving him to wonder where the Undying's secret lair was.

"Why would they choose here of all places?" Yozora asked as he wondered.

"Maybe it's to make it more difficult for anyone to find them." Goofy said.

"Yeah, like that does us any good right now." Donald groaned.

Still. A crumbled ruins of a defeated kingdom would be the last place anyone would find the original residence would be.

Just as Donald was checking an empty water well. He peaked and looked down deeper. As he leaned down. And then the stones he was leaning against crumbled and he fell down the well.

"Woah waaop! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAK!" Donald screamed as he descended down the well.

And when Yozora and Goofy ran over. Goofy peeked into the well to see if his friend is alright.

"Donald?! Can you hear me?! Are ya alright?! How deep is this well?!" Goofy called out as his voice echoed.

*THUD!*

"Oooowww!" Donald groaned after finally crashing into the ground below. "That deep!"

Yozora used his Gummi phone to scan the inside of the well. And saw that there was an interior that spanned over the entire fortress. And Yozora realized that it's where the Undying are hiding.

"Donald! Stay where you are! We'll be right down!" Yozora called down.

"Don't worry! I wasn't planning on moving!" Donald groaned in pain.

Yozora used his free flow skills to leap and run down the well. And he made it to the center of a cave. And he saw Donald on the ground still groaning with loose teeth and a few cartoon bandages.

"Curaga." Yozora casted a healing spell with his keyblade over Donald who got up and dusted himself.

"Thanks." Donald sighed in relief.

Then Yozora looked up and cupped his hands.

"Goofy! Stay up there and be on the lookout for-" Yozora called out to Goofy, but didn't get the chance to finish.

Because Goofy got lonely and jumped down the well before he could finish.

"YAAAAH-HOO-HOO-HOOOEY!" Goofy yelled as he descended and fell on top of them.

"OOOF!" They all grunted.

And as they laid on top of each other moaning. One thing came to Donald's mind to scream.

"Uhh, Goofy?" Donald asked in a pained voice before yelling. "Why did you jump down here?!"

"Sorry, Donald. I got lonely up there." Goofy said with a sad tone.

"Great. Now no one's on lookout duty." Yozora sighed.

"That's where you're wrong." They heard a voice echo from the cave around them.

"WOOOAH!" Donald and and Goofy exclaimed as they scrambled to their feet and off of Yozora, allowing him to stand up.

"Who said that?!" Donald exclaimed while looking around frantically.

"Is it a g-g-g-ghost?" Goofy stammered out while also looking around frantically.

Yozora stood up as he looked just as alerted. And when he looked around he stopped as they were alerted to see a man in a hood approach them from the dark. Yozora summoned his keyblade when he thought it was a Syndicate member.

But when the man walked closer. Yozora. Donald and Goofy saw that the man had long black hair and some miner chin hair. And wearing a white and red robe and cloak that covers his face. Cloaks are typical attire the members of the Undying wear.

"Oooh. It's okay fellas. He's one of the Undyin." Goofy noticed.

Yozora realized he was right as he put away his keyblade and dropped his guard.

"Indeed I am. I am Cyril Tabor. The head leader and mentor of the Undying. Chief Minister of Rosarian religion." The man introduced himself. Before he looked at Yozora with a knowing smile. "And you my lad. You look just like your father."

Yozora's eyes widened at this. As even Donald and Goofy were surprised to hear this. Yozora came from Rosaria?! How is that possible?

Then he saw more Undying members showing up in robes around the cave. And even Jote came over.

"You must have a lot of questions." Jote figured.

"Only a couple thousand." Yozora muttered, wondering what the hell was going on.

"But wait. I thought we were here to meet Clive's brother." Donald said in confusion.

"Yeah. We're is he?" Yozora asked.

"He's alive. Here with us. We made sure he was safe but around to fulfill his destiny. More than just as the Phoenix. But as a light onto many." Cyril stated as he gestured for Yozora and his friends to follow.

Yozora. Donald and Goofy looked at each other. Before they followed the members of the Undying.

And as they went further into the cave they saw a large cavern filled with dark blue rocks and bio luminate specs on the ceiling that resembled stars. And inside was an encampment of over twenty to thirty people. Maybe more. All wearing robes. With working. Cooking. Cleaning as daily chores. Or some studying with their children who were also in robes. And some praying to God.

"After Rosaria fell. We traveled all around Valisthea as a caravan. But staying in the shadows at all time. Knowing that Barnabas or the Syndicate would come to kill us all." Cyril spoke up as they walked through the camp.

"Have you ever been caught?" Yozora asked curiously.

"A few times. But only when we were in small numbers. Barnabas' men caught only a few of our members over the years. And tortured them to get them to tell him where Joshua was hidden. But even in death they never spoke up." Cyril revealed.

"My own mother included. The one who hid Joshua all those years ago." Jote solemnly stated.

"I'm sorry." Yozora said sincerely. "She sounds like she was a very brave woman. Her life should not have ended like that."

As Cyril led them to a memorial sight of the passed Undying members. All of their names were written on stone pillars within the cave. And they saw the name Ophelia written at the top. With a carved image of a beautiful middle aged woman in front. Which must be Ophelia.

"Her life didn't end. It was given to us for our dedication. To protect the light of Rosaria. Even in death my mother, Ophelia. The one who led the Undying before Cyril. She remains in our hearts, and the heart of our cause." Jote spoke with honor.

"And it was here where Joshua was sent away in order to survive." Cyril stated.

"But where was he sent to?" Yozora asked.

"To the one place where some legends meet fate. And often in the best way possible." Cyril stated as he walked Yozora into a tunnel and at the end of the tunnel was a smaller cave with dimensional swirls on the walls like small water tunnels but with cosmic magic.

"These vortices were only to be used when the situation demanded it. And when the time came. One of them opened and showed us an island with people. Where Joshua would be kept save." Cyril revealed. "And like Moses we put the baby in a basket and sent him across this one."

Yozora looked into the vortex in the middle. And when he looked closer he saw...The Islands Of Fate? The Destiny Islands?

"That's... That's my home." Yozora muttered in shock. "You sent Joshua there?"

"To be more precise." Cyril turned and looked at Yozora as he was being clear. And revealed the truth. "We sent you there."

Realization began to dawn on Yozora. As he looked back and forth. And he was just beyond shocked.

It was him! Yozora is Joshua. Which means Clive Rosfield is his brother!

Donald and Goofy were shocked to hear this as well. "Woooah." They both gasped.

It was no wonder his left eye was red while his right eye was blue. The blue eye was humanity. While the red eye was the blessing of the Phoenix. Meaning Yozora is the Dominant of the Phoenix.

And now the Phoenix was needed once again.

---

Meanwhile in the town of Waloed...

Rapunzel and Cassandra stood at the town road which led up to the castle of Waloed. And right in front of them. A large band of soldiers along with an angry mob formed. Some of them were also branded as they were inspired by Cid's rebellion and the Guardians to fight back.

As Cid and Gav walked up to Cassandra and Rapunzel. Along with Rocket. Drax and Groot.

Maveress flew in and landed before she shifted back into Danielle.

"I don't know if I should be amazed or weirded out that Forge has a clone, that's also a girl." Cassandra whispered to Rapunzel.

"And trust me. She is awesome. And every bit like Ryan." Rapunzel said with a smirk.

Then as Danielle walked up to Rapunzel.

"Alright Zel. Teeell me something good!~" Danielle said in reference to a song by Chaka Khan and Rufus. Which she sang that part for humor.

"Too much like him." Cassandra nodded.

"See? I told you." Rapunzel said before talking to Danielle. "Okay. Word has gotten out about Barnabas killing their last king and taking advantage of his crown. Now, the people and the law have had enough and are now sieging the castle."

"And what's with the branded? I thought they hated their last king." Danielle inquired that a group of slave branded were joining them.

"Oh they did." Mid responded. "They're just using this as an excuse to take it out on their current asshole King."

They could hear the shouting as they were slamming against the castle gates. Being held shut by Barnabas' remaining loyal troops

"OPEN UP!"

"WALOED DEMANDS JUSTICE!"

"FACE JUDGMENT THALMR!"

All of the mob shouted at once with different statements.

"Hearing about what this bastard did to the count is one thing. But oppressing people because of their tattooed cheek? I can't believe I almost helped this guy." Cassandra said in disgust at what she heard Barnabas had done.

If Cassandra had known at the time, she would've busted his kneecaps when they met the other day.

"Hey, it's okay. That's all in the past." Rapunzel said reassuringly. "What matters now is that you're with us again. And we can team up to kick this bastard's ass."

"Speaking of which. Gav right?" Rocket spoke up to Clive's best friend.

"Yes?" Gav looked down.

"If we're all gonna take down King crapsack. You're gonna need more than one stupid eyeball." Rocket said as he held up a cybernetic prosthetic eye.

"What's this?" Gav asked as he took it and looked to see it.

On one end of the eye was the pupil like a normal eye. And on the other was small micro tech that attaches to the optic nerve.

"What does it look like? Some jerk lost a bet with me on Contraxia." Rocket answered.

"He gave you his eye?" Gav inquired.

"No, he gave me a hundred units. I snuck in his room later that night and confiscated his eye." Rocket casually said as if he was trying not to sound smug.

"Meaning you stole it?" Drax asked.

"Confiscated sounds less dirty." Rocket shrugged.

"Words are not physical. They can not get dirty." Drax replied.

Cassandra caught on that Drax is very literal.

Still. Everyone was glad to see that Gav was gonna have a second eye again. Even Gav smiled genuinely.

"Thank you, noble rabbit." Gav thanked Rocket greatly.

"What's a rabbit?" Rocket asked Rapunzel.

"I'll tell you later." Rapunzel said timidly.

Gav started by taking his patch off. And when he was putting the new eye into his left empty socket. Some of them winced.

"Eh. I would've washed that." Rocket said with a nervous look and then he almost said something else. "The only way I could sneak it of Contraxia was up my a-"

Rocket didn't get a chance to finish his statement as everyone suddenly looked up when the light was going dim in the sky.

They all looked up to see the moon rising next to the sun. As it was blocking some of its light.

As Gav was adjusting his new eye. He patted the side of his head a bit. As the yellow pupil lit up and it looked like a regular eye ball. He still had the mild scar across his eye lids but it was working.

He didn't think it was at first.

"I don't think this works. Everything's going dark." Gav said before he looked up and saw that the sun and moon were getting ready for an eclipse.

"But it ain't the eye." Rocket replied about the 'everything's dark' comment.

Just then. Eugene rode up on Maximus while Lance was behind him on Fidella. And Eugene came up to Rapunzel.

"You're seeing this too, right?" Eugene asked.

"If you mean the ever closer eclipse, then yes." Rapunzel said as she climbed onto Maximus' back right behind Eugene. "We better hurry."

"Okay so what are we waiting for?" Cassandra asked.

"We're waiting for Project Red-Grid." Rapunzel said, earning an eye roll from Eugene.

"It's some super plan Forge still won't tell anyone about what it actually is." Eugene said in exasperation. "That kid and his ex machinas."

Just then. Kara the White Sage showed up in a white armored form similar to Hoshi's Swift form. But with a white sorceress robe on.

She used a sling ring portal to enter and appear to the group.

"Red-Grid is ready. Follow me through this portal. Barnabas is making a run for the ruins of Rosalith Castle." White Sage told them.

"The vacant Rosarian Castle?" Danielle inquired.

"I had one of my men tip him off to go there. Told em that there was a stash of stolen loot for him to pay for a getaway ship." Cid remarked as he tossed his cigar and put it out with his boot.

"But instead of gold, he's gonna find himself in the mother of all traps." Rapunzel said with a big smile.

"Clive is already on his way there. With a good looking shave." Cid grinned.

*"Alright folks. King Barney's almost there and our three ex Syndicate bachelor's are there on top of the castle for extraction. I brought the X-Men and Spideys. So it's now or never."* Maverick said over the comms.

"Got it, little bro. We're on our way." Rapunzel said before addressing Cassandra. "Ready to kick some ass?"

Always, Raps." Cassandra said with her own smirk.

And on that note. Everyone ran through the portal. But Danielle turned and smugly struck lightning at the gates to have all of Waloed's people run in and besiege the castle.

And while this was going on. The Ultimate Revenge would be taking place.

---

Down at Rosalith Castle...

Beniditka and Hugo Kupka. Along with Silver Samurai were up on the roof of the castle. Waiting for their ship to arrive. And Zhan Tiri who was still locked in the realm of darkness, using her astral form, was floating beside her Syndicate members. Losing patience.

*"That ship had better be here. For your sake, Mr Harada."* Zhan Tiri sneered.

"You doubt my capability?" Silver Samurai inquired.

"Don't worry, Master. We'll have you out of your little prison soon." Hugo Kupka assured.

They looked down to see Barnabas riding on his horse. As he was riding up to the castle.

"Would you care to give him a hand?" Silver Samurai asked Beniditka.

"I say we leave him to grovel." Beniditka said with a vicious smirk. "Without his crown, he is no longer of any use to us."

*"Except as a distraction."* Zhan Tiri smirked.

But unknown to both of them. Peter Parker AKA Spider-MAN WAS in costume as he was perched below the stone wall at the edge of the roof behind them.

"Sure. But you got our attention." Spider-Man whispered as he could see Zhan Tiri thanks to the extra astral lens Doctor Strange gave to his mask.

Then Spider-Man sent a secure message to the X-Men using morse code on his cellphone to let them know it's time to come.

---

Meanwhile….

As Barnabas was riding across the ruins of the castle near the beach. Near the courtyard. Barnabas knew that his time was short before the troops of Waloed would come after him. He needed real money to escape. And he had lost access to his funds in the bank now.

So he searched for the hidden stash of the wealth he was informed of. When he found one chest under the archway. Barnabas shot the lock off. And opened. But instead of seeing the gold. He saw a chest piece. The piece of kings to end a chess game.

He picked it up as it looked familiar.

Then Barnabas turned. Hearing foot steps. He recognized some of the features that was described as the Count of Radiant Garden.

"Count Of Radiant Garden I presume?" Barnabas inquired with a smile.

Then Clive came over. And made himself known with a death glare. With a clean shave on his face. And a little chin hair under his neck that was trimmed needly.

Kings to you, Barns." Clive seethed.

Barnabas's eyes widened in shock. As Rapunzel and Cassandra were hiding behind the pillars of the ruins to get a closer look as they watched. Lance and Eugene were with him. And Maximus and Fidella were hiding as well on the other side.

"Clive..." Barnabas whispered. "But how-"

"How did I escape? With difficulty. How did I plan this moment? With pleasure." Clive declared as he slowly stepped forward.

Barnabas realized. "You've was taken the economy of Waloed."

"And everything else... Except your life." Clive stated as he stood firm.

"Why are you doing this?" Barnabas wondered why all the complications? Why not just kill him simply.

Then Clive used the same words Barnabas told him during his betrayal.

"It's complicated." Clive subtly mocked. And glared. "Let's just say it's vengeance for the life you stole from me."

Rapunzel and the others remained as they watched. Thanks to the waypoints. They were able to make it there faster.

"Should we go in?" Lance whispered. "Before it gets tense?"

"Pal we're way past tense. Just wait." Eugene hissed quietly.

Just then Barnabas drew a sword but Clive drew his own sword and as he approached him. He expertly disarmed Barnabas with a quick swipe of his sword and he snatched Barnabas' sword while in the air and he tossed it down. The same way that Harpocrates taught him. And then he backed Barnabas into a wall with his sword pointed against Barnabas' chest.

"I see someone has taught you the sword." Barnabas replied to being cornered.

"How did you ever call yourself my friend?" Clive scowled with venom in his voice.

"We were friends, Clive." Barnabas replied.

That made Clive angerliy slash at Barnabas' shoulder making Barnabas groan in pain.

"Raagh!" Clive roared when he slashed his sword.

*SLASH!*

"ugh..." Barnabas grimaced from the slash on his shoulder.

"YOU SENT ME TO HELL!" Clive screamed in anger. With pain and rage behind it. "WHY?!"

Rapunzel and Cassandra along with the others glared silently at the monster who stabbed Clive in the back all those years ago.

Barnabas glared back as he stood up. "Take your vengeance. But know the blood you spill is noble. Blood that will never run through your veins. You're no more a count than I am a commoner!" He snapped and spatted at Clive's face.

Clive angrily raised his sword. And was hesitating for some reason. But that reason was fading fast.

Then suddenly as they heard the large booming noise up in the sky. Rapunzel and the others looked up in the sky to see a large Contraxian cargo ship, which was hijacked by several Dhelmekian troops. It was descending to pick up the Syndicate members who have the Moonstone cylinder with them.

But just as the ship was seen over the sky and descending slowly. A large blast ray of ice shot at it.

*Beeeeam and Frooost!*

And they looked up to see as a gush of icy wind was blissfully flowing from the other end of the ice ray. And they saw the Eikon known as Shiva. The Warden of Ice.

Shiva looked like a giant woman about the same size as Garuda and Ifrit was. But this woman was humanoid and icy pale blue from head to two with pointy ears and icy white hair in a ponytail. And she was wearing only a two piece micro bikini made of ice. As slow flakes emitted from her bare feet. While she danced with grace while flowing in the air.

"Woah!" Rapunzel gasped in awe. "Is that Jill's Eikon, Shiva?"

"That's what the kid told us." Eugene said in amazement.

"What's...With the lack of clothing?" Cassandra inquired.

"I don't know. Maybe she figures she's got it, flaunt it." Rapunzel shrugged.

Just then. The ship she froze began to shut down its engines as it was crashing. And heading towards them among the ruins. The Syndicate looked in shock and irritation that their plan was delayed by this icy thorn of an eikon.

"Uh...can we run now?" Lance asked as he was getting ready to run.

"Yes." Eugene squeaked out before they all started running.

Then Eugene and Lance ran along with Rapunzel, Cassandra and the horses. Pascal was hanging on to Rapunzel on her shoulder as they ran and got on Max and Fidella who rode them away as fast as they could.

Before the ship crashed into Clive and Barnabas who was still held hostage by the count.

*CRASH!*

As an explosion emitted from the crash in a mushroom. Zhan Tiri watched with the others as she groaned in fury.

*"Raagh! Always with the delays! Harada! Call in another ship!"* Zhan Tiri ordered.

Silver Samurai had two more on stand by as he was about to call another one in.

Then Maveress and Lightning landed behind the Syndicate members along with Omega Rex and White Sage.

"He can't. He forgot to pay his cell phone bill and I'm blocking his signal." Maveress smugly announced.

As the Syndicate members stood against him. Zhan Tiri floated smugly up to them.

"Well well. If it isn't my former servants. Number 11. 12. 13. And of course Stormur." Zhan Tiri sinisterly greeted with a mocking sweet voice.

Claire was 11. Lucas was 12 and Kara was 13. Danielle didn't have a number on account of being their independent project.

"We're not your servants anymore." Omega Rex said with a powerful voice.

"We're our own people now. And we're fighting for the right side." White Sage said.

"Your days of terrorizing the Multiverse are done, Bitch." Lightning said.

"So drop the tank of moon juice or prepare for the most unpleasant key bash of your life." Maveress warned as she held her keyblade like a shotgun and clocked it.

*"Oh even after bailing out. You four still know so very little about yours truly. I have back up plans for my backup plans."* Zhan Tiri mused as she snapped her finger.

And then suddenly. The Heartless began to appear all around the main courtyard and roof of Rosalith Castle. All in the form of Black Rocks. Armored Knights and Neo Shadow Heartless.

As the team of ex-Nobodies looked. Maveress scoffed and quipped. "Big whoop, Samara Morgan. We got back up plans against your backup plans against your backup plans."

Then Maveress started up the X-Men 97 theme. As a White Sage opened a portal on the roof and one down in the main courtyard. The X-Men started running out with Doctor Strange and Iron Man flying out of it.

Cyclops. Wolverine. Colossus. Storm. Jean Grey. Morph Negasonic Teenage Warhead. Rogue. Gambit and Nightcrawler came running out of the portal in the main courtyard to fight off the Hundreds of Heartless.

And all the X-Men were all wearing their blue and yellow matching suits since they've been updated to handle the Black Rock Heartless.

Iron Man now was wearing his Silver Centurion suit.

---

Then as the Marvel heroes were battling the Heartless. Rapunzel. Eugene. Lance and Cassandra got clear of the crash and explosion along with Max and Fidella. As they coughed from the smoke that was clearing.

"Cough! Cough! Is everyone alright?!" Cassandra called out as she looked around.

"Yeah! Think so! But..." Rapunzel said before her blood ran cold and gasped. "Clive!"

Clive and Barnabas were caught in the explosion.

But then. As the smoke was clearing. More dark smoke was emitting from the sky as Shiva floated around and looked down at Rapunzel and her group. She floated in between them and the dark shadows as she held her hand back to them to guard them against the darkness.

"She's protecting us?" Cassandra figured as she was surprised.

"Well, she is on our side." Rapunzel said to Cassandra. "But from what?"

"Well, whatever it is, it has to be bad for the scantily clad giantess to have to step in." "Eugene said, mildly joking.

And suddenly in a flash of lightning. They saw a silhouette of a large colossal armored man on a six legged horse. Towering over the horizon beyond the dark smoke covering the sky.

Shiva narrowed her eyes as she emitted ice around her body to form some protective garments around her body. Her hair was now adorned with gold ornaments, and she wore a three-point crown. And wearing a white dress with dark-blue ornaments, and a massive, flowing mantle. But her legs and feet were still bare so she could emit ice to fly. And Shivs was now holding a dual-wielding pair of large ice spears as she hovered.

As the smoke was clearing in a bolt of lightning. A large humanoid Eikon clad in dark armor, with large horns or antlers on his helmet, and the Eikon's eyes glow blue through the visor. This Eikon wore a large dark cape, with a golden glow on the edges. The Eikon's black six-legged horse, likewise, has glowing blue eyes and golden hued cracks along its coat.

And the Eikons face underneath the helmet was the face of a skull.

Rapunzel's eyes widened as dhe remembered seeing this one's image in the books about Eikon's.

"Okay... Me thinks Satan's been too generous to someone." Eugene gulped at the sight.

"And those six legs...Eak! I hate extra legs now." Lance shivered in fear.

"You always hated extra legs." Eugene deadpanned about Lance's fear of spiders.

"Raps. What are we looking at?" Cassandra asked while staring up in alarm.

"It's Woden..." Rapunzel muttered while looking deathly pale. "The Eikon of Darkness."

"Why does everyone hate to turn on the lights?" Lance shivered as he was backing away. Even Max and Fidella looks scared.

As Woden unsheathe his large sword. He roared at Shiva. "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"

Then suddenly...

*FLASH!*

Giant rays of light like spotlights shone across the horizon of the ocean blocked by a dark mist. As Woden turned on his horse to look.

And everyone looked back behind Woden. As they saw a 360 foot mechanized humanoid robot being hovered by anti gravity magnetic devices that had both the Stark Industries logo and the Multicorp Logo.

But this giant mechanized metal man didn't look like just anyone. It looked like the Maverick. The Maverick as a giant robot. Complete with the screen and eyes.

Rapunzel and everyone was shocked to see this.

As Iron Man landed and flipped open his mask to show his face to them.

"Try not to drool. Your little Matchstick Bro is recording all of this and we don't want Baldur's Gate up there to look like a gentleman." Tony Stark suggested with nonchalant wit.

"Oh... My... God..." Rapunzel muttered in complete shock and awe. "My brother has just gone gargantuan."

"More like him and his blue danube are piloting it through a neural link. Basically. Meet Red Grid." Tony pointed up at the Giant Maverick Robot.

"So awesome." Rapunzel muttered.

"So that's Red Grid. We sure the kid ain't overcompensating?" Eugene asked jokingly.

"It would be overcompensating to pay for life insurance and medical bills if we fought this Viking Kaiju without matching shoe sizes." Tony pointed out with a raised eyebrow.

Meaning it would be more stupid and expensive to not match Woden's size.

"He got you there, Fitzherbert." Cassandra smirked.

"You know, I was actually starting to feel happy you're back." Eugene said snarky while trying to hide a smirk.

"Uh, guys? You might wanna look behind you." Lance said with wide eyes while pointing at something behind them.

They looked back and saw something else coming from out of the debris of the crash sight. And as this next Eikon was coming out everyone recognized it as Ifrit. Clive's Eikon. As its hands pushed himself out. And Ifrit climbed out of the wreckage slowly as everyone ran back to avoid falling debris.

"I'll leave you big boys to it. Bring me back a souvenir!" Tony said as he locked his mask. And flew back into the fight happening around the courtyard.

Then. As Ifrit stood out among the fog. Woden turned and noticed Ifrit. As he narrowed his skull eyes at the fire lizard. And Ifrit let out his roar.

"SHREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOONK!"

Then as Red Grid landed on top of the ocean. The water was just halfway up his legs when the giant robot sounded his horn which resembled the horn blast Inception 'Bwaaaahm!'

*'BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHM!'*

As Woden looked back and forth between his three opponents. Ifrit. Shiva and Red Grid. Woden began to Gallup around his horse as he charged for Red Grid first.

Red Grid extended a large red metal sword that resembled Maverick's keyblade. And he charged at Woden and jumped massively as he raised his sword and clashed with Woden's sword.

*CLASH!*

Then as Red Grid pushed Woden back making his horse stumble. Shiva blasted ice at the back and Ifrit ran in and slammed into him.

But as Shiva was coming in for another blast of ice. She was grabbed by Garuda who was chuckling at her bird-like laugh.

Beniditka had turned while no one was looking. But Shiva slashed with her ice spears to throw her off. As they both hovered in the sky to fight.

Leaving Woden to just fight Red Grid and Ifrit.

But then Woden pushed and slashed his sword at Ifrit who fell into the water while Red Grid charged up his shoulder missiles and fired many ballistic missiles at Woden who fell off his horse.

*BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!*

"RAAAAGH!" Woden roared as he collapsed on the water.

"WOO! Alright!" Rapunzel cheered as she watched the fight. "Keep it up, guys! Kick his demonic butt straight to Hell!"

Just then. A giant Rock Heartless landed in front of them. But before it could do anything. Rogue came in and slammed into it with her super strength and she stood up.

"Cassandra, right? We need y'all help up in the courtyard." Rogue requested.

"Got it. We'll do what we can." Cassandra said.

"Come on. Let's go help them." Rapunzel said.

"I hope that kid really is recording the whole thing." Eugene said as they ran out to go help the X-Men fight back.

Meanwhile back on the roof of Rosalith Castle. Hugo Kupka and Silver Samurai were watching over the horizon as Red Grid and Ifrit were fighting Woden while Shiva was fighting Garuda high up in the clouds. Some of them felt anxious.

"Master. Shall I transform and take on the Eikons?" Hugo Kupka requested.

*"That won't be necessary. For now, stay here and guard the cylinder."* Zhan Tiri said before addressing the Silver Samurai. *"Harada, why don't you go and keep those pesky X-Men busy?"*

"Consider it done, Master." Silver Samurai nodded as he ran off the roof and jumped down.

And just as he was in the middle of a fight. Colossus and Wolverine took down five Neo Shadow Heartless as Wolverine shredded through them and Colossus pounded them.

They both turn to face Silver Samurai.

"You just had to interrupt our moon bash last night." Wolverine snorted.

"You should be thanking me, Wolverine." Silver Samurai said calmly while unsheathing his sword. "If it was not for me, that girl would still be your enemy."

"If not for our Professor actually. But you did some of the work." Colossus mocked.

"Now stand still while we return the favor. Bub." Wolverine seethed as he held his claws out.

Then they both charged at Silver Samurai while he slashed his sword at them. But Colossus blocked his sword with his forearms since even Harada's mutant power can't penetrate Colossus's skin.

Wolverine slashed at Silver Samurai from the lower end. But it did little damage as they were tag teaming the Samurai who moved with Kung Fu agility and speed.

---

Meanwhile Rapunzel and her allies entered the fight. Cassandra was with her as Rapunzel dawned her Vibranium Frying Pan and Cassandra held out her Shadow Sword as they stood back to back and started slashing and bashing the Armored Knight Heartless that came at them.

Soon both Spider-Men spun their webs and yanked a bunch of Heartless away as Peter landed up to Cassandra.

"We usually could take these slime balls in the air. But it's not like we can web swing using the moon up there." Peter remarked.

"Don't worry. I got your moon covered." Cassandra said before holding out her hands.

Moments later, several rock side pillars grew all around the main court.

"There. Will that work?" Cassandra asked with a confident smirk.

"Plenty." Peter nodded as he swung off of them.

"You're invited to the Harlem BBQ, Cass!" Miles called out as he swung off.

Cassandra snickered as she couldn't believe how she was getting along with these heroes quickly.

"See that Cass?" Rapunzel said with a big smile. "Not even a day back on the team, and yet I can see just how popular you're becoming."

"Yeah well. It's easy to win over these men in tights." Cassandra remarked as she looked over and saw more Heartless were coming in and spawning around.

If they were going to take these on quickly. They needed to spread out. All of the other heroes are catching on at this point.

"Let's split up. I'll go help Logan and Colossus. You go help...Uh what's the blue one with the devil tail?" Cassandra suggested and asked.

"Oh that's Nightcrawler." Rapunzel said. "He's a teleporter. He's really cool."

"And the plan?" Cassandra added.

"Right. Totally agree. Let's split up!" Rapunzel beamed as she ran off to go help Nightcrawler.

Cassandra shook her head in amusement. "I sure missed this." She whispered before she ran off to help some X-Men kick ass.

As Rapunzel ran over and shifted her frying pan into a shotgun. She shot down five Armored Knight Heartless as she was running towards Nightcrawler.

Nightcrawler had two swords as he was teleporting around slashing at the Neo Shadow Heartless and flipping in the air to knock some Armor Knight Heartless in the air and then he wrapped his tail around the neck of a Black Rock Heartless and whipped it to slam it into another Black Rock Heartless and make it shatter.

As Nightcrawler finished off his group of Heartless he turned to see Rapunzel approaching.

"Princess. Storm ran into two of your friends who arrived saying they have something important." Nightcrawler told Rapunzel.

"Really? Where are they?" Rapunzel asked.

"Storm knows. Find her at the west end watchtower." Nightcrawler pointed in the direction behind him. Where there were lightning bolts and tornados swarming around a Heartless hoard.

"Right. On it." Rapunzel said before running towards the lightning and tornadoes.

As Rapunzel ran toward the fury of Ororo Munroe's mutant ability to control the weather. Storm flew around as she used her tornados to send a hoard of Heartless flying and being vaporized by her lightning.

Storm is the only X-Men wearing white with a cape. We've all seen the animated series so we know what her suit looks like. And yes she also has the mohawk hair style for her white hair.

Once Rapunzel made it up to Storm. The tornado was sent away as Storm landed to strike ten Armored Knight Heartless with lightning. Vaporizing them as she landed up to Rapunzel.

"Are you harmed, Young Princess?" Storm asked.

"No. I'm alright. Thanks." Rapunzel said while catching her breath. "How about you?"

"Standing as always. Yozora's two companions have arrived from the north entrance asking for you." Storm answered as she gestured down at the direction north of the Courtyard which lead to the training yard.

The problem was it was surrounded by Heartless. So Morph came over in the form of the X-Men known as Angel, and they landed in front of Rapunzel.

"Need a lift, Sweetheart?" Morph asked in a playful tone.

"I would be most delighted." Rapunzel replied back playfully.

Then Morph lifted Rapunzel by the arms and they flew her across the North end above the hoard of Heartless as she saw Lightning and Maveress down below. She saw the electric couple super charge their fists and slam their fists together to cause a thunder burst. Vaporizing the hoard around that area.

Then Morph landed and dropped her off at the north end before Morph flew off to go help the other X-Men.

Rapunzel saw Donald and Goofy as they used their weapons to fight off some Neo Shadow Heartless. And Rapunzel ran in to use a hair strand to grab an Armored Knight Heartless, then she flung into a bigger group to wipe them out.

And as she ran up Donald and Goofy turned while looking anxious.

"RAPUNZEL! YOU'RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS!" Donald screamed in shock.

"IT'S YOZORA! WE STILL CAN'T BELIEVE IT! I THINK I'M CRACKING UP JUST TRYING TO PHANTOM IT!" Goofy exclaimed in shock.

"IT'S FATHOM!" Donald corrected.

"Okay! Easy! Calm down! Both of you!" Rapunzel said firmly to get their attention. "Now, tell me what happened."

"Yozora is Joshua!" Goofy and Donald exclaimed at the same time.

"Oh, Oka-" Rapunzel started to say before she registered what was just said. "I'm sorry, I don't think I heard you correctly. Could you please repeat that?"

Just then. Eugene and Lance rode up on their horses next to Cid and Gav who were on their Chocobos, as those two had just arrived from clearing out a rode full of Heartless to get in.

"Blondie, are you okay?" Eugene asked while earning a nod as he and Lance got off the horses.

"You're all not going to believe this. Yozora is Clive's brother. He's been Joshua this whole time." Gav revealed with a flabbergasted tone.

Rapunzel let out a quiet gasp with a hand to her mouth in shock at this reveal.

Even Pascal dropped his jaw. As did Max and Fidella.

"Ooookay. Does that even fit?" Eugene's eyes widened in shock.

"Rex's brother is a Space Knight/Count. It just don't add up...Or does it?" Lance whispered as he pondered.

"They sent him to the one place they knew he would be safe... Destiny Islands." Rapunzel muttered, still processing what she just learned.

Suddenly. They looked up and saw that Garuda was flying towards them from the air. But Red Grid, who was on the other end of the castle walls, jumped into the air and grabbed Garuda by the wings and tossed her aside. Before he landed and caused the ground to shake. It made some of them stumble.

Then Red Grid looked down and saw Rapunzel and the others. As he knelt down to get a closer look. Just to see if she's alright.

"Your brother wants to see if you're alright." Cid explained as he knows how these colossal forms think.

Rapunzel smiled at that and looked up at the face of Red Grid, knowing her brother was in there.

"I'm okay, Ryan. We're all okay." Rapunzel said before looking sheepish. "We just got some very big news dropped on us. But otherwise, we're good."

The mechanical gears noises were loud as the giant robot would move his limbs or head.

But not booming loud.

Red Grid tilted his head curiously wondering what she meant.

"We just found out Yozora was Joshua all along!" Rapunzel yelled up to her brother.

Red Grid's screen eyes widened in the shape of dinner plates to show his shock. Before the next thing everyone knew. The sky swirled with a gush of wind.

Red Grid turned and stood up to look up high in the foggy sky. And saw Garuda zooming down. "REEEEEEEEEEEEIK!" She roared loudly.

Garuda was zooming down because she sensed her old partner Cid. So Cid stepped up as his eyes lit up with sparks.

"Stand back." Cid warned them as everyone stood back. And he charged up his hands and held them up and shot out a large purple and white beam of lighting.

*BEAAAAM!*

The lightning slowed Garuda down mostly. But as the giant harpy was wincing. She was still zooming towards them.

"Those teeth and eyes...It makes me wanna hide and date at the same time." Lance winced as he saw how scary Garuda was.

Just then. Red Grid grabbed her by the throat and slammed her down before he stomped on her and grinded his metal foot on the giant feathered predator.

"WOAAH! Did he?..." Eugene inquired.

"Not at all. Garuda's bones heal easily. Unfortunately." Mid snorted as she fixed a strand of her own hair.

Then as Red Grid stood back up. He gave a shaka gang sign with his hand to Rapunzel. Who smiled brightly and gave the same shaka sign with her hand.

Then...Suddenly. A bright flash appeared over the sky. And everyone looked up to see as fire was blazing over the sky. Then they saw a giant set of bird wings that were red and illuminated, flapping with a giant rush of wind and bright aura.

And then...The fiery bird. The other Warden of Fire. The PHOENIX APPEARED.

As it lit the sky like an angel from heaven. Phoenix appears as a large bird, resembling either a hawk or an eagle, covered in orange, green, and blue feathers, with plumage on his tail resembling that of a peacock's. His feathers glow with fiery light, and a blue light emanates from his chest.

"CAAAAAW!" The Phoenix crowed from over the sky.

"Is that?" Lance gasped in awe.

"The Phoenix." Cid grinned proudly. For the first time in years. The Phoenix. The light of Rosaria is back.

Some of the X-Men members like Negasonic. Nightcrawler. Rogue. Gambit. Jean and Cyclops halted.

Because they heard 'Phoenix' and thought they meant Jean's Phoenix.

"Not your Phoenix, a different Phoenix!" Eugene exclaimed at them.

And in response. They resumed fighting the heartless.

Even Red Grid looked down at Rapunzel and pointed his thumb back at Phoenix with a flabbergasted look.

As if he was asking. 'That's really Yozora?!'

"Yep. That's Yozora alright." Rapunzel said with a big smile. "Took us by surprise too."

Red on that note turned back to go and fight Woden while he waved his hand up over his face to gesture 'That went way over my head' or 'Show what I know'.

Just then Maveress teleported over. "You gotta see, Ifrit's best move." She expressed. As she teleported Rapunzel and herself up to the north watchtower and got everyone else up there as well.

They looked as Woden was aiming his sword at Phoenix who was floating and glaring at the Eikon of Darkness. He seemed to have overpowered Ifrit.

But then. They looked past the foggy ocean. And saw as the spikes on Ifrit's tail light up bright white as he swung out. Then everyone heard charging noises like a giant engine or generator. As lightning was striking over the sky to show as all of the spikes on Ifrit's back lit up white.

He stood tall as Woden who turned to face him.

And then. Ifrit inhaled strongly. And then. He breathed out a large ray of white out his breath.

*NUCLEAR BREAAAAAATH!*

Woden fell backwards off his horse from the largest beam of fire.

Red Grid cupped his face like Kevin screaming with a gasp like horn sound, with wide eyes.

"WOOOOAH! God of cigarette lighters!" Eugene exclaimed in shock seeing Ifrit breath a beam of fire.

"Holy crap!... IFRIT HAS ATOMIC BREATH!" Rapunzel exclaimed excitedly.

"Ah ah! Nuclear Breath." Maveress corrected before she whispered to the readers. "We had to change the name to something Bug Bunny's bosses don't own."

"Whatever! Either way, that is so AWESOME!" Rapunzel shouted with stars in her eyes.

As Woden collapsed on the ground. The giant six legged horse he was riding began to gallop on its own and build up a dark fiery energy to ride across the air after Phoenix. As the Phoenix flew in the opposite direction to lead the horse away.

While Woden got back up and ran after Ifrit in retaliation. But as Ifrit and Woden clashed. Red Grid ran over to help the tag team as Woden used his sword to block Red Grids.

And just as Garuda flew back up to fly into Ifrit. Shiva flew in and knocked her into the water with her ice spears.

---

While the giants were clashing. White Sage came over to Rapunzel who was still watching the fight with the others. And she held out a letter.

"Rapunzel. Vivian finished solving the fourth Incantation. We need you to use it on the Moonstone cylinder on top of the castle." White Sage urged while showing her the letter with the fourth incantation.

"Okay. Thank you." Rapunzel said before taking the letter. "Let's end this."

With that, Rapunzel started running down towards the castle.

Meanwhile over at the east end. Colossus and Wolverine were tag teaming with Cassandra as Silver Samurai was clashing with precision against all three of them.

Soon he had managed to slam his knee against Colossus to knock him backwards, and he punched Wolverine away, then he spun and clashed his sword with Cassandra's shadow sword. And she kept his sword blocked by her sword as she pushed against him.

"The fact that you immediately return for a rematch, after being cut down. Proves that you are a worthy opponent." Silver Samurai declared.

"I'm too stubborn to stay down for long." Cassandra snarked while pushing back.

As Silver Samurai steadied his push. He used his mutant power to charge up his sword with red energy. And it was immersed in darkness. That as he went for another twirl slash. Cassandra ducked and held her sword up to block. But then.

*SHATTER!*

Cassandra's eyes widened as her shadowsword was shattered to bits. All that was left was the handle. And as he grabbed Cassandra by the throat.

"Do you yield?" Silver Samurai asked in a menacing voice.

But then as Cassandra looked back briefly she grinned.

"Do you?" Cassandra retorted.

Then...

"RAAAAAAAGH!" Wolverine came in from behind and impaled Silver Samurai from the exposed ends of his back armor with his claws.

Causing Silver to lose his grip on Cassandra's throat as he choked on his back wounds. Then he fell on his knees. Before looking at both Wolverine and Cassandra who stood together and watched him.

"Well fought." Silver Samurai stated.

*Gush!*

Then a puff of a smoke bomb went off. Causing Cassandra to cough as she waved it away. And when she and Wolverine looked. Silver Samurai was gone. He had escaped despite his wounds.

"Where did he go?" Cassandra asked.

"Probably somewhere to put with honor." Wolverine snorted. "One thing's for sure. We won't be seeing him again anytime soon."

Cassandra felt some satisfaction despite losing her sword. But then again. It was originally Adira's sword which she took with the Moonstone back in the Dark Kingdom.

Cassandra figured she had it coming anyway.

Just then Doctor Strange flew in and opened a portal.

"Quick. Your friend needs you and your moonstone." Doctor Strange urged.

"On it." Cassandra said before running through the portal.

Cassandra then ended up on the roof where Omega Rex and White Sage were battling Hugo Kupka. Hugo of course was summoning a barrier of Earth rocks. Hugo kept knocking them aside with rock fists and rock daggers. But Omega Rex and White Sage were blocking his attack with their weapons.

White Sage had two astral spears that were made of a mystical energy as she moved with grace in her armored form.

While Omega Rex pulled out a laser pistol and shot at Hugo. Who in turn used his rock barrier to ricochet the blast back at Omega Rex who was blasted off the roof. White Sage out of concern immediately jumped off to catch the one she loves.

Just then Cassandra and Rapunzel made it to the roof. They saw as Hugo stood with his arms charged with rocks around them. Given that he is the Dominant of Titan. He can use the power of the Warden of Earth.

They even notice the other heroes and X-Men like Cyclops' optic blasts couldn't penetrate Hugo's earth berrier from behind. Even the Spider-Men kept getting rocked off every time they swung up there.

"Raps. I've got an idea." Cassandra said as she got ready to use her Black Rock Incantation.

"So do I." Rapunzel nodded as she was getting ready to use her Hope Incantation.

"Crescent high above. Evolving as you go. Raise what lies beneath. Let the darkness grow. Let darkness grow." Cassandra chanted as blue sparks formed around her and the black rocks were sprouting out around Hugo Kupka.

"Power of the sun~ Gift me with your light~ Shine into the dark~ Restore our fading sight. Our fading sight!~" Rapunzel chanted her incantation along with Cassandra's. As Rapunzel's eyes began to glow yellow. And she was floating off her bare feet. And the metal shoulder pads fell off her dress and her hair was loose as it floated in wide strands around the air.

The Heartless began to reduce as the X-Men were finishing them off. And they all looked as Rapunzel floated slowly towards Hugo, next to Cassandra as she walked towards Hugo.

The eclipse had begun as the moon was over the sun. And Zhan Tiri was smiling sinisterly.

"Crescent high above!~ Evolving as you go!~ Raise what lies beneath!~ And let the darkness grow!~ Bend it to my will!~ Consume the sunlight's glow! Rise into the sky!~ And let the darkness grow!~ LET DARKNESS GROW!~" Cassandra yelled out as she held her hands out.

"Power of the Sun!~ Gift me with your light!~ Shine into the dark!~ Restore our fading sight!~ Rise into the dawn!~ Blazing star so bright!~ Burn away the strife!~ Let my hope ignite!~ LET HOPE IGNITE!~" Rapunzel yelled out as she held her arms out.

"Raaagh!" Hugo roared as he held his hands out.

To summon a massive cluster of giant Earth rocks Hugo hurled them towards Rapunzel and Cassandra's in massive waves as the rocks kept shattering from the light rays that emitted from Rapunzel and dark sparks from Cassandra.

And then as everyone shielded their eyes.

*BOOOOOOOOOM!*

The Moonstone Cylinder blew up as Hugo was laughed miles away from the extreme blast. And Xhan Tiri in the midst of the blast was laughing as she went up in a purple beam heading towards the sky.

*"HAHAHAHAHAHA AAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA!"* Zhan Tiri laughed evilly as her astral form vanished into the rays of darkness and light.

And just like that. The lights had died down as Rapunzel stopped floating and Cassandra stopped glowing and sparking. And they both huffed as they looked to see that Zhan Tiri and the Moonstone cylinder was gone.

From their perspective. Zhan Tiri is no longer a threat and is not getting out.

Eugene came up from the roof entrance and went up to them.

"Woooah! I know this is a satisfying moment for both of you, but HOLY GOD! THAT! WAS! AWESOME!" Eugene exclaimed in amazement.

"Did he just compliment me?" Cassandra asked Rapunzel.

"Actually I was complementing both of you collectively. Not just you." Eugene teased.

"Darn. Just when I was starting to like him again." Cassandra crossed her arms with a grin.

"Oh, I knew you both missed each other." Rapunzel said with a giggle.

Then as everyone was settling after the fight. They looked up to see Shiva clashing her spears against Garuda's claws before she thrusted them. Forward and freeze Garuda into a large block of ice completely. Then Shiva waved her hands to cast an icy wind which hurled the giant frozen Harpy across the frozen.

Over at the horizon. The Phoenix flew up as he led Woden's horse over the water. Before Phoenix flew up in an instant and spun fast before he dove down and slammed into the horse in a fiery explosion.

*BOOOOOOOOOM!*

As it looked like the Eikon's battles are ending. Rapunzel couldn't see where Red Grid was.

"Looks like their fighting is rapping up." Rapunzel said before noticing someone missing. "Wait, where's Ryan?"

*BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM!*

Just then they heard the blow horn as they looked up and gasped as they saw Red Grid being tossed into the air and clashing onto an empty barack building on his back. Then as the giant robot was about to get back up.

Woden landed on top of Red Grid with his left boot. And grinded against his chest. As Red Grid was trying to punch it off. But then Woden raised his sword ready to strike down Red Grid.

"RYAN!" Rapunzel cried out in terror for her brother. "NO!"

Just then as Woden was about to strike him down. He halted and twitched. Everyone was confused...Until the smoke cleared behind Woden to show as Ifrit had his teeth on the back of his right shoulder where the sword was.

Ifrit yanked Woden back as he grabbed him with his hands and yanked off Woden's helmet to show his skull face. And then he pulled Woden's mout wide up as he charged his nuclear breath by the sound of the drive. And then as he had Woden on his knees.

*NUCLEAR BEAAAATH!*

Ifrit Breathed his nuclear breath into Woden's mouth. Cooking him from the inside as he fed the Dark Eikon with his nuclear breath.

"Now that is some hot breath!" Eugene quipped with wide eyes.

"Wow. Just….Wow. ." Rapunzel muttered in awe.

Then Ifrit stopped. Woden collapsed on the ground in pieces. And then Ifrit lets out a victorious roar.

"SHREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOONK!" Ifrit's roar echoed as he dropped Woden's helmet on the ground.

And then...

"CAAAAAAAAAAW!" The Phoenix cooed over the sky as he hovered down and perched on a watch tower. Staring at each other. As if they were having a symbiotic communication.

"They're talking to each other." Mid spoke up as she walked up. "When an Eikon comes face to face. They're dominants are communicating."

"Clive is meeting his brother." Rapunzel said with a big smile. "Officially this time."

As Ifrit and Phoenix stared at each other. Their voices were speaking from the realm dormant.

"It was you...You're my brother." Clive breathed in shock as Yozora was the only one that heard.

And Phoenix nodded.

"If I had known. All this time. I would've corrected it all. And that's what I plan to do now. To undo all the wrong that's done." Yozora promised.

"We both will... Brother." Clive said to Yozora.

---

Then as Shiva floated down with an angelic smile. She hovered in front of Ifrit who stared back at her. And their foreheads touched as a sign of affection. Which was Clive and Jill showing each other's love.

Even though everyone smiled at the sight. Rapunzel looked concerned down at Red Grid as he wasn't moving. She was about to panic before she turned to her left and was surprised to see Maverick and Shift standing there looking sad.

"It was beast that killed the beauty." Maverick sighed while quoting the famous King Kong line backwards.

Rapunzel just giggled at him before tackling him into a hug.

"Don't scare me like that again." Rapunzel said before looking excited. "And that battle was awesome! I can't believe this was what you've been working on this whole time! Totally mind-blowing!"

Iron Man hovered up to them.

"Uh actually 'we' were working on it. He came up with the idea. I came up with everything else." Iron Man spoke up nonchalantly.

"Yeah he came up with the weapons. The missles, the permits and the means to transport declared commerce." Maverick stated with wit.

"But he came up with the body paint, facial designs and sword key." Iron Man added.

"Keyblade." Shift corrected.

"That too." Iron Man replied.

"Okay. You both made this, which, by the way, was just awesome!" Rapunzel exclaimed. "You totally kicked ass in this thing!"

"It has to kick ass, Princess Goldbond. Otherwise it's not a Stark product." Iron Man remarked.

"Does this mean we're putting it back in your basement?" Maverick inquired.

"Nah, keep it. I never put a second person inside my suit unless it's Pepper." Iron Man assured with a quip.

"Swell." Maverick shrugged as he pulled out a remote and pressed a button.

Causing Red Grid to shrink using the pym particles Maverick borrowed from Ant Man. And then Groot walked over and picked up Red Grid which was now the size of an action figure. But mildly broken.

"Thank God cause I sure wasn't gonna pack it." Eugene said as they saw the whole thing.

"Hey look! The monsters are shrinking too! Drax called out as he pointed at Ifrit. Shiva and Phoenix as they were shrinking from a flash of smoke and light.

The lights were glowing brighter before the smoke faded. And when the lights faded. Clive. Jill and Verum Rex were walking together out of the smoke.

As everyone was either smiling or smirking.

"How are they still wearing clothes?" Eugene inquired that Jill and Clive are still wearing their outfits and even Verum Rex's armor looks unshattered.

"I'd go over the numbers but magic is Strange's shtick." Iron Man shrugged.

"So, is it over now? We won?" Rapunzel asked.

"Looks like it." Shift nodded. "For now."

"While I doubt if that's the last we'll see of Zhan Tiri and the Syndicate." Omega Rex. Spoke up as he walked over. "But with their Moonstone energy gone, they won't be striking back anytime soon."

"Great. So I can go take a week-long nap." Eugene quipped while sagging.

"Thank goodness. Those Syndicate jerks are really draining." Rapunzel sighed.

"You should've seen them when they were unreal boys and thirteen." Orion remarked.

On that note. As Clive walked up to the dying Barnabas. Who was covered in blood and bruises. As he was laying on his side. Breathing shallowly. The damage done to him in his Eikon form was affecting his human form.

"What happened to your mercy?" Barnabas groaned out as he was fading. Noting how Clive was hesitating to kill him earlier.

"I'm a count. Not a saint." Clive replied. Using similar words to his mentor.

After a few minutes. Barnabas was dead. And Clive walked off. No tears. No regret. And yet. No celebration or satisfaction. Because this didn't bring back the 13 years he lost.

But he knew what would.

---

Later the next morning at the Chateau Épine ruins...

After everything was said and done. All of the X-Men and Marvel heroes returned to earth. But the Guardians stayed to wrap a few things up.

Clive along with Jill. Jote. And Yozora who stood with his entire team. As Rapunzel. Eugene and Lance were there as well. And so was Gav and Cid.

They all stood by and watched as they all were at the outer yards of Chateau Épine. The old prison that took the years from half of Clive's youth. It was now lying in ruins.

Clive stood at the edge of the cliffside of the yard. Where he raised a sword and impaled it into the ground out of honor for the old man Harpocrates. L Clive knelt down out of honor in front of the sword.

"You were right, priest. You were right. This I promise you... And to God. All that was used for vengeance, will now be used for good. So rest in peace, my friend." Clive stated in his prayer. Before he rose up.

After he stood up. Gav walked up to him from behind and smiled. As he was the one who suggested this.

"That wasn't too hard, huh?" Gav he mused out of compassion.

Clive shook his head with a smile as he walked up. And he went up to Rapunzel who was smiling for him.

"I'm so glad you found closure." Rapunzel said with a small smile. "So, what's next for the Count of Radiant Garden?"

"It's not an easy answer. With Zhan Tiri and the Syndicate gone. There's a lot of work to do around Valisthea. As we rebuild its society into an honorable one." Clive stated.

With Barnabas dead and Beniditka along with Hugo Kupka missing. Both Walod and Dhelmekia will need new rulers. Especially since hoth kingdoms have surrendered to the Holy Empire of Sanbreque.

Cassandra walked up next to Rapunzel as Clive looked and wanted to have a short word with her.

"Radiant Garden was ruled by your father. It can be yours just as it was his." Clive offered with a warm welcome.

Cassandra thought for a moment. As glorious as it would sound to continue her family legacy. It's not hers anymore. So she shook her head with a smile.

"I appreciate it. But...I'm not a Princess. Whatever part of me that wanted a prissy luxurious life of ballroom dresses and tea parties died a long time ago." Cassandra remarked as she waved it off.

"Hmph! Should I be offended, Cass?" Rapunzel pouted, trying to hide a smirk.

Cassandra rolled her eyes in amusement. "My point is that I'm a woman of action. A warrior. I have to make a difference by giving my all on the battlefield. And I think it starts by me heading back to the only place I called home." Cassandra explained to Cid and at that last part. She looked at Rapunzel.

The Princess of course smiled and held Cassandra's hand in response. Cassandra of course smiled back.

It was good to have her back.

"Well. You have our respect for this reason, for sure. Still. You have our support should you ever need us." Clive said in response which Cassandra nodded in appreciation.

Verum Rex on the other hand has a calling in a place like this. Especially since he had his time. And no he's not leaving the Guardians. But since he lives in Radiant Garden. Why not move in to the planet of his birth?

"There is one more person who has to know we're both still alive." Verum Rex spoke up.

"Your mother." Swift realized.

"We'll give you some space. And I'll call in a local U-Haul...Josh." Maverick patted Verum Rex's back as he walked away snickering. "Pfft! I still can't believe that's his name."

"I won't hear the end of this will I?" Verum Rex deadpanned.

"You say it like you're just realizing it." Eugene quipped with a smirk. "Just be glad your name's not Horace."

Eugene quickly covered his own mouth, regretting his last comment, as it was in front of Cassandra.

"Not what?" Cassandra inquired.

And Maverick floated upside down behind Cassandra and mischievously whispered in her ear. "Fitz's real name is Horace."

Then Maverick zoomed out across the sky to get some distance.

Cassandra was silent for a moment before...

"P-hahahahahahahaha!" Cassandra started laughing hard. "Oh, I am so gonna have fun with this!"

"Someone just take me out now." Eugene groaned into hands before yelling in the distance at Maverick. "You better sleep with one eye open tonight, Matchstick!"

Then Maverick displayed across the sky 'I LIVE A FEW UNIVERSES AWAY SHERLOCK HORACE!'.

"I swear, one of these days." Eugene groaned in exasperation.

"That's my brother, for you." Rapunzel said with exasperated smirk.

On that note. Everyone was beginning to wrap things up in this world. Yozora and Hoshi went with Clive and Jill to the palace in Sanbreque. To meet with their mother for the first time in years.

---

Later on at the Sanbreque Palace...

A message was delivered to Anabella. Who couldn't believe the news. Stepson alive! And her first born has returned! But in Anabella's eyes. They're both her sons. It was as if God was showing favor to Valisthea for the first time in years.

Annabella waited at the balcony in her royal attire. As she was pacing back and forth

anticipating the moment they arrived. As requested, Sylvestre gave his wife some privacy for the first meeting with understanding that she needed to feel this first.

Soon Yozora. Hoshi. Clive and Jill were beamed down to the balcony. Even their dog Torgal was with them. And Anabella turned quickly with anticipation as she saw them.

Clive and Yozora walked up to Anabella who already had smiled with tears seeing them. Clive came up first to speak. Showing that he had regret for how he acted in the past.

"I was wrong about you, Mother. I should've never taken your wisdom for granted." Clive said with remorse.

"And I should've tried to be kinder and more patient. I'm sorry." Anabella said with tears before hugging Clive tightly. " I'm so happy you're alive, my son."

Clive hugged her back. As he truly took this for granted. All because he resented her for being hard on him. Even though he didn't blame her. Still. Her apology proved that she loved him. And now it was his turn to love her back.

Then as Anabella laid eyes on Yozora. This was her first time seeing Yozora out of the Verum Rex armor. And now that she has seen his eyes. Those same two different colored eyes that she saw on her little Joshua. It broke her heart to separate from her baby after losing Clive.

And now here they both are. After Clive and Anabella concluded their hug. Anabella took small steps and walked over to Yozora. Who just stood there, staring at her with a gaze of intrigue. Just as he had when he was a baby.

"My darling boy." Anabella choked out, her voice full of emotions with tears falling from her eyes as she touched his cheeks with palms of her hands. "How I've prayed this day would come."

"I can't imagine. I'm just sorry it took so long." Yozora said with a smile and a tear falling down.

Anabella smiled softly while wiping that loan tear from Yozora's cheek.

"It's alright. All that matters is that you're here now." Anabella said softly before hugging him tightly. "Welcome home, Joshua."

Yozora hugged her back. As it felt good to actually have a mother. Hoshi and Jill smiled at the sight. As Jill approached Anabella who recognized her.

"If it's all the same to you. I think I'll stick with Yozora. When I'm outside Sanbreque's borders." Yozora replied as he still prefers his other name.

"Of course, Sweetie." Anabella said softly before smiling at Jill. "Looks like my son's aren't the only ones who've found their way home. Good to see you again, Jill."

"Likewise, Mi Lady." Jill smiled warmly as she and Anabella shared a hug.

While Tortal was panting happily at the sight. Clive ruffled the top of the wolf's head.

Just then. Anabella's six year old son Olivier walked in with another hand carved figurine in his hand. Something he was gifted at with his age as it was a wooden figurine of Verum Rex.

Anabella smiled down at her youngest son and gently nudged him over to meet his brothers.

Clive smiled down as Yozora knelt down to meet him first. And Olivier smiled as she handed Yozora the carved figurine of Verum Rex.

Something he'll definitely keep on his shelf.

After that moment. Yozora and Hoshi moved out of the Islands Of Fate and found a beach side place to live here inside the palace.

And it didn't take too much time for Yozora to feel at home here. While Clive continued to operate in Radiant Garden with Jill. Orion made sure they had the means to make it a short trip whenever they wanted to see each other.

---

Meanwhile back in Corona...

As Rapunzel rode on Maximus with Eugene in front. Cassandra rode on top of Fidella as they rode across the bridge.

Cassandra was now wearing a new outfit that consists of a black cape and green tunic with a black belt and a gold buckle. Long leather boots and gloves.

(Basically the outfit she wore in the finale. Minus the purse and she still has her blue hair for fanfic plot reasons.)

Lance along with Kiera and Catalina took the easy way back. But with Rapunzel and her trio back together. They wanted to take the familiar root back.

"I did miss this view." Cassandra smiled looking out at the city.

"Oh yeah ain't it something? Come for the view and leave with your reality shattered by a keychain. That's on our brochure now." Eugene quipped.

"Actually, it isn't, Eugene." Rapunzel said with a giggle before looking excited.. "But it really is something. Plus, I overheard that the Legendary StarBurst is back for a homecoming tour."

"Who's homecoming?" Cassandra asked.

"Hey look everyone! Cassandra's back!" They heard a child yell out.

They all turned to see as Corona's citizens were running over cheering and chattering with joy to see Cassandra back with Rapunzel and Eugene. They didn't even care for the fact that her hair was blue now. Corona felt empty without her.

Cassandra couldn't believe it. All this time she believed Rapunzel was the center of attention around this place. But the town was so glad to see her.

"Your homecoming, Cass." Rapunzel said, giving the girl an eye wink.

Cassandra smiled in response to this as they rode across town. Cassandra was greeted by many walking by as they kept going.

Back over at the castle's main court. They could all hear a stage announcement as StarBurst started the music.

'Ladies and gentlemen! Back from parts unknown as if it ain't obvious! Please give a big welcome toooooooooo! STARBURST!' TEC announced over the loudspeakers as a pept up pop music was playing with an air guitar added to it.

"Yeah Yeaaaaaah!~ Hey Yeaah!~" StarBurst or more specifically, Orion sang over the music in his human/normal form thanks to his disguise mod.

Some folks still don't know who StarBurst is. But the ones who do won't ruin it for them.

"Got, myself a notion~ And one I know that you'll understand~ To set the world in motion~ By reaching out for each other's hand~" Orion danced on stage with a group of duplicate dancers of different pop shades. As the crowd cheered and danced.

Lance. Kiera and Catalina were there to boogie with the audience. Even Stan and Pete were there too. Shorty was dancing while staring at the wrong side of the stage. But everyone left him alone.

"Maybe we'll discover~ What we shoulda known all alooooong!~ Yeah~ One way or another~ Together's where we both belooong~" Orion sang as he moved to the beat like a pro. And his voice echoed with the chorus. "If we listen to each other's heart!~ (Oh yeah!~) We'll find we're never too far apart!~ And maybe love is the reason why!~ For the first time ever, we're seeing it eye to eeeeeye!~"

As Rapunzel. Eugene and Cassandra were riding slowly across the streets. Monte from the Sweet Shop came over and offered a basket of sugar cookies with Cassandra's face decorated in blue frosting.

Cassandra accepted while taking a note to only eat a few and give the rest away to maintain her figure.

Then Owl her pet owl came flying over the sky. Passed the idiot crow Hamiel who flew into a chimney. Owl perched on Cassandra's shoulder as Cassandra grinned and scratched his chin.

"If a wall should come between us~ Too high to climb, too hard to break through~ I know that love will lead us~ And find a way to bring me to you~" Orion sang like a pro as the song on stage continued. "So don't be in a hurry~ Think before you count us oooout!~ Oh~ You don't have to worry~ I won't ever let you down~ (Nothing's gonna stop us now!~)"

Then Cassandra came up to the castle gates. There was the Captain of the Guard. Back in uniform with a bit of beard with his mustache. Due to his long travels searching for her. After he got word she was back from the Maverick. He waited for her there.

Cassandra smiled warmly as she got off the horse and went over to embrace her adopt-...Her father.

"If we listen to each other's heart!~ We'll find we're never too far apart!~ (Whoa, yeah!~) And maybe love is the reason why!~ (Ooh, yeah!~) For the first time ever, we're seeing it eye to eeeeeeye!~" Orion sang out as the chorus of Duplicate sung the next lyrics with him. "(Love is why we're seeing it eye to eye~) Yes, we aaaare!~ (I think that we're seeing it!~) Seeing it eye to eeeeeye!~ (Love is why we're seeing it eye to eeeeeeeye!~) Seeing it eye to eeeeeeye, YEAAAH!~ (I think that we're seeing it!~) Seeing it eye to eeeeeeye!~ (Love is why we're seeing it eye to eye!~) I think we're seeing it eye to eeeeeeeye, YEAAAAAH!~ (I think that we're seeing it~) Eye to eye!~"

Then as Orion does his guitar solo. Rapunzel. Eugene and Cassandra walked into the main courtyard to see the band playing as Rapunzel smiled brightly as her brother was killing it on the air guitar while dropping to his knees to play harder.

King Frederic and Queen Arianna walked up to welcome Cassandra back. As they heard of the good she did on Valisthea. And they held nothing against her for the rift that was between her and Rapunzel.

"It brings me great joy to welcome you home to Corona, Cassandra." Frederic said with a friendly smile.

"I'm so happy to see the three of you back together again." Arianna gushed happily, referring to Rapunzel, Eugene, and Cassandra.

"It feels great to be back, Your Highness." Cassandra smiled back.

Then as the concert continued on stage. The three of them walked over to join the audience.

"If you're ever lonelyyyyy, STOP!~ You don't have to be!~ After all, it's only!~ A beat away from you to meeeee!~ (Take a look inside and see!) YEAAAAAH!~" Orion sang out loud as he performs the final verses. "If we listen to each other's heart!~ We'll find we're never too far apart!~ And maybe love is the reason why!~ (Ooh!~) For the first time ever!~ (Oh, we're seeing it!~), we're seeing it eye to eeeeeeeye!~"

And then Rapunzel and Eugene were dancing. Even Pascal was dancing. Rapunzel yanked Cassandra into the dance floor of audience members while she was reluctant.

Even Donald and Goofy were there. Along with Mickey and Minnie. And Daisy was dancing with Donald. Scrooge McDuck along with Donald's three nephews were dancing with the crowd as well.

"Seeing it eye to eye!~ Seeing it eye to eye, baby, whoa!~ (Eye to eye!) For the first time!~ (Seeing it!) For the first tiiiiiime!~ (Seeing it eye to eye!~ For the first time ever, we're eye to eye!~) Seeing it (Seeing it, baby!~) Seeing it eye to eye!~ (Yeah, yeah!~) (For the first time ever, we're eye to eye!~) For the first time, oh yeah, yeah!~ (Seeing it!~) Yeah, baby, we're seeing it eye to eye!~ (Seeing it eye to eye!~) (For the first time ever, we're eye to eye!~) Yeah!~ (Seeing it!~) Come on, hey (Seeing it eye to eye!~ For the first time ever, we're eye to eye!~) Eye to eye!~(Seeing it!~)" Orion and his group of duplicates sang with him.

Then a duplicate of Rosie Gaines was seen on a top pedestal of the stage. Singing the last hard verses with Orion.

"EYE TO EYE!~" Rosie Gaines sang.

"Eye to eye!~" Orion echoed.

"EYE TO EYE!~" Rosie Gaines sang hard and perfectly.

"Eye to eye!~" Orion sang into the microphone.

"EYE TO EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYE!~" Rosie Gaines sang out the long note loudly.

"YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!~" Orion sang loud as he harmonized the last note and the chorus ended it. "Seeing it EYE TO EYE!~"

Then the audience cheered loudly as he posed with the band. The song fit this moment.

"WOOOOHOOOOO!" THAT'S MY BROTHER!" Rapunzel cheered and clapped happily.

And thus was the end of a phase in the ongoing battle against darkness. But with more to come. So don't count the Guardians of the Unknown out yet. Because there is still much more to do.

---

Later on at the Mav Club...

As Rapunzel and Cassandra rode down the elevator to the Maverick and the Guardians secret lair. Cassandra looked around to notice how the Mav changed only a little bit.

And near the gear/armor presentation wing. Orion was standing there in a black suit and tie with a pair of red sunglasses.

"There she is. Had trouble finding the place?" Orion teased.

"You left the same secret entrance in your mansion." Cassandra grinned.

"But I changed the picture next to it." Orion remarked as if that was a change. "Zel mind if I talk to her? You don't have to leave, just walk behind us like a convoy."

"Sure. I don't mind." Rapunzel said with a shrug.

And as Cassandra walked up next to Orion as he was walking forward next to her as he patted her shoulder.

"Sorry about the tracker. And sending Marvel's most expensive heroes after you. I mean you had it coming. Actually it was the perfect little 'tough love' moment that you needed to become better, right? We can just say that it was until Silver Shredder came in and interrupted." Orion stated with a little wit.

"It's okay You were doing the right thing... While I was doing the wrong thing." Cassandra said with a sigh. "Listen, Forge. I just want to say I'm sorr-"

"You screwed the pooch hard, big time. I know. But you ended up doing the right thing. You took the dog to the free clinic and raised the hybrid puppies...Not by best analogy." Orion quipped with an assuring statement in there. Before he stated. "We were all wrong about you. Mostly everyone else. And I think after a brief time to adjust, not to be confused with an adjustment period. And a few resume courses. You'll end up becoming a real asset to the team."

Cassandra blinked a moment as she heard that last part.

"To the... Team?" Cassandra asked while stunned.

"Anyway the space bridge portal is set to take us on Xandar to the Nova Corp plaza. Where there are fifty journalists waiting. Real ones, not bloggers. And when you're ready. How about you try this one?" Orion stated as he checked the time on his watch and pressed a few buttons. "And then I'll introduce to everyone, the newest member of the Guardians. Paragon."

As two TV screens on the side of a large metallic display tube turned on with the Multicorp logo and showing some schematics for a new suit.

And then a new suit displayed in the middle. Showing a new suit with a shining gray armored chest plate with the black rocks in the shape of a mountain as an emblem. The suit also came with a hood and cape. Along with a blue color scheme that matches Cassandra's blue hair. It had some matching metal arm bracers black and shiny utility belt. And the suit came with metallic running adventure boots. And the helmet.

Cassandra couldn't believe it.

"Woah..." Cassandra said as she was amazed by the designs. This totally was a step up from the rocky uniform she wore earlier.

"Yeah. Give that a good look." Orion smirked.

Then Friday walked over from behind the display with a grin of her own.

"Once you put that suit on, it will adapt and update your black rock abilities. The Moonstone will be adapted and regulated into the suit. Where you can keep it on or remove the stone as you choose. But also your powers will be readjusted to having the black rocks from out of the air in different shapes instead of tearing the ground open." Friday described the suit's qualities and how it would change her powers.

"I added that cause I can't be paying insurances whenever rocks break out of the surface. I could if I had to. Just don't want to." Orion whispered to Rapunzel.

"You're as brilliant as ever, Ryan." Rapunzel giggled.

"She's right." Cassandra said, smirking at the suit. "I think I'm gonna like this."

"Not yet actually. There's one more added touch that Yid Sen himself just announced to all of us two hours ago. Hold your hand out." Orion told Cassandra's with a grin.

"Okay? What's going on?" Cassandra asked while holding her hand out.

Then in a flash of light. Something appeared in Cassandra's hands. Which had the same style as her original sword. But with a curve at the top and four spikes like teeth for a key, made to look like the black rocks. One one sight was regular metal. And on the other end was black which was glowing blue like Cassandra's hair. And the key chain on the handle was a small metal head of an owl.

It was a keyblade! Cassandra's keyblade! She's been chosen!

"Oh my God!" Rapunzel exclaimed excitedly. "Cass, you're a Keyblade Wielder now!"

I'm a Keyblade Wielder." Cassandra muttered in shock and awe as she held up her new weapon, excitement bubbling inside her.

Orion looked at the Readers. "Oh yeah. I just changed Season 3. Now those Youtubers can stop complaining and go kiss the sun." He smirked.

On that note. The Guardians upcoming journey has changed. And all for the better. And even though they have the upperhand.

That doesn't mean darkness isn't gaining one of their own. And speaking of darkness...

---

Somewhere in the ruins of the World That Never Was...

Back over in the empty crumbled town which was the home of the original Syndicate XIII. This place was once a desolate city that was built like it was running during a rainy night that would never end.

And standing over the main plaza of Memory's Skyscraper. Were Beniditka and Hugo Kupka. Whom both walked up to a purple portal that sparked and opened up from the Realm Of Darkness. It flashed until Zhan Tiri herself. Walked out of the portal. Still as a little girl. But this time she's physically there. In the color scheme of black and gray.

Apparently Zhan Tiri didn't need Cassandra to keep fighting Rapunzel or to kill her. She just needed them to use the third and fourth incantation at the same time during the eclipse. A union of light and darkness within her presence was enough to shatter the spell that held her in the Realm of Darkness.

"Finally...the clash of the sun and the moon has released me from my prison." Zhan Tiri smiled evilly as she dazzled in her physical being.

"Master." Beniditka and Hugo knelt down before her in response.

"My Syndicate." Zhan Tiri smirked evilly. "It's good to be back."

Zhan Tiri may be back. But she is not as dangerous as she once was before. Though that doesn't mean it won't change later. And she can still do some damage.

But whatever happens next. The Guardians will be ready. Especially since Orion Forge has anticipated and planned for such an occasion.

So look out, Zhan Tiri. You may be back. But the Guardians of the Unknown will fight back.

---

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS!🎉🎉🎉

Woof! This was probably my longest chapter of any story. Probably. 😮 💨

So let's list this. Spider-Man. Spider-Man Miles Morales. Iron Man. The X-Men and using the Eikons from FF 16 to pull some Godzilla parodies. Not to mention Orion getting Red Grid, his own version of Glacier Supreme from The Queen And The Maverick Vol 2.

"Ooooh how does he do it?" Maverick breathed in amazement.

Not to mention Yozora was Joshua the entire time?! 😱😱

Apologies to fans of Joshua from FF16. But I figured this one would work to build more character for Yozora.

Still. Clive and Yozora are brothers! How about that?!

Also Cassandra is back. She still has the Moonstone but that's a good thing. Her hair is still blue but that doesn't bother anyone. And….SHE'S GOT A KEYBLADE! 😁😁😁

And trust me. She will be putting that to good use. 😉

Plus Gibson Clarion and every person that wronged Clive got what they deserved.

"Good riddance." Gibson Clarion's wife snorted.😠

"You didn't love him?" Maverick inquired.

"Nope. He only wanted me for my money and it was all business." Gibson Clarion's wife answered.😠

"Huh. How about that?" Maverick said.

Oh and before anyone asks. 'StarBurst' was Orion's alias during his stage performance in the last stories chapter titled Challenge Of The Brave.

Also the next chapter is gonna take things easier as we return to Corona. I will still copy some more of the episodes that were in Season 3 while doing a different spin on certain stories within those episodes. But new adventures and stories are on the way and this story isn't done yet. 😉👍

"If anything this whole thing was a Mid-Season Finale with a much bigger half on the way." Maverick remarked. 😉

So thank you all for reading!

Don't forget to Fave and Follow if you like what you see and be sure to leave comments to let me know your thoughts!

And as always Disney/Square Enix Fans!

FISTBUMP! 👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊