《Fallen Stars》 Mystery Zero: Proto Fallen Stars Mystery Zero Proto [Love? Money? Power? Which Do You Truly Desire? Strange Beasts, Trolls, Monsters, Savages, and Freaks. Listen! They Are Lurking Around! The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Gods? Demons? Rivals? Heroes? Villains? Which Title Is The Most You Want To Devour?! ¡°The Stars Rule The Cosmos.¡± This Phrase Drives Every Thing From Around The World. All Fighting To Be Recognized! Not A Single Person Is Sitting This Out!! The People Fighting Are Known As Stars. They Say, Stars Are Always Evolving... While Everyone Is Searching For The Guiding Light. God Is Working In Mysterious Ways... HaHa....] [It Finally Begins!!] Mystery 0 Fin Mystery One: The End Fallen Stars Mystery One The End On the moon, craters all around. The warm milky glow of the moon looked beautiful. Someone sits on it, looking down at the red seas. The person is shrouded in darkness. He has on a dark-colored cloth headband, covering his forehead. Wearing a hoodie, it is up on his head. On the back seeing the phrase, ¡°M5¡±, circled by 7 different creature symbols. An atmosphere of unexplainable depression surrounds him... Anti: *sigh* Anti. Listen¡­ devour every single star... Suddenly, a gigantic monstrous darkened creature comes flying past the moon¡­!! Anti: *smirks* So, you¡¯re finally here... Dragon of Destruction¡­ As Anti slowly stands up, not being able to tell his height, the atmosphere changes around him to dangerously intense, it pans to his star-shaped eyes¡­ Anti: I did it¡­ but, there¡¯s one thing left to do¡­ A light gleams in space. He raises his hand like he¡¯s reaching for something¡­. [Let''s go back some years.] **At The Graduation Center** **Back Hallway Side-B** Tyler: Are you nervous? Draco is seen smiling, brown skin with wild black hair, with black eyes. Wearing a black and blue cloth headband, underneath his cap, covering his forehead. Draco: Of course I am, but I can''t show it, haha. Tyler: You¡¯re a better man than me, I¡¯m still shaking, look. Tyler puts out his hand, showing that it''s shaking. They both laugh about it. Ray: What are you two punks laughing about?! Draco with a calm tone, and a wisecrack smirk. Draco: Nothing, don¡¯t worry about it. Ray: Well, y¡¯all don¡¯t sound pumped up. Are y¡¯all ready?! We finally get out of this shithole!! Rest of the students: YYYYYYEEEEEEAAAA!!!!! Teacher Sam: Alright, calm down, it''s time. Line up and let¡¯s go. **Pomp and Circumstance Graduation Song Starts Playing** *School Symbol is an Eight-Headed Dragon* All the students walk out. They were wearing their cap and all blue gowns. Cameras are flashing. Parents yelling at the top of their lungs! *Cut to right before Draco gets his diploma.* Principal Mr. Black: Draco S.! Draco walks across the stage grabs his diploma, and walks off, no jumping around, just cool, calm, and collected while smiling. *Time goes by and the graduation is over!! Everyone throws up their caps!!* [THE GRADUATES OF COSMIC HIGH!!!] Draco''s family is snapping pics with tears in their eyes. The students walk to the hallway. Tyler: We did it, finally!!! Draco: Yep, we did. Draco lets out a sigh of accomplishment. Walking outside the center, Draco¡¯s family gathers with his little cousins bomb rushing him. Aunt Lapis: Draco we¡¯re so proud of you. You must be feeling amazing finally graduating. Draco (happy): Yeah, I¡¯m so glad that I¡¯m done, now it''s time to keep moving. Aunt Lapis: Moving? What do you mean by that? Aunt Garnet: What do you plan on doing after High School? Going to College? Getting a job? The atmosphere changes around Draco with a sinister feeling as he has a smug look. Draco: Nah, I''m going to Change the World. The Family (slightly confused): Huh??? Uncle Topaz: Well, that¡¯s fine and all Draco, but we don¡¯t even know what that means. Draco: Haha, I know. I can''t tell everyone everything. Uncle Copal: You have always been a secretive person. Uncle Copal shakes his head. Draco¡¯s Dad (energetic): C¡¯mon everyone, let¡¯s not get caught up in this. It¡¯s a celebration! Draco graduated! Draco¡¯s Mom: Yes, let¡¯s cherish this night and always remember it! The Family all cheer him on, and party! Draco¡¯s Dad: Woohoooo!!! **The Next Morning** Draco is barely up, scratching his eyes. He puts on his clothes, the room is filled with trophies and first-place medals across the walls. His ceiling has a star pattern. But, he¡¯s ready to go with his bookbag, getting to the front door. He has somewhere to go on his mind. As he walks out, his parents come to the door to stop him. Draco¡¯s Dad and Mom: Stay safe out there son. Dad: There are some dangerous people out there, so always watch your surroundings, keep your head on a swivel! Mom: I would try to stop you, but I can feel your determination, just like your father. There¡¯s no convincing you. Draco (smiles): Don''t worry, Mom. I''ll be back to check on both of you... eventually. Whilst Draco walks away laughing¡­. Draco¡¯s Mom: Do you think he¡¯ll be safe? You know how crazy this world can get. Draco¡¯s Dad (smiles): Oh, Draco will be alright, he is our kid. Even if he does get in some trouble, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll help him out. Draco¡¯s dad laughs a bit. Draco¡¯s Dad: And what¡¯s to worry about? He¡¯s enlightened! Draco: (Well, I can''t make any moves without those two, let me go get them. We promised to meet there after High School.) Draco walks down to the old broken-down playground, smiling. Now wearing a light, all-black coat, over a white tee, and black pants. Same headband as always. His sneakers are luxurious metallic gold, white, and black. Draco has a smile so bright, that it can light up a room. **Draco** Age: 17 Height: 6¡¯2 [Meanwhile... At The Playground] Vega has light brown skin, short black hair with red eyes. He¡¯s wearing a light, black cloak, worn-down red collar, and black pants. He¡¯s wearing a red sleeveless undershirt beneath the cloak. And a necklace, tucked into his shirt. Vega¡¯s sneakers have a black and red color scheme. He stands while going down the slide, arms in his pockets. Vega has an extremely calm demeanor, with an expressionless face. **Vega** Age: 17 Height: 5¡¯6 Vega: *Sigh* Wrath has darker brown skin, and he has an afro, with different colored eyes. Left eye blue, right eye orange. His canine teeth are enlarged. With a closed mouth, you can see both his fangs hanging out a little bit. He¡¯s wearing a black long sleeve shirt and black shorts, with a blue design going over both of them. He also has on a hooded cape, the color is Heaven¡¯s blue (resembles navy blue). His sneakers have a white and volar blue color scheme. He¡¯s standing on the swings, arms crossed. Wrath has a grin so crazy, that it''s damn near scary. **Wrath** Age: 17 Height: 6¡¯0 Wrath: I wonder what''s taking him so long, hopefully, he didn''t forget. Vega: Nah, Draco wouldn¡¯t forget. He¡¯s the one who asked us. Wrath: Are you even still up for the challenge? Vega looks intensely at Wrath, in his direction with a face like someone just tried him. Vega: I¡¯m always ready, Ze- Wrath stops him. Wrath (gets mad): I thought I said never call me that! Vega (laughing): C¡¯mon, you know I wasn¡¯t going to, just joking around, Ahaha. Wrath: Yeah, whatever. Wrath and Vega laugh about it together. Draco, arriving at the playground. Sees Vega and Wrath. He yells out with happiness! Draco: VEGAAAAAA!!!!!!!! WRAAAAATH!!!!!!!! Draco runs to hug them. Draco: I haven¡¯t seen you guys in 4 years! It¡¯s been sooo long. Wrath slightly pushes him off. Wrath: What took you so long? Draco is huffing and puffing. Draco: I woke up kinda late, I had to play games with a few friends on Play-Box. It''s probably going to be the last time I speak to them so we just kept gaming. Wrath: Oh, well it has been a long time. Are you good? Draco: Don''t worry, I would never forget. Are we all still going to Change The World!? Wrath and Vega: ??! Of course, we are! Draco: Well then, let''s head out into the world!! Vega and Wrath gather all of their stuff to start the walk and... Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. [The Adventure Begins!! Onward to the first city, Gib Gnab!!] The gang walked to the next city. Vega: It''s about a 10-minute walk to the next city. Wrath: Ahhhh, I guess that isn¡¯t terrible. Draco (smiling): Of course it isn¡¯t, we get to catch up now. How were y¡¯all since we¡¯ve been apart? Wrath: Honestly, I missed you guys. High School was such a pain, with teachers nagging and always yelling at you. Vega: Maybe you were just a problem child, Wrath. Ever thought of that? Wrath (ticked off): No, of course, I wasn''t the problem, they were just yelling just to yell! Vega: Yeah, that''s what every problem child thinks. But anyway my years weren''t that terrible, but they weren¡¯t the best either. Let alone having to move every other month because of house fires. Draco (shocked): Dang, Vega. I didn''t know of all that, our parents kept us out of contact cause we were so crazy during middle school. Wrath (laughing): They made us all go to separate High Schools. My Aunt wasn¡¯t having it. Vega: My grandma did not want us talking, at all... Draco: Well, it¡¯s all good now we won¡¯t lose contact again. Wrath: Yup. Draco (looks Wrath up and down): So, you¡¯re wearing capes now, Wrath? Wrath: I am an adventurer. I also heard my ancestor used to wear one. Draco: Oh, that¡¯s dope. Well, we¡¯re here. [Welcome To Gib Gnab!!!] Vega: This is just the next city over and it looks so worn down. Vega: Hmmm, let''s just get through here, the next city isn''t that far either. Draco: You studied the map, huh? Vega: Yeah, I could only get a map of the cities, but it¡¯ll help us in the short run. Wrath (smirks): Look at Vega always prepping, but you can never predict the random events that may happen. Vega (amused): We¡¯ll see, all I know is the city¡¯s locations, but not the exact direction. I know we should head to the northeast. Draco: Ok, we go this way right through here. We cut between these two buildings. Vega and Wrath nod and agree. Vega and Wrath: Alright. Walking between the buildings 6 people are standing over someone kicking him. Draco: Are they robbing him? The Gang sees 6 people with masks and green army uniforms. Vega (irate): (Tck. The Army...) Then the squad pulls out a gun and shoots the man! Wrath: Holy shit! Let¡¯s just go the other way we can¡¯t save him. The Gang proceeds to turn around quickly to get out of danger. Vega: I agree, we need to take the best and safest way, let¡¯s go. The gang goes to walk toward where they came from, and that¡¯s when they see 6 more people come from the other side walking towards them without masks. Draco (startled): Oh shit. The gang sees them wearing green army uniforms just like the other guys. A tall man stands in front of the group. Zosma: *smirks* Be not afraid. Zosma stands 8 feet tall, with spiky blonde hair. Very intimidating look. In a sleeveless green uniform. A muscular man, with yellow eyes, and shades on his head. Zosma: It seems that you¡¯ve seen everything, even my face. Draco: Now that we know everything, you¡¯re probably going to kill us, huh? Zosma: Yep, masks on boys! Zavijava: Well, isn¡¯t that kinda redundant? Zavijava is a beautiful lazy looking woman, with a long brown ponytail. Standing around 6¡¯5. Slim with a strong muscle tone. Light blue eyes. Wrath: (Damn she¡¯s tall.) Zosma looks to Zavijava. Zosma: What? Zavijava: If we were going to kill them anyway. Why do we have to put on our masks? Zosma (irritated): Shut up, just do what I say! Everyone conceals their faces. Wrath (readies): *showing his fangs, as he grins* Welp, the only thing we can do now is fighting our way out. Vega and Draco: Yeah, it¡¯s time. Lackey #1 (chuckling): Is this kid wearing a cape?? Bahaha! Wrath gets mad at the guy laughing at him, the gang starts to fight. Darkness covers the alley suddenly. Vega: (Why did it get so dark?) Draco: (I took boxing, I should be somewhat alright.) Draco throws the first punch to hit Zosma, but it¡¯s caught by a lackey, and another one punches Draco. Then they pick him up and throw him across the alley! Vega and Wrath both throw punches to hit a few lackeys, their punches landing, starting a struggle. Vega: (I took both kenjutsu and kendo, but I don''t have a sword, not even a wooden one.) While another lackey is standing off to the side he gets out his gun and shoots Wrath in the shoulder! Wrath: Aaahhh!!! (Fuuuuuuckkk! That karate won¡¯t help me dodge a bullet.) Zosma: This will be quick, kill them all. The squad starts to beat the gang up brutally, worse than anything they¡¯ve experienced. The lackeys start kicking them! The lackeys stomp on all of their heads! Lackey #1: H-Town stomp! Zosma: No need for all that, we still have plans. Hand it to me. As Zosma aims at them, Draco and Wrath notice his Golden Beetle Tattoo. Zosma starts to aim at Vega!! Bang! Bang! Vega shot dead! Holding his bleeding arm. Wrath becomes furious and angrily yells out! Wrath: Is no one going to save us?! Curse the world!! Curse those damn nobles!! Then Wrath is shot! Bang! Wrath died! Draco gives an enraged look at Zosma. Draco: You better watch your back, ''cause I¡­.. Draco reaches his arm towards Zosma as he¡¯s on the ground. Zosma feels Draco¡¯s dark presence growing around him and his squad. Draco''s pupils start to turn into the form of a star. Zosma¡¯s lackeys'' fear grows. But Zosma still pulls the trigger. Bang! Bang! Zosma: Excuse me, say what? Zosma laughs it off, holding his ear to Draco. Draco dies off, seeing one last glimpse of life and it¡¯s Zosma saluting him with only his pinky raised, still saluting, he starts laughing maniacally. Instantaneously, as if Draco wakes up, his tone changes to a very vile one. ???: I should thank you. Then he dies off again. **Zosma** MC Kill Count: 3 Draco closes his eyes, then suddenly opens them, and sees himself standing in a black room with smoke flowing on the ground. Draco: (Woah, am I dead?! Did I survive that?! Everything seems to be ok, I¡¯m alive.) Draco starts to touch his face and body. Draco: (Where are Vega and Wrath?) Draco turns looking to see where he is, and notices someone on his right, sitting on a throne. The throne is covered in gold and diamonds, and around the throne is a rainbow that had an appearance of an emerald. At his feet was like a bedrock made of lapis lazuli, clear and bright blue like the sky. Before Draco can even say anything. ???: You know, There¡¯s only One Throne, right? Draco is alarmed. The person on the throne is shrouded in darkness. ???: I already know your goal is to Change the World. If I gave you the power, would you do it? Draco: *looks directly at him* Of course I would! Give me the power and I would easily! ??? (smirks): Ok, what power do you most desire? Draco (smiles): Give me the power of a star! ???: I knew it, good luck. Draco (quick reply): I don''t believe in luck. ???: Oh, too cool for school, huh? Here, also take this with you, It¡¯s an egg that will grow into what represents you. It will hatch into your pure self, with your real ideals. Draco looks in confusion¡­. Draco: Ah ok, sure, but besides that what can I call you? ??? (stunned): You know, people rarely ask me, just call me M. Draco: Just M? Vega and Wrath: Draco! Draco! Draco! M (smiles): Yeah, just M is perfect. Better go, your friends are calling you, Draco. Draco wakes up to Vega and Wrath yelling and calling him. Vega and Wrath: Draco! Wake up! Draco (still dazed): Yo, I just got done talking to someone. Vega and Wrath: We did too. Vega: *puts out his hand* Look at this. His hand ignites with a burning flame. Wrath: *puts out his hand* Look. While his hand starts to spark and a discharge of electricity covers his hand. Draco (in awe): So cool. *lightbulb* Oh yeah. Draco puts out his hand and starts to concentrate, a gleaming star in the form of a small ball appears. Draco: Yes! So we really got powers! [In the same instant of finally achieving the power of a star, impressions start pouring into Draco¡¯s mind. Surrounded by a barren wasteland filled with corpses. The atmosphere has a heavy presence of despair, completely engulfed in a shadow cast by the moon. People in cloaks walked over bodies, stabbing them with spears. Blood spewing everywhere, painting the entire battlefield. Rivers become tainted dark crimson red after blood drains to them. The final thing he sees is the corpses having a symbol on their sleeves, a star, within another star¡­] All of their powers go out. Draco touches his face with his hand, covering only his right eye, having an intense face after seeing everything, looking as if he¡¯s going insane. Draco: (What the hell was that¡­??! Was that¡­ my family-) Wrath: That was short-lived. Vega: *shaking his hands* (My hand doesn¡¯t even feel hot.) We didn''t lose them, we probably just have some time restraint or a limit on the power¡¯s usage. Vega looks at Draco and sees his expression. Vega: Everything ok, Draco? Draco: Ah... yeah. Where is my egg? *looks to his left* Ahhhh, good, don''t want to lose you. You got one, right? You said you spoke to someone. Did he give you an egg? Vega and Wrath show their eggs. Draco¡¯s is black with white spots, Vega¡¯s is red with black spots, and Wrath¡¯s is blue with black spots. Draco: *realizes* Oh yeah, how did the talk with him go? Vega: Well, my talk went¡­. **Vega¡¯s Talk** Vega is scoping out the location, looking for anything to stick out, until he sees something¡­ the throne of gold and diamonds, emerald rainbow¡­ then someone... M: Yo. Vega: Yo. M: It¡¯s good to see you, Vega. Vega (alerted): (??) How do you know my name? M: I know everything. Vega: Oh? M: So, what¡¯re your ambitions? Vega: You already know that, don''t you? M: Yeah, well, what power do you most desire? Vega: You know that already too. M smiles, seeing the fire in Vega¡¯s eyes. Vega notices a Koala Bear next to him. M: Alright here you go, also take this. It¡¯s an egg that will grow into what represents you. It will hatch into your pure self, with your real ideals. Vega wakes up in a cold sweat. He sees Wrath and Draco still asleep, but the army squad is gone and the person they were beating up has disappeared too. **Back To The Present** Wrath: Well, your talk went well. It seemed like I was about to fight whoever that was¡­ **Wrath¡¯s Talk** Wrath: *checking his body* Oh Wrath, what the fuck just happened? Did we die?! Then a voice speaks¡­. M: Wrath, It¡¯s good to see you. Wrath (confused): Who the fuck are you? I don¡¯t know you. M: Hmph. That¡¯s fine. What are your goals? Wrath: To Destroy the Foundation. M: Haha, I¡¯ll give you the power to accomplish just that. What do you want, any power? Wrath (grins): I want the power to get anyone to surrender to me! M: (I knew he would say something crazy, but it isn''t as crazy as that guy from last week.) I can''t give you that power. Wrath: You can''t do it?! You can¡¯t do shit! What about¡­ Wrath begins to mock M¡¯s voice. Wrath: ¡°Any power you want¡± and ¡°I can help you accomplish that.¡± M with an aggressive tone. M: I could just give you nothing and just let that be it. Do you want that, punk?! Wrath (getting angry): So be it! If I can¡¯t have what I want, then fuck it! M (facepalms): How about this¡­. M shows him his hand. Electricity sparks from his hand. Wrath (excited): Yahaha, that was my second choice, I¡¯ll take electricity. M: Also take this. It¡¯s an egg that will grow into what represents you. It will hatch into your pure self with your real ideals. Wrath wakes up and sees Vega up, and holding his head. Wrath: Vega, did we just die¡­. Vega: Yeah, and my head still hurts. My bullet wounds are completely gone, what happened? Wrath (fuming): *stands up* We¡¯ve been through a lot, but this is way worse than anything before... Vega is still shaken up by it. Vega: Yeah, this is just another event added to a whole group of others... *sigh* (Can the world even get better, this has only strengthened my convictions. I just want to see the whole world burn.) Wrath: *looks around* Wait. Where are the soldiers?! What did you ask for? Where is your egg? Oh shit, where is my egg? Vega (agitated): It¡¯s right behind you, let¡¯s get Draco up, I¡¯ll tell you afterward. **Present** Vega: Seems to me like you wanted to fight him. Wrath: I was, don''t say, ¡°Anything you want¡± then restrict me or us from getting anything. Vega: *concerned face* (.... He cussed out the person who gave us powers...) Who was that? Draco stands up and lets out a sigh of relief. Draco: I¡¯m so glad we¡¯re all safe. *checks himself for any wounds* He told me to call him M. Vega and Wrath: M? Draco: Yeah, just M, nothing else. Wrath: That¡¯s not weird... Draco: So, we¡¯re still going, right? Still, pushing forward? Wrath: What?! After all that, that''s all you can say? We just died and came back to life. Draco: I understand, but we¡¯re not going to just turn around and go back home, are we? We¡¯ve been thinking of leaving and exploring the world since middle school, this is the only chance we have. We¡¯ve even been in tough situations like this before, this isn''t new to us. Wrath is deliberating in his head. Draco: Wrath, come on, imagine getting defeated by this one hurdle. What, are you going to think of quitting every time we go through a struggle? Wrath: This is not a hurdle. We died. Don¡¯t you get that? Draco: I get it, but we can''t just quit now in the first city we made it to on our own. Wrath: No one said anything about quitting, just let me think about it. Vega: You don''t want to tell our parents about what happened? Draco (flustered): Hell no. Do you want to tell your grandma, or Wrath, do you want to go back and tell your Aunt? Wrath and Vega: Nope. Draco: Me neither, I can''t tell my dad that I died in the first city we entered. He would lose so much faith in me, and I definitely can''t tell my mom, she would just stop me from ever leaving Proto City again. We¡¯ll tell our family when the time is right. When we¡¯re prepared and ready to get yelled at. Now we have to keep going! THIS CAN¡¯T HOLD US BACK! Wrath: *Wrath stands there considering it, somewhat moved by his words.* Vega, thoughts? Vega: I agree with Draco, 100%. My Grandma would force me to always be in her sight if she heard about this incident. Draco: (Yes, I have Vega on my side.) Wrath: Well, if you''re both so adamant about still going, then I''m going too! I¡¯m gonna pay those guys back!! What''s the next city, Vega? Vega: *holds his forehead* From what I remember¡­ the next city is Luna. Draco: Alright, get your eggs, and let¡¯s move. To the next city, Luna!!! Wrath: Yeah! Let''s get going, I¡¯ll lead the charge! Vega: *Vega pulls Draco to the side and whispers* But Draco, I¡¯m going back to the original plan. Draco: Hmph? [After All That Struggle. The Adventure Begins! Onward, To The First City, Luna!!] Mystery 1 Fin Mystery Two: Fort Luna Fallen Stars Mystery Two Fort Luna [The Walk To Luna!] As we continue, the gang starts the walk to Luna. Draco lets out a whew. Draco: How long did you say the walk is? Vega: I think it''s like a 40 or 50-minute walk, from Gib Gnab. Wrath with a loud pfft. Wrath: Another long walk, and we have to walk on this dirt road. We need to go ahead and buy a car. Draco (laughs): With what money? Wrath: Well shit, let''s just steal one. Draco: Hmm, we''ll take a raincheck on that one, but we¡¯ll consider it if the distance starts getting crazy. Wrath: Alright then. The gang has to walk on a two-lane highway that is surrounded by Eridanus-Fir trees (Trees that can range from 100-150 feet in height), while the clear blue river is running behind the trees. Draco looks around, up and down. Draco: These are Eridanus trees too, right? Wrath: Yeah, they are, I heard she has found and named over ten thousand tree species. Draco: What? Ten thousand? Wrath: Yup, she has put in a lot of work. Draco: A lot is an understatement. Wrath: They call this place the Mellow Forest. Vega: Yo, not to interrupt but Luna should just be a straight shot from here. Wrath: Well, since we have so much time I''m going to use my powers to see the limitations. Vega nods his head. Vega: Yeah, I wanted to test mine too. Draco: Dang, I wanna go too. Hold my egg, Vega. Draco hands his egg off to Vega, while Draco concentrates for a star in one hand. Then it forms slowly but surely. A bright shining orange-red star comes to completion. Draco becomes mesmerized by the gleaming star, looking into it and having an unexplainable excitement in his head. Draco: (Hahaha. With this... I can truly become God!!!) The gang goes through exploring their powers. Seeing Vega light himself on fire to test his clothing, and it was not being burned. To Wrath shooting electricity out of the palm of his hands. [After 40 minutes] A light bulb goes off in Draco¡¯s head. Draco: I thought of something. Vega: Hmph? Draco: Let''s try to guess what will hatch from each other''s eggs. We still have a 10-minute walk. Vega: Sure, I¡¯m down. Wrath nods in agreement. Wrath: Same. Draco: Alright, I guess Wrath¡¯s, Vega guesses mine, Wrath guesses Vega¡¯s. That¡¯s good? Wrath and Vega: Yup. Draco: I¡¯ll go first. Draco starts thinking while walking. Draco: Ah, I got it. Wrath, I see you as an ape, like a silverback. Wrath (frantic): What??? A fucking ape? What the hell do you see me as? Draco and Vega laughing. Wrath seems mad then realizes. Wrath: Now that I think on it, an Ape would be strong as fuck, I wouldn¡¯t mind that as my partner. Ohhhh, if it had electricity covering it too, and throwing hands! Alright, now I can''t picture my animal being anything other than an ape! While Wrath is holding up his egg and daydreaming about his partner. Draco: Takes us back to that Middle School motto. Wrath: Oh man, yeah. But out of anyone, I wouldn''t be the one with an ape. Draco (laughs): Haha, yeah, it¡¯ll probably be him. Wrath (triggered): And why even say that, you know I hate Apes. Draco laughs loudly, but Vega thinks of Draco''s partner. Vega: Let me guess. Hmm, with you Draco, I¡¯ve always seen you as a dragon. Draco: Really? Vega: Yeah, the superior type, and can get ferocious at any time. Especially after our Middle School days. It was like you were a whole different person. Draco starts jokingly blushing. Draco: Vega! I never thought you thought so highly of me! Vega (weirded out): Uh... Draco getting back to serious. Draco: But yeah, I can''t see myself with anything other than a dragon too. (I don''t know about that different person thing though.) Vega (smug): It¡¯s cool. Vega goes to yell at Wrath, who is still daydreaming. Vega: Snap out of it Wrath, and tell me my animal! Wrath back to paying attention. Wrath: Oh, yeah. Hmmm. Wrath starts really thinking hard. Vega: Is it really that hard? Wrath: Nah, I got it. (I don¡¯t got shit, what should I say that¡¯ll make him happy.) Vega: Well hurry, the city is coming up, if you want to figure it out before then. Wrath: Alright! I got it. Vega and Draco: Ok. Wrath: To me, I would say you resemble a Wild Boar. Vega (confused): HUH??? Draco: Hahahahaahahahaahah, I can see that too! Wrath: Yeah, you see it too, right, Draco? Plus you now have fire, you''re definitely the Wild Fire-type. Vega: Pick something else, I don''t want that shit. Draco: What about a dog? For your loyalty aspect. Vega thought. Wrath: Nah, A boar is perfect. It fits your personality. Vega (baffled): How??? You''re wilder than me. Draco: That is true. He has a point, you''re definitely the wildest one in the group, Wrath. Wrath: Don''t be offended by it, Vega. A flaming boar running at someone would be so cool! Vega: *thinks about it* It''s still a pass for me. Wrath (phew): I can''t even lie, that was pretty tough, but I found the perfect fit. Vega is very dismissive. Vega: You didn''t, but ok. Wrath spins electricity around his fingertips. As the trees start to go away as they come upon the city. The scenery changes, no more trees, it goes to a sandy and dusty open area. Draco: No more trees, huh? Wrath: That¡¯s fine, I''m still going to use my powers. Vega: Hey, it looks like we¡¯re here. Draco and Wrath: Woahhh. As the gang looks ahead they see steam coming from the right side of the city, also seeing Luna¡¯s Entrance, a sign¡­.. **Welcome To Fort Luna Wholesome Army Base!** Wrath clenches his fist with electricity. The gang: Oh no. The gang stands at the entrance staring at the sign and doesn''t go through the Desert Army Base yet. Draco: Vega, did you know this was an Army Base? Vega was surprised. Vega: No, I didn¡¯t know. Wrath is heated. While raising his left hand, his electricity goes out. Wrath: Fuck those guys, what are we scared about? We have powers now, we should pay them back for what they did! Vega: Hold on, let''s think this through. Do you honestly think we can beat twelve people with limitations on our powers? We can barely use them for two minutes. We can''t just rush in all willy willy. Draco: ¡­All what? Nevermind. Vega is right, we should plan things out. Scope things out and if we see them we head a different way. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Vega: This is the only way, once we pass through this city we can break off into different directions, but we have to go through Luna, from what I remember. Draco: Damn, well like my Dad always says¡­ Draco¡¯s Dad: Always watch your surroundings! Keep your head on a swivel. Vega: He¡¯s right, we just have to stay on our Qs and Ps, and we¡¯ll be fine. (Hopefully¡­.) Draco puts his egg in his book bag. Draco: ¡­Our what? Vega: You know, our ¡°Qs and Ps¡±. Wrath: That¡¯s clearly not how it goes. Vega: Sounds right to me. Draco readying his hands. Draco: Gotta have my hands clear just in case. The others do the same, each putting their eggs in their bags. All of their eggs'' top part is poking out of the bag. Wrath: Alright, let''s keep pushing forward! Steam is coming off of Wrath like he¡¯s excited. While his power comes back. Vega: Are you happy we might see them? Wrath: Hell yes! I have to pay them back for shooting and killing me! Shit, for killing us! Draco: I¡¯m with Wrath, we can''t just let that slide. C¡¯mon, let''s go! The Gang walks into Fort Luna. Draco: Pay attention to your surroundings and keep going. Vega: ... Wrath looks around. Wrath: Why is this Fort so hot and steamy? Vega: The map I had didn''t give any description of each city, just a walkthrough, so I don''t know. (It¡¯s fine in here for me.) Wrath and Draco wiping sweat off them. Draco: Well it is a Desert Base, but we just entered the city and it''s terribly hot. I have to fan myself, sheesh. Draco fanning himself, Vega sees up ahead. Vega: Hold on, stop. The gang looking forward sees three pathways to walk through. One going left, one keeping straight, and one going to the right of the city. Wrath: We shouldn¡¯t separate, just in case we run into those guys. Draco: Ohhh, I thought you were ready for them? You can handle it, right? Wrath: Shut up, even I know I''m not beating them one vs twelve. Draco (laughed): You''re right, I was just joking anyway. Vega: Keep paying attention. Which pathway are we walking? Draco thinks, he looks around, but there are barely any buildings. Draco: Hmmm, weren''t you the one that knew the map, Vega? We should be going off your word. Vega: Yeah I know, but everyone should get a say on which way we go. We can vote. I say we go right. Wrath: I say left, it looks like the shortest route, we can get out of here quickly. Draco: Hmm. Draco is reminded of the past in the first city, Gib Gnab. **Draco: ¡°Ok, we go this way right through here. We cut between these two buildings.¡±** Draco: (The last time I picked a direction to go through we all died.) Draco lets out a Hmph. Draco: (But... I had to do it.) Vega: Draco? Draco is surprised, then comes back to himself. Draco: Huh? Oh, uhhhh. *coughs* Alright, I have this feeling that we should go straight forward, that''s the only thing I can think of. Vega: So we all decided to pick a different route, but we won''t split up. *shakes head* You guys sometimes¡­ Wrath comes back. Wrath: Wait! I say right! No, I¡¯m staying with the left! Vega: You can¡¯t ever stick to anything¡­ Wrath (cheerful): Forget all that, Draco said he had a feeling, right? When were we able to ever go against the feeling he gets? Yahaha, we already died once. What''s the worst that can happen? Vega: That is the worst reasoning ever. Wrath: Well, what about your reason to go to the right? That''s where all the steam is coming from. Vega clears his throat and looks suspiciously. Vega: I, uhh¡­ wanted to check it out. Wrath and Draco laugh loudly. Wrath: Oh, that''s the best reason I have ever heard. Vega: Yeah, whatever. Wrath: So, which way are we going? I say it''s between you and Draco. I¡¯ll retract my vote. Vega and Draco looked at each other. While taking off their book bags, sitting them easily. Draco: Feeling vs Reasoning. Which team will win? Both raised their hands, laying their left-hand flat. Then make a fist with their right hand. It¡¯s rock, paper, scissors! Who will win!! They begin to stare. Draco (smirks): I¡¯m throwing Rock. Vega (silent): ... Then both of them chant, ¡°Rock¡­ Paper¡­ Scissors!!¡± Throwing out their choice!! Vega¡¯s hand reveals Scissors, while Draco reveals Rock. Vega clicks his teeth. Vega: (Dammit.) Draco (excited): Yes! You know I''m the best at rock, paper, scissors!! C¡¯mon, let''s go guys. (I have to make up for that other thing.) Vega: Fine, you got this one. But next time we really will decide. So the gang picks up their bags and continues the walk down the straight path. Wrath: You always lose rock, paper, scissors, huh? Vega (annoyed): It''s not my strong suit... Draco: How about this? If this pathway takes us right out of the city, we¡¯ll turn back and check out that steam, to see what''s happening. Vega: I say we just keep going, but if the pathway is cut off, we go to the right. Draco: Ok, deal. The gang passes by some grocery stores and a post office. Vega: Huh¡­ No one is here? Aren''t these the busiest places usually in a city, especially if it''s an Army Base? Draco: You''re right, what if an event is happening right now? It is still early. Vega: Yeah that could be true... But everyone in the city, even the workers? They proceed to pass by a Gas Station. Wrath: Woah, this is empty too. Vega and Draco: Hmph? Wrath: Hold on, let''s stop. I need some snacks. Draco: What, you''re just about to steal some? Wrath: I mean, it¡¯s empty, we get in and get out. No problems. Draco: Alright, hurry. They rush into the gas station, stopping for a quick bite. Vega: Ok, now this is weird. I know the grocery store being empty is bad, but the gas station too? These are some of the most-watched spots by cashiers, stealing snacks, coffee, and even the gas itself. They walk into the station. Wrath: C''mon, it''ll be quick. I just want some ButterThumbs. Nice thumb size and not too much chocolate. Wrath rampaging through the chocolate aisle. Vega and Draco walk in and are completely stunned. Draco: It has a few snacks but wow this place is completely dead. It''s so run down. Vega notices a Slushie Machine and rushes over. Draco: You said in and out. Wrath with a ButterThumb in his mouth. Wrath: Huh? Do you see someone coming? Draco shakes his head. Draco: (He¡¯s still addicted to candy and chocolate, huh.) Nothing, just get all the snacks you want and let¡¯s go. Wrath: Alright, I can''t carry much because of my egg but I¡¯ll get some, don''t worry. Draco exhales. Draco: I¡¯m not worried at all Wrath. (Let me check on Vega.) Draco turns to look at Vega and sees him kicking the Slushie Machine. Vega: Fuck this thing! It''s completely broken! Draco: Did you think a slushie machine would still work in an abandoned Gas station? Vega: No... not really. Vega with a face of disappointment. Vega: I just haven''t had a slushie in 2 yrs. Draco (laughs): (It seems he still has his slushie addiction too. Haha.) Don¡¯t worry about it, I promise we will get you a slushie, Vega. What, your Granny made you quit it? Vega (sighs): Yeah, she said it was ruining my behavior in school and I wouldn''t pay attention without a slushie, so she made me quit, Cold Ham. Draco: (Cold¡­ Turkey¡­?) Wow, that sucks. Wrath is all packed up. Wrath: C¡¯mon, let''s get out of here before someone sees us. Vega and Draco: Alright. The gang steps back outside and continues forward. Draco: Alright, let''s keep it going!! Vega and Wrath: Yeaaaah!! While they walk by all the abandoned buildings something is noticed¡­. Draco: This town¡­.. It''s empty. I don''t see anyone in sight, no cars driving, and even the traffic lights don''t work. Vega also recognizes. Vega: I thought something was off, there isn''t an event going on, this is an abandoned Army Base. It''s a Deserted Desert. Wrath (yelling with happiness): AHHHH!!! Vega and Draco are caught off guard. Draco: You... ok? Wrath: Yeah, of course, I was just ready for something to happen, so I bundled up everything, now that it''s an empty city, I can let all of my jitters out. Vega: And you said I was the boar, right? Wrath: Shut up. But that''s whatever, it''s time to explore this place! Vega: You just want something to happen, the best option would be to keep going forward and not looking back. Wrath: You say that, but didn¡¯t you want to explore just a while ago?? Vega looks away. Vega: Lah-de-dah-da-dah. Wrath (frustrated): Don¡¯t ignore me, Vega!! Let''s check some things out, it''ll be quick, I promise. Draco: I don''t see the problem, now we can check out the steam too, Vega. Vega with a Hmph. Vega: Oh, you''re right, we can. As Vega smiles secretly. Draco: I knew you would be happy. Wrath: So, are we splitting up to cover more ground? We can meet back up right here in 15 minutes. Draco: I¡¯m fine with that, but no exploring the steamy part of the city, Vega. Vega: Why? Draco (laughs): Because I want us all to go there as a group, to see it together. Cause we¡¯re friends! Vega and Wrath: Boooo! Wrath: Let him do what he wants. Something comes to Vega¡¯s mind. Vega: Hold up guys. What if this city is abandoned because of that group of wild soldiers? They took over and kicked everyone out of the city, that''s why it looks so worn down. Draco and Wrath think about it. Draco: Hmm, You could be right. Let¡¯s just stick together, in case they¡¯re here and this is their base. Vega: Alright, sounds good. Then where are we going? Wrath: If we¡¯re going to be together, then we should go there... Wrath points to an Army Building. The sign reads¡­ **Fort Luna¡¯s Armory** The others look confused. Draco: Huh? Do you want to check out the Armory? Vega: You don''t think that''s the most guarded place by them? That''s where they will most likely be. Wrath: I know. Wrath (angrily): I want to see them! Do you think I was joking when I said they have to be paid back?! Wrath with a face of determination. Draco: Alright, I¡¯m with it too! Wrath: Vega, you coming? Cause I''m going with or without you. Wrath starts walking on his own. Draco looks towards Vega while walking. Draco: You coming, we were going to see them eventually, might as well make it now. Vega: We could at least check around the building, or plan something out if we do see them. Vega exhales but has to rush up to catch up with them. Vega: But of course, I¡¯m going. The gang crosses the street to get to the Armory. The Armory is a brick building with two windows on both sides. Also doors with glass windows. Vega and Draco are ahead of Wrath. They walk up the steps and look through the glass windows on the door to see if they find anybody. Then Wrath comes up angrily and kicks the door open! Wrath (energetic): WOOOOO!!! IT''S SHOWTIME!!! We¡¯re here bitches!! His cape flaps. Vega and Draco both facepalm. Vega (sarcastic): And I¡¯m the boar, right? Wrath (enthusiastic): Gotta make a grand entrance, let them know we¡¯re here. C¡¯mon, we go through the building, it isn''t even that big, it''s only one floor. Draco: Aren''t these places usually two floors? One for the main, and a gun range. Wrath: (Gun range?) Whatever, like the Gas Station, get in, get out. Draco: Yup, no distractions. The gang walks through the first floor not finding anything or anyone. Draco: Dang this place doesn''t have anything in it. Vega: So this is just a Ghost Base? No one in sight. Wrath: Guys, I¡¯m checking downstairs. Draco: Hold on, wait for us. Wrath gets downstairs¡­. Wrath: What??? Wrath halted. The others follow. Wrath: This floor is empty too, nothing at all. Wrath runs through all the firing lanes. Draco: Well, we can get out of here, nothing to be seen. Nobody is here either, so no reason to stay. Draco and Vega turn back towards the stairs. Wrath is mad, but notices¡­. Wrath: (Wait, is that..) Wrath sees a pistol off to the side on the last slot in the firing line. Wrath: Uhhh¡­ I¡¯ll catch up with you guys. I¡¯ll meet you upstairs. Draco walked up the stairs behind Vega. Vega: Why? Just c¡¯mon. Wrath: I wanted to look at the gun range a little bit more, nothing serious. *grins* Draco: Alright, we¡¯ll see you up there. Go up, Vega. I¡¯m behind you. Vega: Yeah, yeah. While Draco and Vega are upstairs, Wrath looks at the pistol. Wrath: This thing is so old like it''s been left here for a while. Does that mean this city has been empty for a long time? Whatever, I¡¯m taking this with me. Wrath stands in a slot and starts to aim it at the other end of the firing range. Wrath: (Yeah. I¡¯ll definitely get them back.) Wrath puts down his bag to fit his newly found pistol in. Wrath: Wait, I don''t want it firing on my back hitting me or my egg. These things have a safety switch, don''t they? Wrath looks for it¡ªfumbles around a minute. Wrath: Alright, found it. It shouldn''t go off now. (Safety first.) Wrath packs his bag and laughs while walking upstairs. Draco and Vega are waiting on the steps outside. Draco is sitting and Vega is standing. Draco: So the Original Plan, huh? Vega with a convincing voice. Vega: Yup. Draco: Alright, I¡¯m still down. Draco thinks for a second and is under his breath. Draco: This place is so great, you can just be alone¡­ Wrath: *burst out* Yooooooo! Are you guys ready to get out of here? Draco and Vega: Nope. Wrath: Huh? Draco: We said we were going to check out the steam, remember? Wrath: *recalls the convo* Oh yeah, I remember now. Well, let''s go. Draco gets up and dusts his pants off. As the gang all smile they look ahead to see where the steam is coming from. Draco: Welp, we continue the straight path and just cut to the right when we¡¯re right besi- Out of nowhere, a lone samurai with an amigasa (large straw hat), a double gourd sake bottle hanging on the right side of his hip, and two swords on the left side of his hip, standing in the middle of the road. All while having a single bamboo leaf in his mouth. Unclear of seeing the person¡¯s face. A chill goes down the gang¡¯s spine. The Gang: Oh no. Draco: (This is the second time I picked a way to go and someone appeared.) [A Mysterious Figure Appears!!! Who Is This???] Mystery 2 Fin Mystery Three: Lone Samurai Fallen Stars Mystery Three Lone Samurai Draco: (Stay focused, Draco. Stay focused. This could just be a mirage and we¡¯re just seeing things. It''s not your fault.) Wrath: Uhhhh¡­ What do we do guys? Draco: Let me see something. Draco takes one step forward and tries to yell over to the samurai. Draco: Excuse me!? Samurai: ¡­.. A few seconds go by. Vega whispers to the other two. Vega: It''s clear he¡¯s not responding to us. Wrath abruptly says¡­. Wrath: I say we just walk past him. Draco and Vega: What? Wrath: It''s either that or we fight him. Vega: Yeah, forget talking or reasoning with someone, right? Wrath: How can you reason with someone who won''t listen or even respond to you? Vega: How do you know that? We only said one thing to him. Wrath: Well, try again then. Vega: Alright. Vega coughs and tries again to get his attention. Vega: Excuse me, we¡¯re just trying to pass through, we don''t want any problems. Samurai: ¡­.. Wrath: Alright fuck this, either we¡¯re walking past him or I¡¯m beating this old man¡¯s ass. Wrath cracks his knuckles. Vega: Ahhhh, let''s walk. Draco: Just walk to the side of him and don''t make him think you''re trying to get aggressive. As the Samurai stands in the middle of the road, the gang tries to walk past him. This is the path they chose and want to keep going that way. They proceed to get closer and closer to him and notice the gourd saying ¡°Mind¡± on it. Even seeing that they make it past the samurai, no trouble at all. The gang lets out a group Phew. Wrath: See my plan worked, we need to listen to me more. Vega: I don''t know if that was luck or what. Draco: Forget all that, let''s look ahead. Are we still going to look at the steam? Vega and Wrath: No. Vega: Too risky. Why would you even think we would? Draco: I thought you wanted to see it. Wrath: Hold on. Draco and Vega: Hmph? The gang looks ahead and sees the Samurai still in front of them. They turn around to look and he is also in the same spot where they just passed him. Draco: Uhhhh, is this a mirage? Vega: I don''t think that''s how they work, we may have to fight him to get out of here. Wrath (excited): Yes!!! This is what I''ve been waiting on. I wanted to use my powers in a battle for the longest, it would''ve been against those army soldiers though. The Samurai overhears them. Vega: We should be able to beat him three vs one, even if we have a three-minute limitation on our powers. Draco: Alright, let''s get it started. Vega: Hold on, I have a plan. Vega whispers to the others. Thirty seconds pass by. Wrath: Ok, that sounds easy, c¡¯mon. Draco: It¡¯s time. The gang puts down their bags ready for a fight. The samurai notices the top part of their eggs poking out. Looking straight at him, Wrath blitzes him on the samurai¡¯s left, with Vega rushing the right, all while Draco is still standing where he¡¯s at. Before even getting to his side the samurai makes a move no one in the gang could see and seemingly puts his sword back in its sheath. A second passes and all the buildings near them are cut in half and start flying!! The Samurai smiles. Draco and Vega are amazed by his swordsmanship, while Wrath is stunned! Draco: Get out of there!! Wrath and Vega retreat, running back to Draco. Wrath: I couldn''t even see him swing his sword, is he just that fast? What the hell? Vega thought to himself. Vega: I don''t know what we¡¯ll do, he¡¯s faster than us, and the way he cuts those buildings... he¡¯s stronger too. Draco: Hmm, I say we try again, we can''t run away, he¡¯ll just appear in front of us again, and we have to get out of this city. No turning back. Vega and Wrath: Right. Wrath (smiles): C¡¯mon Vega, to make your plan work you have to keep up with me, let''s do it. Vega (smirks): Don''t worry. Draco: Alright, take two. The gang readies again. Draco tells them. Draco: I¡¯m going to set the tone and send the first shot. Vega and Wrath: Ok. And again, Wrath blitzes the left, Vega attacks the right. Both ready their hands with their powers. Draco: (First off¡­.) Draco holds up his right hand, charges a star, and fires it off at the samurai! The Samurai notices it flying at him and slowly steps to the right to easily dodge it. Vega comes up and sets ablaze on his whole right side! Fire erupts from the ground to the air! Vega: (This fire is crazy, I didn''t think it would be this wild, this early on.) The Samurai sees the fire, dodges it, and jumps into the air when Wrath on the ground was aiming for the sky the entire time and lets off a surge of electricity! It goes through the samurai¡¯s body.¡­. He shows a mischievous smile. He puts his hand on his sword, ready to draw it. Wrath: Uhhh, Draco!!! It didn''t work, what do we do!? Samurai (thinking strongly): (Draco?) Wrath and Vega jump back and the samurai floats down to the ground. Wrath: What now? Even if we could find a way to land an attack, clearly our attacks won''t even hit him. Vega thinks. Wrath: Fuck that, I got this solo. Samurai: Excuse me¡­. The gang: (Woah, that''s a deep voice.) Samurai: What did they say your name was? Wrath and Vega point to themselves. Vega and Wrath: Who me? Samurai: No, the one in the middle¡­ The Samurai points at Draco. Draco clears his throat, and with a stern voice. Draco: Since you already heard it. My name is Draco! Samurai: *pauses* What¡¯s your parents¡¯ name? Draco (confused): This isn¡¯t weird or anything¡­, but my dad''s name is Draconis and my mom''s name is Diadem! The samurai now realizes. Samurai: Ah, ok. He takes his hand off his sword and says... Samurai: I¡¯ll let you pass, but you aren''t ready for The Real World. Draco: The Real¡­. Draco is reminded of something. Back when he was younger. When he and his dad were laughing. **Draco¡¯s younger years** Draconis: Hahahahahahaha. Draco: Hahahahaha. Draconis: See, you''re laughing now, but wait till that Real World hits you! Draco: Whatever, it¡¯ll be nothing! Draconis: Ok now, when you see it, you''re probably going to come back home crying to me! Draconis mocking his son, making some wimping noises. Draco: Do you wanna bet!? Draconis: Sure, let''s bet! The usual wager. You can''t come back home when you leave for at least five years. Deal? Draco: *fuming* Deal!!! **Back To The Present** Draco (still fuming): I have to win that bet against my Dad! Wrath and Vega mentally check out. Wrath and Vega: (Seems he still has his gambling addiction.) Vega ignores that. Vega: What do you mean by the Real World? Samurai: You see how you all have powers? You haven''t seen anything like this on this little continent, but when you get to the Mainland. You''ll see it all over the place. You''ll see so many strong people you won''t be able to win, and just die again. Vega: (Again? How did he¡­ wait he has to know something, he¡¯s cutting buildings off, easily dodging, and immune to our powers.) The Samurai snickers. Draco: So what are you suggesting? Samurai: I¡¯ll be here for Three Months, I can train you guys before you go into the Real World. I can also help you hatch those eggs. The gang: Hmph? You can? Samurai: Yes I can, follow me. He starts to walk towards the steam side of the city. Vega: Can we trust him? This is a clear path to getting out of the city. Draco: Even if we do make it out, he said we weren¡¯t ready for the Mainland. What if we run into more people on his level, we wouldn''t even be able to hit them. I say we follow along, but still, be on our toes. Wrath: I say we go too. Wrath and Draco go to pick up their bags. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Vega: Hmmm. I¡¯m staying very cautious. Vega gets his bag and walks with them, following behind the samurai. They cross two streets and make it to the steam, blocked off by a big door. The samurai opens it and a big gush of steam comes out. They look in and it''s a Hot Spring surrounded by bamboo trees. Draco: Whoaaa, so this was the steam we saw. Samurai: Yep. Alright, let me tell you. The gang ears perk up. Samurai: First, your eggs have two ways of hatching. The first one is walking constantly for seventy-eight hours or spending six hours a day in Hot Water for two weeks. Wrath: Seventy-eight hours of walking?? That''s gotta be so boring. Vega: But two weeks to hatch an egg. Hmmm. Draco: I doubt any of us can walk for seventy-eight hours straight. Plus we get to relax in the Hot Spring. That''s gotta be the best option. Samurai: Ahem, yes, you can relax in the Hot Springs, but I won''t allow you to unless you agree to the training regimen. Wrath: What is it? Samurai: I¡¯ll be having you guys constantly training for twelve hours, six hours in the Hot Spring, and then eight hours for sleep. Wrath (disturbed): Twelve hours??? Shoot we might as well walk for seventy-eight hours. Draco: Just think Wrath, we get to train to get stronger and our eggs will hatch. If we just do the walking we¡¯ll still be this weak going into the continent. We should train. Samurai: (Oh, he notices it.) Wrath: You''re right¡­ Vega cuts him off but hesitates to ask the Samurai... Vega: Can you teach me how to do slashes like you? I couldn''t even see you swing your sword. Draco notices Vega speaking up. Samurai: Yes, I can teach you that. Wrath: Well, old man, will you teach me how to easily dodge like you? Samurai: I can help you with that too. Draco: Let''s get started then. Oh wait, we never asked for your name. What is it, since you asked me? Samurai: You can just call me, Caffau. Vega and Wrath: Caffau?? Caffau: Yes. Draco: (Caffau? That starts with a ¡°C¡±, right?) Caffau: (...) Draco: Anyway, let me introduce the gang then. This is Vega, the aloof serious type. As Draco slaps Vega¡¯s shoulder. Caffau: (Ah, He keeps to himself and remains serious.) Draco: And here we have Wrath, the arrogant-hostile type. Wrath (upset): Huh??!!! How?! Caffau: (Ok, the arrogant one.) Caffau: So what represents you? Draco? Draco (hesitates): Uhhhh¡­.. Wrath and Vega (quickly): The mysterious type. Vega: Sometimes we don''t know what he¡¯s planning. Draco (laughs): Yeah, I guess. Caffau: (.....) Caffau: It¡¯s around noon now, let''s eat lunch now, and we start at 13 o¡¯clock. I¡¯m putting you all on a diet too. Wrath: Diet? Caffau: Yes, wanna be strong right, you have to eat good foods. That means no more candy. Wrath (mentally angry): (This is outrageous!) Caffau: (?) Any problems? Wrath goes to speak¡­ but Draco cuts him off. Draco: Nope, we understand. Caffau: Good, let''s wipe up some salads for you three. Any things to add to the salad? Draco: Extra croutons for me. Vega: Extra ranch. Wrath: (I don''t want any damn salad.) Ahhh, you got some parmesan cheese and onions? Caffau: You bet I do. Wrath: Add some extra of that for me. Caffau: Alright, coming up in twenty minutes. Caffau walks into the big building right beside the Hot Spring and starts cooking. Draco: I wonder if it¡¯ll be 20 minutes. Vega: Wanna bet if it is? Draco: BET??? Vega and Wrath start laughing. Vega: I was just joking, I don''t want to bet. Draco (sighs): Way to kill my hype. But we should get serious about this training, the way we got easily beaten by those soldiers and not doing anything to Caffau. With a face of determination, and he grits his teeth Draco says¡­. Draco: We have to get stronger! Vega: Right, I¡¯m committed now! Wrath: Yeaaaaaah, me too! Caffau overhears everything as he¡¯s cooking, and the gang goes to sit down, as they admire the bamboo garden. Then the twenty minutes pass by like a breeze. Caffau goes to set the table. Caffau: Alright, It¡¯s ready. Come eat. The gang comes over, and they each pick a seat to sit at. Caffau walks to each one with their order and sets it in front of them. They smile over the plates ready to dig in. Caffau takes his seat and says¡­ Caffau: Ok, dig in. Let¡¯s eat. The gang takes a whiff, inhaling all the great scents. Then they dig in. And Wrath with the biggest happy expression. Wrath: This is amazing! When did you learn to cook so well, how can you cook so well? Wrath fumbling his words while eating. Caffau after sipping some water, he laughs. Caffau: Ah, this is nothing special. I had to learn how to cook because I was a single father with two boys. The gang: Hmph? Really? Caffau: Yes, and the youngest one was always complaining about my cooking, so I had to get better for him. The oldest one didn''t complain too much. Vega: (A guardian that cares about the kid¡­) Caffau smiles. As they continue to eat, time passes right before thirteen o¡¯clock. Caffau: Ok, let''s finish up, put the dishes in the sink, I¡¯ll get them later. I¡¯ll meet you outside. The gang: Ok. Vega: Should we take our eggs with us? Caffau: No, just leave them here, They¡¯ll be protected, don''t worry. Vega: (Protected? With none of us here?) They put the dishes in the sink. Wrath takes off his cape, Draco takes off his coat, Vega takes off his cloak, and they head outside. Two minutes pass and Caffau comes outside with two Shinais (Wooden swords). Vega: (Does he want to spare with me, to test my swordsmanship?) Caffau: Alright, let''s head out the base. Ten-minute walk, this way. Hold these. Caffau throws one sword at Vega, and the other at Draco. Vega easily catches it, while Draco somewhat fumbles. Draco: A sword? But I did boxing. Caffau: I saw your eyes when I did my attack, just hold onto it. Draco (sweats): Ok. All four walk to make it out of the city, getting to the exit gate. Walking out all they see is Desert for miles. Wrath: Geez, it''s nothing but sand for forever. Caffau: It¡¯s The Uninhabited Desert, no animals or anything, it spans in each direction for fifty miles, this is the perfect training environment. Helps you concentrate on balance and to ignore the heat. Wrath is already sweating. Wrath: How can you ignore this shit? Vega: (The heat doesn''t affect me.) Caffau: First Lesson: Always. Stay. Calm. Draco and Vega: Done. Caffau (astounded): (Looks like these two are ready.) Wrath yawns a bit. Caffau: Well, let''s get started. Line up. The gang goes to line up side by side. Caffau: Alright, now spread out, far. Let''s say sixty yards apart. We don''t want your abilities to interfere with each other. The gang: Ok. Before they go to separate, Caffau tells them what they will be working on. Caffau: For Vega, you want to be a swordsman on my level? Vega: Mhm. Caffau: Three thousand forward swings a day. You can take breaks in between, and go at your own pace, but you must complete the swings within twelve hours. Vega: Understood. I¡¯m starting right now. Caffau: For Wrath, I noticed you seem like the type that wants to use his powers to the fullest. Wrath: Yup. Caffau: That''s good for starters, but you don''t want to only rely on them. You have to be versatile. But I have to get you on that level first to even try to change it up. Just use your power as soon as they come back. That exact moment helps expand the time limit with the tier you''re on. The gang: Tier? Caffau: (Oh that''s right.) I¡¯ll tell you all after the training for the day. The gang: Alright¡­ Caffau: Lastly, Draco. You said you took boxing lessons, right? Draco: Yeah. Caffau: I can tell, when you tried to attack me, you stayed in the same position not moving. Telling me your hands are good, but not your legs. Boxing is all about stance and balance, how well did you do in classes? Draco (disturbed): Uhhh¡­. Not too well. The punching bag I was great in and they said I have power in my punches. I just never got used to always shuffling my feet. I liked standing still and boxing it out. Caffau: Hmmm. I can try to fix that. I have an idea. Caffau claps his hand. Caffau: Alright, disperse, and get to training. They all spread out, while Caffau goes back and forth checking on each one. As two hours go by, he checks Vega. Vega as he¡¯s swinging the wooden sword. Up and down. Vega: (Yak-sha¡­.. Yaksha¡­..Yaksha.) With a big swing, out loud he yells. Vega: Yaksha! Caffau with a look of concern. Draco looks over to Vega. Caffau: Hmph? (Where did he get that from? Let me keep moving.) Caffau walks over to Draco and sees him shadowboxing. Draco: (Eeesh, Eeesh, Eeesh.) Caffau: (He has some speed on him, and I want to teach him swordsmanship too. I wonder if he¡¯ll go for it.) Caffau continues to walk to the last person Wrath, he sees Wrath charging up and sending out Electricity to see how far it can go. With it coming back, he sends out another one. Caffau: (I like it. Out of all of them, I believe he¡¯ll be the most ability-oriented. I want to teach him different things, but he¡¯s not at that level yet. They all are around M7 or M8, they have to keep going. Just to survive in this World.) Three more hours passed by with Vega sitting down and taking a break. Caffau: So five hours in a row is your limit? Vega: I guess so, I¡¯m about halfway done. Caffau: (Half? He was going strong in a short time for a beginner.) Did you take any lessons before? Vega: I have done kenjutsu and kendo since I was young, but I could never stay in the same dojo for a long time. Caffau: (Oh, so he¡¯s not a beginner.) You were that bad of a kid? Vega: No. Vega madly gets up. Vega: I have to get back to it. Caffau: Ok¡­. (So serious.) Caffau sees Wrath jumping up and down. Caffau: (Is he trying to strengthen his legs or fly with his power? Oh that''s right, let me get Draco right.) He walks back over to Draco. Draco is using his power now, trying to cover his hand with his starlight. Caffau: You are too focused on your hands, didn''t you say your legs were your weak point? Draco: Yeah, they are. Caffau: Well, that''s your biggest concern. You have to fix that. Draco confused. Caffau: Try to hit me, punch me with all you got. Draco: Uhhhh, ok. Draco goes to punch Caffau, in a boxing stance ducking his head and throwing haymakers. Caffau easily dodges and sweeps his legs. Draco falls. Draco: Ahhhh. Caffau: Get up. We¡¯re doing this for an hour. Draco gets up and dusts himself off. Goes back to punching and jabbing, then gets his legs tripped from under him again. Caffau: Again. Draco: (I have to stop him, watch his movements.) Draco goes again moving from side to side, seeing which way Caffau will move. Throws out his punches, notices Caffau moving for the legs again, and jumps to dodge it. Going for a quick poke to hit him, Caffau sees it coming and just gets out of the way. Then he kicks Draco''s legs again. Caffau: Improvement. Again. Draco gets up and is about to wipe himself off. Caffau: Stop worrying about your clothes. This could be Life or Death and you¡¯re worried about your pants being clean. Draco: Right. Caffau: (No resistance? He¡¯ll be a great student.) Again. Caffau smiles as they keep going. The hour passed by and Draco didn''t hit him once. Caffau: Ok, go back to your training. With Draco laid out in the sand, tired and drained from the training. Caffau goes to yell at the other two. Caffau: Guys, six-hour mark! Group break or not? Wrath and Vega: No. Caffau: Ok, they''re determined. Draco, you ok? Draco is exhausted and exhaling a lot. But he raises a thumb. Caffau: Alright, back to it then. As more hours go by, three to be exact, The sun is going down. Caffau walks back over to Vega as he¡¯s sitting down using his fire. Just gazing at it. Caffau: Another break? Vega: No, I finished. Caffau was impressed. Caffau: (Hmmm, three thousand in nine hours. Not bad.) So what''s next for these three hours? Vega: I want to use my fire, just test some things. Vega goes to make a fire ring around him, making Caffau step back. Caffau: Ok. Tomorrow the number goes up to four thousand. Vega stands up in the ring of fire. Vega: That''s fine. He begins to ignite himself! While still swinging his wooden sword!! He then cuts it off, and his clothes are still intact, including the wooden sword. Vega: (So it doesn''t burn my sword.) Caffau goes to Draco. Draco is finally able to coat his fist in starlight, shadow boxing, and move around a lot with it. Caffau: Time for something else. Pick up that sword. (C¡¯mon.) Draco: Ah, ok. Draco picks it up. Draco: What next? Caffau: Same thing as Vega. Just copy his movements. Do one thousand swings before training is over. You have three hours left. Draco: (Damn this is a lot, but I need this training.) Ok. Caffau: (You need it, huh. Ok.) Start. Draco starts swinging, mimicking Vega¡¯s movements. Vega looks over and notices. Caffau: (He¡¯s a natural.) Then the sword flies out of Draco¡¯s hands. Caffau picks it up and hands it back to him. Caffau: (Spoke too soon.) Firm grasp, think as if you''re holding onto your life. Draco: Ok. Draco is still swinging, and Caffau goes to check on Wrath. Wrath finally was able to get his electricity on his feet and tried to jump up with it. Caffau: Good, Good. Trying to copy how I jumped into the air and came down? Wrath: Yup. But it¡¯s so hard. Caffau: Well, it wouldn''t come easy. Hard work and Dedication, will help you overcome most things. Wrath: I have the dedication, just have to work harder. Caffau: Imagine you''re as light as you can be. That''s what I thought when I first started. Wrath: Alright, I¡¯ll try. Time passes and midnight comes. Caffau yells. Caffau: Training day one, complete! Let''s go back to the Hot Spring! Draco laid out after he completed his swings. Vega walked over to Draco as Wrath came too, angrily. Caffau: Did you ever figure it out? Wrath: Noooope. Caffau: Don¡¯t worry you have months to get it. I¡¯m betting you will. Draco wakes up. Draco: Bet? Wrath and Vega laugh. They pick up Draco. Vega: C¡¯mon, let''s go. It¡¯s time to go back. They walk back to the city, getting to the Hot Spring. Caffau: Grab your eggs and change into some shorts. I should have some in the drawers. Put your clothes in the washing machine and start it. Wrath: This is a drying machine too? Washer and dryer in one. They all do it, starting the washing machine and coming out to the Hot Spring. They have no shirts on, all muscular toned, and some trunks on. Getting into the Hot Spring with. Vega: Are we supposed to get in with our eggs? Caffau: You can either hold them or leave them on the side next to you. They have to be near you. Draco: Ok. I¡¯ll keep mine in my hands with me. Wrath and Vega: To the side for me. They all look up at the stars shining bright in the sky as they hop in. Draco relaxing. Draco: Ahhhh, so six hours of this. This will be great! Even though Draco is in a hot spring, he continues to wear his headband. Caffau: (Hmm¡­ He wore that throughout his training too.) Vega''s necklace is out, and it has a red stone on it, matching the color of his eyes. Caffau: (.....!!) Vega: This Hot Spring feels so good, so relaxing. Wrath underwater making bubbles. He comes up! Wrath (refreshed): Soooooo soothing! On his left shoulder blade, there¡¯s a lightning bolt branded into his skin. https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652134963390578709/849748835118481459/LightningBrand.png Caffau: (....!) Caffau comes out walking with some tea. Having his straw hat off, showing off his bald head. Caffau: Glad you all like it. Always need some downtime and what''s better than a Hot spring with some Bamboo Tea? Any takers? The gang: I¡¯ll have some. As they drink while looking up at the stars. Caffau under his breath¡­ Caffau: You all are pretty close to M5, ha. It''s wonderful to see, stars are constantly evolving. All of them quickly react in their heads!! Draco, Vega, and Wrath (troubled): (M5??! How does he know about that?!) The Hot Spring water splashing. Caffau: (Hm¡­?) Caffau speaks up this time. Slowly looking at them. Caffau: You know, God plays favoritism with the stars. The gang: Hmph? Caffau: Ahhh, it''s nothing. Wrath: Oh yeah, you said something about some tiers awhile ago, and you would tell us later. What was it? Caffau takes a sip from his tea and then puts it down. Caffau: It¡¯s a kill or be killed world out there. The gang (slightly concerned): ¡­. Caffau: Are you truly ready to kill? [Kill??? What Does He Mean?] Mystery 3 Fin Mystery Four: Stars and Darkness Fallen Stars Mystery Four Stars and Darkness Caffua: Are you truly ready to kill? Vega and Wrath: (Kill...) Draco: Why? Caffua: It¡¯s good you asked. Ok, let me try to break this down for you. As soon as you got your powers, you were put on a tier. It''s like a ranking. Right now, you''re on the M tier, maybe around M6 or M7. They call it your Stellar, whatever tier you¡¯re in. Cosmic Path refers to the power you asked for. Draco, Vega, and Wrath: (That¡¯s what he meant by M5.) They all let out a sigh of relief. Draco: But, Cosmic Path? Caffua: Yes, Cosmic Path. For example, Vega¡¯s Cosmic Path would be controlling and creating Fire. Vega: Hmm. Caffua: As soon as you got those powers, you were placed in a Stellar. You three happen to be at the M level. It¡¯s the lowest one. Wrath: Lowest? Damn. Caffua: On super rare occasions someone might be placed into a different one, but the majority of people start in M. Draco and Vega: (M? It has to have some connection to him.) Wrath: So how do we go up the tiers? Caffua: Even though I only know about a few, the first tier I know, you have to kill to get to the next tier, which is K. Draco: So we have to kill someone to get stronger, basically to survive? Caffua: Yes. Are you guys truly ready for that? The gang with a strong-willed¡­ The gang: Yes! Caffua: (Wow, they are ready without a doubt.) Draco: If we have to do it to accomplish our goals, then so be it. But, what about the other tiers? How do we climb them? Caffua: I do not know, but I¡¯m sure when you go explore the continent, you will find an explanation. Finding the answer to your questions. Vega: What about these eggs? What will they hatch into? Caffua: Hmm¡­ It can be random- Vega: I have a theory. Wrath: Oh, a Vega theory. Vega: Yes. Do you guys remember the koala bear next to M? Draco and Wrath: Nope. Vega: Of course not¡­ I¡¯ll tell you what I¡¯m thinking. I remember M saying ¡°It¡¯s an egg that will grow into what represents you. It will hatch into your pure self with your real ideals.¡± Wrath: Yeah, I remember that. Vega: From what I got out of that comment is that ¡°your egg will hatch into an animal that represents you¡±. My hint was the koala bear next to him. Draco: Oh yeah, that makes a lot of sense. Caffua: (Vega¡¯s pretty smart¡­) Vega: I also remember reading about some war general from old wars that was always on the battlefield with a Parrot, I forgot his name though, dang. If he had powers then this world got even crazier. Wrath: Yahaha, I remember you were obsessed with studying wars in middle school. Did you keep studying more? Vega: I did, but it was tough with the fires, some of my textbooks or books I bought from the library would get caught in them and burned away forever. Wrath: Damn. That sucks. Vega: I even had this limited edition, one of fifty books ever printed about war strategies, but it burned too. Right before I got halfway through it too. Vega hurts thinking about it. Draco splashes some water on Vega. Draco: C¡¯mon Vega, those things suck, but cheer up, we¡¯ll find you one of the other ones. Don''t dwell on it too much. Vega looks at Draco, while Draco is standing there smiling. Vega: You''re right, I''ll definitely get another one. Caffua: That¡¯s a good theory, Vega¡­ I wonder what¡¯s right. Draco: Alright, we can''t do anything until we finish this training anyway. Let''s focus on that. Vega: (He knows more than that, I wonder why he¡¯s not telling us.) Caffua smiles, and Vega notices it. Caffua: But, to enjoy the Hot Spring. The best way is through silence. During this silence try to concentrate, and focus on what you want to do with your power next. Wrath: (Hmmm, I¡¯ll be fast with this power, just have to work it right.) Vega: (I have to get stronger to accomplish the goal. The difference in our level was too much. I wonder if I can destroy buildings like that.) Draco: (The stars look so beautiful in the night sky.) They all gaze up while the six hours pass by. Their clothes dried, ready for the night''s sleep. Caffua: You each get a room. There¡¯s a bed in each one, I¡¯ll be on the pull-out couch. Draco: We can switch if you want, I rarely sleep anyways. Caffua: Are you sure? Draco: Yeah, It¡¯s ok. I¡¯ll sleep in the front room for three months. Draco and Caffua switch rooms for the night¡¯s rest. Caffua: Thank you, this old back probably couldn''t handle that couch. Draco: Ok, I¡¯ll see you guys in the morning, well it''s morning now, I¡¯ll see you in the afternoon. Vega and Wrath close their doors to sleep. Also Caffua. [The Afternoon comes.] Caffua walks out of his room seeing Vega and Wrath¡¯s door open. Walking into the front room he sees them all sitting in the room watching TV. The Host says... **Kraz with another forty-point game, People say he¡¯s unstoppable. But he doesn¡¯t look happy about it.** Draco: ... The Host: What is going on with Kraz? Is he unhappy with his contract? We ask T.A.T. T.A.T: Nothing is wrong with him, he¡¯s a competitor, and he wants to be the best! The look doesn''t matter, he is so happy on the inside, he just wants everyone around him to be better, to give him a challenge. The Host: If that''s the case then- Caffua cuts off the TV. Caffua: Don¡¯t watch that poison. After we eat, we train again. What do you want for lunch? Another big salad? Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Draco and Vega: I¡¯m fine with that. Wrath: Do you have anything else? Like Beef or Pork? Caffua: Hmmm, I have some Ground Beef. I can make you some Chili if you want. Wrath: I¡¯ll take that. Caffua: Alright, coming up. Caffua cooks the meals, they eat and they walk to the desert. Making it there, Caffua makes them spread out again and tells them to start. Twelve hours on the clock. As they start he walks over to Draco. Caffua: I know something that can strengthen your legs. Draco: Ok, let''s do it. Caffua: It''s Kickboxing. It¡¯ll be tough for three months to learn, but I can teach you the basics. One can never fully learn anything to its fullest. Learning is a continuing process that never ends. So even after this period, you have to keep practicing. Draco: Ok, noted. Caffua: Let me show you what you¡¯ll be doing. Caffua goes to show Draco front kicks and sidekicks. Showing him the motion he should go in. Draco grasps it and starts. Caffua: Two thousand of each by the end of training time. Draco: Ok! Vega is still doing his sword swings, Wrath testing his powers to the limit to be quicker with electricity and fly, and finally, Draco, who is so top-heavy, is now training his legs. The daily training comes to an end. Walking back to hop in the Hot Spring. Finally making it there, changing clothes, and hopping in... Draco and Wrath: Aaaaahhhhhhh¡­ Vega: Mm- Wrath: Finally some downtime. Draco: Wrath, what have you been doing? I''ve been too focused to even look your way. Wrath: Oh, I''ve been seeing how long I can keep my powers going. It seems the time limit as of now is ten minutes. Caffua: (Ten minutes, huh. So they''re closer to M5.) Wrath: I¡¯m going to keep testing it and using it as much as I can. Wrath with a cheesy smile. Draco: You''re having too much fun, huh? Wrath (laughs): Yes I am, I really wanted this power out of anything. I was just seeing if I could get that surrendering thing, Yahaha. Draco: Yeah whatever, you know you wanted that. Wrath: Hmm, maybe. The six hours pass by, meaning it''s time for sleep. The gang is about to get out. Caffua: Just so you know, with the Hot Water method you can''t go over six hours. It''s like a cap for your eggs per day. Vega: Hmmm, good to know. They all go to their rooms, they do the same routine for the next few days. Every other day, Caffua increases the amount Vega and Draco have to do. With Draco learning different kicks and Vega learning different slashing techniques. Wrath is getting taught, while also doing his own thing, self-teaching. After completing another training session and a Hot Spring rest, Caffua comes out of his room while everyone is sleeping. Caffua: (They are doing well in this gravity, I guess everyone is used to it by now.) Caffua walks past the rooms and sees Vega''s door open and his room empty, he goes to Wrath¡¯s room and it''s open with him knocked out snoring, with his egg on the shelf above him. He laughs and walks to the front room and it''s empty too. He starts to react, till he hears the sound of a sword swinging on the roof. He goes to check it out, getting upstairs. He sees Draco sitting on the edge of the roof staring at the stars and the moon. He also sees Vega still practicing his sword swings. Vega grunting while swinging his sword sees Caffua. Draco: This place is too quiet... Vega: It''s great for me because I just want to keep to myself. Draco: I know it''s perfect for you. When we first met we barely talked. Vega: Ahaha, yeah... good times. Draco (provoked): Good?? Not talking to me, was a good time? Vega: I''m joking. Draco: Hahaha, ok. Vega notices Caffua. Vega: Oh, sup. Draco is still staring at the stars, he can''t take his eyes off of them. Caffua: Don''t let me stop you, you want to keep practicing, keep going. Vega keeps going with more strikes. Caffua goes to sit down with Draco. Caffua: I guess you guys don''t sleep. Draco: Nah, sleep is for the weak. Caffua: Well then. Are you three truly ready? Draco: Yes, we already told you, Old Man C. Caffua (is confused then laughs): Old Man C? Hahaha. But, to surpass where you are, you have to kill stars. Draco looked out of the corner of his eyes. Draco: Stars? Caffua: Yes, you¡¯ll see soon enough and notice it yourself. You two should figure it out. Don''t forget to always let Wrath know things. Vega is still swinging the sword in the back grunting. Vega: (Hmph, Hmph, Hmph.) Draco: Of course we will, Wrath is one of us. I just want to know about this city. Caffua: What? Draco: It''s an Army Base, but no one is here. We thought we would even see those guys again. Draco is thinking back on the incident and clenches his fist. Caffua: This continent is protected from the Army, they wouldn''t be here. Draco: What protects this continent from the Army? Caffua: Me, that''s who. I ran Zosma and his little group out of here. Draco and Vega are caught by surprise. Vega stops for a second. Darco and Vega (both furious): Zosma? That was his name?! Both of their eyes light up. Caffua: Yep, you should probably see him when you get over to the Main Continent. Draco and Vega smile with readiness. Caffua: Before that. Do you think you¡¯ll change when you kill? Draco: Nah, I don''t think so. Change is for the weak too. Change is for those who didn''t start strong. Caffua is stunned, but says¡­ Caffua: Hahaha, you say that, but didn¡¯t you guys die? You were pretty weak. Draco (laughs): Yeah, we know, but I had a feeling we would get a chance to pay them back. I just knew it. Draco lifts his hand and makes a star form. Vega finishes his extra training and walks off. Draco sees him leaving and just keeps talking. Draco: I should''ve asked for moon powers or something. Caffua: Why? Your power is great. Draco (smirks): Oh, I know¡­. As Draco gazes back up at the moon and stars. Draco: But, I love looking at the moon, and all the stars complementing it, makes it even better! Caffua: (I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll get both.) Caffua turns around and sees Vega missing. Caffua: I guess he didn''t want to talk. Draco: Oh nah, that''s just Vega. It surprised me when he asked you something in the first place. He rarely talks to other people he doesn''t know. Caffua: Mm. Since we¡¯re alone, explain to me your thoughts on your friends. What describes them? Draco: Well, I truly believe Vega is an introvert. He always keeps to himself, even after I met him and became friends. We share that quality. But Wrath, he thinks so highly of himself, we share that. He''s also the most conceited, but I also think he¡¯s mysterious, like me too. Caffua: Oh, so you know you''re mysterious? Draco: It''s not even that. We all at one point in time, kept to ourselves until we became friends. Then we just kept it to our little small circle. We all share the characteristics -- insane, unpredictable, conceited, cynical, and mysterious. But, one of our best qualities is that we¡¯re all competitive. We compete with ourselves the most, trying to surpass each other. Caffua: So, what do y¡¯all plan on doing? Draco flashes back to when Vega said the original plan. Draco (smiles): Oh, a lot of things. You know, Change The World. Caffua: Care to explain? With a face of conviction¡­. Draco: It''s confirmed for me now, you need power, for power. I read this book on how to get power and keep it. But... I still need some time. I can¡¯t wait. Draco slightly smiles, he is picking something up off the roof and throwing it. Caffua: (Am I creating a monster, or was he already made. There has to be more than what he¡¯s saying.) Draco, let me see something. Draco turns as Caffua reaches and puts his hand on his forehead. Going into his mind, before fully getting in, Caffua is greeted by a creature with one hundred heads, and sending vile energy toward him. He can¡¯t see anything, everything is pitch black, with a wicked feeling. Then, fires spark, revealing an area that goes up, with a throne at the top. Sitting on top is someone, with four different chains wrapped around him. The man is covered in nothing but pure darkness. He¡¯s the only thing in the room. But he speaks having a dark tone... ???: Do you want to die? An eerie feeling comes onto Caffua, he starts to sweat in fear. The darkness looms on Caffua, instilling more fear into him. Caffua: W-Who are you? ???: Anti. You could say, I¡¯m ¡°Draco¡¯s Darkness.¡± Caffua: Anti...? Anti: I was locked away a long time ago, but¡­.. He starts laughing. Anti: I¡¯ll be back, stronger than ever¡­.. soon. Tell ¡°Draco.¡± The stronger a light you seek, the stronger darkness will be born. Anti opens its eyes, revealing its star-shaped eyes. Anti: I¡¯ll let you in here once, just because I want someone to tell ¡°Draco¡±. But, don¡¯t ever do this again. I¡¯ll kill you, you weak-minded star. Now leave. Caffua is thrown out of his mind, while Anti is laughing it all off. Draco: Uhhhh, why are you touching my face? Caffua snaps back to himself and takes his hand off Draco quickly. Caffua still flustered and Draco looking out of the corner of his eye, they both moved on from the incident. A few minutes go by with no one talking. Caffua: Sorry, I just wanted to see something. Draco with a slightly mad expression. Draco: (That word again¡­) Caffua: ? What¡¯s your full name? Draco: *looks down with a smirk* I don¡¯t know. Caffua: Is that really what you want to do? Change the world? How? Draco: *exhales* Yeah, but I wanna do more than just change the world, I want to be a legend, I want my name to go down in history as one of the greatest of all time. No. Not one of the greatest. I want to be ¡°the greatest!¡± I want to inspire a whole generation, I want it after I¡¯m gone, people keep talking and mentioning my name! I want to become -!! (Ah, I¡¯m saying too much, haha.) Draco exhales again. Laughing into the sky. Draco: I guess changing the world, I can get all of those titles and things, but I want more. I want to start organizations, and have people under us. For all that I need power! No one will listen to a weakling. I have to get stronger and keep training. (I just want to be at the top. All alone.) Caffua: (Oh, he knows about titles.) I completely understand what you''re saying. Draco: You do? Sometimes it just feels impossible for other people to get it besides my friends. Caffua: Impossible? Ahhhh, that word resonates with me a lot. Draco, listen you can do anything you want if you just keep going and putting your mind to it. But why do you think you need power to have people follow you? Draco: It¡¯s pragmatic. To lead a group like this, I need to establish my dominance. True power is absolute. As long as I have it, people will believe in me. Caffua (worried): (....) You know, I have a few titles myself. Draco (excited): Really? What are they? Caffua: Well, one is the ¡°Protector¡± because of this continental protection situation, and another one is the ¡°Wandering Samurai.¡± I tend to go wherever I want, from time to time. Draco: Ok, ok. Those sound soooo cool. Caffua acting refined. Caffua: They are great if I say so myself. You probably know this yourself, but make sure you tell your friends. Titles mean a lot in this world, it determines what type of recognition you¡¯ll get. Get a bad title, you¡¯ll get no respect amongst your peers. Draco: I¡¯ll be sure to tell them, but I''m sure they already know themselves. I¡¯m just thinking about my dad. He probably knows about the real world, the way he kept talking about it. Caffua: (Hmmm.) Do you have any siblings? Draco: Yeah, just one brother. But I barely knew him, too much of an age gap. He left when I was young and I never saw him again. Draco looked sad, then a quick spurt of happiness. Draco: ...But, then I met¡­. uh, Vega. Caffua: I¡¯m sure he¡¯s doing fine. You¡¯ll see him again. Draco: Yeah, I wonder what he¡¯s doing. Draco continues talking from morning to afternoon with Caffua about his family and life before meeting him. Draco and Old Man C laugh about all the stories until the next training session. Then the day comes and they''re back at it. Draco is now able to do two feet alternate kicks and side kicks, he keeps training. With Vega and Wrath both concentrating on their powers. More days go by with even more intense training. [Then, the end of the first week came.] Wrath has his shirt off and wrapped around his head. Vega walks over to where Draco and Wrath are sitting¡­. Vega: Yo, Draco. Draco: Yeah? Vega (smiles): Let''s fight. Wrath and Draco (jumbled): Huh? Vega: It¡¯s one week into our training, let¡¯s see who¡¯s improving. Draco jumps up. Draco (eager): Ok, I¡¯m game. Vega: Let¡¯s put a wager on it. Draco (intensity grows): You wanna bet??? Vega: Yeah, whoever wins gets to pick whatever direction we go during our travels. Draco grins. Wrath raises an eyebrow. Wrath: Why is it only between you two? Vega: Wrath, you already know we wouldn''t listen to your directions. Wrath fuming. Draco pats Wrath¡¯s shoulder. Draco: Hahahaha, well, he does have a point. Draco walking in front of Vega. Draco: Let''s go then, Vega. Let¡¯s have a friendly wager. Caffua: Hold on, let¡¯s make this official. Stand face to face, three feet apart. They walk to the distance and face each other. Caffua: Swords or not? Vega: Yeah. Draco: Yup, anything. They both hold their wooden swords ready. Waiting on Caffua to count them in. Caffua: Nothing too far, the first one to admit defeat or unconscious, loses. Draco and Vega: Ok. Caffua raises his hand and yells... Caffua: Alright, start! Dropping his hand. They both run towards each other... [Vega vs Draco??? Who Will Win?!] Mystery 4 Fin Mystery Five: Draco vs Vega! Fallen Stars Mystery Five Draco vs Vega! As the two run toward each other, they clash with their Shinais(wooden swords). A strong breeze blows past. Caffua (stunned): (Whoa, they''re like this after a week of training? Am I creating monsters¡­. again.) Vega and Draco continue to clash with wooden swords. All you hear is ¡°Tak Tak Tak¡± all over the area. With Draco losing the advantage he once had. Vega tries to hit his body, but Draco blocks it with his sword. They keep clashing and then come close to each other. Draco: You know I can''t let you win, right? Vega: It doesn''t matter, I¡¯m going to win. Vega does a large thrust making Draco step back. Vega jumps back, getting ready to go back in. They run back towards each other, and clash, making the same wind blow again. Draco goes to trip Vega testing his footwork, Vega jumps up dodging it and raises his sword, and brings it down fast slamming on Draco¡¯s head!! Draco: Ow! What the hell? Draco goes to hold his head, and Vega punches him square in the chest knocking him back, and onto the ground. Caffua from a distance says¡­ Caffua: You¡¯ll never win if you always pay attention to your injuries! Sometimes you have to ignore the pain and keep fighting! Vega blitzes over to where Draco is and jumps in the air again to slam his sword onto Draco. Draco sees him in the air dodging by jumping backward while grabbing his wooden sword. Vega, unable to stop, slams his sword onto the desert, making a lot of sand fly up into the air. Caffua overseeing this... Caffua: (He¡¯s determined to win.) Draco tries to regather himself with the sand in the air. As he¡¯s huffing and puffing¡­ Draco: (He has the advantage in sword to sword. I have to make this hand to hand.) But Vega also thinks to himself... Vega: (I have to keep it like this, if we go hand to hand, he has the advantage.) They look at each other with a game plan. Rushing in again, getting close, but before they clash, Draco drops to the ground trying to slide and kick Vega¡¯s sword out of his hands. Vega, knowing Draco might want to get the sword out of his hand, dodges to the left and tries to do the same slash Caffua did. But nothing comes out and he fails to do it. Caffua: (Hmm, so he still can¡¯t do it. He needs more time.) Draco confused, gathers, and puts his hand on the ground doing a handstand now, Vega is distracted looking at the sword cause nothing came out. Draco spins, kicking the sword out of Vega¡¯s hand. Draco (excited): (Yes! Ok, now it¡¯s time.) Vega, misplaced, tries to find his sword, but it''s buried in the sand, and he can¡¯t find it. Draco walks over to Vega throwing his sword away. Putting his fists up. Draco: Let¡¯s go, Vega. Vega, not finding his sword, starts to concentrate, saying everything will be fine to himself. Then, he puts up one arm...!! Vega: Bring it. Vega ignites his arm and then swings it at Draco, releasing a stream of red fire!! Vega: **Flamethrower** Draco: Whoa whoa whoa! Draco jumps out of the way, while rolling, Draco forms a star in the palm of his hand, it swirls, slowly forming, and he shoots it at Vega!! Draco: **Protostar** After tumbling around, Draco looks up and sees Vega has disappeared¡­ Draco: Where is he? Did he just easily dodge my star? Draco looks around getting up, Vega surprises him by punching him in the stomach! Vega keeps his fist in his stomach. Caffua: (Uh oh.) Draco spits up, Vega raises his other fist punching Draco in the face! Dropping him to the ground! Caffua: (Vega is very versatile, he isn''t completely lost without his sword. Draco has to get better, he needs to know when to get a fight to his advantage, and use it.) Wrath walks over to Caffua. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Wrath: You''re not going to stop the fight? Caffua: They¡¯ll be fine, Vega won¡¯t kill him. (Hopefully.) Plus, I feel Draco has some more in him. Draco (coughing): (The star is pretty bad from a distance, I have to be more precise or get closer.) Draco gets up, stepping back from Vega. Vega: Let¡¯s end this, Draco. Vega starts to cover his fists and arms in red flames, blazing all over him. Draco smiles and covers his fists in starlight. Punching his fist together. Draco: Alright, let¡¯s go. Vega sends out more fire, Draco trying his hardest to dodge while getting closer to Vega. Vega notices and sends out a ring of fire around himself. Draco jumps and dodges the fire, jumping into the ring, close to Vega. But he starts sweating profusely. Vega: You sure you want to be here? With the fire plus the desert, you might just pass out from the heat. It doesn''t affect me. Draco: (I¡¯ll be fine, I just have to end this.) C¡¯mon, Vega. Draco gets in this boxing stance, fists raised. Vega: (He¡¯s too close, no need for distance attacks. I¡¯ll just draw him in and make a flame burst outwards, and with the ring¡¯s help, it¡¯ll lower his stamina.) Vega raises his hands, ready to trade blows. They both run towards each other, fists glowing and clashing. They continue to throw blows, throwing punches back and forth. Draco and Vega both connect with a punch, hitting each other''s face, Vega ramping up his fire, throwing a punch, he clashes with Draco''s fist, as they stop for a short pause, then Vega notices... Vega: What? The fire didn''t even hurt you? Draco titles his head. Draco (arrogant): Did you think you could burn a star? Throwing punches back and forth. Draco is dodging easily while Vega is getting hit a lot more. But Vega comes back in and throws punches knocking Draco back. Draco starts to get into his motion, throwing punches while dodging. Doing damage and taking none. Caffua: (Vega isn¡¯t terrible in hand to hand, Draco is just that much better.) After more and more punches, they start trading strong blows. The fistfight is so strong, that the wind from it blows the ring of fire away. Vega: Damnit. Draco: That¡¯s another thing, I had powerful punches and great stamina. Draco punches Vega in the stomach three times knocking him into the air. He coats his right leg in starlight and proceeds to quickly kick Vega mid-air in the face with his right leg. Draco: **Light Kick** Vega is kicked three feet away!!! Thumbing through the sand. Vega starts to get up shaking his head, and checking his jaw. Draco appears behind him with his fist coated, ready to strike down with a face full of anger. Draco: Let¡¯s end this. Vega: **Fire Spread** A burst of raging flames comes from Vega, pushing Draco away! Draco''s shirt starts to burn away, but his headband isn¡¯t burnt at all because Draco protected it. Wrath: (Ferocious Draco is still here. That¡¯s good.) You might want to end this before someone gets hurt. Wrath looks to Caffua. Caffua (deeply concerned): ¡­ [The two stand towards each other, staring the other down. Until someone makes a move.] Vega and Draco both yell out... Vega and Draco (extremely serious): I CAN¡¯T LET YOU WIN! Draco: (I owe you guys after what I did in Gib Gnab.) Vega: (I¡¯m fighting because we have to get ¡°him¡±.) A silhouette is seen smiling, with gold teeth. Caffua: (So Gib Gnab is where it happened. But who is ¡°him?¡±) Draco readies his fist, and Vega¡¯s forehead starts twitching. Draco charges in for the last time, with Vega standing still waiting for him. Vega goes to fire off another blast, but nothing comes out. Vega (shocked): (What, it¡¯s been twelve minutes already?!) Draco comes in and kicks Vega square in the chest. Caffua laughs during the kick. Caffua: You have to keep track of the time. It¡¯s essential. Vega gets back up ready to fight again, but he knows he can''t win hand to hand. Vega: (I have to think of a way.) Caffua: So now that his power is gone, it won''t be back for twelve minutes, huh. I doubt this fight lasts for another ten minutes. Wrath: Hmph. Wrath: (He knows about these powers.) Caffua just chuckles. Vega and Draco are still fighting both dodging and throwing punches. Draco starts doing sidekicks with Vega dodging them. But Draco planned on doing a two feet alternate kick, faking out the first kick, but landing the next one on Vega¡¯s face, knocking him to the ground! Vega is delirious, and his head throbbing, Draco runs over to where Vega is on the ground and raises one foot in the air, and slams it into the ground next to Vega¡¯s face!! Causing the sand to rise high into the air and come onto Vega¡¯s face. Vega starts to spit the sand out. Wrath (focuses): (I need to work on my hand to hand, what if my power runs out.) Caffua: Keeping a good balance is always great, especially with fights in the same tier. Wrath turns to Caffua, surprised. Wrath (anxious): How did you know¡­.? Caffua continues looking at the fight. Draco: This is the end, Vega! Admit defeat! Wrath looks back at the fight. Vega is still coughing up sand. Vega: Alright.... you win. Draco happily turns his fist sideways and double-taps his chest. Then puts his hands out to help Vega get up. With the sun behind his head shining while he smiles. Vega is taken back to the day when Draco saved him. A younger version of Draco smiles standing over Vega, but his mind reverts to the current Draco standing over him. Vega reaches out his hand, and Draco grabs it and helps him up. Draco: C¡¯mon, you know I had to win! Hahaha! Vega: You win this time, Draco. (I¡¯ll be sure to burn a star one day.) Caffua: Hmmm. Wrath runs over with Caffua following him. Wrath: Now that that¡¯s over, our fight is next, Draco! Draco (laughs): Win or lose against you, Wrath. We wouldn¡¯t listen to you. Vega: He¡¯s right, you know. Wrath (mad): Fuck off! What¡¯s that supposed to mean? I would wash everyone here! Caffua coughs. Caffua: Well, this match is over. With Draco as the victor! Vega balled up his fist. Walks off. Caffua reaches out his hand. Draco stops Caffua. Draco: He¡¯ll be fine, Old Man. You just gotta let Vega let off steam. He copes in his ways. Caffua with a worrisome face. Caffua: Why is he so severe? Wrath: That¡¯s Vega for you. Caffua: I guess that''s ok. They all walk back into the city with training ending for the day. Getting into the Hot Spring, it''s a silent six hours. After six hours of relaxation, everyone got up to leave. Caffua sees Vega staying extra time in the Hot Spring. He sees his egg jumping up and down inside. Caffua goes to talk to him. Caffua: You have quite the character inside of there. It¡¯s ready to get out. Vega sitting in the water, bubbling it. Vega: ¡­. Caffua: Still mad about the fight? Vega just letting out an Mmmmm¡­. Vega: As you can see, I don¡¯t take defeat well. Caffua: Sometimes you have to get over things to keep going forward. Try forgetting them and making new and better memories. Vega: Forget these things? Vega laughs under his breath. Vega: Our whole reasoning for Changing The World is because of our past. I¡¯m not forgetting shit. Caffua: Well, tell me about it. Why are you always so serious? Vega: Why am I so serious? That¡¯s just how I am. But, ah.¡­ It goes back to when I first got to Tartarus. **We are taken back to the good ole days!** A young Vega stands in front of the class with the teacher. A young Draco is looking out the window in the back of the class, not paying attention, chewing on a pen top. [Vega¡¯s History! Revealed Next!] Mystery 5 Fin Mystery Six: Vega The Demon Fallen Stars Mystery Six Vega The Demon **Tartarus** K-8th Grade The 2nd Grade, 1st Day of School. Teacher Gabrielle: Class, we have a new student. Go ahead and introduce yourself. The new kid standing in front of everyone with his red eyes and necklace with a red stone on it. Vega: Uhh, sorry to be talking to you all from up here, Ahaha. Seems I have the lemonlight. **Vega; 2nd Grade** Ms. Gabrielle: ...The limelight? Vega: Nah, that can¡¯t be right. Ms. Gabrielle (hurrying): Just be quick about your introduction, please. Vega: I¡¯ll keep it short and sour. Ms. Gabrielle closed her eyes for a long period. Having an unpleasant face. Vega: Hi, my name is, Vega. I¡¯m new to the city, but people don''t seem to be that smart here. Jack reacts. Draco (headband on)reacts but just responds to the name. Jack: (Huh?) Draco: (V-Vega¡­?) Vega: Anyways, what I¡¯m getting at is¡­. Vega pauses for a second. Vega (serious tone): I¡¯m better than all of you, and I¡¯m gonna take that number one spot. As Vega points to a random girl in class, Draco turns his head around to look at Vega and chuckles a little bit. Draco (amused): (This guy is interesting.) **Draco; 2nd Grade** Ms. Gabrielle (bothered): Excuse me? Number one? Mr. Vega, go take your seat, right in front. (I hope I don''t have another troublemaker like ¡°him¡±.) Devin: Who is this red-eyed clown? All the students laugh. Ms. Gabrielle: Quiet class. Alright, Math first, get out your textbooks. As the class goes through Math and History. Ms. Gabrielle: Does anyone have an answer, five times five? Jack¡­ Jack: Uhhh, ten? Vega interrupts. Vega: Actually it¡¯s twenty-five, she said times, pretty easy. If you listened. Ms. Gabrielle (smiles): Correct, Vega. I think some people need to study a little bit more. (He might not be such a bad student.) The class snickers. Jack starts fuming. He whispers to Devin. Jack: I¡¯ll show him. An hour goes by, and onto History. Ms. Gabrielle: What country did the forty-year surplus take place in? Devin¡­ Devin: Hmm. Devin snaps his fingers like a lightbulb went off. Devin: Callisto? Ms. Gabrielle: Correct, Devin. Good job. Devin celebrates. Devin: Yes! Vega quickly raises his hand. Vega: Actually, it¡¯s Triton. The Most Tech Advanced Country. Ms. Gabrielle looks in the textbook. Ms. Gabrielle: You¡¯re right, Vega. Good catch. Vega: Of course I am, you should¡¯ve known that too. Ms. Gabrielle: Excuse me? Students whispered to each other, laughing at the teacher. She notices Draco is still not paying attention. More hours and different subjects go by, and then the bell rings for the class to go to lunch. Ms. Gabrielle: Alright, lunch kids. They all get up ready to go. Cindy, a classmate, walks over to Vega. Cindy with her hair in pigtails. Cindy (joyful): Want to sit with me? Since you don¡¯t know anyone yet. And you pointed me out in front of everybody. Draco finally gets up out of his seat. Vega: Ahaha... sorry about that, but yeah sure. Where? Cindy: Grab your food and meet me at the outside eating area. Vega: Ok, I¡¯ll be there. Cindy walks off all happy and skipping. Draco walks out, but before he gets completely out of the door. Draco: Yo, I would watch out for them. Draco keeps walking off to go to the roof. Vega: What is he talking about? It¡¯ll just be me and her. Vega gets his lunch and turns around looking for the area and sees Cindy waving him over to another corner area. Vega smiling walks over there. Vega comes around the corner and gets punched. Knocking him to the ground and all his food spills. Jack (enraged): You¡¯re number one in what?! In hands?! Vega raises his hands to cover his face, looking up at Jack. Vega: That¡¯s not what I meant, asshole. Jack: And you went after my girl?! Vega: Oh that was your girl? I thought I recognized her¡­. Vega looks up and sees four students standing over him, and they all start kicking him in the head and body. With Cindy smiling in the background. Jack stomps him out. Jack (happily mad): Yeah! Wanna tell jokes? Your life is a joke! Cindy and her pigtails are the last things he sees before being knocked out. 30 minutes pass by, and Vega walks up. Vega sat up, feeling his face and stomach. Vega (hurting): Ahhhh, my face hurts so bad. Vega looks around and sees no one around. Vega: What time is it¡­ Then the bell rings. Vega: Crap, is it just the end of lunch? I have to get up and tell someone. Vega goes to the principal''s office. Knocking on the door. And turning the doorknob. Vega: Hello¡­. Hello¡­. No one is here. I can tell the teacher. Vega hurries back to the class. Walking in. Vega: Ms- Ms.Gabrielle (irritated): Save it, Vega! How are you late from lunch on your first day? (He really will be a troubled one.) Vega: No. I was beat- Vega looks over at his classmates and their eyes are in full evil intent. Staring him down. Vega: Nevermind. Ms. Gabrielle: Good, sit down. Vega goes to sit down. As the day goes by, the last bell finally rings. All the students get up and Vega goes to walk out of the school. Vega: (What a terrible first day.) Vega sees some people waiting down the steps. Trying to ignore them and walk past. Vega is trying to hurry as quickly as possible. Jack: Where do you think you''re going, little man? Vega: (Just ignore them, just ignore them.) Jack steps in front of Vega blocking his path. Jack: You better keep this to yourself or next time we won¡¯t be as nice. Jack fakes a punch at Vega. Vega doesn''t move. Stolen story; please report. Jack (smirks): I like that. He slaps close to Vega¡¯s face, all the bullies walk away. Edward (cheerful): Haha, you had him so scared Jack! Jack: I know right? Kevin: Did he even jump though? Jack: Shut up! More days go by with Vega getting his lunch slapped out of his hands and beat up on certain days. Vega is getting tired of it. He did try to fight back one day¡­ 5 students have Vega surrounded. Vega throws the first punch hitting Edward, but then is blindsided by Jack. They tossed him onto the ground. Jack: Yeah! Take that! All 5 start kicking Vega. Vega looks up, right at Jack. Glaring at him. Jack: Stop looking at me with those demon eyes! Edward: You damn ''Demon''! That day didn¡¯t end well¡­ The next day. In class, Vega wonders... Vega: (Demon¡­) Vega (sighs): Ahh. What can I do? The teacher won¡¯t listen, the Principal won¡¯t even open his door, and I can¡¯t tell my Grandma. I need someone or something. (If I had my sword, I could handle all of them.) Something rings through Vega¡¯s head. ¡°No¡­ killing please.¡± Vega: (Dammnit.) Vega goes through the classes getting bullied again and again. Draco sees him struggling. Draco: (I tried to warn him. Those punks are on him... they won¡¯t even try me. I can rest, I guess.) Draco rests his head on the desk... then thinks. Draco (interested): (Or¡­ I can use him¡­ Ha Ha.) Weeks go by, then months go by, and no one stops the bullying. Someone else even joined in. They¡¯re surrounding Vega, kicking him! Joshua: I don¡¯t even know why we¡¯re beating you up, but all the popular kids are doing it. I need this image! Joshua kicks harder! Another lunch beating passes by, and Vega thinks back to what he did. Vega: No way they¡¯re that mad about me saying I¡¯m better than them. Am I the problem, what was it? My grandma can¡¯t afford to keep moving, I just have to be smart. (Is my life really a joke?..... I just have to make it past the gate today, they never catch me like that. I should be safe, Jack isn¡¯t even here today. But if they did, I would have my sword. Dang it grandma, she had to take it....) The bell rings ending school for the day. Vega shoots for the door running out. Pushing everyone in the whole school aside. Too bad they¡¯re on a whole other side to get to the door. But Vega makes it out. Making it past the gate, he stops running and starts walking now. Draco sees him¡­. Draco: (Hmmm.) Vega: Whew! I made it. Jack: Made it where? Vega gets depressed. Vega: Ah, shit. Vega turns, Jack and Joshua are waiting for him, sitting on a bench. Vega: I thought you weren''t here today. Jack coughs and sneezes. Jack: Yeah, I am sick, but I couldn¡¯t skip your daily beating. Vega (sad): (C¡¯mon.) Jack punches Vega to the ground, and Joshua kicks him. Then more kids come from the gate. Two more, Devin and Dario. Jack: Ahh DD, come over here. Dario: Looks like JJ caught him. Devin: Talking all that stuff, Vega. Look at you now. They all start stomping him out. Vega hurt, in immense pain. Vega: (How long are they going to keep doing this? I need to just kill them all¡­!!) Jack leans over Vega and snatches his necklace. Suddenly, the atmosphere around Vega changes to intense, the other three don¡¯t feel anything, but Jack senses it. He looks at Vega who is staring him down while getting kicked. Jack feels himself sweating. Vega (intense): Give it back. My dad gave me that. Jack snaps out of it. Jack: Hmhm. It¡¯s mine now. Jack laughs at Vega. Then instantly the area gets quiet. Draco: Yo. Draco appears with his bookbag hanging over one shoulder. As the dust slowly settles. DDJJ: Huh? Draco: Could you all stop that? Devin: This doesn¡¯t concern you, Draco. We don¡¯t want any problems with you. Devin says in fear. Vega takes his hands from covering his face and looks up and sees Draco. Vega: (Oh yeah, I remember him.) Joshua: You don¡¯t want this, Draco. Just leave. Draco: No can do. Stop beating him up, or else. Jack: I guess it¡¯s else then! Draco: You asked for it. Draco starts kicking up dirt blinding them and throws his bag at Jack. Then punching one out, knocking another down. Leaving just Joshua and Jack. Draco targets Joshua first, two piecing him, knocking him down with Joshua yelling out... Joshua: Don¡¯t hit me, bro! I was just doing this for my image! Draco punches Joshua on the ground, knocking him out, leaving only Jack. Draco slowly walks toward Jack. Jack: Whoa, relax man, we¡¯ll leave him alone. Draco (smiles): If I don''t teach you, you¡¯ll never learn. A struggle ensued. Draco goes to punch Jack as hard as he can. Knocking him to the ground in one punch. Jack gets up, drops the necklace, and takes off running. Vega is still scrambling, wiping his eyes from the dirt. Draco with his fists clenched picks up the necklace and walks over to Vega, turns his fist, and double taps his chest. Then sticks his hand out to help. Draco: You good? Vega, looking up, sees Draco standing right in front of the sun, gleaming so bright. All he sees is the sun shining behind Draco¡¯s head, only seeing his smile. Vega: (What is this light¡­) He grabs Draco¡¯s hand. Vega: Yeah, I¡¯m good. Draco hands the necklace back to Vega. Draco: This was important to you. You probably should leave too. Three students laid out is not a good look. Draco smiles. Vega nods, and Draco walks away. Vega sees him leaving. Vega: Yeah¡­.. Vega reaches out his hand¡­. Vega: What am I doing? I should leave too. Looking down at his necklace, staring into the red stone. The next day comes, in the morning classes all four boys have bandaids on their faces, Vega is just calm during class. Draco is still looking out the window. As the class goes by, the lunch bell rings. All the kids walk out, and Draco walks out of the class with Vega somewhat following him from a distance. Vega: (He¡¯s not even going to the lunchroom. Where is he going?) Getting upstairs, Vega sees the door is slightly open. Pushing it open. Leaves blow as soon as he gets up there, with his necklace swinging. Draco laughing and eating some snacks, sitting on the roof¡¯s edge. The roof is beige and grey. Draco: Took you long enough. Vega: You knew I was following you? Draco: Of course, in this school, you have to always watch your back. Especially after yesterday. Vega: Oh, I just wanted to thank you for saving me. Draco: No problem. Vega goes to turn around, but then stops¡­ Vega: Why did you save me? After so long of just watching it. Draco (smirks): I feel we can help each other out. Vega: Hmph? Draco: Plus those guys won¡¯t bully you anymore if you follow my method. Vega: What method? Draco (laughs): They say I turned into a bad kid. No one messed with me anymore. Bullies only attack the weak. After I became a hassle, they didn¡¯t want to deal with me. Also, I saw you fighting back some days. You were a real ¡°demon!¡± Ha Ha! Vega (concerned): (A¡­ ¡°Demon¡±¡­ Why is he saying it in a good way...) Draco: I won¡¯t be here every day to protect you, some days I won¡¯t even care about anything. So you have to defend yourself. Vega: Yeah, I know. Draco: Make people earn your trust, stop giving it away loosely. Don''t be friends with everyone you see. Vega: ... Draco: Now¡­. Draco directed his eyes towards Vega and was about to eat a snack. Draco: Wanna help me¡­ Change The World? Vega surprised. As the leaves blow all around the roof. Vega: Huh? The World? Draco: Yeah, you know, something small. Ha Ha. Vega: Small? Draco: Ha Ha Ha. Vega: ¡­. Why would I help you? Draco: Because I think we were supposed to meet. Vega confused. Vega: ¡­.Supposed to? Draco laughed, and Vega thought to himself. Vega: (....) Will we become filthy poor? Draco (confused): What? Do you mean filthy rich*? Vega: I¡¯m sure I said it right. Vega looked at Draco chuckling, sitting on the edge. Vega: How old are you? Draco: Seven. Vega: (Same age as me...) Vega has a modest smile on his face. Vega looks at the red stone around his neck, holding it. Vega: I definitely want to thank you for helping me get this back. Draco: Yeah, no problem. It seemed really important to you. As Vega clenches it. Vega (getting serious): It is. Draco: Ha Ha. Well, tell me about it. We got all day. Vega is moved by what Draco said, as Draco smiles. The two talked more and more, Draco learned more about Vega and vice versa, and they became great friends. [End of Flashback] Vega (sighs): And that¡¯s just the start. It got worse and worse as the years went by. Caffua thinks to himself¡­ Caffua: The way you all are, I thought you would be the leader. Vega (staying calm): No, Draco was always the leader. Caffua: Vega, let me tell you a few things. Vega: Hmph? Caffua: I think you¡¯re too focused on this Change The World thing. Vega (ticked): Huh? What are you saying? Caffua: Don¡¯t get me wrong, I love the ambition you all have. I just don¡¯t think that you should forget about everything else. Vega: Ok¡­ Caffua: There are so many great things this world can offer you. One shouldn¡¯t be locked on one thing. You like swords, right? You said you trained since you were young. Vega: Yeah, I do. Caffua: But, do you truly love swords? Vega: I already said I do. Vega slightly tilted his head with a pissed-off face. Caffua sits back for a second, then leans forward. Caffua: What if I told you, there are Ten Divine Weapons in this world? Vega¡¯s ears perk up. Vega: Hm? Caffua: And after gathering them all, if they are on the same side, you can''t lose. But, no one knows exactly where they are. Vega: So it¡¯s just a wild-duck chase. Caffua: (A wild what..? Nevermind.) There are stories about them. Saying, they are spread across the whole world. Each holds different divine abilities. Vega: So, why would I want to chase after something that could be a myth? Caffua: Well, we do know they exist. Vega: How are you sure they exist? Caffua: They say one of the Gods has one. Vega: ¡­ Vega thinks a bit. Caffua: It¡¯s just something to think about, so you don''t get tunnel-visioned on your main goal. It might be good to have a backup. Vega: But why are you talking about all these different weapons? I use a sword. Caffua: Rumor has it, one of them is a Divine Sword. Vega continues thinking. He brings half of his face underwater. Leaving his nose and eyes above to see and breathe. Vega: (The light, a demon, and the divine sword¡­.) Vega stares into his necklace¡¯s red stone. Caffua: (Hmmm.) Another thing Vega remembers is the same day he and Draco met, right after talking so much. [On the roof] Draco: Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. Vega: Hm? Draco rubs the back of his head while smiling innocently. Draco: I¡¯m kinda a terrible person. Vega: ...Huh? [Present] As time goes by, Vega is still thinking to himself about the new info he was given, the afternoon comes, and he¡¯s back to training. Several days go by, with one day left before the eggs supposedly hatch. With Draco still doing his drills, swordsmanship/kicks, Vega doing swordsmanship/fire attacks, and Wrath soloing, doing electricity attacks. Caffua walks over to Wrath to see what he¡¯s thinking. Caffua: Wrath, how¡¯s it going? Wrath is panting, while his electricity sparks. Wrath: Ok, so far. I¡¯m still testing the limitations of my power. Caffua: Oh, ok. What have you tested so far? Wrath: Well, as you know, we can only use our powers for around fifteen minutes. I¡¯m seeing if I can use it then stop, then go again, seeing if that increases the time, or am I set to fifteen minutes. Caffua: Ok, testing it. What else? Wrath: I¡¯m checking distance, plus control. Seeing as much as I can do. Also this¡­ Wrath puts out his hand palm up forward then drops it¡­.!! Wrath: **King¡¯s Wrath** A surge of electricity comes raining down from the middle of the sky, hitting the ground twelve feet from Wrath and Caffua. Blasting away a bunch of sand. Caffua: Whoa, that was nice. Wrath: *panting* Yeah, but I wasn''t aiming for that spot, plus even with fifteen minutes of power usage, it takes a lot of stamina. Caffua: Hmm, I see. Wrath: I have to increase my aim and stamina... Wrath raises his arm into the air, electricity forming around it, and with an intense face. Wrath: To control this power! Caffua: Well, I have a few suggestions, if you¡¯re willing to listen. Wrath looks out the corner of his eyes with a smug smile. Wrath: I¡¯ll be fine by myself. Caffua: Oh. (So cocky.) As Caffua starts to walk away. Wrath: I want to see if I¡¯ll be able to change the voltage, or turn into electricity. Caffua stands off in the middle of all three just watching their training. Wrath (clenches his fists): More stamina, and more control. I have to rack up the intensity of my training, to increase my stamina. (No more usual training, from twenty miles, run to thirty now, still within an hour.) Time to start, I¡¯ve done it before another ten miles should be fine. Caffua smirks, as Wrath gets started on his thirty-mile run around the desert. Starting now, he goes with his usual pace of a slow start, high middle, and intense finish. Twenty minutes into his run, and he''s at ten miles. Wrath: Fuck, I have to increase my speed. Wrath cranks it up a notch, getting to forty minutes in, and twenty miles. Wrath: (Faster, Faster.) Putting electricity on his feet running faster and faster, makes his turn, to turn around, to get back to the gang. But changes his mind and keeps going forward. Wrath: A turn might slow me down, also I have never been past here, let me see what it¡¯s like. Going forward, he edges it by five minutes making it thirty total miles. Wrath huffing and puffing, he falls backward, laying down. Wrath: Whew, I have no energy left. I must be right in the middle of the desert. Fifteen-minute rest and I¡¯m back at it. (I might even run in the other direction.) As the fifteen minutes go by Wrath lays there, eyes closed, waiting on the feeling saying his power is back. Then after time passes he gets a shock to his eyes and jumps up¡­. Wrath: Woo! It¡¯s back. Let¡¯s go. Wrath starts his miles run again, getting back to the group. Wrath does this all day running back and forth as soon as his power and stamina are back. Increasing his power usage also while doing this. With training over, next is the Hot Spring. The usual steam rest happens with laughter as always, then sleep before the next training session. Caffua up again in the middle of the night walks past the rooms, but Vega¡¯s door is closed this time, and Wrath¡¯s door is open and empty. Shocked, he keeps walking and the front room is empty as always. Caffua: Draco is on the roof again, huh? Caffua then suddenly hears splashes from the Hot Spring, he goes to check it out. Walking out the door, he sees Wrath sitting on the side of it with his feet in the water, holding up his egg. Caffua: Everything ok? Wrath: I remember you saying these eggs would hatch in two weeks. Wrath looks dead at Caffua. Wrath: It¡¯s been two weeks. Caffua: Ah ok. They should hatch in the afternoon, an hour into the training. I was going to tell everyone to take their eggs with us. Wrath: Oh, ok. Caffua: But, let¡¯s talk about you, Wrath. Caffua goes to sit down. Wrath: Nah, I¡¯m fine. Caffua: C¡¯mon, we can at least talk about some things. Wrath: Pass, I don¡¯t want to. Caffua (disturbed): For such a Hot Head I thought you would have the fire powers. Wrath (whimsical): Hot Head? Yahaha. Wrath laughing it off then stops. Wrath: You should¡¯ve seen Draco in his younger days if I¡¯m the Hot Head. Caffua: Well, let¡¯s start there. How did you meet Draco and Vega? Wrath: They probably already told you about Tartarus. That¡¯s where we met. Caffua: Yes, I¡¯ve heard about it. Wrath: Well, back then I was kinda, uh¡­.. shy. Caffua: Haha, what?? Wrath (sighs): Yeah. **We are taken back, to the good ole days!** [As Vega Finds His Way, Wrath Is Up Next!] Mystery 6 Fin Mystery Seven: Wrath The Beast Fallen Stars Mystery Seven Wrath The Beast **Tartarus** K-8th Grade The 3rd Grade, 1st Day of School. Kids are all yelling, walking into class, and the bell rings, as they get into their seats. Mr. Johns: Alright, quiet down punks. We have a new student. Mr. Johns is a middle-aged black man with a bald head. The new kid standing in front of the class, with his mini afro. With a little fang tooth. Mr. Johns: Go ahead, don¡¯t be shy. Draco looks at the new kid, leaning on his fist (headband on), while Vega¡¯s head is in the books. Wrath: Umm, my name is, Wrath. Mr. Johns: Huh? The paper says your name is Zepheus. **Zepheus; 3rd Grade** All the students (confounded): Zepheus??? Tim: Zepheus? More like doofus. The kids giggle. Draco (reacts): (!!) Wrath clenched his fists. Wrath (heated): Just call me, Wrath. Tim: Shut up bitch, your name is ¡°Zepheus¡±. The kids laugh. Mr. Johns: Ay! Watch your mouth! Zep... Oops, I mean Wrath, take your seat. Wrath: Mmmm. Draco slightly reacts¡­ Draco: (Zepheus...) As class starts, Wrath gets out his pencil. The class goes through Science, Math, and History. With Wrath rivaling Vega in answering questions. [The Science Portion.] Mr. Johns: Alright class, what part of your body can cut that won''t hurt? Franklin? Franklin leaned back. Franklin: Shit, ya throat. Other students laugh. Mr. Johns: What? No, that¡¯s not right. Franklin, are you ok? (The mouths on these kids.) Franklin: Ah, yeah I¡¯m good, thought that was right. Mr. Johns: Ok, Wrath? Wrath: Your hair? Mr. Johns: Correct, Wrath. Vega shakes his head, Wrath looking out the corner of his eye, Draco¡¯s hand keeping his face up, still not paying attention. An hour goes by. Mr. Johns wrote a problem on the Brillant Board. [The Math Portion.] Mr. Johns: Who¡¯s first to solve this? It reads 1.3 + 7.5 = ? Both Vega and Wrath get up. Vega rushes to the board pushing him out the way. Vega starts writing. Vega: 8.8, easy. Vega walks back to his seat, with an emotionless face, with Wrath sitting next to him pouting. Mr. Johns: No pushing in class, you¡¯ll get him next time, Wrath. Vega was number one in his class last year. **Vega; 3rd Grade** Vega has a slight smug smirk. Wrath looked him up and down. Another hour passes by, and onto History. [The History Portion.] Mr. Johns: Open your textbooks, page 15. Can someone tell me about the country of Ferdinand? Wrath slaps his hand on the desk making paper fly, then raises his hand. Mr. Johns was stunned. Draco looks up at Wrath, and Vega turns to him. Mr. Johns: Uh, Wrath, go ahead. Wrath (heated): It¡¯s a corrupt piece of shit country! Ran by a fiendish Monarch. Mr. Johns: Whoa, watch your mouth, Wrath. Wrath: Sorry, whenever someone mentions kingdoms, I think back on all the things they''ve done. They need a new king! Mr. Johns: Uhh... The lunch bell rings. Mr. Johns: Ok, Lunchtime. All the students got up and walked out. Vega starts walking out. Vega: Ight, I¡¯ll see you up there, Draco. Draco: Ok, I¡¯ll be there soon. Wrath picks up his papers, before going to lunch. Draco goes to him and helps him with his papers. Draco: Yo, you ok? Wrath: Yeah, I¡¯m good. Just need to stop getting so heated. Draco (interested): Ha Ha, yeah, if you ever wanna talk about this, find me. My name is Draco. Draco smiles as he hands the papers to Wrath. **Draco; 3rd Grade** Wrath: Uh, yeah, sure. Draco walks out of the class. Wrath is about to follow, but he¡¯s stopped by Mr. Johns. And he¡¯s chomping down on a sandwich. Mr. Johns: Mhm, now you watch out for that boy, he can¡¯t be trusted. As Mr. Johns goes to lick his fingers after taking a bite. Wrath: (Boy?) Ok¡­. Wrath goes to lunch, in the cafeteria, and all the seats are taken with his classmates. But there is an empty table to the far right. He gets his food and goes to sit. Wrath looks around and doesn''t see Vega or Draco. Wrath: I wonder where they are. (Oh well¡­.) As time goes by with Wrath eating by himself, the bell rings ending lunch. They all go back to class with the day going by. The end of the day comes and Wrath walks out by himself. He sees Vega and Draco walking together laughing. Wrath: Damn, I just missed them. As the days go by, Wrath is still eating by himself. And can¡¯t find Draco, plus too shy to ask. Wrath tries to eat with the other students, he approaches some but... Wrath: Uh... Do you mind if I sit here? At a table full of his classmates. Kareem: Yeah, we mind. Go somewhere else. Franklin: Piss off, ¡°Zepheus¡±. All the students laugh. Wrath walks off to the corner table. Franklin: What an idiot. Wrath by himself. Wrath: They never come to the lunchroom, huh? Where would they be? As Wrath thinks to himself, time continues to pass, and lunch ends again. Still only seeing Vega and Draco in class, the days go by without Wrath talking to them. The end of the week comes and it¡¯s Test Day, the final period. Mr. Johns walks by each student passing out a test to each student. Mr. Johns: One hour to complete the test, don¡¯t finish within that time limit, whatever you have done so far will be it. So pace yourself, but don¡¯t waste all your time. It¡¯s a recap test for this whole week. He gets to the back of the class and puts the paper on Draco¡¯s desk. Mr. Johns: I¡¯m watching you, Mr. Draco. Draco sighs and grabs the test. Draco: Whatever. Mr. Johns walks back to the front of the class to his desk. Mr. Johns: Ok, start! Mr. Johns pays too much attention to Draco taking the test, other students have answers written on their hands or are passing notes. Wrath looking around sees all this but looks at Mr. Johns, and he¡¯s only looking at Draco. Wrath: (Damn, what did he do.) As the hour goes by Mr. Johns gets up. Mr. Johns: Pencils down, that¡¯s it. Pass your paper forward to the person in front of you. I¡¯ll get it from the person in the first row. All the students pass their papers forward. There are four rows of students, and each student represents each row, he starts from the first one... First Row: Tom Second Row: Kareem Third Row: Vega Fourth Row: Donald Mr. Johns gathers all the papers and sees something written all over the paper. Mr. Johns: Whose paper is this? He held it up and the pencil lead was rubbed all on it. Mr: Johns: Uhhh, It¡¯s yours, Wrath? Wrath: *looks up* What? No, it can¡¯t be. Mr. Johns: Isn¡¯t this your name? He shows Wrath the paper, with his handwriting all over it. Wrath looks forward and sees Kareem snickering with Donald. Wrath is angry, but can¡¯t speak up. Draco looks over to Wrath... but doesn¡¯t say anything. Mr. Johns: It¡¯ll be fine, I can at least see your answers somewhat. The grading should take about thirty minutes, I¡¯ll have these done before you go home, sit tight class. It¡¯s a free period now. All the students start to form their groups, talking to each other. Wrath sees Vega going back to the textbooks and studying, he turns to Draco, and he¡¯s looking outside the window. Wrath: (He doesn¡¯t even care, he probably failed. Maybe that''s why Mr. Johns told me to stay away from him.) Mr. Johns pushes up his glasses, and gets in his grading stance, then starts, super-fast grading special! Marking X or a Check, running through the tests. Wrath is amazed. What the students don¡¯t know is¡­ If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. **Mr. Johns** Full name: Haedi Johns Cosmic Path: Answer Key [It allows him to grade papers and answer sheets, super fast. Shortening the time, so students can get their papers back before school is out. Test day is usually Friday.] As the thirty minutes go by, Wrath is not talking to anyone just sitting to himself. Mr. Johns finishes... Mr. Johns: Alright! Grading complete. I¡¯m putting the top three scores on the board, then passing out the tests. He goes to write on the Brilliant Board. First Place: Vega, 98. Second Place: Wrath, 96. Mr. Johns: Ugh¡­ Third Place: Draco, 95. Vega (snarky): (Of course.) Wrath (happy): (Yes! Top 2! That Vega guy doesn¡¯t play, but Draco got a 95?!) As Mr. Johns passes out the results to each student. Kareem, 88. Donald, 79. Liz, 89. Kiara, 70. Daniel, 12. Mr. Johns: How do you get a 12? You literally learned nothing. You didn¡¯t even answer some. Daniel: Sheesh, bad teacher. Not my fault. Mr. Johns: Whatchu say? Under Daniel¡¯s breath. Daniel: Nothing. Mr. Johns: Thought so. (I almost came across this table. Punk.) Draco¡¯s head is on the desk as Mr. Johns puts his paper on the desk. Wrath watching the interaction. Mr. Johns: (Hmmm, he didn¡¯t cheat, I was watching him.) Draco: You aren¡¯t going to say a good job? Draco, with a wisecrack smirk. Mr. Johns is balling up his fist. But let out a tense¡­ Mr. Johns: Good job¡­.. Draco: (...) Draco turns to look at Wrath and catches him looking at him. Wrath quickly turns back and looks back at his paper. As the bell rings, the day ends. Everyone leaves in their cliques, and Draco and Vega walk out together leaving, Wrath gets up by himself, walking outside sees Draco and Vega again walking, he has no one to talk to. Walking home alone. The next day comes, class passing by, and another lunch by himself. This goes on for three weeks, but, test after test, the top three students are always Vega, Wrath, and Draco, in that order. During lunch, Wrath tries to sit with Kareem and his group again. Wrath: C-Can I... Kareem laughs loudly. Kareem: Uhaha. No. You can¡¯t sit here. Wrath looking down. Wrath: ¡­ Kareem: Why would anyone sit with a ''Wild Beast'' like you, that gets triggered by the word ¡°kingdoms¡±? Uhaha. Wrath just walks away, going back to his lonely table. Eating lunch, He¡¯s trying to figure out where they are, and sparks an idea. Wrath: (I already checked the library, where could they be¡­. The roof! That¡¯s where they can be!) Wrath gets up during lunch to walk out, and goes to the roof, climbing the stairs, busting the door open. He looks around and sees no one. Wrath: What?! Where are they? He walks back down the stairs sad, not finding them. As the door slams close, but on the rooftop of the stairwell building. Vega is eating, with his wooden sword beside him, and his necklace out. Draco laying down looking up at the sky, hands behind his head. Vega: Took him long enough. Vega eating a persimmon. Draco: He¡¯s smart, I knew he would eventually get up here. Vega: What, are you planning on asking him to join us? Draco continues looking up. Draco: It can¡¯t just be the two of us forever. I think he¡¯ll be a good fit. Honestly, Wrath is exactly what we need. Vega takes another bite and looks at him out of the corner of his eye. Vega: ... As the days go by, then weeks, then months. Wrath never asks where they are during lunch. Too afraid to ask to sit at the other kids¡¯ table he always eats lunch by himself. As he goes to lunch again by himself, he passes by a sign saying¡­ **Sign up for Basketball Today!!** Wrath: (I am pretty good at basketball. Maybe I should join, I can make friends like that too.) Wrath signs his name on the paper ready and excited for practice. The afternoon comes and Wrath with many other students in the gym ready. Wrath looks around but doesn¡¯t see Vega or Draco. Wrath: (Draco isn¡¯t here either, I wonder why, he¡¯s pretty tall.) Coach T: Alright, come together. We don¡¯t got all day! All the students get in a group spreading across the court. Coach T: Closer, closer. We¡¯ll be teammates here, you have to get to know one another. The students get closer. Coach T: Ok, we have over twenty students here. Only eleven are making the cut, so do your best! Wrath: (The time is now. No one can fuck with me in basketball.) Wrath goes up for a few shots, shooting left-handed, doing a few turns around shots. Coach T: You¡¯re left-handed? Wrath: Yeah¡­ Coach T: You¡¯re playing well, keep going. Wrath with a smile on his face. Wrath: Right, Coach! As the days go by, practice after practice, with Wrath trying his very best. The basketball season is coming closer and closer. The end of the week comes. Coach T blows his whistle. Coach T: Alright alright, gather round. This is cut day, only 11 of you are making it. I¡¯ll call out the name of the members of this season¡¯s Tartarus Basketball Team. First¡­ **Kareem** Kareem (smug): (Of course I made it.) **Wrath** Wrath (so exhilarated): (Let¡¯s GO!!!!!) Kareem: (Hmm, He made it, huh.) **Donald** **Chris** **Jason** **David** **Kevin** **Chuck** **George** **John** Coach T: And finally¡­ **Andre** Coach T: And that¡¯s everyone. Can the rest of you please leave the gym. The students that were just cut, all leave the gym. One student dragging alone and moping around. The coach catches up to him, patting his shoulder. Coach T: It¡¯s ok, Michael. Just try again next year. Michael (furiously): You just missed out on the best player here. He brushes the coach¡¯s shoulder off of him and walks out of the gym. Coach T: Oh, he¡¯s gonna be fierce in the future. Coach turns around back to his team. As he claps his hands. Coach T: Ok. Let¡¯s get started. We have a game in two weeks. As of now, the starters are... **Donald at Point Guard** **Jason at Shooting Guard** **Kevin at Small Forward** **Wrath at Power Forward** **Kareem at Center** Donald, Jason, and Kevin were excited. Wrath: (Dang, I want to play small forward¡­) Coach T: Rest of ya, sidelines. Starters on the court, we¡¯re going over plays. Coach clapped his hands, yelling at the players. Coach T: Let¡¯s go, Let¡¯s go! We don¡¯t got all day! The students go over plays and drills day after day, until a couple of days before the first home game. Coach T: Ugh, I need an assistant. Gather round, I¡¯m taking down jersey numbers. Which ones do you want? Starters take priority. Donald: 4 Kevin: 9 Jason: 12 Wrath about to speak up is interrupted. Kareem: 6 Wrath: (That¡¯s my number.) Wrath begins to muster up some strength to say something. Wrath: Uhh¡­ But is interrupted again. Kareem: Got something to say? Wrath backs down. Wrath (scared): No. I¡¯ll take number 5. Coach T: Alright, on to the bench. The days go by, more practice, then it¡¯s game day! The crowd is packed for the first home game. As the players look through the glasses before they run out. Seeing how big the crowd is. Kareem: C¡¯mon, it¡¯s game time, get focused! Donald: Yeppie! Wrath: (Oh shit. There are so many people. Can I handle this?) Wrath focuses himself, psyching himself up. Wrath: (You got this Wrath, you¡¯re the best!!) Kareem walks over to him and whispers to him. Kareem: Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯re not getting the ball anyway. Wrath: What? Coach comes in, loud! Coach T (thrilled): C¡¯mon, line up! We are ready for this! The music starts playing, and the players run out. Starting their lay-up lines and stared down the competition. Kareem: Hm. **Hoba Academy vs Tartarus** The game is about to start, and the players go around Coach T, for the prep talk before the game. Taking off their warm-up gear. Coach T: Lotta people here, don¡¯t get nervous. Short and sweet, to the point. Starting 5 let¡¯s go. Taking off their gear ready to go, walk onto the court, and get ready for the jump ball. Wrath looks around slightly nervous, but ready to show out. He looks around the crowd, and sees Vega and Draco, at the top of the stands. Eating popcorn. Draco nods his head to Wrath. Wrath: (Focus, you got this.) Draco talking to Vega. Draco: I see he¡¯s trying to break out of his shell. Vega with a silent face. Vega: ¡­.. The game starts, the ref throws the ball up, and Kareem wins the tip. As the first quarter goes on, Wrath has zero points, zero assists, and two rebounds. Struggling to even get a shot up. Wrath (enraged): (Pass me the fucking ball! I have to speak up.) The first quarter ends with Wrath still scoreless. But the score is... **Hoba Academy, 14 vs Tartarus, 20** Coach T: We have the lead, let¡¯s keep it going. Don¡¯t slip up! The starting 5 are staying in. Kareem count us down! Kareem: On 1, break, and yell Tartarus! Hands in... They all put their hands in. Kareem: 3, 2, 1¡­. All the players: Tartarus! They all run out of the huddle, ready for the second quarter. As it starts, Tartarus steals the ball quickly, but Hoba Academy fouls as soon as it happens. Causing Kareem to take the ball out and pass it in, he threw the ball to Donald. Wrath makes eye contact with Donald who is bringing the ball up the court. Saying with his eyes¡­ Wrath: (Give me the ball!!) Donald is stunned but focuses on throwing the ball down low to Wrath. He gets in position and Donald throws it to him. Wrath goes to make a quick Dream Shake, for the open shot. But a double team comes from the other side and he¡¯s forced to pass it to Kareem. Kareem talks it up for the easy lay-up. But if we rewind a few seconds before the pass happens, we see Kareem whispering to his opponent. **Few Seconds Beforehand** Kareem: Uhaha, we¡¯re about to give the ball to the power forward, you should probably stop it. I won¡¯t even move from this spot. The opponent, seeing his friend guarding the power forward but grabs the ball and starts to dream shake, he runs over to help. **Back to After The Pass** Kareem: Good pass, Uhaha. Wrath: Whatever. This happens a lot in the second quarter. As the second quarter ends, Wrath ends the half scoreless. All the players walk into the locker room. Half-time score, Hoba Academy, 20 vs Tartarus, 36. Kareem with 14 points. In the locker room¡­. Coach T (thrilled): Good job! Don¡¯t take your foot off of their f¡¯ing necks! Donald (nervous): (Whoa, Coach is fired up.) Wrath walks over to Kareem and says¡­ Wrath (mad): I know what you''re doing. Pass me the fucking ball! Kareem: Whoa, relax bro. You¡¯ll get it when you get open. Wrath (infuriated): Stop fucking playing with me! Kareem (same energy): Calm down you, ¡°Wild Beast!¡± The coach overhears the argument and steps in. Coach T: Everything ok over here? Wrath: No, it¡¯s not. Kareem is stopping me from getting the ball. Coach T: It¡¯s a team game son, we all will get our shine. Wrath (still angry): I¡¯m not your fucking son. Just give me the ball. Coach T: Just listen to me. There¡¯s no reason to be so cocky, I- Wrath (cocky): *interrupts* I¡¯m the best in the world! I don¡¯t need any advice! So stop babbling! Coach T (baffled): The best? Are you a different animal, and the same beast? Wrath (confused): What the fuck does that mean, Coach? Coach T: Exactly. Acting like a ''Heated Wild Beast''¡­ I thought you would know. Wrath with a speechless reaction. Wrath: ¡­ Coach T: When you figure it out, I¡¯ll take you off the bench. Wrath (angry): I¡¯m benched?! Coach T: Yep, until you figure it out. The horn goes off, letting them know, that half-time is over. Outside of the locker room is Draco, standing back to the wall, holding a slushie and drinking another one, while smirking. The team walks out, with Kareem laughing under his breath. Wrath is so heated he walks out last. As the players do warm-ups getting ready for the second half. Draco is getting back into his seat by Vega. Handing him the other slushie he didn¡¯t drink from. Vega (ecstatic): Thanks. Draco: No problem. But I heard something very interesting. Draco laughs a bit. Vega: ¡­? The game continues with Tartarus winning, 74-35. Kareem finished with 23 points. Wrath finished scoreless. Wrath storms off to the locker packing his stuff and walking out. But someone tells him something as he walks out. Kareem (snarky): You¡¯ll get them next time. Wrath turns around fists balled up. But he notices the coach is standing behind Kareem, he turns back around and pushes the door wide open, walking out. Wrath: (Fuck this.) Two days go by, with Wrath missing practice and still sitting at lunch by himself. Kareem walks to his table. Wrath: (Just ignore him, don¡¯t get heated.) Kareem: Coach has been asking about you, he said you won¡¯t figure it out missing practice. Kareem leans in¡­. Kareem: But it wouldn¡¯t matter anyway, Donald won¡¯t pass you the ball anymore, and I definitely won¡¯t. So just quit. You damn ''Beast''. Wrath jumps up quickly, fists clenched. He walks out of the cafeteria in a rage and straight to the roof. He kicks the door open and yells out¡­ Wrath (anger raging): FUUUUCK!!! As the wind blows, leaves fly around. Feet hanging above Wrath. Draco (joking): Whoa, Whoa, Whoa. Relax. Wrath turns around quickly. Wrath: Huh? As he looks up, he sees the sun shining behind Draco¡¯s head, only seeing his smile. Draco: Yo. Wrath, wiping his eyes, sees him clearly now. Wrath: Draco? You were here the whole time? Draco: Yep, we were waiting on you, Wrath. Wrath: We? Waiting? Vega, who was reading, gets up, from having his back to the wall, and shows his face to Wrath. Vega (expressionless): Sup. Wrath: So you two sit up there during lunch? How do you even get up there? Draco and Vega both jump down. Draco: We just climbed up, you¡¯ll see soon. Draco walks over to the parapet, resting his arms on it. Looking over the school and city. Wrath: (Let me ask him.) Why does the teacher hate you so much? Draco: Ah, he thinks I cheat all the time because later in the year I won¡¯t do any work, or do any test. Wrath: Why? Draco with a smirking smile. Draco: Once your grades are so high at the beginning of the year, even doing nothing, they won¡¯t drop down to an F. Wrath: You don¡¯t want to do anything, huh? Draco: Doing schoolwork is so boring. Wrath: Hmm. Draco: But¡­. Wanna help us out, Wrath? Wrath: With what? Draco has an evil smug look on his face. Draco: Change the World. Wrath quickly says... Wrath: I¡¯m down! Vega (questionable): What? You didn¡¯t even think about it. Wrath: Nothing to think about. I just want you all to help me out too. Vega and Draco: With what? Wrath (tensed up): (I have to speak up.) I want to get rid of all the kingdoms in this world, and I want to be King of them! Draco turns around. With a puzzled confused expression. Draco: All of them?! Wrath: Yup. Draco: You know there¡¯re over 500 kingdoms in the world, right? Wrath with a determined face. Wrath: Yes, I know. Draco: What if we destroy 299, and move on, then, when we¡¯re destroying other ones, they get rebuilt? Wrath¡¯s face gets more intense. Wrath: That¡¯s why we have to destroy the foundation. It¡¯ll work, help me and I¡¯ll help you. Vega: Hmmm. Wrath: I want them all gone, if not gone then replaced with someone else in charge. Preferably me. If I can¡¯t do that, then I can¡¯t help you two. Draco: Vega. Vega: Yeah. Draco: This kinda works with our plan. Vega closed his eyes, nodding. Vega: It does. Draco (laughed): Alright, that works for us. Let¡¯s help you, help us. We need a ¡°beast¡± like you! Ha Ha! Draco has a big smile showing. Wrath (concerned): (¡°Beast¡±¡­ He¡¯s saying it like it¡¯s a good thing...) Good with me. Draco: Before that. There is one kingdom you can¡¯t be King of. Draco holds up 1 finger. Wrath: Which one? Draco has an evil smile again. Draco: I¡¯ll tell you¡­ As the three talk it over, trading laughs back and forth, eventually over the years become great friends. We come back to Wrath telling Caffua everything while laughing. **End of Flashback** Caffua sitting speechless. Wrath laughed even more. Caffua: Wow. Wrath: Yahaha, I know. Crazy, right? Caffua: Completely crazy. I have no words. How did you get the name Wrath? Wrath: Yahaha, that¡¯s a different story for another day. Caffua: Even being the Hot Head, I could see you being the leader. Wrath (grins): Nah, that¡¯s Draco. Now that you asked us everything, let me ask you. Caffua: Hm? Wrath: What¡¯s your power? Caffua: Oh, my Cosmic Path is Telepathy. Wrath: Meaning you can, and have been reading our minds? Caffua: Sorry, I never pried too much. But, I did listen in on some thoughts. Wrath: Oh. Caffua: During his fight with Vega. I heard Draco saying he needs to redeem himself for Gib Gnab. Wrath: Hmm¡­.. Wrath gets up, out of the Hot Spring. Wrath: Let¡¯s get ready for tomorrow. I¡¯m excited to see what hatches from this egg. Wrath walks away. Wrath: Yahaha!!! I bet Kareem isn¡¯t laughing now!! He walks into the building heading to his room and closes the door, as Caffua says¡­. Caffua: (A power like his, plus a mindset like that. He will be a ''Beast''. That Vega one is the same too. Is Draco just as scary as them¡­. or worse...) In his room, another memory comes to Wrath¡¯s mind, after trading laughs with Draco and Vega. [On the roof] Draco: Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you, Wrath. Wrath: Yeah? Draco rubs the back of his head while smiling innocently. Draco: I¡¯m kinda a terrible person. Wrath: What? Vega smirks. [Present] As time goes by, the next training day comes, with Caffua telling them to take their eggs today. The group arrived in the desert. Draco (ecstatic): It¡¯s been two weeks! It''s time! Today is the day! Vega (calm): Yup, let¡¯s see what we get. Wrath (euphoric): I already know, all of them will be great! Let''s Go! Standing in the desert with eggs in their hands. Caffua: Alright, I believe they will hatch in 1 hour. But as Caffua says that, they start to crack¡­¡­!!! Wrath (perplexed): What the-!! Vega (puzzled): ¡­!! Draco (smiles): Haha!! [The Eggs Are Hatching?! What Will Come Out Of Them?!] Mystery 7 Fin Mystery Eight: The Eggs, The Stellar, And The Classifications! Fallen Stars Mystery Eight The Eggs, The Stellar, And The Classifications! Caffua (confused): What?! Draco, Vega, and Wrath: What?! I thought you said an hour! Caffua: Sit them down quickly. Draco: I¡¯m keeping mine in my hands! Vega and Wrath look over to Draco. Vega and Wrath: Us too! The eggs crack apart, breaking into their hands. With Wrath¡¯s and Vega¡¯s breaking apart first, letting out their animals! Wrath (euphoric): Whoaaaaa. Is this Pure Lightning???! Draco (stunned): What??! It jumps out of his arms and runs around Wrath. It takes the form of a Wolf pup. Wrath: It¡¯s formed of nothing but Blue Lightning. (Wait, what¡¯s this?) The beast is wrapped in coils of lightning, forming all around its body. Its fur is electric blue, with lightning bolt-shaped markings. One of the bolts glows more than the rest of them, sticking out... It has blue eyes with lightning jumping back and forth in them. It howls, and thunder begins crackling throughout the area! Caffua: (Whoa!) Draco looks at Vega, as his eggs start shaking¡­. Then his creature bursts out!!! Vega (staggered): A.. A shadow¡­??! The demonic shadow, with fiery red glowing eyes, spreads through Vega¡¯s hands. In a taunting form, it has a long tongue sticking out, laughing with it, it showcases razor-sharp retractable teeth, so sharp it looks like they can shred flesh easily. Its color is a dark purple tint. It has a cloudy yet liquid type of body... It has a strange symbol on its body. The shadow¡¯s red eyes have fire quickly moving in a circle in them. It makes an ominous noise, scaring everything!!! Wrath and Draco (stunned): What???! Vega: My true self is a shadow? (Wait, what¡¯s this birthmark?) Vega¡¯s shadow jumps into his shadow and plays around scaring Wrath¡¯s beast pup. On Vega¡¯s shadow, it has nine tendrils coming out of its body. But they disappeared leaving only one. Vega: (What.) **Quick remembrance** M: It¡¯s an egg that will grow into what represents you. It will hatch into your pure self with your real ideals. Wrath (thinking hardly): Hmm, a red-eyed shadow... I remember that from some mythology or was it folklore¡­. Vega looked at his shadow. Vega (secretly covered in bliss): (I love it.) Caffua: (Mikaboshi and Raij¨±???? They have two Forbiddens.) Draco: Hmmm, I¡¯m still waiting. They all look at the egg, waiting for it to break open, the more they look at it the more it cracks. Draco: (C¡¯mon, C¡¯mon. You know what I want!) Caffua: ¡­. Bursting open and out comes a¡­..!!! Wrath, Caffua, and Vega (stunned): A dragon?!!! Draco (so excited and exhilarated it can''t be explained): Perfect! Exactly what I was looking for! (Is it asleep?) Wrath (taken back): For real?! A dragon!? Draco: Vega, why are you surprised? You said I seem like a Dragon the most, you predicted this. The dragon has red scales. Five claws on each foot. Very thick horns protrude on its head from its long mane. Black and red wings that are tucked. Black hair going down its long serpentine body. With a very long tail. Very sharp teeth and a long snout, with a fierce look as it sleeps. Vega: I see it, even more now. Draco: (Wait, what is this?) Caffua: (A dragon? All red?! So his animal Classification is Forbidden too¡­..) Gather round, and let me break all of this down to you all. They all gather around Caffua. While holding their animals, they all notice something. Caffua starts to speak. Caffua: I wanted to wait until your eggs hatched. Now that the time has come, I can explain some things to you. Draco: Ok. Caffua: Each animal that has hatched from eggs, is put into different categories. You can call them the Classifications. Wrath: Alright. Caffua: They are you. Whenever you are hurt or feel down, they feel the same. Whenever you are in a blood-lusted mood, they are the same. Vega: Can they die? Caffua: They can die, but unless you die, they will be reborn. They can feel pain, as much as anyone. Draco holding his dragon. Draco: (I¡¯ll protect you no matter what.) Wrath: Does that mean, every animal throughout this world was once partnered with someone? Caffua: No. But some animals can range from squirrels all the way up to different animals from folklore. Wrath: Whoa. Vega: Can you have the same animal as someone else? Caffua: No, no one has the same animal. They can be of the same species, but each one is different. Everyone is unique in their own right. Also, they can¡¯t reproduce. Draco: (There are people out there with dragons too....) As Draco looks down at his dragon, grinning. Caffua: (......) Now, the Classifications. They are broken down like this¡­ **Animal Classifications** **Futuristic** **Modern** **Extinct** **Folklore** **Imaginary** **Legendary** **Forbidden** Caffua: And that¡¯s all of them. Draco: What does each one mean? Or what happens under each class? Caffua: Glad you asked. Each one provides an advantage to their partner. Depending on the classification, you will get a boost. It¡¯s like a buff in video games. Caffua: **Classifications** **Futuristic: Futuristic animals get a stamina boost.** **Modern: Modern animals get a strength boost.** **Extinct: Extinct animals get a defense boost.** **Folklore: Creatures from folklores get an endurance boost.** **Imaginary: Imaginary creatures get a regeneration boost.** **Legendary: Legendary creatures get a speed boost.** **Forbidden: This refers to creatures that were once Forbidden to ever exist. When these creatures appear, people are on the lookout. They get a boost to their ability power. Plus a boost from another one of the classes.** Caffua: Forbidden specializes in a different boost, along with an ability boost. The boost you get accumulates over time too. Wrath: The fuck¡­.. Vega: ¡­..But what separates legendary and forbidden? Caffua: Legendaries, are well-known creatures around the world. They are known for being very powerful throughout mythologies and legends. Forbiddens, rarely appear, but when they do, they bring nothing but destruction to the world. Forbiddens are creatures that mythology or religion is based on. They are worshiped as devils or Gods themselves. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Wrath: Gods or Devils? Wrath looks at Vega¡¯s shadow. Wrath (lightbulb): I remember your shadow now, Vega. Vega: Hmph? Wrath: It''s called Mikaboshi, worshiped as a demon in a Central Mythology. Vega: Mikaboshi, huh¡­ (Mikaboshi¡­. a demon¡­.) Draco slightly looks over to Vega. Draco: (...) Caffua: Well, with Draco¡¯s, his would be- Wrath jumps in. Wrath: I know! Since it''s all blue. My guess would be a dragon from an Eastern Mythology. If I remember right, The Continent: Cat¡¯s Eye, is where it spawned. Vega: (East...?) Draco¡¯s ears perk up. Draco: What about you, Wrath? Wrath (thinking): The only place I can think about with a lightning beast is from a Northern Religion. Wrath thinking, not paying attention to his animal. Wrath¡¯s partner takes the form of a bear cub and then into a lizard. Then suddenly, a shock comes to Wrath. Wrath: Got it! Draco: What? Wrath: I think it was called ¡°Raij¨±¡±. I¡¯m sure that means Thunder Beast. AN* Raij¨± (Àת•), meaning Thunder Beast. (AN* = Author¡¯s Note*) Caffua: (Central, Eastern, and Northern. Hold on, Hold on. Are you telling me, Three Forbiddens are in the same group?!) Caffua begins to speak to them. Caffua: Wow, Wrath you sure do know a lot about this. Draco (laughs): That¡¯s Wrath¡¯s thing. Wrath: Yeah, I love studying Mythologies and different Folktales. Caffua (deeply concerned): (Draco prepared for this, Vega the strategist, with Wrath¡¯s immense knowledge of the world.) Draco looked down with a menacing smile. Caffua: ¡­.. Vega: I did notice every time you¡¯re on the roof, you face the east, Draco. Draco: Oh, I do? You notice the weirdest things, Vega. I never really thought about it. Vega: Yeah¡­ I noticed. Draco looks off to the side. Caffua: You all have Forbiddens¡­¡­ They are a danger to others and themselves. Draco: What does that mean? Caffua: Someday it might consume you. They also say, with Forbiddens you can get a different sort of ability. But, it''s so rare that no one knows too much about it. Wrath: (Now that I think about it...) Wrath shakes his head. Wrath: Besides that. Let¡¯s test to see which boost I got. Vega (steps up): Ahaha. I¡¯m first. Vega starts with speed. Vega: Let me see if my speed increased. Vega dashes, running back and forth. Vega: Did you see it? Wrath and Draco: Yeah, we saw you running. Vega: Did you see the cut? Wrath: What cu¡­.. A large straight-lined cut appears right beside Wrath, cutting all the sand away! Wrath: Whoa, what the hell! What if you hit me?! Vega: Don¡¯t worry, If I wanted to hit you, I would¡¯ve. So I got speed, huh? Vega holds up his wooden sword. Vega (smirking): (I did the same slash as Caffua.) Wrath: I¡¯m next. (I don¡¯t feel any stronger, but let me still test it.) Let me punch you, Vega. Vega: Alright. Wrath punches Vega, and Vega takes a step back but isn¡¯t moved much. Caffua: So not strength. Wrath: Damn it! Hit me. Vega punches Wrath and he steps back a little bit. Wrath: Ah! That hurt a bit. Did I get endurance or defense? Caffua: Defense you wouldn¡¯t have moved. It didn¡¯t seem like Vega hit you hard, endurance wouldn¡¯t have felt any pain at this stage. Wrath: Well, what did I get? Vega takes his wooden sword and does a slash cutting Wrath¡¯s arm. Wrath: What the-! The cut starts healing itself... Caffua: So that¡¯s what you got. Wrath: Nah, I¡¯m known for my cuts or scars healing fast. Caffua: Vega, do it again, but more. Vega does some quick slashes cutting up Wrath. Wrath yells out. Wrath (mad): Fuck you! All the cuts over his body start healing faster. With all the blood disappearing and the scars disappearing, his body looks good as new. Caffua: See. Wrath yells out again, covered in anger!! Wrath: Damn it! I wanted to be a motherfucking UNSTOPPABLE FORCE! Caffua¡¯s face has concern all over it. Caffua: You rather have Offense over Regeneration? Wrath and his animal start sparking!! Wrath: OFFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS! Draco: FACTS! TELL ''EM, WRATH! Draco and Wrath laughing. Caffua: What is with those two? (And isn¡¯t it ¡°defense wins championships¡± ?) Vega: I guess they¡¯re remembering our basketball days. They were super focused on offense. Caffua: Regeneration is very useful, Wrath. You¡¯ll see it in the future. Wrath: Whatever. Draco: I guess I¡¯m last. Let me test it. Draco goes through all of them. Strength; Failed. He punched the ground, but only a couple of lumps of sand jumped around. Defense; Failed. He got knocked down by Vega. Speed; Failed. Vega and Wrath saw every move. Endurance; Failed. He took an attack and couldn''t get up for a minute. Regeneration; Failed. Wrath cut him with his lightning and he still hasn¡¯t healed yet. Draco''s face gets madder and madder!! Draco: Man, what the fuck! I didn''t get anything! Caffua thought with worry. Caffua: (Wait, Wait, Wait. Don¡¯t tell me.) Draco, try to use your power. Your power of a star. Draco: Alright. Draco holds out his hand and does a slight hand motion bringing down some starlight. Draco: **Mysterious Light** A huge array of light comes down! It strikes the ground creating a huge gaping hole in the sand! Everyone''s jaws drop, even Draco¡¯s! Draco: WHAT THE HELL?! I only did a little bit! Caffua (worried): (This is not good.) Vega: ....Draco didn¡¯t know you had this much in you. Draco: Me neither. Wrath: Oh my Wrath. They all walk over to the hole and see how deep it is. It¡¯s about 3 meters deep. Caffua: This is a rare case. Vega: ¡­ Draco: It is? Caffua: For someone to not only be a Forbidden, and not have another class boost, but an extra ability boost. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen anyone with this. Vega and Wrath have scowling expressions. Vega and Wrath: Fucking Draco. Draco just smiles it off. Draco: Hahaha, c¡¯mon guys. Vega starts looking at Wrath¡¯s animal. Vega: What about these birthmarks? Yours has one too, Wrath. Caffua: Huh? Vega: See this. Vega picks up and shows his shadow¡¯s symbol. Vega: It¡¯s a Hidari Mitsudomoe. On its right side. Vega¡¯s shadow¡¯s symbol https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/603784191850577941/729021564346957874/Hidari.png Wrath picks up his partner. As he looks at the mark that''s glowing the most. Wrath: Ok, it has a Lightning Bolt symbol on its left side. Same as my brand. Wrath¡¯s raij¨±¡¯s symbol https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/603784191850577941/745714657217740920/LightningBrand.png Draco: I guess all our animals have birthmarks¡­ Vega and Wrath look over. Draco holds up his dragon, showing its head in between its horns, as it still snoozes. Draco: My dragon has some marking on its forehead¡­ Draco¡¯s dragon¡¯s symbol is just a regular line... Caffua: (....) Wrath and Vega: Hmmm. Caffua cuts in. Caffua: But, there is more I have to tell you. Draco: Really? Caffua: You should name your animals now, it¡¯ll help in the long run. Draco: Ok- Draco is interrupted by Wrath. Wrath: I¡¯m going first. Wrath holds up his Thunder Beast. Wrath: Hmmm. I think I got a name. Zion! No, Zeno! Nah. Zephyr! Nope. Draco with a sarcastic tone. Draco: We¡¯ll be here all day with him picking a name. Wrath¡¯s beast looks at him, with its blue eyes. Wrath¡¯s hand on his chin, thinking. He finally comes up with a name! Wrath (enthusiastic): I got it! Zeus!! AN* Zeus is the King of the Greek gods and the God of the sky and thunder. Caffua: (Zeus?!) Zeus jumps out his hand and starts running around. Changing into an eagle, and starts flying, its wings create thunder clapping. Wrath (surprised): It can shapeshift?? Then Zeus lands, transforming into a wolf pup. Huffing just like a wolf, with some sparks flying around it. Draco: It can¡¯t decide on something, huh? Just like you, indecisive. Wrath: Shut up, I¡¯m not indecisive. Draco: Who¡¯s your favorite basketball player, of all time? Wrath: Hmmm. Either Kraz or Labrum. I can¡¯t pick. Draco: Hahaha! Exactly! Wrath pouts a bit. Wrath: ¡­Whatever. Zeus turns into a sabertooth kitten, leaps onto Wrath, and bites into his shoulder!! Wrath: Zeus relax!! Draco: Well, I¡¯m next- Vega (interjects): Sorry Draco, I¡¯m next. Vega stares down at his shadow. While it stares back. Both of their red eyes glowed at each other. Draco with a confused look. Draco: Uhhh¡­. Vega does a quick nod. Vega (hiding his bliss): Your name is¡­. Enma! (Let¡¯s spread some fire, Enma!) AN* Enma (é�ħ), meaning Demon. Enma is also the ruler of Hell in both Jigoku and Meido. Buddhism religion also. Caffua: (Enma¡­?!) Enma with a serious vibe nods back to Vega. It slips through his hand. Enma and Zeus look toward each other with serious faces, gauging the other. Enma¡¯s shadowy body starts shaking and growing bigger. Trying to intimidate Zeus! But shrinks back to normal size. Draco: So I¡¯m last. Hmmm. Alright. Draco¡¯s dragon is still asleep. But its head looks in Draco¡¯s direction. Anti: (You know my name.) Draco: (Huh? Anti transferred into my dragon?) Anti: (Name me Anti, you know already.) Draco: (No. I¡¯m in control now, Anti.) Caffua: Draco, are you talking to your dragon? Draco: Uhh, yeah. Caffua (quick reaction): What? You¡¯re not supposed to be able to do that until the next tier. Vega: Oh, so you do know some things. Caffua (sighs): I was going to tell you all when the eggs hatched, I can tell you now- Draco: Wait, I still have to name it. Anti: (I have a name!) Draco (smiles): Now you do! ***** is your name! Hahaha! His dragon slowly opens its eyes. And with its black eyes, it''s happy with excitement! Its black pupils are in the shape of a star. With a devouring glare, it lets out a loud ferocious roar!!! Shaking the area!! ???: (Yo!!) Vega and Wrath look at each other after hearing the name. Vega and Wrath: (.....) Caffua: (What¡­!!) All three of them look at Draco as he continues to laugh with a crazy expression, laughing into the sky. Caffua: (I would say its Tiamat, but it seems different¨C) Draco: Now, Caffua, before we forget. The tiers? Caffua: Ok. It¡¯s really simple. Stellar, from lowest to highest goes M, K, G, F, A, B, O. Ranging from nine to one on each level. One being the highest. **Stellar** O B A F G K M 9 to 1 Caffua: On M, you have two things. Once you reach M1, your time limit is expanded to 20 minutes, and you will be in Peak Human Condition. Wrath: Hmm. Caffua: This is where killing stars come in, that¡¯s the only way to reach a new level, at least for the lower ones. When you hit K, you get increased strength, extra durability, can turn into your abilities, increased time limit to 1 hour, and can communicate with your partner, such as hearing each other''s thoughts. Wrath (quick reaction): Damn, all that?! Caffua: But it seems Draco can already talk to his animal. He isn¡¯t K yet, so how? Also the more the tiers you go up, the different abilities you get. Vega stares at Enma while it plays around. Draco: Oh yeah, Caffua, Wrath told us your power. How much did you listen in on? Draco staring him down, Caffua a little startled. Caffua: Nothing too much. It¡¯s nothing to worry about. Draco (returns to his relaxed state): Good... Caffua coughs to get their attention. Caffua: *Ahem* There is one last thing¡­ As they look at him, including their animals. Caffua has an unreadable face showing. The gang: Hm? [The Eggs Have Hatched! They Learned About The Classifications And The Stellar! But Wait, There¡¯s Something Else?!] Mystery 8 Fin Mystery Nine: Cosmos Fallen Stars Mystery Nine Cosmos Caffua coughs to get their attention. Caffua: *Ahem* There is one last thing¡­ The gang and their animals look toward Caffua. Caffua: It¡¯s called Cosmos. This whole thing is a complex, yet simple system. It''s all connected. I¡¯ll explain it. Caffua holds out his hand. Caffua: It is in everyone, and it makes up the majority of our universe. Draco (evil grin): (Cosmos¡­?!) Vega and Wrath both look at Draco, and they see he has an evil arrogant grin. And they both chuckle a little bit. Caffua: It''s a mysterious power that no one knows the origin of. But, only the people who can unlock and utilize it are ¡°Stars¡±. It is invisible to the normal eye. Caffua¡¯s hand starts producing White Cosmos. The whiteness is aurora-like. It swishes around on his hand. Flowing beautifully. Caffua: It acts similar to dark energy. But flows like an aurora. As they all gaze at it. Wrath: (Flowing¡­.) Vega: (Aurora...) Draco: (Dark energy...) All in awe about it. Caffua: After getting your powers, all the ¡°Stars'''' have this. But, you can¡¯t use it or see it, until you go further up the ¡°Stellar¡±. You can only see it now for a limited time. All of these things are intertwined. Vega: How important is it? Caffua: It''s very essential to you living or dying. It can do a lot of things, like this... As Caffua does a wiping motion with his hand across the desert. The Cosmos causes an effect like gravity, across the whole desert! Making cracks in the desert! Causing multiple sand tornadoes and dust devils to kick up!! Weighing down Luna!!! The Gang (troubled faces): What the???! All feeling the force! Caffua puts his hand forward. Caffua: Or even this¡­ Now the Cosmos dashes towards the gang! Caffua has a fierce look! The gravity-like effect going right to them, they all make a face of concern!! Stricken with fear! Two of them jumped backward quickly! Caffua: And that¡­ As the White Cosmos disappears. And the sand begins to settle. Caffua: That is striking fear into your opponents with just your presence. Vega, who jumped backward, has his wooden sword out, huffing and puffing. Enma zoning in. Wrath, who also jumped back, has his electricity surging around his body. *Bzzt* Zeus is howling behind him. While Draco, who didn¡¯t move, is standing still, looking directly at Caffua, while maliciously smiling. His dragon with the same devouring look. Caffua: (So he does have a different type of presence¡­) This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Caffua: A lot of perks come with it. Such as, strengthening your body, hitting harder, or being used defensively, such as taking attacks better. Same for putting it on your weapons. Even putting it on your abilities, you have to train to get to the tier. Draco (excited): I can¡¯t wait to use this!! Wrath and Vega gather their breath and calm down. Wrath: Well, I¡¯m about to get started on my training for the day. I¡¯m going to form a new Martial art. Wrath looking at Zeus. Draco: Hm. Got a name already? Wrath (grins): Nah, but I should have one by the end of the week. I need to balance out if I can¡¯t use my power. Now I have inspiration! Vega looking at Enma. Vega: I might name a few things after you. Enma with a stern face is ready. Draco: I¡¯m doing the same, some things, and a Martial Art after this guy. His name will be known around the world! Caffua: His? It¡¯s genderless, all of them are. Draco: I can say anything then. That¡¯s fine. Wrath: Fuck all that, LET¡¯S GET TO TRAINING! Yahaha! Wrath with a big smile on his face. Vega: Let¡¯s get it. Vega slightly smiled. Draco: Mhm. While Draco grins, they all disperse to their respective areas. Caffua: I didn¡¯t think they would stay after knowing so much. Another two months, huh? (I have something I want to work on for them.) Caffua yells out. Caffua: Oh yeah, another thing about your creatures. They grow exponentially, the more you grow, the faster they grow. Keep that in mind, if you ever think about becoming lazy and doing nothing. Once they get to a certain point, they shouldn¡¯t regress though. Draco, Vega, and Wrath: Understood! Vega: (Let me see how much faster I got.) Caffua: So, they¡¯re starting. Blue, Red, and Violet... Caffua laughs. As they keep training. Wrath and Draco testing their new Martial Arts out, and the days go by. Vega learned more moves for his swordsmanship, working on his timing with his new speed. Some days later. **Draco¡¯s Random Day** Draco and his dragon are the last two on the desert, both training hard. His dragon flies over, as he¡¯s sitting down, holding around four orange-red protostars around him, concentrating, and closing his eyes. Draco: (The stars are pretty hard to control to be precise. I need something quick and accurate. I need a better name than protostar too¡­) Draco concentrates more, but above him and his dragon a portal opens up, and out peeps his Dad. Seeing the dragon and Draco using his power. Draconis: (So he died, huh.) Draconis with a concerned sadden face. But he looks closer, seeing the power his son is using. Draconis: (But it seems he chose the right power! Draco is getting closer and closer!) He has a sudden face of joy. Caffua is walking to Draco, yelling out to him. Caffua: C¡¯mon, Draco! I made some dinner! Draco opens his eyes, and jumps up, dusting the sand off of him. Draconis closes his portal, to remain hidden. Draconis: (He¡¯s in good hands.) Draconis goes back home. Draco stretching after his training. His dragon flew in a circle. Draco: Yeah, I¡¯m coming. Draco walks to the Hot Spring with his dragon flying behind him, the same devouring look as always, ready for the meal. A few days later. **Vega¡¯s Random Day** Vega is lying down in the desert, eyes closed. No one else is around. Enma comes running to him! Jumping on him and licking him! Enma is more prominent than when it hatched. Vega: Ahaha. Enma, relax. Vega played around with Enma, having some fun. Vega is holding Enma flying the smokey body around, Enma has a mischievous vibe and smiles about it while they play around. Vega with the happiest smile ever. Vega: Ahaha. Caffua: Having fun? Caffua is standing up over Vega and Enma, seeing them play together has him smiling. Vega''s face suddenly changes from happy to his usual expressionless face. Vega: ¡­ Enma disappears, and Vega gets up to walk away with his wooden sword in hand. Walking past Caffua, he pauses for a second. Vega: ¡­ Don¡¯t tell anyone you saw this. Caffua (cheerful): Hahaha. I wasn¡¯t planning to, Vega. Vega walks away with a relieved smile, Enma following right behind him in his shadow. Some more weeks later. **Wrath¡¯s Random Day** Wrath at the Hot Spring relaxing with Zeus. Caffua comes for a quick talk. Caffua: How¡¯s everything going? Wrath: Good. I¡¯m cooking up something new every day. Caffua: Nice. Zeus resting. As Zeus sleeps, the sparks on its body jump around. Caffua looked at Zeus happily. Caffua: It¡¯s pretty tired, huh? Especially after training with you so much. Wrath: Yeah, we¡¯ve been going hard. Caffua: I have to ask. Were you expecting something different? Wrath: Ah, yeah, a little. I was expecting a real wolf. You see how I am to the group. Vega and Draco always have something going on, while I¡¯m off on my own. You know, the Lone Wolf. Caffua: I see that. Wrath (sadden): I feel like I got trolled by the Author. Caffua (confused): (Author?) Wrath: No matter what, Zeus is perfect. But now, I¡¯m going to sleep. Wrath stood up, now with a smile on his face, loving what hatched from his egg. [More training days go by. Even more training! Then finally, the next two months come to an end! The three training months are OVER!!!] Caffua tells the gang he has something for them and he¡¯ll give it to them when he helps them get to the Main Continent. Now, they wait for the morning. Caffua steps out of his room again, but no one is outside. But as always, Draco is on the roof staring at the stars. Caffua brings some bamboo tea onto the roof to share a final talk. Draco: Yo. Caffua sees his dragon sleeping next to Draco, while he stares at the sky. Caffua: He has grown a lot. Draco: Hahaha. Yeah, I guess I went hard these last two months. I¡¯d say it¡¯s about 4 meters long now. (4 Meters = 13.1 Feet) Caffua: Here, drink some tea. Draco grabs the tea. Draco (thankful): Thanks. Caffua: I didn¡¯t come just for tea time. Draco starts drinking. Caffua: I wanted to ask. Ambition or destiny, Draco? Draco: Hm? [Ambition?! Destiny?! What¡¯s Draco¡¯s Answer?] Mystery 9 Fin Mystery Ten: Revelation Fallen Stars Mystery Ten Revelation Caffua: Let me ask you, Draco. What do you think your drive is? Is it, Ambition, or destiny? Draco thinks to himself. Then with a joking smirk, he responded. Draco: Easily, ambition. Caffua: Easy decision? Draco: Yeah, people with destiny, don¡¯t or won¡¯t go as hard as me, my drive is strictly ¡°purpose¡±. I have things I want to do. I feel like I¡¯m the most ambitious in the world! Caffua: (.....) Hm. About your goal to change the world. What if the world is perfect, and there aren¡¯t any problems? What will you do? Draco responds without any hesitation. Draco: I don¡¯t care if the world is good or bad. If it''s Evil or Just right now. We¡¯re doing our own thing. Caffua (dazed): ¡­. I wanted to know. Draco slightly turns his head to Caffua. Caffua: Can you do it? Draco: ¡­? Caffua: The rest of the world far exceeds anything you can possibly imagine. Your enemies will be strong too. Can you really ¡°Change The World¡¯¡¯? Caffua with a stern intense face looks at how he responds. Draco (laughs and smiles): Of course, I can. Or should I say ''we''? Hahaha. Draco continues to laugh. Caffua brings one finger up. Caffua: I don¡¯t want you using them, Draco. Draco takes a sip from his tea, then stops. Draco (smirks): I wonder who''s using who. Caffua: Hmph? Caffua confused¡­. Draco: But forget about that Old Man C. This is our last night here. We should be staring off into the stars, remembering the good times! Caffua: Yeah, Let¡¯s do that. As time passes by, the morning comes and the gang is up and ready to go. Bags packed, even Caffua has a bag. They are ready to set out onto the world. They all step outside with their animals¡­. Wrath: Whoa, Enma got bigger, Vega. Did you get taller too? Enma is a larger shadow now, an abundant more shadow is attached to it. Vega: Yeah, it seems Enma grew a lot. As for me, I guess I grew a little bit. **Vega** Height: 5¡¯9 Wrath: Nice. Vega: Zeus got bigger too, and you seem taller. Wrath (laughing): A King soon to reign supreme! Wrath put his arms out, with a smug smile. Zeus nodded, in the form of a badger, who is also bigger. **Wrath** Height: 6¡¯3 Draco: Haha. We all grew up. **Draco** Height: 6¡¯5 Draco''s dragon flew around him, as they both got bigger. The gang makes it to the training spot they¡¯ve been at for 3 months. Reminiscing about the times, but still pushing forward. Caffua: 50 miles of this desert and we¡¯re at the edge of the continent. Wrath: 50 miles? Should we just run there, that¡¯ll be quicker. The last one there is the weakest. Vega and Draco: We¡¯re game! The gang lines up, animals right beside them. Caffua: Hold on wait¡­. Wrath: On your mark. Vega: Get set. Draco: GO!!!! They all dash off leaving Caffua in the dust. Caffua sighs, shaking his head. Caffua: I¡¯ll catch up to them. Caffua holds onto his bag and katanas and starts flying, going to the coast. As a few minutes pass by, he gets to the coast, and the gang stares off at the water. They all look stunned. Caffua: So who won the race? Vega: I did, but¡­.. Wrath: Forget all that, what is up with this water? The water is rapid, clashing back and forth! Whirlpools form in the distance, and the water is very dark red, with no end in sight. They all look around and it''s happening everywhere. Caffua: You guys don¡¯t know about the Scarlet Seas? Vega, Wrath, and Draco: No. Caffua: No ships can travel or personal boats. This type of water happens all around the world, all the oceans are like this. The cursed seas... Staring out into the sea, zoning out, Draco starts balling up his fists. Draco: (Wait, why am I mad?) Vega: (So he wasn¡¯t lying¡­) Caffua: (...?) The only options of travel are flying over it, or driving over the connecting bridge. Wrath: Where¡¯s the bridge then? Caffua: (???) You guys don¡¯t¡­. Nevermind. Before that, I have something for you three. Caffua dug through his bag. Caffua: Got them. He gets out a black lightweight hoodie jacket for Draco, black on the inside too. He pulls out an all-new black cloak with a crimson collar and throws it to Vega. Lastly, he gets out a black-blue hooded cape having multiple linings and sigils for Wrath. Black on the inside. Wrath: Ohhh cool, It¡¯s all black, with a different part of it being blue. Ah thanks, Caffua. Caffua: Draco this is for you too. Caffua throws him a brand new headband, a dark blue color. Draco grabs it and quickly switches his old headband without Caffua being able to see what was underneath. Caffua has a very confused expression. Draco: Haha. Yeah, I practiced that alot. Caffua: Whatever. Look at the back of each of your clothing. They all turn around their clothes and see a personal design(besides Vega). Wrath (grinning): Lightning all around, I don¡¯t know what some of these symbols mean, but I know this one means crown! Yahahaha! Wrath¡¯s face is covered with joy. Vega: All black, some dark red shading. Caffua: Mhm. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Vega''s expression is happy, but he tries to hide it. Vega: I like it. Draco: Full black jacket, I have a white star on the back of mine. With a star within that star¡­.. Draco looks up slowly to Caffua. Caffua: Oh, last thing. Caffua undoes his sword belt. As the gang put on their new clothing. Caffua: These katanas are for you two. You definitely earned them, you surpassed my expectations. Caffua throws his katanas over to Vega and Draco. They catch them. Vega¡¯s katana has a red and black color scheme. With a quadrangular tsuba (guard), while the handle is red with a diamond pattern. The first half of its sheath is red, while the second half is black. Caffua: I know it¡¯s not ¡°the one¡±, Vega. But please accept it. Vega: Of course, I will. I don¡¯t have a sword anyway. Ahaha, we¡¯re going over with at least some weapons. Caffua: Like it, Draco? Draco gazes at it. Draco: I do. Draco¡¯s katana has a blue and black color scheme. With a star-shaped tsuba (guard), while the handle is black with a star pattern. The sheath is all black. Caffua: Not mad, Wrath? Wrath: Nah, I¡¯m good. I want a different type of weapon. Swords are boring. Caffua: Have this. Caffua tosses over his double gourd bottle. Wrath catches it. Wrath: Wait, for real? Caffua: I don¡¯t need it. Wrath pops it open and takes a sip. He looks muddled. Wrath: What¡­ It¡¯s water. Caffua: What did you think was in it? Vega interjects. Vega: What are the names of these katanas? Caffua: Them being yours now, you pick the names. Vega: Hmmm. Vega and Draco start thinking, then spark a few names. Draco: I think I got mine. Draco puts the sword out in front of him. Draco: Star¡¯s Judgement. Vega: Now mine, this will be the start of our adventure. Vega holds his sword up in the air, with a closed-mouth smile. Vega: Jigoku. AN* Jigoku (µØªz), meaning Hell. Caffua (cheerful): Both are great names. Both the katanas start glowing, then stop. Draco (shocked): Whoa, what was that? Draco and Vega looking at their katanas. Draco¡¯s sword now has stars going across the blade, Vega¡¯s has a flame going across it. Caffua: That is what happens when you transfer ownership of katanas. All ¡°special¡± katanas do it. Vega: Do you have to get consent from the previous owner? Caffua: Yes. You have to get consent. Even to be able to wield it, you need consent from the owner. Or just killing them. Vega: ¡­. Caffua hands them both swordsman belts. Vega ties his on and puts his sword on his hip under his cloak. Draco wraps it on his back, putting his sword on his back. Caffua: Now, let¡¯s get you guys over to the main continent. Wrath: How will we cross? We have no bridge and I don''t think we all can fit on Zeus. Zeus starts shaking its head. Signaling no!! Caffua goes through his pockets. Caffua: Also this, I almost forgot. Here, take this. You each get Five Thousand Sols. Draco (greatly surprised): 5K?! Each?! Caffua: It¡¯s not much, but spend it wisely. Caffua hands them the money. He hands them 5 one thousand bills. The sols are blue. Wrath (happy): Thanks so much! Caffua: But¡­ Sorry, I lied. Wrath, Vega, and Draco: Hmph? Caffua uses his power and lifts all of them, including their animals. Wrath: This is... Telepathy? Caffua: That¡¯s what I lied about, I have another power. Telekinesis. Caffua with a saddened face. Caffua: (Should I let this evil into the world?) Draco (stern tone, and face): What are you doing, Old Man? **Flashback to 3 Months Beforehand.** A phone is ringing and Caffua picks up. Caffua: Hola. Draconis (joyful): Hahaha, Dad, you''re still doing that? Caffua (cold tone): What do you need...... son? Draconis: Dang, why did you say it like that? I was wondering if you can train my son, Draco. Caffua: No. That''s all? Draconis: C¡¯mon, Dad. He¡¯s a good kid. But he won¡¯t take any lessons from me. He¡¯s trying to outdo me. Caffua: I don¡¯t even know what he looks like. I never got to see him. Draconis: Well, now you¡¯ll get to see him. You¡¯ll know him when you see him. He should be alone unless he meets up with those delinquents he used to be friends with. Caffua: So you want me to take care of three, maybe four delinquents? For over a year?! Draconis: No, no. Just three months. Draco is a fast learner. That''s all it¡¯ll take. Caffua: Three months? Hmmm. I can do that, but you''ll have to reimburse me for the whole time. Draconis: Ok, deal. Just a warning¡­ Caffua: What? Does he have anger issues? Draconis: No, no, no, he has an itsy bit of darkness about him. Caffua: Oh good, of course he does. Draconis (happy): It¡¯s your Grandson! Take care of him. Gotta go. Graduation will start soon. Thanks again! Caffua: Sure¡­. **Back to the Present.** Caffua still remembers his son saying ¡°It¡¯s your Grandson!¡± Caffua: I¡¯m sending you to the Mainland. The trip will take about 3 days. I packed enough food for 3 days, but still c Vega: Do you know where we will land? Caffua: It should be, The Continent: Pistol. Wrath (concerned): (Pistol? Ah shit, I still have that thing in my bag. Let me put this gourd in there too.) Vega: Ok. Wrath: Thanks for everything. Draco and Vega: Yeah... thanks. Caffua: Off you go. Caffua sends them speeding over the water, as the crew has to sit back for three days!! Caffua (thrilled): My grandson and his friends are going to cause a lot of chaos!! Caffua turns around and flies back to his Hot Spring. He walks in, and something comes up out of the basement. It¡¯s a large panda, chewing on some bamboo. Caffua: Hi Lex, how are you doing? Lex (angry): (Don¡¯t ¡°Hi Lex¡± me, you bastard. You said stay down there and protect the eggs for two weeks and now it¡¯s been another whole two months.) Caffua (apologetic): Sorry sorry, I didn¡¯t want to frighten them after a hard day of training. So I never got to introduce you to them. Caffua goes to sit down. Lex (still angry): (Fuck off.) Lex goes and lays down in front of Caffua. Chewing on some bamboo as Caffua sets up his tea ready to read a good book. Also waiting on his son to come to pay his debt off. As he hums a little. Caffua: Hmm... Hmmm. **Caffua** Stellar: XX Cosmic Path: Telepathy & Telekinesis Animal: Mo Panda (Legendary) Epithets: Wandering Samurai, Protector Hours pass and he¡¯s just sitting in his chair reading a book. Then a portal opens up in front of them and outruns someone, huffing, and puffing. [We are taken back, A few minutes before this.] Draconis: Let me go check and see if they left already. Diadem: No, you¡¯re going to stay here and help me clean. Draconis: It¡¯s a five-minute trip, baby. In and out. I can¡¯t even be seen so I have to be fast. Diadem: All this stuff we have to do, and you want to just leave? Draconis (getting loud): I¡¯ll be right back! Diadem (getting mad): No! Draconis (depressed): Alright... Fine! I¡¯ll start in the backyard. Diadem (happy): Good. I want the grass cut and make it look nice, my friends are coming over tomorrow. Draconis: Alright, alright, alright. Draconis walks out to the yard and summons a portal and runs through. Diadem (gets infuriated): Draconis!! .....Well, I have some time, I¡¯m not cleaning up until he gets back. [Present] Draconis comes running through the portal, seeing his dad and Lex just looking at him. Draconis: Yo, what¡¯s up pops? Caffua (cold): Draconis. Draconis goes to sit down beside his dad. Draconis: Hey, Lex. Been a minute. Lex (cold also): (Fuck off.) Draconis: Whoa dad, that¡¯s how you really feel? Caffua: I mean¡­. If you''re looking for your kid he just left. I sent them. Draconis: Good, good. He probably doesn¡¯t want to see me. He¡¯s probably still hung up on the dying thing. Caffua: Oh, he didn¡¯t seem hung up on it to me. Draconis: He didn¡¯t? Well, how did the training go? Caffua: Went great actually. They were able to train in harsh conditions and weren¡¯t even phased by the desert. Especially in this gravity for twelve hours a day. Draconis: Really? Wait, ¡°they¡±? Caffua: Yeah. The eggs that hatched were raij¨±, mikaboshi, and a red dragon. You can already guess the dragon. Draconis (overwhelmed): Three of them?! Who were they?! Caffua: Draco, Vega, and Wrath. Draconis: So he was with his friends. (That¡¯s the crowd he wants to be around.) Draconis holds up a fist of rage, he has an image of Wrath with an evil grin and Vega with a pissed-off face in his head. Caffua: Training went well, even though we had a Fight. Draconis (gets serious): Fight?! Who was it? *jumps up* Caffua: Don¡¯t worry, it was a fight between Draco and Vega, a friendly duel. Draconis: Ok and¡­. Caffua: Draco won the fight. Draconis (excited): That''s my boy!!! Caffua: (Even though a little moment happened.) Caffua is thinking back to when Draco appeared behind Vega with a ferocious look. Draconis: It seems everything is ok. Your Hot Spring isn''t torn apart. Caffua: Luckily, we¡¯re good. Draconis: How much did you tell them about Cosmos and Stars? And how much do I owe you? Caffua: Ahh, I only gave them the basics. I didn¡¯t want to spoil everything, they needed to get out and explore the world for themselves. Figure everything out on their own time. Now. Hmmm, let me tally it up. Caffua grabs his finance book and starts jolting things down. Caffua: Three months'' worth of food for three people, two months and two weeks of animal food, and 15k total at the end. So¡­¡­. about 100K. Draconis¡¯ eyes light up with cheapness. Draconis: Whoa. That much? Caffua: *sighs* Are you still that cheap? Draconis: Not cheap, just frugal with my money. Caffua: You and I both know you¡¯re good for it. Caffua pulls out his red card, with a ¡°T¡± on it, waiting on his son. Draconis: Agh. Ok. Draconis takes out his blue card, also with a ¡°T¡± on it, and taps Caffua¡¯s card transferring the 100k. Caffua: Thank you. You taught him well. He never revealed his last name to me. Draconis: Hahaha, yeah. I told him to keep it a secret. Caffua: I also asked Draco¡¯s little friends who the leader was to see if there was any inner turmoil, and they both said Draco is the leader. Draconis (energetic): My boy! Caffua: But that Vega one, he has his own hell to worry about, and that Wrath one, he has this certain space around him¡­ And Draco... *sees Anti in his head*... that darkness¡­ Draconis has a weird look on his face... Caffua: All three of them... they all took different martial arts¡­ like, to cover each other. Or, were they training beforehand for something else¡­ Draconis sits, pondering, while Caffua gathers himself and speaks up. Caffua: Alright, last thing before I kick you out. Draconis: You¡¯re kicking me out?! Caffua leans forward with a serious face. Caffua: You know, a Very Destructive Star is born every 3 generations. Draconis looks over to Caffua. Draconis (smiling): Hahaha. Was Grandma crazy? Caffua with a grimey grin¡­ **Meanwhile... Back to Wrath, Vega, and Draco** Wrath¡¯s face is covered in amazement. Wrath: This water is crazy. Vega¡¯s usual expressionless face. Vega: Flying over it is even crazier. Draco lay back, hands behind his head, eyes closed. Draco: ¡­. Wrath: Man. It¡¯s a bubble of telekinesis. I wonder if we can stand up in it. Wrath goes to stand and gets in his new martial arts stance. Wrath: You can stand perfectly. Alright. *continues* Dei- Draco (sits up and interrupts): Wrath. Wrath: Huh? Draco: Let me say something before we make it over. Wrath: Alright. Wrath goes to sit back down. Draco stands up in front of them, looking forward. His face has nothing but a determined smirk on it. Draco: They always say, there are only two options for us. Either dead or in jail, but they never mention the third option. Behind the scenes, making real money! We all have problems, keeping to ourselves, and our egos. That¡¯s not good for the group. We have things we want to accomplish, and we have to work together to do them! Wrath and Vega (both nod): Mhm. Draco raises both of his hands, clenching his fists! Draco: Wrath¡¯s Goal: Conquering all the Kingdoms! Vega¡¯s Goal: Destroying the Army! And finally mine¡­ Draco raises his voice! Yelling into the sky!! Draco (big smile): Killing all of the Gods!! We, Will, Do It! You Have To Yell It Into Existence! Let''s Get It Done! Wrath and Vega (full of excitement): Hell Yeah! All of their animals nod in agreement!! Draco is seen with his right arm still raised, he starts creating a vibrant red star, and just laughing evilly. With Vega smirking, and Wrath grinning behind him. Draco: Isn¡¯t that right¡­ Apocalypse. Apocalypse (Draco¡¯s dragon) flies up and circles him with a fierce look. Draco: Hahahahahahahaha!! AN* Apocalypse, meaning the complete final destruction of the world. Draco has a plotting expression plastered across his face. His head is tilted down a little bit, only seeing his eyes barely, but they have an evil synergy too. Inside of Draco¡¯s inner world is Anti, still chained up, and has a certain look. Anti: What a great revelation. [The Ending of the, Age of Revelation Arc!! The Next Movement! Onward To The Mainland!] Mystery 10 Fin ¡°The most beautiful things we can experience is the mysterious.¡± Albert Einstein Mystery Ten Point Five: The Beginning of The End [Bonus Chapter] Fallen Stars Mystery Ten Point Five [Bonus Chapter] My Thoughts and Ideas Plus Some Inspiration And Shoutouts The Beginning of The End. Hello Hello! This is the Author, Missing¡î! I just wanna throw out my ideas I had in the past or what I rewrote. Plus inspirations, whatever whatever, you probably read the title. Just wanna say thanks if you made it this far blah blah blah. You know, all that stuff. I was going to list inspirations for the main characters but I think they are their own characters now and I don''t want to be blinded by following how the inspiration would be. I may do all the inspirations in another .5 Mystery. But for their partners, Vega went through alot of them¡­ Vega partner changes: Bird -> Monkey -> Tiger -> Lion -> Monkey -> Shishi -> Anubis -> Monkey again -> Nine Tail Fox -> Cerberus -> Nine Tail Fox again -> Cerberus again -> Mikaboshi I think I¡¯m settled on that. Hopefully halfway thru the story, I don¡¯t go crazy and change it. (I got a good amount of chapters with the Cerberus but it''s good to change it early before you get hundreds deep...) But for Wrath... Wrath: Fenrir -> Tiger -> Fenrir -> Oni -> Monkey -> Electric Sheep -> Monkey -> Anubis -> Lizard -> Salamander -> Lizard again -> Griffin -> Monkey again -> Raij¨± A lot of back and forth between these characters, but Draco¡¯s partner was a dragon before I even started writing. Now my Inspirations (Anime/Manga/Webtoons/Mythologies.) Animes/Mangas: Attack on Titan, One Piece, Death Note, Yu Yu Hakusho, Hunter x Hunter, Toriko, Kuroko no Basket, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Monster, and Pokemon. Webtoons: The Boxer, Hardcore Leveling Warrior, Solo Leveling, UnOrdinary, The God of Highschool, and Tower of God. I was reading Tower of God while writing and finally caught up to it. I really enjoyed this series. It¡¯s amazing. (Currently reading Kubera) If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Mythologies: Greek, Egyptian, Roman, Norse, Shinto (Japanese), Buddhism, African, Middle Eastern, Jewish, and Chinese Mythology. Now for the shoutouts. You got¡­. Black https://soundcloud.com/brandend/sets/mind-escape (Black hates on me, great editor though.) Stone https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHAIHt3bkb0wd6ZBwt6iszA (I highkey inspired Stone but w.e, he¡¯s also a good beta reader to talk to.) M5 Below!!!! These guys also helped me with my story, and are doing something themselves. Even though I don''t have a link for any of their stories as of right now. Perry (Check out his story.) Satsuki (Even though he won''t shout me out.) https://www.youtube.com/c/SatsukiTheSavage Wave (Check out his story.) Wally (Check out his story.) Heart (Great editor, check out his comic.) Rex (Has a channel, https://www.twitch.tv/rexzor77 ) Key (Great guy, can¡¯t lie. Also helped me with designing a few things.) These guys helped me with my story, from brainstorming ideas just throwing them at them and seeing how they react, to correcting my grammar, you know, fck spelling correct. The MC¡¯s of this story (M5) will have some hints from these guys, into the characters themselves. Major things will be named after them too, they helped me alot so I have to sneak them into here somehow. Also, as of now, Draco¡¯s star isn''t as hot as a star, he can''t be having planet-destroying shit at the beginning. And this should wrap up the .5 Mystery. I¡¯ll be making more .5s at the end of sagas. This isn¡¯t the end of the first chapter, but I wanted to talk here after the first arc. But, I hope you continue reading the story, till the end of this journey! Miscellaneous stuff if you forget what chapter these show up in. **Classifications** **Futuristic: Futuristic animals get a stamina boost.** **Modern: Modern animals get a strength boost.** **Extinct: Extinct animals get a defense boost.** **Folklore: Creatures from folklores get an endurance boost.** **Imaginary: Imaginary creatures get a regeneration boost.** **Legendary: Legendary creatures get a speed boost.** **Forbidden: This refers to creatures that were once Forbidden to ever exist. When these creatures appear, people are on the lookout. They get a boost to their ability power. Plus a boost from another one of the classes.** Stellar, from lowest to highest goes M, K, G, F, A, B, O. Ranging from nine to one on each level. One being the highest. **Stellar** O B A F G K M 9 to 1 Goodbye! This is the end of 10.5! Mystery Eleven: Introduction The Pistol Continent! Fallen Stars Mystery Eleven Introduction The Pistol Continent! As time flies by. Day by day, Wrath and Vega are still doing some training while Draco lays down. All of them are prepping for the mainland. 3 days pass by, and they see the coast up ahead. Wrath: Looks like we¡¯re here. Vega: I wonder how far the nearest city is. Draco sits up. Draco: It¡¯s finally time guys. He grins, ready. **Meanwhile in Leda Lake City At A Lookout Post** Adhil (frustrated): Tabit!! Where are you?! A short woman with short brown hair, wearing an army uniform. Adhil: Idiot. Have you seen him, Algol? Algol: Nah, I haven¡¯t. Adhil, a male sitting down, books to the side. White skin with a strong chin. Hair covered with a beanie hat. Adhil: Well, who is supposed to watch the post if no one is here?! Algol: C¡¯mon, we never have traffic from this side. It¡¯ll be a slow day like it always is. Adhil: I¡¯m going to find him so stay put. Algol: Will do, Sergeant. Adhil leaves in search of Tabit. Algol: Time to turn the music back up. Algol starts bobbing to the music. Someone comes rushing in. Tabit: Geez, did she finally leave? Tabit comes walking in, with his ruffled black hair. White male, medium height. Algol turns down the music. Algol: Yep. She just left. Tabit: Always nagging, I just had to pee. Algol: Mhm. Tabit goes to sit down. Tabit: No traffic as always, huh? Algol: Nope, not a single soul. Tabit: Why do we even guard this direction? No one ever comes from here. Algol: Gotta listen to the boss lady. Let¡¯s at least enjoy some Lofi. Algol turns the music back up. They both danced while enjoying the music. **Meanwhile... In The Bubble Draco, Vega, and Wrath.** Draco: Get ready to land. It¡¯s here. The telekinesis bubble pops, throwing them onto the coast. Vega, Wrath, and Draco jump before the impact, all landing safely. All the animals make it safely also. Wrath touches the ground as he lands, cape flapping. With Draco and Vega landing straight up. Vega looked around. Wrath stands up and yells with excitement on his face!! Wrath: Wooooooo! We made it! **Wrath** You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Stellar: M1 Cosmic Path: Electricity Animal: Raij¨± (Forbidden) Net Worth: 5,000 Sols Vega (serious look and tone): Just relax buddy, but we did make it. **Vega** Stellar: M1 Cosmic Path: Fire Animal: Mikaboshi (Forbidden) Net Worth: 5,000 Sols Happiness, excitement, eagerness, and enthusiasm over Draco¡¯s face cannot be described! Draco: FINAAAALYYY! **Draco** Stellar: M1 Cosmic Path: Star Animal: Unknown Dragon (Forbidden) Net Worth: 5,000 Sols Vega: You¡¯re just as excited, huh? Draco: Yes, one step closer to accomplishing our goals. Now, we just press forward! The gang and their animals all walk the path forward, heads held high. Finally making it to the Pistol Continent! Draco: What¡¯s the first thing y''all are going to do when we find a city? Wrath: I¡¯m finding a tailor. I want the hoodie part of my cape a little lighter so it can cover more of my face. Vega: Hmmm. I still don¡¯t know, let¡¯s keep walking, and depending on the city, I¡¯ll find out. Wrath: Do you guys feel any lighter? Wrath and Draco jump up and down. Draco: I kinda do. What, is the gravity different here? Wrath: No way, that¡¯s just crazy. Draco: Caffua did say ¡°The World far exceeds my imagination¡±. Vega: He did, huh? **Meanwhile... Back at the Lookout Post.** Tabit (fatigued): Ahhhhhh. This is so boring. Why did I sign up for the Army? Algol: Didn¡¯t say you have kids to feed? And it would be ¡°an easy ride¡±. Tabit: Shut up. This is easy, but I was looking for a little more excitement. I didn''t think I would get lookout duty. Algol: Want some coffee? I¡¯m making some. Tabit: Sure. Let me hear about your life, Algol. Algol brings over the coffee. Algol: Well, nothing too crazy. I joined because I needed to find a way to provide for my brother. Tabit: Really? Is something wrong with him? Algol: Nah, nothing like that. He¡¯ll be at the Olympics next year. So he has to put 100% concentration on training. Tabit: Wow, that¡¯s great and bad. At least he has a brother like you to look out for him. Algol: Yeah, I got him covered. 30 minutes go by and nothing passes by the lookout post. Tabit (still disinterested): Man! This is so boring! Why do we even have to guard this side no one comes from over here. Algol while reading his book. Algol (calm): That doesn¡¯t mean we don¡¯t have to guard it. Tabit: Psh¡­ Algol: You should be happy. We don¡¯t have to deal with any trouble and we get paid for it. Tabit: True¡­ As the door slams open. Adhil (catching Tabit): So, you''re back here now! Tabit: Huh? I¡¯ve been here all day. Adhil: Don¡¯t lie to me, I was here earlier. I didn¡¯t see you at all. Tabit jokingly says¡­. Tabit: Hmm. I must¡¯ve been in the bathroom. Adhil clenches her fist. Adhil (getting mad): Don¡¯t play with me, Tabit! Tabit (cool): No one is playing, we¡¯re on guard watching out for everything, right, Algol? Algol sits down with his coffee in hand. Algol: Right. We got it covered, Sarge. Adhil: I¡¯ll be back in 3 minutes, I need to check on the towers. Adhil notices something. Adhil: Wait. What¡¯s that? Algol gets up. Algol: Let me check. Algol goes to look and he sees three people walking into the city. Algol: I see three suspects. Hold on¡­ Adhil: Which way are they coming from? No one comes from that direction¡­ Wait, are they coming from the Void continent¡­!?? Tabit (cautious): The Void contin-- Adhil yells out quickly!! Adhil: Get yourselves together! We¡¯ll meet them at the open grounds, before the gate! Get your partners. Adhil runs out and finds Craig sitting in a chair, chilling. Adhil (serious): Inform the Army in the next city, we have three people coming from the Void Continent. Tell the Major General. Go! Go! Go! Craig: Yes, ma¡¯am! Craig gets up. Adhil (very serious): If you can¡¯t get in touch with me, presume us dead! Craig runs off in a hurry. Adhil: Get ready! Algol and Tabit run to get their partners and report back to the post. Algol: We¡¯re here, ma¡¯am! Algol and Tabit with all of their things and their partners. Algol with a sharp spear in his hand, and Tabit with some nunchucks. Adhil: Ready?! Algol and Tabit with very serious looks!! Algol and Tabit: Yes, ma¡¯am! Adhil: Let¡¯s head out! C¡¯mon, Echo! Echo, the otter, gets in line. **Adhil** Stellar: XX Cosmic Path: XX Animal: Otter (Modern) Tabit: Ready. **Tabit** Stellar: XX Cosmic Path: XX Animal: Newt (Modern) Algol: Same! **Algol** Stellar: XX Cosmic Path: XX Animal: Seal (Modern) Adhil: We¡¯ll just confront them, and try to not cause any problems. Try not to use any trigger words, and get them to go another way. Tabit: What are we trying to do exactly? Adhil: Not let them walk through our city. We should find a way to convince them to take a different route. Algol: Alright, easy. **Meanwhile... Back To Draco, Vega, and Wrath.** Draco: Do you see those walls? I think we made it to a city. Wrath with some enthusiasm in his voice! Wrath: Finally! It¡¯s coming right up. Vega: Wait. They all stop. Vega: Do you see those people walking towards us? Wrath tries looking forward, putting his hand above his eyes to see what¡¯s ahead of him. Wrath: Yeah, I see three people walking. All with animals too. Vega is getting serious. Vega: Put your game faces on. They most likely have powers. Draco: I¡¯m good. The group proceeds to continue walking forward, about to meet the army soldiers. Vega: Wait, they¡¯re in Army uniforms. The intensity in Vega grows, as his face gets even madder. Vega starts to move his hand, gripping his sword under his cloak. The spike on Enma¡¯s back raises. Draco: Let¡¯s see what¡¯s the first thing they say. The three soldiers come face to face with the gang. The soldiers stand side by side. Adhil musters up a welcome. [What Is She About To Say?! Hopefully, It''s Something Nice!] Mystery 11 Fin Mystery Twelve: Vanishing Shadow!! Fallen Stars Mystery Twelve Vanishing Shadow!! Wrath: (What is she about to say?) Adhil warms up, getting ready to speak. Enma is making ominous noises. Adhil: I am the sergeant of the 85th Squad, stationed at Leda Lake City! My name is sergeant Adhil! Wrath whispers to Vega and Draco. Wrath: Sheesh, why is she telling us? Draco speaks up, with a slight smile. Draco: I would tell you our names, but that doesn¡¯t matter. Tabit whispers to Algol. Tabit: Huh, what did he say? It doesn''t matter? Adhil goes to speak again. Adhil (severe): What business do you have here? This is nothing but a measly village, there¡¯re bigger and better cities, on the route to the right! Draco (laughs): A measly village? With an Army squad protecting it? Enma shows its teeth. Adhil (uneased): (Huh?) Tabit speaks under his breath. Tabit (pissed): Void continent scum. All three of them hear Tabit say this. Draco, while smiling, raises a finger pistol, as it starts to glow. Vega rushes in, cutting the three before they could even see him! Cutting them diagonally, while they stand in a straight line! Vega: **Vanishing Shadow** They all yell out in pain!! Tabit, Adhil, and Algol: Agh!! As the cut goes across their chest, blood spews out, with them spitting up blood! Tabit: (Did he just cut all three of us? We didn¡¯t even see him coming. Was the guy talking just a distraction-) Vega: **Ignite** The cuts across their chest ignite with flames bursting out! Standing to the side of them, Vega turned his sword sideways, winding up, sending off a final cut!!! Vega: **T¨­katsu Jigoku** AN* T¨­katsu Jigoku, meaning the Reviving Hell. In a split second, before the raging flames leaped onto the soldiers. Adhil looked at Vega and saw a red aurora coming off of him, and the same aurora around his sword and flames. The soldiers are engulfed by incredibly powerful bright red flames!! They continue screaming in agonizing pain!! Algol, Adhil, and Tabit: Aaaaahhh!!! Screeching in pain!! The soldier''s animals look at Vega, as he¡¯s covered in flames. They try running off, but kill over signaling their partners died! **Vega** Army Kill Count: 3 Vega (expressionless): (Too easy.) Draco (joking): God damn overkill, Vega. Wrath (upset): Damn it, I was just about to go in too. Wrath walks over to the corpses. Wrath: I can¡¯t even check and see what they have, it¡¯s burnt to a crisp. Vega lets out a loud yell!! Vega: AAAAAAH! The red flames cover his body! Raging flames surround him, and Enma grows a little bigger! Then the fire disappear. Wrath: What the hell was that just now? Vega touched his chest. Vega: I don¡¯t know. Maybe that¡¯s the feeling when you move up in tiers. Caffua did say we have to kill ''Stars''. So it does refer to people with powers and partners. Draco: Hmmm. That makes the most sense. Wrath: Well damn, Draco and I are still on M then. While Vega here has leveled up. Do you feel any different? Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Vega: No, I feel pretty much the same. What did Caffua say we get on the next one again? Wrath: I remember him saying¡­ *Quick Remembrance* Caffua: When you hit K, you get increased strength, extra durability, can turn into your abilities, an increased time limit to 1 hour, and can communicate with your partner, such as hearing each other''s thoughts.¡± *Back to the Present* Wrath: That¡¯s what I remember. Vega: I wonder what¡¯s the first one I get. **Vega** Stellar: K9 Draco: Good thing you¡¯re here, Wrath. I almost forgot what he said. Wrath: You still have a terrible memory? Draco: As my mom would say, it''s just selective memory. All of their animals run over to eat the seal. Vega looking at Enma notices it still has one spike. Vega: (So I guess moving tiers doesn¡¯t change that.) Enma: (No. You have to upgrade yourself to bring the strongest version of me out, Vega. I¡¯m a reflection of you.) Vega: (So I can finally talk to you now. This is the first ability on the Stellar I get.) Enma: (Nice to finally speak to you.) Vega: (Now, what were you saying?) Draco: Yo, Vega. We¡¯re about to head into the city, come on. Vega: Right, I¡¯m on the way. (Let¡¯s chat on the way, Enma.) Enma: (Gotchu.) As the gang continues walking, they reach the gates of the city. Draco: She said this was Leda Lake City, right? Wrath: That¡¯s what I heard. Draco (cheerful): Well, let''s explore! As they walk through the gates with their animals, they see an open land with multiple buildings all around. Gardens of vegetation and flowers growing, all around. The sun shines just like it''s spring. Vega: It¡¯s like a giant grassland. An open area and they settled this. They see the opening sign. **Welcome To Leda Lake City Home of The 9th Largest Lake** They see a flag on the gates, it''s a flag with grass on the bottom with mountains drawn on it, top right. With a lake in the middle of the flag, in the middle of the lake is a single eye and in the top left of the flag, they see a symbol¡­ (Rough layout) https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/663225763742613515/739414704736436224/Army2.png They continue walking through the entrance. Draco: We kinda stick out with our animals, so stay on guard. Wrath: Right. Vega: We could just have them hide on the rooftops. Draco: Smart idea. Wrath: Well, I¡¯ll see you guys. Wrath takes off running. Draco: Wait, where are you going? Wrath: I told you, to find a tailor! Wrath is now out of sight. Draco and Vega start walking around the city. Draco: You plan on running off too? Vega: Nah, there¡¯s nothing I need right now. What are you about to do? Draco: I¡¯m looking for a bookstore. Trying to find a composite book. Vega: There¡¯s gotta be one nearby. Draco and Vega walk past farmers, milking cows and goats right in the open. Draco: I guess this is normal here. Vega: Hold on. What¡¯s that sign say? **Flex¡¯s Calendar Store** Draco: Yeah, I don''t think they have it. Vega: Maybe they do. They go into the store in search of a journal. Draco: Yeah, this is weird. They walk in and see nothing but large calendars hanging on the wall. Vega (perplexed): There aren''t any tiny calendars. There¡¯s only huge ones. Draco: Let¡¯s leave. Vega: Yeah. Vega and Draco walked out of the store in search of a different one. Draco: Let¡¯s just keep looking. They walk some more, finally finding a bright neon sign. **Perry¡¯s Bookstore** The sign has a rat in the background on top of the letters. Draco: Nice. Let¡¯s go in. Draco and Vega go in, while their animals chill on the rooftop. They scramble to look for a journal. Draco spots one and takes it to the register to buy it. A perky cashier comes around to ring them up. Kerri: This is it? Draco: Yeah, that¡¯s everything. You''re not Perry, are you? Kerri (laughs): Heck no. Perry started this whole bookstore franchise, he owns so many. He¡¯s the big big boss. Draco: Oh, I thought this was a local joint. Kerri: That¡¯s understandable. Leda just feels so home-like, people say that all the time. Where are you from? Draco remembers Tabit saying, ¡°Void continent scum.¡± Draco (hesitance): Uhhhh, some lowly southeastern city. Don¡¯t worry about it. Kerri: Ok. Well, your total is 2,000 Sols. Draco and Vega (very surprised): 2,000?!!! Kerri (joyful): Yep, Low prices here at Perry¡¯s. Draco: (Sheesh.) Does it at least come with a pencil? Kerri: Just for you, I¡¯ll throw in a free mechanical pencil. *winks* Draco (smiles): Thank you. I¡¯ll take it, here is 2,000 sols. Kerri: Nice doing business with you, come back again! Draco and Vega walk out of the store. Draco: What the fuck. 2,000 for one book. These cost 2 sols back at home. Vega: I feel that after that exchange, we were on a completely isolated continent. Why was there such a massive gap in paying for something? Draco: It¡¯s fine, we¡¯ll have more money than we¡¯ll ever need in the future. Draco holds up his journal. Draco (smiles): But this is the start. Vega: Wrath better not be starting anything. Draco: Let¡¯s regroup with him. There probably isn¡¯t a crazy amount of tailors here. **Meanwhile** With Wrath Rodney¡¯s Tailor Joint Wrath: This cape, I¡¯m just trying to make the hoodie part lighter. But still, cover all of my face. And I want the inside of the hoodie to be all blue. Rodney (happy): Sure, I can do that. I have this material too. Wrath (relieved): Great! How long will it take? Rodney: Hmm, give me about an hour, it should be done. Wrath: Alright. Well get started, I¡¯ll wait. Rodney: Be back in an hour. Rodney takes the hooded cape to the back and gets started. The background music of the store plays, You can have all my shine, I''ll give you the light You can have, all, my, shine, I''ll give you the light **Meanwhile** Back to Vega and Draco Draco (drained): Man what the hell? There are a bunch of tailor shops here. What is the market like here? Vega: With so many shops, I bet Wrath¡¯s total will be super low. Probably even lower than your book. Draco (tears up): If that happens I¡¯m going to kill Wrath. Vega laughs it off. Vega (smirking): Ahaha, stop it. Let¡¯s just find him. As an hour goes by, Draco and Vega still can¡¯t find the shop. Rodney comes back out with the cape. Rodney: Try this on. Wrath gets it and puts it on. The hoodie covers most of his face, and the inside is blue. Wrath (extremely satisfied): This Is PERFECT! Rodney (smiles): Glad I could help. Now for your total. Wrath: Yep. Rodney: This fabric, with the labor. Comes to a total of 5,000 sols. Wrath¡¯s happy expression leaves and he has a puzzled look. Wrath: 5,000? What? Is that right? Rodney: 5,000 is the total. Wrath thinks intensely. Wrath: (Lose all of my money on this or¡­) Rodney (confused): Hmph? So are you paying or not? I¡¯ll have to call the Army. Wrath comes up with some reasoning in his head, thinking seriously. Wrath: (Shit. The sergeant is dead. If more people figure that out. It will cause even more of a shit storm. I have to make a move.) Wrath coats his left hand in electricity. Rodney is taken by surprise. Rodney (scared): Whoa, what are you doing?! Wrath stabs Rodney through the chest with his electricity! Rodney looks into Wrath¡¯s blue eyes, he also sees Wrath smiling, his fangs slightly showing, but it¡¯s somewhat covered by his hoodie. Wrath (sinister): I need you to be quiet. Draco and Vega come walking through. And see Wrath¡¯s arm through a man. Sparks flying. Draco: Wrath, the fuck man. Draco has a slightly confused expression. [What Is He Doing??!] Mystery 12 Fin Mystery Thirteen: Light Show Fallen Stars Mystery Thirteen Light Show *Draco and Vega walking in on Wrath stabbing someone* Draco (calm): The hell are you doing, Wrath? Wrath takes his arm out of Rodney. Rodney slides down to the ground. Rodney: Blrp... Wrath (reassured): He was about to call the Army. Wrath looking at his arm. Wrath (sick): (Ugh¡­ Blood¡­) Wrath gets some paper towels from the desk and wipes off his arm. Grinning as always. Vega: So you just killed him? Wrath: I don¡¯t wanna hear that from you, Vega. You just killed three people. Draco: Let¡¯s get out of here. They all walk out of the store trying not to look suspicious. And continue walking out of the city. Wrath: I got my cape exactly how I wanted it, plus I didn¡¯t have to pay. What more could you ask for? Wrath smirks, while Vega shakes his head. Wrath: C¡¯mon, it''s a win-win situation. Draco: How so? Wrath: Well, killing him I can check to see if he¡¯s a star, which would get me on a new tier, if he wasn¡¯t, then I just stopped him from reporting me. Draco nods his head, giving off an understanding impression. Draco: He does have a point, Vega. Vega is just completely cold. Vega: ¡­.Dumb. They overhear some people on a bench. Ernie: That lady is wilding again. Clay: Who? The one in the mountains? Ernie (laughs): Yea. Something about the time has come or some dumb shit like that. Clay: Why won¡¯t she just leave those ruins? Draco and Wrath (peaked interest): (Ruins?) Ernie: She says she¡¯s still waiting on the next one. I don¡¯t know what that means. Draco: I kinda want to go now. Wrath: Yeah, same. Mainly to get far away from this town. Vega: Now you want to go. Someone yells out!! Tyson (frenzy): AYE!!! Someone killed old man Rodney! Ernie and Clay (disturbed): What?! They all run over there, some people leaving their restaurants open to see what has happened. Ruby is in complete shock! Ruby (crying): Old man! Who did this?! Clay (worried): What the hell¡­. Ernie: He has a hole in his chest. It¡¯s not a gun hole either. Clay: It¡¯s about the size of an arm!? Ruby lets out a scream, as she¡¯s crying!! Ruby (tears falling): AAAAAHHHHH! Clay (serious): Someone calm her down! Ernie: Did anyone see anything?! Henry: I was in my restaurant. I didn¡¯t see anything. Riley looks around quickly, searching for anything. Riley: Wait, I saw those three coming out of the store! Riley points to Draco and the gang. Wrath: Ah shit. Draco: Wait, relax. We didn¡¯t do anything we shouldn¡¯t run. Draco goes to wave at them with a slight smile. The townspeople pick up bats and rakes, and run after them! Draco: What the¡­.Run! The gang takes off running. All of their animals jump off the rooftops and follow them. Draco: Win-win situation, huh? Wrath: Shut up. **Rat¡¯s Cafe** This coffee shop has an animated neon sign of two rats fighting over coffee, biting each other back and forth. At the coffee shop¡¯s terrace is a lighter skin woman with a curvaceous figure wearing a smokey-colored sundress, having lustrous silver ash-like hair that goes down to her thighs. She has a furry silver tail on her backside. Her hair also has loose bangs covering her forehead and side bangs. Have sunglasses on and red lipstick. Her sword is to the side. Reading a book, she looks at the gang running and chuckles a little bit. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Vulpecula: Hmph. But then, she sees Vega running with his extremely serious demeanor, Vega slowly turns his head towards her, and she feels his red eyes darting at her! Then Vega turns away to keep running. Face turning red, Vulpecula starts to get hot, breathing hard¡­ fanning herself. Her sword falls. Vulpecula: *Huff* Ha¡­ Who.. who was that... Sitting right in front of her, is a caramel-skinned woman, with a fine-toned build. She has on a very revealing white cloth attire. She has authentic gold bracelets all over her, on her wrists, on one thigh, on her shoulders, around her stomach over her cloth clothes. Golden open-toed heeled shoes, also a left anklet. A right-leg tattoo of a jackal of the dead, with skulls and roses. A necklace with star rubies, and pink diamonds in it. Her earrings are star-in-circle symbols (diamond-encrusted). She has shorter hair compared to Vulpecula, a straight pink bob haircut with bangs, featuring two locs wrapped in gold rings, and pink eyes. She has a skeleton half-mask over her mouth. Then finally, she has a gold piece of headwear circling her head and showcasing a pink diamond skull where it meets in the front. (Star-in-circle design) https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/603784191850577941/989453753172238366/star-in-circle.png Lich: Hm... Lich turns her head to see what Vulpecula is looking at and she sees the person leading them, Draco, as he turns his head to look at her. Their eyes meet, and Draco closes his eyes, smiles, and holds up a peace sign. Lich: (Weirdo¡­) As she says this, Draco''s smile becomes brighter, showing an illuminated light. Lich: (What.) I k-now he isn¡¯t looking at me. Seeing her backside, she has an occult circle seal, on her right shoulder, with a triangle in it. Inside the triangle are four sections for sigils. One has an Ouroboros, another has an evil eye, another has a Chaos Star, and lastly, the center has a goat¡¯s head, with a star in the center of the head. A few seconds go by. Vulpecula tilts her head. Vulpecula (concerned): ... Did you... just pronounce the ¡°k¡± in know? The gang continues to run away from the mob. They come up to the Great Salt Lake Mbozi. They stop in their tracks. All with astonished faces. Draco: This place too¡­ Wrath: It¡¯s cursed red rapid water too. Vega: Caffua wasn¡¯t lying. It¡¯s everywhere. Wrath: Besides that, what do we do? We can try to fly over it with our powers, but it looks like it will be more than a 20-minute flight. And our animals are not ready to carry us. Enma: (I definitely can¡¯t carry you, Vega.) Vega: (Think. I don¡¯t want to kill a whole city¡­.. But I will if I have to.) Draco: C¡¯mon, the mountains are right over there, let¡¯s head there. Wrath: Nah. Wrath turns around to face them, electricity forming around his fingertips with a smirk. Draco: Wrath, c¡¯mon¡­ Wrath: But I don''t want to. C¡¯mon Draco, just let me kill them. Draco: (serious) Not here. Wrath: ...Fine. They start to run towards the mountains. Vega: After hearing all that you still want to run there? Draco: I heard ruins, I have to go. Vega: Hm¡­. They keep running for 10 minutes, making it to the mountain''s base. Vega: No trees are covering this place. It¡¯s open. Wrath: Forget all that, we have to make it up the mountain. They pass by a sign saying¡­. **Beware** Crazy People Up Ahead WRC: 4 Days Wrath: Crazy people? Draco doubles tapped Wrath on the back. Draco (joking smile): Oh, this must be your home. Wrath (heated): Draco, if you don¡¯t shut up. The mob stopped following them. Waiting at the base of the mountain. Vega looks back. Vega: They stopped chasing us. This lady must be super crazy if it stopped that mob. Draco: Let¡¯s follow these steps up. Vega and Wrath: Alright. After a few minutes of walking, no end in sight. Draco: Anyone tired? Wanna quit? Wrath: Hell no, we¡¯re good. Vega: Draco, I wanted to ask you. Draco: Yeah? Vega: I haven¡¯t seen you talking to Apocalypse. Can you not communicate anymore? Draco: Nah, I can¡¯t. Ever since naming it, we haven¡¯t been able to talk. It¡¯s like we reverted to the non-talking level. Vega: So I¡¯m the only one that can talk to his animal. Draco: Yup, as of now. Wrath: I wonder how long the climb is. 30 minutes go by, then 2 hours. Wrath (still heated): How long is this going to take?! Draco: Did you think a mountain climb would be 2 hours? Wrath: I don¡¯t know. Draco: I think the sign said ¡°World Record Climb: 4 Days.¡± So let''s just assume it will take 4 days to get to the top. Wrath: No. We¡¯re cutting that in half. 2 days, no more. Vega: I¡¯m up for that. Wrath: Zeus doesn¡¯t need to eat for days, so we¡¯re good. Draco: Same with Ap. Vega: Enma rarely gets hungry. (Right, Enma?) Enma: (Indeed.) Wrath (excited): Well, let¡¯s get it. To The Top! Vega and Draco (charged): Yeah! They all start running full of energy. The day goes by, while they still run full speed ahead, but they are halfway there! Nighttime being here, the sky looks completely different at night. Multiple lakes surround the mountains, all with rapid red water, but the look of the beautiful mountain tops blends with it well. Then the sky has streamers of lights, showcasing different colors of red, blue, and purple. Wrath says ¡°Whoa¡­¡± Draco: I¡¯ve read about this before, it''s called the Southern Lights. What is seen is a light show called aurora. What Caffua showed us with Cosmos. Vega: Aurora again¡­ Draco: Yeah, it happens when solar particles collide with atoms of nitrogen and oxygen. Wrath: You¡¯re such a nerd for stars and sky stuff. Draco (smirks): I had a reason to study it... The second day comes by, and the gang is still running to the top. But, they look and the sky looks completely different from last night. One section of the atmosphere has colors of orange/blue, while one has green/purple, and the last one is yellow/pink a worthwhile sight. Wrath: This is the Southern Lights too? Does it change colors? Draco: It can be all types of colors, just depending on what the ions want to give off. Wrath: Wow. Vega: ¡­ Now, the colors in the sky begin changing back and forth, switching and mixing all the colors. Reverting to old ones, and bringing forth new ones, never before seen¡­ With these mixtures of colors, they abruptly stop. The light beams turn vertically and look as if they''re going to shoot into the sky. All of them are different colors. Draco: Light pillars¡­ Draco is suddenly reminded of something, something he saw in his past, and became amazed by it. A massive shining tower, rooted into the ground made of a golden hue, stood high. At its summit are countless streaks of blinding light, branching out in an immeasurable amount of directions, dancing off into the colorful abyss that is the sky. Draco: I- I remember this¡­ Off to the side of the gang, is a man hidden behind some trees and rocks. Wonderboom: ¡­ Wonderboom keeps cover, making sure to not be seen. Wonderboom: Hamal was right¡­ he showed up here... *Pulling out his cellphone and typing away¡­* **Meanwhile... In Tethys** Craig (frantic): Major General! Major General! Marfik (angry): What is it?! Marfik is a middle-aged man with dark skin and scruffy black hair. He has a serious face with glasses on, in his green army uniform. Craig: Major General Marfik, sir! Craig salutes him with his pinky raised. Marfik: At ease, soldier. What did you run all the way here to tell me? Craig: Sir, we have 3 people coming from the Void continent! They made it onto the Mainland! Marfik with a worried face. Marfik: I¡¯m going to have a headache. Marfik touches his head. Marfik: Can you get in touch with your sergeant? Craig (concerned): I already tried sir. She said, ¡°If you can¡¯t get in touch with me, presume us dead!¡± So I know she¡¯s serious! Marfik: Dead¡­. Marfik rests his elbows on the desk and locks his fingers together. Marfik (thinking; distraught): What is with this continent!? They always breed the worst of the worst! Craig: What do we do? Marfik: You did a good job soldier, take the day off, go rest. Craig: Yes sir! Craig salutes and walks out of the room. Marfik: I¡¯m going to inform a Commander. Those roamers are up for this job, I¡¯m sure of it. *starts making some calls* Why is it always this continent? What were their powers again? The fallen soldiers¡­ Marfik starts looking at the army registry papers. **Sergeant Adhil** Stellar: M2 Cosmic Path: Carbon Animal: Otter (Modern) **Corporal Tabit** Stellar: M5 Cosmic Path: Expansion Animal: Newt (Modern) **Corporal Algol** Stellar: M5 Cosmic Path: Cluster Formation Animal: Seal (Modern) Marfik: They beat all of them. It was 3 vs 3. Someone picks up the phone on the other end. Homam: Hello? Marfik: Yes. Commander Homam, this is Major General Marfik. Homam: What can I do for you? Marfik: We have three people coming from the Void Continent. We want them eliminated. Homam: Do you know their Stellar? Marfik: They should be no more than M, maybe K now. Homam: Alright, send me the location, I¡¯ll handle it. I¡¯m going down with my squad. *hangs up* Marfik: Those Commanders will take any job. **Meanwhile... Back To The Gang** As the gang continued the climb up the mountain. The morning comes, with them making it to the top! [What¡¯s At The Top?! Something Crazy Might Show Up!] Mystery 13 Fin Mystery Fourteen: Color of Aurora Fallen Stars Mystery Fourteen Color of Aurora **At The Top of The Mountain** Wrath with excitement on his face. Wrath: Yeeeessssss! 2 days! No one can fuck with us! Vega (calm expression): Let¡¯s see these ruins and head out. Draco: In due time, Vega. Don¡¯t worry. The gang looks around at the summit, and they see statues of dragons all over! Draco has a quick surprise, then a joyful expression. Draco: Dragon statues?! I¡¯m hyped! Wrath: Yeah, but these things look old and worn down. Some are even cracking apart. Apocalypse is off to the side flying around. Vega: This one is missing a head. Draco: Doesn¡¯t matter, it just existing is amazing. C¡¯mon, let¡¯s head inside. Vega: Alright, stay on guard. Draco: Mhm. Draco runs in looking around and touching everything. As the rest follow him in. Vega (annoyed): He¡¯s not paying attention... Wrath: Well, it is his animal. Looking at these murals on these walls. Some dragons have wings or have no wings with big horns, like Draco¡¯s. Wow and look at this, it¡¯s a three-headed dragon. Vega: You about to go crazy over the ruins too? Wrath: Nah, I¡¯ll contain myself here. But when I get to Zeus¡¯ place... Wrath (big smile): I¡¯m going to go crazy! Draco walks in. Draco (chuckles): Ah, so you do admit you¡¯re crazy? Wrath (getting mad): Stop playing with me! Vega: You searched everything? Draco: Yeah, just a bunch of murals. No gold, tombs, or anything. Vega: You were looking for a tomb? Draco: I thought all ruins have one. But forget it, let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s leave this city and on to the next one. Wrath and Vega: Alright. The gang walks out of the ruins, and back onto the walkway with the statues. And someone says something behind them¡­.. Clair: And I sat here and thought you were the one. The three turn around quickly and see an old white woman kicking her legs back and forth sitting atop the ruins. She has two horns on her head. Draco: Uhhh. Who are you? Clair: The better question is who are you? She jumps down landing face first! Wrath (shocked): Oh shit! She¡¯s gotta be dead. Clair is still moving around. Clair: Don¡¯t go killing me off yet, young blood. Clair jumps up and walks close to Draco with her cane. Eyeing him down. Clair: What¡¯s your name, sunny? Vega: (Are those horns on her head?) Draco: Uhhh. I don¡¯t know. Clair: What did you just say? Vega¡¯s eyes get lower, and he starts to grab his sword. Draco has a mad look on his face. Draco: I said, I don¡¯t know! Clair busts out laughing. Clair: Yup, you¡¯re Draconis¡¯ kid. Draco: How do you know my¡­. Clair (smiles): Your dad and I go way back. I¡¯m Clair. Follow me. She walks off into the ruins. Draco: I guess we¡¯re following her. Vega: What the hell? Not this again. Vega stops Draco. Vega (serious): Whatever happened to not putting your trust in people? Not believing everything they say. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Draco (dispirited): I know, but my dad instilled this dumbass reasoning, about trusting old people whose names start with ¡°C.¡± Vega standing there stunned. Vega: That has got to be the worst reasoning ever. Wrath: Well, I¡¯m going. Wrath walks off, cape flying behind him. Draco: C¡¯mon, and you know I want to know about these dragons. Draco follows Wrath. Vega facepalms. Vega (disheartened): Why do I hang around these two? Enma (cheerful): (Let¡¯s go.) Vega: Yeah..., I¡¯m coming. All of them walk into the ruins. Clair: Do you not realize what you missed? Draco: I saw all the murals. But I saw no artifacts or anything else. Clair shakes her head. Clair: (Not the one, huh.) There¡¯s a secret lever right here. Clair hits the lever making the floor separate apart. Draco: How was I supposed to notice that? Clair: You don¡¯t look close enough. Draco: (.....) Wrath: What¡¯s down here? Clair jumps down to the second floor, followed by The gang. She hurts her leg. Clair: Ouchie! These old bones are not good for jumping. Draco: You jumped down outside and were fine though. Clair: Yeah, a one-hit wonder. They all look around the room and it''s filled with yellow flowers. Wrath: Wow, I¡¯ve never seen these before. [Flowers mainly being yellow, with purple and red also on them.] Draco: What are these called? Clair: They are called, Stargazers. Vega: Stargazers? Clair: Yep, they¡¯re the National Flower of the Tanninul Dynasty. Clair goes around watering them. Draco, Vega, and Wrath: (The Tanninul Dynasty?!) They all become silent. Draco: ¡­. Clair watering the flowers. Draco: You just keep them here? Clair: It''s a remembrance of where I came from. Draco: That¡¯s cool, You should always remember that. Wrath: So you¡¯re always here watering the flowers? Trying to keep this place in shape? Clair: Trying to. Just doing the lord''s work. As your friendly everyday Dragon Guru. Wrath looks around and sees dust everywhere, but around the flowers. Wrath (bothered): (This... is trying?) Vega: Guru? Clair: Yup, that¡¯s my title. **Clair** Epithet: Dragon Guru Draco: That''s a good title. Clair: One of a kind. Clair pauses. Clair: You know what, let''s do this. Wrath raises an eyebrow. Draco: ? Clair: Each one of you, one at a time, come up to the flowers. They can determine the Color of Aurora. (I want to see what I¡¯m working with.) Vega, Wrath, and Draco: (Aurora...) Wrath: I¡¯m going first. Clair: Sometimes, your Aurora is the same as your eye color. It''s said, that what you see is what you give off. Just watch the way it flows. Wrath: Eye color? I wonder which one I¡¯ll get. Clair (genuine): Hopefully no one is black. All three of them turn to her with stern confused faces and tones. Wrath, Vega, and Draco: What the fuck does that suppose to mean? Clair with a somewhat sweating look. Clair: No, I didn¡¯t mean it like that. (The one in the middle has black eyes.) Wrath has a sarcastic unruffled look. Wrath: Yeah, sure you didn¡¯t. They all stand back, while Wrath walks up to the flowers with his usual grin. The flowers begin swelling up, then they start oozing out a colored fragrance. Wrath: Purple? Clair: Closer to violet. Wrath: What does that mean? Clair: The color violet is often associated with royalty, luxury, power, and ambition. Wrath: Hmm. All great qualities. That¡¯s me. Clair: Negatively though, violet can represent decadence, conceit, and pomposity. Often representing a violent person. Draco: Hahaha. Wrath: Shut up. Clair: It also represents those who have so many Ideals, and tries to execute them no matter what. The Idealistic person out of the group. Draco: Oh, that¡¯s for sure Wrath. Wrath: Can your color change? Clair: Yes, they can. But you have to change your mentality. Wrath: (Hmm.) I kinda want to keep purple, that¡¯s me. Clair: Who¡¯s next? Draco: I¡¯m going. Draco walks up to the flowers, embracing them with a smile. The flowers do the same as Wrath, oozing out a different color. Draco: Blue¡­? Clair: No¡­ it¡¯s more so, azure. It¡¯s for those who have strong willpower, it is associated with Space, freedom, intuition, and Feelings and they completely understand self-worth. (He can be The Dragon King!!) Draco: Dope. Clair: But, they may be too concerned with themselves, becoming distant. Azure Blue also represents meanings of trust, Wrath, loyalty, confidence, Heaven, and intelligence. Whatever they set their minds to, it will happen. Through all their pain and keep pushing. Wrath thinks to himself intensely. Wrath: (Space, Heaven, and Wrath?!) Man, Draco got the best one! Vega walks up. Vega: Well, last but least. Draco: It¡¯s last but not least*. Vega (sincere): That¡¯s what I said. Wrath sighs. Vega walks up to the flowers and is mean mugging. They spew out a sparkling color in fright! Vega: Red? Clair: Red¡­. Clair coughs. Vega: Meaning? Clair: Red is a wild type. Red symbolizes the color of blood and fire, it¡¯s associated with meanings of desire, Reasoning, and determination. Vega with his stone-cold face. Vega: That sounds like me. Draco has a cheery face. Draco: Perfectly for you. Clair: They also say reds are very invested in danger, malice, anger, and violence. Clair looks at Vega while she slowly shakes. Vega gives off a nonchalant expression and answers. Vega: I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. Clair: ¡­... Clair sits down the watering can. Vega: I like it with my content heart. Wrath has an unamused face... Wrath: ¡­. Draco: Heart¡¯s content*. Vega: Nah, I said it right. Clair: You know what, follow me. They all walk out of the ruins and go to the right. They walk and see Clair¡¯s house. Draco: I didn¡¯t see this here either. Clair: You were too focused on the statues and the ruin itself. Vega nodded, agreeing with Clair. Vega: Yeah, blinded. Draco with a snarky remark. Draco: Ok, so now I see it. Get off my back. Clair: Didn¡¯t your dad teach you to always check your surroundings? Draco: He did. A giant white swan flies overhead! They all look up reacting to it but Clair. Wrath: Whoa, what the hell was that?! Clair: Ah, just a swan. Keep following me. They walk into the house. Before that, a big welcome mat says¡­ **DK¡¯s Assistant** It''s a cramped one-room house. Papers all over the room with a whiteboard in the back. Draco feels stuffed in the house. Draco: Is this how you¡¯re living? Clair: I don¡¯t need all that extra stuff. This is perfect. Wrath feels irritated by the house. Wrath: Let¡¯s cut the small talk. What is this place and why do they call you crazy? Clair: Oh, we got a lively one here. Vega nodded again agreeing with Clair. Vega: Mhm. Clair began to get serious. Clair: Let me explain. This place is called the Dragon Ruins. But, as you can see, this place isn¡¯t in tip-top shape. Wrath: We saw. Clair: As for those punks in the city. They only call me crazy a few times, every once in a while. Draco: Why? Clair¡¯s expression changes from serious to incredibly happy!! She has a big happy smile!! Clair: Because it''s that... TIME AGAIN! The gang: Huh? [What Is She Happy About?! That Time??] Mystery 14 Fin Author¡¯s Note: Real Stargazers¡­. https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/603784191850577941/642690267530657812/stargazers-blog120824.png Mystery Fifteen: Dragon King Festival! Fallen Stars Mystery Fifteen Dragon King Festival! Clair dancing around. Clair: It¡¯s that time again! That time! That time! The gang was clueless. But she keeps smiling. Vega, Wrath, and Draco: That time for¡­..? Clair (mad): He really didn¡¯t tell you!? Draco: Uhh, no. Clair gets out a board and writes on it. She slaps it on one side. Clair: Every four years, the Dragon King Festival is held. It¡¯s a festival to determine who the next Dragon King will be. Draco¡¯s eyes light up. Clair: Oh, I see you. You want that title! Draco: Of course I do! That¡¯s the one title I¡¯m gunning for. (I didn¡¯t know it was a festival though.) Clair: Well, you better hurry. The festival is in 1 Month. It¡¯s held in Ganymede, In the Cat¡¯s Eye Continent. The Tiamat Dynasty holds this event. It¡¯s a tournament of 3 per group, so you guys are perfect! Draco: Cat¡¯s Eye? (So that¡¯s where it''s at.) Remember that, Wrath? Wrath: Yup, I do. Draco: That¡¯s sounding like home sweet home. For Apocalypse and I. Clair: But, that continent is on the east of the mainland. Plus the eastern side is always warring, so it¡¯s hard to travel. They all clench their fists, with faces of conviction. Wrath: (A Kingdom to take out! And it''s the Tiamat Dynasty!!) Vega: (Wars!) Draco: (The Dragon King!) Vega, Wrath, and Draco (determined): We¡¯re going! Clair (happy): (So enthusiastic!) I love it! I don¡¯t know how you¡¯ll get there in 1 month, but I have high hopes for you. Also¡­ Clair leans in and they listen. Clair: To get past the Great Lake Mbozi. Just go to the left of it, before coming up the mountains, there¡¯s a little hidden walkway. Draco: Thank you so much, for all the info. Vega interjects. Vega: I wanted to ask before we left. What¡¯s up with those horns on your head? Clair: Oh, I¡¯m Half Human, Half Oni. Draco: Oni, huh? Clair: Yeah, there are a bunch of different races in the world. But the three most prominent ones are¡­ **Titans** **Demons** **Angels** Vega, Wrath, and Draco all remain suspiciously quiet¡­ Clair: Oni would be a branch under demon. Vega: Is that why you¡¯re seen as crazy or very scary? Clair: Yep. Oni have a stigma against them around here. Vega let out a quiet mm. Clair: But, don¡¯t get me wrong, there are some crazy demons out there. That I cannot vouch for. But, I¡¯ve been here for so long, I don¡¯t know what the world has become for demons, angels, and titans. Draco: For a demon, you aren¡¯t as crazy as those townspeople. Clair: What did you three do? Wrath: Well¡­ it wasn¡¯t anything bad. Vega and Draco: Wrath killed someone in the town. Wrath (dramatic): What the fuck?! Vega: Then they chased us around the city. Clair: They did all that because one of you killed someone? Haha. Draco: Yup. All we have to worry about is the mob getting down the mountain. Clair: They were always the crazy ones, not me. But¡­ Vega: Hmph? Clair: Why didn¡¯t you just kill the rest then? You wouldn¡¯t have to worry at all. Vega: Ahhhh, don¡¯t know. Wrath: Yeah, we could¡¯ve. But¡­. oh well. Vega realizes it¡¯s time to take off. He nudges Draco and whispers. Vega: You want your title, right? We have to get a move on. Draco: You¡¯re right. Well, we¡¯re off. Thanks again for everything. Clair: Stay safe. Draco and the gang walk out of the house. Following the walkway to go back down the mountain. Clair: He may be the one I was looking for. Honestly, anyone is better than him. Why did Draconis give his title to him? That still makes me mad. Clair sees someone running back up the mountain. Draco: About before. My name is Draco, the one with a lively attitude was Wrath, and the serious one is Vega. Clair: Nice to meet you, Draco. Draco: Yeah. Let¡¯s talk another time, I have to catch up with them. Draco takes off running, catching up with his friends. Clair (smiles): You raised a good one, Draconis. He is the one for the Dragon King title. As the gang runs down the mountain. Vega has a concerned look about why Draco ran back up. Draco: We have to make it across continents in 1 month. This will be tough. Vega: The best option is to keep moving. Draco: I wonder if running down it will take 2 days. Wrath: How about we just jump down the mountain and before we land we use our powers to boost us up, lessening the impact? If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Draco and Vega run and are shocked by what Wrath said. Draco: I¡¯ve never heard you say something so smart, Wrath. Wrath: What, idiot? I got better grades than you, throughout middle school. Draco: Yeah, because I didn¡¯t take the tests at the end, on purpose. Wrath: Still smarter than you. Wrath sticks out his tongue and pulls down one of his face cheeks. Draco has a passive look. Draco: Whatever. Wrath: Yup. Draco sneakingly says. Draco: Idiot. Wrath: What did you say? Draco: I said¡­ idiot! Vega is annoyed by what¡¯s going on. Vega: Shut up. Let''s try what Wrath said. Wrath: This will be fun! **Meanwhile... At The Base Of The Mountain At The Hidden Walkway** A group of townspeople is waiting at the base. Riley ramped up loudly! Riley: We¡¯re fine! Henry is getting pumped too! Henry: Right! Riley: There are only two options. Either they went up the mountain and got eaten by that crazy demon lady, they¡¯re still climbing up the mountain, or they¡¯re headed back down here. Issac: That¡¯s three. Issac is standing in front of two people. Riley: Say what? Riley is slightly confused, and Issac tries to clear up the message. Issac: What you said if you count¡­.. Someone slaps Issac upside the head! Henry (angry): Ignore him! We will wait day and night for them! To avenge Rodney! Draco, Vega, Wrath: Aaaaaaaahhhhh! The gang comes falling in! Vega has an annoyed angry face. Vega: Why did we listen to you?! Wrath: It¡¯s fine! Just gather your balance, and put your power on your feet. Draco: Gather our balance mid-air? How the hell¡­?! They all get to where their feet are facing the ground. Put the powers on their feet and boost up! Dropping back down safely. Wrath: Told you I was right! Wrath cape flapping after just landing, while grinning. Draco: I would say, luck played a factor, but luck isn¡¯t real. Draco straightened his sword on his back, fixing his jacket also. Vega (expressionless and cold tone): We got lucky. Vega fixed his cloak. Their animals come flying in, Zeus and Enma all on Apocalypse¡¯s back. Wrath smiled, looking at it. Wrath: Look at that! A King being carried down! Vega with a sarcastic look. Vega: A king... getting carried. Weak. Wrath (mad): Say that again! Riley: You guys do realize we¡¯re right here, right? Wrath: Ah yeah, we see you, but we don¡¯t care. Henry (agitated): What? Get them! They are chased again, but Vega does a swiping motion with his fire, trying to get them to stop following them. Vega: A little fire just to scare them. The fire catches onto a tree and quickly spreads to the grass and all the plant life in the Hidden Walkway!! Vega: Oh shit. Vega thought about it for a second. Draco: Forget it, Vega. Keep moving. Riley: Forget them! Put out the damn fire! Henry: Get some water, don''t let it get to Leda fully! Issac: There¡¯s a river nearby! Riley: Go then! As the gang still runs. Draco: I wonder if rivers are the same too. Vega: I would assume so. Draco: So they have no way of putting it out, huh? Wrath: Nope. Draco contemplates it. Draco: Oh well. Forget it. Wrath: Look right up ahead. The opening to get out of here. The gang runs outside of the Hidden Walkway leaving Leda Lake City. Still, grassy terrain surrounds them. Draco: Let me write down the name of this city before I forget. Draco gets his journal and jots down the name. Wrath: How much was the journal? Vega: 2K. Wrath: 2K?! Geez. I wouldn¡¯t have paid that. Draco wrote down the name and put it in his book bag. Draco: We all can''t just kill cashiers like you, Wrath. Wrath (getting heated): What did you want me to do? Let him call the Army when no one shows up, it alerts the town. Then they go looking for the Sergeant and find the 3 bodies, showing Vega killed them. Vega (annoyed): What the hell man? All that just to say I did it. Wrath: Well it''s true, you did do it. Vega: If I didn¡¯t, Draco was just about to shoot them. Vega looks at Draco out of the corner of his eyes. Draco: That¡¯s true, I had her in my sights. Draco holds up a finger pistol. Mouthing¡­ Draco (smiles): Pow. But for real. Vega and Wrath: Hm? Draco: I¡¯m glad I can do this with you all. Next is the Dragon King title, let¡¯s try to get there as quickly as possible. Vega: How are we going to make it across continents, in 1 month, with no cash? You see it costs 2K for a journal, imagine staying at a hotel. Draco: Damn. Wrath: Yeah, this upgrade for my cape was 5K. Draco: You killed him because you didn¡¯t want to pay 5K? Wrath (getting vociferous): If I did that, I would have no money, Draco! I would be beaten down to my god damn socks! Draco (laughing): Ok, ok. I understand. Let''s figure out what the next city is, and the quickest way to get to Ganymede. Wrath: Whoa. The gang looks up at the sky, and its changing colors, from blue to purplish. Wrath: This city is so weird¡­ Draco: This city is so great! I¡¯ve never seen a phenomenon like this. Not in the books I read. Vega: Even during the day it changes¡­ Draco: When we have time, I¡¯m gonna come back and claim this place!! Making it to an open area, they see turbines. Wrath: Look at these big ass turbines. Draco: Yeah, they¡¯re all over the place. Were they just powering Leda? Vega: I don¡¯t know. This many for that city? It didn¡¯t seem like an electrical type of city. Draco: That¡¯s what I thought. Vega: There¡¯s a lot of them, about 50, from what I can see. Wrath: All these for that little city¡­ Draco: We missed them. But, we press on! To this new city¡­ Wrath notices something, Enma is now breathing fire from its mouth. Wrath: Wait?! Vega: Hm. Caffua did say after hitting K. I could turn into my ability. So Enma can use it now too? Enma: (I can.) Enma forms a fireball in his mouth and launches it at the trees!! Setting a few ablaze! The gang: Whoa!! Wrath and Draco: So cool! They both look to their partners. Wrath and Draco: I need to kill someone soon!! Thirty minutes later, snow suddenly falls. Vega (looks up): Is it snowing? Wrath: No way this is snow. We just left a sunny tree biome. Draco: No denying it now. Bundle up, we¡¯re likely close to a snow city. Wrath: The weather can just change like that? Without any warning. As they continue walking for 10 more minutes. The snow hits even harder. Draco: Are we in a damn blizzard? Vega: I need to warm myself. Wrath: You already know the cold doesn¡¯t affect me. As Wrath struts with his cape being blown in the blizzard, smiling a little bit. Vega raises his collar over his mouth. They continue walking, arriving at a sign covered in snow. Draco: Vega, melt away the snow. Vega: Got it. Vega goes to use his fire, but at first, it doesn¡¯t want to come out, then it heats up, melting away the snow. Vega (troubled): (Is my power weakened ¡®cause of the snow?) Vega had a slightly concerned look. After being cleared, the sign reads... **Welcome To Umbriel!! Home of The Yeti!** They see a flag with snow all around it, and a fountain in the middle. With eyes peeking out from the top left side¡­ https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/663225763742613515/712748492011077732/Eyes1.png Draco: Umbriel, huh? I¡¯ll write this down when we¡¯re inside or something. We need to find a cheap hotel. Vega: And some hats, it¡¯s freezing. Wrath: It¡¯s time to find another shop. Draco: No killing cashiers or owners again. Unless necessary. Wrath raises his left hand. Wrath: You have my word, I won¡¯t. The gang walks through the city, all the houses have boarded-up windows and doors. They walk around for about 15 minutes. Vega: Is every house in this city white? Draco: Might be a cultural thing. It could mean something. Wrath: What¡¯s up with the boarded-up windows though? What does that Miyn? Draco: Wait, the only place with a light on is that building. Wrath looked upon the building. Wrath: Whoa, that place is big as hell. Draco: Yeah, I think it''s a Ski Village. Vega: That place is lit up. Are we sure we wanna go there? It has to be expensive. Draco: Do you think they will turn away people dying in the snow? Vega: Who¡¯s dying? Draco acts hurt with a smile. Draco: Me! My leg! Let¡¯s get to the entrance. They have to let us in. The gang walks over to the Ski Lounge entrance and the door automatically opens up for them. Draco: See, we¡¯re good. Zeus, Enma, and Apocalypse. Go around the building and climb to the rooftop. We¡¯ll come and get you. Their animals dash, climbing up the building. Vega: I don¡¯t know yet. Someone meets them at the door. Ms. Hopper: Yes, Come right on in. Wrath looked around with admiration for the place. Wrath: Whoaaa. This place is stylish. The chandelier in the middle, The big dining table underneath it. This place is dope. Ms. Hopper and the gang walk over to the front desk. Ms. Hopper: Returning guests, or first time? Wrath: Oh. You don¡¯t know who we are? I¡¯m appalled. D, I don¡¯t want to be here anymore, let''s leave. Draco: (D?) Wrath nodded to Draco. Ms. Hopper: I have you right here Mr. Dabih. Your room is the Penthouse, top floor. Draco (surprised): Forreal?! Under Wrath¡¯s breath, with a stern tone. Wrath: Motherfucker, be professional. Draco (coughs): About that, I will be taking my two guests with me to the Penthouse. Ms. Hopper: That is fine, here are your keycards. Draco grabs the keycards and they run to the elevator. Draco: I can¡¯t believe that worked. Wrath: Me neither. Always improvise. The elevator dings and they take a trip to the top floor. Getting to the door Draco pulls out the keycard and opens the door. Draco: Oh my god. We¡¯re about to go wild. Wrath jumps around on the front room couch while Vega walks in slowly, checking every room with his sword out. Draco: Oh shit. Our animals. I got it. Draco finds the stairwell and goes to the rooftop getting the animals and bringing them into the room with them. Draco: Aight, got them. Draco walks in, and sees candy and slushies flying around the room! Wrath comes around the corner with a mouth full of chocolate and an endless happy expression!! Wrath: They got that good chocolate, Draco! Draco looks around the corner and sees Vega drowning in slushies, from the slushie machine. Draco (smiles): Finally got slushies, huh? Vega: It¡¯s been so long¡­.. I can die here happily. Vega feels so comfortable drowning in slushies. Draco jumps on the couch watching TV. Draco: This is just another stop, stay ready guys¡­ Draco, thinking about Hamal and the forest. His face gets serious, clenching his fists! [A Day Passes.] After drowning himself in slushies, Vega gets up and walks to the window, sword back in its sheath. Vega: This place has the biggest view. Wrath wakes up, who was sleeping on the couch, he gets up and a mountain of chocolate wrappers falls off his body. He begins walking over to the kitchen. Wrath: Yeah, but it¡¯s all snow. You can¡¯t see shit. Someone starts banging on the door, loudly!! Wrath turned and, with a concerned look for the other guy on the other side of that door. Vega looked at the door with a face of annoyance. Vega: ¡­ [The Ending of the, ILLuminate The World Arc!! What¡¯s Next?! And... Who¡¯s That At The Door?!] Mystery 15 Fin ¡°Do act mysterious. It always keeps them coming back for more.¡± Carolyn Keene Mystery Sixteen: Ogma The Brute!! Fallen Stars Mystery Sixteen Ogma The Brute!! [August 23rd] **5 Minutes Before The Knocking** Three men approach the Ski Village. ???: C¡¯mon! It¡¯s right here! ???: Can you stop always yelling¡­. ???: I¡¯ll kill you too, Tupi! Tupi: Dabih, can you control this brute? Tupi stands 6 ''0 Ft, wearing an all-red suit with black stripes, black boots, and black gloves. Bald head with a slightly toned build. Dabih: Please relax, Ogma. We made it home. Dabih is wearing an orange bright garbage man suit. With a white cap, and black gloves. Slim build, bald with a goatee. Standing 6¡¯0 Ft. Ogma (angry): Fuck off! They step to the automatic door. Ogma is an immensely muscular man, standing 8 meters tall, (26¡¯25 Ft), wearing a sleeveless feather coat. Tan skin, orange pants, no shirt, metal knee pads, and boots. And with brown hair in a ponytail. He has two horns on the side of his head that go upward. Ms. Hopper steps up. Ms. Hopper: Yes, come right in. Dabih: (Oh, she¡¯s new.) They all walk to the front desk. Ms. Hopper: Now, returning guests or newcomers? Ogma (angry): Huh, bitch?! You don¡¯t know us?! Under her breath. Ms. Hopper: Not this again¡­ Veins popped from Ogma¡¯s head. His eyes start twitching. Ogma: Again? Bitch, don¡¯t play with me! A little kid sitting in the background, playing his game. Marlon: Don¡¯t call my mom a bitch! Ms. Hopper: Marlon baby, go back to playing your game. Ogma: Go back to playing, kid. I¡¯ll kill you after your mom. Ogma pulls out a curved blade. Ms. Hopper: What, we can handle this peacefully. Ogma breathing hard, his eyes twitching looking at Ms. Hopper. Ogma: Handle this¡­.. Peacefully? The veins in Ogma¡¯s eyes start showing more! Ogma: What type of dumb shit is that!! Ms. Hopper cowers in fear. Ms. Hopper: Please¡­. no. I have a child. As she starts to cry. Ogma raises his blade. Ogma: Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯s dead too. Ogma strikes down, killing Ms. Hopper! Blood splattering everywhere!! Marlon: Mom! Ogma: Come here! Marlon takes off running down the hallway, as he looks ahead, Ogma is already there waiting! Ogma cuts him down, blood spilling all over the floor! Ogma just laughs as the blood is splattered over him! Ogma: Ihahaha! Dabih (sighs): Brutal as usual. Tupi: So, we¡¯re leaving¡­? Ogma: Why? Tupi: What¡­? Ogma: Idiot! Who do you think I am?! As Ogma walks to the elevator. Tupi: They have to be on the top floor. We should be careful. Ogma: We¡¯re going! Dabih: I¡¯m right with you. Tupi: I¡¯m not surprised... Tupi sighs. Tupi: Ahhh, I¡¯m down too¡­. They all step onto the elevator, and it beams them up. Ogma: Bastards got our penthouse. Imma kill them! They walk to the room. Getting in front of the door. Tupi: Let me knock. Ogma: I¡¯m doing it! A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. **The Loud Knocking Begins** Wrath: Who the hell is that? Vega: Isn¡¯t there such a thing as room service? Is it that? Draco: I got the door. Draco gets up and looks through the peephole. Draco: Uhh, it¡¯s three people. Is that how they do it? One dude is giant as fuck. Vega: Like you said. Maybe a cultural thing. Draco: Alright. Draco slowly opens the door, and Ogma rams through it. Ogma: Who¡¯s the strongest in here?! Draco: Umm¡­ Ogma: *points* You! Vega raises a finger to himself. Vega: Me? Ogma blitzes through the room, grabbing Vega¡¯s face, and mushing him through the glass! Draco: Vega! Vega while reaching his hand out. Ogma, while holding down Vega, falls to the ground covered in snow. Enma jumps out of the window following Vega. Wrath: What the fuck¡­. Two other gentlemen walk through the door. Dabih: Which one of you used my name? Wrath with a wisecrack answer. Wrath: I did. Shit, what¡¯s up? Dabih: Tupi. Tupi rushes in and kicks Wrath out of the window. Tupi: I got this one, handle him. Dabih: Of course. Tupi jumps out of the window following behind Wrath. Zeus jumps out the window, following behind. Dabih: So. Why did you use my name? Draco (irritated): Shut up. Draco puts out his hand firing off a light blast!! Dabih: The fu--?! Dabih jumps over the way. The light blast tears apart the room, blowing a hole right through it. Apocalypse stares at him while drooling. Dabih: (I have to get outside, I have an advantage there. Plus his dragon is staring me down. Nino can probably handle it.) Draco: Let me end this quickly. The dude who took Vega was like a giant. A lightbulb goes off in Draco¡¯s head. Draco: (Wait, is that a Titan? The ones Clair was talking about.) Dabih runs and jumps out of the broken window. Draco: What¡­ he jumped out on purpose? Draco runs up to the window. Draco: We gotta go, Ap. Apocalypse nods and Draco jumps out of the window following Dabih. **Meanwhile... Where Vega is** Vega is still getting dragged by Ogma. Ogma comes to a stop and throws Vega. Vega is thrown into a Ski Lift. Vega: Where am I? Ogma: My territory. Come out here, punk! Loud thumping comes from around the corner and a Huge Mammoth comes out!! The Mammoth has a strong and overweight furry body, covered in all brown fur. Have huge, and very long white tusks that curve upward. Its big white tusks are sharp and prominent and its teeth are equally sharp. Ogma: Hello, Vince! Vince lets out a loud trumpeting noise! Vince: (So this is the strongest?) Ogma: Yep! Handle his little dumbass smoke! Vega gets up wiping snow off of him. Then touches his sword. Vega: All that dragging and I still have my sword. This will be easy. Ogma blitzes in again, punching Vega in the stomach, knocking him into a pile of snow. Vega: (I couldn¡¯t even react. Is he faster than me?) Ogma: Ihahaha! Vega: How does a big body like that move so fast? Ogma with a gloating look. Ogma: I¡¯ve trained my body enough to catch little shits like you off guard. This will be quick. Vega has a serious face. Vega: It sure will be. Vega rushes in, cutting Ogma across the chest. Ogma: So you got speed, huh? That attack won¡¯t work on me though! Vega raises an eyebrow. Vega: (My cut didn¡¯t hurt him? Let me try this.) Vega raises his sword, igniting it with flames, slashing toward Ogma. Vega: **T¨­katsu Jigoku** The fire covers Ogma¡¯s body, and he slaps it away! He has a big smile on his face. Ogma: Ihahaha. That won¡¯t work either! Vega: What is up with your body? Ogma (gloats): I¡¯m a J?tnar*, but that isn¡¯t the reason it doesn¡¯t work. AN* J?tnar is a frost giant in Norse mythology. Ogma pulls out his two curved blades. Vega: (A dual wielder?) Ogma clicks them together. He readies himself. Ogma: Let¡¯s Go! Vega: (I have to be wary, I still have a 20-minute time limit.) I¡¯ll end this. Ogma: No the fuck you won¡¯t, I¡¯ll end it! The two run towards each other, clashing back and forth. Ogma slammed his curved blades. Every time he misses he slams the sword into the snow. Ogma: Quit dodging! Quit dodging! Vega: (This guy is a psychopath.) Just because you don¡¯t have to dodge, doesn¡¯t mean everyone else shouldn¡¯t. Ogma: That¡¯s exactly what it means, you puny bitch! Vega: When this puny person beats you, I want to hear you suffer. Ogam: Ihahaha, I won¡¯t even let you have any last words! They run towards each other, Vega jumps in the air before the clash and does a fire attack from above. Vega: **Hell¡¯s Rain** Fire rains down, landing, hitting Ogma! Fire circles around him melting the snow around him. Ogma: So damn weak. Ogma jumps out of the fire and clashes swords with Vega in the air, using all his strength to knock Vega to the ground. Vega lands coughing up some blood. Vega: I can¡¯t do anything to him. He¡¯s not phased at all. Ogma comes down kneeing the ground, but Vega gets out of the way. The snow spreads apart. *Clang Clang Clang*. Ogma clashes his swords together. Vega: (If that would¡¯ve hit me¡­.) Ogma: You think your one weak sword can beat me? Vega: I don¡¯t care how many swords you have. I¡¯ll cut down every swordsman or swordswoman that gets in my way. Ogma: Oh, an ambitious one. You know, my teacher taught me. Scars are a swordsman''s greatest shame. And I have no scars on me. Vega: I have none either, but I¡¯ll give you one. Ogma: Ihahaha, I was just about to say that to you! Both Vega and Ogma have anger in their voices! Vega: I will! Ogma: Ihahaha. Same to you! Vega: **Flamethrower** Ogma comes rushing through the fire!! Not affected at all! Ogma puts both swords to his right doing a slashing movement toward Vega. Vega blocks both but is knocked back. Ogma: Do you not understand! I¡¯m invincible! My speed matches those of Legendary, and my body allows me to be a tank!! I didn¡¯t even mention my power yet! Vega is annoyed by the conversation. Vega: All this damn talking just to die. Ogma (gets mad): Alright, no more talking. You¡¯re dead. As Vega and Ogma continue clashing, we see Enma vs Vince in the background. Vince swings his trunk, knocking all the snow away as Enma hurls fireballs at it and Vince moves through it. Enma: (Tough one.) Vince: (I¡¯ll kill you bastard!) Enma (surprised): (We can talk?) Vince: (New to Stellar K, huh. I¡¯ve been at this stage for a while. Ogma¡¯s bum ass won¡¯t keep going for some reason.) Enma: (So K level and up can talk. I can¡¯t wait to talk to Apocalypse and Zeus.) Vince: (Bastard, pay attention!) Vince continues to swing its trunk trying to hit Enma, as it keeps dodging, and shooting fire at it. Vince: (Damn it!) Enma continues thinking. Enma: (I have no way to hurt this brute. I¡¯ll have to stall you out until Vega is done.) Vince: (You wouldn¡¯t be able to hurt me anyway with the power I have!!) Vince swings its trunk harder and harder! Vince: (Puny, Puny, Puny. Puny Bastard, just die!) Enma: (How strong do you get on K.) Vince: (Watch this.) Vince rapidly swings and finally hits Enma! Smacking its body across the way!! Vega: ... Enma: (I¡¯m fine Vega, concentrate on winning.) Ogma: Nice little distraction. Ogma kicks Vega in the face. Vega flies through the air, and Ogma catches up with him in the air and kicks Vega again to the ground! Vega spits up blood. Vega: Awk! Ogma: Vince is over there blabbing. But you still don''t understand. Vega wipes blood from his mouth. With a serious look. Ogma (smile beaming): I¡¯m invincible! Your little ¡°fire¡± can¡¯t do shit to me! Ihahahaha! **Ogma** Stellar: K4 Cosmic Path: Invulnerability Animal: Mammoth (Extinct) Epithet: Lord of Slaughter Age: 26 Vega gets up and jumps away. Vega: ¡­Just because you¡¯re invincible doesn¡¯t mean you''re immortal. Ogma (smirks): Wise words. As they go back in, continuing to clash, Vega follows Ogma¡¯s blades, making sure he evades them in time and counterstriking when he has the right chance. Ogma notices his red eyes. Ogma: I saw you had some smoke with you too. You must be a little ¡°mad shadow¡±. Vega: Hmph. I¡¯ll show you the mad shadow. Ogma: You know. The clashing stops for a split second, and Ogma begins to stand over Vega, leaning in a bit. His bloodshot eyes become more expansive. Ogma: After I kill you here, I¡¯m going to kill your best friends and parade their corpses all over the city. Vega''s expression changes to anger, but he doesn¡¯t switch up his style of clashing. Keeping a calm head. Vega: (You would think, Wrath would get the crazy one.) [Who Did Wrath Get?! Wrath!!!] Mystery 16 Fin Mystery Seventeen: Deimos Khaimera Fallen Stars Mystery Seventeen Deimos Khaimera **Meanwhile... Where Wrath is¡­** Wrath: Aahhh, my head is thumping. Where the fuck did I get kicked to? Tupi: Get up. We¡¯re at the Snow Fountain: Courant d''eau. I¡¯ll end this before it shoots again. The area is completely covered in all-white snow, while a very steel-colored metal fountain is sitting to the far right of them. **Snow Fountain: Courant d''eau.** Wrath gets up. Wrath: So you took me sightseeing, how kind. Tupi runs over to Wrath, angrily. Tupi: Shut up! Wrath takes a Frontal Karate Stance, breathing in and out. Wrath: **Deimos Khaimera*: Periphas** AN* Deimos Khaimera translates to The hybrid beast''s reign of terror! Wrath¡¯s palm taps Tupi¡¯s chest, knocking him back far. Tupi: Whoaaaaa!! Crashing into the snow. Tupi: What happened? Wrath: Geez, and that was one of the weaker ones. Tupi (fuming): I¡¯m going to kill you kid. Arrogant bastard! Wrath: (I wonder, can I beat him without my lightning.) Bring it. Tupi comes in jabbing, while Wrath just sidesteps dodging all the blows. Wrath: **Deimos Khaimera: Royal Periphas** Wrath swings his fists back and forth, to go with the wind. Then hits Tupi square in the jaw. Tupi doesn¡¯t move from the hit! Tupi: Weak. Tupi punches Wrath. Making him fly back into the snow! Wrath: Damn! Wrath spits some blood out. Wrath: His punches pack some power behind them. Tupi: You won¡¯t ever hurt me. Wrath: Oh, you sure? Tupi with a serious look. Tupi: I¡¯m sure. Wrath: Alright. (Guess I¡¯ll use it.) Wrath gets up and points 1 finger sending out a surge. Wrath: **Blind Fury** A surge of electricity jumps off of Wrath¡¯s finger hitting Tupi in the head. Tupi: Ahhh, so damn weak. Wrath raises an eyebrow. Wrath: Huh? Tupi blitzes in, punching Wrath in the stomach. Throwing him right into the Snow Fountain. Wrath (coughing and standing up): I¡¯ll just dodge next time. Tupi: How? Tupi is right next to Wrath, with a fist raised. Slamming it down. Wrath just getting out in time. Wrath: Whew. (I need to do something, he isn¡¯t hurt by my attacks.) Tupi rushed in behind Wrath. Tupi: That sure won¡¯t work. I told you. He kicks Wrath in the back, making him fly forward. Wrath, while flying thinking to himself. Wrath: (Just like the mountain.) Wrath puts electricity on his hand and starts boosting it, to lessen the impact. Still crashing but not as much. Wrath: Alright, playtime is over. Wrath breathes in and out again. Wrath: **Voltage System: 100K Volts** [Voltage System; Wrath changes his electricity¡¯s voltage. Whenever he decides the number, it stays like that. Until he runs out of power or changes it himself.] Wrath: Try this on for size. Wrath coats himself in electricity then rushes in and punches Tupi in the face!! Wrath: **Supreme King¡¯s Punch** Tupi flies back, and Wrath catches up to him and punches him down to the ground! Striking Tupi, thunder rumbles in the clouds! Tupi: Pahaha. That didn¡¯t even hurt. Wrath: ¡­ Wrath continues punching Tupi in the stomach and face. Thunder rumbling even more! Wrath: Was that enough? Tupi: Nope. Tupi kicks Wrath and jumps backward. Tupi: This will be over soon. Wrath (smiles): Yeah, it will be. (I got an idea. I only have a small window.) Tupi: Come at me then! Wrath: I¡¯m already there, bitch! The two run towards each other. Tupi throws the first punch, with Wrath slightly dodging, then gets his karate stance. Wrath: Now this one will hurt. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Wrath: **Deimos Khaimera: Lycaon¡¯s Revenge** Wrath lightly taps Tupi on the chest, but Tupi gets knocked back, flying into the air, and spits up some blood. Tupi touched his mouth and saw blood! Tupi: Blood?! How?! Wrath (grins): That¡¯s not all. Wrath raises his hand into the air and then brings it down!! Wrath: **King¡¯s Wrath** A bolt of blue surging lightning breaks apart the snowy clouds above, snapping through to strike Tupi!! The lightning seems supercharged, coming surging in! Tupi: Agh! Wrath: Yahaha! That¡¯s not it, baldie!! Wrath raises his arm up and down. Raining more and more lightning! Wrath: Yahaha, Die! Then something comes running from the trees. Wrath looks over and sees¡­ Wrath: Whoa, what the fuck! That¡¯s a Polar Bear! The polar bear comes running at Wrath full speed. It''s covered in all-white fur, with its salivating mouth. Very sharp teeth and claws. Wrath: I got it. Wrath about to raise his hand, Zeus comes running in, punching the bear in the face. (In the form of a Monkey.) The bear is sent flying!! Wrath (hyped): Nice, Zeus!!! Tupi reached out his hand from the ground. Tupi: Austin! Wrath: You really can¡¯t be hurt, huh? I¡¯ll change that, ya chrome dome. Tupi: ¡­ **Tupi** Stellar: K5 Cosmic Path: Pain Immunity Animal: Polar Bear (Modern) Age: 24 Wrath gets up and gets close to Tupi. With his hand still raised. Wrath: Time to go... Tupi started to tear up. Tupi (scared and crying): (Is this how I got out? To a little cocky punk like this. I had some good times.) ** Flashback: Nine Years Ago** We are taken inside a doctor¡¯s office. Tupi: Mom, do we have to be here? **Tupi** 15 years old (Tupi¡¯s Mom) Janice: Yes we do. We have to see what is causing you so much pain. You want to stop hurting right? Tupi: Ahhh, yesss. Janice: Well, we¡¯ll be right here waiting on them. Tupi: Yes, ma¡¯am. **Umbriel** A doctor walks in asking for a family... Dr. Lock: Yes, the Corbett family? Janice: That¡¯s us! Janice grabbed her stuff. Janice: C¡¯mon, Tupi. They both walk into the doctor¡¯s office. They sit walking for him to walk in, and 10 minutes pass by. Tupi: How long will we be here? Janice: Till they check you out. Someone knocks on the door walking in. Dr. Lock: Ah yes, now why are you here today? Janice: My son is very sensitive to pain. Some days he can¡¯t even walk with how painful it is. Dr. Lock: That¡¯s unfortunate to hear. We can run some tests, but we would have to take some blood. Tupi: Needles?? Dr. Lock: Yes, only 1 needle. You can make it through that right? You¡¯re a tough kid. Tupi looks at his mom. Tupi (afraid): Mom, I don¡¯t want to do this. Janice: It¡¯ll be fine. Just 1 needle right doctor? Dr. Lock: Mhm, just one. I¡¯ll be right back with it. Dr. Lock leaves the room for the needle. Tupi: Mom, I don¡¯t want to do this. Janice: This will help you get better. At least find out what the problem is. Tupi (tearing up): I really don¡¯t want to, this is going to hurt a lot. Dr. Lock walks back in. Dr. Lock: Alright let me see your arm. Tupi sniffling. He rolls up his sleeve. Dr. Lock: You won¡¯t even feel it. I¡¯m going on 1, so be prepared. Dr. Lock finds a vein and readies the needle. Dr. Lock: Alright. 3 ...2¡­. Dr. Lock rams it in on 2¡­ Tupi: Motherfucker you said 1! Janice: Watch your mouth! Dr. Lock: It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s already over. Dr. Lock takes the needle out, filled with blood. Tupi was crying. Tupi: Aaaaaaahhhhhh!! It hurts!!! Janice: Calm down, Tupi. Tupi: (It feels like I¡¯ve been stabbed a thousand times.) Dr. Lock: I¡¯ll be back in a few minutes with the results. Here is an Orange. He throws the orange to Tupi. It hits his hands causing even more pain. Tupi: (Ahhhhhh!!!!) Dr. Lock walks out to test the blood. Janice peels the orange, giving some slices to Tupi. He takes a bite and the pain caused by his teeth makes him spit it up. Janice: You can¡¯t even chew again? Tupi: So much pain¡­.. I just want to die. Janice jumps up. Janice: Don¡¯t ever say that! We¡¯ll get through this. They can give you some pills or something to deal with the pain. It¡¯ll be fine¡­ She starts to tear up too. Janice: Don¡¯t die on me too Tupi. After we lost your father, it hasn¡¯t been the same. Tupi: Ok mom, don¡¯t cry. I won¡¯t die. Janice grabs some tissues as they continue to wait. A few minutes pass by and the Doctor walks back in. Dr. Lock: Welp. We ran all the tests. Even allergies. Janice: And? Dr. Lock: There¡¯s nothing wrong with your son. Janice: What? Dr. Lock: Maybe it¡¯s a psychological thing. Did some trauma happen to him recently? Janice: No! Nothing happened to him. Dr. Lock: He could just be mentally picturing this. Janice: Are you saying, he¡¯s just imagining this pain? Why would he do that? Dr. Lock: Let¡¯s ask your son. Did anything happen Tupi? Tupi: Nothing happened. Janice: See? So what will you do other than waste our time? Dr. Lock: I can recommend a therapist, just in case it is something else. Janice: We¡¯re out, thanks for nothing. Dr. Lock: You¡¯re Welcome. Janice storms out with Tupi. Getting home Tupi goes to his room. Tupi: I¡¯m going to rest. Tupi lies down in his bed and starts hurting. Tupi: Agh, Agh Agh. This hurts so bad. As the day passes the next day at school, Tupi is talking to a few friends. And some bullies walk up to him. Ken: Hey, Tupi! Ken slaps Tupi on the back. Tupi (stinging): Ahhh! Bitch! Luke: Oh, this is the guy that¡¯s just making up his pain? Ken: Hahaha, yeah. Tupi (troubled): Making up? Ken: Yeah. Your mom told my mom. You''re just imagining this stuff. See this doesn¡¯t hurt. Ken kicks Tupi in the stomach. Tupi (pain): Ouch! (It¡¯s like I got hit by a bat in my stomach.) Teacher Julie: What¡¯s going on over there?! Ken: We¡¯ll be back tomorrow, then the next day, then the next day. See you, Tupi. Tupi: This is going to suck. After school Tupi is walking through the hallways, trying to leave school to get home. He takes the back stairwell to dodge Ken. Tupi: I should be good. Opening the stairs door. Then starts walking down them. Ken: Good from what? Ken pushes him in the back, as Tupi tumbles down the stairs he feels every single step, hitting his ribs, neck, and back. Snapping his neck. Ken: Oh shit. Get up, Tupi. Ken looks at him from above. Ken: I gotta go. Ken takes off running. Tupi lays there unconscious, then he slips to death. But then he is surrounded by smoke in a black room. M: If you could have any power what would you want? Tupi: Am I dead? What happened? M: C¡¯mon kid, anything you want. What do you desire? Tupi sadden. Tupi: I¡¯m so tired of feeling pain. Wipe that away. M: Good choice, take this also. An egg floats over to Tupi. M: It¡¯ll hatch into your pure self. Whatever represents you. Tupi: My pure self, huh¡­. M: Now wake up¡­. Teacher Julie: Tupi! Tupi! Wake up. Tupi opened his eyes. Tupi: I¡¯m up. Tupi gets up and jumps around. Tupi (hyped): NO PAIN!!!! Julie: What happened? Tupi was so excited. Tupi: Nothing at all! I¡¯ll be going! [Tupi: After that, I just tried to live a normal life. I even joined the basketball team, football team, and even the tennis team. I wasn''t worried about hatching that egg. But after high school, I ran into a few problems. By the age of 22, I met Ogma¡­. Pahaha good times.] **End of Flashback** Tupi: I lived a decent life. End me. Wrath: Soooon¡­. Wrath begins to fire off, then suddenly a huge array of light goes off in the sky. Wrath: Draco? **At The Ski Lift** Vega and Ogma clash back and forth, with the other jumping back and going back in after every few cuts. Ogma: *smirks* Huh. Ogma¡¯s skills start to show, outbalancing Vega and taking advantage. Ogma: Just a bi-bit more!! Vega: *Huff* (I need to retake the advantage.) Vega starts gritting his teeth like he¡¯s fully taking Ogma seriously!! Trying to get his footing right, he uses his fire to melt away all the snow. Vega: **Fire Spread** The red blazing fire clears out the snow on the ground in a small vicinity. The two continue clashing swords back and forth. Vega: (He has to have a time limit too. He doesn¡¯t seem overly stronger than me.) Vega sent off some fire from around his body. Vega: **Fire Spread** Ogma just walks through the fire coming straight at Vega. Ogma: I told you that wouldn¡¯t work!! Vega stops the curved blades and jumps to the left of Ogma. Ogma: Stop running! Ogma keeps swinging, chasing behind Vega. Vega: (I just have to keep using my power to make his time limit go down too. I can beat him with my sword.) Ogma (furious): Die! Die! Die! Vega dodged, as he smiled. Ogma: Oh, you¡¯re so sure, you¡¯re going to win, huh? 2 minutes go by, with them clashing, even more, then Vega makes his move. Vega rushes in, slashing Ogma over 20 times. Vega: (Even if he¡¯s not hurt by this. When the time limit is over he will feel it.) Ogma: So damn weak. Ogma slaps all of the cuts away, and double swings on Vega, with him, just blocking in time but still getting thrown into the snow. Ogma: C¡¯mon! Ogma rushes into the snow swinging, following Vega. Vega jumps out of the snow melting it with his fire. Vega: (Every time I use my power he slaps it away or walks through it. That must be him signaling he¡¯s using it. My fire is still weak, I have to be more powerful!) Vega and Ogma continue clashing back and forth. Swords swing as ¡°Cling¡± rings throughout the area they¡¯re in! Ogma (enraged): Just die already! Vega: (It should¡¯ve been 25 minutes now, I can still use my fire, but his power should be gone.) Ogma: Ihaha, it''s time to end this! Ogma, with an intense face, comes in, dashing beside Vega, cutting his face, lower right cheek. Ogma: Ihahaha. That¡¯ll leave a scar. Vega is covered in anger and flames. Vega: More power. More speed. Vega rushes to cut Ogma multiple times, but the cuts don''t have any effect! Ogma: I told you that wouldn¡¯t work! You¡¯re just too damn weak! Listen to me! Ogma swings his sword clashing with Vega¡¯s sword, then drops one sword and punches Vega square in the face! Launching him into the Ski Lift! Vega slams into it with his back! Vega: ... Ogma slowly walks over to him. Taking off his coat. Vega (questioning): (Can I win? Am I going to die here? I thought that plan would work.) Ogma: I¡¯ll see you in hell!! Ihahaha!! Vega becomes stunned. ¡°I¡¯ll see you in hell¡± rings through his head. [The Lightning Beast Wins!! What Is Vega Thinking About In A Time Like This?!] Mystery 17 Fin Mystery Eighteen: Its Dark And Hell Is Hot Fallen Stars Mystery Eighteen It¡¯s Dark And Hell Is Hot [Flashback: Eighteen years ago¡­] In a fiery wasteland. Fiery like hell. Deep inside a burning castle, there¡¯s a red fiery portal. Inside it, a female demon is yelling out in pain. She resembles a female human, but she has three horns on her head. Other demons circled her, with water and towels, laying their swords on the ground. One demon yells to two other demons to get the lord. Flying for about forty minutes, getting through the portal, they make their way to the Emperor¡¯s chambers, they come in quickly. Kneeling before the emperor. Maalik is a red demon, having short horns, and black wings. Wearing casual formal attire. Maalik: My lord, she¡¯s giving birth. The emperor sighs. Nagi: Ok, I¡¯m coming. Nagi is a demon of tall stature, resembling a human, having a helmet that¡¯s custom-made where it allows his two horns to spring up, but also having a design that covers his forehead. Wearing armor, and a black and red cape. Another demon stops him before he goes. Procyon: Brother-in-law. You know what will happen if you go. Procyon is of the same stature. He has a single horn. Nagi touches Procyon¡¯s shoulder. Nagi: I know. Don¡¯t worry, Procyon. If I die, all I ask is you take care of my son. Procyon: ¡­ I will. Nagi: Raise him correctly. He¡¯ll be the next emperor. Procyon: (...) Nagi makes his way to the birthing hall, followed by the demons. Walking through the portal, forty minutes later, he makes it to the birthing room. He gets beside his wife and holds her hand. Nagi: I¡¯m here, Nami. Nami is heavily breathing in and out. Nami: I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here. I needed you with me. Nagi: I needed to be by your side. The two kisses and Suto try to control the room. Suto: I need you to push, Empress. Nami yells out in pain, pushing as hard as she can!! Her body begins to catch on fire!! Nagi continues holding her hand, even through the fiery pain. Nagi: I wouldn¡¯t miss my son¡¯s birth for anything. Nami begins to burn Nagi¡¯s hand. Nagi: (I know I will die here, but at least I know my son made it.) She pushes the baby out, but her body lashes out killing alot of demons in the room!! The baby comes out on fire, heat blazing off of it, and it unconsciously with the heat, burns a few demons to a crisp, including his father, he forced the swords to heat up and slice through all the burnt demons and ones still alive!! The only survivors in the room left, are the baby and Maalik. The baby floats back down and cries in its dead mother¡¯s arms. The room is filled with lifeless bodies, the emperor is dead, and the empress is dead. Maalik is almost appearing drained of vitality at the horror in the room. Maalik: (This kid not only killed his father and mother during birth, but he also killed everyone in the room?!) Maalik falls and coughs up from the heat. Maalik: (Why was I spared?!) Maalik slowly stands up, looking at the baby crying in its mother¡¯s arms. Maalik: Is this how a Kagutsuchi birth always happens? Maalik grabs the baby, coddling him. Soothing him to stop him from crying. Maalik: I knew what your name was planned, and I shall give it to you. Vega Mazoku Purgatory. Welcome to the Purgatory Clan. Maalik looks around at the corpses in the room. Maalik: Though you already killed twenty members of the clan. Maalik reaches over Nami¡¯s body and takes the red stone necklace. It catches the eye of Vega. He places the necklace around Vega¡¯s neck. Vega stares at it with his red eyes. Maalik takes baby Vega and flies to the emperor''s chambers. Maalik gets before Procyon. Maalik: This is- Procyon: Did my sister survive? Maalik looks down. Maalik (saddened): No sir¡­ Procyon grips his fist. Procyon: And Nagi is dead also? Maalik: Yes, sir. Vega killed everyone in the room beside me. Procyon turns and walks over. Looking down on a sleeping Vega. Procyon appears heated and frustrated. Procyon: (So this bastard is the reason my sister is dead¡­) I shall be taking reigns as Emperor until Vega is of age. Maalik: Yes, sir. [Five years later.] In the courtyard of the burning castle. Vega: Grandma! This sword is too big for me. Mago: Oh it''s alright. Try again, sweetie. Vega understood how his grandmother''s cheerful expression at him. Mago is an elderly demon around 5¡¯6, but the intensity around her is strong. She has horns going up, in red leather armor, and hints of fur around it. Resembling a human in looks, besides her short horns, and red skin. Veg struggles. Vega: I got it!! Mago: *smiling* That¡¯s my grandson! Vega continues to struggle with the sword. Mago: Vega, this could help you out with your sword training. Vega: Hm? Mago: From our homeland, there¡¯s a word of resolve. It¡¯s ¡°Yaksha¡±. Scream it out within and it¡¯ll broaden your will and help calm your soul. Vega: Okay. Mago: Now, learning the way of the sword. You¡¯re lucky, you¡¯re learning from a great swordswoman like me! Vega: Wow! Really? Mago: Yup! Swordsmanship has always been in our family. You should ask Procyon more though, he¡¯s better than me. Vega: ¡­Uncle¡­? Vega looks up at the emperor''s chambers, and Procyon is up there, looking at him with his arms folded, giving an intimidating look. Vega: ¡­I don¡¯t think I could ask him¡­ While two demons talk in the background. Maalik: Procyon is so cruel to Vega but respectable to everyone else. Aoxes: He¡¯s still mad about losing his sister. Give him time. Maalik: ¡­Why? Why should I? He knew exactly what his sister and Nagi were going to end up like, and he wants me to allow him to pout? Maalik balls up his fist and strikes a wall. Maalik: I refuse. [One year later.] At the same location, the fiery wasteland, with the castle in the background. In an open field that is also on fire. Vega is yelling in the field, swinging his sword with all his might! The red stone around his neck swings. Vega: AHHHH!!!! I will be the greatest swordsman ever!!! Vega struggles as he¡¯s using the sword, but yells out Yaksha!! He continues to hardly swing his sword, while Mago is watching him from the background. Mago: That¡¯s my grandson! Vega: I got this grandma! As he says that, he continues to struggle to swing it. Barely getting the hang of it. Procyon is in the castle, with an annoyed expression. Watching Vega struggle and Mago notices it. Mago: (I¡¯ll have to talk to him about Vega¡­ This is no way to treat a kid¡­) Vega feels like he did a monstrous swing! But he looks up and Procyon is not impressed. Procyon opens the castle¡¯s window and jumps out. Landing right at Vega. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Procyon: You said you were going to be the greatest swordsman? Show me. Vega: Huh¡­? Procyon takes out his sword. It reflects the sun. Procyon: I challenge you. Handle your sword. Procyon goes in to attack Vega!! Mago: Procyon!! Vega is frightened!! Procyon knocks out Vega¡¯s sword and puts his sword right before his neck. Procyon: (I should just do it.) Vega falls to the ground. Procyon slowly puts up his sword. Procyon: Live by the sword, die by the fire. Vega looks up at Procyon, overwhelmed by what he said. Procyon: This is what she was sacrificed for? Pathetic. Vega: ¡­!! Vega takes off running into the castle. Mago: Wait! Vega! Mago looks up at Procyon. Mago: (Grrr.) And she takes off chasing after Vega. Making it into the castle, she looks around but can¡¯t find him. Mago: Vega! Where are you?! Vega whispers. Vega: Here¡­ Mago turns to look and is surprised, finding Vega curled up into a ball, hiding in the shadows. Mago: (He blended right in.) Mago grabs Vega¡¯s hand. Mago: Come out of the shadows, Vega. I¡¯ll protect you. Vega sniffles. Vega: Alright. Mago takes Vega to his room. And she immediately storms to Procyon¡¯s chambers. Bursting in¡­!! Mago: What is wrong with you, Procyon?! Procyon is looking out the castle¡¯s windows. Procyon: I guess I¡¯m not over it yet. Mago: It''s been six years! I¡¯m not saying get over it, but don¡¯t take out your anger on Vega!! Procyon: I promised to raise him¡­ But I don¡¯t think I can. I lost the only two people who had my back¡­ Mago: That¡¯s not a reason for you to act like this to Vega! You lost a sister, I lost a son! But those actions don''t lie on Vega! Procyon: They do. He''s the one who did it. If he was never born¡­ Mago: Don¡¯t even speak like that!! Procyon turns to Mago with a cold demeanor. Procyon: Leave me alone, Mago. Mago: (His eyes are dead cold¡­!!) Mago storms out slamming the doors on her way out. [The Next Day. Nighttime.] On a rainy day, Mago watches as Vega continues to train in the rain. Mago is in a yellow raincoat. Mago: Are you sure you want to train today?? Vega has no coat, only a shirt, and pants. Vega: Yes! Vega trains his sword, concentrating, and doing techniques with his sword. He does a powerful thrust! And accidentally looks up at the castle window. Procyon is at the top again, looking down on Vega, with the same unimpressed expression. Vega gets mad and throws his sword to the side and takes off running from the open field again. Mago: Wait! Vega! Mago looks up at Procyon and gives him the bird! And takes off after Vega. She sees he doesn¡¯t run into the castle this time, but into the poverty residential. Mago: (Not that way, Vega!!) Mago chases after him but loses him. Mago: No, no, no. Vega! Where did you go?! Vega is far from Mago, hiding in the shadows again. Watches the kids play with a flattened soccer ball. None of the kids or parents can see Vega. They have fun and walk away. Vega is left alone, but the roof above the shadows breaks apart. Rain comes pouring down on him. Vega: *sigh* I deserve that¡­ Vega stays balled up while rain pours on him. Vega: (I did nothing to him¡­) Suddenly, the rain stops pouring on him. Vega: Huh¡­? Did it stop raining? Vega looks up, and Maalik is holding an umbrella over him, while he smokes a cigar. Vega: Maalik¡­ Maalik only covers Vega, while the rain pours on him. He takes a puff and blows out a smoke ring. Maalik: Vega. Don¡¯t let someone like Procyon get in your head. Vega hears those words and his attitude completely changes. He stands up. Starting to walk with Maalik following him with the umbrella. Leaving the Y¨­ko* Quarters. AN* Y¨­ko means demon fox. Them leaving, and someone steps out of the quarters watching them leave. A child fox girl, with silver ash-like hair, and a silver tail. In a dirty dress. Vulpecula: I wonder who that was. Vulpecula wipes her eyes, just waking up. Vega meets back with Mago, and she hugs him. But she notices he has a cold demeanor now. Mago: Were you the one who found him, Maalik? Maalik: I was. Mago: Thank you. Maalik: It was no problem. Let¡¯s go back now. They leave heading back home. [The Next Day. Daytime.] Vega is once again training in the open field. The energy around him has changed. Mago: (Vega¡­) He continues to swing his sword. Then, suddenly loud noises go off, like alarms and trucks riding in. Mago: Huh? Dune buggies come rolling in, and demons start to scatter, flying through the sky, but some begin to get shot down!! Landing right in front of Vega and his grandmother. Mago (frantic): Come here!! She yells out to Vega, and grabs him, hiding away from the events transpiring. Vega sees his uncle, walking out of the castle, standing on the ledge. Having his sword on his side, a stern look. He slowly takes his sword out of its sheath, and jumps into the sky!! But immediately comes crashing back into the castle!!! Procyon: *holding his head* Ah. A person looming in the sky, he looks in his teen years, but you can¡¯t see his face, only his rainbow-colored eyes. Wearing an army uniform, he says, ¡°Did you think you could beat me? You aren¡¯t on my level of swordsmanship.¡± Then three other people appear, and they chain up Procyon. One of the people who chained up Procyon speaks to the teen in the sky. Wezen: That¡¯sss a foul thing to say. The teen responds, ¡°No, that¡¯s reality.¡± Vega sees the rainbow-colored eyes teen in the sky. Mago takes Vega and hides out from being seen, as the three chain up Procyon to a mountain. **Mt. Fujitora** On the mountain top, chained up, Procyon hangs there as a slight breeze comes by. Wisteria plants are around the mountain, beautiful purple. Blood splatters across the flowers. Procyon: Ha. Is that all you got, Wezen? Wezen wipes off his sword while smirking. Wezen: All you have to do is tell us where the myssstical relicsss are. Procyon: You fucking snake. Wezen stands with the other two who chained up Procyon in the shadows. None of them are wearing army uniforms strangely. The person who Procyon briefly fought in the sky still floats about them. He says out to them ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him, Wezen. Your boss is in charge of this place. Round up the others, the fat cats will love them.¡± The three of them scatter, leaving Procyon all alone, but a hawk comes swooping in!! Flying directly to his stomach and eating his intestines!! Procyon screeches out in pain!! The teen in the sky says, ¡°That will continue every day till you tell us. I know you Kagutsuchi can regenerate your stomachs.¡± Procyon who¡¯s still in pain looks up at the teen who¡¯s looking down on him. Slightly tilting his head, the teen says, ¡°Remember when we tortured your family for three hundred years? Do you want that again?¡± Procyon: *smirks* It was three hundred thirty-three years to be exact. [A few days later¡­] Even more dune buggies come rolling into the territory. People hanging outside the passenger side loud and belligerent are singing, Niko: Stop! Drop! Shut ¡®em down, open up shop! Sason: Oh, no! That¡¯s how Ruff Ryders roll!! Running alongside the dune buggies are blazing dogs, hellhounds. They bark constantly while running. Creating a frightening atmosphere. Niko: Move out! Move out! Hunt ¡®em down, dawgs!! And the hellhound chases down demons, biting and tearing their wings and flesh. Most of the demons are gathered in a certain location underground, chained by their wings, hanging, and also chains around their necks. Behind a secret glass window, are rich tycoons. Getting jittery at the sight. One of them says, ¡°We can do so much¡± and another says, ¡°We can do anything we want¡± while one smokes a cigar and says, ¡°Set up the video camera¡± while rubbing his hands. [In a hidden location] Vega and his grandmother are hiding from everyone in a very dark room. Vega is getting angry, yelling out ¡®We need to save everyone!¡± His grandmother covers his mouth as soldiers walk by. Mago: Sssh. Be quiet. We need to get out of here, we have to fend for ourselves now. In Vega¡¯s head, he hears his uncle screeching in pain for the past few days, he starts to tear up. Vega: *sniffles* I just want to save him. To prove to him, that I¡¯m strong. Mago cuddles him. Mago: In due time. But for now, we must stay strong. *wiping a tear from him* Vega: Mhm. Mago: Procyon is strong, this won¡¯t even phase him. Vega: Right. A few more days go by, then weeks, all while, every single day, Vega hears his uncle yelling out in pain. They also heard rumors about tycoons having a ¡°great time¡± down below from grunts. [One year later¡­] After surviving for so long on crumbs and leftovers, Mago says the time is now to leave the continent. Mago: The army has left, and the demons in charge have become lax. Wezen has become lazy. The time is now. She looks over to Vega(same height). In the shadowy room, he¡¯s sitting down, tightly gripping his sword, his eyes are closed, unable to be seen hidden in the shadows. Then Vega opens his eyes looking straight forward with his red eyes beaming with anger. His tears have disappeared over the year. His red stone twinkles a bit and under his breath¡­ Vega: It¡¯s dark... and hell is hot... Mago looks at him concerned and scared but gets everything together to run. They both cover themselves in dirty sheets, covering their faces. Mago peeps out of the door, seeing two people by the front gate, and a hellhound, she storms out with Vega following her, but suddenly Vega starts outpacing her and gets close to the demons and slices them in half!! He turns and cuts the hellhound in half too!! Shock is over her face, but she remains focused and bursts out of the door with him. Mago: Hold my hand! Vega does and she grows wings and takes off into the sky! Mago: We have to get off the continent. But on Mt. Fujitora they¡¯re seen by Procyon. He¡¯s bruised and bloody, leaking from both sides and his mouth. The full moon is shining down on him. Procyon: *Huff* You were¡­ alive... this whole time¡­ I was aware all along that sacrificing for you wasn''t a wise decision. Vega locks eyes with his uncle while his grandmother carries him off. Procyon: You don''t deserve to live, Vega. You killed my sister¡­ and my friend. After I die. I''ll wait on you. I''ll see you in hell...!! Vega is stunned by the words, becoming saddened. But his grandmother covers his ears. Mago: (Procyon you idiot! That¡¯s not what you tell a child!!) She flies for a countless amount of time, but makes it off of the continent and is headed to a new one. Resting at a location, hiding out from the army, she talks to Vega. Mago: We¡¯re going to the Void continent. I heard the army doesn¡¯t go there. Plus I have- She looks over at him, but he remains silent, in a world of his own. Vega: I¡¯m going out for a while. Mago: What?! She reaches out her hand, but as she gazes at him, his red eyes put fear in her heart. Mago: Just stay safe. Vega: ¡­ He walks out, slamming the door. He has the sheet covering his face, dragging it across the ground. A villager sees him and starts laughing, ¡°Hah hah, whatcha doing there buddy?¡± Vega looks at him, takes his sword, and stabs him through the throat!! The man begins to choke on his blood and falls over. Mago comes running out of the worn-down house grabs Vega and takes off. Mago: You can¡¯t be doing that!! They move from location to location over the next few months, just being cautious of not being tracked by the army. Vega cutting down anyone he sees fit. Some late nights during these months, their houses randomly caught on fire. One night, Mago is seen running out of a house with Vega, who¡¯s looking back, and always hears the same thing from the fire¡­ Procyon: Live by the sword... die by the fire. But finally making it to the outskirts of the Void continent, on the back of Mago is Vega sleeping. Her wings flap quietly, coming up to the continent, she forms violet cosmos on her hand and does a swiping motion, creating a hole to fly through, making it through, the hole immediately seals back up. Someone is standing on the beach watching her fly in. Caffua: Can I help you with something? Mago: *Huff* Yes, I have a child with me and we¡¯re on the run from the army. Caffua looks at her and looks at the child sleeping. Caffua takes a second to scan her. Caffua: (She isn¡¯t lying¡­) Ok, you can pass. Do you have somewhere to live? Mago: Yes, my family had a place in Proto City. Caffua: Ok. Mago takes off, flying from Caffua. After some time, she gets to a house that belonged to a family member, gets inside, and makes sure the coast is clear. She wakes up Vega, introducing him to their new home. He looks around, not impressed, and goes to the backyard to swing his sword around. Mago goes to the table to gather her thoughts. Mago: Hopefully a fire doesn¡¯t start here. Everywhere he goes, a fire out of nowhere happens. Is he a cursed child? Is it worth saving him... All while Vega is still in the house, and listening to it all. Days go by, with him still training his swordsmanship. But Mago comes to the backyard with a tablet. Mago: Ok, a few things. Vega: Hm? Mago: You will be going to school here. You¡¯ll be in elementary school. Vega: ¡­. I don¡¯t want to go to school. Mago: Not up for discussion. I already signed you up. Vega: What?! Mago: And, no more swords. Especially not in school. Mago grabs his sword from him. Vega: No swords?! Mago: Here. *hands him the tablet* Play with this. And there¡¯s one last thing. *she kneels over, getting close to Vega.* No... killing, please. Vega: Huh? Mago: Please, don¡¯t kill anyone when you go to school. This can be a new life for us. I don¡¯t want that messed up. Vega: ... Mago (sad): *gets up from kneeling* You start school next week. Be ready. *she walks away into the house* Vega: What do I do with this? He opens up the tablet. Viewtube opens up and the first recommendation is a Viewtuber named ¡°MangaBean¡±. Vega clicks on it. He opens up the video by saying, MangaBean: Oh... shit! Will my boy join the gang? Well, we¡¯ll find out soon. I don¡¯t really like the direction this story is going in, but we have to take it with a grain of pepper. Vega laughs a bit. After watching numerous videos, he gets to another one. MangaBean: What are you saying? OrangeRanger: I¡¯m saying, wouldn''t you be curious? MangaBean: Nope. Curiosity killed the dog! OrangeRanger: That doesn¡¯t sound right. MangaBean: Hm. It does to me. Vega continues laughing, binge-watching the viewtuber. By the time Vega realizes it, the school week is upon him. Getting to school with his grandma. Vega: Tartarus? Mago: Yup. *She gets close to Vega, kneeling in front of him.* Ok, I want you to put a smile on. And make a lot of friends, say something funny. Vega: ... Mago: Now go in, second grade. Vega: *pout* Ok. Getting into the school, making it to the class. The teacher welcomes him in. Teacher Gabrielle: Class, we have a new student. Go ahead and introduce yourself. Vega stands in front of everyone with his red eyes and necklace with a red stone on it. Vega: (I have to say something funny.) Uhh, sorry to be talking to you all from up here, Ahaha. Seems I have the lemonlight. Ms. Gabrielle: ...The limelight? Vega: Nah, that can¡¯t be right. Ms. Gabrielle (hurrying): Just be quick about your introduction, please. Vega: I¡¯ll keep it short and sour. Ms. Gabrielle closed her eyes for a long period. Having an unpleasant face. Vega: Hi, my name is Vega. I¡¯m new to the city, but people don''t seem to be that smart here. Jack reacts. Draco reacts but just responds to the name. Jack: (Huh?) Draco: (V-Vega¡­?) Vega: Anyways, what I¡¯m getting at is¡­. Vega *pauses for a second* (serious tone): I¡¯m better than all of you, and I¡¯m gonna take that number one spot. As Vega points to a random girl in class, Draco turns his head around to look at Vega and chuckles a little bit. Draco (amused): (This guy is interesting.) [End of Flashback] Ogma: I¡¯ll see you in hell!! Ihahaha!! Ogma has an arrogant smile. Ogma: Do you not know my title?! I¡¯m Ogma! The Lord of Slaughter, motherfucker! Ogma: Now, DIE! Ogma with one sword swings it down fast onto Vega but is stopped by Vega¡¯s sword. Ogma is surprised by Vega holding back his sword. Vega stands up with his face covered in flames¡­. not being able to see his expression. Vega (aggravated): I¡¯ll Be Taking That Title of Yours, You Will Feel This¡­. Vega¡¯s forehead starts twitching, and his red stone necklace twinkles a little bit¡­ [Oh, No! Something¡¯s Changed!!] Mystery 18 Fin Mystery Nineteen: Gods Will Fallen Stars Mystery Nineteen God¡¯s Will **At Draco¡¯s Location** Draco runs in for a kick. Draco: **Light Kick** He kicks Dabih in the face, making him fly into the snow. Draco with a self-centered tone, and no care for his opponent. Draco: Just give up. You can¡¯t beat me, we¡¯ve been going at it for like ten minutes and you haven¡¯t landed a hit yet. At least use your sword. Dabih jumps back up. Dabih: I will win this battle¡­. Draco: What even is your power? You have no long-range attacks or close range. You just run in, to get kicked. Dabih rushes in, and Draco forms a miniature sun in his hand that radiates immense heat. The sun in his hand starts glowing vigorously. It¡¯s larger than a baseball. Draco: **Sun of Satan** Draco takes the star and hits Dabih in the stomach, it rips apart his jacket in its stomach area, burning him, and sending him flying. Draco has a conceited look and just laughs at Dabih. Draco: Hahaha. Dabih falls to the ground and then gets back up quickly. Draco holds up a finger, it starts to glow. Draco: **Star Gun** Draco forms concentrated starlight in his hand, and sends it through his fingertip, like a concentrated blast, that zooms right past Dabih, chipping his ear! Blood spews out! Dabih: Aah! Dabih holds his ear. Draco: Damn, I¡¯m still a little off. Draco looks at his finger. Draco: I aimed right for your forehead. Dabih wraps his ear up and charges back into Draco. Draco just easily dodged his punches. Draco: Why do you keep trying? You might have some power, but your speed is terrible. Dabih: (All I have to do is stall him using his power. I will have the advantage.) Draco raises his hand. Draco: **Dragon Claw** Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Draco forms his hand into a Dragon¡¯s claw and grips Dabih''s face. Draco with a menacing stare. Draco: Die. Draco starts to raise Dabih by his face into the air. Crushing his face, Dabih moves and kicks Draco in his chest while being held. Draco: Oof. Draco is sent falling backward. While Dabih is in his fighting stance. Draco gets back up. Draco: What are you waiting for? This is so weird. Draco jumps toward him with an evil smile. Dabih gets ready to dodge, he kicks some snow into Draco''s face, runs behind him, and kicks him in the back. Draco flies into the snow and is stuck. Draco: Yeah, I¡¯m going to kill him. Draco melts the snow away, getting up. He looks around and sees no one. Draco: Now, where did he go? Draco walked forward looking around. Draco: (He wants to surprise attack me, so from behind.) Draco jumps, turning around with a light-coated fist and Dabih comes flying in from behind, punching Draco in the back of the head. Draco: Gah! My head. Draco holding his head, Dabih comes back in for another attack. A strong right hook, but Draco catches it, then breaks his hand!! Crushing the bones!! Dabih: Motherfucker! While Draco still holds his broken hand, he evilly smiles and kicked the hell out of Dabih. Connecting with his torso, with a star-coated kick. Dabih: Agh! Dabih gets back up, hand broken, ear chipped. Still ready to fight. Dabih: I cannot allow a crazy man like you to continue to pass. (Just three more minutes.) Draco (perplexed): Crazy? And that giant dude you¡¯re running with isn¡¯t crazy? He grabbed my friend and dragged him out of the window. Dabih: Ogma is crazy, but I can¡¯t allow two. I can somewhat control him. Draco: A person like that can¡¯t be controlled. I know from experience. Dabih: I¡¯m the one who leads them. I know what to do. Draco becomes ticked off. In the background, we see Nino vs Apocalypse. Nino is running around crying. Completely frightened. Nino: (Aye, motherfucker! Let¡¯s talk this out!) Apocalypse drooling continues trying to eat Nino. Nino: (Are you trying to eat me! This whole time I thought you just wanted my feathers.) Draco sees Apocalypse chasing around Nino. Draco shoots a blast at Dabih. Draco: Ap, kill that little penguin. It¡¯ll be reborn somewhere else. Nino (scared): (Don¡¯t listen to him! Listen to me! Respond!) Draco: Now where were we? Draco looks around and sees Dabih running away. Draco: No, you don¡¯t. Draco holds up his finger, firing off three-star guns! Dabih dodged and jumped for cover. Draco blasts over to him using his starlight. Then it runs out and Draco falls face-first into the snow. Draco: Agh, It¡¯s been twenty minutes. Dabih: Time to strike! Dabih comes in with his sword, swinging at Draco. Draco, in time, pulls out his sword and clashes with Dabih. While the two struggle... Draco: This is what you waited on? I knew you were waiting for my power to go away. I already know I¡¯m a better swordsman than you too. Dabih and Draco push forward then jump backward. Dabih gives a shocked expression. Dabih: (I thought that was just for show.) Draco: This was your whole plan? Draco shakes his head, laughing. Draco: Even without my sword, my hands and legs are weapons themselves. I¡¯m better than you in every single way. But, it¡¯s over with anyway. Draco rushes in with his sword and cuts Dabih before he can even react. Dabih spits up blood and the cut across his chest expels out more blood. He falls over face-first. His blood turned all the snow around him red. Draco: What even was your power? Dabih rolls over, coughing up blood. Dabih: I don¡¯t have to use the bathroom. Draco (bursts out laughing): What??? Haha!! Dabih: ¡­ **Dabih** Stellar: K5 Cosmic Path: Waste Management Animal: Penguin (Modern) Epithet: Mr. Take No Shit Age: 28 [Dabih doesn¡¯t have to use the bathroom at all. No peeing, no shitting.] Draco: Is that why you¡¯re dressed up like a garbage truck worker? Dabih: ¡­. Draco makes a contemptuous face at Dabih. Draco (scornful): You make me sick, how could the leader be the weakest¡­ Draco looks up into the sky. Draco: It¡¯s over for you. *laughing* Just to be sure¡­ Draco using his starlight jumps into the air. Aiming two fingers at Dabih. Draco: Don¡¯t worry, you dying is all apart of God¡¯s Will¡­ my will. Dabih: (This is how I go out, huh. It was a good run.) Draco: **Mysterious Light** Dabih closes his eyes remembering the times, his life flashed before his eyes. **Dabih¡¯s History 2yrs Ago** (Dabih¡¯s dad) Bruce: Come out here now! Dabih: Yeah, ok! [Draco Wins Easily! But, Dabih¡¯s Story Is Up Next!] Mystery 19 Fin Mystery Twenty: Shit Happens Fallen Stars Mystery Twenty Shit Happens **Flashback** **Umbriel** **Dabih** Age: 26 Bruce: Come out of your room! Dabih is playing games. Dabih: Yeah, I¡¯m coming dad. (I was almost finished too.) Dabih walks out of his room. Greeting his dad. Dabih: Hey dad. Bruce: I told you. If you¡¯re going to stay here you need to find a job. Dabih: I¡¯ve been looking, don¡¯t worry. Bruce: We¡¯re having breakfast, join us. Dabih: Ahhh, but I¡­. Bruce with a stern face. Bruce: I wasn¡¯t asking. Come say hi to your stepdad. Dabih: Alright, I¡¯m coming. Dabih closes his door and goes downstairs¡­ TJ: Good Morning sleepy head. Dabih: Good morning. TJ moves around the kitchen putting food where Dabih and his Dad are sitting, then comes to the table and eats. TJ: Soooo. Any news about a job? Dabih: I have an interview today actually. TJ: What¡¯s it for? Dabih: Sanitary Engineering. TJ chuckles. Bruce: Aye. A job is a job. Dabih (discouraged): Yeah... As breakfast goes by, Dabih heads out for his job interview. **At The Interview** Umbriel¡¯s Waste Management Jay: So how hard will you work for us? Dabih: I will put in the work, don¡¯t worry. Jay: Have you ever been in this line of work? Dabih: I take the trash out every Monday. Jay: Haha, that¡¯s a good one. Dabih smirks. Jay: You think you can handle the snow? Dabih: I¡¯ve lived here all my life. I can handle it. Jay: Well, you have a great resume. How soon can you start? Dabih (smiles): I can start today! Jay: Haha, well come in tomorrow, you got the job. Dabih (excited): Thanks! I¡¯ll be here, at 8 am sharp! Jay: Alright, starting today, you¡¯re on a probationary period for a month. Dabih: Ok! Dabih and Jay shake hands and Dabih walks out, head held high. Making it home. Dabih (happy): Dad! I got the job. Bruce (proud): That''s great son! No more freeloading! Dabih: Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. Dabih walks up to his room and starts his game. Dabih: A few hours of gaming and I¡¯m good. As he plays the game the days go by until the next morning. At the job, Dabih goes through all the training and prepping for the job. Two weeks go by, and he¡¯s riding the trucks on the road. Dabih: Easy life. Get trash, dump it. The person riding in the back with Dabih. Nick: Shut up. Just stay quiet and let¡¯s work. Dabih: (Asshole.) As the trash day goes by, Dabih is back home. He goes to lie in bed. Dabih (relieved): Finally. Bruce: Tough day, huh? Dabih: Yeah, can you close my door? If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Bruce: Sure. Bruce leaves the room, closing the door. Dabih hops up and gets back on the game. Dabih: I wish I could just quit. Work isn¡¯t for me. Logging into the Play-Box. **Welcome** Username: Day-Maker Dabih: Aww, I¡¯m back. **Message** From: Koolwhip Hop online motherfucker Dabih: *sighs* This guy. Dabih joins his friends and plays all night while yelling. Koolwhip: If you get offline, you¡¯re a bitch. Dabih: I got work in the morning though. Koolwhip: One more game. Dabih: Alright, Just one more. They play for 3 more hours into the morning. Dabih: Oh shit! I gotta go to work. Koolwhip: Peace. Dabih cuts off the game and drives fast to work. Finally made it there two minutes late. Jay: Late, huh? You¡¯re fired. Dabih: What?! It was only two minutes! Jay: Exactly, two minutes not on time. Do you realize you¡¯re on a probationary period? You couldn¡¯t have been late once this whole month. Go home. Dabih under his breath. Dabih: Fuck this. Dabih drives back home, frustrated. Home again. He walks in and slams the door. Bruce: What happened? Dabih: I got fired. Bruce covers his face with his hand. Bruce: Well, time to find another job. Dabih: Nah, I won¡¯t. Bruce: You what? Dabih storms off walking upstairs. Bruce goes to yell. Bruce: Da¡­. TJ stops him. TJ: Let him cool off first. Dabih gets to his room and slams his door. Still in his uniform, he turned on the game, another message from Koolwhip. Dabih: ¡­ **Message** From: Koolwhip Hit me up when u home Dabih: Agh. Of course, he says this. Might as well message him. The two-game all night, playing ATG and Faragon, all day and night, through three days. Dabih still hasn''t taken his garbage uniform off yet. Dabih: I gotta use the bathroom again. Koolwhip: Ight. Dabih goes to the bathroom, uses it, and after washing his hands looks in the mirror. Dabih: I wanna play games all day, no bathroom breaks. Getting back to the game. Dabih notices a special event going on for a limited time. **Twenty-Six Hour Event** Game: Faragon Quadruple The Exp! Koolwhip (hyped): We¡¯re gaming all day! No stops! Dabih (excited): Yep! As thirteen hours go by, they game hard. Dabih (irate): Help me on the left! Koolwhip (angry): I¡¯m heading over there bitch! Stop Yelling! Dabih (annoyed): I would stop yelling if you helped me! Koolwhip (angry): You¡¯re making my blood pressure rise! Dabih: If it rises, that''s your fault! Koolwhip (confused): Huh?! How?! Dabih: Plus you got me fired anyway, you can take some yelling. Koolwhip: If you got fired, that¡¯s your fault. Dabih (mad): You were the reason I was late! Koolwhip (upset): No one told you to keep playing! Dabih (enraged): Bitch, you did! YungFlee: Can you two stop yelling? Dabih and Koolwhip: Stay outta this! **Gameover** Results: Fxcking Losers. Dabih: Yep, we lost. Koolwhip: Cause of all your yelling. Dabih: If you can¡¯t handle some yelling¡­. Koolwhip: What did you say? Doesn¡¯t matter, I¡¯m better than you anyway. Dabih: What? Game recognizes game, and you look unfamiliar!! I¡¯m at the top of the leaderboard, as always! Koolwhip: Tck. This one game. Dabih: Whatever, I have to pee. I¡¯ll be right back. Koolwhip: Wait, Day! Look at this. **Thirteen Hours Remaining** Octuple The Exp! For The Final Hours! Dabih: Oh god. Koolwhip: Get back on the controller, I¡¯m starting the game. Dabih: Alright, I¡¯m here. They play for eight more hours, while Dabih is itching to go to the bathroom. Dabih: I gotta go! Koolwhip: We¡¯re in the middle of a game! We need you. Dabih: Oh, so you do need me? Koolwhip: Shut up. **Five Hours Remaining** Decuple The Exp! The Final Hours! Dabih: C¡¯mon. I can hold it for five more hours. Koolwhip: Let¡¯s go again. The grind doesn¡¯t stop! More hours go by, then they are left with the final two hours¡­ Dabih (pain): Ahh! Shit! Koolwhip: You ok? Dabih: I don¡¯t know. Dabih felt his lower stomach. Dabih: I got a huge pain in my stomach. Koolwhip: Probably just ate something bad. Dabih: Yeah, probably. I¡¯m going to get some water. As Dabih gets up, he falls over. Koolwhip (concerned): What was that loud thump? You ok?? Day-Maker?! Dabih slowly opened his eyes, and he was in front of a man sitting on a throne. But he can¡¯t make out what he looks like. M: Hello. Dabih: What happened¡­. M: You died. Dabih (freaks out): What? How? M: Your bladder burst. Killing you. But, I can help you with that. Do you want power? Dabih: A power? What would it be? M moving his hands. M: Anything you desire. Dabih: Hmmm, I just want to play games all day. No problems. How about not having to go to the bathroom? M: I can make that work. Here, also take this. It¡¯s an egg that will hatch into your pure self. The egg floats over to Dabih. Dabih (gazes): My pure self... Koolwhip: Day-Maker! Day-Maker! M: Better get out of here, your friend is calling for you. Dabih wakes up, stomach completely fine. Koolwhip: Day-Maker! We have an hour left! Dabih gets up and puts the headset on. Dabih: Calm down, I heard you yelling from the other room. Koolwhip: Fuck you. Where were you? Dabih looked at his egg. His egg is all white, with grey spots. Dabih: (All white.) I was just using the bathroom, I¡¯m back now. Koolwhip: Let¡¯s play! They continue playing, getting all the exp they could get! **End of Flashback** Dabih coughing up some blood. Dabih (smiles): I was gaming til Ogma came. KuHaHa. Draco in the sky. Aiming two fingers at Dabih. Draco: **Mysterious Light** Concentrating on his fingers, they begin emitting blinding light, then using both fingers to fire turrets of deadly light projectiles causing explosions on everything they hit!! It''s raining down on Dabih!! Explosions covering a wide area!! Dabih (screeching): GGRRH!!! Striking down, killing him! Nino kills over, Apocalypse starts devouring it! Draco: Alright, where are my friends? Draco floats down, landing, he is overcome with light surrounding his body and he lets out a loud yell!! Apocalypse grows bigger! Draco has pain shooting through his body! Draco: AHHHHH! He starts glowing! Then the light disappears. Draco is left with an uneasy feeling. Draco: I guess this is what Vega felt. So I¡¯m on the next tier too. **Draco** Stellar: K9 Draco: Now, for my friends. Lightning comes striking down from the east. Draco: Wrath. **Seconds Before The Lightning** (At Snow Fountain: Courant d''Eau.) Tupi: I lived a decent life. End me. Wrath: Soooon¡­. Wrath begins to fire off, then suddenly blinding light goes off in the sky. Wrath with an understanding nod. Wrath: Draco. He must¡¯ve finished. I need to finish this too. Wrath raises his arm as lightning circles him. Wrath: **King¡¯s Wrath** A surge of dreadful blue lightning surrounds him, then shoots into the sky, then comes down fast! Which shakes the surrounding environment and destroys everything within the vicinity! Slamming Tupi, over and over again!!! Austin(Tupi¡¯s Bear) kills over, signaling he''s dead. Wrath¡¯s grin is crazy scary, as he continues striking Tupi down!! Wrath: Yahaha, just to be sure! See ya, cue ball!! Wrath continues striking down, then lightning wraps around Wrath!! Deimos grows bigger! Then the lightning disappears. Wrath has an uneasy feeling. Wrath: Geez, that¡¯s the feeling? I felt more pain from that than from the actual fight. So we¡¯re all on the same tier. Great! **Wrath** Stellar: K9 Wrath: Next is finding them. *Draco¡¯s Location* Draco: That lightning. So Wrath is over there. I should head to Wrath. Then we¡¯ll find Vega. They both start to walk towards each other, then suddenly, orange flames erupt in the sky!! Draco and Wrath: Orange Flames!? Vega!? Draco: Orange Flames? Vega!? *looking up* It stopped snowing¡­ He reverted the weather. Wait, is that what it could be short for¡­ *shakes head* I''m going to Vega! ???: (I¡¯m right behind you.) [Battles Conclude¡­!! ...But, Orange Flames?!] Mystery 20 Fin Mystery Twenty-One: Pathway To Hell!! Fallen Stars Mystery Twenty-One Pathway To Hell!! **Enma vs Vince Location** Enma: (Huh?) Enma starts to grow a second tendril and grows bigger. Enma: (So, he evolved. Just what we needed.) Enma is seen with a scar on the right side of their face. Enma charges up another fireball and shoots it at Vince! Vince comes through swinging its trunk!! Vince: (Stop running!) **Back To Vega** Vega lets out a loud yell!! Vega: AAAAAAHHH!!! Vega sends out an eruption of red and orange flames!!! Vega: It¡¯s over. Did you think I would lose today of all days?? Ogma: What¡¯s today- Vega knocks away Ogma¡¯s sword from in front of him, cutting Ogma laterally!! A surprise comes to Ogma!! Ogma: Ow! What the hell!? Vega runs around Ogma cutting him three times, with a red flame going around his blade! Cutting Ogma in the front and the back!! Vega: **Kokujou Jigoku** AN* Kokujou Jigoku, meaning the Hell of Black Rope. The red flames wrap around Ogma, just as though ropes are keeping him tied up! The rope flames keep him frozen in place!! Ogma: *struggles* What the hell?! Vega: **Hell¡¯s Punishment** [Something happened in this exact instant. Almost as if a ¡°path¡± opened up. Vega sees himself free falling into an empty world, resembling M¡¯s place. Spotting an orange flame in front of him, cupping the flame, and putting his hands underneath it. A pattern of dots is seen behind him, with the first one already being lit. Then, the red fire spreads to the next dot and ignites. Lighting up a new orange color.] Vega does a major cut covered in orange flames, cutting Ogma down! Slicing across his chest!! Ogma: AHHH! These cuts went through?! Ogma looks at Vega and sees his red eyes glaring directly at him. Ogma is covered in complete fear!! Ogma: (He¡¯s a demon!!) Vega loudly yells out, with anger in his voice, as if the rage has consumed him, standing there with his left eye growing even redder. Vega: IGNITE!!! An orange blaze erupts from Ogma¡¯s cuts on his back and chest! Bursting into the sky!! Ogma falls over face-first! A conflagration happens in the air, lighting up the area brightly! **At Draco¡¯s Location** Draco: Orange Flames? Vega!? Draco notices the snow stops falling. Draco: It stopped snowing¡­ He reverted the weather. Wait, is that what it could be short for¡­ *shakes head* Nevermind that. Apocalypse: (I¡¯m right behind you.) Draco (excited): (Apocalypse??! We can speak, finally!) Apocalypse: (Draco!!) **Snow Fountain: Courant d''Eau.** Wrath: Orange Flames? Vega!? Zeus: (I¡¯m with you.) Wrath (excited): Zeus!!! Thanks for the help with that bear. Zeus: (We¡¯re a team. I¡¯ll be there for you.) Wrath: Great!! They both take off running, with their animals following, to where the orange flames spawned from. Draco: Don¡¯t die on me, Vega¡­ **At The Ski Lift** (Vega¡¯s Location) Vega panting from the fire and slashes. He holds up his right hand, looking at the fire. Vega: Orange flames? Vega looks over to Ogma. He¡¯s laid out. Even unconscious the fire still burns. Vega: *Huff* Is... he dead¡­ Vega, losing his sight, falls over in the snow. **Enma vs Vince Location** Vince falls over. Throwing a lot of snow in the air. Enma: (Whew. So Vega finished it. Let me go get him.) Enma takes off running. 5 minutes later¡­ Enma and the group all make it to where Vega is. They see Ogma and Vega lying in the snow face first. **At The Ski Lift** Draco with a concerned expression. Draco: Vega! Wrath with an untroubled look. Wrath: Did they kill each other? Draco runs over to get Vega. Draco: No, he¡¯s still breathing. Help me. Wrath picked up Vega and put him on Draco¡¯s back. Draco: Make sure that guy is dead, Wrath. I¡¯m taking Vega back to the Ski Village. Wrath: Aight. Draco takes off dashing back to the village. Draco: C¡¯mon, Enma, and Apocalypse. Apocalypse and Enma: (Right!) Apocalypse: (Wait. We can talk now!?) Enma: (Sup, Apocalypse. Let¡¯s talk more at the village.) Apocalypse: (Yeah, of course.) Draco looks up while running. Draco: (It stopped snowing¡­) The sky has no snow falling, normal but still cloudy. Draco (smiles): Happy birthday, Vega. Draco and crew continue running back to the village while Wrath is standing over Ogma with Zeus. Wrath: Is he already dead? He looks over then gets closer and sees he¡¯s still breathing. Wrath: Let me finish this. Zeus: (Wait.) Wrath: What? Zeus: (We can use him. For things later on. A brute like this on our team would be great.) Wrath (interested): Hmmmm, use him¡­. Zeus: (Deep down I know you want to do this. I know, ''cause I¡¯m a reflection of you.) Wrath: Hmmm. We can use other people, but never our friends. Ok, Zeus? Wrath has a harsh atmosphere around him. Zeus: (Of course, we¡¯re a team with them.) Ogma mumbled under his breath. Ogma: Grrrr¡­.. Wrath squats down. Wrath: Remember ¡°Wrath¡± saved you. Don¡¯t mess with my friends again, or I¡¯ll have to kill you myself. Find me in the future, peace. Wrath raises his foot slamming it on Ogma¡¯s head and knocking him out. Wrath: Yahahaha. Now, to Vega. Zeus: (Mhm.) Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Zeus and Wrath run to the Ski Village¡­ **Meanwhile... At The Ski Village** Draco: We¡¯re here. I¡¯m not going through the front, they might be raising hell. Draco makes sure Vega is on tight and jumps to the penthouse. Apocalypse flies up with Enma on its back. Landing in the room and it¡¯s wide open. Draco: I did a blast in here, huh? We need another room. Draco grabs their bags and goes into the hallway, walking down it to the other room. Draco: This has to be a Penthouse too. Draco kicks the door open. Draco: Yo! It¡¯s quiet. Draco: Guess it¡¯s empty. C¡¯mon right here, Vega. Draco takes Vega to the room and lets him rest. Draco: Keep him warm, Enma. Enma nods to him. Draco walks to the front room and turns on the Tv. Draco: Wrath will probably find us. Time to relax¡­. **At The Ski Village Entrance** Wrath: Did they go through the front? Zeus: (Maybe.) Wrath walks into the Ski Village, and at the front desk, he sees blood everywhere. Wrath: What the hell... He looks to the hallway and a kid is lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Wrath raised an eyebrow. Wrath: Jeez. What happened here? Wrath walks over to the elevator and sees a poster¡­. Wrath: What is this? He takes the poster and gets into the elevator to the top floor. Zeus: (This elevator can hold a lot, huh.) Wrath: That big guy didn¡¯t ambush us from the window, and I doubt he walked up all those stairs. Wrath touches the elevator. Wrath: Seems like a reinforced elevator, to hold a lot of weight, no matter what. Making it up the floors, Wrath checks out the room they were in. Opening the door up. Wrath: Wrath damn! Who made this big ass hole?! Wrath searches through the Penthouse. Wrath: Where are they? Zeus: (A different room maybe?) Wrath: But to change rooms you have to pay. Did Draco kill the people downstairs because he didn¡¯t want to pay? And he was talking about me. Wrath has a scowling face, then walks out of the room. Wrath: Let¡¯s find them. Knowing him, he would probably want another Penthouse room. Wrath walks to the end of the hallway, kicking the door open. Wrath: Draco! Draco jumps up¡­!! Draco: What the¡­. Wrath. I thought you were another one of them. Wrath walks over to the couch. Wrath: Did you kill the front desk lady? Draco (confused): No... Why? Wrath: Well, someone killed her and her son. Draco: It was probably that madman. Wrath: Ah ok, besides that look at this poster. Draco: *grabs the poster* WHAT?? [A Whole Day Passes.] Vega finally wakes up. Vega: Ahhh man. My head hurts. Vega looks around. Vega: Where am I? Enma seeps in. Enma: (You¡¯re awake. Finally.) Vega: Enma? You grew even bigger. With a second spike now too. Vega sees Enma¡¯s scar. Vega has a saddened face. Vega: (Aaah¡­) Enma licks the side of Vega¡¯s face. Enma: (Cheer up. I told you. You have to upgrade yourself in order for me to be at my strongest.) Vega: So that refers to my fire changing¡­ Growing brighter and stronger... Draco runs in, with Wrath walking in behind him. Draco: Vega! Vega lit his hand on fire. Staring into the fire. Vega: Live by the sword¡­ die by the fire. Wrath: Whoa, put that out. It¡¯s hot as hell in this room. Vega: My flames changed to orange. And it''s so much hotter. *cuts off fire* Draco: Hmm. I wonder if all of our powers will change like that. Vega: I remember Caffua saying, ¡°Stars are constantly evolving.¡± This is what he was talking about. I get it now. Wrath: So we all will get stronger by our powers changing colors? But what about people with powers unlike us? What was the power of the guy you fought against, Draco? Draco (joking): Haha. He didn¡¯t have to use the bathroom. Wrath: Yahaha. Vega (annoyed): What?! That¡¯s who you fought? While I was fighting a speed-blitzing Mammoth? Draco (in awe): He had a mammoth?! That is so cool! Apocalypse: (Cooler than a dragon?) Draco: (Of course not, Ap. You¡¯re such a jealous type.) Apocalypse: (I am your reflection.) Vega: So I¡¯m assuming everyone can talk to their animals now? Wrath and Draco: Yep! Vega: Good. Wrath: Zeus and I have been talking up a storm since you¡¯ve been asleep. I never knew I just needed someone exactly like me. Vega: So you¡¯ve been talking to yourself this whole time. I knew you should¡¯ve fought the crazy one. Wrath: Shut up. Draco: Oh yeah, Vega looks at this poster. Draco hands it over and Vega looks at it. Vega: Is this a Mini Map of the area? Draco: Yeah, it says a competition is going on in Triton too. Remember, the Most Advanced Country? Vega: Yeah, I do. Draco: So all we have to do is go through Stephano, and we¡¯re at Triton. But look at the back of it. Vega turns it over¡­ **Umbriel Ski Villa** First-Time Guests Are Free of Charge. Switching Rooms You Have To Pay. 10K Sols Per Night. Vega: What the¡­ Draco: Yep. We could¡¯ve stayed here, free of charge, and probably not have fought those dudes. If only Wrath didn¡¯t do that playing thing at the front desk. Wrath: You went along with it! Draco: Cause you pressured me into it! As they both nudge each other, Vega laughs it off. Vega: It¡¯s fine. This made me laugh. Wrath: Really? We thought you would be the madest. Vega: Without fighting those guys we wouldn¡¯t have learned more about our power, plus you can speak to your animals now. Vega gets up out of bed. Vega: Let¡¯s head out of this city. Draco: You¡¯re ready to move? Already? Vega: We have a title to win you. We can¡¯t waste any time. Draco: And you slept through your whole birthday. Vega: It''s whatever. I don¡¯t need to have any celebrations or anything. Draco: Well, I said it while you were sleeping, but I can repeat it. Happy belated birthday, Vega. Vega looks at him, like the annoyance on his face goes away. Vega (reassured): Thanks, Draco. Wrath cuts in, not to be forgotten. Wrath: We didn¡¯t do anything for my birthday either! Draco stretching. Draco: Your birthday was during our training, we couldn''t do anything. Wrath: I¡¯m going to have a celebration soon. Draco: Ok. Alright, let¡¯s move! They all gather their things and get down the elevator walking out of the Ski Village. Draco: Geez, that guy went wild in the front. Vega: Yeah, his name was Ogma. He was always yelling during our fight. (So annoying.) Wrath: Did y¡¯all notice there was no one else in the village? Like those three kept this place for themselves. Draco: It was pretty empty for such a prominent place. Walking through the city, no snow falling. A group of people comes out of their houses crowding around the gang. Damon (happy): Thank you! Elena (elated): This city has been terrorized by them for a long time! Draco: Who, those three? Elena: Yes. Dabih and his group. Wrath: Is that why every house has boarded-up windows? Damon: Showing our lights on to them is a signal to enter. So we had just to block off every way they could see inside. Draco: Damn. Tonx: Plus, when it gets really cold, it goes right through the windows, so boarding them up is good! Vega: ¡­. (Random fact.) Elena: His grandmother still doesn¡¯t believe Ogma is crazy too. Vega: Huh? Elena: Look, she¡¯s over on that porch. The gang looks at the house at the end, while his grandmother yells out. Kurutta (infuriated): My baby isn¡¯t crazy! You¡¯re the crazy ones! Damon whispers to them. Damon: You just have to learn to ignore her. Elena: Calm down, Ms. Kurutta. Kurutta (still angry): Oh, I¡¯m the crazy one! I¡¯ve been here for over 80 years and it never stopped snowing. Those three did it! They ruined this city! Vega: (It hasn¡¯t stopped snowing here in 80 years?) Vega looked up at the sky. Vega: (This was me...) Vega has a devilish closed-mouth smirk. Draco: Anyway, we¡¯re going. We have somewhere to be. Enchanted by the three, Damon asks them to stay. Damon: You don¡¯t want to stay? We have to celebrate our heroes!! Draco ticked off! Looking completely pissed off!! Draco (pissed): Heroes??! Vega interjects. Vega: Nah, we have to be going, we''re trying to get to Triton. Elena: Oh no. So you three are going through Stephano? Vega: Yeah, we have to. Elena: That city is covered in darkness¡­ I don¡¯t think you should go. Draco (intrigued): (Darkness?) Wrath: Don¡¯t worry. We have light. We¡¯ll be fine. The gang starts walking. Damon and Elena (elated): Thanks again! Wrath waved back to them. Vega and Draco keep their hands in their pockets. And they start leaving the city. Kurutta: I¡¯m telling you it was them! I¡¯m telling you! Damon: Someone get her to relax. Elena: Let¡¯s go inside, Ms. Kurutta. Kurutta (mad): Don¡¯t you dare touch me! Ms. Kurutta stabs Elena with a spork!! As the gang walks out of the city. Vega remembers something. Vega: Ah! I¡¯ll be right back! Draco and Wrath: Alright. Vega runs back into the city as they wait. Wrath: I wonder what he forgot. Draco: We¡¯ll see when he gets back. **Vega Inside The City** Vega: Where was it again? Vega looked around. Then notices it. Vega: There. Vega runs into a store. **Jax¡¯s Clothing Store** Fred: Welcome! How can I help you?! Fred is loud, with a cheerful smile. Vega: Tone down on the yelling. I¡¯m just looking for a mask. Fred: Excuse me, well the only ones we have are some half-masks. Look right here. Walking up to the desk, Vega goes through some and sees an all-black half-mask. Vega: I¡¯ll take this. How much? Fred: Let me ring you up. Bag or no bag? Vega: I¡¯m going to wear it right now. Fred: Oh, ok. Fred hands over the mask to Vega. Fred: Those go for about 3,000 Sols. That¡¯s your total. Vega puts the mask on. Covering half of his face. Then he lights his hand on fire. Vega: I¡¯ll just be taking this¡­.. Fred freaking out. Fred: Yeah, go ahead! Vega walked out of the store. Fred: (I need to open up my own store! That won¡¯t happen there!) Vega ran back to Draco and Wrath. Vega: (My first real sword fight, and I got a scar. I¡¯m still too damn weak.) Vega made it to them. Sliding when he gets there. Vega: ... Draco: That¡¯s what you forgot? A mask? Vega pulls down his mask showing his scar. As they start walking. Vega: I received a scar from that fight. I remember Ogma saying, ¡°Scars are a swordsman¡¯s greatest shame.¡± I just want to cover it up. Draco: Ok. I see what you mean. Wrath: Are you really going to listen to a crazy person? Vega (putting mask back up): You¡¯re right, Wrath. I shouldn¡¯t listen to you. Wrath: I knew you would say that. Don¡¯t make me give you another scar, Yahaha. Vega: Oh, you want to test that? Wrath (getting loud): I¡¯m right here! Draco (steps between them): Relax¡­. We¡¯re supposed to be beating everyone else¡¯s ass. Wrath looked up into the sky. Wrath (smiles): But... I won¡¯t be getting a scar. Promise. Vega and Draco looked at him with a look of faith in him, believing him. Then the Snow Fountain goes off! Shooting snow into the sky! Wrath: Whoa. And he said he would beat me before it went off again. Yahaha. Draco, laughing, at the story Wrath, told him. Five minutes go by. Draco: I wonder how far Stephano is. Wrath: We could be walking for days. We need a car. Draco: I remember you brought this up before. That city didn¡¯t have any cars on the road. They must¡¯ve walked to every place, in a blizzard¡­ Vega: I helped them out some then. Draco: That¡¯s another thing. Draco holds up his hand and starts generating a mini orange-red sun. Draco: My color should change too¡­ stars come in different colors. Wrath: Yeah, I¡¯m starting with blue electricity. What will be my next color? As Draco and Wrath continue to ponder on their powers. Vega is to the side just looking over his orange flames. Vega: (What will be my next one too.) As they think and walk. They walk into a giant forest. Vega: From a snowy city to a forest? Do we have to go through here to get to Stephano? Wrath: That¡¯s what the map said. Vega: I guess we gotta give it the doubt of benefit. Wrath and Draco: The what? Draco facepalms, Wrath is feeling so confused. Wrath: Are you still that bad at phrases? Vega: I¡¯m sure I said it right. Draco: The benefit of the doubt*. Vega thought for a second. Vega: That doesn¡¯t sound right. As the gang gets out of the snow city. A giant forest comes up. The trees are so tall, that the treetops block out the sun¡ªall about 20 meters reaching into the sky. Wrath: It¡¯s gotten so dark. These trees block everything. Draco: The map said this forest was called the ¡°Colossal Woodpecker Forest¡±. *snaps and realizes* Almost forgot. I have to write down Umbriel City, and might as well write down the forest too. Draco writes in his journal. Vega: You¡¯re writing everything down? Draco: At least every city we go through. I¡¯m not trying to forget them. After writing everything down, they go through the forest. Their animals are now using their partners'' powers. Apocalypse, Enma, and Zeus charging up... Shooting everywhere! Apocalypse: (We can use them now!) Zeus: (Yeah!!) Enma: (...) Draco: Look at this. Draco concentrates, then turns into a star. He moves in a straight line and then stops. Draco: Whew. On K you can turn into your abilities! Wrath and Vega both try it out, concentrating and turning it into their abilities, going through the motions. [Two Days Later¡­] Suddenly, noises go off around them, branches snapping and leaves ruffling. Vega pauses for a second. Vega: Wait. Did you hear that? Five people approach them coming in close. Jumping towards them from the trees. Draco: Heads up! Vega readies his sword. Wrath gets ready. Someone yells out to them!! ???: DRACO!!!!! Imagine seeing you here! Draco: Huh? That voice¡­!! *looking in the distance* No... Hamal?! Draco¡¯s eyes light up! With anger in his voice! Draco: HAMAL!!! Vega and Wrath (at a loss): Hamal? After jumping down from the trees, Hamal and his group are right in front of Draco and his group. Draco takes out his sword!! Face covered in rage!! Draco (enraged): I¡¯m going to kill you! Hamal: *condescending laugh* Why are you so mad? [The Ending of the, Hell''s Descension Arc!! Someone New Appears!! Who The Hell Is Hamal?!] Mystery 21 Fin ¡°In a world where everyone is overexposed, the coolest thing you can do is maintain your mystery.¡± - Anonymous Author Note: I wanna say Rest in Peace to one of my favorite NBA players of all time. Kobe Bean Bryant. I wrote this chapter like a day before it happened... Messed me up mentally. But I''ll continue to push and go for other achievements in life! He taught me so much just by following his game and interviews. Thanks to you, Kobe! Shoutout #8 and #24! I need that crazy work ethic mentality. What did he call it...? #MambaMentality !! Mystery Twenty-One Point Five: Rise of the Stars! - End of the 1st Saga! [Bonus Chapter] Fallen Stars Mystery Twenty-One Point Five Rise of the Stars! End of the first saga Hello again! This is Missing¡î, again! This will be a short and quick .5 Mystery. This is the ending of the first saga, named: Rise of the Stars Saga. (Mystery 0-21) I was considering making 11-21 the second saga of this series, but I went away with that idea. Now for what recently happened. Did you all like Vega¡¯s change? I planned that out for a while, just needed the perfect arc to do it in. Naming it the ¡°Hell''s Descension¡± Arc was so tough, I went through numerous names. But I want to list the previous names of 16-21. Hellhound Arc was the original name for Cerberus reasons. But the list goes: Frozen Hell Cold Day in Hell Hell And Back Hot As Hell When Hell Freezes Over Pathway To Hell (Was the arc name now a chapter name) Demon¡¯s Descent Into Hell (Too long imo) Alot of Hell idioms. Though I feel idioms work best for chapter titles and not arc names. I want to tell this to viewers, and also to my future self if I ever come back to these notes. I am terrible at naming things, attack names, arc names, saga names, and even little side characters'' names. Epithets too. Terrible in the sense that it takes me a long time to come up with the exact name I want. I have to feel the name, rather than hear it, if that makes sense¡­ Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Naming it the ILLuminate The World Arc was tough too. That name took a minute. The idea for the name came from an Ab-soul song (ILLuminate), which played into their learning of Aurora. It was playing in the background of the tailor shop. Now naming the last chapter Pathway To Hell happened because Vega¡¯s ¡®path¡¯ opens up, it was a perfect name for it. As for it being named Hell''s Descension, you see Vega''s descent into madness. One thing I do is joke around with people about Vega, about how I don¡¯t like him and all that, but everyone knows that he wouldn¡¯t be an mc if I didn¡¯t like him. For the other mc¡¯s. I know a few people who hated the ¡°Wrath in Rodney¡¯s store¡± situation a lot, but I feel it defines Wrath¡¯s character and is needed¡­ lol it''s not, I wanted it though. For Draco, he¡¯s still doing his thing, hinting toward certain things and how he acts, but he hasn¡¯t fully shown it yet, in due time. Did you like Clair¡¯s introduction? Knowing my mc¡¯s and her saying that comment, ¡°Hopefully no one is black¡± I loved it too much, pretty sure that was one of the first things I wrote planning the arc out. I like Clair¡¯s character, nothing too complex, straightforward, and about business. Great person. How about Vulpecula? Like her little cameo? She may or may not be a love interest in the future¡­ What about Lich? Did you like her way of saying ¡°know¡± I got that gag from Ace Vane on youtube. His quarantine videos are great, also check out the ¡°In love with mary jane¡± series lol¡ªamazing and hilarious vids. But yeah Lich will surely pop up again soon. What about that crazy guy Ogma?! I loved his character, again, a straightforward powerhouse that happened to run into a bad matchup. But, I don¡¯t know when he¡¯ll be back, but he will be back. Now about Dabih. His backstory seems out of nowhere, but I related to it after a similar event happened to me, not the dying part lol. I wanted to show that story through a character, and who better than Mr. Take No Shit? Which I think is a unique and funny power, but others I know trashed it, but whatever, shoutout to Dabih! A subtle joke I wanted to put in there when the title card says ¡°Flashback¡± and ¡°End of Flashback¡±, was a reference to SpongeBob''s time card usage. I just wanted to add it for no real reason. Lastly, I will be doing a .5 chapter at the end of each saga. If an arc or combination of arcs is super important and I want to speak on it, I¡¯ll also do that. But I will tell you if it''s the ending of a saga. Some sagas vary in length, but I want a certain number of sagas at the end of this journey, and I¡¯ll make sure I make it right. For anyone asking. ¡°Why are the chapters named Mystery instead of chapters?¡± I remember reading manga and the unique ones changed their chapter names, such as Toriko chapters were called Gourmet. Or Kuroko chapters were called ¡°Quarters¡± for the basketball theme. So, to fit my themes, I wanted to use ¡°Mystery¡±. Another little thing I wanted to add. But, this will wrap up our .5 Mystery. Hopefully, you all enjoy the series so far and continue the adventure with Draco, Vega, and Wrath!! Mystery Twenty-Two: Negative and Positive Fallen Stars Mystery Twenty-Two Negative and Positive Draco: I¡¯m going to kill you, Hamal!!! Draco¡¯s in a crazed state. Hamal: Why are you so mad? Hamal is a brown-skinned man with a clean cut, standing 6¡¯3. With black pants and a gold and orange jacket. Purple-ish eyes. Draco rushes in to cut Hamal, but Wonderboom comes in and blocks it with his dagger. A brief pause happens with the two facing each other, but Draco frees one hand and forms a finger pistol! Draco: **Star Gun 150%** Light gleams in Wonderboom''s face and an explosion happens!!! His body drops dead!! **Draco** Human Kill Count: 7 Draco and Hamal begin to face each other. Hamal continues to float above Draco. The graphics change and a high-tempo theme start playing! Hamal vs Draco pans across the screen!! [Rival Hamal would like to battle!] Draco and Hamal¡¯s dialogue turns into text boxes. A board pops up: FIGHT, BAG, CREATURE, RUN. Of course, being heated Draco presses FIGHT. One move appears; Starbeam. Draco raised his arm, signaling Apocalypse to attack Hamal. Draco: Get him, Apocalypse! Use Starbeam! Apocalypse, furious, comes flying from behind Hamal, charging up a beam. Apocalypse: **Star Beam** Sending out a destructive attack of charged-up starlight!! The star beam goes directly at Hamal! Hamal with an unconcerned smirk. Hamal: Hmph. Something pops out of Hamal¡¯s pocket and starts assembling rocks and boulders. A board pops up: FIGHT, BAG, CREATURE, RUN. Hamal presses FIGHT. Hamal: Inseki, use Rock Shield. Exploding on impact! The creature floating in the air assembled the cover and blocked it. Hamal: Thanks. Inseki. Inseki: (I got you covered.) AN* Inseki, meaning Meteorite. Inseki is an alien-like bipedal creature, having orange/reddish-like armor covering it. Four arms. Three spikes protrusions on its head, triangular-shaped. Purple-ish circular eyes. Draco started to get heated. Draco: I¡¯m going up there! Vega! Wrath! Take care of these other ones! Vega and Wrath: Who even is Hamal? Draco turns into a star dashing up to Hamal. Vega is so lost¡­ Vega: Ugh¡­. Draco goes in for a slice, with Hamal dodging. Hamal, with a calm tone, talks to his group. Hamal: Noas, Algieba and Merga. Handle them. Noas, Algieba, and Merga: Ok. Wrath: You got my back, Vega? Vega: I¡¯m here with you, aren¡¯t I? Wrath: Zeus! Attack! Zeus charges up an electrical attack from its mouth!! Zeus: **Thunder** Zeus (in Wolf form) sends the attack straight at Algieba and Merga. The attack sprays everywhere, launching into some trees. They dodge it, then Algieba charges in punching Wrath in the stomach, and sending him flying through the forest. Zeus: (Wrath!) Algieba: I got him. Hugh! Help me get to him! Algieba is somewhat muscular with bagging pants and an all-white T-shirt. With ¡°BIRD¡± on the front. A low-cut fade, and a big forehead with brown skin. Around 6¡¯0 Ft. Hugh: (Mm.) A giant bird comes flying in, swooping in to pick up Algieba. The bird is huge, with all tawny-colored feathers. Has a big brass beak, and massive brass talons. Algieba looks to his right and notices Merga riding with him. Algieba: What are you doing? Merga: I¡¯ll help you out too. :) Algieba: (Soooo weird.) Ok. Merga, standing 5¡¯3 with a shy expression. Curly fushcia hair and brown skin. The two ride off, speeding towards Wrath. With Zeus chasing after them. Noas: It''s just you and me. Vega: I¡¯ll just kill you, and help Wrath. Vega sends off an attack from his hand. Red flames emerged from him. Vega: **Flamethrower** Noas: Ay ay ay. Stop that. Noas snaps his fingers and all the fire disappears. Noas, around 5¡¯8 with a box fade and a design on the back. Darker brown skin, red pants with a grey jacket, and black stripes. Vega: (Not another canceling person.) Enma: (I¡¯ll handle this dumbass Owl.) Vega: (Ok.) Noas: You got it, Oxy. Oxy is a large owl. Covered in grey feathers. Yellow and white beak. Large yellow eyes, with black pupils. Vega: Oxy? Don¡¯t tell me, you control oxygen. Noas: It was pretty dumb to name it Oxy, huh? Noas scratched his head, laughing. Vega keeps calm. Vega: (My fire won¡¯t work at all this time. Just swordsmanship.) I can beat you without oxygen. Noas: I don¡¯t think you understand how much people depend on oxygen. They consume 2.5 million liters a day. Vega: What? That can¡¯t be right. Noas: 100K every single minute! Vega with a very confused look. His eye twitched. Vega: (He can¡¯t be this dumb.) Vega dashes in for an attack, getting his sword out to slice. Noas: This whole area is now my territory! Noas snaps his fingers and all the oxygen disappears from the vicinity. Vega gets in close, but loses his breath and stumbles a little bit. He takes off in a different direction leaving the territory. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Noas: Nahahaha, now breathe! Vega with heavy panting, and coughing. Vega: I have to hold my breath when I want to attack. I can¡¯t get caught. Vega looks around and Enma is fighting Oxy. Enma fires shot after shot at Oxy, while it flies through the air dodging them all. Vega: (So Enma is far enough to still use my fire. He¡¯s out of this little area.) Noas: Let me tell you about myself. Back in the day, I used to rob people. Then just disappear. Noas starts going in and out of his oxygen form state. Noas: The people I robbed started calling me ¡°Oxygen¡±. I started going crazy, so they doubled it up and started calling me ¡°O2¡±. Vega is honestly lost for words. Vega: ¡­What? You robbed people and they called you oxygen? Who calls someone oxygen? You just made that up! Noas flies over to Vega with a smirk and the air starts to disappear. He gets out his sword and clashes with Vega. Noas snaps his fingers. Noas: It goes everywhere I go. Vega: (I have to hold my breath. I can beat him in speed.) Vega does a few quick slashes all with Noas countering them. Noas: This is done. Vega: (Fuck, I can¡¯t hold it for long.) Vega jumps and kicks Noas back, while he takes off running away from the area. Vega: Hwooooooo Haaaa...Hwooooooo Haaaa. Fuck! How can I beat him? Vega looks up and sees Draco swinging endlessly at Hamal while he keeps dodging. Vega: ¡­ **In The Sky** Back to the moving sprites graphics. And talking through text boxes. Hamal: Still mad, huh? Draco: I will kill you¡­ Hamal: It seems you¡¯re a Negative. We really are opposites. Draco: Negative? Hamal: You don¡¯t know? You were pretty slow on the uptake. Draco gets angry, swinging more and more at Hamal. Hamal: You won¡¯t hit me with how weak you are. Draco: Hit you? I¡¯m going to kill you! Hamal: Awe, promise me you will, Puhohoho. Hamal slightly leaned his head and batted his eyes. Holding his hands together. Draco: It¡¯s not a joke. Apocalypse and Inseki are flying through the air, battling each other. Apocalypse sends beams larger and larger all while Inseki soars through the air dodging them all. Hamal: We should peace it up, Draco. No bad blood. Draco: What? Fuck you. We can never be cool. Hamal: Holding grudges does you no good. I¡¯ll give you some insight, to show we¡¯re on good terms. Draco: ...? Hamal: Your power. When you can create, control and transform into it, you fall under ¡°Negative.¡±. But with mine, I can only affect my body, produce substances, or manipulate the environment. I would be a ¡°Positive.¡± Some Positives only allow you to do one of these things, while others can do multiple. Draco: So, I¡¯m a Negative? Hamal: Right! Hamal puts out his hand, and a purple/pink psychic attack wraps up Draco and locks him up. Draco: Aaaaahhhh! What¡¯s happening?! Hamal: See, I wouldn¡¯t be able to affect your body, if we were on the same level. But, you are so much beneath me. Draco is disorganized with his thoughts. Draco: Beneath you?? What¡¯s going on?? Draco¡¯s arms start closing in on him and he drops his sword. Hamal gets closer to him. The board pops up again: FIGHT, BAG, CREATURE, RUN. Draco presses run, but something yells to him, [You cannot escape!] Draco: What the- Hamal: We aren¡¯t on the same level, Draco. Who would¡¯ve thought you were still this weak? Hamal flicks his fingers down and Draco does a nose dive straight into the ground, dirt, and dust flying all around. Draco: Aaaawk! Draco flies back up, being controlled. Hamal: We are even opposites in powers. What did you get, Light? Draco (coughing): Fuck you¡­ Hamal: Oh well. Hamal flicks his fingers again, slamming Draco into the ground even harder! A thought comes to Hamal¡¯s mind. Hamal: He loved stars back in High School, that¡¯s probably what he has. Draco floats back up to Hamal, blood covering his face. Coughing up blood. Hamal: Still conscious. Do you still want to be opposites, or team up? Draco musters up and spits in Hamal¡¯s face. Hamal slowly wiped the blood off of his face. Draco: Why would I team up with you? Hamal: Too bad. Hamal raises his hand, and Draco floats up into the air higher. **Back to Noas vs Vega** Noas flying around. Noas: Come out, come out, wherever you are. Noas snaps again. Vega: (This is the only chance I have.) Vega holds his breath, jumps into the air from behind the trees, and catches Noas off guard as he slashes. Noas blocks it with his sword and kicks Vega back. As he gasps for air. Vega sends out four flying slashes. Noas: Whoa, What is this? Noas flies around dodging the slashes and Vega comes from behind coming down with a slash! Vega: (AAAAHHH!) Noas: Knew it. Noas dodges and does a spinning kick knocking Vega to the ground! Vega lays out on the ground. Noas floats down to Vega. Noas: He thought he could knock me out from behind. Noas gets closer to Vega. Vega quickly gets up, grabs his sword, and dashes toward Noas. Before Noas can react, Vega cuts him diagonally across his chest. Only opening his left eye. As his left eye is on fire. Vega: **Hell¡¯s Punishment** Noas¡¯ cut starts burning. He grieves in pain! Noas: AAAAH! It won¡¯t go out! Noas snaps his fingers scaredly!! Noas: How is the fire going without oxygen!? Noas still freaking out, Vega slowly put his sword back into its sheath¡­. Then falls out, unconscious. Noas yells out! Noas: Bastard! Noas patting himself off stands up over Vega. Noas: All that to still get knocked out. Noas gets out his sword, then suddenly something hits the ground hard! A massive dust cloud forms around Noas. Hamal: You good? Hamal comes floating down. Noas: Yeah, besides this cut. Hamal: Well, Draco was weak. As the dust cloud settles, Draco is laid out, blood completely covering his face. His screen fades¡­. [Apocalypse fainted! Draco is out of usable creatures! Draco blacked out!] Hamal: How disappointing. I knew I was great. Hamal laughed. Hamal: So I won and you won. Where are Algieba and Merga? Noas: I know they went into the forest. Noas¡¯ chest burns. Noas: Agh! It still burns even though he¡¯s unconscious. Hamal looked around. Hamal: Where are they¡­ they should be good¡­ Hamal¡¯s eyes make a concerned expression. **Wrath¡¯s Location** Wrath gets up. Wrath: I¡¯m not getting kicked or punched anywhere again. Shit hurts my head too much. Algieba: You won¡¯t have to worry about that anymore. Wrath: And why is that, Forehead? Merga chuckles but tries to hold it back. Algieba becomes angry. Algieba: Forehead? Yeah, you¡¯re dying. Wrath (arrogant): Dying? Me? Yahaha. Wrath sends out an attack from above. Wrath: **Thunder** It hits the trees and then comes down, both Merga and Algieba jump out of the way, running toward Wrath. Wrath: Yeah, that¡¯s smart. Run towards the lightning user. Wrath: **Discharge** Standing still, A disruptive discharge of electricity comes from Wrath, swarming around the forest. Burning a few trees around them. Merga and Algieba are sent back flying into trees. Wrath: Two vs one and still can¡¯t win? Pathetic. Wrath has a smug grin, Algieba appears behind Wrath, punching him in the side of the head. Sending Wrath into a tree. Algieba stretched his shoulders. Algieba: Thanks for that. Hamal said you would be weak, but I got my ¡°growth.¡± Wrath grabbed his head. Wrath: Aaagh. Forehead is the main target, ok. Zeus! Wrath looks up and Zeus is flying around in bird form, fighting off a giant bird and a flying small pink creature. Wrath: Is that a rat? Algieba: Pay attention. Algieba on Wrath¡¯s side kicks him toward Merga. Landing in front of Merga, she starts to move her hands around in a circle. A pink gas goes around the area they are in. Wrath holds his breath. Wrath: (What is she doing?) Algieba (captivated): I love you, Merga! His eyes start to turn into hearts! Wrath: (A love gas?) Merga: :) Wrath (disgusted): (So weird.) Wrath raises his left hand, striking it down and lightning comes down blowing all the gas away!! Wrath: I can breathe now. Algieba snaps out of it. His face was covered in fury. Algieba: Why would you do that to your teammate?! Merga: I¡­ thought it would work¡­ XD. Algieba: Whaaat¡­.. Forget it. Give me a strength boost. Merga: K. Merga moves her arms again, sending out a red gas. Wrath rushes in, kicking Algieba out of the way. Wrath: Why would I allow you to power up? Wrath sniffs in all the red gas! He becomes energized!! Wrath: I feel it! Wrath coats his leg in electricity and kicks the shit* out of Merga. AN* Figuratively speaking, not literally. Wrath (cocky): Fuck outta here. Merga is sent flying, but Algieba comes in fast, clashing with Wrath. Fist to Fist. Wrath coats his fist in electricity. Algieba: You¡¯re actually smart. Wrath: Fuck your compliments! As the two clash back and forth sending punches here and there. Wrath takes a Deimos Khaimera stance. Wrath: **Deimos Khaimera: Lightning Coated Actaeus** He sends three punches to Algieba¡¯s face and stomach, making him spit up blood, and get knocked around to the ground. Wrath: (Where is that other one? Gotta stay on my toes, it''s two vs one.) Algieba gets up laughing and spitting up blood. Algieba: Damn, you really are strong. Only better for me. He jumps and appears right in front of Wrath. Wrath: (Whaa¡­) Algieba punches Wrath sending him flying through five colossal trees!! Wrath: Ow! How is he so fast?! Algieba appears beside Wrath. Kicking him into the air and showing up behind him, elbowing him in the back of the head into the ground!! Wrath: Fuuuck! Wrath thinks to himself. Remembering what Algieba said. Algieba: ¡°Thanks for that. Hamal said you would be weak, but I got my ¡°growth.¡± ¡°Damn, you really are strong. Only better for me.¡± Wrath: Don¡¯t tell me, he gets stronger the more damage he takes¡­ Algieba: Ding, ding, ding. While smiling, Algieba grabs Wrath by his legs and tosses him up into the air! Hugh (Algieba¡¯s bird) comes over and slaps Wrath back into the ground! Dirt flies all around. Wrath on the ground, coughing. Wrath: Thank me, I have regen... Wrath quickly gets up, dusting off his pants and jacket. As his bruises heal up. Wrath: Let¡¯s end this. (I can¡¯t use it too much...) Wrath starts forming a ball of electricity in his hands. And stretches it with his fingertips, coating his whole body. Algieba: Yeah, let¡¯s. Wrath: **Voltage System: 200K Volts** Blue electricity surges over Wrath in quick succession. Wrath: **Ohm Overdrive** Wrath¡¯s eyes have an electrified surge to them now! *Crackle* Wrath and Algieba both rush into a clash, throwing punches and kicks at each other. *Bzzt* *Bzzt* All around Wrath¡¯s body. Merga comes over walking, seeing the fight, and holding her head. Merga: Are... these two monsters¡­. Wrath and Algieba both start floating into the air, speeding up their punches. All while both of them laugh. Wrath: Yahaha. Algieba: Ehehehe. Algieba starts to concentrate more. Algieba: **Two Fold** Algieba¡¯s muscles start to grow larger, adding more power to his swings. Wrath: (I don¡¯t know if I can win this way. No! I can win this!!) Algieba hits Wrath with a sideways punch knocking him off balance, then sings out... Algieba: ¡°Knock off your whole left side, now you''re all right~!¡± ? Algieba: **All Right** All the muscles in Algieba¡¯s arms go into his right leg, and he does a turning kick with his right leg, kicking Wrath into the ground! Having some colossal trees being uprooted from the dirt as Wrath makes an impact!! Crashing into the ground! Wrath laid out on the ground, out cold. Wrath: ¡­.. Algieba looks down on Wrath with ridicule. Algieba: Karma¡¯s a bitch, bitch. Merga walks over and checks. Merga: He¡¯s out! XD. Algieba (facepalming): Why is she so weird, and on our team? Algieba floats down to where Wrath is. Hamal and Noas come over with Draco and Vega over their shoulders. Hamal: Good? Algieba: Yeah. I¡¯m good. He was tougher than we thought. Hamal: That¡¯s fine. No one died, and we all won! Hamal and Noas throw Draco and Vega over to where Wrath is. Noas: So, what¡¯s next? Algieba: Dang, you got cut up, Noas. Noas: He did this when I thought he was knocked out. Hamal brings the attention back to him. Hamal: Besides that. Let¡¯s do it. Hamal with a certain smirk. [They all Lose! Three L¡¯s for Draco, Vega, and Wrath! What Does Hamal Have Planned?!] Mystery 22 Fin Mystery Twenty-Three: Commander Homam Fallen Stars Mystery Twenty-Three Commander Homam **The Middle of The Woodpecker Forest** Homam chewing on some tobacco. And tips up his purple hat. He is wearing a purple suit with a cane. And some classy shoes. Homam: They¡¯re close. Move-in. His Squad: Yes sir! As 40 people mobilize, moving quickly further into the forest with their guns ready. Homam walking through the forest. Homam: They just got off the Void Continent, so let¡¯s say they were ¡°M¡±. After beating those 3 soldiers, they should be on K. I can handle this alone. Homam slowly walks up with his cane. Getting closer, his underling lets him know they are within 50 feet and has them surrounded. Homam: Don¡¯t move unless I say so. Ketow: Right, Sir! As Ketow salutes and gets back over to the others¡­ **Meanwhile... back to Hamal and Co.** Hamal: Let''s do it. Algieba: Are you sure this will work? Hamal: I was told, that by killing them we can get their powers. Noas: Who did you hear this from? Hamal: Through the grapevines¡­ Merga: I... don¡¯t know about this. :( Vega: (What are they saying?) Vega was acting knocked out. Hamal: Why? It¡¯s not like we haven¡¯t killed before. Noas: I wouldn¡¯t mind fire. Algieba: Let me get that lightning, I want to kill this arrogant punk anyway. Hamal: It only serves right, if I get Draco¡¯s. Sorry, Merga. Merga: It¡¯s... k. :| A dark smirk comes over Hamal like he¡¯s just decided on a very sinister plan. Hamal (smiles): Wait. I don¡¯t want to kill Draco. Just his friends. Puhoho. Noas: Where¡¯s Wonderboom? Hamal looks over to see his fried-up body. Hamal: Draco killed him at the beginning. *smirks* Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. You can¡¯t be killing my friends like that, Draco. All of their animals come over to where they are. Noas: Everything ok, Oxy? **Noas** Stellar: XX Cosmic Path: Oxygen (Negative) Animal: Great Grey Owl (Modern) Epithet: O2 Oxy: (Mhm.) Noas notices a cut going across Oxy¡¯s chest. And clicks his teeth. Noas: Tck. Hugh flapped its wings landing down. **Algieba** Stellar: XX Cosmic Path: Karma (Positive) Animal: Roc (Legendary) Epithet: What Goes Around Comes Around [The user becomes stronger, faster, more durable, etc. The more damage he/she takes.] Algieba: Good? Hugh: (We¡¯re good.) Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. The pink creature flies over to Merga. Merga (cheerful): Hm mm-hmm. **Merga** Stellar: XX Cosmic Path: Pheromone (Positive) Animal: My¨­ Jerboa (Imaginary) Epithet: Moot Mute AN* My¨­ (Ãî), meaning Strange. Ny¨­ (cheerful): (Num mm hmm.) Ny¨­ is a pink, bipedal creature. It has small ears, and large, pink eyes. It has short arms with three-fingered paws and large hind paws. Its tail is long and thin with a question mark for a tip. Floating all around Merga snickering. And finally, Inseki flies over, in an all-gold-coated armor. Still swinging its 4 arms. Its eyes are enraged. Hamal looks at it with a sarcastic smile. Hamal: His dragon was tough, eh? **Hamal** Stellar: XX Cosmic Path: Psychic Energy (Positive) Animal: DNA Alien (Forbidden) Epithet: Symbol of Fuckery Inseki: (....) Hamal starts to reach over to Wrath and is interrupted. The purple suit man walks up. Homam: Stop right there¡­ Void Continent scum. All you do is kill. Both Noas and Algieba have confused looks. Noas: What? Algieba: Void Continent? Who? Hamal thinks to himself deeply. Hamal (bothered): (How does he know I¡¯m from there?) Noas whispers to Hamal. Noas (concerned): Shit, it''s a Commander. His squad has to be here too. As Noas looks around. Homam yells out! Homam: Go! To avenge those fallen soldiers! All his squad rushes in. Noas: Hamal! We have to go! Hamal: Tsk! Hamal looks over at Draco, anger all over his face. Hamal: So fucking lucky. Let¡¯s roll out! They all hop on their animals, with Merga hopping on Algieba¡¯s again. Algieba: Why, again¡­? Merga: It¡¯s fine, XD! As they all take off into the air, the squad tries shooting them down with their weapons. Homam: Just stop, they¡¯re gone. Who are these three? Homam slowly walks over to them. Then a burst of orange flames came from Vega! The squad runs back, gazing upon the flames! Vega (assertive): (We have to go.) Vega rushes and picks up Draco and Wrath. Grabbing their swords and 2 bags. Vega: They got the shortest person carrying the most weight. Vega takes off running straight through the forest. Enma is up and dashing with Apocalypse and Zeus following behind, but are weakened. Homam: After him too! Vega looks behind him and the squad is aiming their guns right at him. Vega: Shit. Vega sends out a spread to cover him up. Vega: **Fire Spread** The Sergeant runs up to Commander Homam. **Squad Sergeant** Jay H. Biger Jay: Sir! With these flames, the forest will be gone! We have to get out of here too! Homam: Did you just refuse my direct order? Jay: No sir... Well, I¡¯m just thinking of the safety of our men! As Homam takes off his glove, sprinkles some baby powder on it, and slaps him in the face. Homam (serious): Don¡¯t. Go. Against. Me. Jay¡¯s face swells up and then bursts, blood spewing everywhere!! Homam: Let¡¯s get out of here. The Squad: Sir, Yes Sir! As they all head out, two soldiers whisper to each other. Sonni: If he was going to listen to him anyway. Why even kill him? Koro: I don¡¯t know man. Just don¡¯t get on his bad side. Sonni: Was the baby powder even necessary? The squad gets through the forest as it continues to burn. **Vega¡¯s Location** Vega: Did we have to fight those guys? Draco you have to tell me what happened¡­ Vega ran through the forest. Vega: So many trees, I don¡¯t know which way I¡¯m going. Clear the way. Vega puts Draco on one shoulder and Wrath on the other. He holds up his hand to send out a large stream of fire. Vega: **Hell¡¯s Stream** A massive circle of flames comes from Vega¡¯s hand burning the trees in a straight line. Vega: Ok. Vega makes sure the others are on tight and takes off. With Apocalypse and Zeus flying behind him. Wrath (groggy): Grrr... grrr. Vega: Wrath! Wake up! As Vega tells him to wake up, the forest continues burning and a large flock of woodpeckers flies away from the trees. Vega: What the¡­ [The birds are around the size of 1.8 Meters Tall (5.9 Feet). The wingspan of 5.6 Meters (18.3 Feet).] Vega: These things are huge! *Vega realizes* (Damn, I burned down their home¡­ It was necessary! We needed to get out!) The creatures are with each other. Apocalypse and Zeus are flying low to the ground. Apocalypse (angry): (I can¡¯t believe Draco lost. He still needs to get stronger!) Enma (mad): (Vega lost too!) Zeus: (It¡¯s fine, we¡¯ll lose sometimes. It happens.) Apocalypse and Enma (enraged): (What? Shut up! Losing is unacceptable!) Zeus (uneasy): (Geez, calm down.) As the fire starts coming out of Enma¡¯s mouth. Enma (mad): (Fuck!) Enma sends out a fireball targeting other trees in madness. Enma: (We can¡¯t keep losing! We still need to pay back that Zosma guy!) Zeus: (Right¡­ Fucking Zosma.) Enma: (That big army guy that killed our partners.) Enma with a demonic noise. Apocalypse: (We will get him back!) As Vega keeps running, Wrath starts to wake up. Wrath: Aw man, my head. It¡¯s hurting. Vega stops and throws Wrath off. Vega: Since you¡¯re up, you can walk. Wrath gets up slowly, holding his head. Wrath: What even happened? Wrath looks around. Wrath: You trying to burn down the whole forest? Vega: It¡¯s already on fire, forget about it. Wrath (sighs): Where did those people go? Vega and Wrath start walking. Vega: They got confronted by some commander. It''s a good thing he showed up, I was able to get us out of there. Wrath: A commander? Was he a part of the Army? Vega: No. He wasn¡¯t wearing a green uniform. Wrath: Hmm. That¡¯s different then. Was it a different color or style? Vega: He was wearing a purple suit. Wrath: Purple? He sticks out, huh? Vega: And he had a cane. Wrath: Alright that¡¯s weird. Did you get any of our bags? Vega: I could only get these two. Vega hands over the bags. Wrath: Ahhh. It¡¯s mine, and Draco¡¯s, that¡¯s good. Wrath looks through his bag. Wrath: (Still here, good.) Let¡¯s get out of here. Draco has to tell us why he got so mad. They both start to run out of the forest, Draco still on Vega¡¯s back. Wrath reflects on the events that just happened, becoming pissed off. Wrath: (Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!) **Inside of Draco¡¯s Head** Surrounded by complete darkness. Draco is looking down, saddened. Draco: ¡­.. Draco is sitting right in front of Anti. Who has the biggest smile on, showing his teeth. Anti: Ha Ha Ha Ha! [Why Is Anti Laughing?!] Mystery 23 Fin Mystery Twenty-Four: Light Without Darkness Fallen Stars Mystery Twenty-Four Light Without Darkness **Inside Draco¡¯s Head** (While he¡¯s unconscious.) Draco: ¡­. Anti: Ha Ha Ha Ha! Draco is sitting in front of Anti, who is chained up. His inner world is completely black, from the sky to the ground. Darkness covers everything. Draco: What is so funny? Anti: You lost to Hamal! Ha Ha Ha Ha! The person you hate the second most, you lost to him! Anti continues laughing. Draco has a silent expression. Draco: ¡­. Then Boom!!! One of Anti¡¯s chains breaks off into the sky and disintegrates. Anti: I should thank Hamal. Draco''s expression changes to anger. Now Anti only has three chains wrapped around him. Anti: I told you¡­ you need me. Stop trying to kick me out! Draco: I don¡¯t¡­ need you. Anti: I saw you asked for a star. What is Light without Darkness? Draco remains quiet. Anti smiles while moving his arms fiercely but the chains stop him. Anti: Answer me! Draco has such a defeated look. Draco: I don¡¯t know. Anti: Did Caffua tell you what I said? Draco: I didn¡¯t even know you two met. Anti: Ah, yeah. I had to lie to him a bit. There¡¯s nothing wrong with lying, right, ¡°Draco?¡± You¡¯re still lying to your friends. Ha Ha Ha Ha. Draco just sits quietly. As the darkness spreads above Draco, spreading even more, covering the sky. Then bright stars start shining. Anti: See that? I can help you shine brighter. Let me out! Anti continues smiling. His teeth are so white compared to the darkness surrounding him. Draco, looking up at the stars. An image starts to be shown, of events that haven¡¯t happened yet. Draco: ... Anti: You know you can¡¯t look away. Draco can¡¯t turn his head away and sees a quick glimpse of Vega and Wrath talking to little creatures, even seeing himself walking over bridges, going underneath a bridge, and talking to two creatures of the same size, but with different features. Anti: Oof. Too bad what happens to them. The last thing Draco sees is Wrath looking around, but he spots something, grins, turns into electricity, and comes down onto someone. Anti starts getting loud, in Draco¡¯s head. Anti (pushy): ¡°Draco!¡± Light cannot exist without Darkness. You need me! Draco looks at Anti, who is sitting there, smiling hard. But Draco looks directly at him with a contemptuous look and asks a question. Draco (confident): Who determines that? Anti: ? Determines what? Draco imitates Anti¡¯s voice. Draco: ¡°Light cannot exist without Darkness.¡± Who confirmed that? Anti gets quiet now, not smiling as much. Anti: ¡­. Draco stands up. Dusting off his pants, and stretched. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Draco: Ah. I don¡¯t need you, Anti. Light is good enough without you. I¡¯ll beat Hamal on my own. Draco forms a star in his hand. He throws it up into the sky, clearing out all the darkness, still shining. Draco: See, no darkness, and the Star still shines. Draco starts smiling at Anti and laughing. Draco: You¡¯ll stay chained up here, I¡¯m leaving. Draco walks off, giving the peace sign to Anti behind him. Anti begins smiling again. Anti: Ha Ha Ha Ha! You¡¯ll be back here, asking for me. I guarantee it! As Draco continues walking out, he starts to wake up on Vega¡¯s back. Draco (dazed): Ahhh¡­. Vega: Draco? Vega comes to a complete stop. Wrath: You want to stop? We¡¯re almost out of the forest. I can see something up ahead. Draco gets off of Vega¡¯s back and Vega turns to him. Vega: Want to tell us who Hamal is? Vega crosses his arms, his eyes looking serious. Draco: He¡¯s someone I knew from High School. Draco wipes off his face. Vega: A bully? Draco: Nah, more like a nuisance. Wrath: Why not just beat him up? Draco (sighs): I couldn¡¯t make any ''moves'' in High School. I couldn¡¯t do it. Vega: Hmmm. Wrath: You could¡¯ve tried to beat him up after school. Draco stands up. Draco: Nah, I couldn¡¯t. I was being watched too carefully. Vega: By who? Draco: My dad. He started working at the school, until my senior year. But, Hamal left before our last year so I couldn''t hand it to him. Draco holding up a fist. Draco (serious): But I will handle him. Vega looks directly at Draco sternly. Vega: Draco. Draco: Yeah? Vega: What was the first lesson Caffua taught us? Draco sighs again. Draco: Always. Stay. Calm. Vega hands over Draco¡¯s sword, hitting his chest with his fist, sword in hand. Looked directly into his eyes, vehemently. Vega (severe tone): Stay. Calm. You can¡¯t go running into everything. We¡¯ll die like that. Draco: Ahhh. You¡¯re right, Vega. Just seeing Hamal made me mad. I¡¯ll control my anger. Wrath looks around. Wrath: Uhh, we should get out of this forest, before it burns us. Draco and Vega get their swords. Vega gives Draco his bag. Draco: (Good, I still have my journal.) Ready. Vega: Same. All three start to run out of the forest. Animals all follow behind. Apocalypse flies up close to Draco. Apocalypse: (Are you ok, Draco?) Draco: (I¡¯m good. You know better than anyone else, I don¡¯t want anyone asking me stuff like that.) Apocalypse: (Yeah, I know.) Apocalypse flies back to where Enma and Deimos(wolf form) are. Deimos: (What did he say?) Apocalypse: (That he¡¯s good.) Enma is still sending fireballs violently at trees while it runs. Enma (still mad): (We still lost!) Deimos: (Is this how Vega acts, he just covers it up?) Enma: (Vega will stop hiding it soon!) They continue running and Vega tells Draco about the Commander. Draco (confused): A purple suit?! Vega: Yup. That¡¯s what I saw. Draco: So weird¡­ Wrath: What else did you hear? Vega: The guy I fought, said it was a ¡°Commander¡± and his squad. So they took off running, so that¡¯s when I took the chance to get out. Draco: Smart thinking. Vega: He yelled out something about ¡°Avenging some fallen soldiers¡±. Wrath: Could that have been about us? Vega: Maybe, I don¡¯t know. But, Hamal and his group took off just after seeing him. Draco: He must be strong, to have all 4 of them running. Vega: But. The one you fought, Draco. Draco: Hm? Hamal? Vega: Yeah. He said something about killing us for our powers. Wrath and Draco (surprised): What?! They can do that?! As Vega thinks. Vega: That¡¯s what he said, but it doesn¡¯t make sense. Draco: How come? Vega: I killed those 3 soldiers, but I didn¡¯t receive their powers. We all killed people with powers and didn¡¯t receive those powers either. Draco thinks about it. Draco: You¡¯re right. Wrath: What could they have done to get our powers? Vega: I didn¡¯t hear them talk about it. It seemed Hamal was trying to convince the others as if he knew how. Draco: Hamal¡­ Wanted to kill me for my power, huh? Vega: That¡¯s the thing too. *annoyed* He said he just wanted to kill Wrath and me. Not you. Draco: What? Wrath raised an eyebrow. Wrath: Why me?! Draco: Hamal¡­ He just wants to troll me¡­ Wrath: He would kill us, just to troll you?! Draco: Knowing him. Yes¡­ Vega shakes his head. Vega: You have some terrible enemies, Draco. Draco: Imagine having to deal with that for three years. I know¡­ Vega: If he¡¯s after us, we¡¯ll take him out. Wrath: Right! I¡¯m not dying to a troll! Wrath agrees with Vega, getting mad. Vega: But, a ¡°troll,¡± huh? That reminds me of someone¡­ Draco: Haha, yeah. Just like ¡°him¡±. (Just like Hamal¡­) Draco suddenly starts to think internally, looking like he¡¯s going insane. Holding his face with one hand. Draco: (God damn it!! I met Anti!! That¡¯s another loss, and it had to be to Hamal!!!) Being heated, Draco takes a second to look at the forest. Draco: So long colossal forest. Fuck this place. Wrath: Glad you burned it, Vega. Vega: You all should¡¯ve seen the giant birds. Draco: Whoa. Wrath: What¡­ Vega: ¡­. Their creatures all stop behind them, looking ahead. Apocalypse: (This place¡­) Deimos: (Whoa.) Enma: (.....) As they walk forward, the city has a rock formation covering it, doing a curvature. No sunlight hitting the town. Just like a dark cave. Draco: So this is the city covered in darkness, Stephano. Vega: Apparently. Draco, thinking about Hamal and the forest. His face gets serious! Draco: It will be different here! Draco yelled out, clenching his fists! Vega and Wrath walk beside Draco. Vega (readied): Right. Wrath (locked in): Yup! Apocalypse roaring, Enma making a sinister noise, and Deimos howling. Apocalypse: (It will!) Enma: (It better!) Deimos: (Mhm!) As the gang walks forward into the dark cave! [The Ending of the, Challenged By Hamal Arc!! Next, The City Stephano!] Mystery 24 Fin ¡°The more mysterious, the more imperfect; as darkness is, in comparison with light-- so is mystery, in comparison with knowledge.¡± - Benjamin Whichcote Mystery Twenty-Five: Stephano, The Dark City! Fallen Stars Mystery Twenty-Five Stephano, The Dark City! They walk into the city. Draco: This place doesn¡¯t have a sign before the entrance. Vega: Yeah, it¡¯s the only one so far. Wrath with an eerie feeling. Wrath: This place¡­ it¡¯s so dark. Draco, light it up. As Draco starts to move his hand. Vega: No. Vega stops Draco, with a serious look. Vega: What if it alerts the enemies in here that we¡¯re coming? Wrath: Even if they do come, we¡¯ll just beat them. Vega: Right, like how we did Hamal and his group? Wrath: ... Draco: He¡¯s right. We just go in and look around before we draw attention to ourselves. First, we need to find a place to stay. Walking on the back streets they see a few broken-down brown houses. Draco: Let''s go in there for now. Vega and Wrath: Alright. They walk into a house, the door is hanging off the hinge. Wrath: This is the front room? Dust flies all around. Draco waves his hand in front of his face, fanning away the dust. Draco: Check to make sure no one is here. Vega goes through the back rooms, sword in hand. Vega: It¡¯s clear back here. Wrath: No one on this side. Draco is in the front room. Draco: Good. We¡¯ll make this our base. Wrath raises an eyebrow. Wrath: This dusty place? Draco: Yep. I looked outside. No one is around here, plus we don¡¯t have to pay to stay here. So you don¡¯t have to kill any cashiers. Wrath (mad): Are you still stuck on that?! Draco laughing it off sits down on the dusty couch. Vega walks in, putting his sword back in its sheath. Vega: It¡¯s a good location. It has three bedrooms too. Draco: Let¡¯s call rooms, whichever you guys don¡¯t want, I¡¯ll take. Wrath: Let me go look. After two minutes of looking. Wrath: I got back left. Vega: I have right then. Draco: Then I have the middle one. Our animals will stay here to protect our stuff. Draco and Wrath put their bags in their respective rooms. Enma makes ominous sounds and Zeus jumps around. Apocalypse flying in a circle. Draco has happiness on his face. Draco: Time to explore! Vega: (Enma, stay safe.) Enma: (You too.) Draco forces the door to cover up the entrance. Draco has his sword on his back, Vega carries his sword under his cloak, with his calm demeanor, and Wrath walks beside them. Vega: Stay low. Don¡¯t cause a problem. Draco: Right. Vega: I¡¯m talking to you, Wrath. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Wrath quickly reacts. Wrath: Why me?! The fuck... They walk the main street and see a water fountain in the center. Not a soul is around. Draco: This place is empty too? They see something green run by. Wrath: The hell was that? They hear noise ruffling behind them. Vega: Stay alert. Vega puts his hand on his sword. A small green creature slowly walks out... ???: My name is Wellington. I am this side of Stephano, Dust Village¡¯s Elder. Draco: You¡¯re... a Goblin? Draco is semi-surprised. Wellington: Yes, I am. Wellington stands three feet tall with a long beard and dirty clothes, with a short stick to walk with. **Wellington** City: Stephano Dust Village¡¯s Elder Race: Goblin Wrath: Are you that surprised? We just saw a demon a few days ago. Draco: Not surprised¡­ We¡¯ve seen more than this. Vega: (....) Wrath: Let¡¯s hear the old head out. Wellington: Well, I wanted to ask. Could you assist us in taking out the Army here? Vega touches his sword, a harsh atmosphere comes around him. Vega: The Army is here?! Wellington: Yes, a whole company. Draco: A company? They said a company was protecting Leda, but we didn¡¯t see anyone. Wrath: Maybe they were here the whole time, and she was bluffing. Vega: Hmm. It¡¯s good to stay safe on this. Where are they? Wellington: In the center point of Stephano, the town is called Ash. Vega: A company, huh? Are there other goblins to help out? Wellington: Yes. Come out! Thirty green shadows dash in, kneeling in front of Draco, Vega, and Wrath. Vega looks around. Vega: This much, huh? Does anyone have a cosmic path? Wellington: Cosmic Path? We don¡¯t know what that is. We goblins do have a special trait. We¡¯re Fast Climbers! All of us, including old me. Every race here has a special trait. Vega holds his hand to his mouth, and his eyes give off a decisive look like he¡¯s planning something. Vega: Hmm. Draco: Got a plan already, Vega? Vega: I need to ask a few more things. Is this whole city race made of Goblins? Wellington: Each village has a different race. There are five in total. The West has Hobgoblins, in the Village: Charcoal. North has Trolls, in the Village: Powder. Northeast has Trows, in the Village: Scoot. The Southeast has Knockers, in the Village: Slag. Then, finally, us in the South, in Dust. Wrath gives off a weird expression, thinking to himself. Wrath: (Why is every name related to dirt¡­) Draco: (Trolls, huh.) Vega: Any Army in those villages? Wellington: No, we came to an agreement. If we sell off some of our people, they won¡¯t interfere with our Villages. All three of them quickly react. Vega: ¡­. Draco smiles about it. Draco: Ay, it had to be done. Wrath: Yeah, we¡¯ll help take them out. Vega: You''re just going to speak for all of us? Wrath: Another win-win situation. We take out the army helping them, and taking them out helps your goal, Vega. Vega: Hmm. It does. Draco put his arm over Vega¡¯s shoulders. Draco: We were going to do this anyway. I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re acting like this. Vega slightly pushes his arm off of him, irritated a bit. Vega: We still have to think about this. It''ll be easier if we can get the other villages to team up with us. A goblin stands up, showing anger in his eyes. Salisbury: Father! We cannot join the Hobgoblins! Wellington tries to calm down his son. Wellington: Listen, it might be time to put petty differences aside. Salisbury: No! Father! Wrath raises an eyebrow. Wrath: Is there a problem here? Wellington: No, we¡¯re fine. Someone calm my son down. You three, let us go to my house. Walking to Wellington¡¯s house. Wrath whispers to Draco. Wrath: Can we trust them? Draco: What are three-foot goblins gonna do to us? Haha. Vega: I¡¯m ready, just on case. Draco: *sighs* In case*? Vega: Hmmm. Nah. They get to Wellington¡¯s House. Wellington: Make yourselves at home. Two goblins bring in a table, with a map. Wellington spreads the map out. They all sit around the table. Wellington: This is the layout of Stephano. (Rough Layout) https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/711916857765920812/767213103002812426/Stephano.png Vega: Hmm. And all of the Army is in Ash. Wellington: Right. They also have an advantage. Vega: What kind? Wellington: Ash rises above all of the villages, so they have an overview of the city. Their main base is on Dirt Hill. Wrath: OK! Wrath stands up. Wellington is confused. Wellington: Hm? With anger in his tone, and a very serious face. Wrath: Is everything in this bitch named after dirt! Wellington: What¡­? Draco tugs Wrath back into his seat. Draco: Ignore him. Vega thought to himself. Vega: If we can get all of the races, we can do this. Which village is the easiest to talk to? Wellington: I would say, Trows or the Knockers. We have an ongoing problem with the Hobgoblins, they are very hostile. Draco: Oh, that¡¯s why your son said don¡¯t team up with them. Wellington: Yes, bu- Draco interrupts Wellington. Draco: Don¡¯t worry about it. We¡¯re going to recruit them. They should care about the greater good. Draco stands up. Draco: Wrath, you got the Hobgoblins. Vega, you got the Knockers. I¡¯ll try to get the Trolls and Trows. Wrath: Why do I have the most aggressive people? Draco: Wanna switch? Wrath: Nope. Draco: Haha. I knew you wanted to go there. Wrath and Vega stand up, about to walk out. Wellington: (There¡¯s something about them. They can get us together.) Walking outside. Vega: So.. you think we can trust them? Wrath: Why would they give us the layout of the city, and all the people in its locations if they didn¡¯t trust us? Draco looked around at the broken-down houses and cracked sidewalks. With a merry expression. Draco: Wanna ¡°claim¡± this place? Wrath and Vega: No. Both of them sound the same, same expressionless face. Draco laughed. Draco: Yea, it¡¯s too worn down, but we could build it back up. Vega: After we take out the Army. What are we doing? Draco (smiles): Let¡¯s take all the gold they have. Hahaha. Wrath (grins): Robbing this place blind. Yahaha. Well, I¡¯m heading West. Vega: Going east. The three of them stand side by side. [Wrath] [Draco] [Vega] Draco: No one gets caught. You know the ¡°rules¡±. And let¡¯s get an Army to fight the Army! Wrath: Right! Vega: Mhm. Let me know the race''s special traits. Wrath: Alright. Draco: Let¡¯s see if we can recruit them within a week, we still have a tournament to win. After getting them on our side, meet at the base. They nod in agreement, Vega heads East, Draco, and Wrath head West. [To Find Help, Against The Army!] Mystery 25 Fin Mystery Twenty-SIx: Hobnob With Me!! Fallen Stars Mystery Twenty-Six Hobnob With Me!! As Vega goes his way, Draco and Wrath go their way. Wrath: Why didn¡¯t you go East with Vega? Draco: This way looked quicker on the map. Wrath: Suuure. You just want to see the Hobgoblins like me. Draco: Haha, maybe. After ten minutes of walking, they are surrounded by trees and a strange mist is circling them. Draco: We¡¯re here, huh? Wrath: You can keep going, I got this. Draco: I want to at least see them first. A loud voice speaks over them. ???: Leave here! And go back to those bastard Goblins! Draco yells out. Draco: Is there that much of a difference between Hobgoblins and Goblins!? Wrath hears a noise from the right. Wrath: Something¡¯s coming. A small bomb comes flying in, with Draco and Wrath barely dodging, it explodes with a huge blast! Draco covered his face with his arms. Draco (concerned): All that from that small bomb?! Wrath: They don¡¯t care about their home, they¡¯ll just bomb us out. C¡¯mon, Draco. The two start running toward the voice. Draco: Where are we going exactly? Wrath: The voice. He sent them to us, I¡¯ll make him pay for it! Draco: I can¡¯t see anything in this mist. Wrath: I could use my electricity, but that could draw the Army here. Three bombs come flying in from the direction they are running towards. They both jump out of the way letting them explode!! Draco: If that keeps happening, that will attract the Army. Wrath: I¡¯ll use it then. I can search the area, hold on. Wrath charges up. Wrath: **Low Voltage: Discharge** The electricity looms around the area shocking four people out of the mist. Wrath: I found four. Draco: Nice. They both run toward the fallen creatures. Wrath: What the hell are they... They both see four little creatures covered in brown fur. With pointy ears, and a snout nose with snotty noses. Wrath steps on one¡¯s foot. Wrath: Which one of you is the voice?! All four of them were completely shocked, unable to move. But one musters up some words. ???: *Snort* It was I, Stroganoff! Wrath: ...Weird name. Why were you trying to kill us? Stroganoff: You came from that bastard Goblin Territory! We thought they hired you to come to kill us! Wrath: Nope, we came for something else. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Stroganoff: What other reasons?! Wrath: To create an alliance. To beat the Army here. Stroganoff: To beat the¡­ I refuse! Wrath: What! Why?! Draco: Haha, it seems you will have a handful. I¡¯m taking off, Wrath. Wrath: Alright. Draco walks away, onward to the Trolls. Wrath: Now! Join us! Stroganoff: No! Wrath getting mad. Wrath: Why not?! Stroganoff: Forget the Goblins! Wrath sighs. Wrath: Well, who is the leader of the Hobgoblins? Take me to him. Stroganoff: *Snort* I won¡¯t join because that bastard Wellington took my wife! Wrath: What? Stroganoff starts crying and snorting. Wrath laughs under his breath. Wrath: Yahahaha. Wrath mentally shakes out of it. Wrath: Are you the leader of this Village? Stroganoff is still crying. Wrath: Ay! Snap out of it! Stroganoff rubbed his eyes and nose. Stroganoff: Huh? Stroganoff looks up at Wrath. And Wrath with a menacing smile. Wrath: I hate it when people keep crying. Stroganoff coughs to get his voice right. Stroganoff: I shouldn¡¯t cry¡­ Wrath: Damn right. Crying is for the pissants. Wrath lets his foot off of Stroganoff. Wrath: So, take me to the leader. Stroganoff: *Snort* I can do that. I¡¯m just the Head of Defense for Charcoal. **Stroganoff** City: Stephano Charcoal Village¡¯s Head of Defense Race: Hobgoblin The other three Hobgoblins get up behind Stroganoff. All with brown fur and snotty noses. Poivre: Are we taking him there? Galbi: Yeah, are we? Rinderbraten: We better not be. Stroganoff: We¡¯ll see what the Chief says. The four of them walk into Charcoal from the woods. All the houses are dark black. Streetlights illuminate the area. Wrath: How far til his house? Stroganoff: It is right here. They come up to a small house. Wrath: I can¡¯t fit in there. Tell him to come out. Stroganoff: I will. You three stand guard. Rinderbraten: Yes, sir! Stroganoff goes into the house. Wrath: Will the Chief listen to me? Poivre: She might. Wrath: She? Wrath looks around and sees a lot of Hobgoblins walking up to him. Bitterballen: Are you with the Army, sir? We just gave you someone the other day. Wrath gets off an insensitive impression. Wrath: No, I¡¯m not. Bitterballen: What do you want then?! Wrath: Relax, I came to talk to your leader, not you. Shrimp. Wrath''s impression has Bitterballen mad, he¡¯s clenching his fists. Stroganoff walks out of the house with a larger creature behind him. Stroganoff: *Snort* This is our Village Chief, Loaf. Loaf: Hiya! Standing a foot taller than the rest of the Hobgoblins, Loaf does a big smile. **Loaf** City: Stephano Charcoal Village¡¯s Chief Race: Hobgoblin Wrath: (She¡¯s a hype one.) I want to kno- Loaf interrupts. Loaf: Stro already told me. We¡¯ll help! Rinderbraten: *Snort* But Chi- Loaf interrupts, again. Loaf: Ah, I already decided. Rinderbraten: (....) Wrath sees Rinderbraten, grit his teeth. Wrath: (Hmm.) Why are you so for it, but your people aren¡¯t? Loaf: We''re on good terms with all the other races, but the goblins. Wrath: I know what happened to Stroganoff, but what about the rest? Loaf: It happened to all of them. All of their wives left them for goblins. Wrath (laughs): Damn. Why? Loaf: You probably already know, but we have to sell off our people to the Army here. Wrath: Yeah, I know that. Loaf: Well, us Hobgoblins sold more than what was needed, since the Army has been here. So later on, the wives feared being sold off, so they took off to the Goblins¡¯ territory. Wrath raises an eyebrow. Wrath: Shouldn¡¯t you all be mad at yourselves¡­? Stroganoff comes in front of Wrath. Stroganoff: No, fuck that! Fuck Wellington! Stro gets angrier and angrier. Loaf: Someone calm him down. Three Hobgoblins gather around Stroganoff calming him down. Wrath: How long has the Army been here? Loaf: At least six years. Wrath: I have to ask this for Vega. Do you have any paths? And what¡¯s your Special Trait? Loaf: Ah, so you know some things, I don''t know what paths are, but Hobgoblins are Master Craftsmen. That¡¯s our trait. We specialize in explosions. Wrath: Oh yeah, that makes a lot of sense. These guys with bombs attacked us Loaf: Attacked? Loaf slaps the back of Stroganoff¡¯s head. Loaf: Didn''t I say don¡¯t attack people that aren¡¯t Goblins?! Stroganoff: Awk! I thought they worked with the Gobs! Stroganoff rubbed his head. Wrath: Well, we do. Kinda. Stroganoff: See! Loaf: You said, ¡°we¡±. Where are your friends? Wrath: One went to the Knockers, and the other went to talk to the Trolls. Loaf: The Trolls¡­ Wrath: Something wrong? Loaf: It should be fine¡­. if your friend can communicate. Wrath: I¡¯m sure Draco will be fine. Loaf: Draco is his name? Wrath: Oh. I never did introduce myself. My name is Wrath! The friend who went to the Trolls is Draco, and the one who went to the Knockers is Vega. Loaf: Wrath... Nice to meet you. Wrath: Same to you. Now. Let''s get ready to take out the Army! Loaf: Yeah, let''s! Loaf and Wrath shake hands, both smiling. Wrath: To think, I was the first to get people on board. The Hobgoblins get happy. Wrath: One last thing. Why is every Village named related to dirt? Loaf: Dirt? Wrath: Yeah, you know, the ground. Dirt. Wrath points down. Loaf: I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re referencing. Wrath: You even have a hill named ¡°Dirt Hill.¡± Aren''t all hills made of dirt? Loaf looks confused. Wrath: Am I the only one who notices this? Wrath looks around. All the Hobgoblins look at each other in confusion. Wrath: Oh well. Wrath sighs and lowers his head in disbelief. [Hobgoblins acquired] [Wrath Has The Hobgoblins On Their Side! How Vega Is Doing?!] Mystery 26 Fin Mystery Twenty-Seven: Hard Knock Life! Fallen Stars Mystery Twenty-Seven Hard Knock Life! (In Slag, Knockers¡¯ Territory) Vega walking through rubble. Vega: This place is all rocks¡­ Coming into the village, all the windows shut. People quickly slammed their doors and locked them. Vega: I didn¡¯t even do anything... yet. Vega continues walking around with no one coming out, and creatures peeking through the windows. Vega: (I don¡¯t want to yell to get them out.) Vega starts to hear noises coming from the eastern side of the village. Vega: (Maybe someone can help me there.) Vega walks in that direction and sees smog floating into the air. Vega: What is happening over here? He turns the corner and sees a minecart come flying out of a Coal Mine! Vega: ¡­ Two creatures hop out of the cart. Alambre: Great work today! Jun: Damn right! They both have whiteish skin with long noses, and shovels in hand. Standing around 3 feet tall. Alambre: I can¡¯t wait to get home! Glad the boss let us out early! Jun: I¡¯m happy too. Vega appears behind them, sword out to their necks. Vega: Stop. Chills go down Alambre and Jun¡¯s spines. Vega: Who are you? Alambre: Who are you?! Vega: Answer me, before I cut you down. Jun (shaking): I¡¯m Jun! This is Alambre! We¡¯re Coal Miners! Please don¡¯t kill me, Mr. Soldier! I have a family! Vega with anger in his voice. Vega: I¡¯m not part of the Army¡­ Alambre: Then, who are you?! Vega: Take me to your boss. Jun: W- We have to get inside the cart. Vega turns his head to look at it. Vega: I can¡¯t fit in that, we¡¯ll have to walk to him. Alambre: The hell?! That¡¯s an- Vega puts the sword closer to his neck. Vega: What were you saying? Jun: Please don¡¯t! We¡¯ll take you there. It¡¯s just an hour¡¯s walk. Vega: That¡¯s fine. Don¡¯t try anything. Jun (shivering): Ye-Yes sir! Vega with his sword still out, walks behind the two creatures, following them down the mine. Alambre: Tck. Vega: ...? Vega keeps an eye on Alambre while walking down the Mine tunnel. After an hour of walking, Vega starts to hear noises. It¡¯s an instrumental playing in the background. Coming closer and closer, Vega walks into an open mine cave, with 30+ Creatures mining with pickaxes. He hears them all singing. Zrazy: It''s a hard-knock life, for us. ? Kamounia: It''s a hard-knock life for us. ? Mitsado: ''Stead of treated. ? Zrazy: We get tricked! ? Kamounia: ''Stead of kisses. ? Mitsado: We get kicked! ? Zrazy, Kamounia, and Mitsado: It''s the hard-knock life! ? This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Vega (facepalms): I know this song¡­ Jun: You do? Vega puts his sword back in its sheath. Vega: Someone I know used to sing it. All the creatures turn around from mining. Zrazy: Oh! Who is your friend, Jun!? Zrazy jumps down and runs up to Vega. Zrazy (big smile): Nice to meet ya! As he puts out his hand. Vega: (He is too friendly.) Vega crosses his arms. Zrazy: Oh. Zrazy gets sad. Mitsado jumps down too. Mitsado: Now, what do you want? Gold? Vega: Gold? This isn¡¯t a coal mine? Mitsado: This mine has all types of gems and ores! We have enough to share too! Vega: (Why is he telling me all of this.) Vega looks around and sees all the Knockers staring at him. Vega: I came for your help. Zrazy: We¡¯re in! Vega (concerned): ¡­. You don¡¯t even know what it is. Zrazy: Doesn¡¯t matter! I like the way you carry yourself! Vega: ¡­ Alambre runs over. Alambre (cautious): Are you sure about this boss? He held his sword to our necks! Zrazy: He must¡¯ve had a good reason to do it! Vega: I didn¡¯t. Vega says nonchalantly. Alambre (vigilant): See! Vega (uninterested): Let¡¯s hurry this up, I hate talking to other people. We¡¯re going after the Army here. You can join in or not, either way, it doesn''t matter to me. Zrazy: We¡¯ll help! Vega (sighs): (So friendly....) Well, My friends should be gathering the other races, and then we¡¯ll meet up to take out the Army. Zrazy: Others?? Like the Hobgoblins? Vega: Yeah, My friend, Wrath went to recruit them. Zrazy: Wrath¡­ with a name like that, he can handle them. Vega: I have to ask. What are Knockers¡¯ special traits or does anyone have a cosmic path? Zrazy: Uh, Cosmic Path? Never heard of that. But our Special Trait is Speed Digging! Vega: Hmm. That can work great. Zrazy (excited): We live to serve! Vega (jaded): Right¡­ Zrazy: I¡¯m the boss of this village. Call me, Zrazy! **Zrazy** City: Stephano Slag Village¡¯s Boss Race: Knocker Zrazy: I can introduce you to all of the miners and village folk. Vega: Ok. Zrazy: C''mon guys! I¡¯m calling an early day! All the Knocker miners cheer! Vega: (This was too easy¡­ I¡¯ll stay on guard.) All of the Knockers and Vega take an hour to get out of the mine cave. Getting into the village, Zrazy introduces them all, and they spread out and go to their respective homes, while Vega goes to Zrazy¡¯s house. Vega: This is a decent-sized house. Zrazy walks in with tea. Giving a cup to Vega. Zrazy: Thanks! I have the biggest house here. Vega: Now. You already told me about the Hobgoblins. But what about the Trows or the Trolls? Will they help? Zrazy taking a sip. Zrazy: I tend not to talk to the Trolls. We never got along. But the Trows, maybe. Vega: That¡¯s where I¡¯m headed next. Zrazy: To Soot? Vega: Yeah. So don¡¯t do anything to draw the Army¡¯s attention. Zrazy: Will do. Vega: Make sure all of your people are on board. I don¡¯t want any surprises from our side. Zrazy (perky): Sir, Yes Sir! You¡¯re a really good leader! Vega changed his tone. Vega: I don¡¯t lead. Leaders take all of the blame when something goes wrong. Zrazy: ¡­.Oh. Well I, just- Vega stands up and begins to walk out. Vega: I¡¯ll be back when I regroup with my friends. As Vega does a wave where Zrazy can only see the back of his hand. Zrazy: Wait! Zrazy gets up and goes to the door. Zrazy: I never learned your name! Vega is still walking away. Vega: It''s Vega. Zrazy: Vega. Well, we will see you, Vega! Vega walks off onward to Soot. Zrazy turns back going into his house. Zrazy lets out an interested Huh. Zrazy: Huh. Zrazy looking at Vega¡¯s cup. Zrazy: He didn¡¯t even touch his tea. As Zrazy does a grin. Zrazy: He¡¯s a very cautious one. I¡¯ll inform the Army. Picking up the phone dialing a number. Ring, Ring, Ring. Zrazy: C¡¯mon, pick up. Someone picks up the phone. Private Kate: What do you Knockers want this time? Zrazy (merry): Is this Kate?! I have some info for you! Kate sighs loudly. Kate has smooth white skin, and brown long hair, in her green uniform. Private Kate: It¡¯s always you, Zrazy. What is it? Zrazy: Ahem. Well- As a sword goes through Zrazy¡¯s back! He spits up some blood! Zrazy: *Bleh* Zrazy looked down at the sword going through his chest. Zrazy looked behind him and saw Vega¡¯s red eyes glaring at him, Vega holding one finger over his mask¡­ Vega: Shhh... Vega pulls the sword out, and Zrazy slowly falls. Vega: ¡­ Vega picks up the phone and ends the call. (In Ash, Army¡¯s Location.) Private Kate (baffled): What was that? He just hung up? Another Private laying down speaks up. Private Lena: Who was that? Zrazy? Lena with light brown skin with short dark black hair. Private Kate: Yeah. And he just hung up on me. He usually has a lot to say. Private Lena: Want to go down and check on him? Private Kate: We¡¯d have to ask to go down there. He said he had some info for me. Lena jumps up. Private Lena: Well, let¡¯s go! This place has been boring lately. (Back in Soot.) Zrazy spitting up blood. Zrazy: How... Did you know¡­? Vega: I didn¡¯t, I just waited a couple of seconds and you went right to call them. Zrazy laughed, as his eyes got darker and darker. The pain in his chest is agonizing. Zrazy: I knew you were a careful one¡­. Zrazy kills over, blood filling up the room. Vega: Hm, green blood. Vega walks out and flicks the blood off of his sword. Alambre standing in front of him stunned. Alambre (startled): Did you just¡­ Vega, after flicking all of the green blood off of his sword. Holds it in his right hand, and the backside of the blade, on his shoulder. Vega: Yeah, I did it. As Draco would say, betrayers, need to die. An image of Draco doing a big smiling laugh in silhouette is above Vega. Alambre''s jaw drops. All the other Knockers are coming out of their houses. Vega: (....) Jun (shaking): Zraz¡­ Vega: Listen. We will be attacking the Army soon. And you can help us take them out. But, we won¡¯t stand for someone betraying us, again. Jun crying and falling to his knees. Holding his heart. Jun: But.. you didn¡¯t have¡­ Vega tilted his head, and with a stern voice. Vega: I did. Jun looks up, as Vega stares him down with his red eyes. Jun (scared out of his mind): (He¡¯s... the devil!!) Vega: Now. Vega puts his sword back in its sheath. Vega: Was he telling the truth about your traits? Jun shouted scaredly. Jun (crying): He didn¡¯t lie! We are speed diggers! Vega: Alright. As Vega goes to sit on Zrazy¡¯s porch. Vega: I can¡¯t leave now. The Army will come to check on him. You all play normally and go back to your regular lives. Jun: How can- Alambre (mad): How can we do that?! You just killed our friend! Vega, calm as always. Vega: If you don¡¯t... you all will die. All the Knockers shiver in fear. Vega: Was he really the boss? Alambre: No, it was him. Alambre points to Mitsado. Mitsado (stunned): Uh-um. (Just call me out like that, Alambre.) As Vega glares at him. Mitsado: We will help you and whoever is with you. **Mitsado** City: Stephano Slag Village¡¯s Boss Race: Knocker Vega: Good. [Knockers acquired] [The Knockers Are Forced In! Up Next, Draco!] Mystery 27 Fin Mystery Twenty-Eight: Hard Nosed Vet. Fallen Stars Mystery Twenty-Eight Hard Nosed Vet. (In Powder, Trolls¡¯ Territory.) Draco walked around with his hands behind his head. Draco: Whoa. Draco, upon entering the village, sees nothing but bridges around the area. Draco: Why are there so many? Draco looks around, he only sees a few houses. Green with blue rooftops. Draco: This place is empty. Draco walks over bridges and goes up to a door and knocks. Draco: Yo. He hears nothing. A tumbleweed flies behind him. Draco: How empty is this place? Draco goes back to walking with his hands behind his head. Draco: I should¡¯ve brought Ap. At least I would have someone to talk to. Draco starts whistling. After a few minutes of walking. Draco (confused): This is the darkest place in the city so far. Shouldn¡¯t it be evenly spread out? Draco walks onto a bridge, he goes to the side. Draco: This bridge isn¡¯t over water or anything¡­ Draco runs over to another bridge. Draco: This one either... Draco runs back and forth to different bridges. After a few more minutes. Draco (perplexed): None of them are. He notices a fire under the eastern bridge. Draco: That¡¯s where they are. Draco slowly walks over to the bridge and listens in on the underneath. Joe: Did he leave yet? Bun: I think so. He ran to the Western Bridge. Draco jumps down. Draco (smirking): Yo. Draco does a short wave. The Trolls look shocked. Joe: I-I thought you said... Bun: I- Draco interjects. Draco: Let¡¯s cut the small talk. The two trolls stand up, with long brown hair, and long noses. With grey skin. they were covered in feathers. Standing around 4 feet tall. Draco: (Two creatures under a bridge. Oh man, D¨¦j¨¤ vu.) I want to take out the Army here. And I need some help from you guys. Down? Joe (stern): As the Supreme Leader of Powder. I, Joe, speak for everyone in saying, no. **Joe** City: Stephano Powder Village¡¯s Supreme Leader Race: Troll Draco: Supreme Leader, huh? Draco does an evil grin. An evil feeling comes off Draco, but he just walks. Draco: Alright, I¡¯ll see you later. Joe: What? That¡¯s it? Draco: I¡¯m not going to try to convince you. I offered you a chance and you turned me down. Draco walks away. Bun: That¡¯s a good thing, right? Joe: I-I don¡¯t know. Draco stops and turns around. Draco: One thing, before I go. This is something my friends and I came up with. Draco slowly waves his index finger and shakes his head, having a severely serious tone. The feeling comes back around Draco, he has a fearsome smile. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Draco: Either you¡¯re with us, or against us¡­ and you don¡¯t want to be against us. Joe: Is that a threat?! Draco: Take it how you want. I couldn¡¯t care less. Draco walks away with his hands behind his head. Back to whistling. Bun: Joe, I think we should help them out. Joe: And why is that? Bun: I don¡¯t know. I have a bad feeling about him. Joe: What did I tell you about going off your feelings?! Bun: It¡¯s our trait, fool! You feel it too! Bun and Joe look at Draco walking away. Bun: The ¡°Presence¡± coming from that kid. Draco: Man. So they decided not to come. I¡¯ll visit them afterward. Draco with a slight grin continues walking. Draco: The next place was Soot, right? The Trows might join in. Draco heading East walks for fifty minutes. Making it to Soot. Draco: What is this stuff? The ground is covered in black powder. Draco picks up some, rubbing it in his fingers. Draco: It¡¯s like a fire has been through here. Was Vega here? (In Soot, Trows¡¯ Territory.) Draco continues walking through the village, all the buildings are covered in black powder. Draco: This place is so¡­ different. Creatures looking at Draco from the roof of some buildings. (On the Roof.) Bakso: Who is that? Bistec: I don''t know! They both are small trows. Pale white skins, with big green hats, with brown beards. Long ears, and long green shoes. The two are frightened. Draco: Hmm. Draco¡¯s stomach starts to growl. Draco: I am hungry. I could stop for a minute or two. Draco goes down the street looking for a restaurant but sees nothing but nail salons. Draco: (What is up with that. Where are the grocery stores or something.) Draco upon coming down the street spots a diner on the right side of the street. Draco decides to go inside, and the sign reads¡­ **Bulgogi¡¯s Diner** Draco walks in with the bell ringing, alerting a customer has entered. Mocot¨® turns around with a smile. Mocot¨® (perky): How can I- Mocot¨®¡¯s smile disappears. She yells out. Mocot¨®: Sorry, sir! We¡¯re closed! Sorry! Draco, not expecting that. Draco: (Hm.) And why is that? Mocot¨® hesitates to speak. Someone comes from the kitchen. He¡¯s wearing a white apron, long green shoes, and a big green hat. Bulgogi: Don¡¯t listen to my daughter. Come on in and sit. Bulgogi guides Draco to a booth. He hands him a menu. Bulgogi: Take your time. He walks away. Draco looks at the menu. Laying his sword down. Draco: What... Do I want? Back in the kitchen, Bulgogi pulls Mocot¨® in. Bulgogi (stern): Whatever you do, keep your smile on. No matter what the customer is. Mocot¨® (cautious): But he¡¯s a human. He could be a part of the Army. Bulgogi: I doubt it. Look at him. They both peek out of the kitchen. Bulgogi: He¡¯s not wearing a uniform. Mocot¨®: But Dad- Bulgogi stops her. Bulgogi: Go serve our customer. Mocot¨® (pouts): Fine. Mocot¨® goes over to her customer, greeting him with a smile. Mocot¨®: Ready to order? Draco still looking at the Menu. Draco: Yeah. Some water. And I¡¯ll take the Restaurant Special: Bulgogi on Fire. Mocot¨®: Alright sir. I¡¯ll be back with your water and put the order in. Draco hands her the menu. Draco: Thanks. She puts the order in and comes back with his water. Mocot¨®: Here you are. Draco: Mhm. After fifteen minutes go by. Bulgogi delivers the Bulgogi on Fire himself. Bulgogi: Enjoy! Draco flopped the napkin over his lap. Draco: I¡¯ll try to. Draco digs in, eating all the Bulgogi on Fire in minutes. Not stopping to drink his water. Then finally after it¡¯s all gone, he drinks all of the water. Draco stands up burping. Draco: Ah! Draco stretching grabs his sword and places it on his back. Walking to the counter. Draco: How much do I owe? Mocot¨®: That comes to¡­ $50 Sols. Draco: So good. I might come back another time. Draco hands over the money. Mocot¨®: Thank you! Come again! Sorry about earlier! Draco heads out. Draco: Before I go, a word of advice. Draco turns to Mocot¨® with a serious tone again. Draco: Don¡¯t say that word. Mocot¨® (confused): What? ¡°Sorry?¡± Draco: Yeah, that. Only weak people say that. Haha. Draco walks out of the restaurant, with a smile on his face. Mocot¨® still has a confused face. Mocot¨®: (Eh?) But on the bench at the front is Bulgogi waiting for Draco. Draco: Is there a problem? Bulgogi stands up. Bulgogi: I got some information that you came from, Slog. The Trolls Territory. Are you here on business? As Bulgogi gets in a wild karate stance. Draco: (...?) I was planning on working with them, but they turned me down. Bulgogi: You went... to them? Draco: I plan on taking down the Army here, with my friends. But the Trolls didn¡¯t want to help. Bulgogi was shocked. Bulgogi: Sloppy turned that down?! Draco: Sloppy? Bulgogi: Oh, Luhaha. That¡¯s what I call my old friend. We were war buddies. His name is Joe. He¡¯s a Hard Nosed Vet. Draco (smiles): A Hard Nosed Vet? Hahaha, I talked to Joe, but there were only two of them. Bulgogi goes to sit back down. Bulgogi: There are only two trolls left. Draco: Only two? Bulgogi: About three years ago, The Trolls went to war with the Army here and were all wiped out, but Joe and Bun. I invited them to come to stay here but they refused. Draco: Hm. We can leave them alone for this thing we¡¯re doing then. But, will you and the Trows join us? Bulgogi thought about the events three years ago. (In Powder, Troll¡¯s Territory Three Years Ago.) Joe (intense): Gogi! We¡¯re going after the Army! Join us! Bulgogi: Sloppy... My people won¡¯t join this. They are too shy to even hold any weapons. We would just hold you all back. Joe: Well, we¡¯re going! Right! About fifty Trolls all holding up pitchforks and shovels. The Trolls: Yeah!!! (In Slag, Knockers Territory.) Ring, Ring, Ring. Private Kate: What is it this time, Zrazy? Zrazy (excited): Kate! Happy to hear from you! Private Kate (sighs): Aaah, What is it, Zrazy? Zrazy: Just a warning, I would watch out for those Trolls. I heard they have been getting rowdy lately. Private Kate (wary): ¡­ Thanks for the info. The Trolls ran into Ash, but the Army was waiting for them. They clash with the Army. A tall figure standing eight feet tall with spiky blonde hair is seen laughing at the Trolls saying, ¡°you little inferior creatures¡±. After the battle, Joe is crawling back to Powder. Joe (crushed): Gogi! We could¡¯ve done it! If you helped! Bulgogi is scared, helping his friend back into the village. Bulgogi: What happened?! Where is everyone else!? Joe gets his silver flask out. Takes a sip. Joe: *Sniffles* There was nothing we could do¡­ They were too strong¡­ Joe passes out. Bulgogi''s eyes are full of tears. Bulgogi: Sloppy! Don¡¯t die! Next time we go after them, I¡¯ll convince all of the Trows to help! I promise! (Back in The Present Time) Bulgogi (extremely serious): To answer you. Yes, we will help you against the Army. Draco (happy): Nice. Let¡¯s do this. Bulgogi puts out his hand for Draco to shake it. Draco just looks at it, smugly. Draco: Nah, I don¡¯t shake hands with people. Bulgogi: Oh... [Trows acquired] [The Trows are in! But, What¡¯s Next?!] Mystery 28 Fin Mystery Twenty-Nine: Whats That Alarm??! Fallen Stars Mystery Twenty-Nine What¡¯s That Alarm??! (In Ash, Army¡¯s Location) Private Kate and Private Lena inside the Army¡¯s Base. Walking to the front door, meeting a man. Specialist Earl: Where are you two going? Earl white male, with light brown hair, a middle bald spot, glasses, and wearing his green uniform. Puffing a cigarette, while sitting down. **Earl** Rank in Army: Specialist Duty: In Charge of All Privates and Recruiting Them Private Kate: We¡¯re going to go check on our informant. He just hung up on me without telling me the info he had. Earl holding his cigarette, staring at them. Earl: Hm¡­ Lena leans over to Kate. Private Lean: C¡¯mon, let us go. It has been boring since that ¡°war¡± three years ago. Earl: Alright, go. Lena cheers. Earl: But, be back before the Blackout happens. Lena sticks out her tongue. Private Lena (joking): We¡¯ll be back waaaay before that goes off. Earl taps the cigarette on the ashtray. Knocking off the ash. The two privates walk out of the door. To the open area. Greenery lands, a Hospital to the left, and a Grocery Store to the right. An extravagant fountain is sitting in the middle made of marble. Water spouted out, then fell back down into a huge bowl. Army Barracks on the other side, with an Army truck coming by driving at top speeds! Private John (no care): Watch out! Kate and Lena jump out of the way, while John curves the truck around the building driving even faster. Private Kate: He is so crazy¡­ Private Lena: But he¡¯s so cute! Lena with hearty eyes. Private Kate: We didn¡¯t come out to look at John. Let¡¯s go to Slag. Private Lena: We can¡¯t get him to drive us? Kate looks over and sees John jumping up and down with the truck. Private Kate: We¡¯re good. Kate and Lena make it down the Dirt Hill. Coming into the downtown of Ash. Private Kate: This place looks even better than before. The city has Army outposts and lookouts on every other block. With Hobgoblins and Goblins, women walk around. A Goblin brings lemonade to an outpost. Private Lin (cheerful): Thanks! All the privates come over. Private Kife (merry): Thank you! It was getting hot here! Empal (happy): I should be thanking you! After saving our families from those other Goblins and Hobgoblins! **Empal** Race: Goblin A Hobgoblin comes forth also. Rendang (relieved): We want to thank you. After all the things our husbands have done to us. We owe you! This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. **Rendang** Race: Hobgoblin Ten more Hobgoblins and Goblins gather around cheering on their heroes!! Private Kate: So this is where they all are. Private Lene: Yippee. After saving them from their husbands, all the races are stationed here. Kate and Lena continue walking. Lena: You know what¡¯s crazy? Kate: What? Lena: We¡¯ve both been privates for three years. Kate: Yeah¡­ And apparently, it is my final year of being one too. If I don¡¯t rank up, I¡¯ll be kicked out of the Army. Lena: I was told the same thing! But it¡¯s so hard to get promoted, stationed here with no action. I¡¯m glad we became friends when we got here. Kate: I¡¯m glad too. Kate smiles. A spark comes to Lena. Lena (joking): Oh! Remember the ¡°Troll War¡±? Kate: I first arrived here, right before it happened. Lena (laughs): What did they think they could do with pitchforks and shovels? Kaha. Kate (laughs): Why do we even call that war? We beat them in five minutes. Lena: The trolls called it a war when they charged in. To think, these guys will go to war with us, just to get their wives back. Who, all they¡¯re going to do is abuse them. It¡¯s so illogical. Kate shakes her head. Kate: We must keep them safe. We have to make sure our best informant is safe. After around fifty minutes of walking. They finally come into Slag. Kate and Lena see Jun picking up some coal. Kate (excited): Jun! Kate waves over to Jun. Jun jumps as he¡¯s scared and takes off running. Kate (stunned): What? Lena: You knew him? Kate: Yeah, I don¡¯t know why he reacted like that. Lena does a quick slant with her hand motioning forward. Lena: Onward to Zrazy¡¯s House! Kate: Mhm. Kate and Lena walk down the street to Zrazy¡¯s House, but someone is standing in the middle of the road. Kate is paralyzed by his stare. His face is covered by a mask, and in the dark, it''s hard to see, but she can see his red eyes staring her down. Kate: (...Red eyes!!) Lena is crippled by his glare. The man begins to speak in a dark tone. Vega: ¡­. You want to die here, or somewhere else? Both Kate and Lena quickly grab their guns and start to shoot with both hands on their guns! *Bang* *Bang* Vega: (.....) Vega rushes in, with a devilish grin under his mask. Jun is in the background, shaking. Standing next to him is Alambre. Jun: What does he plan on doing? Dodging all of their bullets, rotating his sword, getting close, and cutting both of their arms off, with a quick double slash!! Kate and Lena yell out in pain! Kate: Ahhhh!! Lena: Awk!!! Their arms fly up into the air, then come down hitting the ground. Lena and Kate both fall to the ground. Blood flying everywhere! Vega: I tried to ask if you wanted to die here. I guess you chose. Vega holds his sword over Lena and Kate. Kate (frantic): Wait! Vega: Hm? Kate: What do you want?! Vega (annoyed): Is it really necessary to talk about this? You¡¯re going to die either way. Kate: If I could know anything before I die to someone, I would at least want to know what they were thinking. Vega glances at the other soldier. Vega: She already died of blood loss. Fine, I¡¯ll let you know. I want to take out the Army. Kate: Just the Army here?! Vega¡¯s expression completely changes to intensely serious. Vega: No, The Entire Army. That Encompasses The Whole World. Kate (astounded): What?! For what?! Revenge?! Vega looks down at her. Vega: I don''t care about "little things" like revenge. Kate starts to lose consciousness. Kate: The whole world, huh? I-I died to a very ambitious guy. I¡¯m glad about that. As Kate dies¡­ **Vega** Army Kill Count: 5 Alambre talking to Jun. Alambre: That bastard. He really killed them. And if his friends are just like this or even worse¡­ Vega looked around. Vega: Clean this up. If they send more people, we have to prepare. An alarm goes off. Heard around the whole city! Vega quickly covered his ears. Vega (shocked): AH! What is that!? Vega sees all of the Knockers holding their ears too. Vega: (What the hell is this?) Vega looks up and sees darkness spread out over the village then spreads out more to the North. Vega: (That¡¯s where the Trolls are. Draco....) Then the alarm stops. Vega shakes his head. Vega: What was that? Mitsado: That was, the ¡°Blackout¡±. It¡¯s a machine made by the Army here that can spread darkness into our skies. Vega: That¡¯s how this city got its name? ¡°The City Covered in Darkness¡±. Mitsado: Yes. But, some people don¡¯t know, we weren¡¯t always called that. We only got that name when the Army moved in. Vega: So it''s not always dark here? Mitsado: Without that machine here going off once a week, to cover us up. The sun shines greatly over our city. Vega: How is that possible? I saw a rock formation over the city. Mitsado: That is made of ¡°Clear Rock¡±. Clear Rock allows the sun to shine through it. Brightening up our home. Vega: Mmmm. (I know someone who would want to see that.) (In Charcoal, Hobgoblins Territory Wrath¡¯s Location) Wrath (pissed off): The fuck was that?! It got my ears ringing! Loaf yelling back to him. Loaf: Relax! It¡¯s the weekly sirens! Wrath: How the fuck do you all deal with that weekly?! Loaf: We just do! After a few minutes go by, Loaf explains the Blackout. Wrath: Whew. Yeah, I can¡¯t deal with that. I¡¯ll go take out that machine right now. Loaf: Didn¡¯t you say you had friends? Shouldn¡¯t you regroup with them? Wrath: Oh, yeah. Our base is in the Goblins¡¯ Territory. So I¡¯m only taking a few of you. Who wants to come? Loaf raises her hand. Loaf: I have to go! I¡¯m in charge! Stroganoff walks over. Stroganoff: *Snort* I am going too, Loaf! Loaf: Are you sur- Stroganoff interrupts. Stroganoff: I am sure! Loaf slaps him on the back of the neck. Loaf: Don¡¯t cut me off! Stroganoff does a face full of pain. Stroganoff: Ow!! You do it all the time though! Loaf: I do not! Stroganoff: Yes yo- Loaf: I do not! Stroganoff: You just did it! Loaf punched Stroganoff over and over. Wrath sighs. Wrath: This is going to be a long walk with these two. [The Hobgoblins Are On The Move, With Wrath!] Mystery 29 Fin Mystery Thirty: Regrouping and The Plot. Fallen Stars Mystery Thirty Regrouping and The Plot. (In Soot, Trows¡¯ Territory.) Draco looked up. Draco: A darkness machine, huh? Bulgogi: That¡¯s what we were told it was called. Draco: That reminds me of something, but¡­. As Draco presses a finger to his head. Trying to think hard. Draco: I can¡¯t remember. (!!! I remember now! ¡­I can''t tell him.) Damn. Bulgogi looks out of the corner of his eye. Bulgogi: Is that a normal thing? Draco laughs a bit. Draco: I guess, I forget things. Bulgogi: Hm. Draco brightens up. Draco: Now! How many of you are there? Bulgogi: There¡¯s¡­ around 100 of us. Draco: And your special traits? Bulgogi: Trows, our special trait is Powder Mastery. Draco: Meaning? Bulgogi: Our Village, Soot, is named after our trait. We can do fairy-like things with powders. Make people stronger or weaker. Anything we set our minds to. Draco: Vega will love this. Bulgogi: But, I¡¯m sure it doesn¡¯t work on humans like yourselves. The Army tried to take our products, but it didn¡¯t work on them. Draco (smirks): (Humans?) We can still come up with something for its usage. Bulgogi: Hm. Draco: Well, gather your people. After you tell them, you and I can leave. Bulgogi: Leave? Draco: Our base is in the Goblin¡¯s Territory. Bulgogi (shocked): You already have the goblins on your side?! Draco: Yeah, Haha. My friends went to recruit other ones. Bulgogi (impressed): You guys are committed. Draco: Oh, don¡¯t worry, our strategist is already coming up with something I bet. Bulgogi: I¡¯ll inform the town. Draco: Alright. I¡¯ll be at the end of the town ready to go through Slag. Bulgogi: I will meet you there in a few! Draco nods then walks off. Bulgogi: Hmph. Now to muster up the courage to go against the Army. Bulgogi walks to the center of the town. He yells out loud! Bulgogi: All of you come out! I know you were watching! Around 50 Trows slowly walk out of their houses, some jumping off of the roofs. A few coming out of the garbage cans! Bulgogi (serious): Listen up! We will be taking out the Army! And we need your help! Bulgogi looks around and all eyes are on him. Bulgogi: I know Trows were born shy! But we can get our city back! Our wives! Our home! We just need to muster up the courage and the hope inside of us to do it! It¡¯s still quiet around the village, dead silent. Bulgogi: (Just a little more juice!) Bulgogi breathes in deeply. Then yells out. Bulgogi (intense): WE CAN DO THIS! ONLY WITH ALL OF YOUR HELP! NOW, ARE YOU WITH ME?! As he looks around quickly, silence is still heard throughout the area. Bulgogi: (No¡­ They¡¯re...) Galbi (strongly agrees): I¡¯M WITH YOU, BULGOGI!!! Yukpo (fiercely agrees): ME TOO!!! Then, suddenly all the Trows jumped up and down cheering on, screaming they are all on board! Tears came down Bulgogi''s eyes. Bulgogi: *Sniffles* Then, Let''s Do It! You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. In the background behind a building. Draco is chuckling. Draco: Hahaha, so he got them in. Nice. Draco walks to the end of the city waiting for Bulgogi¡¯s arrival. After a few minutes, Bulgogi meets with Draco. Draco: Ready? Bulgogi: Yup! The two start to walk, going to Slag. **Wrath¡¯s Location Walking to Dust** Stroganoff: Just you wait, Wellington! Loaf slaps him. Stroganoff (pain): Ow! Loaf: *Snort* Don¡¯t start anything there! Stroganoff: I won¡¯t! Loaf getting madder. Loaf: *Snort* Then what were you plotting?! Stroganoff: Nothing! Wrath (annoyed): Ah. Can you two relax? We¡¯re coming up on Dust. Stroganoff¡¯s eyes light up. He rushes in. Wrath: Oh no¡­. Coming into the Village running, he spots Wellington. Stroganoff (mad): *Snort* You bastard! Stroganoff reaches into his pocket pulling out a bomb! Stroganoff (mad): Take this! Wellington stands there in fear, trembling. Then electricity forms behind Stroganoff, Wrath comes out of his electricity form, and karate chops the back of Stroganoff¡¯s neck, knocking him out cold. *Crackle* The bomb flies up, but Wrath catches it. Wrath (relieved): Whew, He would try that. Wellington slowly walks over to Wrath. Wellington: Thank you for saving me. Wrath: It was nothing. Wellington: So you have the Hobgoblins on your side. Wrath: Yep. Loaf walks up. Loaf: Long time no see, Wellington! Wellington: Yes, I- Loaf: Doing nice here I see. Loaf looking around. Wellington: (She still cuts people off.) Same old Loaf. HuHuHu. Wrath: Have any of my friends come back yet? Wellington: You are the first one. Wrath (ecstatic): Yes! Recruited them first and got back first! Wrath raised one arm in victory. **In Slag, Knockers¡¯ Territory** Vega sitting on Zrazy¡¯s porch. Vega: (I can¡¯t leave now. As soon as I leave, what¡¯s stopping them from calling the Army. If Enma was here he could protect it.) **In Dust, The Gang¡¯s Base** Apocalypse, Enma, and Zeus are all staring at each other gauging the other. Apocalypse charges up a Star Beam, then just suddenly stops. Joking around. Apocalypse: (I can¡¯t do that in this house, Haha.) Zeus: (Yeah, don¡¯t. They would get mad at us for destroying this house. Yaha.) Enma¡¯s senses perk up. Enma: (I have to go.) Enma with a serious face, and glowing red eyes. Apocalypse: (Is Vega in trouble?) Apocalypse flies above Enma. Enma: (I don¡¯t think so. I just know he needs me. I¡¯m leaving.) Zeus: (Wait! We were told to stay here!) Enma busts through the door running off. Zeus lets out a huff. **In Slag, Knockers¡¯ Territory** Jun runs up to Vega. Jun: T-There are more people coming! From the East! Vega stands up. Vega: Do the same thing as last time. Don¡¯t speak to them, just come here. Jun: O-ok. Jun takes off running. Vega: They¡¯re already sending in backup? Vega gets his sword and goes to the end of the street. Walking into the village¡­ Bulgogi: You said your friend is here? Draco: Yeah. He went to the knockers. Draco and Bulgogi continue walking through Slag. They spot Jun. Draco: Yo, can you help find someone? Jun (scared): Eck! And Jun takes off running. Draco: What did I say? Bulgogi: I don¡¯t know¡­ They both walk down a dark one-way road. At the end, stands a swordsman with red eyes. Bulgogi (shook): Wh- Who is that¡­.?! Bulgogi starts sweating profusely. Stunned by his glare. Draco squints his eyes. Draco: Red eyes¡­ Vega! Vega is shocked for a second. Vega: Oh, Draco! They both run toward each other and dab each other up. Bulgogi: (He shook his hands¡­) Draco (smiles): What was that? Vega: Oh, it¡¯s something I came up with for when these soldiers came here. Draco: Had to kill more soldiers? Vega: Yeah¡­. It was only two though. And more can come. Bulgogi: (These two are friends¡­) Bulgogi walks beside Draco. Vega: And who is this? Vega looks down at Bulgogi with a menacing look, as his red eyes scare Bulgogi, again. Draco: He¡¯s a Trow. I got them on our side. Vega: What about the Trolls? Draco sucks his teeth. Draco: Tck. I¡¯ll handle that, they didn¡¯t want to join. Vega: ¡­. Draco: But still. We have enough help. Trows¡¯ special trait is Powder Mastery. They can boost up their people with different powders. Vega: Hm. Knocker''s trait is Speed Digging. Draco: Mmm. We have to meet up with Wrath. Vega: I would, but I killed soldiers here so the Army might check on them, also¡­ Vega leans in and whispers. Vega: I killed one of their own. He tried to call the Army on us. Draco nods his head, understanding. Draco: It had to be done. I hate betrayers. Vega: Right. So I have to stay here to keep watch. Draco: Hmm¡­ We might be able to come up with something. Vega: ¡­. A few minutes go by, with Draco and Vega thinking of something. Draco: Moving the base here would be a lot. Vega: And both of us staying behind would be detrimental. Jun, frightened, comes running to them. And falling in front of Vega and Draco. Vega: What is it? More soldiers? Jun is sweating and breathing heavily. Jun (scared): N-No! I-Its an evil spirit!! Vega lets out a huh. Vega: An evil spirit? Jun: It¡¯s breathing fire too!! Vega: Ah. Enma¡­. At the end of another road, Enma is scaring all the Knockers. Mouth full of fire. Enma: (Where is Vega?!) Alambre: What does it want?! Enma¡¯s spike flies wildly!! Kamounia: Ah!!! Alambre: What do we do!? Vega appears behind them. Vega: Just stand still¡­ Enma can smell fear¡­ Alambre: Fear?! How do I just stop being scared?! Draco is laughing behind Vega. Vega: Stand down, Enma. Enma: (....) Enma stops making ominous noises and calms down. Kamounia holding his heart, that¡¯s pounding like crazy. Alambre checks on Kamounia. Vega: This is perfect. Draco: What you got in mind? Vega: Enma can stay here and watch over this village. They will fear him. Draco: That¡¯s a good idea. Vega turns to the Knockers by Alambre and Kamounia. Vega: I¡¯ll be leaving. Don¡¯t try to tell the Army or Enma here¡­ Vega signals over to Enma. Vega: He¡¯ll handle it. Enma does a menacing look toward the knockers. The knockers screech in fear. Alambre: Ok! Vega looks at Enma. Vega: (You¡¯re in charge, Enma. Don¡¯t let them do anything.) Enma: (Ok.) Enma nods to Vega. Alambre: (They can communicate without talking?!) Vega: Let¡¯s go. Draco: Alright. Wrath is probably back by now. Bulgogi: (Wrath? Is he just as scary as Vega¡­.) Draco, Vega, and Bulgogi all walk toward the village; Dust. After 20 minutes of walking, they make it into Dust, with Wrath waiting for them at the East entrance. Sitting down in the dark. Wrath: Took you bitches long enough. Draco (happy): Wrath! Wrath and Draco dab up while smiling. Vega standing to the side. Bulgogi: (This is Wrath¡­) Wrath: Who is this? Draco: We¡¯ll tell you everything. Let''s get to the base first, where we can sit down. Wrath: Good idea. We have a lot to discuss. All 4 of them walk to the base, ready for the plan! [The Gang Regroups, And Start To Plan!] Mystery 30 Fin Mystery Thirty-One: Whats Done In The Dark Fallen Stars Mystery Thirty-One What''s Done In The Dark (In Dust, At The Base) Sitting around the front room table, one side has¡­. [Loaf][Stroganoff][Wrath] The other side has¡­ [Wellington][Bulgogi][Vega] While Draco sits at the head of the table. [Draco] The map of Stephano is on the table. Apocalypse and Zeus are flying around the room, above the group. Draco: Alright. Let¡¯s start to plan. Vega. Vega: ? Draco: What did you come up with? Vega: Going over all the traits the races have. I think I have a good plan. Draco: Lay it out. Vega: First. Bulgogi. Bulgogi: ? Vega: Does your powder work on the other races? Bulgogi: Yes, it does. Vega: Wellington, how many goblins are there that can fight? Wellington: Around fifty. Stroganoff (giggles): Hihaha. Vega looks directly at Stroganoff fiercely. Stroganoff makes a worried face. Loaf: Ignore him. Vega: Bulgogi, get your people working on the powder. It¡¯ll boost everyone, but Draco, Wrath, and me. Next, I¡¯ll get the Knockers to mine under the town of Ash, throwing the Army entirely off. Everyone listens more. Vega: They¡¯ll mine from every direction. All the angles. Vega points to each direction on the map on the table. Vega: When they¡¯re distracted, the Hobgoblins will bomb out all of the Army¡¯s outposts in Ash. Those all have machine guns and that will take out most of our side. They have to go. Draco: Hmmm. Vega: This is where the goblins come in, with Enhanced Dexterity. They can climb on Ash¡¯s rooftops and bomb out the outposts. Stroganoff: *Snort* You want us- Loaf elbows him in the side. Vega does a mean look and looks out of the corner of his eye. Vega (intense): Don¡¯t cut me off again. Stroganoff: (Eck!) Vega: Once they¡¯re all gone, the Trows will boost our numbers, then we attack. Draco gets up, slapping the table, getting excited. Draco: Sounds good to me! Bulgogi: Powders for over one hundred people will take at least two hours. Loaf: *Snort* Same for the bombs! Wellington: I can have my people more than prepared in two hours. Under Stroganoff¡¯s breath. Stroganoff: Punk. Draco raises both hands. Draco: We regroup in two hours then! Disperse! Wellington: (Should I tell them about Zo- Ah, they probably wouldn¡¯t know him.) All the races leave. Going back to their territories. Wrath, Vega, and Draco only remain. Wrath: I¡¯m going to leave too. Draco: Where''re you going? Wrath: Just going to roam a bit. C¡¯mon, Zeus. Zeus begins to fly towards Wrath. Vega: Wrath. Wrath: ? Vega: Don¡¯t do anything dumb. With seriousness in Vega¡¯s eyes. Wrath: When have I ever? Vega (calm): Don¡¯t. Wrath (grins): I got it. As he gives a thumbs up with an immature smile on his face, he walks out with Zeus on his shoulder. Vega has an unamused face right now. Vega: He just has to relax for two hours. Draco: It¡¯ll be alright. We have a great plan! Vega thought to himself. Vega: I''m still thinking about us vs Caffua. And how I made that terrible plan. Draco: What are you talking about, that plan was great! Vega: What about my plan vs that owl guy? Are my plans great if they fail? Draco: ¡­. Vega leans on the table. Draco: All you have to do is make up for failed plans by doing better in the future. Vega (fiery tone): You know I hate losing, Draco. Draco (understanding smirk): Hmph. I know. But we can only get better over time. A brief pause happens¡­ Vega (concernedly thinks): (Who is this¡­ this isn¡¯t Draco...) Two hours and fifteen minutes go by¡­. Bulgogi and Loaf come back to Dust. With Draco and Vega waiting for them at the center Water Fountain. Draco is sitting down, looking down, hands together, with Vega standing next to him, arms crossed. Vega: You¡¯re late. Vega¡¯s red eyes glare at them. They get a little frightened. Draco: Ah, don¡¯t worry about Vega, he has this thing about being on time. Vega (under his breath): Time is everything. Draco: Everything good? Bulgogi: My side is good. Loaf: We are good also! Vega: Where is that annoying one? Loaf: Oh! He¡¯s still at Charcoal with Wrath! Draco: That¡¯s where he went¡­ seems he took a liking to you Hobgoblins. Loaf: *Snort* We are fun! Vega: ¡­. Draco: Wrath knows what we¡¯re doing. Setup the diggers, Vega. After the outposts are gone, we all jump in. Apocalypse is flying behind Draco drooling over the goblins. Salisbury looked up crying. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Salisbury (scared): Please don¡¯t eat us! Apocalypse: (Can I eat them, Draco?) Draco: (No. We¡¯re about to make a move anyway. Maybe afterward.) Apocalypse: (Yes!) Draco: Let''s get in place. Bulgogi: It¡¯s getting late. Want to attack tomorrow? Draco: This is a perfect time then. Catch them off-guard. Loaf and Bulgogi: Ok! (In Ash, Army¡¯s Location.) Earl: Where are they? I said to be back before the Blackout! Private John: I saw them leave¡­ but I don¡¯t know. Earl: And you John! Why did you crash the f¡¯ing car into the wall!? John: Sorry. Hehe, I had to bail out. That wall came out of nowhere! Earl: The wall doesn¡¯t move¡­ *sigh* Nevermind. The training routine is doubled for you and no dinner for a week. John: Why?! Earl: Are you really asking why! Half an hour goes by. Earl tapped his fingers on the desk. Earl: I¡¯m doing it again. He reaches into his uniform, pulling out a cigarette and a lighter. Lighting the cigarette he takes a long puff. Earl: *Whew* I¡¯m worrying again. John! John, doing push-ups, looks up. Earl: What was the longest time Kate went out to Zrazy? John: I don¡¯t know, about an hour? Earl: It''s been three and a half hours now. In another half an hour, I¡¯m sending a search party. A cold chill came over Earl and the complete atmosphere and tone of the room changed... Zosma: Calm down, Earl. I¡¯m sure they¡¯re fine. Earl (stunned): Fir-First Lieutenant Zosma! Earl salutes Zosma. Zosma (relaxed): At ease. I¡¯m going to my study, just relax and wait for them to come back. Earl: Sir yes sir! A few minutes pass and Zosma walks into his study. Zosma: Ah. As he takes a seat. His room is completely dark, with no light in sight. Zosma: This place always reminds me¡­ As Zosma reminisces about his past¡­. (Flashback: A young Zosma entering the Army) Someone yelled out, Ten-hut!! Zosma standing in line. Ready. A beautiful young woman walks past seeing all the recruits. With gold earrings on both earlobes. And long gold hair, flowing elegantly. Green uniform of course. Tan skin. Scar: Those are the newbies? Lowno: Yep. They just came in. Scar: Hmmm. I like that spiky hair one. He gives off a different presence. Lowno: ¡­. Scar goes over to the recruits. Scar (interested): What¡¯s your name? As she stands right in front of Zosma. Zosma stayed focused. Zosma: Zosma, ma¡¯am! Scar: Ma¡¯am? Don¡¯t be so formal. Lowno: He should be formal with you, you are his superior. Scar: Wanna join my group, Zosma? Zosma (nervous): Um. Scar: Don¡¯t think! Decide, right now! She gets closer to him. Scar: I can give you anything you want¡­ Freedom? Power? Whatever it is, I can get it for you. Just follow me. Zosma was enticed by her beauty. He blushes. Zosma: I¡¯ll join! Scar is happy and excited. Scar: Nice to have you! I''m Captain Scar! **Scar** Army Rank: Captain Specialist Ron: Scar, stop taking my recruits! Scar walks away winking at Ron. Scar: Sorry! It had to be done! Later that night, the two are both in a sauna. Steam is everywhere in the room. Zosma: Why am I here again? Scar: I told you. Your body needs to get used to it. Scar walked into the sauna, removing her towel. Zosma notices the Golden Beetle Tattoo on her back. And a scar going down her right forearm. Scar: Now¡­. Scar takes her fingers and goes up Zosma¡¯s chest. Scar: What power do you want? Zosma is blushing and nose bleeding. Zosma: Wha- What? Anything, right? Scar: Yeah. Zosma: Hm, This world is so dark. Filled with nothing but darkness. I want to absorb the darkness! Scar: ? Zosma (laughs): Yeah, that¡¯s what I want. Scar: Keep that in mind then¡­. She takes out a knife and stabs Zosma in the heart! Zosma: Bluh! Zosma dies off¡­. then wakes up in a dark room surrounded by smoke. He sees someone sitting on a throne, surrounded by a rainbow with an emerald hue. M: What power do you truly desire? Zosma: Huh? What? M: What power do you want? Zosma with excitement on his face and in his voice! Zosma: Uh. I want to absorb the darkness! M: And why would you want that? Zosma (grins): I want to rid this world of all the darkness, and let the light shine! M: I shall grant you that. Also, take this egg, It will hatch into your pure self, with your real ideals. As the egg floats over to Zosma. Zosma looks at it. And wakes up in the sauna. Zosma: *Gasp* Did I just die? Touching his body. Scar: Yup! Hopefully, you got what you wanted. Zosma blinked his eyes as if he had just woken up. And sees his egg. His egg is all black. Zosma: I did¡­. Rahaha. Scar: Now you can do whatever you want. If anyone messes with you, they have to deal with me! Zosma: Right. Scar: And I mean anyone. I¡¯d do anything for my loyal swarm. Scar¡¯s expression gets serious, as she continues running her fingers up his stomach. Revealing her scar more, Zosma notices it. Zosma: Is that why you''re called ¡°Scar¡±? Scar: Hmm, not really, but it does add to my nickname. My real name is Scarabaeus. But calling me Scar is easier. Zosma: Oh. (Years Later... Unknown Location) Zosma is seen hanging around Scar, doing her complete bidding. While she sits on a building, she directs her swarm, yelling at Zosma. Scar: Take them out, Zosma! Zosma: Yes, Ma¡¯am! Zosma killed the people they were fighting, gunning them down. Scar: Yes! Over the years you¡¯ve become a loyal person to my swarm. Zosma is seen with his Golden Beetle Tattoo. Zosma: ¡­. Of course, I can do anything I want. Scar: So what are you doing next? I¡¯m leaving here. Zosma looks into the sky. Zosma (smiles): Anything¡­ I want to do it. **Years Later... In Stephano** The Army comes rushing in with their loud trucks. The sun is shining right through the Clear Rock, looking amazing, with birds chirping and flying around. Zosma hops out of his truck, and a goblin comes up to him. Wellington: What do you want, sir? Zosma looked around. Raising his arms into the sky! Zosma: Greetings, little goblins! From here on, this whole city is under my control!! Wellington: Wh-What? Zosma: Any problems? A few female goblins step up. Haggis: Yeah, there¡¯s a problem! Zosma drops his hand quickly. Zosma: Light them up! The privates take out their machine guns and shoot up the goblins!!! Bullets flying everywhere! After about forty seconds, they stop... Zosma: Now¡­ Zosma with the same crazy smile on, the smoke settled, with all the Goblins terrified and Hobgoblins frightened. Zosma (arrogant): Be not afraid. Wellington: Sir, this is the scariest moment of my life. Zosma: I ask again. Any problems?!! As he holds his hand to his ear. Wellington cowered in fear, looking at Haggis¡¯ and other goblins'' dead bodies. Wellington (shook): N-No... Zosma: Rahaha. Then we¡¯re good. Zavijava! Spread out and let everyone know that we¡¯re here! Zavijava: *yawning* Wouldn¡¯t they already know? Zosma: Huh? Zavijava: They had to hear our trucks, if not, they definitely heard the gunshots, plus the goblins would tell everyone else about us. Do I have to? Zosma (angry): Do what I say!! As his Army company spreads out and takes over Ash. Zosma: (This place... I love it!) *yells out* This place is now called, Zosma''s Den!!! Weeks later, Zosma reflects on taking over Stephano and being in Scar¡¯s swarm. Zosma thinks about the things he wanted. Zosma: (I wanted to eradicate all the darkness, but I let it consume me¡­) Zosma looks at his hand. Zosma (smiles): (But¡­. I chose this path.) Rahahaha, I can do whatever I want! As he laughs even more!! **End of Flashback** More and more time goes by, and Earl is tapping his desk. Then a loud explosion goes off!! Earl: What was- Then suddenly the town of Ash starts sinking. John (worried): Are we going down?! Earl: Don¡¯t be dumb! Come check! Both John and Earl run out, and they see Ash getting lower and lower. Earl: What is going on¡­. All the Privates are running all over the place. Around 80 Privates. Earl: Are they coming from somewhere? Private Tim salutes Earl with his pinky. Private Tim: No one entered the town, Sir! Earl: They¡¯re attacking us from underground¡­ Earl frantically looks around. Earl: Where is Second Lieutenant, Zavijava?! Private Tim: No one knows sir! Ash continues to quickly drop. Earl (shocked): FUCK! Ash is sunken to the same level as the rest of the towns, with only the Dirt Hill still rising above the rest. Earl: Is that it? Then bombs go off to the North of the town. Earl: That¡¯s where they are! Go! All the privates arm up and go north. Then suddenly bombs go off to the south and the east, even the west!! Earl looked around frantically. Earl: Th-They¡¯re everywhere! Is this just the Hobgoblins?! A private comes running up to Earl. Private Jo: Sir! The goblins bombed all of our outposts! Earl: The goblins?! I thought the Hobgoblins and the Goblins hated each other! The Goblin and Hobgoblin''s wives come running in fear. Empal (worried): They¡¯re here for us! We have to leave! Earl: Don¡¯t worry, we will protect you! For we are the Army! All the privates yell, Yeah!!! They gather up their weapons and extra ammo. And ready for the oncoming attack. They jump down from the Dirt Hill protecting it from all sides. Earl: It''s quiet¡­ Draco is seen chuckling. Then yells out! Draco: Attack! 50 Goblins come from the South, and 100 Trows come from the East. 70 Hobgoblins come from the West. And finally, 40 Knockers coming from the Southeast. Salisbury: AHHHH! Earl: Light them up! All the privates: YEAH!!!!! Privates fired their guns, hitting a few goblins. Hobgoblins bombing out the other privates. Then, up in the sky is Apocalypse, with a giant bag. Earl looks up. Earl (startled): Is that a dragon???! Private John (speechless): Whoa¡­. Apocalypse takes its claws and opens the bag up, letting out a huge amount of powder. Sprinkling all over the races. Bulgogi: AAAAH! All the races get empowered! Salisbury: Let¡¯s go! A little more fighting! Jun shaking in the background. Jun; I-I do-don¡¯t want to be here... Bombs exploding and guns being shot have Jun cowering. He begins taking off running, away from the fight. Jun (scared): I ju-just have to get out of Stephano! Jun closes his eyes while running, and bumps into Vega. He backtracks standing right in front of him. Frozen by Vega¡¯s glare. He stutters. Jun: V-V-Vega. Behind a building watching the interaction is a little boy with red hair. ???: (W-Who is that?? V-Vega?) Vega: Go back to the battlefield... Jun frantically speaks out. Jun: Le-Let me go home! Pl-Please! Vega stands above Jun, while his red eyes look down upon him. Jun: I have a family! I just want to go home! Please, I¡¯m begging you! Vega''s half-mask covering his face, only able to see his eyes, he calmly says¡­ Vega: Didn¡¯t I say we wouldn¡¯t tolerate betrayal again? Jun gets worried. Vega: We¡¯re here to take out the Army that¡¯s been oppressing all of you, and you want to run away?! You can¡¯t call yourself an ally of ours. Jun: Bu- But... Vega: Someone who would run away and leave their teammates out to dry deserves nothing but eternal punishment! Looking into Vega¡¯s eyes, a fire starts erupting from Vega¡¯s right side. Jun is covered in fear and sweat. Jun starts slowly walking back. Jun: A-A-Ah. Vega: I don¡¯t care about you or your damn family. Vega¡¯s fire jumps straight to Jun covering his whole body in flames! Jun screeches out, getting Private John¡¯s attention! Jun: Aaaaaah!!!! Private John (upset): (How could he do that to his ally!) Nothing but ashes left over. Vega looks at the ashes with his usual expressionless face. Vega: (He had emotions just like humans and their feelings for their families¡­ makes me sick¡­) The little boy jumped back. Hiding behind the building. Shocked and full of fear!! ???: (No way! How could he do that!) The little boy takes off running back home. Draco walked beside Vega. Draco: Wrath is about to go in. Vega: ¡­ He is, huh. Draco: I¡¯ll be right back. Vega: Ok. A few minutes go by, a 6¡¯5 woman walks out of the Army¡¯s Base Facility. She jumps down from the Dirt Hill, with a shield and sword. Covered in armor. Landing right beside Earl. Zavijava: What¡¯s the sitch? Zavijava yawning. Earl is in a damn frenzy. Earl: You don¡¯t see what¡¯s going on¡­.? Zavijava: Another Troll War? Yawn. Earl: No, they''re- A jolt of electricity comes crashing down, punching Zavijava¡¯s shield as she blocks! Wrath (exhilarated): You''re the bitch from Mystery One!!!! Wrath smirks as Zavijava struggles to block. Zavijava: Mystery... one? Wrath: Ah. You wouldn¡¯t get it. Then fire sparks from her other side with Vega coming in doing a slash, but she blocks it with her sword! Vega: You¡¯re here¡­. Zavijava: ? Wrath (furious): Vega! What The Hell!! [Vega and Wrath, Teaming Up?!] Mystery 31 Fin Mystery Thirty-Two: Vega and Wrath vs Zavijava! Fallen Stars Mystery Thirty-Two Vega and Wrath vs Zavijava! Wrath yelling out. Wrath: What the hell?! I got this! Vega (annoyed): ¡­. I owe her too. (So annoying...) Wrath: I¡¯m trying to beat these people on my own! Vega: We¡¯ll just beat her together. Wrath pouts. Zavijava: Excuse me? Do I know you two? Vega: You don¡¯t remember three months ago you killed some people? Zavijava (pondering): Ummm. Wrath raised an eyebrow. Wrath: Do y¡¯all kill people randomly that often? Zavijava: After a while, I just stop remembering random weaklings. Wrath and Vega: (Weaklings??) Wrath turns into electricity coming behind Zavijava. She blocks his punch with her shield, then a fireball comes from her other side. She jumps in the air doing a flip, but the fireball hurls at Wrath! Wrath: Shit! He quickly goes back into electricity form and dodges the fireball. Zavijava lands and starts stretching. Zavijava: Let¡¯s see if I can stop being bored. Zavijava eyes down both Wrath and Vega. She is pointing her sword at them. Zavijava: As Second Lieutenant. I will take you both down and save Stephano. Zavijava looks back at the Dirt Hill, and does a head nod, meaning come down. Then comes an armored kangaroo. Silver armor, all brown fur, with a white front side. Zavijava: (Hi, Turoo.) Turoo punches its fists together. Turoo: (Hmph.) Vega and Wrath: (She¡¯s a star.) Both Vega and Wrath nod to each other. Vega rushes in, doing a quick slash, and clashes with Zavijava¡¯s sword, but up close he does an attack. Vega: **Flamethrower** He sends out red fire from his body right next to her, but she holds up her shield to cover her face while her armor protects the rest. Vega, jumping back. Vega: ¡­. Electricity forms near him, then Wrath appears from it. Wrath: She doesn¡¯t have an opening in the back of her armor. Vega: So, only her face is showing. Zavijava walked out of the fire. Zavijava (dumb happy): Wooo! This is exciting! Vega: I could melt the armor. Wrath: Its metal, my electricity will handle this. Wrath turns into electricity coming straight at Zavijava. She anticipates the oncoming attack and jumps into the sky. Wrath: (I can go there too.) Wrath in his lightning form goes up into the sky, but Zavijava starts spinning. Wrath: (What is she¡­) Zavijava: Ah!!!! She spins directly into Wrath, slapping him with her shield, getting shocked in the process. She does a dumb smile while spinning. But Wrath nicks her chick. Wrath: Awk. Wrath crashes into the ground but gets back up. Vega: Electricity can handle this, huh? Wrath: Fuck up. I got her chick. Vega: (She¡¯s wildly dumb¡­) Enma and Zeus run over to Vega and Wrath. Zavijava: Ha. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Zavijava starts breathing heavily. The blood from her cheek drips down, then stops. Zavijava: I don¡¯t need this now. She starts to take off her armor. Vega (confused): ¡­ What is she doing? Then with all of her armor gone, she stabs her arm, and it starts leaking blood. Wrath and Vega (dumbfounded): Is she an idiot? Zavijava: It''s been a while since I¡¯ve done this! Her blood stops, then wraps around her body, forming an all-new red armor. Zavijava taunts them, holding her hand in front of her, and moving her fingers saying bring it. Zavijava: C¡¯mon now! She has a big dumb smile again. **Zavijava** Stellar: K4 Cosmic Path: Blood Armor (Positive) Animal: Kangaroo (Modern) Army Rank: Second Lieutenant Wrath: (Ugh. Blood¡­) Vega: (Enma.) Enma: (I got it.) Wrath: Just follow me up, Vega. Vega looks at him without turning his head, with his expressionless eyes. Vega: Follow you? Follow me. Wrath: What? I¡¯m the King here- Vega takes off into the sky. Clashing with Zavijava already. Wrath: (This guy...) Zeus: (I got the Kangaroo.) Wrath: (Alright.) Enma: (Follow me, Zeus!) Zeus: (Huh? Follow you?! Follow me!) Turoo shadowboxing. Zeus in the form of a tiger. Turoo: (C¡¯mon, bring it!) Enma and Zeus both rush in with fire and electricity in their respective mouths, shooting them at Turoo. Turoo jumps into the air dodging both and having the powers collide together. Enma: (Zeus!) Zeus: (Enma!) They stop their attack, and Turoo comes back down, hopping around. Still shadowboxing. Turoo: (Hit me once! Please!) Enma glooms, and Zeus roars. Zeus then pounces on Turoo. Slashing it with electric claws! Damaging its armor! Turoo: (Oop.) Enma appears behind it, launching a fire blast directly at it!! Turoo: (Ah!) Turoo is covered in raging flames!! It growls in agonizing pain!!! Turoo: (Rooooo!!!) Enma and Zeus line up side by side ready to go back in! Both have electricity and fire foaming from their mouths! (Back to Wrath and Vega.) Wrath blitzes in, and clashes with Zavijava. She¡¯s fighting Wrath with her shield, and Vega with her sword at the same time. All while she¡¯s laughing. Zavijava: I thought you guys were stronger than this¡­ Zavijava pouts, sadly. Vega: **Fire Spread** Wrath: **Discharge** The two combine their attacks, hitting Zavijava. Brightness in the sky above the battlefield. Zavijava: Sigh. She does another spin, knocking both of them to the ground. Vega and Wrath: Gah! But they both slowly get up. Vega: She handled a combined attack¡­ Wrath: What is up with this armor?! Vega whispers to Wrath. Vega: She¡¯s dumb, Wrath. Trash talk her. Wrath: Got it. Zavijava slowly comes back to the ground. Zavijava: Thought you guys could do it. Vega: (Do what¡­?) Wrath and Vega wiped their faces. Wrath shows a slight grin. Wrath: Yeah, you¡¯re strong, but you can¡¯t beat us without your armor! Zavijava heating up. Zavijava: I can¡¯t do what?! Wrath (grins): I mean, you¡¯re strong and all blah, blah blah. But you probably aren¡¯t shit without it! Zavijava: What?! Zavijava gets psychotic, her blood armor starts dripping away. Wrath gets excited. Wrath (laughs): Yeah, this won¡¯t be boring! I won¡¯t use my power either! Zavijava (excited): Now this is a fight! Wrath rushes in, jumping into the air, with his fingertips having electricity coming off it! Vega comes from the other side with his sword ready to slice, coated in a fire! Zavijava: I thought you said-!! Wrath throws the lightning at her, hitting her and paralyzing her!! Vega comes in second, a raised slice with a fire going across his blade, slicing right through Zavijava! Vega: **T¨­katsu Jigoku** Zavijava gets cut in half!!! Right down the middle!! Wrath laughs menacingly!! Wrath: Yahaha. Why wouldn¡¯t we use our powers, idiot?! **Vega** Army Kill Count: 6 Zeus and Enma are off to the side. They are over Turoo, holding it down. Both charge up their attacks, but Turoo starts to disappear. Enma: (I guess they won already.) Zeus: (Damn it! I wanted to finish it!) Private John was shocked by what happened to Zavijava. Private John: Second Lieutenant!! You two have no honor!! Wrath overhears Private John¡¯s yelling. Wrath: I know that voice¡­.. A memory triggers in Wrath. (In Wrath¡¯s Mind.) Lackey #1(John): Is this kid wearing a cape?? Bahaha! Then when the kicking starts. Lackey #1(John): H-Town Stomp! Wrath, coming back to his senses. Wrath (infuriated): He¡¯s the one! Wrath dashes over to John. Standing over him! Private John: Ah! He raises his gun, to shoot Wrath. Wrath just shakes his hand with electricity forming around it, disabling all the guns in the vicinity. Private John (nervous): Wha-What?! It¡¯s jammed!? John looks into Wrath¡¯s blue/orange eyes. Wrath stands over his prey! Private John (sweating): (It''s like a beast is staring me down!) Wrath punches John to the ground, then starts stomping him! Wrath (elated): Payback! H. Town. Stomp! With Wrath laughing hard and stomping harder! Hobgoblins threw bombs at the other soldiers whose guns jammed. Goblins rushed in and cut them down. Wrath: Ya. Wrath breathing heavily. Vega: You got him, Wrath. Wrath: I wanted to finish them off with the gun I had. But I left it at the base. Draco: This gun? Draco walks in, showing the gun. Wrath: Yeah! You knew I had it? Draco: You can¡¯t hide anything, Wrath. I saw it one day after our training. I thought you kept it for this moment. He tosses the gun over to Wrath. Wrath: Thanks. Vega: Look at Draco remembering things. Draco: A few things came to mind. I won¡¯t forget that day or their faces, but the darkness machine, I remembered the alley got dark when we got attacked. Just like this place. Wrath: Ohhh, yeah. I remember that. So that means... Vega: Yeah¡­ Draco: Yup. If she¡¯s here and the darkness machine. That means Zosma is here too. A sinister laugh comes to all of their ears. Zosma: Rahaha. Welcome to my humble abode. My Den. Can you calm down with all the light though? It''s too bright in here... Zosma is laughing maniacally. Sitting on the edge of Dirt Hill. Looking down on the whole battlefield. Seeing Zavajiva¡¯s body, cut in half. Zosma: You killed that idiot, Zavajiva, huh? Rahaha. The three of them walk in front of where Zosma is looking down at. Standing side by side. [Wrath][Draco][Vega] Vega¡¯s sword in its sheath, cloak being blown a little bit by the wind, arms crossed, the mask covering his face, but his eyes are locked in on Zosma. His forehead twitches a bit. Wrath puts the pistol in the back of his pants, his cape flying a bit, then coating both his arms in blue electricity, arms bent, but forward. Looking at Zosma, Wrath is grinning, showing his fangs. And finally, Draco laughed, sword on his back, straightening his headband right, looking up at Zosma, with a certain smirk. Zosma also has a certain smirk on his face. Zosma: Let me guess, you¡¯re here to beat me? Draco begins to point at him. Draco: *smiles* Beat you?! No... we¡¯re here to kill you!!! Vega has sinister energy about him and Wrath evilly grins. Draco: Let¡¯s all work together to take him down. Vega: Alright. Wrath: We all get a piece of him! Zosma condescendingly smiled with his yellow eyes beaming down on the gang. Zosma: Ra ha ha. Come on, and die¡­. again. [Draco, Vega, and Wrath, All Against Zosma!] Mystery 32 Fin Mystery Thirty-Three: The Dark One, Zosma! Fallen Stars Mystery Thirty-Three The Dark One, Zosma! Zosma sitting on the Dirt Hill, staring down the three. In his sleeveless Army uniform. Draco: I¡¯m going first. Vega: ¡­.. Wrath: ! Draco raises his finger pistol. Draco: The leader has to start it off. It starts to glow. Draco: **100% Star Gun** An immense blast of concentrated orange-red starlight shoots directly at Zosma!! Zosma looked at it coming. Zosma: Ra ha. He just disappears, and the star blasts into the Army Facility, exploding it! Zosma looks at the explosion, while in the sky. Zosma: That packed a punch, huh? Draco (smiles): Wait til it hits you. Electricity blitzes up into the air, above Zosma, on his left. Wrath threw his left arm forward. Wrath: **Dreadful Lightning** A massive blast of blue electricity comes out hitting Zosma! The attack does a straight line down to the ground. Vega appears above Zosma on his right, holding his sword towards Zosma. Vega: **Hellfire Flamethrower** Blazing hellfire flames erupt from Vega¡¯s sword which is aimed directly at Zosma! Striking Zosma with great intensity!! The red fire goes straight down hitting the ground. The electricity and fire form an X with Zosma right in the middle. Zosma: ¡­. Zosma is taking all of the damage. Draco starts to aim, right for the middle point. Draco: **100% Star Gun** He shoots off another star blast going straight at Zosma, hitting him in the middle! A huge explosion goes off!! Draco: X marks the¡­. Nevermind. Vega and Wrath both come back down to the ground, and Zosma is seen after all the attacks disappear, wiping off his green uniform. Zosma: Ra ha ha. Draco with an annoyed tone. Draco: Tck. We need more firepower. All of them looked around. Draco: Apocalypse! Vega: Enma! Wrath: Zeus! All of their animals¡¯ ears perk up. Running/Flying and getting to be beside their partners. Enma: (This is Zosma!) Enma is foaming fire from its mouth. Zeus: (Yahaha!) Zeus (Monkey Form) coats its fists in electricity. Apocalypse: (It¡¯s time!) Apocalypse flying around in a circle. Draco: Double our powers. We can get him like this. Zosma: Aaaah. All six of them disappear, appearing all around Zosma. All doing a combined attack. Apocalypse and Draco charging star beams. Enma and Vega shooting off fireballs. Zeus and Wrath throw out electric blasts. All hitting Zosma. Zosma (discreet): So much light... Vega: ¡­. Zosma: Tisk, tisk, tisk. Six-on-one isn¡¯t fair. Zosma begins to laugh. Wrath (mad): You killed us when you had a bunch of people! Vega: It was twelve vs three. And you killed us. Being fair isn¡¯t a concern for you. While they continue clashing in the sky. Zosma (smiles): Let¡¯s even it out, three vs one and three vs one. Come out, Rael! Something covered in darkness slowly walks to the edge of Dirt Hill. Wearing a set of armor and a longsword. AN* Rael is an angel name that means ¡°Lord of the light¡± in Hebrew. Zosma: Rahaha. Handle the creatures, Rael. Rael lets out a loud war cry!! Wrath: (What is that?) Rael jumps into the air trying to cut Apocalypse. Apocalypse dodges the slash. Draco: (Just stick to that thing, Apocalypse.) Vega: (Enma, help Apocalypse and Zeus.) Wrath: (Handle it.) Apocalypse, Enma, and Zeus: (Alright!) The three animals swarm around Rael, attacking it with beams and blasts all around. Draco: What even is that thing? Zosma: Oh, you don¡¯t know? Do you think everyone has an ¡°animal¡± beside them? Rahaha, don¡¯t be naive. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Vega: (Then what is it?) Wrath (angry): What the hell is it then?! We all are Forbidden¡­!! Zosma (grins): You have to think higher than that. As Zosma points up. Wrath: Fuck it, we¡¯ll figure it out another time. (I have an idea what it is, but... no way...) The gang continues using their powers clashing together while hitting Zosma. He dodges a few blasts but is hit by others. This is going on, on the eastern side of the battlefield, while on the Western side is Apocalypse, Enma, and Zeus clashing with Rael. Rael dashes in for cuts with Apocalypse and Enma dodging it, then attacking with their powers. On the ground looking up are the privates and the other races looking up at the brightness and clashes. Even some in the hospital watching. Bulgogi: Are they¡­ Gods¡­? Salisbury is completely zoned out staring at the sky. While other Privates cheer on Zosma! Private Jo: Get them, First Lieutenant! Goblins overrun Jo and start stabbing him. Hobgoblins are still fighting other privates, ducking behind places, and throwing bombs over them. Stroganoff: *Snort* After this is over¡­ I¡¯m taking out Wellington! Loaf is next to him throwing bombs. Loaf: No you won¡¯t! Earl, still firing his gun, killing goblins and knockers. Earl: Zosma can handle all of them. Privates! All the Privates look to Earl. Earl: Protect. This. City! The heavy hitters are fighting Zosma. The least we could do is handle the little creatures! All the Privates yell in unison! Bulgogi: ¡­..They¡¯re getting hyped together. Trows! Use your powders now! And attack! The Trows all take their pouches and sprinkle the powder on themselves. The Trows: AHHHHH!!!! All energized, they continue their attack! Bulgogi: Charge! While the fight on the ground keeps going, the Zosma vs Draco, Vega, and Wrath fight is taking place on Dirt Hill. Zosma: To think, I need this to beat you three. Rahaha. Why not. I want to get some more sleep. Zosma raises his arms. Yelling out, with a cynical smile. Zosma: Come to me, Darkness! All the darkness in the city starts getting sucked in by Zosma. Wrath is right next to Zosma, about to swing, with a fist covered with electricity. Wrath: Yahaha, I won¡¯t let you power up. He swings, and his fist goes right through Zosma. Zosma: That won¡¯t work. While I¡¯m in this process, I''m intangible and immobile. Just sit back and watch, little kid. Rahaha. All the darkness from the sky goes into Zosma''s hands, Wrath jumps back to Draco and Vega. Zosma¡¯s face and laugh grow even eviler. Zosma: **Blackout** The Gang: ¡­. Zosma¡¯s eyes widened. **Meanwhile¡­ Where The Animals Are¡­** Apocalypse charges up a beam, while Enma and Zeus are both attacking Rael. Enma: (C¡¯mon! We can beat this thing!) Zeus: (.... What even is it?) Enma firing off some fireballs. Zeus is following up with thunder! Rael: (....!) Rael swings through both the fire and lightning. Swiping them all away! Apocalypse: **Star Beam** Apocalypse¡¯s charged-up beam hurls straight toward Rael, but it just slices it up!! Apocalypse: (...What do we-) Enma: (Apocalypse! Don¡¯t think like that! We¡¯ll just take it out somehow!) Rael¡¯s darkness armor gets darker. Rael gripes its sword harder and brings its arm into its chest. Zeus: (What¡¯s- ) (The Dirt Hill.) All the darkness is gone, but the city is still dark from it being nighttime. Zosma shook his fists and laughed. He slowly takes off his uniform jacket, then his shirt. Zosma: Might as well go all out. Vega: ¡­ Draco: ? Wrath: ! Zosma flexes his muscles, then *pops* six angelic pure white wings from his back. The gang is completely shocked! Draco, Vega, and Wrath: You''re... an angel?! Zosma''s subtle smile. Zosma: A Seraph to be exact. All of their jaws drop. Wrath: A fucking angel acts like this? Zosma: Let me show the difference in our power. Zosma suddenly disappears, then appears in front of Wrath!! Quickly saying something before hitting him. Zosma: I remember you, you were yelling out ¡°Is no one going to save us?!¡± Right before we killed you. Rahaha. Wrath: ?!! Zosma punched him five quick times in the gut!! Wrath: Awk! Wrath is sent flying through buildings in Ash!!! Zosma: Hmph. Zosma disappears again, then reappears, kicking Vega in the face, sending him flying too!! Vega: Oof! Zosma: Raha. Zosma looked exactly at Draco. Zosma: You know you fucked up, right? Zosma grins. Draco turns into a star, dashing up into the sky. Zosma: Hm. Zosma shakes his head. Draco is up in the sky, looking down, trying to place him. Draco: Where did he- Zosma comes above him, winding up a kick. Zosma: Shouldn¡¯t have come here. Angels rule the sky. He kicks Draco, but Draco gets up his arms to block it. The kick still sends him into the Dirt Hill, crashing!! Draco: Gah! Zosma: It''s over now. Zosma flapped his wings, floating in the sky. (Where Wrath is.) Wrath coughing up. Moving some rumble on top of him. Wrath: (His punches are so strong and he has amazing speed. But his partner, I think I know what it is now.) (Where Vega is.) Vega started to sit up. Vega: (.... What classification is he? He has amazing defense¡­.) (Where Draco is.) Draco rubs his back gets up, and starts stretching. Draco: (He has speed, endurance, defense, and¡­ offense) (On The Ground.) Two Knockers by a wall, throwing bombs at privates. Alambre: Did they¡­ lose?! Mitsado: They wouldn¡¯t have had this fight if they were going to lose. In the center of the battlefield, Earl rounded up the troops. Earl: Look at that! That¡¯s our First Lieutenant! We can¡¯t lose either!! All the privates hear those words of encouragement and go back to firing. The privates surround one goblin. Salisbury: N-No No No. They begin to light him up with bullets! Salisbury: Bleh! His body stops shaking after all the bullets and he falls face-first. Stroganoff watched it all. Stroganoff: *Snort* Bastards! That was Wellington¡¯s kid! A tear comes down his eye, and he starts to run, but Loaf stops him. Loaf: *Snort* He wouldn¡¯t want you to waste your life like that! Continue throwing bombs, we¡¯ll get them! Loaf loads up another bomb. In the distance, a camouflaged sniper lies on his belly. Roy: I have two in sight. Someone in camouflage kneeling beside him confirms it. Joy: Alright. Take out the one throwing a bomb. Roy: Roger. Roy lines up his sight, and fires off! Seconds later¨C Loaf is hit through the chest!! Stroganoff: NOOOOOOOO!!!! Loaf!! Loaf: ¡­ Loaf bleeding out. Stroganoff rushes to her side, he starts crying and snorting. Stroganoff: Are you- Loaf: Shut¡­ up¡­you¡¯re in charge now¡­ Stro. As Loaf dies¡­ Joy: Target down. Roy: Next. Stro''s nose keeps running, holding her body, and his anger starts showing!! Loaf: BOMB THEM ALL OUT!! Some hobgoblins sneak up on the sniper and bomb out their camp!! Meanwhile, Wrath gets up furious, he sees Vega and they dash back to the top of the Dirt Hill. Draco: ¡­. They see Draco standing up, staring into the sky, and looking at Zosma. While he flaps his wings laughing. Wrath cracked his neck. Wrath: He has every boost. Vega¡¯s eyes glowed with a demonic presence. Vega: He does. Draco is still smiling, he stretches a little bit. Draco: I noticed. Zosma: Rahaha. You three are pretty smart. You just can¡¯t figure out what Rael is, huh? Rael is seen swinging, and chasing after Zeus and Apocalypse with six dark all-black wings, coming from its armor. Enma is throwing fireballs and it catches Rael¡¯s attention. Zeus comes in and bites Rael, and it just flings it off! A thought comes to Wrath. Wrath: (I know what it is! Its-) Zosma stops his thoughts and gives an arrogant response. Zosma: I¡¯ll give you some insight. He¡¯s a God. Vega (quickly reacts): ¡­.?! Wrath thought intensely. Wrath: (So I was right?!) Draco: A¡­ God¡­.?? Zosma: *laughs wildly* He¡¯s Erebus. **Zosma** Stellar: K1 Cosmic Path: Darkness Absorption (Positive) Animal: Erebus (God) Epithet: Dawnbringer Army Rank: First Lieutenant [Darkness Absorption: The more darkness he absorbs, the stronger he gets.] Draco starts laughing, holding his face, throwing his head back, and laughing into the sky insanely!! Draco: Hahaha! You idiot! There can only be one true God! Zosma with a mischievous smug look. Looks down on Draco, who has the same mischievous smirk. Vega and Wrath look at Draco. Draco: It¡¯s time. We don¡¯t have long before our powers run out. Use it. **Two Months Ago.** Draco, Vega, and Wrath all sitting in the desert after training. Draco: Aahh. Good day of training, again. Apocalypse, Enma, and Zeus are all jumping around, chasing after each other. Younger forms of themselves. Draco: But. I think we need something extra. Vega: Hm? Draco falls back into the sand. Draco: We all need a move or an attack, that¡¯s a finisher. We will face people stronger than us early on. So, we need something crucial like that. Wrath jumps up, with a serious getting-ready face. Wrath: I¡¯ll make something up then! Vega is still sitting. Calm as always. Vega: ¡­. I will too. Draco (relaxing in the sand): Good, hahaha, can¡¯t wait to see it. **Present** Draco laughs while looking up at Zosma. Draco: Hahahaha!! The time is now!! Zosma lets out a hmph. Zosma: (He¡¯s just as crazy as me.) [The Final Moves Coming Up!! Will It Be Enough?!] Mystery 33 Fin Mystery Thirty-Four: Will Come To Light Fallen Stars Mystery Thirty-Four Will Come To Light Draco (laughing): Let¡¯s do it, guys! Vega: Draco. Wrath. Draco: Hm? Vega whispers to Draco and Wrath. Vega: I think I figured out his weakness¡­ Just make your final attacks very bright. Draco and Wrath: Ok. Vega makes sure his sword is in its sheath. Vega: **Ring of Fire** Vega moving his hands makes the fire spread rapidly all around the Dirt Hill. Zosma: This is your big move? Rahaha. Vega starts creating great spiraling flames around him, then it all goes into a gigantic red ball of fire around his hand. While holding it. Vega: I have an upgraded version now. While he begins to change color, Draco starts producing stars, around ten of them. Draco: Hahaha. Zosma: (So bright¡­ I need to add more darkness¡­) Wrath breathing in and out, deeply. He starts channeling blue electricity around him. Wrath: We all go in. Vega: Mhm. Draco: Yup. Draco turns into a star, disappears, and is in the sky, a distance away from Zosma. All his stars fly up around him. Zosma (smug): You wanna go? Rahaha. He quickly flies over to Draco but is intercepted by Wrath. Who is covered in electricity!! Wrath: **Voltage System: 500K Volts** Wrath taps his chest a quick six times before Zosma can even see it! His hand was covered in electricity mixed with his karate. Wrath: **Deimos Khaimera: Lycaon¡¯s Revenge** Zosma: Nemesis- Zosma¡¯s chest takes the hit and his head jumps back. Zosma: A delayed attack? I actually felt that. His chest is hit again! Then again! Zosma: It''s still going?! Bleh! He spits up blood. While Wrath is in the air in front of him. Channeling more electricity. Zosma: (He¡¯s not still hitting me, it''s the attack that is.) Zosma tries to muscle up and fly back to Wrath but is hit again, his chest starting to cave in. Wrath: Yahaha. Two more. Zosma looks down at the Dirt Hill. Zosma (frantic): George! Turn on the Machine! Private George in the Hospital, who has been looking through the window watching the fight, hears those words and takes off running. Zosma (smiling): Rahaha. It''s over now. No matter how evil you ¡°little kids¡± are, you wouldn¡¯t dare destroy a hospital! A cold silence rings over the city. Draco: **150% Star Gun** Draco, smirking, fires off a larger, more powerful star gun, blowing up the Hospital!! Draco is only seen with a contemptuous face. Zosma starts sweating profusely. Zosma (worried): (That had over five hundred soldiers in it!?) **Draco** Human Kill Count: 547 He takes another hit! His face shows excruciating pain. Zosma: Bluh! Wrath: That isn¡¯t the only thing coming. Two large dark electric storm clouds form, from both sides of Zosma. You can hear the jolts of lightning jumping within the clouds. Hearing a wolf¡¯s howl. Electricity manifests around Wrath¡¯s head, showcasing a vivid crackling crown. Wrath: **Crown Flash** Zosma sees a crowd of beasts by a rocky ledge, all having blue and orange eyes. But, at the top of the ledge is a lone creature, not being able to make it out, it looks like a creature of a combination of many beasts, a mutant. Having fierce, ravenous eyes, screaming to the moon. Then it looks directly at Zosma!! Its spatial eyes intensify, showing its fangs!! Zosma: (Huh??) The lightning clouds get brighter and a flash of lightning quickly jumps out, and dashes to Zosma, followed by the appearance of aurora-like streamers emanating from the sky! Hitting Zomsa! Electrocuting him and making his body shake continuously!! He screams in agonizing pain!! The thunder continues to rumble!! Zosma: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!! Then the last Lycaon¡¯s Paw comes in and makes him spit up even more blood! Zosma: (An attack that affects my insides¡­ and this?!!) His wings look fried up, burnt. Zosma turns his head looking to the ground and The gigantic fireball is still there, glowing brightly. Vega is on the ground, holding his sword tightly. Vega: You wondered if this was my big move. No, this is my big move. Vega takes the orange scorching hot fireball and absorbs everything into his sword. His sword started glowing dark red and orange-ish. Then, using the fire on his feet to boost himself to Zosma, he comes in with a blitzing cut!!! Vega: **Hell¡¯s Emperor: Enma; Eternal Damnation** Zosma sees an evil shadow entity!! Breathing fire, with very crimson frightening eyes!! Its forehead has a third eye! Spikes flying everywhere from all over its body!! Fire is fighting inside of its body! Zosma: (What the hell?!) Vega comes in, slicing Zosma diagonally!! Making a huge scar appear across his chest!! The deeper the cut goes, the more it burns!! Zosma: Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! Getting seared!! Zosma¡¯s chest has orange flames jumping out of it!! Zosma¡¯s cut starts spiking, with flame spikes protruding from his body! His insides turn into a very lethal burning hot firestorm!! Zosma¡¯s body is getting incinerated!! His muscles are convulsing!! Vega turned to look at Zosma. Vega: (Damn it, I couldn¡¯t cut through him completely.) As he falls, Vega looks at his sword. As it returns to its normal color. Vega: (This felt hot¡­ Even for my body. ...I can¡¯t use this all the time...) Vega lands back on the ground, and Wrath comes crashing in! The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.Vega: ¡­You ok? Wrath¡¯s face in the dirt. Wrath: Ah, yeah! Just after using 500k Volts, I can¡¯t move for a couple of minutes. Vega: We''re both out of our powers, it''s on Draco now. Draco¡¯s stars start lining up, side by side. Satan¡¯s suns turn into projectiles of starlight. Draco looks around as the whole city brightens up!! Raising his arm, laughing and smiling¡­.!! Draco: What is light without darkness? It¡¯s still light! Draco then does a slight forward-hand motion, sending his stars at Zosma. Hurling forward! Draco: **Mysterious Light of Dawn** They blitz at Zosma! Zosma is looking at the upcoming light, with a charred body. Barely being able to open his eyes, it shines brightly on his face, he holds up his arm trying to block out the light. His eyes widen as if a light had finally dawned on him. Zosma: (Is this¡­God?) Then, he sees a very ferocious dragon!! The dragon has one hundred heads!! All with the same devouring look!! Eyes in the shape of stars, every single one charging up star beams!! The light hits Zosma, piercing his skin and going through his body!!! Zosma: Gawk!!! On contact, the mysterious lights explode!! Multiple explosions going off! So much light the army can¡¯t help but look at the sky! Loud booms rang around the city! Explosion after explosion!! Zosma: Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! After the explosions settle, Zosma is seen with his whole body pierced by the light projectiles, hanging mid-air. Draco does a closed-mouth smile. Draco: Hmph. Draco looks behind him and notices the Trolls¡¯ Territory. Draco: I have a few seconds left with this power. There are already enough trolls in the world... Draco does a quick forward motion with his hand... (In Powder.) Bun: It''s so bright out here. Bun and Joe walk from under their bridge. Bun: I think they did it, Joe! They beat the Army! Joe has tears coming down his eyes. Joe (crying): They did! They notice light coming right at them. Joe and Bun: Wai- The mysterious lights come in and explode! Blowing up Powder! (At a Certain House in Dust.) The little boy with red hair is on the roof, in awe. ???: T-This light?! It''s... beautiful... (Dirt Hill.) Draco floats back down, to Wrath and Vega. Draco: (Good, I didn¡¯t need to use ¡°it¡±...) Vega (calm): Why¡¯d you do that? Draco (smiles): They didn¡¯t want to join us. Hahaha! Vega: Did you tell them what that meant? Draco: Yup. Vega: They had it coming then. Draco gets excited. Draco: But! We Did It! We Beat Zosma! Draco throwing up both arms! Vega smirks to the side, while Wrath is still face down in the dirt, raising one arm! Draco: Now, we have to finish off the rest of the Army. Vega and Draco walk to the edge of the Dirt Hill and see barely any more bombs going off. Draco: Did they¡­ finish too? Vega: Hmmm¡­ Draco¡¯s power goes out, and Zosma, who was stuck in the sky, falls to the ground. Crashing near Earl and the privates. Causing dirt to fly up. Earl (stunned): Is that¡­ The First Lieutenant!? Zosma! Sir! Shocked and horrified. Draco: Haha. They were going to find out anyway. Draco jumps and slides down the side of the Dirt Hill. Vega: ¡­. Vega does the same, sliding into the fight. They both get out their swords and begin to slice up all the privates. Vega rushes in cutting all the privates that are trying to shoot him, while he dodges all the bullets. Minutes went by with them finishing off the privates¡­. Vega: Hm. Draco gets close to Earl. Earl: Whoa, whoa! Draco comes in, cutting him quickly. Draco is laughing with his sword still out. Draco: Not much left here. **Draco** Human Kill Count: 569 Vega holding his sword on his right shoulder. Vega: Yeah, I got like twenty-seven of them. **Vega** Army Kill Count: 33 Draco: Whew. Good thing we had the other races. Vega: You know, you just used them. Draco is grinning. More time goes by, with the dust settling from all the bombs and gunpowder. Hobgoblins and Goblins come from around the corners, some popping out of garbage cans. Rinderbraten: *Snort* Did we¡­ Win?!!!! Bulgogi: It seems we have. Stroganoff lets out an unimpressed... Stroganoff: Hmph. Rinderbraten gets close to him trying to cheer him up. Rinderbraten: Celebrate! We Won! Stroganoff looks over and still sees Loaf, unaffected by the results. All the races cheer together. While Zosma is on the ground grumbling. Draco: He¡¯s still¡­ alive?! With all these holes in him? Draco looks to the west and still sees Apocalypse, Enma, and Zeus fighting with Rael. Draco: I¡¯ll finish it- Wrath interrupts him. Wrath: Nah, I got this. Draco: You back up? Wrath: Yup. Wrath takes out his pistol on his back. Wrath: Payback from before! I get to shoot you to death! Wrath starts firing the gun, shooting Zosma multiple times, in the arms, legs, and chest! Bang! Bang! Wrath: Yahaha. How does that feel!! Wrath has his evil grin showing. Zosma spits up more blood. Zosma: *Blah* ¡­. You don¡¯t know who I have backing me... That will be your downfall¡­. Vega''s ears perk up. Vega: ¡­. Zosma¡¯s blood is pouring out into the ground. Zosma: You... truly are crazy. We really are similar. Draco looks down on him, conceitedly. Draco: Draco: Yeah. We are. Shit, honestly, we¡¯re worse. The world doesn¡¯t know what hit it yet. Zosma burnt still gives a surprised expression. Draco: Finish it, Wrath. Wrath: Hey, Zosma. Is no one going to save you?! Yahaha!!! Right before Wrath fires the shot, Zosma¡¯s life flashes before his eyes. [Kid Zosma] Young Zosma is running around, kicking around his kickball. He kicked it into the air, then spawned his angelic wings to fly up and get it. Still, in the air, a glorious enormous yellow dragon sweeps overhead! Flying above him at top speeds! Zosma: Whoooaaa¡­ Zosma was amazed by it. He flaps his wings floating down, and his mother comes over. An elegant woman in a yellow sundress, she has a delightful smile. Funi: Zosma. Be wary of the Dragon Age. It''s not coming soon, but it''ll eventually be here. Zosma: Hm¡­? Funi: It¡¯ll bring in a new dawn. Zosma notices how his mother is smiling at the dragon flying by, and chuckles. Zosma: No, Mom. I¡¯ll be the one who brings in the new dawn. Rahaha. Funi continues having her delightful smile and rubs his head. Funi: The darkest hour is just before dawn, sweetie. Zosma: What? [Adult Zosma] Zosma is training in the courtyard, shirt off and his angelic wings glow while he throws jabs and kicks. Zosma delivers a powerful punch and stops. Causing a small shockwave. Zosma: Ah. Scar walks up with her arms behind her back. Scar: Training hard, Zosma? Zosma: ¡­You know I am, Scar. Scar: Mhmhm. I know. I want to introduce you to someone. Zosma: ¡­ A strong, formidable man walks up. Around the same age as Zosma. Scar: This is Ant. Ant holds out his hand. Ant: ... Zosma reaches to shake it and notices Ant''s firm grip. Stronger than himself. Ant is taller than Zosma, so he has to look up a bit. Ant: Nice to meet you, Zosma. I¡¯ve heard amazing things about you. I heard you¡¯re considering leaving. If you do, in your stead, I''ll take care of Scar, and the Army. Zosma: (What''s his rank...) Zosma looks at Ant''s uniform. Zosma: (Same rank as me.) Yeah, thanks. Ant looks to the side and sees other cadets playing around. He immediately becomes tenaciously strict and heads over to them. Zosma: How did you get that monster? Scar (cheeky): I didn''t. He joined the army out of nowhere. To the side, Ant has the cadets doing push-ups. Showcasing red cosmos. One cadet is slow doing them and complaining. Ant uses his cosmos and squashes the complaining cadet. The others become frightened and rapidly does push-ups faster. Scar: Ant! We¡¯re heading out. Your first mission with the swarm. Ant continues intimidating the cadet, staring at them doing push-ups. Ant: Yes, ma¡¯am. Scar: C¡¯mon, Zosma. Zosma: ¡­ I¡¯m ready. Zosma puts his army jacket back on. [Years Later.] On a moonlit night, Zosma looks up and then drops his head, and begins to walk off. Scar: Hey, Zosma! Zosma straightens up. Zosma: Yes, ma¡¯am! Scar: Geez, you''re always so uptight. Let loose a little. Zosma: Oh¡­ yeah. Scar: You¡¯re really leaving, Zosma? Zosma looks at Scar with a somber expression. Zosma: Yeah. Scar: Aw. Zosma: Don¡¯t worry. You have Ant. He¡¯s strong. Scar: I do¡­ For a second Scar becomes saddened but cheers up. Scar (upbeat): You have the freedom to do whatever you want. And my name attached to it will put fear in people''s hearts! Especially when I become a General! Zosma smiles, without saying anything, and starts to walk off. Scar: Don''t die on me, Zosma. Zosma: *smirks* I''ll try not to, future General Scar. Zosma walks away. Scar: (.... He''s fighting with so much darkness in his head...) Zosma: (The darkest hour is just before dawn¡­) [Present] Wrath does the last shot into Zosma¡¯s head! *BANG* Killing him! All three of Draco, Vega (under his mask), and Wrath are seen smiling, over Zosma¡¯s dead body. Draco (whew): Now it¡¯s finally over. Vega has a relieved attitude but is still serious. Vega: (Even though we won, it was still tough. We need to get Perseus.) Wrath starts scratching his head. Wrath: Yeah, finally. On the western side, after all that clashing, Rael begins to disintegrate away. Rael: (....!!) It looks at its hand and fades away. Enma¡¯s sinister noises. Enma: (It didn¡¯t say a single word, the whole fight!) Zeus: (Guess it wasn¡¯t a talker.) Apocalypse: (Let¡¯s go to our partners!) Enma and Zeus both nod, and they take off to their partners. After finally getting there, the animals and Draco, Vega, and Wrath check on each other. Apocalypse flies beside Draco, rubbing its face against Draco¡¯s. Draco: (Everything good, Ap?) Apocalypse: (Yup! I can eat these goblins now, right?) Draco: (In due time.) Enma: (Vega¡­.) Vega: (Enma¡­.) As they both nod to each other. Signaling they¡¯re both ok, then finally Zeus flies above Wrath. Landing on his shoulder pecking his head. Zeus: (We Won, Wrath!) Wrath: (Let¡¯s go!!!) All six of them are laughing, while Apocalypse and Zeus are flying around. Wrath takes his gun and throws it. Wrath: Don¡¯t need that anymore. Draco: You''re not a gun person? Wrath: You know I have my eyes set on a divine weapon. Bulgogi walks up to them. Bulgogi: Now. The time to get their wives back. Draco: Where are they? Bulgogi: There¡­ He points at the wives coming from downtown Ash, all going back to their respective husbands. Vega: ¡­. Some of the goblins are seen yelling at their wives, and Hobgoblins too. Then, some Knockers slap their wives, and Hobgoblins pull their wives by their hair. Wrath: *Yawn* I¡¯m tired. Wrath''s eyes got sleepy. Vega: We should rest before we move on. Draco: Alright, to the base! They arrive at the base, and Wrath goes to his room to sleep. Vega also takes off to his room, while Draco jumps up outside and goes to the roof. Looking up at the rock above him. Draco: *sigh* I can¡¯t see any stars like this. But the light will come in, in the morning. ???: Um¡­ Excuse... Me¡­ Draco turns his head around to see a kid... Draco: Huh? Who are you? A small boy appears in front of Draco. He has lighter skin, a tan complexion, and crimson red hair. He¡¯s short, around 5¡¯3. He has light brown eyes. ???: I¡¯m¡­ Regulus. [The Army And Zosma Are Finished!! But, Who Is This Kid!!?] Mystery 34 Fin Mystery Thirty-Five: Regulus Dama Fallen Stars Mystery Thirty-Five Regulus Dama Regulus has a shy posture. Draco looks him up and down. Draco: There are humans in this city, other than the Army? Regulus: I was here at this house the whole time. (Besides a certain moment...) Draco: What?! We checked it. Regulus: I¡­ hid in a dirty hamper¡­ Draco (chuckles): So that¡¯s why we didn¡¯t find you. You¡¯re shy? Regulus: You¡­. could say that. Regulus looked bashful. Draco: C¡¯mon and sit! Regulus looks at the edge of the house and slowly sits down. Draco: Nice! Draco slaps him on his back, and he¡¯s about to fall over. Regulus (scared): Whoa!!!! Draco catches his arm and brings him back. Draco: Don¡¯t worry, I got you! Draco is seen smiling, by Regulus. Regulus: You¡¯re¡­ not going to sleep? Draco: Oh, nah... I don¡¯t sleep. Regulus (stunned): What?! Draco: Yeah, I haven¡¯t been to sleep for a while. Besides¡­. An image of Hamal pops into his head. Draco¡¯s face seems ticked off. Draco: Tck. Regulus: ¡­.? So you just don¡¯t sleep? Have you ever? Draco: Yeah, my parents said I slept a lot as a kid, but around the age of ten, I stopped sleeping. Regulus (ecstatic): Wow. I¡¯m twelve! Draco: Twelve? Cool. But yeah. I just go up to the rooftops when it''s nighttime to stare at the stars, but I can¡¯t see anything here! Draco getting mad. But then gets relaxed. Draco: But, what about you? Why aren¡¯t you sleeping? Regulus: I... can¡¯t. I¡¯m too scared. A big smile goes on Draco¡¯s face. Draco: Hahaha. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re a coward too!? Regulus whimpered to the side. Draco: Haha. A coward and shy. I know someone who hates people like you! Regulus (afraid): They hate me?! Draco: Don¡¯t worry, he won¡¯t do anything to you. Regulus: Is it someone here? Draco: Nope. Not here. Regulus: I heard other people¡­ who were they? Draco: The short one is Vega, and the one with the afro is Wrath. My friends. Regulus with a surprising look! Regulus: (V-Vega!?) Draco raises an eyebrow. Regulus: But, you all saved this place? Draco: I guess you could call it that. We just wanted to do what we wanted. It just so happened to help people here. Draco shrugged his shoulders. Regulus: Oh¡­ Draco: But, what about you? How did you get here? Regulus: I was with my family until we got separated¡­ Draco: Hm? What happened? Regulus: We were coming from Triton, then we got ambushed by some goblins. They threw my father and mother out of the car, then grabbed me. They brought us all back here. They planned to kill us, but my dad helped me escape, only me¡­ Regulus drops his head down. Regulus: I could hear in the background when running, my father and mother¡¯s screams as they killed them. Regulus starts sniffling. Regulus: I got away and hid here. No one came to this house for ten days, I¡¯ve been here the whole time. Draco: Dang¡­. Regulus sniffles more but no tears come out of his eyes. Draco: Are you... crying? Regulus: No. In the clan I¡¯m a part of, the Dama, our tear ducts were removed. Draco: You can¡¯t cry? We¡¯re similar then, I can¡¯t cry too. Regulus: What? Why? Draco (prevaricating): Oh¡­ uh¡­ Is your clan in Triton? That¡¯s where you''re from? Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Regulus: ¡­My family and I are originally from Ganymede. We just went to Triton for a family vacation. As he sniffles more, a thought comes to Draco¡¯s head. Draco: Ganymede? Wait. Where the Dragon King Festival is held?! Regulus: Yeah¡­ I didn¡¯t think you would know of it. Draco: That¡¯s where we¡¯re headed! Want to go back with us? Regulus: Are you sure that¡¯s fine? Draco: Yeah! You can tag along with us! Regulus and Draco talk it over, and during the night, hours pass by to figure out what Regulus likes and dislikes. As the morning comes the two sitting on the rooftop get up to get down. (Inside the House, Vega¡¯s Room) Vega is seen sitting up, on the edge of the bed. With a determined face, His eyes seemingly getting redder. His room is clean and well-kept. Enma is sleeping on the bed. Vega: (We have to get him... we barely won that¡­) (Inside The House, Wrath¡¯s Room) Wrath¡¯s room is dirty, Zeus sleeping above him on a shelf, seeing Wrath snoring, then waking up from his snores. Wrath: Was that¡­ Nah, it had to be Vega. After a couple of minutes of getting dressed, the two head out to meet Draco outside, who is standing by a red-haired boy. Vega has an unreadable face. Vega: ¡­. Wrath: *Yawns* Who is this? Gain looks both of them in the eyes, he looks at Wrath and is shocked by his blue and orange eyes looking at him, he then looks at Vega¡¯s red eyes and quickly looks away. Regulus (terrified): (T-This is Vega!) Draco: This is Regulus! He¡¯ll be tagging along with us, to Ganymede! Wrath: Since when did we take sidekicks? Regulus: I¡¯m not¡­ Wrath: Huh? Regulus: I said- Wrath: Look at this, he can¡¯t even speak. This is who you want on our side, Draco? Regulus (flustered): I¡¯m- Wrath: What was that, weakling? Wrath holds his ear to him. Regulus gets loud. Regulus: I¡¯m not a sidekick! Look at this! Vega and Wrath look at Regulus, he moves his hand to the area beside the house and lifts his hand. Lifting a part of the ground. It rises. Uprooting a few trees. Vega: Ok, that¡¯s enough. Wrath: What¡¯s your CP? Regulus: Area Raising! Wrath chuckles. Wrath: That¡¯s it? **Regulus Dama** Stellar: M9 Cosmic Path: Area Raising (Positive) Age: 12 Vega walks over to Draco, as Wrath continues poking fun at Regulus. Vega: You knew he had powers? Draco: Yeah, he showed it last night. Vega: Where is his egg, or his animal? Draco: He said they left it back home. He¡¯s from Ganymede. A quick thought comes to Vega¡¯s mind. Vega: That¡¯s why you invited him... Draco: Yeah, we¡¯re going to the same place anyway. Vega: ¡­.Ok. Draco: Wrath! Regulus! We¡¯re going! Wrath and Regulus: Okay! Their animals all come out of the house. They surround Regulus, circling him. Regulus: Eck! Is this a dragon??! And a raij¨±?? Also, a shadow? Vega: It¡¯s a demon¡­ Draco: Right, let¡¯s introduce them. Apocalypse is the dragon, that¡¯s my partner. Apocalypse flies all around him. Vega: Enma the Mikaboshi, is my partner. Enma circles him, overwhelming him with its shadowy body. Regulus: Mi-Mi-Mikabohsi?! Wrath: Then, Zeus is my partner, the Raij¨±. Zeus flapped its wings flying around him. In eagle form. Regulus is amazed by the creatures. Regulus: You all have amazing animals! He¡¯s blushing happily. Wrath: Calm it down, buddy. They¡¯re all cool, but it''s time we leave. Draco: Yep. All of them walk Draco and Wrath holding their bags. They pass the alleyways, get to the center fountain, and see the sun beaming through the Clear Rock, shining bright on the city. Draco: Aaaaaah. Looks so great! Draco has a Regulus smile on, and Vega is smirking. Vega: It does look good. Wrath smiling. Basking in the light. Wrath: This place isn¡¯t too bad when you can see everything. Regulus with his eyes wide open, looking at everything the light shines upon, he¡¯s just in awe. Draco: Hmmm. As the group looks around, the area is empty. They are walking over the right side of Dust. They see a group of goblins burying Wellington¡¯s son. Goblins crying and weeping. Draco: We did have some casualties, huh? Regulus grips Draco¡¯s jacket. Regulus: It¡­ was them. They killed¡­. my parents. Draco: Oh really. Ap. Apocalypse: (?) Draco (grins): Still hungry? Apocalypse: (Of course!) Draco: Go on, and eat! Apocalypse flies over to the goblins quickly, and starts biting and chewing on some, eating them whole!! Enma: (Can I go too?) Vega: (Go ahead.) Enma takes off running, burning some of the goblins to a crisp then eating them. A small-scaled goblin massacre ensues. Wrath: (Zeus, you don¡¯t want any?) Zeus: (Hell no, I doubt goblin tastes good.) The goblins are yelling in fear, and are getting eaten. Wellington: We thought we were on sides!! Draco, Vega, and Wrath all have a calm demeanor about them. Regulus: ¡­... Draco: You good, Regulus? Regulus: I just¡­ I don''t know if I wanted this¡­ Draco is taken aback by his comment. Draco: They killed your parents. You had to get revenge for them. (¡­) Regulus: I-¡­. Didn¡¯t you just save them? Draco: I already told you. We wanted the Army gone, and so did they, so they helped us. But if they go against one of our own, we can¡¯t stand for that. Regulus: (I¡¯m¡­ one of them¡­..?) After a few minutes, Apocalypse and Enma finish up, and they all walk through the territories, getting to Slag, Vega spots Mitsado. Vega: I did have one last question. Vega walks up to him, and he¡¯s startled, staring into Vega¡¯s red eyes. Vega: What was this city called before the Army? You said it had another name. Mitsado: Um. ¡°The City That Is Hated For No Reason.¡± That¡¯s our name. Vega gives off a confused look. Vega: Huh?? Mitsado: It was our nickname before the Army showed up. Self-given. Vega: *Sigh* Whatever. Draco: Vega, how did you forget? Vega: Huh? Draco (big smile): We¡¯re going to take all of their gold! Mitsado standing there shaking. Draco: Now hurry up! Fill up our bags! Hahaha! Draco takes his journal out of his bag and gives the bag to Mitsado. Wrath takes his gourd bottle out and gives his bag to Mitsado. Vega: Fill them up. He stares down at Mitsado with his red eyes. Mitsado: I-I¡¯ll be right back! Mitsado takes off running to the mine. Filling up the bags with gold. Regulus: (Vega is scary¡­) Wrath looked at his gourd bottle. Wrath: I have to wear the gourd around my waist now. He wraps it up, as it hangs from his waist. As the group starts to rest. Draco: That looks good. Wrath: Really? I like it like this. I just don¡¯t want it to fall off when I¡¯m running or flying¡­. Wrath starts picturing himself in space, flying through the heavens, turning upside down and right side up, just gliding through space, cape flapping, all while smiling. Wrath: ...Through space! Regulus looked at the happiness on Wrath¡¯s face and was in awe. Regulus: You¡­ um¡­. Wrath (mad): Spit it out! Regulus goes back to cowering. Regulus: Ne-Nevermind¡­. Twenty minutes go by, and Mitsado and a few other knockers come running out with their bags full of gold. Wrath drooling over his bag. Wrath: Gold¡­ Aye! We''re gonna be rich! Rich! Draco was happy with the quick gathering of the gold. Draco: Hahaha. Let''s get out of here now. Vega sees the two of them so cheerful with their bags of gold. Vega: (I should say it when we are completely out of here.) Mitsado took a scared gulp. Wrath and Draco get the bags and put them on their backs, they start walking, minutes later, finally getting out of the city covered by the Rock Formation, Stephano. Draco: Goodbye, the city that is hated for no reason. Vega: The reason is, that they are abusive to their wives, and that¡¯s frowned upon. Why would they think people wouldn¡¯t hate them for that? Regulus: Plus they just kill travelers. As he starts slightly sniffling. Wrath: Gonna cry? Wrath starts mocking him. Regulus: No! Regulus gets his face right. Wrath is impressed. Draco: Haha. He¡¯s not crying because he can¡¯t. Wrath: What? Draco: I¡¯ll tell you all about it. As Draco tells the others about Regulus, they walk for about twenty-five minutes, catching up about Regulus¡¯s family situation with goblins and how he was stranded in Stephano. Wrath going over how crazy that sounds. While walking, Vega comes to a stop. Draco with concern in his voice. Draco: Everything good? Vega: No, it''s not actually. Vega grips his sword pulling it out of its sheath. Vega: We almost lost back there, we need all of us together, especially him. Draco: Huh? Wrath raised an eyebrow. Regulus hiding behind Wrath. Vega: Draco, let''s fight. Wrath (sighs): Not this again. Draco cracking up. Draco: It¡¯s okay, Wrath. As Draco takes off his bag of gold. Getting his sword out. Draco: Ok, but why this time? Vega with a serious face and tone. Vega: I want to get Perseus. Draco grins. Wrath facepalms. Draco: Okay, we can fight over this. Whoever wins chooses the direction we go. Another friendly wager. Vega: Deal. As the two ran, getting closer with their swords!! [Draco vs Vega, Again?!! Who is Perseus?!] Mystery 35 Fin Mystery Thirty-Six: Vega vs Draco!!! Fallen Stars Mystery Thirty-Six Vega vs Draco!!! The two run towards each other, clashing swords. Draco: Haha. Draco grinning. Vega: ¡­. Vega smirked under his mask. The two collided back and forth, swinging their swords harder and harder. Regulus is still hiding behind Wrath, gripping his cape. Regulus: Are... they mad at each other? Wrath: Nope. They want to do this. Look at them smiling. Draco and Vega go back and forth doing slashes and cutting attacks, with the other dodging and going back in. All while Draco is smiling, and Vega is smirking. Regulus (worried): Then, who is Perseus? Wrath: Ah. He¡¯s a friend of ours. Vega and Draco were close to him. Regulus: What about you? Wrath: Eh, Perseus, and I were cool with each other. He¡¯s just too loud all the time for me. Regulus looks down confused but then nods his head understanding. Regulus: Where is he? Wrath: Don¡¯t know. The five of us were forcibly separated after middle school. But, he is on the mainland. That¡¯s for sure. Draco and Vega continue clashing only with their swords. Enma is in the back making sinister noises, tendrils spazzing. Enma: (C¡¯mon, Vega! You have to win this!) Apocalypse is flying above him. Watching the fight. Apocalypse: (Draco is going to win this.) Enma turned to Apocalypse, menacing. Enma: (Vega will definitely win this.) Apocalypse: (Hahaha! Draco wouldn¡¯t lose to someone weaker than him!) Enma: (Weaker?!) Enma¡¯s ominous sounds get more threatening at Apocalypse. As the two headbutts. Draco and Vega clash and jump away from each other. Vega sends a flying slash directed at Draco. He blocks the slash and sends it away from him. Draco: Gotta come better if you want Perseus! Vega clenches his teeth. They both gauge the distance away and quickly dash toward each other, doing a quick slice and pausing after the cuts. Draco: ¡­. Vega: ¡­. One slash appears beside Draco, cutting up the dirt and ground. A slash appears beside Vega doing the same. Regulus: *Gasp* He grips Wrath more. Draco: Close. Draco begins taking off his jacket, throwing it to the side. Vega: Mhm. Vega smirking also takes off his cloak. Enma and Apocalypse are on the sidelines. Enma: (Vega! You got this!) Apocalypse: (Draco is winning so far!) Enma: (He¡¯s what?!) Apocalypse: (Winning!) The two continue headbutting. Regulus: They¡¯re getting serious¡­ Should we stop this? Wrath: I want to go in too!! Wrath feeling left out. Vega quickly dashes towards Draco, and Draco runs right at him, doing a quick slash. Vega dodges and is right above him, warming up his arm ready to swing, doing a strong slash! With Draco barely getting out of the way. Vega: Close. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. With Vega landing. Another slash comes ripping up the ground! Regulus: I didn¡¯t even see that other cut!? Wrath: Vega is a speedy one. The two clash again, swinging their swords and matching the opponent. Wrath: I¡¯m just wondering¡­ Regulus: Hm? Cling Cling Cling is ringing throughout the vicinity. Regulus: Wait, you guys have powers, right? Why aren¡¯t they using them? Wrath: Exactly what I was wondering. Apocalypse: (Draco!!!! Win this!!!!) Enma: (Vega!! You got this!!) Zeus: (I don¡¯t know who to go for.) Apocalypse: (Go for Draco!) Enma: (No! Go for Vega!) Zeus with an expressionless face. Zeus: (Eh¡­) Draco: We should end it here, Vega. Let''s not be too wild. Vega: This will be the decider then. While the two stay a close distance away from each other. Draco readies his sword. Vega closed his eyes and breathed in and out. The two dashed so quickly Regulus couldn¡¯t even see it. Regulus: What?! The two just stand apart from each other. Draco slowly falls over, while Vega puts his sword back into its sheath. Regulus: What happened!!? Wrath giving a play-by-play. While he does this, the battle is replayed. Wrath: They both ran in to slash each other, while Draco did his, Vega slightly countered it and got his cut off on Draco, but¡­ Regulus: But? Wrath: But¡­ right before he cut Draco, he stopped. Regulus: ? Vega walks over to Draco. Draco turns over, looking up at Vega. Draco (smiles): Haha, seems you won. Vega reaches out his hand, offering to help Draco up. Draco grabs it and gets up. Vega: Ahaha. I won this time. Draco: Right, right. The victor of this battle is¡­. Vega! Draco holds up Vega¡¯s arm. Vega appears smiling under his mask. Wrath walks over with Regulus. Wrath: Vega, why didn¡¯t you cut him? Draco: Tck. Wrath, we weren¡¯t actually trying to kill each other. Vega (annoyed): Duh. Wrath (confused): What?! But- Nevermind. Draco: Vega, you''re a better swordsman than me. Draco cracked a smile, Vega smirking again under his mask. Vega: My swordsman ambition has rekindled. Draco is getting hyped, and Vega looks up into the sky, with sinister eyes. Vega: I want to stand above all swordsmen! No matter the challenge! Vega starts picturing himself standing on top of a mountain looking down with his red eyes gleaming, a group of swordsmen is looking up at him, covered in sweat and fear. He¡¯s preying on swordsmen! Vega (determined): Forget Heaven -- Hell will remember my name! Regulus looks at Vega who is looking up and is just in awe. Draco: Hahaha. I know you can do it, I have faith in you! Vega looks over to Draco and they both shake hands, dapping up. Vega: You always had my back, Draco! Draco: And you got mine! Vega: Of course! Wrath was sickened by the two of them being so happy. Wrath: Bleh! Can you all stop this? And how do you plan on standing above everyone, you fucking midget? Vega¡¯s eyes look agitated. Vega: ¡­. You want to die here, Wrath? Wrath: Yahaha. And look at you getting all happy about being a great swordsman, ya big softie. Wrath laughs more. Wrath (joking): Or should I say¡­ little softie. Wrath continues laughing! Vega (annoyed): (..... I should¡¯ve just killed him.) Draco: Let¡¯s move on. Where¡¯s Perseus, Vega? Vega put his hand on his chin while looking up. Vega: Hmm. I don¡¯t know. Draco: Wait. So what direction are we going in? Vega: Hmm. Don¡¯t know, we should still get you that title first. Draco looks confused. Draco: Huh?! If we were going to do that anyway¡­. Wait. Draco thinks to himself. Draco: You¡¯re not the forgetful type, that¡¯s me. We were going to get both of them anyway, you wouldn¡¯t forget The Oath. Draco looks at Vega. Draco: You just wanted to even out the score between me and you!! Vega¡¯s mouth goes to the side under his mask as if he¡¯s lying. Vega: I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about¡­. Draco: Vega!!! Their animals come over. Enma: (Great win, Vega!!!) Enma jumps on Vega, licking him. Vega: Ahaha. Apocalypse: (How could you lose, Draco! You¡¯re still weak!) Apocalypse is flying beside Draco. Draco: Tck. Shush, Ap! Apocalypse: (You better win next time!) Draco joking around calms down. Draco: Let me write down this city before I forget. Draco goes to write in his journal. Regulus leans over to see what he¡¯s writing. Regulus (interested): Whatcha writing? As Draco says it, he writes it down. Draco: I record all of the places we¡¯ve been. This one. The city is called Stephano. With different creatures: Goblins, Knockers, Trolls (lol), Trows, and Hobgoblins. Draco finishes up and closes his book. Draco: I just write the name and what¡¯s in the city. Regulus: To record all of your memories? Draco: You could say that I have a terrible memory. So I need to write this stuff down. Draco taps the pencil to the side of his head. Regulus: I have a great memory! If you forget something, I could remind you! Draco: Thanks, that would help. Wrath: I guess the pipsqueak isn¡¯t so bad. Regulus fumes, but whispers. Regulus: Not a pipsqueak. Draco puts his jacket back on, puts his sword back in its sheath, and grabs his bag of gold. Draco: Ok, we¡¯re setting out! To Triton! Vega: ¡­ Wrath: Alright! Regulus: Right! Wrath and Vega getting themselves together. All of their animals are together, then the four of them start walking, with Apocalypse and Zeus flying behind them, and Enma walking. Draco: Regulus. Regulus turned his head towards Draco. Regulus: Hm? Draco: Do you remember how long it was from Triton to Stephano? Regulus: Yeah! We were driving for some days. Vega: So this walk will be a while. Wrath: I¡¯ve been saying we need a car! Draco: We have some money now with this gold. We¡¯ll look into it in the next city. Wrath rubs his hands. Wrath: I wonder what cars they have, yahaha. Draco: Hopefully nothing is covering the sky, I want to see the stars! Draco starts picturing himself standing in the darkness, but then he starts covering himself in starlight, illuminating the whole area! Draco smiling, Regulus sees Draco daydreaming about stars, and is just in awe again. Regulus: Hmmmhm. Regulus just laughs as he walks, but suddenly Draco¡¯s mind starts to wander, he sees a random light above him in all the darkness. Vega notices him becoming enveloped in his stare. Vega: (He¡¯s spacing out again.) Draco starts to reach out for the light. Wrath: You know, I thought about something. Draco: *snaps out of it* What? Wrath: What the fuck is up with Caffua? Draco: ¡­Huh? Wrath: Not telling us there¡¯s a whole nother classification out there! One that gets all of the boosts!!?? Draco: Oh. Wrath: Why wouldn¡¯t he tell us about the ¡°God¡± classification? Draco: Hmm¡­ I don¡¯t know. Vega: ¡­ Wrath: There¡¯s probably a whole bunch of stuff he didn¡¯t tell us about. Could¡¯ve at least told us about the powers we wield. Vega: I feel like he hid a lot from us. You saw how he hid his second power... Draco thinks about it. Draco: ...We¡¯ll figure it out. [Six Days Later.] They finally make it to the Gates of Triton. Draco, Vega, and Wrath: Whoa!!!!! They see an all-golden gate, with buildings floating in the background, behind the gate! [Draco, Vega, and Wrath finally get revenge on their first nemesis, Zosma! An event that took the three of them to take down a formidable foe! But nevertheless, they keep pushing forward! Not looking back! After defeating the enemy who started this journey, a new era starts for the trio, a new beginning, a new dawn!!] [The Ending of the, Darkest Before Dawn Arc! But, This is Triton!!?] Mystery 36 Fin ¡°Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man''s desire to understand.¡± - Neil Armstrong Mystery Thirty-Seven: Welcome, To The Most Advanced Country, Triton! Fallen Stars Mystery Thirty-Seven Welcome, To The Most Advanced Country, Triton! [September 2nd] [The Golden Gates of Triton] The harsh sunlight radiates, it bounces off the polished golden gates beaming in Regulus'' eyes. He covers his eyes trying to look up at the gates but is unable. Draco (amazed): Wow. Wrath (impressed): These gates are enormous. The gate stands around twenty-two meters into the sky. The walls go so far in the distance they can¡¯t even see them anymore. Bearing a crest on both doors, a design of a chakana, each with a condor, puma, and snake in the middle. Another symbol on the right door is a Supay with a greedy smile, and one on the left door is Pacha Kamaq with a foolish smile. (Supay) https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/752116045615071302/767801752895750224/Supay.jpg (Pacha) https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/752116045615071302/767804561259626516/Pacha.png Vega: How do we get in, Regulus? Regulus: They just opened for my family and me. Vega: What? Draco: Hm. Vega looked back at Enma, Apocalypse, and Zeus. Zeus in bear form. Walking on all four. Vega: Should we hide our animals again? Draco: We probably should, we don¡¯t know how people will react to them. Wrath steps up. Wrath (grins): It¡¯s gold. I got this, I¡¯ll just melt it- A loudspeaker cuts on. A woman speaks from the mic. ??? (frantic): That is unnecessary! The gang: Hm? ???: We can open the Gates of Kin PikaPika. Vega: (Gates of what...?) Wrath sucking his teeth. Wrath: What¡¯s the catch? ??? (triggered): Catch? Idiot! We said we would open it for you! Wrath (mad): Who are you calling an idiot?! I¡¯ll come in there right now! Draco puts his arm in front of Wrath to stop him, with a relaxed attitude. Draco: Relax. Draco looks ahead at the gates. Draco: What do you want? ???: There¡¯s an admission fee. Wrath: Of course there is. ???: It¡¯s $100 Sols per person, also $100 Sols per creature. Draco: What¡¯s that? $700 Sols? We have that. Wrath: I¡¯m not wasting my money on this. Draco looks at him from the corner of his eyes. Draco: How would you get in then? Wrath: I would- Draco interrupts him. Draco: Scratch that. I don¡¯t want to know, I have it covered. Draco gets out his money, counting the $700 Sols. Draco: Alright, I have it. ???: Drop it in the dropbox to the right of the gates. Draco walks up, pulls out the box, and drops the money. Walking back to the group, the gates slowly open up. ??? (excited): Welcome to The Mixing Pot Country! Where All Creatures Are Accepted! Draco: We never did catch your name, what was it? ???: Oh, I¡¯m the Kin PikaPika gatekeeper, Sonia. Draco: Nice to meet you, Sonia. Sonia (happy): Same to you. Enjoy yourself! The gates open up, but Sonia speaks again. Sonia: Also! This is a nonfighting zone. We do not tolerate any fighting! Weapons are allowed, but no guns! You will be tracked down if we see a gun! Draco: We¡¯re good then, we have no guns. Wrath (relaxed): (Whew.) Vega: So no fighting¡­ Regulus: Yup. It''s a safe zone, perfect for vacations. Sonia (elated): Enjoy your trip!! Upon the gates opening up. The sun shines bright on the gang. Basking in the sunlight, seeing different creatures and races as they walk in. One golem made up of nothing but rocks slowly pounded its way across the street. A creature made up of trees, roaming around. Dwarfs running. A slime ball with one eye sliding across the road. Two flying furry creatures jump from building to building. The buildings are all stone-built. Draco (amazed again): Wow. Up in the sky, the gang sees two teenagers flying at blitzing speeds in astronaut suits and jetpacks, blasting laser guns at each other and laughing!! The green and red lasers scatter around the town! Draco, Wrath, and Regulus'' eyes light up with sparkles! The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Draco, Wrath, and Regulus: WHAT THE ¡ª About to step forward, Vega stops them. Vega: Draco¡­ look down. Looking down, the gang sees an ice layer as the ground, rapid red water clashing back and forth underneath it. Draco (shocked): What the?! Vega (uneasy feeling): This place is all¡­. ice. Wrath: How are the stone buildings staying down then? And not drifting or sliding away? Regulus: All buildings are required to have ¡°Safety Clamps¡± on them. They are attached to the buildings and attached to the ice. Keeping it in place. Wrath: You learned all that? Regulus (happy): Yeah! My parents and I had a guide. Telling us everything! Vega: (Seems I can¡¯t use my powers here.) Enma hiding in Vega¡¯s shadow. Enma: (I won¡¯t either, Vega.) Draco: Great to hear nothing is flying away on this ice. The gang walks into the city, then a go-kart comes flying in, drifting in front of them. Jimmy (panicked): Whoa! Get out of the way! Jimmy is wearing a mask of all different colors. He barely dodges them, and the gang jumps back, not to get hit. Draco: Whoa! Vega: ¡­. Regulus: Ah! Wrath (heated): Asshole! You almost hit us! And Jimmy just continues drifting and waving goodbye to them. Draco: What was that? Regulus: Even I don¡¯t know, never saw that go-kart. Vega: To think, he¡¯s driving a go-kart on ice¡­ He has no traction. Wrath just shook his head. Draco: Alright, let¡¯s continue pushing forward. I wonder what event is being held here. They walk down the street passing by so many new creatures they¡¯ve never seen. Passing restaurants on every corner! Side by side. Draco: Why is there- A furry creature runs up to Draco and the group. In a blue uniform, short shorts, and a short top. Exposing her chest a little bit. She stands around 5¡¯7, with the features of a squirrel. A tail coming from her backside and pouchy cheeks. She is excited! ??: Hello! My name is Sof¨ªa G¨®mez! And I am your guys¡¯ guide! She stands there smiling with her badge saying ¡°Sof¨ªa¡±. They all stand there¡­ quietly. Draco (chuckles): Nah, we¡¯re good. Regulus: But... They keep walking and looking around at the restaurants. Sof¨ªa is surprised by them just walking past her, she gets mad letting out a Hmph. Sof¨ªa (pouts): It¡¯s not like I wanted to give you guys a guide anyway!! Vega whispers to Draco. Vega: Why not just use her for help showing us Triton? Draco: I don¡¯t know, I have this feeling about her. But, we can do that. Draco slowly turns to her, placing his hand on her shoulder. Everything slows down for Sof¨ªa. As she gazes into his eyes. Draco: Alright, show us around. Draco seems bigger to her, she gets frightened by his black eyes and scowl. She punches him in his chest! Getting happy again! Sof¨ªa: Ok! I can do that! Sof¨ªa rushes in front of them. Draco coughs a bit. Wrath: What was that? Draco (still coughing): Geez... Sof¨ªa is in front, showing the group around. Sof¨ªa: As you heard, This is ¡°The Mixing Pot Country.¡± We have so many things from around the world here. So many different restaurants, cultures, and races. As she shows off a restaurant that has a sign saying ¡°Soup Kitchen International!¡± Draco (laughs): Do they only serve soup? Sof¨ªa: Yup! They make a killing here too! Draco (impressed): Mm. Sof¨ªa: Watch out for the owner though, *whispers to the side* He can be kind of a hardass. As they continue walking down a different street, more restaurants and creatures pop up. They pass by a few stone skyscrapers. Symbols on every corner, show an Urcaguary symbol and a Viracocha symbol. Regulus and Draco are gazing up at them with amazement. Sof¨ªa: Another name for our country was the ¡°restaurant capital of the world.¡± The gang is in awe looking at all the creatures flying by, ignoring the cafes and restaurants. At a certain restaurant called ¡°La Catedral¡±, and on the patio above, is Lich, eating alone. Lich: So they made it. Especially you, *looks to Draco* light. Lich sees all of them walking side by side with their creatures. Lich: Walking with your companions out in the open, *shakes head* foolishness. Llamas grazing on the side. Certain creatures are off in the distance. Sof¨ªa: ¡­ Do you guys want to know the name of those creatures? Draco, Regulus, and Wrath¡¯s eyes light up. Draco, Regulus, and Wrath: Yes! Sof¨ªa: Hmph. She pouts a bit. Sof¨ªa: Well, I won¡¯t tell you! All of them get distressed! Draco, Regulus, and Wrath: What?! Why!? As she turns her head away from them. Sof¨ªa: I guess I could tell you¡­ Draco (bothered): You are our guide¡­ Sof¨ªa: That creature over there is a Gnome. She points to a small creature with a red pointy hat, wearing a trench coat and sunglasses. With some regular boots. Draco: We could¡¯ve guessed that. Sof¨ªa: Hey! Sof¨ªa waves over to the Gnome, it looks at them getting scared and opens its trench coat flashing everything, and takes off running!! Draco: Hahaha. Wrath: Yahaha. Vega has his annoyed face again. Vega: ... Regulus: Uh. They all just laugh it off, while Sof¨ªa is stunned. Face turning red. Sof¨ªa: What is wrong with him!! Draco: What are some other names? Draco has his journal out writing down Gnome. Sof¨ªa: Well, that one-eyed slime is called a ¡°Cyclime.¡± The Cyclime is an all-green slime with one eyeball. The Cyclime looks at them and smiles, waving at them. Sof¨ªa: They come in all different colors too. Apocalypse starts drooling. Apocalypse (hungry): (Draco! Can I eat that!) Draco: (Not now, Ap.) Apocalypse (snickers): (Afterwards again, huh?) Draco grins, and Apocalypse flies behind. They keep walking, passing by more creatures. Sof¨ªa: Those creatures are ¡°Kelpies.¡± Kelpies are horses with manes as dripping water. Sometimes called Water Pony. She shows them two Kelpies. They both are black. With clear blue water as manes. Champ: Who the fuck are you calling ponies!? Swift: Call down, Champ! Champ: No! She called us ponies! Sof¨ªa shook her fist. Sof¨ªa: Don¡¯t piss me off! That¡¯s what you¡¯re called! Champ: By who?! Let me know! Sof¨ªa gets madder, face turning red again. Sof¨ªa: Rrrrr. Both Swift and Champ start laughing. Champ: Relax. I was just kidding around. Sof¨ªa: Wha- What. Swift: Look at that. You got her so mad! Champ: He He Ha Ha. Champ is laughing showing its teeth. Champ: You must be a new guide. Let¡¯s go, Swift. Swift: Ok! They both raise their front legs, and dash off! Running across the ice. Draco laughed off to the side, with Sof¨ªa still shaking her fist. The gang keeps walking, following Sof¨ªa. Draco: So you''re a rookie. After writing his journal, Draco puts it up. Sof¨ªa: *Hmph* Yeah, I started about a month ago. Vega: Where are we going? Sof¨ªa: We should be here now. As they turn another corner. They come upon a temple. Sof¨ªa: Aaah. Sof¨ªa lets out a sigh of relief. Sof¨ªa: This is the entrance to the great Temple of the Sun: Macchu Ma Picchu! The stone temple goes into the cloud. They see people blessing the opening sign and the stairs. Wrath looked with a slightly disgusted face. The temple has three opening signs at the temple stairs. They have blue borders with orange tiles at the top of them. With words going all across it, in a different language. Sof¨ªa: I¡¯ll translate for you all. The first sign says ¡°Power.¡± The middle one says ¡°Healing.¡± And the last one, says ¡°Meditate.¡± Draco, Regulus, and Vega: Wow... Wrath: Tck. Wrath sucks his teeth, not impressed. Vega looked above the words ¡°Power,¡± seeing two swords crossing each other. Vega: (Hmm.) Vega starts to walk up the stairs. As the others follow, leaving Wrath solo. Wrath: I¡¯m not going in. Sof¨ªa: Hm? Why not? Draco taps Sof¨ªa on her shoulder. Draco: Ah. It''s a religious thing. Just show us something else. Sof¨ªa: Religious thing? This is the most religious district, stupid head. Wrath raised an eyebrow. Wrath (furious): Huh?? Get me out of this shit! Vega slightly looked back at them walking down the stairs. Vega: I¡¯m still going in. Vega and Wrath look at each other. Vega stands on the stairs, looking directly at Wrath, as the wind blows by. Vega with slightly angry eyes, cloak blowing, and Wrath with a serious face, cape flapping. Leaves flying around. Draco looked at both of them. Draco: It seems neither of you will budge. Vega: No. Wrath: Nope. Draco: How about we just meet up later, Vega? When the time is right, I¡¯ll give a signal. As Draco shakes one finger, pointing into the sky. Vega: Fine by me. Both Vega and Wrath glance at each other, and they both turn away without saying anything. Wrath: Let¡¯s get out of here. Zeus and Enma look at each other. Zeus: (Stay safe, Enma.) Enma: (You too, Zeus.) Apocalypse: (What about me?) Enma and Zeus: (Shut up!) Vega walks up the stairs, and Wrath and Draco turn around walking the other way. Their animals follow them. Regulus: Uh¡­ I¡¯ll stay with you guys. Sof¨ªa: Are you sure about splitting up? Draco: Haha. Vega will be fine. Wrath: Now quickly get me out of this district. Draco: What is this district called? Sof¨ªa taps her forehead with her finger. Sof¨ªa: Ah. I messed up as a guide. I was supposed to say the name when I first met you. This is the: Kin PikaPika District. Draco: Hm. We should¡¯ve figured that out. Wrath: Ah, whatever. What¡¯s the closest district to leaving this place? Sof¨ªa: We can take the train, it passes through all of the districts. Draco: Oh yeah. There¡¯s an event going on in this country, right? Sof¨ªa: Hmm. You¡¯re probably talking about the competition going on in El Dorado. Draco: Probably. That¡¯s where I¡¯m headed. Sof¨ªa: Well, that¡¯s just a quick train ride away. I will guide you there. Draco: Great. Sof¨ªa puffs her cheeks. Sof¨ªa: *Hmph* Actually I won¡¯t, ya big idiot! Draco is confused again. Draco: What?! Why?! [Welcome To Triton! Vega Is On His Own! With Draco, Wrath, And Regulus Going Elsewhere!] Mystery 37 Fin Mystery Thirty-Eight: Flying Snow Bullet Train Fallen Stars Mystery Thirty-Eight Flying Snow Bullet Train As they follow Sof¨ªa to the Train Station. Draco, Wrath, and Regulus walk behind gazing upon all of the restaurants and new creatures. Draco: This place- Wrath (excited): This place is so dope! There are so many things to see. Draco nods in agreement. Apocalypse flies behind Draco, and Zeus (floating Eel form) walks behind Wrath. Regulus: It is. I never made it to this district. Draco: Huh? Which one did you go to? Regulus: Uh. I think it was called Mid- Sof¨ªa (ecstatic): Ah! The Midas District! Great place to be. Regulus: Yeah, it was fun fishing there. Wrath: Fishing? Hm¡­ I want to go there. Sof¨ªa: I can take you right there. After the competition. Wrath: Wonder how long that¡¯s gonna take. Sof¨ªa: Maybe¡­ around two weeks. Wrath and Draco (shocked): Two weeks???! Sof¨ªa: Yeah, it''s a big event, slowpokes. Draco: Well, how long will it take to get there? Sof¨ªa: I said a quick train ride, idiot. In five minutes, our train goes fast! Draco: Sure... They walk for a few more minutes to the Train Station. Sign saying ¡°Fast Pass!!.¡± Draco: How much are the tickets? Sof¨ªa: $100 Sols per creature. Draco: The same as the entrance fee? Sof¨ªa: Yup. Wrath with a grimacing face sucked his teeth. Wrath: *Tchip* That''s kinda steep. Draco: Nah, you¡¯re paying this time, you cheapskate. Wrath (sadden): Why?? Wrath holding up his hands, distressed, and crying tears. Draco: You¡¯re the one that wanted to leave this place. Wrath gets out the $500 Sols. Wrath: Do I have to pay for you too? Sof¨ªa: Nope. Guides can go anywhere, free of charge. What she says sticks to Draco. Draco: (Hm.) Wrath buys the tickets and they get onto the train. The train is all white, with blue windows. Red seats that can kick up for enough legroom for anyone. Draco and the rest go to their seats and relax as the train starts to take off. Draco: Here we go. The train slowly starts. Taking its time. Wrath: This is the fastest train? Sof¨ªa (mad): Quit being impatient! Sof¨ªa quickly puts her seatbelt on. Draco, Wrath, and Regulus look at her and follow suit. While one large six-eyed creature, all gray, with long claws, and large teeth with drool coming from them. It walks around the train. Draco: What is that? Sof¨ªa: That¡¯s a Gray Duggar. Pretty fierce creatures. Holt: Man! This train is slow as shit! I was promised a fast ride! Fake News! As it continues walking through the train, it sees Draco laughing directly at it. All of Holt¡¯s eyes are directed toward Draco. Draco with a dark evil smirk. Draco: Problem? Apocalypse is seen smiling, beginning to open its mouth. Holt: I should be asking you that. Do you have a problem? Holt turned its head slightly sideways, Regulus getting scared. Regulus: (Oh no.) As soon as it gets closer to Draco, the train takes off!!!! Holt (surprised): What the hell?! Holt is sent flying through the train¡¯s windows, flying outside. All Holt sees is Draco¡¯s smile while getting thrown outside by the train¡¯s force. Wrath: Yahaha. Regulus is sitting quietly. Regulus: ... Sof¨ªa: I should¡¯ve warned him. Then, a sonic boom goes off! Regulus jumps scared! Regulus: Wha- What was that? Sof¨ªa: The train. It travels at mach one. Gain: Oh... Sof¨ªa: We will be there soon. The El Dorado District isn¡¯t that far. Draco: Are all the districts close by? And how many are there? Sof¨ªa: Yup. They¡¯re all connected by the ¡°Flying Snow Bullet Train.¡± Wrath: That¡¯s the name? Sof¨ªa: Why would I say that if it wasn¡¯t the train¡¯s name, idiot? Wrath raises an eyebrow. Wrath: She must be talking to you, Draco. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Sof¨ªa: Anyway, as for how many districts. Triton is broken down into four districts. The Religious District: Kin PikaPika. The Financial District: El Dorado. The Fishing District: Midas. Then finally, The Entertainment District: Cercatore d''oro. Draco: (The Financial District, huh.) Wrath: Fishing?? I want to go there the most. Regulus: Um. Why fishing? Wrath: It''s just a quiet pass time. Especially with clear skies, I can see right into space! Sof¨ªa: First we have to go through the Cercatore d''oro District. It''s the first stop. As they all look out of the windows, barely seeing what¡¯s going on, but still grasping it. Regulus: Look at that! Ice Geysers! The geysers go off shooting ice into the sky!!! Draco and Wrath (amazed): Whoa. Sof¨ªa: On this side, you can see an Ice Volcano. Mt. Pichu Pichu. They all look and see an Ice Volcano, which stands 18 thousand ft into the air. Ice spills out of it slowly, and ice is around the volcano''s base. It''s completely made up of light blue ice. Draco: How is that even possible? Wrath: Sheesh. Anything is possible on the mainland, huh? Then the conductor comes on. The Conductor: We are now leaving Kin PikaPika! Next up, the Cercatore d''oro district! Wrath: Aye, we made it out. Draco is still looking out the window. Draco: Vega should be good. **Meanwhile... At The Temple** Vega walked up the stone stairs, finally making it to the courtyard of the Coricancha Temple. At the halfway point, there are even more stairs to climb. With Enma right by his side. Vega: *Whew* Made it this far. The temple is huge with orange tiles at the top. The temple is colorful, with bright orange, blue, and red coloring across the roof. With red lanterns and symbols. Vega: Hm. Vega is impressed by all the colors and the temple itself. People walk by in awe at the sight. All the people here have red dots painted on their cheeks. Walking up, Vega sees some statues. Enma, both spikes moving, runs up to the El Cuco statue, which looks similar to it. Enma: (Vega! I have a statue here!) Vega is smirking but it''s hidden. Vega: (That isn¡¯t about you, but I¡¯ll get you one in the future.) Enma: (Okay!) As a group surrounding the statues, you can hear them chatting about the statues. Saying these are the zodiac statues. All twelve are lined up in a row. A man leads a group of six people, going up to each statue. Vega follows behind Enma. Donnie is wearing a golden mask with red and blue paint, painted over it. Donnie: And with this, we have the Twelve Zodiac statues. Each one is made of White Jade. Even though they are made of White Jade, they turn into this bronze color. Legend says it''s a miracle of being around the Coricancha Temple. The group walked up to the first statue. Donnie: The dog of the Zodiac. The dog statue has a serious face, with a sword going down to the ground. Donnie: The dog is known as the sword wielder. The group is snapping pictures. Donnie: The most loyal one in the group. They will never abandon their friends, family, or work. Ok, next up... The group walks to the next statue. Donnie: The snake of the Zodiac. The snake statue has the snake¡¯s mouth open as if it''s yelling into the air, with a hand raised. And a spear on the other hand. Donnie: Snakes are humorous and sophisticated. In a chaotic environment, they are the eye of the storm, holding their ground and calmly thinking of solutions. Donnie turns to his group. Donnie (winking): But, you can¡¯t ever trust a snake. The crowd laughs and takes some more pictures. They keep walking. He goes by every statue, telling them about each one. The Pig has an umbrella and a slight smile. The Rooster is pointing at the people in the group. The Goat is holding two fingers up with its right hand, and two fingers down with its left hand. It is vandalized with a goat pentagram branded into it. The Horse, with its eyes closed, is pulling its tail with its right hand, and holding up a Bronze Flame in the left. The Tiger has a Bronze Fan in its right hand as it looks down on the group. The Dragon is laughing with a gold coin in its left hand holding it up. The Ox has its arms crossed, looking straight down. The Rabbit has a scripture in its hand like it''s reciting it. The Rat is snickering in statue form, with flowers over its head. Holding up one finger. It is vandalized with El Rata and Colo Colo sprayed on it. Then he comes up to the last statue. Donnie: And finally, here, we have the Monkey of the Zodiac. The monkey statue has the staff in its right hand and holding up a bronze peach in its left hand. Donnie: The prankster of the group. They¡¯re humorous and can make anyone laugh. They are stubborn and a bit immature, but actually tolerant. Vega (irritated): Tck. (Sounds exactly like him.) Donnie (cheerful): Yup! He loved peaches! That¡¯s why this statue has one. Vega: (...) Donnie (happy): Some people don¡¯t know this. But, this statue has some influence from a legend. The crowd is saying wow and taking pictures. Donnie: The Legend of the Trickster God. The crowd said ¡°Oooohh!¡± and ¡°Really?!¡± Vega: (...!!) Enma: (Hm?) Enma is looking at Vega''s face as if he just thought of something. Donnie: The staff has some influence too, but we can save that story for another day! We have more things to look at! Follow me! The group all walks behind following him to the eastern side. Vega: That¡¯s enough of that. Enma: (Where are we going now?) Vega: Somewhere. Vega, looking forward, sees the stone hall. He walks in. Walking past the red pillars. He now enters the temple. Vega: What the- Vega walks in, seeing numerous Buddha statues of goldish color all across the hall. Vega: Is this a Buddha walkway? Enma: (Mmm.) Vega looked further down the hall and there was nothing but Buddha statues for the whole hallway. It seems like an endless hallway. Vega: We have a long walk, Enma. Enma: (Ok.) **Meanwhile... In Cercatore d''oro (Draco, Wrath, and Regulus¡¯s location)** Draco and Wrath walk off the train. Draco: Wooo! Draco stretches his arms. Wrath cracked his knuckles. Regulus is walking off with a smile. Apocalypse and Zeus (Hawk form) flying above them. Wrath: Now, where to? Sof¨ªa comes walking off the train. Sof¨ªa: Well, the train runs every thirty minutes. So, why don¡¯t we do something before it leaves again? Wrath: What¡¯s there to do? Sof¨ªa taps her forehead. Sof¨ªa: Uh. This is the Entertainment District. So, we have a bunch of things to do. The gang starts walking, blue Cyclimes are sliding off of the train. Wrath: Well, what are we doing? Then a bunch of different creatures walks off the train, and even more, are crowding the platform. Wrath: This place is crowded. Sof¨ªa: This is the most populated district, with around four million people living here. Wrath and Draco: Four million? Sof¨ªa: *Hmph* You heard me! Cercatore d''oro has four million. El Dorado has two million. Kin PikaPika has one million five hundred thousand. And Midas has five hundred thousand. Eight million total in this country. Wrath: Yeah¡­ I want to go to Midas now. It''s probably so quiet, with clear blue skies. Wrath is looking into the sky grinning with Regulus noticing. Sof¨ªa: Alright! Snap out of it! Wrath comes to his senses. Sof¨ªa: I¡¯ll be taking you guys to Galactic World! Draco and Wrath look confused. Draco: Galactic World? Sof¨ªa: You guys never heard of Galactic World? Where are you originally from? Draco and Wrath say ¡°Hmm¡± to themselves. Regulus chimes in quickly. Regulus (quickly): Oh! They¡¯re from a city next to my hometown! They didn¡¯t have a Galactic World there. Sof¨ªa: Oh really. Well, that sucks. Let¡¯s go there, then we can go to El Dorado. Sof¨ªa walks down the stairs, with Draco and Wrath following. Wrath: Whew. I thought I had to, ya know. Wrath doing a stabbing motion with his hand. Draco looked out of the corner of his eyes. Draco: Out in the open, huh? Wrath (grins): Yahaha. Doesn¡¯t matter where. Draco looks to Regulus. Draco: Thanks, Regulus. You came through for us. Regulus: Yeah, no problem. As Apocalypse flies closer to Regulus, licking him. Regulus: Hahaha, stop! Apocalypse and Regulus play around as they walk. They walk for a few minutes making it to the city part of Cercatore d''oro. They see so many stone skyscrapers in the city. Floating buildings all around. All with colorful windows. Draco: So this part isn¡¯t made of ice? Sof¨ªa: Nope. Only Kin PikaPika is like that. A few flying cars go by. Driving by quickly! Wrath is so excited!!! Wrath: That¡¯s what I want!! Wrath has so much amazement on his face. Regulus: A flying car? Wrath: Just a car in general! Tired of walking everywhere! Then they suddenly walk past a neon sign saying, ¡°Catalina¡¯s Brothel!¡± Both Draco and Wrath¡¯s eyes light up, and both look at each other. Draco and Wrath (delightful): We¡¯ll be right back! Regulus: What? Sof¨ªa: Wait!- Sof¨ªa¡¯s face is getting red. Draco and Wrath both run into the brothel. Regulus: What is up with them? What¡¯s a brothel? Sof¨ªa: Those idiots. Don¡¯t worry about it. Cover your eyes. Apocalypse, Zeus, Regulus, and Sof¨ªa wait a couple of seconds, and Draco and Wrath are seen thrown out of the brothel. Both landed on their faces. Letting out ¡°Ow!¡± and ¡°Ouch!¡± Regulus: What happened? I can¡¯t see anything. Sof¨ªa: You can uncover your eyes now. Sof¨ªa walks up to them. Sof¨ªa: What happened to you, dorks? Draco scratches his head. Draco: Ah¡­ **A few seconds earlier** Draco and Wrath run into the brothel. Draco (happy): Yo. Wrath (extremely happy): Yoooooo!! A bodyguard is sitting before the door. A very tall black bald man. Muscular with a beard. Tom: How old are you guys? Both Draco and Wrath cough. Draco and Wrath: Tw-Twenty-one! Tom looked at them sideways. Tom: Uh-huh. Where¡¯s your Bank Card? Draco and Wrath (puzzled): Our what? Tom: Yup, knew it. He stands up and grabs them by their clothes and throws them back outside! Tom: You all are too young for the Gold Light District. **Present Time** Sof¨ªa: So Tom got you guys. Draco (infuriated): Won¡¯t even let us have fun. What¡¯s the point of calling it the Entertainment District?! Wrath: Right! They both get up frustrated, dusting themselves off. Sof¨ªa: Forget it, let''s head to Galactic World. Draco and Wrath (pouting): Sure... [A Few Hours Later¡­] **At The Temple** After walking for a few hours, Vega finally makes it to the end of the Buddha Walkway. Vega: *Huff*... Enma has its tongue hanging, as it huffs and puffs too. Enma: (Cheer up.) Vega and Enma continue walking when they hear swords clashing in the main sanctuary. He walks into the courtyard. He¡¯s surrounded by buddhas on every side. A well sits in the middle of the courtyard, with dragon handles. And above the main shrine, on the banner are two golden dragons facing each other, between the dragons, the language characters form the same thing the outside sign said, ¡°Power.¡± Vega: Power... Then the swords clash again, and Vega hears a man yell out ¡°OWW!¡± Vega notices it coming from the sanctuary and walks in. He sees a tall shadowy figure cutting down a man, his blade dripping with blood. His blade is black. Vega: (A... black blade...?) The masked man has rectangular-shaped pupils. He averted his eyes over to Vega. And with a cold tone. Muppet: And, what do you want? [Who Is This Shadowy Figure!? And, Black Blades?!] Mystery 38 Fin Mystery Thirty-Nine: Kichi Blades Fallen Stars Mystery Thirty-Nine Kichi Blades Muppet: You gonna answer me, or not? Muppet is a tall man, around 6¡¯2. Wearing an all-black, long-sleeved shirt and pants. He¡¯s wearing a Kraken mask, only revealing his rectangular-shaped pupils. He gazes upon Vega. Vega: ¡­. Vega scopes around, looking around and seeing four people in front of the strange man. One that was just cut down. They are all trembling with fear. Vega slowly gets out his blade. Vega: There¡¯s no need to talk¡­ Muppet smirks, flicking his blade and splatting the blood across the floor. His sword has an octopus for its hilt. Engraved across the blade is the phrase ¡°Not for honor, go for the kill¡± Muppet and Vega (serious): ¡­. They both rush in, clashing with the other. They trade some blows, Vega jumps back into the air sending out three air slashes. Muppet turns invisible, disappearing¡­ Vega (taken back): (What the¡­) The three slashes cut into the shrine, cutting up the floor. Victor, the sensei of the shrine, goes to yell at Vega! Victor (angry): Watch the floor!! Vega blocks out the yelling and concentrates on where the invisible person is, he closes his eyes, trying to hear any movement. Vega: Hm. Vega quickly reacts and blocks the incoming sword on his right. Muppet reveals himself, and they begin trading blows again. Vega: (He¡¯s a skilled swordsman¡­) After so many cuts miss the other, Muppet raises his blade and says¡­!! Muppet: **Concealed Killing Style - Kraken** Muppet disappears again, but a mighty slash comes directly at Vega with amazing speed!! It¡¯s like a flash of light is right in front of Vega!! He can¡¯t dodge it, he puts up his blade to stop it and is sent out of the shrine!! Muppet: (And I thought he was a challenge at first¡­ He saw me coming when I was invisible... He has some good eyes on him.) After crashing from being sent from the shrine, Vega gets back up. Taking off his cloak¡­ Vega: (Some strength like that¡­ He has to have a Modern. So I don¡¯t have to worry about a Forbidden being here. Unless his Forbidden boost is strength. What was that style though¡­) Vega jumps back into the shrine, laying down his cloak, and wiping off some blood from his mouth. Muppet is seen cutting down more shrine members but turns around to see Vega back up. Muppet: ... Vega tilts his head with an evil smirk at Muppet. Vega: ... They both rush back in at each other. Enma is to the side, mouth foaming with fire. Enma: (Want me to help, Vega?!) Vega (very serious): (Don¡¯t interfere, Enma.) Enma is sidelined, just making noises. They continue trading sword clashes, Muppet moving elegantly with his blade as if he¡¯s one with it. Vega: (This will be tough.) But as he says that, Vega smirks and his forehead starts twitching. Muppet: So you¡¯re taking me seriously. Good. Muppet sends out a strong flying slash! Vega dodges it, coming in close to Muppet, but he disappears again, Vega swings and misses. Muppet: (He hasn¡¯t used his power yet, what does he have?) Muppet hides in the shadow, Vega just concentrates on trying to find him again. Vega leaps directly at Muppet with a slash! Muppet gets out of the way quickly! Vega lands and looks around at high speed, his glowing red eyes spanning across the room. Vega: (There.) Vega sends out another quick slash, ripping the shrine apart. Muppet gets out of the way again, but Vega comes in from behind and cuts down on Muppet! Muppet blocks it with his sword, while invisible. Muppet: (This guy¡­ he predicted where I would go while invisible¡­) Muppet reveals himself, slashing his sword, and making Vega step back a bit. Muppet: (If you keep clashing with my blade like that, your blade will break.) What¡¯s your name, kid? Vega: ...Vega. And yours? Muppet: Muppet¡­ Vega looks strangely. Vega: Muppet¡­? It doesn¡¯t matter, I know someone with an even weirder name. Muppet: ¡­ Let¡¯s continue, I respect your skills. Vega: Hmph. Yeah, let¡¯s continue. Muppet raises his blade again, going invisible. Muppet: **Concealed Killing Style - Kraken Bagua** Eight powerful slashes come from out of nowhere! Vega sees everything coming and dodges accordingly. The eight slashes rip through the shrine and cut up part of the temple itself, the shrine starts to collapse. Vega: (Dammit, he wanted to destroy this place.) Victor is sitting crying, looking at the shrine falling apart. Vega starts having flames circle around him. Vega: **Hell** Vega creates a large dome of swirling orange and red flames, burning everyone in the shrine and the shrine itself down!! Victor: What the-!! Victor and whoever else was in the shrine burned to ashes. The immense heat has Muppet hot, who was outside during the time. The fire continues to go ablaze, but Muppet sees someone standing in the fire. Muppet: *Gulp* ... Vega stands in the fire smirking, only his left eye being seen and it¡¯s on fire. Muppet thinks mentally intensely. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Muppet: (He controls fire???!) The high noon sky shines brightly with the flames, the raging flames continue burning the area. Muppet: (Geez, he killed all those guys in the shrine, no regard for human life¡­) Vega flicking his sword, and cloak over his shoulder walks out. Vega: We¡¯re continuing, right? Muppet has a single sweat droplet going down his face. Muppet: Chahaha. Sure. Vega readies his sword, Muppet draws his. Vega dashes in, faster than Muppet, and tries cutting him diagonally, Muppet counters and sends out a flying slash. Vega dashes past that and counters with his slash. Muppet completely blocks it with his sword. Muppet: It seems you¡¯re just swinging your sword around. You don¡¯t have a style, do you? Vega: ... Muppet: I can tell, you don¡¯t understand how many swordsmen crossed me without a style and died. (He has potential...) Vega: I won¡¯t be dying here, I won¡¯t be losing either. Muppet: Let me show you the difference between non-skilled swordsmen and skilled swordsmen. Muppet disappears again and raises his sword. Muppet: **Concealed Killing Style - Kraken Bagua** Eight mighty slashes are sent out again, ripping through the ground and cutting off some nearby buildings. Vega dodges again but is caught but one of them!! Vega flies back into the sky, head falling backward, then suddenly cuts started appearing on Vega¡¯s left and right arms! With eight on each arm! Vega: Ah!! Vega flips and lands on his feet. He looks at his arms and lets out an angry Tck. His eyes show he¡¯s infuriated. Vega: (I got scarred again¡­ Damn it!) Muppet notices how he reacts. Enma is fuming fire on the sideline, it¡¯s dripping out of its mouth. Then something slippery slides to Enma. Kraken: (Relax, this is a good fight.) Enma jumps, and is ready to shoot fire at the creature! Enma: (Who are you?!) Kraken: (I¡¯m Muppet¡¯s partner. I doubt he does anything to this other guy, he respects him now.) Kraken is a brown octopus having eight large arms, and rectangular-shaped pupils. It¡¯s about the same size as Enma. Enma: (He better not, or I will join in, forget Vega¡¯s orders!) Muppet and Vega gauge each other from a distance. Vega is about to strike... Muppet: I can help you develop a style, you know. Vega quickly reacts. Vega: ?! Muppet: I can also heal those scars, especially the one you''re hiding. Vega: ¡­ I can¡¯t lose to you. Muppet: It doesn¡¯t have to be a loss. Let¡¯s just end this here, and you can come back to me in the future and challenge me. I would want to see you at your peak anyway. Vega: (Hmm. This could be a trap.) Muppet holds up his blade. Muppet: I can also tell you about these Kichi Blades. Vega gazes upon it, he did take a liking to it when he first saw it. Vega: Alright, tell me about it. Muppet: Not here, your fire is going too crazy, Kraken can¡¯t stay in this heat all day. Follow me to my dojo. Vega with a calm face and tone. Vega: Fine¡­ Kraken carries Muppet¡¯s sheath over to him, he grabs it and puts his sword up. Vega grabs his sheath and puts his sword up also, he puts his cloak back on, and follows Muppet to his dojo, making sure to stay behind him just in case. Fire truck sirens go off, making their way to the dojo that is burning! [Fifteen Minutes Later.] They come upon Muppet¡¯s dojo, it¡¯s an ok-looking wooden dojo, seemingly upkeep. Semi-stylish. The outside sign has an octopus going across it. Walking in, he has the same symbol and language as the front opening signs. ¡°Power,¡± ¡°Healing,¡± and ¡°Mediate.¡± Power has three swords going across it. Muppet scavenging through his dojo. Muppet: Who gave you that sword? Vega averts his eyes all over the room, checking every location. Enma is walking around sniffing, with Kraken following. Vega: Someone I knew. Muppet: So you didn¡¯t steal it? That¡¯s a very generous gift from someone. That¡¯s a B-rank weapon. Vega¡¯s eyes look confused. Vega: B-rank? Muppet: The majority of weapons have a rank. They fall under Tvastar¡¯s legendary ranking system. Tvastar is known as the ¡°Father of all weapons.¡± Vega: Tvastar created all these weapons? Muppet: He has created so much, you wouldn¡¯t be able to comprehend it. He truly deserves the epithet ¡°The Pinnacle of Arts and Crafts¡±. It''s said he was around Bazed Muramasa when he created all Six Kichi Blades. Vega: Muramasa? Muppet: Muramasa was a legendary blacksmith. He was friends with Tvastar, he tried to create his own very unique swords. Little did he know the way he created them would become cursed and crave blood. Vega: What¡¯s the meaning behind the name Kichi? Muppet stops ravaging through his room and looks at Vega. Muppet: Kichi means Demon Blood. Kraken¡¯s tentacles shiver. Muppet: They are known as demons themselves that crave blood. Sometimes they¡¯ll take over you and maybe even crave the user¡¯s blood. Taming them is the hardest thing to do. Vega: ... Muppet: That¡¯s where Tvastar¡¯s ranking system comes in, it ranges from Z to L. All Kichi Blades are S-rank. **Tvastar¡¯s Ranking System** Z-rank S-rank A-rank B-rank C-rank D-rank L-rank Vega: Z-rank is the best? Muppet: Kinda weird, but can we question the Pinnacle? Also, you were clashing with me, with a B-rank weapon. It was almost sealed for you. Vega: Yeah, whatever. I would¡¯ve won. Muppet: There is one thing Muramasa accomplished that Tvastar couldn¡¯t. Vega: What¡¯s that? Muppet: Fusion. After collecting all six Kichi Blades, they can fuse, creating the ultimate black blade. Of course, becoming Z-rank. Vega¡¯s thoughts intensify, and his eyes widen, putting his hand on his chin. Muppet¡¯s expression changes to intense. Vega stays on guard. Muppet: But, if you want my blade, you have to earn it. Muppet slightly pulls his blade from its sheath, not completely pulling it out. **Kageame** Translation: The shadows of the eye of the storm! And puts it back in. Muppet finally finishes trying to find something, he tosses it over to Vega. Vega catches it and looks at the label. It says ¡°Aceso.¡± Vega: Aceso? Muppet: Put it on one of your scars. Vega takes the top off, the healing cream is whiteish-green in color. He rubs some on his right arm. It stings a bit. But the cuts start healing¡­ Vega: It works¡­ Muppet: Now do that face scar your hiding. Vega slowly pulls down his mask and applies the Aceso cream. His scar slowly disappears¡­ Vega: ¡­. Vega looks at Muppet, who has a calm, lighthearted atmosphere around him. Vega: (I can trust him¡­ for now¡­) Thanks. Though Vega''s face scar is healed, he continues to wear his mask, pulling it back up. Muppet: Ah, it''s no problem. There¡¯re not many of those out there in the world, so that was very hard to find. Now, let¡¯s get you right. You need a style, and I can tell you never meditated before. Vega: Yeah, I haven¡¯t. Muppet: That¡¯s the best time to concentrate, you let all of your thoughts flow from you, and mentally picture what you want. Let¡¯s try it right now. Vega: Alright, sure. (Enma, stay on guard.) Enma making noises in the back. Enma: (Ok!) Muppet takes off his mask, revealing two painted red dots on his cheeks. Vega and Muppet both sit down in the middle of the dojo, both closing their eyes, and meditating. Muppet: While relaxing, think of what you want to name your style, it¡¯s your unique style. So have something associated with you. Vega: Mhm. A few minutes go by, and Vega is still concentrating. Vega: What¡¯s your real name? It can¡¯t be Muppet. Muppet (smiles): Chaha. It¡¯s Chason Cherry. But please just call me Muppet. Vega opens his left eye, to see Muppet has both his eyes closed. Vega: I can do that. Got any epithets? Muppet: Hmph. Instakill. Vega: That¡¯s¡­ one of the best ones I¡¯ve heard. Muppet: Concentrate, Vega. **Muppet** Stellar: G7 Cosmic Path: Invisibility (Positive) Animal: Octopus (Modern) Epithet: Instakill Age: 22 Vega: (An epithet like Instakill¡­ He probably would¡¯ve beat me. I have to continue to get stronger, I can¡¯t lose to anyone.) Muppet: (He probably thinks he would¡¯ve had a harder fight, if he used his fire more it would¡¯ve been tougher for me. He¡¯s conservative with his power, I like that.) A few more minutes go by, with Muppet asking a question now. His eyes were still closed. Muppet: Why didn¡¯t you use your power more? Vega¡¯s eyes are closed, as he answers. Vega: I could tell you were a strong swordsman, I wanted to see if I could beat you without it. Muppet: Hm. Thought of a name yet? Vega: I think I have one. Vega opens his right eye and looks to his right. He sees Enma sleeping, with Kraken right beside him sleeping too. Vega laughs a bit under his breath. Closing his eyes again. Muppet: Meditating also helps you climb up the Stellar better too. Vega: Really? (Perseus won¡¯t be doing this¡­) Muppet: How long do you think you can meditate? Vega: Hours. Maybe days. Muppet: (Wow.) Alright, after this we can go to develop a style. I have the perfect place to train. Vega: Ok. The two sit apart from each other and continue meditating. [After meditating for a few hours. Muppet stops him to move somewhere else.] Both of them are up, walking out of the dojo. Enma and Kraken follow. Muppet: Always remember the three sayings, Power, Healing, and Meditate. Walking out and seeing the sunshine on them, they then walk to a certain place. After twenty minutes of walking, they finally made it. The scenery is amazing, with healthy green grass, on the right is a buddha statue, and on the left is a stone temple. Looking behind them has beautiful mountain ranges all across. Vega: What the¡­ Vega was stunned, he saw a giant buddha statue that sits forty meters into the sky. The buddha has its right palm raised, and its left palm lowered. Bronze in color. Muppet: This place is a restricted zone, no one will come here. This is the Myriad Wisdom Buddha. The area that comes to the top of clouds. Then on the left side, is a humongous stone temple. A rigid stone staircase to the top. But they stay in the open grassy land to train. Alpacas and Llamas continue grazing. Muppet: And this is the Macchu Ma Picchu Temple. Vega: (Whoa...) Muppet (excited): Now, let¡¯s see that unique style. Vega with a serious face prepares himself. **In Cercatore d''oro (Draco, Wrath, and Regulus¡¯ Location)** Draco, Wrath, Regulus, and Sof¨ªa make it to the front entrance of Galactic World. The entrance makes you pass through a golden beast statue¡¯s open mouth. The beast resembles a warthog. Its eyes are rolled back, and star symbols surround it. Draco (in awe): This is about to be fun! Haha! [Vega Finds A New Mentor! Let¡¯s Get Into Galactic World!] Mystery 39 Fin Mystery Forty: Galactic World! Fallen Stars Mystery Forty Galactic World! **In Cercatore d''oro (Draco, Wrath, and Regulus¡¯ Location)** Lots and lots of people and creatures walk around. Wrath and Draco bump into everyone. Wrath: It''s soooo crowded. Sof¨ªa: This is the tourist district. Of course, it''s the most populated. (Slowpoke.) Wrath: Aaah. They walk up to the ticket line for Galactic World. Wrath: Finally. Sof¨ªa: So¡­ Draco: So, who''s paying? Sof¨ªa: I, um. I can get in for free. Draco: Right. Guides can go anywhere they please. Sof¨ªa: Yeah, but I won''t be going in. Draco: Why not? Sof¨ªa looks through the gate and a shock comes to her. She sees a furry creature with the features of a goat, nodding to her. Sof¨ªa: I just won¡¯t. Draco: Nah, you¡¯re going in. Draco¡¯s gaze gives Sof¨ªa a nervy sensation. Sof¨ªa (pouts): Fine. Draco: Is it the same price as always? Sof¨ªa: Yup. $100 Sols per creature. Draco: We can dwindle what we pay. Ap and Zeus. Apocalypse and Zeus look at Draco. Draco: Fly over the gates, we¡¯ll meet you all in there. Apocalypse and Zeus nod. Draco: (Ap, don¡¯t get caught. And watch out for Zeus.) Apocalypse: (Will do.) Apocalypse and Zeus go around the corner, ready to fly over the gate. As the gang walks up to the ticketer. Olivia (bright smile): Welcome. How many do you have? Olivia, a furry creature, has the features of a deer. She has antlers going up, piercing the ticket booth. Holding the tickets with her hooves. And has brown fur. Draco: I got it. We have three people. Olivia: Three? As Olivia looks behind Draco. Olivia (happy): Oh! Sof¨ªa! Hi! Sof¨ªa slowly appears from behind Draco. Sof¨ªa: Hi... Olivia also sees Regulus. He¡¯s still trying to hide behind Wrath. Regulus: H-Hi. Olivia: Ok. She gets in for free. Plus you two and a child. Children are half the price. Wrath (eager): For real? What¡¯s the age limit?! Olivia: Anyone under the age of eighteen is considered children. Wrath yells out with happiness. Wrath YES! Both of us are seventeen! Give us that deal! Draco looks to Wrath for a second. Noticing his deceptive smile. Olivia looks them up and down. Olivia: Seventeen, huh? Where¡¯s your Bank Card? Wrath with a confused look. Wrath: We don¡¯t have one. Olivia: Mhm. Olivia looks at Sof¨ªa. Olivia: Are they trustworthy? Sof¨ªa (nervous): Ye... Yeah, they are. Olivia: Mmm. I¡¯ll believe you two for now. But, if you don¡¯t have proof of identity next time. I¡¯ll have to charge you the full price. Wrath (excited): Dope! Olivia: Ok, that¡¯s $150 Sols. Wrath: Draco. Draco: Tck. Even getting a better deal, you¡¯ll still be cheap and not pay. Wrath: Not cheap, just holding onto it. Draco pays the $150 Sols. Olivia (cheerful): These tickets allow you to get on any ride, for the rest of the day. So, enjoy it! Draco: Thanks. Walking past the ticket booths. They enter... Galactic World! A delightful breeze smothers the park. Draco: Whew. What¡¯s that? It smells so good. Sof¨ªa: That¡¯s Galactic World. To raise happiness and make everyone stay longer. The fragrance smells amazing. At all times. Wrath takes a deep breath!! Wrath: It''s so great here already! Wrath and Draco lead the group with Regulus following behind. So many creatures walking around. Regulus: You ok, Sof¨ªa? Sof¨ªa: Oh yeah, I¡¯m fine. She says nervously. Wrath: What¡¯s the first ride we¡¯re getting on? Sof¨ªa: Uh, which one would you like to get on? Rollercoaster? Water Slide? Wrath''s eyes light up! Wrath: Rollercoaster! Draco: I was thinking the same thing. Regulus: Ah uh¡­ I don¡¯t know about this. Draco puts his hand on Regulus¡¯s shoulders and pushes him into walking. Draco: If we¡¯re going, you¡¯re going. No reason to be scared. Regulus: Oh no¡­. They walk for a couple of minutes, walking over wooden bridges. Seeing some creatures playing in the water underneath. Finally making it to the Rollercoaster line. Wrath: Why is this place empty? Sof¨ªa: People tend to ignore this ride. Apocalypse and Zeus run up to the gang. Draco: Made it, huh? Apocalypse: (We almost got caught up in something, but we made it out.) Wrath: (Zeus!) Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Zeus: (Wrath!) Zeus jumps into Wrath¡¯s arms, chuckling. Wrath: Let¡¯s get on this ride. Walking up, the man letting them on the ride is pale white, and balding with glasses. Chester: Hm. Are you sure you wanna go on this one? Draco: Is there something wrong with it? Chester: Nope. *Achoo* As Chester wipes some snot from his nose. He wipes it on his shirt and the railings. Draco with a disgusted face. And Wrath raises an eyebrow. Wrath (disgusted): (The fuck is wrong with him...) Draco: Then we¡¯re good. Chester: Ay-Ay-Ay, Oooookay. Chester lets them all get on the ride. They leave their bags at the entrance. There are two seats in each row, and Draco and Wrath get in the first row. Sof¨ªa and Regulus get in the second row. Apocalypse and Zeus go all the way to the back. He makes sure their safety bars are safe and secured. Then starts the ride up. Draco: This is gonna be fun, I can feel it. Wrath: Wooo! It better take off soon! Regulus shivered in the seat behind Draco and Wrath. Sof¨ªa looks over at him and tells him everything will be fine. Sof¨ªa: You¡¯re safe, don¡¯t worry. Regulus: Ah- Alright. Slowly going up the tracks, the rollercoaster suddenly takes a quick dip! Draco and Wrath: Aaah! Then it slowly goes up¡­ Draco: To the top! The rollercoaster has a sudden boost! A quick speed-up. Making it to the top, they see the whole amusement park. Draco and Wrath look around smiling. Wrath: The sky is beautiful today! Draco: Aaah. A great breeze too. Regulus notices both of them having the time of their lives, and he smiles too. Sof¨ªa looks at them, she has a relieved smile on her face. As the roller coaster goes along the tracks slowly. They see up ahead also¡­ Draco: Wait! Wrath: What the-! Draco and Wrath are covered in confusion. Regulus only sees their backs, moves to where he can see ahead and sees the tracks are missing! Regulus yells out scared!!! Regulus: Help!! The coaster takes off at full speed! Take a deep nose dive! It''s moving so fast that they can¡¯t do anything! Draco, Wrath, and Regulus: !!!!! Sof¨ªa: Don¡¯t worry, it''s fine¡­ The rollercoaster jumps off the tracks! Flying through the sky!!! Regulus: We¡¯re dead!!! Wrath and Draco throw up their arms flying through the sky. The roller coaster starts going in a swirling motion, spinning in the sky!! Wrath (smiling): Yahahaha! This is a way to go out though! Draco (smiling): Hahaha! That¡¯s right! This is fun! Both of them keep smiling, and the roller coaster gets back on the tracks! Grinding so hard sparks fly, but it slows down and they keep riding! Draco: *Whew* Regulus¡¯s heart is pounding like crazy!!! The roller coaster pulls back up to the beginning, arriving back at Chester. He lifts the safety bars and Draco and Wrath jump out laughing. Regulus in the seat behind them has his soul slowly leaving his body. Apocalypse and Zeus: (That was crazy!!) Draco: Snap outta it, Regulus! Coming to his senses, Regulus slowly gets up and walks out of the coaster. Muttering to himself. Regulus: Never again, never again¡­. Draco: C¡¯mon, one more time! Regulus (scared): No!!!! Regulus runs to the nearest trashcan and throws up. They pick up their bags, then they all walk out of the station looking for more rides. Wrath: What¡¯s next!? I¡¯m hyped! Draco: Whatever we wanna do! Sof¨ªa: A water ride next? Wrath and Draco¡¯s eyes light up. Draco and Wrath: Yeah! Sof¨ªa has that smile again. But she tries not to show them. Sof¨ªa: Ok! They go down a huge water slide called ¡°Tikal¡± sliding down the amazingly made structure. Regulus having so much fun. Apocalypse and Zeus fly around each other, playing around and having fun! Seeing them squirting water guns at each other, Sof¨ªa included. Then comes¡­ a space-themed ride, called ¡°Salyut¡±. Regulus and Sof¨ªa sit this out. Wrath and Draco suit up in astronaut suits, gleeing, readying their laser guns. Regulus and Sof¨ªa are sipping on some slushies, and the door busts open! The atmosphere changes. ¡°Don don da don¡± plays in the background. Draco and Wrath in their new galaxy-colored suits walk toward them. Regulus begins to speak up- Regulus: Drac- But the two ignore them and keep walking. Regulus: Why are they walking in slow motion? That¡¯s all I wanted to ask. Sof¨ªa: You know they make everything dramatic. In a zero gravity room, they jump up to a ladder and climb up. The ladder leads to a room that lights green when reached. Wrath: So what do we do now? Draco: I don¡¯t know, the lady said when we get here it¡¯ll take us. Suddenly, they feel a force pulling them and shooting them out of the building!! Draco and Wrath: Whoaaa!!!! They fly through the sky!! Gilding over the district!! Twirling and everything, not gaining a balance! An AI contacts them through the suits. Solace: Opponents are inbound. Draco and Wrath: What?! Draco and Wrath see two other astronauts soaring directly at them! Wrath stops twirling and kicks starts his boosts with electricity!! Draco: How the hell?! Draco witnesses Wrath engaging the enemies!! Knocking them off balancing lasering them down! Draco gets focused and stops twirling, and boosts at them with the suit¡¯s boots boosts! The enemy astronaut boosts away! Draco and Wrath chase after them!! Beaming them down and making their suits light up on the hit areas!! Completely lighting up the area and their suits, signifying they won the matchup!! Solace: You have won the game. Floating in the sky Draco and Wrath shake hands, smiling, and feel a force pulling them back into the greenlit area. It turns from green to yellow. Wrath adjusts his helmet taking it out, and steam comes out. His afro flops. Wrath: WHEW! What a win! Draco does the same, his headband is soaking. Draco: I don¡¯t know how we won that, but I¡¯ll take it! Wrath continues looking at his helmet. Wrath: I really got to do it. I always wanted to be an astronaut!! Yahaha!! Draco laughs with him, and they both jump out of the room into zero gravity, regrouping with Regulus and Sof¨ªa. Finishing the day off, they go on plenty more rides!! [The End of The Day.] Draco (stretching): So, where are we sleeping? A sudden shock comes to Sof¨ªa as if she¡¯s nervous and doesn''t want to say it. Sof¨ªa: I have a place we can stay¡­ It¡¯s a luxury hotel. Draco with a particular look. Draco: Sounds good. Let¡¯s go. Minutes later, they make it to the hotel. Sof¨ªa: The back is quicker. Follow me. Wrath raised an eyebrow. They continue following Sof¨ªa, the back of the hotel is dark and quiet. Draco: (...) Then suddenly they are surrounded by ten furry creatures. Nicol¨¢s: Good shit, Sof¨ªa! We got some with partners too. Nicol¨¢s rubs his paws, with a dirty grin. Nicol¨¢s has the features of a cat, standing on two legs, and orange fur. Diego: We¡¯re eating good tonight! Diego has the features of a mink, brown fur, standing on two legs. The other creatures gather around Draco, Wrath, and Regulus. Apocalypse has an evil grin. Wrath: ¡­.Yaha. Wrath grins, and he charges up sending out an electrical shock! Nicol¨¢s: Wha- They all get shocked, knocking out all the furry creatures!! Wrath (cocky grin): Did they really think they could beat us?? Nicol¨¢s is still conscious. Nicol¨¢s: We said only bring weak people, Sof¨ªa! Draco: (Go ahead and eat, Ap.) Apocalypse with a devouring look, starting eating on the goat and rabbit creatures!! Nicol¨¢s reaches its paws towards Sof¨ªa¡­ Nicol¨¢s: Sof¨ªa- Wrath runs up and kicks him in the face! Knocking him out cold. Zeus comes over and starts eating him! Draco: You know, you told us about a lot of creatures, but you never told us about your race, Sof¨ªa. What are you? Sof¨ªa looks at Apocalypse eating the furry creatures. Sof¨ªa: If you¡¯re just going to kill me and eat me. Then just do it now! The dark alley covers Draco, but not his smile. The atmosphere changes to an eerie feeling. Draco: We¡¯re not going to kill you, who else would guide us? Sof¨ªa (startled): You-You¡¯re keeping me as your guide? Draco: Yeah, you¡¯re still useful, but the rest of your friends are dying though. Sof¨ªa sniffs a bit, to stop her running nose. Sof¨ªa: Thank you for freeing me. They made me do this to a lot of people. They weren¡¯t even my friends. Regulus: How did they get you to do it? Sof¨ªa wiped her nose. Sof¨ªa: After my parents died, I had no one to go to. They showed up and took care of me, but I had to feed them. Regulus: Oh man¡­ Sof¨ªa: It was pretty hard doing it until I became a guide recently. She holds up her paws, looking at them. Sof¨ªa (tearing up): I guided a lot of people to their deaths. She starts crying. Draco still has a dark atmosphere around him. Draco: (Guiding people to their deaths, reminds me of what I used to do. Hahaha.) Regulus comforts her, Wrath finishes killing the rest, and Zeus and Apocalypse finish eating them. Wrath starts picking his ear, not listening really, oblivious to the act. Wrath: Alright, you can stop crying now. Regulus and Sof¨ªa look up at Wrath. He has a disgusting snobbish face looking down on them. Draco looks at the hotel. Draco: Can we stay here? Sof¨ªa: Oh, yeah, if I didn¡¯t get people through the alley, we had a room prepped on the top floor. Draco: Top floor again? We¡¯re living well. Wrath (happy): Well, let¡¯s go! Regulus: (These guys don¡¯t even care about her at all...) Regulus helps Sof¨ªa get up and walk with Draco and Wrath into the hotel getting to the top floor. Making it to the elevator and getting upstairs, Sof¨ªa uses her keycard to get in. Sof¨ªa: No one is up there, it was used to catch you all sleeping. Draco: That wouldn¡¯t have worked either, Hahaha. I don¡¯t sleep. Opening the door, they see red lights all around, lighting up the room. Beautiful dining room, living room, and kitchen. All apart of a luxurious hotel. Both Wrath and Draco drop their bags in the room. Draco grabs a water bottle from the fridge. Sof¨ªa: Welcome to ¡°The Harborview.¡± Looking out the windows, Draco, Wrath, and Regulus see a beautiful view of the Harbor. The water isn¡¯t clashing... it¡¯s blue water. Regulus: Wow¡­ While Draco looks out the window, what happened earlier comes to his mind. Draco: Wrath. Wrath: Yeah? Draco laughs for a second. Draco: I like how you lied to that deer at the entrance. Haha. Wrath (grins): Oh yeah. Yahaha. I saved us some money. Draco takes a sip from his water. Draco: Ha. Knowing you''re eighteen and just lied to her to save some cash, so crazy. Fireworks suddenly go off! Exploding brightening up the whole sky!! Kaboom is being heard everywhere!! Draco: Huh? Wrath in awe. Wrath: Whoa... Red, blue, and green fireworks all around. Being spectacular over the calm water. Draco: So the water is regular here? Sof¨ªa: It''s one thing Dorado made sure about this country, keeping the Victory Harbor regular water and not red clashing water. It¡¯s a man-made harbor. This place and another place in Midas aren¡¯t clashing red water. Draco: Dorado? Sof¨ªa: Yeah, he¡¯s the president of this country! Draco (mentally smirtle): (Dorado¡­ I know that name...) Oh, ok. Sof¨ªa: This water is used for the event happening tomorrow, the Dragon Boat Jamboree. They race on this water. Draco: Dragon, huh? Sof¨ªa: Yep. These are the ceremonial fireworks the night before the event. They last for about ten minutes. Which also ties into the event you want to join. During the Dragon Boat Jamboree, in El Dorado, they hold a chess event. And the winner can meet the president! Draco (smirtles): Hahaha. It just happened to be chess, huh? Wrath wraps his arm over Draco¡¯s shoulder. Wrath: Yeah, you¡¯re winning this. You¡¯re unbeatable in chess. Sof¨ªa: Well you have to register tomorrow then. Wrath: Since you got this Draco, I¡¯m going to the other district. What was it again? Midas? Sof¨ªa: Yup that its, ya big- Sof¨ªa¡¯s face turns red a bit. Wrath titles his head in confusion. Wrath: Given up on your trash-talking? Sof¨ªa (furious): No! You, idiot! Wrath: Pathetic. Don¡¯t tell me you took a liking to us. Sof¨ªa: It¡¯s not like I like you, three idiots. Sof¨ªa pouts and turns her head. Draco: Alright then, Wrath. We¡¯ll meet after the chess event. Wrath: Aight. Regulus: I¡¯ll go with Wrath. Wrath: Why??? Regulus: I want to revisit something in Midas. Wrath lets out a sigh. Wrath: Fine. Draco: We gather later then. But, Sof¨ªa. You never answered me. Sof¨ªa (blushes): Huh? Draco: What are you? What is your race called? Sof¨ªa: ...We are called Bestias. Wrath: Bestias? Wrath grins. The fireworks finally ended. Sof¨ªa: You will see us all over this district. Bestias works in the background of the entertainment district. Draco: Ah, thanks for telling me. I was curious. Wrath: Oh, you curious? Draco: I¡¯m not doing this with you, Wrath. Wrath laughs. Draco: You all get some sleep. I¡¯ll stay on guard. Just in case. They all go to their respective rooms. After showering, Draco looks out the window. Drinking some juice, with his towel around him. Draco: (Vega should be fine...) Apocalypse comes to his side of him. Apocalypse: (I¡¯m sure he and Enma are doing well.) Apocalypse flies around him in a circle. Draco: (Yeah...) [The Next Day.] They are walking to the train station. Both Draco and Wrath are in new outfits. Draco is wearing some black short shorts and a blue tee. Same headband as always. While Wrath is wearing a black short-sleeve compression shirt and blue/orange shorts. Cape and all. With bags of gold on them, getting on and seatbelts on, the train takes off and a few minutes go by, and they arrive in El Dorado. Draco, Apocalypse, and Sof¨ªa get off, while Wrath, Zeus, and Regulus stay on to go to Midas. Draco smirks and waves goodbye to Wrath, Zeus, and Regulus. Draco: Stay safe. Wrath lets out a determined Hmph. Wrath: Of course. Regulus (smiling): See ya, Draco! See ya, Sof¨ªa! Draco nods and does a quick two-finger salute to Regulus, and heads off with Apocalypse and Sof¨ªa. Sof¨ªa waves goodbye to Regulus. Wrath: Now, to the fishing district! Regulus (giggles): Yeah! Wrath and Regulus get back in their seats, and the train takes off again! [The Fun In Galactic World Is Done! Draco, Vega, And Wrath Are All On Their Own!] Mystery 40 Fin Mystery Forty-One: This is Chess! Fallen Stars Mystery Forty-One This is Chess! **In El Dorado (Draco and Sof¨ªa¡¯s Location.)** Walking through the district with Sof¨ªa and Apocalypse following Draco. They come upon a bunch of chess registration booths. Surrounded by trees, and openness for the chess boards. Freshly cut green grass, beautiful green trees, and some golden brown trees. Draco: I wonder how much the entry fee is, maybe one hundred again. Sof¨ªa: Nope, this event is free to enter. Draco: Fr-Free? Draco looks around and sees a mass of people crowding around the chess boards, a lot of people walking on their own to practice. Draco: This is why it takes two weeks¡­ Sof¨ªa: Yep. The usual number of entries is fifty thousand. Draco looks as if he¡¯s disappointed. Sof¨ªa: ? Draco: I wanted to beat more people¡­!! But, I guess this is enough. I want to meet this president. Sof¨ªa: Sign up then. Draco: I¡¯ll be back. Draco leaves his bag with Sof¨ªa, while she waits with Apocalypse. Draco walks over to a booth, on the booth it says, ¡°Sponsored by the FDIE.¡± And the symbol for the group is the queen¡¯s piece. Draco: (The FDIE, huh¡­) Walking up, another bestia is running the booth. This furry creature has the features of a coyote. Yellowish fur and light green eyes. Its tongue is hanging out of its mouth. Lucas: Tryna sign up? Draco: Yeah. Lucas: Ok. I just need a few things. Lucas goes to write with his paws. Lucas: Age? Draco: Seventeen. Lucas: Name? Draco thinks for a second. Draco: (Hmm. I don¡¯t want to share my name¡­ or my username from the FDIE rating.) Just mark me down as ¡°GTD¡±. Lucas: GTD? Ok, there are weirder names in this classic anyway. Lucas writes it down on a name tag and hands it to Draco. Lucas: You have to wear this at all times. Draco: Alright. Draco puts the name tag on. Lucas: Winning this classic lets you meet the president of Triton and a grand prize of thirty-five thousand Sols. Draco mentally freaks out. Draco: (?!) Oh, I didn¡¯t know that. Draco¡¯s plotting face comes back as he rubs his hand. Draco: Time to win. I wasn¡¯t planning on losing anyway. Lucas: Well, alright then. Good luck. Draco waves it off. Draco: I don¡¯t need it. Lucas: (Hm?) Draco meets back up with Sof¨ªa. Sof¨ªa: Registered? Draco: Yeah. Sof¨ªa looks at his name tag and becomes confused. Sof¨ªa: GTD¡­? Draco: Oh, don¡¯t worry about it. Walking to the open area, a banner is above saying, ¡°This is Chess Classic!¡± A man comes onto the screeching megaphone, setting up the classic. Denzel (hyped): Ok, ok!! Settle in! This is Triton¡¯s chess event, This is Chess Classic! We have a lot of people signed up this year, so we have to get through this one! A few people walk to the stage where Denzel is at. Denzel: We have a few celebrities at this classic! First, I want to introduce a popular ViewTuber, he¡¯s been training in chess lately to win it all! Introducing, Messia!! Messia is a brown skin black man standing around 6¡¯0, wearing business casual attire. A light salmon short-sleeved shirt, white pants, salmon pink socks, and brown shoes. Just waving to the crowd and smiling. He has a certain fierce charisma about him, having the crowd go wild. **Messia** ViewTube Subscriber Count: 1,500,000 FDIE Rating: 1422 Denzel: Next, we have an International Master! Triton has some competition today! Welcome, Fausto! Fausto is a white male, with curly brownish-red hair. A full brown beard, and wearing a white dress shirt, and classy shoes and pants. **Fausto** International Master FDIE Rating: 1842 Fausto waves to the crowd as they cheer on his introduction. Denzel: Alright, last but not least! We have the champion of the last four Classics! My close friend and former rival! Welcome, ¡°Magnus¡± Chad!! Chad is a well-dressed tan-skin man, suited up in a light blue suit, giving off playboy vibes, having a chiseled jawline, as the women scream in the crowd!! He blows kisses to the women cheering him on with a cocky smile. Chad: Ha! Rival is a stretch, Denzel! **Chad** Four-Time Champion FDIE Rating: 2843 Denzel and Chad shake hands, laughing about it. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Denzel: Enjoy yourself, dog. But Denzel gets in close, whispering to Chad. Denzel: You bitch, fuck you. Denzel and Chad laugh it off, hugging his friend. A few people are ticked off at seeing Chad here again. Nevertheless, Denzel gets ready to set up the event. Denzel: (My friend? Why? Because he knows my first name? Daha.) All the registered players, find a table and get ready, the classic starts in two minutes! The few celebrities leave the stage, getting to their seats. Draco: Alright, it''s about to start. Sof¨ªa: I¡¯ll stay with your dragon, just concentrate on winning. Draco has a confident smile. Draco: I got this. Sof¨ªa looks with concern. Sof¨ªa: Overconfidence is the downfall of a lot of people. Draco (smirks): Yeah, a lot of people. But not me. Draco with a confident smile walks off. Draco comes to an empty seat, sitting on the side of the chessboard with white pieces. Each board has a game clock next to it. Someone comes and sits across from him. His first opponent is medium height with a brown complexion and curly black hair. The name tag says, ¡°Greg.¡± Greg: Nice to meet you¡­ He leans over to look at Draco¡¯s name tag. Greg: G¡­T¡­D. Draco: Yeah, what¡¯s up? Denzel lets off a horn, and everyone gets in their seats, across from an opponent. Denzel gets the classic started! He gets hyped!! Denzel: This is Chess! Not checkers!! Go! He fires off a bazooka, starting off the event! Supervisor #1: One loss and you are out of the classic. Ties will be replayed. You can now begin. Greg reaches out his hand to Draco, showing sportsmanship. Greg: Good luck. Draco looks at his hand with a condescending look. Draco: I don¡¯t shake hands. Draco moves his first piece, the pawn one space forward. (1. f3). Greg is taken aback by this move. Greg: (Is he... a novice?) Greg moves his pawn two places forward, trying to take the center. Draco: Ah. Draco makes his moves, as Greg counters, both hitting the clock to put pressure on his opponent, but then Greg looks up and¡­ Draco: Checkmate. Greg (frantic): Wait? What?! Greg freaks out, looking at the board and he has no moves to get out of it. Greg: Oh. Greg looks down in disappointment. Greg: Good game. He puts his hand out again, and Draco does the same look looking down at his hand with a condescending smile. Draco: Ha. Ha. Next. Greg gets up sad, and the supervisor says GTD¡¯s next match is coming up. An old man comes up to Draco and sits down. His name tag says, ¡°Wis¡±. Wis is an older black man with a white beard and a bald head. He smiles at his opponent. Wis: Nice to meet you, young man. Draco: Yeah, yeah. Ready? Wis (happily smiles): You young folks are always in a hurry. Of course, I¡¯m ready. Draco smirks and does the same opening move. (1. f3). Wis is surprised by it. Wis: Wh-What is that move? Draco: *shrugs* I don¡¯t know. Draco is laughing mentally. Wis: Well, alright. Wis moves his knight from behind his pawns and brings it to the front. Draco has a contemptuous smile on. Draco: Bad move, old man. As Draco continues moving his pieces, Wis cannot keep up, and after every few moves, he pauses for a second. Giving Draco move time for an offensive attack. Wis: Ah, it''s coming. Draco moves his next piece, putting Wis in checkmate. Draco: Checkmate. Wis laughs it off, with a delightful smile. Wis: Ah. Good games, young man. Draco nods to him. Wis: I chose this name to spread some wisdom, but it seems I¡¯m out already. Draco: It happens. Wis: Guess it''s time to hang it up. The world is becoming so different, I¡¯m losing so soon. Haha. Wind blows and trees block the sun over Draco as his whole body becomes shrouded in the darkness, an evil synergy pulsates. Draco (evil smile): The world will change with or without you soon, old man. So I suggest being ready. Wis looks at GTD feeling scared. Wis: Wh- Draco: Next. The supervisor comes and gets Wis, helping him out of his seat, then the supervisor tells GTD his next match is coming up. Someone with orange skin comes to the seat, as Draco¡¯s next opponent. Wearing a green sweater. Combed forward blonde hair, his name tag says, ¡°Viva Loca¡±. Viva Loca (cheerful): Good luck, have fun! Draco (disgusted): Whatever. The game starts and ends quickly. Draco checkmated Viva in nine moves. Just laughing to himself. Draco: Haha. Viva Loca¡¯s eyes start going wild, turning red. But then calms down. Viva Loca (merry): Good game! He gets up and walks away with a joyful smile, the supervisor tells Draco his next match is coming up. His next opponent is a young woman, with tan skin, and a slim and curvaceous figure with large breasts. Shades on. Wearing an orange and white dress, a golden necklace draped between her breasts. She has long orange hair and a red flower on her hair on the left side. She also has a beauty mark right below her right eye. Her nails are all painted orange and wearing open-toed shoes, toenails are also painted orange. Her name tag says, ¡°Carina¡±. Carina: Let''s have a good game. ? She says it with a seductive smile. Draco: Wow. You¡¯re beautiful. While Draco is enchanted by her beauty. She smiles and moves her hair back. Carina (smiling): Thanks. Draco comes back to his senses and moves first, doing his usual opening. Carina: Ah¡­ nice move. As she says in her seducing voice. Draco: (...) Carina does the same opening, and Draco counters, and continues making the offensive attack. While Carina is having fun, moving each piece in her merry way. The match comes to an end, with Draco winning in nine moves again. Carina is as elegant as she was before playing. Carina: Ah! Fun games! Draco: I see you enjoyed it. Carina: What, you don¡¯t like winning easily? Draco (smirks): Do I like it? Hahaha. Carina becomes interested. Draco: I like winning any way possible, haha, especially easy. Carina: So you love it? Draco shows a completely calm and cold demeanor. Draco: Love... is illogical. I don¡¯t believe in anything illogical. Carina batted her eyes slowly, coming closer to Draco. Carina (seductive): Love is something everyone craves, sweetheart. ? Carina takes her left hand and starts caressing Draco¡¯s face. Still charmed by her beauty, Carina pulls down her shades, revealing her rainbow-colored eyes. Draco looks into them, getting tempted by her. Draco: (She has the same eyes as Phoenix...) Carina: The Cosmos around you flows nicely. ? Draco: Wha- She takes her right hand and kisses her fingers, then puts them on Draco¡¯s lips. As this happens two bodyguards come by Carina and interrupt. Drinking from his flask. Rick: *Burp* Lady Carina. We have to go if you want to make your appointment. Carina: Ok. Carina puts her shades back on and stands up and one of her bodyguards puts a white fur coat on her. Carina: Have fun, GTD. Draco: Oh, yeah. (Dang, her lips tasted sweet.) She blows a kiss to him. ? Draco grabs it, smiling a bit. Draco: (Damn it! Who was that bodyguard?! He just ruined everything!) Getting interrupted in thought, the supervisor tells Draco his last match is coming up. Draco: Last one? Supervisor #1: You win five in a row, you¡¯re done for the day. Draco: Ah, ok. His last match comes, it''s someone dressed in a buttoned-up shirt, wearing thick glasses, and blowing into a tissue clearing out his nose. His name tag says, ¡°Erika¡±. Draco: Erika? Erika: My mother wanted a girl. Draco: Dang, that sucks. Erika: Who are you telling¡­. Let''s begin. Draco: Ok. Draco does his usual opening, with Erika not responding to it at all and just moving his piece. As Draco moves his pieces, he thinks to himself. Draco: (He didn¡¯t even react to it. He knows what he¡¯s doing somewhat.) Erika seems super focused. Erika looks up at Draco, and all he sees is Draco with a contemptuous look at him. Erika: (What?) Erika sweats a little bit. Erika: (Is he looking down on me?) Draco makes another move putting Erika in check. Erika (in a frenzy): (What the hell?!) Erika tries to move his king piece but only makes it worse. Draco wins the game putting him in checkmate. Draco: Ha. Erika looks down and tears come down his face. Erika: *Sniffle* Good game. Draco: Yeah, whatever. Erika speaks under his breath. Erika: My mother will beat me for this. He continues to tear up, brushing away his tears. Draco begins to stand up. Erika looks up at him, Draco has his contemptuous expressionless look. Draco: What, am I supposed to empathize with you? Draco looks down on Erika, with the cruelest look. Draco: Do better. Draco walks off, Erika looks at him leaving and standing up ready. Erika: (He¡¯s right! I can¡¯t be getting bullied by my mother!) Erika takes off going home, while Draco grabs some juice and regroups with Sof¨ªa and Apocalypse. Sof¨ªa: That was quick. Draco stretching after sitting so long. Draco: Yeah, it was pretty easy. Apocalypse: (Draco! You will not lose here!) Draco: (Yeah, yeah. I know.) They said I¡¯m done for the day, but I¡¯m going to stay here and watch the competition. Sof¨ªa: Oh, ok. I guess I¡¯ll just see you tomorrow. Draco: Wait, where will I stay? Sof¨ªa: Oh, they give all participants room and board. Draco: Oh really. Then I¡¯ll find it when I leave here. Sof¨ªa has happiness on her face. Sof¨ªa: Alright then, see ya! Draco: ¡°See ya?¡± What, are you happy now? Sof¨ªa¡¯s face turns red. Sof¨ªa: Shut up! She takes off running. Draco: Ap, you keeping me company? Apocalypse flying in a circle. Apocalypse: (Of course!) Draco sits on the sidelines, drinking his juice with his arms being held up by the seats behind him while he scopes out the competition. **Meanwhile¡­ In Midas (Wrath and Regulus¡¯ Location.)** Wrath: Ah! The sky is clear today! Perfect for fishing! Regulus: It does look good. Regulus smiles and is happy. Zeus¡¯ sparks start flying, it''s body is getting triggered by a certain presence. Wrath: What is it, Zeus? Wrath looks around and sees five people walking with ponchos, on the back of the ponchos they have a symbol¡­ https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/735555770459881595/769765422698201109/Aragone2.png Wrath¡¯s eyes widen like a wolf that just spotted its prey!! His grin starts baring his fangs!!! Wrath: Nobles!!!! Regulus gets scared. Regulus: Wait, are we going fishing? [Wrath Is On The Hunt! I Thought We Were Going Fishing?!] Mystery 41 Fin Mystery Forty-Two: The Royal Hunt Fallen Stars Mystery Forty-Two The Royal Hunt **In Midas (Wrath and Regulus¡¯s Location.)** Wrath (grins): Nobles!! I gotta kill them! Wrath¡¯s scary grin is back. Regulus (scared): Wait, what?! Wrath throws his bag at Regulus and gets ready to charge in. Regulus: Didn¡¯t they say no fighting here!? Wrath expressing eagerness, ready to pounce! Wrath: So!!! I don¡¯t care! The five people in brown ponchos walking. Harris: Ahhh, dad is going to kill us for being late. Harris has tan skin and wears his poncho fittingly, with his nice shaved cut, mustache, and beard, brown. His light green eyes match the watch on his wrist. His demeanor is worrisome. Richard: I told you not to wake up so late. Richard¡¯s poncho leans a bit, but he wears it right. He¡¯s tan skin, darker brown hair, and light green eyes. His demeanor is all about business. Absolutno: *Yawn* I wonder who woke up late. Absolutno is picking his nose, has his poncho on backward, and has a sloppy demeanor about him. Light green eyes also, dark brown messy hair. Leonardo: Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Anastasia: Shut up! Francesca: You shut up too! The other three siblings start fighting with each other. Richard: Stop it!! Richard stops his little three siblings from fighting. Something comes flying in, with lightning on the back of it!! Landing right in front of them with thunder striking!! Wrath: You¡¯re the Aragone family, aren¡¯t you? Richard (serious tone and face): Who are you? Wrath grins, showing his fangs. Putting electricity on his fingers. Wrath (ecstatic): I¡¯m Wrath! And I¡¯m here to kill all of you! *Bzzt* All the little siblings get frightened, but Absolutno steps forward, comforting and protecting his brothers and sisters. Absolutno: What has my family done to you? Absolutno speaks with bass in his voice. Wrath (evil grin): Nothing at all! All nobles will die unless they follow me! Wrath channels more electricity in his hand and throws it at Absolutno!! Wrath: **Thunderclap** Absolutno braces for putting his palms up and the lightning strikes his palm and is redirected to the left of his family! Crashing into a building! Wrath (mistaken): (Huh?) Absolutno makes sure his siblings are fine, and begins to straighten up his poncho. Regulus hiding behind a wall. Regulus (scared): We¡¯re supposed to be going fishing, Wrath! Wrath (irritated): Later!! Absolutno: We don¡¯t have to do this. Wrath (grins): You might not have to, but I do. Wrath wraps more lightning around his arms. Then Zeus (Wolf form) comes running in biting Richard!! Gnawing through his shoulder!! Richard (excruciating pain): Ah!!!!! Absolutno quickly turns to his brother. Wrath (laughs): Good job, Zeus! Wrath jumps into the sky, holding a lightning bolt, falling he throws it at Absolutno!! All he sees is a flash of lightning coming at him and holds up his hands again! The electricity is redirected again flying into another building! Wrath: (Tck. So he can redirect my lightning.) Absolutno huffing and puffing, his hands burning. He looks around chaotically. He hits himself and appears behind his siblings. Touching them and they disappear too. Wrath: (What the hell??) Absolutno looks at Richard who is still getting chewed by Zeus and raises a hand. Wrath (single sweat): Zeus! Get out of there! Zeus stops biting him and dashes back. Absolutno still touches his brother, making him disappear too. Wrath: The hell is that power? Absolutno, still breathing hard, lifts his hand and is about to touch himself. Wrath yells out, his eyes giving off a daunting look. Wrath (daunting): Yeah, you better run away! Everyone will feel the true terror of the name Wrath!!! Absolutno looking beaten touches himself finally disappearing last. Wrath (mad): Damn it. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Regulus watching from the background runs up to Wrath. Regulus (scared): What was that for? Wrath scratches his head, then Zeus runs over and he scratches Zeus. Wrath (relaxed): Ah. Don¡¯t worry about it. Let¡¯s go fishing. Regulus (shaking): Ok. They move past the event and walk for a few hours, walking by buildings full of all different glorious colors, masks plastered all over, finally making it to the lake Sof¨ªa mentioned. It¡¯s full of clear blue water. A few fishermen are on the coast of the lake, just relaxing, some even sleeping. Wrath (excited): This is amazing! Wrath basks in the glory of the lake! Closing his eyes, soaking it all in. Regulus just looks at Wrath and smiles doing the same as him. Wrath: Now, we need fishing rods and bait. Regulus: Got enough money to buy it? (We could trade this gold in for them.) Wrath (smirks): I¡¯m sure I do, but why buy something when you can get it for free? Wrath looks around for worthy targets to rob. Regulus was terrified of seeing Wrath fighting someone again. Regulus: I can buy it! Wrath: You have money? Regulus: Yeah¡­ I do. [Earlier Today] Draco and Regulus sitting in the hotel. Draco: Regulus. Here¡¯s some money. Use it when Wrath doesn¡¯t want to use his. Draco hands over a few Sols. Regulus: Alright, but why doesn¡¯t he want to buy things? Draco (laughs): Wrath hates using his own money, even when we were kids, he never paid for anything. You have this for backup. I don¡¯t want Wrath causing too big of a scene. Regulus (happy): Ok! [Present] Regulus buys the rods and bait (it was only $1 sol each). Walking with Wrath they find their own space. In the middle of the lake is a statue of an eagle standing on a cactus eating a snake. They cast their rods in and start fishing. Wrath (relaxed): Aaaaaah. **Somewhere in Midas¡­ The Aragone Floating Palace.** The floating palace is all stone with cross symbols covering it, and bats with spirals over them. Absolutno huffing and puffing at the front doors. At the front doors is a symbol of a creature looking like a bat mixed with other things. Richard is crying in pain, his wound still bleeding out. Absolutno (furious): Open up the doors! My brother is injured! The wooden doors slowly open, and guards rush out grabbing Richard and taking him to the infirmary. Absolutno stands there with blood all over him. His other siblings ran to their rooms. Absolutno: Where is my father?! A few servants run in front of him and kneel. Chantico: Your father is in his study, Young Master. Absolutno (heated): Ok! Absolutno touches himself and disappears, and appears in front of his father¡¯s study. Pushing the door open without knocking, busting in. Absolutno: Father! His dad has his chair turned around. He slowly turns around and faces his son. His green eyes have a cold demeanor, they are shaped in the form of crosses. The room has a cold feeling. Crux: Absolutno¡­ How many times do I have to tell you not to use your power in my house? Absolutno (gulps): Sorry! I just had to tell you something! His father turns back around. Crux: What is it? Absolutno (frantic): We were attacked! Crux (calm): Someone attacked the Aragone Family? What, are they crazy? Absolutno: He definitely was, father! His beast injured Richard! He called himself ¡°Wrath¡±! Crux: Wrath, huh? Ok. Crux stands up, showing his brown poncho with cross symbols across it. His hair is dark brown, but he puts on a cowboy hat. Puts his revolvers in his holsters, and is ready to leave. Crux: Get your sacred companion, Absolutno. Absolutno (serious): Yes, sir! Crux: Get Harris too¡­ he isn¡¯t injured. Absolutno: A-Are you sure? Crux: Yes, I¡¯m sure. He has to get stronger somehow. Absolutno: Alright, father! Absolutno touches himself, disappearing again, getting to his brother, while Crux goes to his secret room in his study to retrieve his sacred companion. **Meanwhile¡­ At Lake Gibeon (Wrath and Regulus¡¯s Location.)** Zeus is resting to the side as sparks fly off of it. Regulus (nervous): So¡­ Wrath (irritated): What now? Regulus: Why do you hate nobles? Wrath (intense grin): I don¡¯t ¡°hate¡± nobles. I despise them! I want to be king, so nobles must obey me! Regulus: You didn¡¯t want to try talking it out first? Wrath: No one knows my name yet, so I have to make a name for myself. No one would talk it out with someone saying, ¡°follow me¡± with nothing behind it. Regulus (anxious): I guess that sounds right. Wrath (laughs): Of course it''s right! Regulus: But¡­ Wrath: Hm? Regulus (giggles): You love space, huh? Wrath laughs a bit. Wrath: Yeah, I do love space. The openness, the endless exploring! I love it all! I know Draco doesn''t say he loves stuff, but I know he loves stars. Another reason we bonded. Space and Stars. Name a better combo. Wrath looks up as the sky is clear and he sees into space. Smiling brightly while doing it. Regulus: Haha. I like looking at it too. Regulus starts looking up too. Then a fish is caught on Regulus¡¯s hook. Regulus: Whoa! Wrath (excited): Aye! You got one! Regulus (startled): What do I do?! Wrath: What do you do?! Pull it in!! Regulus grips his fishing rod and pulls as hard as he can and a fish comes flying out of the water! Regulus: Wow!! The giant fish comes flying into the land. It''s rainbow-colored and has long whiskers. Still squirming, flopping around. Wrath: I got it. Wrath takes his hand and shocks the fish a little bit, not too much to burn it. The fish is hit by electricity and becomes energized!! But after a few seconds, it dies off. Wrath (whew): I wonder how much they¡¯re worth. Let¡¯s fish some more and ask later. Regulus (glee): Ok! As the two continue laughing back and forth, fishing for a few more hours catching some smaller fish. They begin to get up. Wrath: You said you wanted to visit something, right? Regulus: Yeah. It''s around here. Wrath: Let''s check the fish first. Walking up to the fish booth where they got their rods, Wrath asks the person in charge of the fish. He first shows him the rainbow fish. Mario: Whoa! This is a Thunderbow. Very exquisite, and a delicacy. Wrath (ecstatic): Aye! Give me the sols for it then! Mario: Sorry, the most I can give you is five sols. These are better alive. Wrath (heated): What the fuck?! Electricity starts buzzing around Wrath. Mario (scared): Sorry! I just know a man who¡¯s looking for these alive! He¡¯s willing to pay a high price too! Wrath: Who is it? Mario: He lives on the far right of Midas, right on the edge. His name is Volta Nusk. If you fish some more, tell him Mario sent you! Wrath: Hmm. Let¡¯s go Regulus. Regulus: Alright. Away from the booth. Wrath: We¡¯re going to do your thing first. Wrath, Zeus, and Regulus are walking around the lake, making it through the stone pathway. After twenty minutes of walking, they make it to a stone temple in a wall. The stone entrance is a face, mean-mugging at its visitors. Wrath: This is the place? Regulus: Yeah. It''s a small cave. Walking in, the cave is very small, only holding a small shrine in it. But with three steps to the top. Regulus walks up to it and kneels before it, praying for a second. Wrath (sickened): (Uhhh.) Regulus gets up and is ready to go, walking out with Wrath. Regulus: I just needed to do that, when my parents and I vacationed here. This is where we visited. Wrath: Welp. Glad you did it then. The sky starts getting cloudy, looking as if rain is about to. Wrath (saddened): Damn it. We can¡¯t fish anymore. **Meanwhile¡­ At The Place, Wrath Fought The Nobles** Calm and cold demeanor from Crux. Crux: It happened here? Absolutno: Yes, sir. Harris (worried): Did I have to come? Crux (calm): Yes, you did. Someone is strolling past them, walking in a red and black costume, with an all-white cape, wearing thick sunglasses, and headphones, smiling and nodding his head. Absolutno: Is that him?! He was wearing a cape! Crux turns to look at him. The tan skin man is just whistling a song, having a cheerful day. Crux: You ran from that? Absolutno: Ok, it''s not him. Lightning starts striking the clouds. Absolutno jumps, getting scared. His father looks at him weirdly. Absolutno (scared): He controlled lightning. Crux: Wait wha- And suddenly lightning strikes in front of them!! Crashing hard!! Crux: ¡­ (This might be a bad sign¡­) Absolutno shivering to the side, with Harris. Crux: If they¡¯re not here, did they say where they were going? Absolutno: I think the kid said they were going fishing¡­ Crux (nodding): Ok, we¡¯re going to Lake Gibeon then. Absolutno and Harris deeply inhale, getting ready for the walk to meet Wrath again. **Meanwhile¡­ Wrath¡¯s and Regulus¡¯s Location** Wrath: C¡¯mon, let''s go see this ¡°Volta¡± guy. Regulus: What about the fish? We don¡¯t have any Thunderbows. Wrath: Ah, it''s whatever, we¡¯ll just make him give us stuff. Wrath laughs as lightning starts sparking around him. Regulus gets scared again. Regulus: I don¡¯t know¡­ In Regulus¡¯s head. ¡°Draco: I don¡¯t want Wrath causing too big of a scene.¡± Regulus snaps out of it. Regulus: Can¡¯t we just fish some more? Wrath looks up, and it starts raining, pouring down hard. Wrath: Welp, we can¡¯t fish now. The two ran into a building with some covering to shield them from the rain. Wrath: He said to the right of Midas, right? Regulus: Yeah¡­ Wrath: Well, that¡¯s where I¡¯m going, you can come or not. As Wrath ran off, running through the rain. Regulus: Ah! I have to stay with him! Regulus runs behind Wrath, following him to Volta¡¯s place. [The Aragone Family Are After Wrath!! But Wrath Goes To See Volta!] Mystery 42 Fin Mystery Forty-Three: Ladies Brunch Fallen Stars Mystery Forty-Three Ladies Brunch **In Kin PikaPika At The Entrance To The Temple of the Sun** Opening up the car doors, out steps Carina. Moving her hair as it flows a bit. Carina: Ah~ Vulpecula, Rosa, and Baidam are waiting for me at the top. Rick belches for a second. Rick: As they always are, ma¡¯am. Carina: Good. I don¡¯t need you all anymore, go home or somewhere else~ Rick and Sanchez: As you wish. She blows a kiss to her bodyguards and turns to go to the stairs. Sanchez¡¯s eyes turn into hearts, as he loves her more and more. Rick: *Burp* Cut that out, weirdo. Elbowing his coworker. Sanchez: Right, my bad. As she steps on the stairs, the bottom of her shoes starts forming sand. Carina (cheerful): To the top~ This will only take a couple of minutes. **At Macchu Ma Picchu** (Vega¡¯s Location.) Surrounded by mountains, and clouds passing by. Vega is still training in his new style. Swinging his sword up and down, going through slashing attack motions. Vega (sweating): *Whew* Muppet: That¡¯s better. Show me something. Vega: What? Muppet: Cut down that tree over there. Muppet points to a tree in the distance. On the hill nearby. Vega: Ok¡­ Vega gauges the distance, looks down, then quickly looks up with a determined face sending out a slash!! While mid-air the slash ignites turning into a fiery attack!! Then it hits the tree cutting it in half, then cutting into the hill a little bit!! Muppet (shocked): (He possesses a crazy amount of physical strength!!) The tree sparks catch on fire. Vega¡¯s forehead starts twitching, he touches it trying to ease it. Muppet: Your forehead always does that? Vega: Only when I start getting serious. Muppet: Do your friends have telltale signs like that? Vega thinks for a second. Vega: ¡­ Muppet: ? Vega: The two friends I told you about do. One of them starts baring his fangs like a wild beast. As Vega says this Wrath appears above him grinning. Vega: The other one¡¯s eyes change into a star¡­ Draco appears above Vega with a smirking look as his eyes are in the form of stars. Draco then starts reaching his hand out. Vega: We call it our ¡°competitive side¡± coming out. Muppet: ¡­ Hm. Vega: Now that I told you something, you tell me why you were so shocked seeing my slash. Muppet: *Ahem* Swordsmen fall under three categories. ¡°Destructive Power¡±, ¡°Refined Skills¡±, and ¡°Aurora Armor.¡± Vega: Aurora Armor? Muppet: It¡¯s when you put your Cosmos and Ability through your blade. Do you think you can just cut through anything and anyone? If their Cosmos is stronger than yours, it won¡¯t faze them at all. Having stronger Aurora Armor, you can cut through anything. Vega suddenly remembers himself not being able to completely cut through Zosma. Vega: Hm. Muppet: But for you, ordinary swordsmen can¡¯t send out flying slashes. Only those who possess great physical strength are led to Destructive Power. Vega: So that¡¯s the one I fall under? Muppet (quick laugh): Ha. No, you fall under all three. Your attack turning into fire is Aurora Armor, sending a flying slash is Destructive Power, and I already confirmed your Refined Skills, though, you can improve. Vega looks at his sword. Vega: All three, huh¡­ Muppet: The only person I know who falls under all three is Sirius. Vega (heated): Sirius...! Muppet: Oh, so you know him. Vega: Every swordsman should know his name. He¡¯s one of my targets. Muppet: Wait, what?! Vega gets intense and interested, he goes back to training his sword. Muppet: You planning on taking out all the Sword Rulers too?! Vega: ¡­ Yeah, I am. Muppet (sweating): (This guy is crazy¡­!!) **In The Mountains** The sand disappears and Carina appears from it. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Carina: Ha~ Just a little more and I¡¯m there. **At Demon Cuisine** (Location Carina Is Headed To.) Vulpecula: Hmmm, where is she? Vulpecula wears sunglasses and a tight black skinsuit having a gold lining, revealing her chest a bit. Having black high-heeled boots that come to her thighs. With her classic long lustrous silver ash-like hair. Baidam (cold eyes): You know she¡¯s always late. Baidam is a slim, white skin, voluptuous woman. White-eyes, with long light blue hair. She¡¯s wearing a white top, with white jean shorts. Having white-heeled stilettos. She has a tattoo on her right hand that is an ¡°S¡± with three lines through it vertically. (An S with three lines through is Sols¡¯ money symbol.) She¡¯s sitting, holding her drink, tapping on the side. Vulpecula: I know¡­ I just wish she wasn¡¯t a few times. Rosa: *sigh* Can¡¯t stop her from being late. *a somber expression covering her face* Rosa is a forest green-skinned and purple/green-haired with leaves sprouting out woman, wearing an outfit made of leaves and petals. She has on a stag ceremonial headwear with fur and antlers reaching high. Dark green eyes, and dirt under her eyes ready for war. She has a large bowie knife on her hip. To everyone, she is so beautiful. On the back of Baidam''s seat, are her chains tied to it. Carina walks right in front of a restaurant in Macchu Ma Picchu. Hidden in the mountains. Walking in, Carina passes by demons of three colors. Red, blue, and green. Making it through the restaurant, she spots her three friends. Carina: Ladies, sorry I¡¯m late. Drinks are on me this time. Baidam: Ugh... Rosa: Yesss! Sitting down, Carina can feel Baidam¡¯s eyes staring at her. A blue demon runs up and gives her a fruity alcoholic drink, and takes off running. Carina: I see you''re still as cold as ever, Baidam. Baidam (crossing her legs): Be on time and I wouldn¡¯t act like this. Carina (smiling): Did you find a man yet? Vulpecula and Rosa chuckle, Baidam spits out her drink, embarrassed by the question. Baidam: Wh-What are you talking about!? Carina: I know you¡¯ve been looking for one, so I¡¯m asking. Baidam is getting stressed, tightening up, and blushing. Baidam: You can¡¯t be so quick to ask questions like that! Carina: You need to loosen up, Baidam. I¡¯ve been with three men and three women just this week. I was just about to do something with a young man at the chess classic, but I forgot about our appointment. Baidam: *Gasp* Six?! This week?! I can¡¯t just do outrageous things like you!! Carina just has a delightful smile. Carina: Outrageous things like me? Bai, didn¡¯t you rob three dudes blind? Make them pay you three million sols each just to take you on a date. Knowing it wouldn¡¯t go anywhere. Baidam (turning red): Tha-That That. I have a reason for that! Carina leaned her face on her fist. Carina (sensual voice): Oh, yeah. What was it? Baidam: I-I had to make sure they were worthy! Carina: *laughs* Ok, sure. I guess that¡¯s what saving yourself for the right man is like. You know you just wanted the money, you¡¯re so greedy. Baidam is embarrassed, blushes, and drinks from her alcoholic drink quickly. Carina sipping. Rosa (sorrowful): I¡¯m jealous of your free spirit, Carina. Carina holds her hand to her face cheerfully smiling. Baidam gets annoyed. Baidam: Anyway, was the young man handsome at least? Carina drinks from her drink, messing with the straw and smirking. Carina: He was. Vulpecula: I met someone charming in Leda too. Vulpecula touched her face, blushing. Carina: Did you really ¡°meet¡± him? Vulpecula: Of course I did! Just thinking about Vega, has Vulpecula touching her breasts. Vulpecula (dizzy, face turning red): (He had the same eyes as the former Empress¡­!!) Carina: Wait, how was your date? Vulpecula: Terrible. She was so weird. She kept pronouncing the silent k in words. Like knowledge and knight. Carina: Fu Fu Fu, what? Vulpecula slumps over. Vulpecula: Yeah, I let her pay and ghosted her. Never online matching again. They all laugh about it. Carina: So, who made it here first? Vulpecula: I did. Baidam: I would¡¯ve been here sooner, but I got held up by a certain someone. Baidam pulls on her chains, pulling a strange man only in his underwear. Baidam: Now apologize to these ladies for making me delayed. Jake: ...Ah¡­ Sorry. Baidam: Shut up! Her eyebrows and breath start turning cold, she takes her hand tugging on the chains around his neck, then the chains start freezing, and white ice dashes to Jake, completely freezing him solid!! Baidam: Ah~ Baidam then tugs the chains some more!! She punches the ice block and it shatters!! His body is completely broken apart! Carina laughs! Carina looks around for a demon, spotting one and seductively signaling one finger to make it come over to her. It runs over stopping right in front of her. Carina (provocative): Would you like me to suck you dry? The red demon starts sweating. Asahi: Yea-Yeah Yeah! Carina (smiles): Ok. Carina takes her hand and places it on its belly. Then sand comes out of her hand, and starts draining him!! Absorbing all his liquids!! The red demon kills over, its body is completely withered. Baidam and Carina both laugh. Baidam: That was great! Carina (sipping her drink): I agree. C¡¯mon, Rosa and Vulpecula. Join in. Rosa: *sipping* Later. Vulpecula: Maybe next time. How¡¯s everything with Dorado? Carina: Thanks for reminding me, I have something to tell him when I get back. A certain boy took my interest. Vulpecula: Oh, the one you mentioned earlier? Carina: Yup. But, I won¡¯t be going back to El Dorado for a few days. I have to check in on the Gold Light District. Baidam: And how¡¯s that going? Carina: Same old, same old. Nothing new. Asselli is still drinking daily, drinking his, if he still has one liver away. Baidam: That drunkard. Need me to stop him? As she wraps her chains around her fingers. Thought of locking him up tightly with her chains. Carina: Why? For the bar I own, he¡¯s the best customer!! Fu Fu ?. I don¡¯t care if he drinks his life away. Baidam: Oh, ok. Carina: *wink* And, he was one of the six. ? Baidam (disgusted): Ew, gross! Carina laughs it off. Vulpecula: Are you any closer to finding the weapon that Dorado is hiding? Carina: Nope. Not close at all. He¡¯s keeping me right at bay, ...but I don¡¯t think the weapon I¡¯m looking for is here. Baidam: You don¡¯t? Carina: Yeah, I don¡¯t think the Pink Aphrodite is in this country. Baidam: Hm. Carina: Still looking for yours, Bai? Baidam: Yep. But now that you say that, I doubt the White Hestia is here either. Both of them become gloomy and start drinking alcohol. Rosa: I¡¯m nowhere close to finding the Green Artemis. Rosa lays her head down, antlers stretching over the table joining in on the gloom. Vulpecula (smiling): I¡¯m sure you all will find them! Let¡¯s toast to getting them! Carina and Baidam (happy): Ok, cheers!! Rosa: Blah... After a few more rounds of endless mimosas, Carina decides it¡¯s time to take off. Carina: Welp, it¡¯s time for me to return to the Gold Light District. Let¡¯s meet up again soon, ladies. ? Wait, do you all want to go there with me? I have something nice planned. Baidam and Rosa: Sure. Vulpecula: Ah, I was planning on getting back home soon. Sorry, but I can¡¯t make it. Carina: That¡¯s fine, we¡¯ll meet again, Vulpecula. They all get up from their seats. Leaving a generous tip, they walk out of the restaurant. Boss Daku: Clean up the mess they left. The little demons: Yes, sir! Boss Daku: *sigh* (I would stop them from coming here, but they pay and tip great, plus I can¡¯t beat them in a fight¡­ Just take the money Daku. Just take the damn money...!!) Walking out of Demon Cuisine. There are three creatures on the left. One is a sand beast, taking the form of a Queen Cobra. Carina (happy): Oh! Risqu¨¦, this is where you¡¯ve been! Risqu¨¦ looks at Carina with an erotic look and begins licking her face. The other creature is a floating ice beast, taking the form of a Great White Shark. Baidam: Seems these two were keeping Risqu¨¦ company. Hello, Vesta. Vesta chomps. And the last one is a plant beast, flowers growing out of it, taking the form of a Stag. Rosa: Sorry for being so long, Orchid. Carina: *hops on Risqu¨¦* Well, let¡¯s go ladies. She took off on her sand beast. Baidam followed behind, standing on her ice beast. Baidam: See ya, Vulpecula. Vulpecula: Yeah, see ya! Rosa: Bye. Vulpecula: Peace! Baidam takes off flying through the air with Vesta. Rosa sits on her plant beast as it prances, hopping, and follows Carina. Vulpecula thinks about where to go. Then she sees a tree on fire in the distance¡­ She decides to investigate it. Making it to the tree, she sees the man she saw in Leda, Vega, still training his sword with Muppet beside him. Vulpecula(turning red): *Huff* (He¡¯s here too?!) *Huff* Huffing and puffing, she hides to not be seen and starts rubbing herself, becoming intoxicated by his sight. A few minutes go by. **In Kin PikaPika The Temple of the Sun** Carina is riding on Risqu¨¦, making it to the base of the temple, Risqu¨¦ continues sliding as fast as possible. Sand is flying past a few citizens and they notice it''s Carina. One is wearing a priest outfit (Scott). Scott: That¡¯s Carina!! Queen of the Gold Light District!! Sam: Carina!! *heart eyes* I want to marry her! Rachel: *heart eyes* Me too!! She overhears everyone yelling and blows a kiss to Scott specifically. ? He gets infuriated! Scott: Whore! Carina is the devil!! All the other citizens are alarmed at what he said. Scott: Listen up everyone!! Don''t be overcome with lust!! It''s the worst sin of them all!! You need an awakening from lust! Lust Awakening! As the priest continues to rant, Carina overlooks it and continues to Cercatore d''oro. Baidam and Rosa follow, both overlooking the incident. [A Few Hours Later] Now being nighttime, Wrath finally makes it to Volta¡¯s house. His house is huge, with crystal and gold colors, surrounded by robotic guard dogs that bark constantly. These dogs have green eyes and enhanced strength and sharper teeth. Regulus is constantly shaking in fear. Wrath: C¡¯mon, stop being scared! Regulus: How do you just stop being scared?? Wrath: Yahaha. Just do it! Regulus: ¡­ Wrath: Ride on Zeus, I can fly over myself. Regulus: O-Ok, bu- Wrath conjures some electricity and throws it behind him, propelling himself into the sky, Regulus is dumbfounded. Regulus: I wanted to know if I would get shocked¡­ Zeus looks at Regulus and licks his cheek. Regulus laughs and hops on Zeus, then Zeus takes off following Wrath. Jumping over all the guard dogs and arriving at Volta¡¯s house with huge doors. Wrath: Now we just need to get in. I can do something. *grins* As Wrath produces some lightning on his hand, the doors suddenly open. Wrath: Huh? [The Doors Just Opened Up?!!!] Mystery 43 Fin Mystery Forty-Four: Men of Means Fallen Stars Mystery Forty-Four Men of Means [Nighttime] Wrath walks into the palace, seeing electronics throughout the house. Regulus shuddered behind Zeus. Wrath: This place isn¡¯t bad. V: I-I sure hope you-you like it. A white male walks out in his expensive light blue blazer, and black pants, standing around 6¡¯, he looks like an average build person. Wrath: And who are you? V: Shouldn¡¯t I-I be asking you-you that? Wrath: (The hell, he keeps repeating himself.) Well. *grins* I''m Wrath!! V looks him up and down, with a judging eye. V: T-to introduce myself. I-I I¡¯m, Vol-Volta. Wrath (snickering): (This is Volta?) Volta notices him snickering, and raises his hands¡­ Regulus starts to get scared. Volta: Al-Alright¡­ I¡¯ll show you¡­. He slaps the floor and it rips apart!! Separating apart, something starts to rise out of the floor. Shaking his whole mansion! Wrath is surprised by this but gets ready. Regulus gets even more frightened. Wrath attempts to do something but the mansion tilts and throws him out of his house, along with Regulus falls with him. Wrath: Damn it. Wrath uses his electricity to catch Regulus, and lands on the ground. Regulus looking behind Wrath has the most terrified look on his face. Wrath turns around to see something standing beside the mansion that opened up. A crystal and gold-colored mech. It has two large cannons on its back!! Inside the mech, Volta is heard over a speaker. Volta: Le-Let¡¯s hear you laugh no-now! Wrath looks up and grins so intensely. Wrath: Yahaha!!!! Regulus looks at him confused. Wrath begins to walk forward. Regulus: (He¡¯s crazy!!!) Wrath! Wait! He starts conjuring electricity around his fingertips. Wrath: Could you shut up for once? Wrath jumps into the sky with his electricity boosting him!! Cocking back his arm with electricity flowing over it. Volta: (He doesn¡¯t feel fear at all. Interesting.) Wrath throws the electricity at the mech!! Volta¡¯s mech starts to move, lifting its arm, and clashing with the electricity!! When it clashes with the mech¡¯s fist it gets redirected and shoots into the sky. Wrath: Not again! Wrath begins to fall to the ground, landing safely. Volta: (Not again?) Wrath starts rubbing his hair, messing it up, becoming visibly frustrated, then yells into the air! Wrath: Can everyone in this country redirect my power?! Volta: (Redirect it?) *Alert* Oh no. I¡¯m low on power. His mech starts to power down. Wrath gets his mind right and goes back in for an attack. Jumping back into the air! Wrath: **Thunderclap** Volta: Don¡¯t fail me, Battle Viper! Wrath conjures up crucial lighting to throw out! They clash again, but Battle Viper overpowers Wrath! Punching him to the ground!! Wrath: Ack! Battle Viper slowly moves over Wrath. While Regulus is beside him. Regulus: Stop! Mario sent us! Volta: (Mario¡­?) Volta starts to remember himself drowning. Volta¡¯s Battle Viper shuts off completely and he hops out of it. Volta: Since you know Mario¡­ I-I guess you¡¯re fine. Wrath (in pain): Ah. Yeah. Volta looks at Wrath and balls up his fist. Volta: Making fun of people¡¯s speech impediments isn¡¯t cool. Wrath looks up at Volta. Wrath: *Tck* Yeah, yeah. I know. Volta visibly shows no expression at his response. Volta: So, what did you want? Wrath: We had some Thunderbows¡­ but *looks at his crushed bag* I guess they don¡¯t matter anymore. Volta: How about helping me out? Wrath: With what? [Minutes later, walking through Volta¡¯s house.] Volta: I have all these inventions, but no power. That¡¯s where you come in, I need you to supercharge my devices. They walk into his mega center. Cords all around the room, all attached to a superpower battery. Droids walking in the background, and drones flying around. Something hides in the back. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Wrath: And what do I gain from this? Volta: Y-You don¡¯t know who I am? I¡¯m Volta Nusk. I invented a few things here and there. Not to brag. [What Wrath doesn¡¯t know is that Volta is an entrepreneur and business magnate. Founder and CEO of ¡°Infinite Space.¡± The company is known to build spaceships to explore space. Also known to build/repair satellites, he amassed a fortune making him a centibillionaire.] The creature continues slipping around the floor, finally being seen by Regulus. Regulus screams out in fear!! Volta: Oh, sorry. That¡¯s my sacred companion, Aaron. A grotesque monster comes into the light from the shadows. Weirdly shaped teeth, drooling on the floor. Grey in color with wild blackish-green hair. **Volta Nusk** Stellar: XX Cosmic Path: Technopathy Sacred Companion: Bugblatter (Futuristic) Epithet: The Most Hated Man Net Worth: Unknown Wrath: So they¡¯re called sacred companions? Volta: Not everyone has an animal, so ¡°companion¡± has been used universally. Wrath (scratches head): Oh yeah. (We did fight Erebus.) Volta: Now, for helping me, I can give you this... [Meanwhile¡­ Gold Light District. Carina¡¯s Cathouse.] The outside neon sign has a cheetah on it, it has an erotic stare as customers walk in. Baidam: *sigh* What were you supposed to be doing here again? Carina: Fu Fu ?. Have fun! That¡¯s what! As she says that, dancers come out, covered in feathers. Especially around the mini skirts. They both look in surprise to see Rosa with them, dancing on stage and enjoying her time. Rosa (excited): Wooo!! After dancing for some time, a man comes up to Carina. Asking to take her somewhere private. Luis: I¡¯ll take you somewhere, where we can talk a bit¡­ Carina looks at him seductively, but then she gets up and walks onto the stage. Twirling around. Carina: I¡¯ll take any man in here, but¡­ they will know, spending the night with me, means they will die tomorrow morning. Who¡¯s up for that offer? A night of heaven. Fu Fu ?. A few guys gulped, thinking about risking it. A servant comes up to Carina, saying, ¡°Lady Carina, we have an... urgent matter outside.¡± Carina: Ugh. Okay. C¡¯mon, Bai. Bai: Why do I have to go? I thought you wanted me to have fun. Carina: Are you? Bai (unamused): I¡¯m not. They take off to go outside, while Rosa sees them leaving and follows. They walk by someone who has his head laid out over the bar, while still trying to drink. The man has long ultraviolet hair, tied into a ponytail. Asselli: One... more... shot, please. Please. The bartender looks worried. ¡°I don¡¯t think I should, you¡¯ve been doing this for five days straight...¡± They make it outside to see the horror in the alleyway. A short white woman, around 5¡¯1 is bending over, stabbing a corpse. The corpse¡¯s throat is already cut. The woman has a timid feeling around her, short turquoise hair, but it''s in a frenzy, with numerous wild strands sticking out. Purple eyes, she''s wearing a short skirt, stockings, and a long sleeve cardigan. Her smile gets wider and wider the more she stabs the woman. Rosa: Oh my¡­ Carina looks at the corpse¡­ Carina: I knew her, she was one of my dancers... Baidam: Do you want me to stop her?? Baidam gets her chains ready. Carina: No! Don¡¯t move¡­ Standing next to the murderous girl, a white man standing 6¡¯3. He¡¯s wearing all black, a black hoodie, and a forward hat that is a mixture of white and black. He¡¯s blowing bubblegum. ??? (vile tone): Do you need to do this now, X? X (blissful tone): Shut up! I¡¯m almost finished, IX! X takes the corpse and continues to cut through the body, creating flaps. Leaving an opening in the arms and stomach. She then begins to mutilate the body. After some time. X (bashful): Okay! Finished! She looks beautiful now! Blood is pouring out, while X is smiling with the most precious expression. Carina whispers to the others. Carina: Don¡¯t make any sudden movements¡­ Both are apart of the asterism: T.T.Y.E.S.T. Especially don¡¯t mess with IX. He can destroy this whole country if he wanted to. IX suddenly tilts his head seeing Carina. The dark alley has him covered in darkness. His spiral eyes gaze upon her. IX: You can relax, Carina. *gum pops* You know the Don made Triton off-limits. Carina: I- Before she could finish, IX appeared in front of her. IX: Sorry, I couldn¡¯t hear you back there. Carina: I was just saying- IX: It''s off-limits¡­ unless something happens¡­ Rosa and Baidam are covered in fear, sweating profusely. Spiral Cosmos(black & white) comes off of IX. IX: Let¡¯s go, X. X, being shy, hides her face from Carina and the others. X: Okay... IX! I really made her look better, huh? IX: Yeah, you did. Amethyst Cosmos comes off of X. Both of them walk away. Rosa and Baidam both fall to the ground. Baidam: How could two people have a presence like that¡­? Rosa: *Huff* Carina: And those are the lowest royals of his crew¡­ IX and X both look around. X is reserved blushing and looking for another target. They continue walking out of the alleyway, and back to the open streets, which are lit up with gold and purple lights. **X** Epithet: The Ripper Asterism: T.T.Y.E.S.T. **IX** Epithet: The Butcher Asterism: T.T.Y.E.S.T. After some time, Carina and her friends gather themselves and go back into the club, making it to Carina¡¯s office. Locking the doors and going through the events in their heads. Carina is sitting down, still thinking about it. Ignoring all problems and ruckus outside. Carina: I have to do it. Rosa and Baidam look at her. Carina: I have to tell Dorado about them being here. He has to stop them from coming here, at least to my district. Bai: Ok, I¡¯ll go with- Carina: You two will stay here. In case they come back to take another girl. Rosa: *gulp* I guess we can try to stop them. Carina: You won¡¯t be able to stop them¡­ Bai: ... [The Next Morning] **In El Dorado (At Bank of Triton)** Inside the bathroom, is a gigantic pool full of heated gold dust. Then suddenly, a tan-skinned man rises from the pool, standing around 6¡¯3 with golden hair. He was very muscular with scars all over his body. He came out with a very serious face and rubs his hands through his hair, fixing it straight. Older man: Hey! What are you doing?? An older gentleman comes into the bathroom. Standing around 6¡¯2. He¡¯s also tan-skinned with golden free-forming locs and wearing a very well-made professional mauve-colored suit. Golden eyes, wearing glasses. Older man: Get out of the dust bath, Dex!! Dex, the very muscular young man becomes sad and gets his towel, walking out of the dust. Dex: Sorry, dad. Elderly man: We¡¯re at work, call me the correct name. Dex: Sorry, Boss Dorado. Dorado then smiles at his son and plays with his hair. Forcing Dex to bend over so his dad can rub it. Dorado: I was only joking! Ha! Let¡¯s go watch some chess! Dex: *sigh* Ok, dad. Dorado is so cheerful, while his son drags along. Making it to his big window that¡¯s above the chess event, Dorado gazes down upon the competition. Behind him is a big board of stock exchanges. All the numbers are in green. Juan: Sir, Dorado. We have some business to attend to. Dorado: Ha, alright. Dorado and Juan go to his office to discuss everything coming up, and he checks in on his stocks. Dorado: *sits in his chair* Did the deal go through yet with Tachyon Tech? Juan scrolled through his touchscreen notepad. Juan: We are still waiting for them to accept our offer, sir. Dorado: Ah, whatever. They¡¯ll come around before they go bankrupt. Juan: They will sir. Dorado: There¡¯s new crypto I want to invest in. It¡¯s called Heart¡¯s Heart. It''s at .0003 right now. Juan: Alright, how much sir? Dorado: ¡­Do a billion. If I lose that, I¡¯ll recoup. Juan: As you wish. Also. Dorado: Hm? Juan: There¡¯s a new trending topic going around. Dorado: What about? Juan: You sir. The topic reads; 100k or Dinner with Dorado? Dorado (bursts): HA.HA.HA. Take the money! Juan: I¡¯ll be sure to leak that message. We have a few more topics. After some time. Dorado makes it back to his window. **Bank of Triton Dorado¡¯s window** Juan: Sir, Lady Carina is here. Dorado: Let her in. Dorado is watching the chess matches at the window with his son. Carina walks in with a stern atmosphere around her. Carina: Dorado, I need your help. We have to stop Perseus¡¯ crew from coming to my district. They continue to murder civilians and my workers. Dorado: Oh, IX and X came back¡­ As Dorado says that, something catches Carina¡¯s eyes. She sees GTD walk to the chessboard. Carina: Oh, I wanted to talk to you about him. Carina points out GTD to Dorado. Dorado: Him? But he looks so innocent. Carina: You know what they say, the innocent-looking ones are always the ones that scheme from the shadows. Dorado sees the Cosmos flowing around Draco as he walks, the Cosmos just following, seeking him. Dorado: ...It''s like the Cosmos just follows him... So, he''s Enlightened. **This is Chess Classic** Draco sits down, waiting on his next opponent when someone finally arrives. A man comes up with a name tag saying ¡°Ra¨²l¡±. He sits down, straightens up his pieces, and asks GTD if he¡¯s ready. Draco: Let¡¯s make this fun. Ra¨²l: ¡­ They both start, with them both going back and forth, but as it heats up, Draco wins. Draco: Hm. Ra¨²l: Good game. Draco: Good game? What was good about it? Ra¨²l ignores him and gets up and walks away. Then, his next opponent comes up. Standing at 6¡¯8, he has brown skin, different from the natives of Triton. Very bulky, having a strong jawline, and black eyes. Two-strand twists. Smoking a cigar. Dressing in fashionable attire consisting of black and red dragon-scaled pants, and a large dark black fur coat. Gloves on. He smirks at Draco, his name tag saying, ¡°Lerna¡±. Something about his presence gives Draco an uneasy feeling. Lerna sits down, getting ready for the match. Lerna (deep voice): Ready to lose? Draco (grins): Yeah, I¡¯ve been waiting on some competition. Hopefully, you can beat me. Dorado up top sees the two about to start their match¡­. Dorado: So, two Enlightens are about to clash? How intriguing... [Huh?! That¡¯s Perseus¡¯ Crew?! What¡¯s An Enlightened?!] Mystery 44 Fin Mystery Forty-Five: Enlightened Fallen Stars Mystery Forty-Five Enlightened Draco gets comfortable in his seat. Lerna: Great weather we¡¯re having, huh? Draco: I guess. Lerna: Can we cut the small? I always hated it. Let¡¯s talk about something interesting during our match¡­ Draco: (You started it¡­) Haha. Yeah, sure. Draco and Lerna get their pieces ready. Both gauging the other. Waiting on Draco to make the first move, he does his usual starter move. Lerna: (...) Lerna connects his hands, putting them under his chin, having a calm demeanor, staring at his pieces. Lerna: Are you sure you want to do that? Draco: I¡¯m sure. Lerna makes his move, moving accordingly to GTD. After exactly thirty seconds go by, Lerna pauses for a second. Lerna: Tell me, GTD. *Moves chess piece* What are your thoughts on killing? Draco: Killing¡­? *Moves chess piece* It''s necessary sometimes. Lerna: Oh, so how do you feel about... genocide? Draco (interesting smirk): I can see genocide working in certain situations. Lerna: Hm. I agree. There¡¯s another pause. Draco: But, since you asked me something, let me ask you. A scenario in a sense. Lerna''s usual calm expression nods. Draco: *Moves chess piece* Say there¡¯s a serial killer. They¡¯re going around on a killing spree. To contain that monster, someone steps up and feeds it, people, guiding others to it. Above Draco is a portrait of a silhouette monster with green terrifying eyes. Draco: Who is truly the evil one? The serial killer, or the person feeding it? The answer can¡¯t be both. Lerna thinks for a second. Lerna: Obviously the serial killer. *Moves chess piece* If they didn¡¯t exist, the person wouldn''t be feeding people to someone at all. Draco: That¡¯s what I said! But my friends didn¡¯t agree. Lerna: Your friends aren¡¯t thinking logically. Draco: Finally someone understands. *Moves chess piece* Lerna: *Moves chess piece* We can end this here, right? Draco: Yeah, it¡¯ll end in a tie. Draco and Lerna clear the board to reset it. Starting again. Lerna comes with questions again while the two play. Lerna: What about an afterlife? *Moves chess piece* Believe in that? Draco: You would have to, wouldn¡¯t you? (Especially after meeting M.) *Moves chess piece* Lerna: I know a few people who believe when you die everything goes black, and there¡¯s nothing else for you. Draco: That¡¯s what they believe then. Lerna: What about God? Believe in it? Draco (smiles): *Moves chess piece* I would have to believe in God. But not in the way you think. Lerna: Which way? Draco: I believe in God. Because I¡¯m the one, true God. I have to believe. Lerna: God of what? *Moves chess piece* Every God has something they govern. Draco: Don¡¯t worry about that. Lerna: Hm. Another tie. The game ends in a tie again. They reset. **Dorado¡¯s Window** Dorado: Seems no one is getting anywhere. Dex balled up his fist. Dex: Dad! What¡¯s an Enlightened?! Dorado: Oh yeah, that¡¯s right. You can¡¯t see it. Hmm. Cosmos is the origin of Dark Energy and Dark Matter. They formed from it. Enlightened ones are mysterious, they have a special relationship with Cosmos because they were ¡°born¡± in it. Portraits of Draco, Lerna, Vega, and Wrath are overhead. Dorado: Engulfed in the darkness. And Cosmos is attached to them since birth. Dex: ¡­*tears up* Why didn¡¯t you name me after a star?! Dorado: ...Dex. All stars are evil. You probably wouldn¡¯t agree with me. But I didn¡¯t want you to be evil... Dorado wraps his arm around his son, as he cries. Back to the chess match, GTD vs Lerna is halfway through the current match. Draco: What about basketball? Watch it? Lerna: Yeah, of course. *Moves chess piece* Draco: Favorite player? *Moves chess piece* Lerna: Jordanus. Easy choice. Draco (stunned): Mine too! Lerna: It seems we agree on a lot of things¡­ Draco: Reset? Lerna: Yep. Three resets. This is closer than I thought. Draco: Yeah. I haven¡¯t reset with anyone this much before. Lerna: Time for me to get serious. [For an instant. Draco saw Lerna¡¯s eyes change, a quick glimpse of them changing into the form of a star¡­ But they reverted.] Lerna laughs a bit. Lerna; Let¡¯s end this. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Draco (grins, getting serious): Yeah. This game will be our final one. [In this instance. Lerna saw Draco¡¯s eyes change. Changing exactly like his, turning into a star¡­. But reverting.] Lerna: (I thought he was from the same clan. I knew it.) Draco does his usual opening, Lerna following him up, and the two clash back and forth, taking the opponent¡¯s pieces as they go. **Dorado¡¯s Window** Dorado watches the whole clash, seeing Azure Blue Cosmos coming from Draco, while Royal Purple Cosmos comes from Lerna. Dorado: This is a good one. The game comes close to an end. One making the final move¡­!! Draco: And¡­ checkmate!! Lerna: Ah. Draco: You actually brought my real spirits out. You were useful. Lerna: So what, you were only using me? Draco: If you can¡¯t be used, you¡¯re not useful. Lerna: *smirks* Cheeky bastard. Lerna starts to fix his coat, getting ready to get up, but he has one final question... Lerna: Do you know about the ¡°Star of Evil¡±? Draco: ¡­!! Lerna: By that reaction, you do. Lerna stands up, Draco looking up at him. Draco feels a heavy weight on him like pressure is weighing him down. Draco: (...!!) Lerna: Good game, GTD. You win this one. But I¡¯ll see you again, descendant of Draco... As Lerna leaves, the pressure leaves. Dorado: Whew. I didn¡¯t want a fight to break out here. Dex looks at his dad and sees him smiling, going against what he just said. Dorado: Dex. Everywhere an Enlightened goes, a great revolution follows. I wonder what both of them have in store for us. Dex: ... **Floor** Draco: (Descendant of Draco¡­ Star of Evil¡­) Man. He was my best competitor so far. A supervisor comes up to Draco and tells him the next four are coming. As they do, Draco breezes through all of them, ending his day. Draco: *sigh* I guess my competition won''t get tough till the end. Over the next two weeks, we see Draco beating everyone in chess. Breezing through the competition. Vega is still training on the mountain top, Muppet nearby still pressuring him with Vulpecula stalking him. And Wrath supercharging Volta¡¯s giga battery and technology. Aaron has Regulus submerged in his body. Volta pesters Wrath while he¡¯s charging the battery. Volta: I¡¯m thinking about buying this social media app, think I should? Wrath lifts his goggles. Wrath: ¡­What? Going through the competition, one of Draco¡¯s battles is Fausto. Who he completely beats firmly. But upon getting up. The boy with wild hair mouths something to Fausto, and it catches his ear. Fausto sees his star eyes. His next battle, the semi-finals, was against Messia. He beats him the same, so much it hurts his pride. But again, the boy with wild hair mouths something to Messia. It gets him to look up at the boy who has the shining sun behind him, and he¡¯s only able to see his smile. And now, the finals are here. Draco vs Chad. The two of them are on stage. Denzel: THE FINALS ARE HERE!!! Reigning champion, Chad!! The crowd goes crazy for Chad, ladies love him. He waves to them all smiling. Denzel: And the newcomer, GTD!!! The crowd is kinda quiet. No one knows who he is. GTD stands there quietly. Chad: (GTD?) Denzel: Well. Alright, shake hands, and let''s get started!! Chad turns to his opponent, but GTD waves it off and goes to sit down. Chad: (Not shaking hands? Alright.) They both sit, and the finals begin. GTD has the first move. Chad: (I haven¡¯t been watching his game. I wonder how he plays.) As he says this, Chad turns all his pieces a certain way. Chad: (Let¡¯s get started.) Denzel: This is chess, not checkers!!! Begin! GTD makes the first move. Doing his usual opening. Chad: (The Kelp Opening???) Chad pauses for a moment, it becomes around thirty seconds. He starts sweating. Chad: Are you- Draco: C¡¯mon. There¡¯s no time to talk. Chad returns to focusing, takes out a handkerchief, and wipes his sweat. Chad: (I can beat him this time. I know I can.) Chad starts with a strong opening, and Draco responds. The two go back and forth not even listening to Denzel commentating. Denzel: We have a real fight going on!! Ok people, that move, has Chad thinking of what to do next. GTD has him on the ropes!! Chad pauses for a second and grabs his water bottle to drink. He continues thinking and moves ahead, trying to trip up GTD. Moving some pieces back, to gain a numbers advantage. But from Denzel¡¯s perspective, Chad is losing. Denzel: (What is Chad doing? He¡¯s stumbling. Is Chad going to lose? But he¡¯s the best of this generation.) This one is an absolute heater! What a match! In the second. GTD says checkmate. Denzel comes over and stares at the board. Denzel: Chad¡­ lost? The crowd is stunned. Denzel: Yeah. He lost. The new champion of This Chess classic is GTD. Draco smiles it off and begins to get up. Chad: Wait! Slamming his hand on the board. Chad: I want a rematch! All or nothing!! Draco: What do I gain from playing again? Beating you twice? Chad: I¡¯m willing to bet my life¡¯s fortune. Three-point two million sols!! Denzel: Ohhhh. This is against the rules, but I¡¯ll allow it!! The crowd gets hyped. Some people in the crowd are talking saying ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought Chad had such weak pride.¡± ¡°What a sore loser.¡± Denzel: Will GTD, the champion, turn down this offer?! Draco (smiles): (Bet¡­) Sure. Denzel: It''s on!!! Round two!! The board is set back up. And the two are ready to go again. GTD starts by doing his usual move. Chad: (Yeah. This is him. This is DTG.) They go back and forth for about six minutes. It ends in almost the same fashion. Draco beats Chad for the final time. Chad balled up his fist, pissed off. But musters up enough sportsmanship to say... Chad: Good game. Draco, who¡¯s standing up now, looks down at Chad. Draco: Ha. Ha. Chad: !!! Denzel: And with that! We crown our new champion!! GTD!! The crowd claps it up, but not as loud as it was for Chad. But Chad is sulking in his seat. [Years Ago.] Angelo: And that¡¯s it! Our new champion is Chad!! Defeating his opponent, Denzel! Chad: Good game, Denzel. Denzel (laughs): Yeah. Good game. Chad gets up, being crowned the new champion. Denzel: This is your first time as a champion. Better enjoy it. After the day, he goes home really late at night, around three am. Getting on his computer. Ready to continue playing chess even after winning. Got online, and booted up his account on FDIE. Name; ChadTheMagnus1 Rank: 2534. Chad: Let¡¯s get a few matches in before I go to sleep. *Search for opponent* Wonder how long this will- *Match found* Huh? Already? *Loading in an opponent. Name DTG. Rank: 2666.* Chad: DTG¡­? I never played with him before. And he¡¯s already above me in rank? *Starting match* Chad gets a little excited. He starts the match and DTG goes first. Moving his piece. 1. F3. Chad: What? Doesn¡¯t he know the Kelp Opening is the worst move in the game? How is he so highly ranked? Minutes go by and Chad loses to DTG. Chad (confused): Huh???! Nah, we have to play again. *Goes to type in the chat* I¡¯ll just say gg, wanna rematch. *Types GG* DTG responds before Chad can type again and says ¡®Ha Ha¡¯ and leaves the chat. Chad becomes pissed. Chad: Who does he think he is?! Chad leaves the chat and begins searching for another opponent. Chad: He ran from me anyway. I bet I beat him next t- *Match Found* Ok. *Loading in an opponent. Name DTG. Rank: 2688.* Chad: It''s him again! *throws everything off his desk but his laptop* Time to focus. DTG does the same opening, and the same result happens. He beats Chad. Chad: Fuck! No gg, I¡¯ll just say rematch. Chad goes to type but before he could, DTG types ¡®Ha Ha¡¯ and leaves again. Chad: Why do you keep running!!! Chad, furious, goes to search for another opponent. Chad: C¡¯mon DTG, let¡¯s go again. I¡¯ll beat you this time!! After ten minutes of searching. *Match Found* *Loading in an opponent. Name CJFSA. Rank: 2200.* Chad: Damnit! Where is DTG?! Chad spends the whole night looking for DTG, but never finds him. Going through the motions, every night he plays late at night around the same time, looking for DTG. Weeks go by, then months. Never found him again. But always when Chad checks the leaderboard. DTG has the highest rank, and Chad is in second. Chad: I¡¯m getting no points from beating these low levels. Where is everyone? At the end of two months, Chad is playing again, ready to call it a night on his last match. *Match Found* Chad: Ugh. Let¡¯s get this over with. *Loading in an opponent. Name DTG. Rank: 2875.* Chad (eyes widen): It¡¯s game time!! [Minutes Later] Chad: FUCK!!! You aren¡¯t running from me now! The Chat ChadTheMagnus1: Don¡¯t run now! ChadTheMagnus1: Let¡¯s rematch it! ChadTheMagnus1: Punk! You little punk! Don¡¯t run from the grind! ChadTheMagnus1: Oh, too scared to talk?! You wimp! ChadTheMagnus1: Where did you go? Did you go missing to hide from me? ChadTheMagnus1: Did you leave yet? Quit running! After Chad takes a breath. Exactly one minute passes by. Chad: I need to calm down. What¡¯s wrong with me? He hasn¡¯t left yet. ChadTheMagnus1: GG. DTG: Ha Ha. DTG has left the chat Chad smashes his keyboard. Over the years they never faced each other again. DTG never came to chess events, especially not ¡°This is Chess.¡± The tournament Chad won four years in a row. Chad ran into a lot of fakes that tried using DTG¡¯s opening move, or better yet Kelp¡¯s opening. But they all crumbled once they realized it was the worst opening move in the game. Chad continued to check on him, and he remains at the top of the FDIE rankings. [Present] [Chad: After every game, I lost to him, I never beat him. And every time I would say ''gg'', he would always respond ''Ha Ha'' it infuriated me, and I became hostile to those around me. I hated everything and the only thing I wanted was to beat him and finally respond with ''Ha Ha''. Just one time, that''s all I ever wanted¡­] Denzel: We crown our new champion!! GTD!! Draco: So how will I get that three million? Chad (defeated): I¡¯ll just transfer it. Where¡¯s your bank card? Draco: Bankcard¡­? The big window opens up, and Dorado steps forward. Dorado: Don¡¯t worry about that! I¡¯ll set it up for you! New champion. Draco: And you are- Denzel: Ah! The president came to meet the new champion so fast! President Dorado! The crowd cheers, while President Dorado is all smiles. Draco: (Dorado¡­) So that¡¯s the president. [Wrath¡¯s Location.] A flying car drives by, at a crazy fast speed!! Looking at the person driving, it turns out to be Wrath! Regulus is in the passenger seat fearing for his life, Zeus (dog form) has its head hanging out the back seat, tongue flapping in the air. A drone is attached to the flying car. Wrath: Who would¡¯ve thought Volta would offer me a flying car!! Regulus(sweating): Yeah¡­ H2K0: Master Volta *beep* is a very generous man. They blitz by buildings and Wrath''s electricity sparks all over the car. Wrath: And to think it''s electric powered. H2K0: He¡¯s a very *beep* electric-based person. While driving Wrath notices something, a few people walking¡­ he lifts his goggles, finally getting hyped! Wrath: Let¡¯s go! Lowering his goggles and presses down the gas pedal at full speed!! Getting close, he hops out of the car grabs Regulus, and tosses him to Zeus. Wrath: Yahaha! Just what I wanted from a car! Regulus: What?! You only wanted a car to crash it?! H2K0: W- *beep* The car landed in front of a few people, exploding on impact!! Causing a large explosion! Crux: He¡¯s here. Wrath comes flying down, *Bzzt* landing and touching the ground, cape draped. Wrath: *Bzzt* So you came back for more?!! Absolutno: This is him. [Wrath Vs The Nobles!! Again?!] Mystery 45 Fin Mystery Forty-Six: The Royal Hunt 2: Electric Boogaloo Fallen Stars Mystery Forty-Six The Royal Hunt 2: Electric Boogaloo Wrath begins forming electricity on his fingers. Crux: (So he does control lightning¡­) While Wrath is conjuring lighting, Crux reaches into his pouch, gets to his bank card, and reaches into it. Letting something spawn out. Out comes a humanoid, tall bat, with black fur, long fangs, huge eyes, and a very frightening face. Wrath immediately recognizes it. Wrath: (That¡¯s a Camazotz. He should be forbidden.) Absolutno sees what his father did, and does the same. Out of his comes a turquoise double-headed serpent. (a head on its tail) Wrath recognizes this too. Wrath: (A double-headed snake¡­ So folklore.) Regulus, you might want to hide for a bit. Regulus: A-Alright. Regulus takes off, while Zeus starts to get ready. Wrath notices the third person hasn¡¯t pulled out a sacred companion yet. Wrath: (So he doesn¡¯t have power, he¡¯s the weak link.) Wrath dashes in, aiming for Harris, but Absolunto quickly touches Harris and himself, disappearing elsewhere. All while Crux aims his revolvers, knowing Wrath would go after the weak one. *Bang* out come two large wooden crosses! Wrath: Huh? Wrath jumps out of the way and dodges them. But Crux is across from him, aiming to his next location, firing off more crosses. Wrath seeing them coming nearly dodges them. But Crux¡¯s companion comes and bites Wrath¡¯s arm, struggling, Wrath lets out a burst of electricity and shocks the bat. Wrath lands, checking his arm and the bite is seeping into his arm. Wrath looks to Crux, and he¡¯s already firing more crosses at him. Wrath: (Damn, he¡¯s serious.) *grins* I¡¯m glad you¡¯re taking this seriously. *continues dodging* Crux: The sins you have committed won''t be forgiven. Wrath thinks in his head intensely, the memory infuriates him. Wrath: (Sins??) *shakes head* (I can¡¯t think about that now!) Absolutno flashes in and punches Wrath as hard as he can! Then flashes away again. Wrath: (Fuck. Dealing with that is going to be painful.) Wrath gathers himself, and lands. He closes his eyes and thinks. Wrath: (Zeus. I need you constantly attacking that one without powers. I have an idea.) Zeus: (On it.) Zeus running on all fours starts targeting Harris. Crux: (...) *continues firing* Wrath takes off, dashing towards Crux. Wrath: You have those pistols for a reason, you can¡¯t fight hand-to-hand. Upon getting close, Absolutno flashes before him, knowing this, Wrath turns his body and throws lighting, dashing towards Harris!! Absolutno: (Shit!) *disappears* Wrath: Knew it. Wrath gets close to Crux, blocking both his guns from firing, and is about to hit him, but Crux headbutts him! Knocking Wrath back! Crux: I choose to use these weapons, miscreant. *fires more* Wrath: *dodging* Miscreant? You have to watch your mouth, dress-up cowboy. Crux stops for a second. Crux: What did you call me? Wrath: Oh my bad¡­ I meant to say *smirks* yellow belly. Crux touches the side of both guns, with his same cold demeanor, aims them again. But this time they rapidly fire off crosses!! Shooting multiple at a time! Wrath Shit! Wrath is running around jumping, trying his best to dodge the onslaught. Wrath: (Yahaha, I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d get that mad.) A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Wrath comes to a stop, electricity starts surging around him. Wrath: Time to get serious. **Meanwhile¡­ Draco¡¯s Location** Having to wait on Dorado to finish up Draco is sitting down inside a cathedral. Looking up at the stained glass, clouded skies, baby angels flocking, and a portrait of someone with light shining behind them, unable to make out their face. Apocalypse is circling Draco in the air. Draco has an intense menacing expression. Draco: You weren¡¯t it. A woman walks into the church, standing next to him in a pew, Apocalypse focuses. Lich: You k-now, it''s not a good thing to have your companion out in the open like that, right? It leaves no surprise for your enemies. Draco continues looking up, then slowly looks down. Draco: Wait, did you just pronounce the ¡°k¡± in know? Haha. You¡¯re interesting. Lich: No, I did not. Draco stands. Draco: Haha. You definitely did. So I should hide my creature? Lich: Yes. It''s all about catching your opponents off guard, and going into a fight, if they know what boost you have they''ll plan around it. Draco: So how do I hide it? Lich raises an eyebrow. Lich: You don''t have a bank card? Draco: You know, you''re the second person to ask me that. President Dorado said he''d help me out with it when he''s done. Lich: Hm. He is the best for that. Surprised you made it this far without one. Draco: I had a few friends helping me out. Lich: In this little conversation you''ve revealed your companion and having allies with you. Do I not concern you? Draco: Haha, well, yeah you do. But if you were going to attack me you wouldn''t be calm like you are. I have this certain feeling you didn''t come to fight, but to see something about me. Lich: (Certain feeling?) Hmm. Well- And the church doors blast open! The doors blew past them! Both Draco and Lich turn to look. Draco and Lich: ¡­? A strange person walks in, wearing an all-white cloth and armor. Chain metal armor covers its face and shoulders. A blue moon crest on the chest. Colt: What indecency are you performing in the holy cathedral?! Stop it, in the name of the Lord! Lich: Tck. It''s a Kovenant k-night. Draco: Haha. K-night. The knight leaped at Draco with a strong slice with its sword. Colt: I said stop it, heathen! Draco pulls out his sword and clashes with the knight. Draco: You''ve done more damage to this church than me. Draco heats his sword with his starlight to cut the knight down! But an explosion happens!! Its armor reacted and combusted, making Draco flip back. The blast opened a hole in the painted glasses and Draco stands in it. Draco: (Why did its armor react like that?) Colt''s helmet armor is destroyed, revealing its mutated face. Colt just screams!! Colt: Ahhhh!!! Draco summons a sun to put the knight out of its misery but the mutated being starts having a strange reaction to the sun, growing in power. But Lich comes over with her heels and stomps on its head! Squishing it in the process, purple blood squirts out! Draco gets excited seeing her. Draco: (Haha, she''s awesome.) Lich looks at the knight making sure it''s dead and touches its armor with a pink aurora around her hand. The knight¡¯s flesh starts melting only leaving a skeleton in armor behind and it rises from the ground. Standing tall a portal opens beneath it and it slowly goes down. Lich wipes her hands. Draco: Haha! You¡¯re such a ¡°savage!¡± I don''t know your name, but would you like to join me?! Lich looks up to Draco, who has the sunlight shining behind his head, only seeing his smile. Lich (concerned): (The light... but "savage", he''s acting like it''s good...) Draco jumps down from the glass. Lich: Hmph. I don¡¯t usually work with men. Draco: Ah. So that¡¯s a no? Lich: ¡­Sure. I¡¯ll join you. Draco (ecstatic): Yes!! What¡¯s your name? Lich: Call me, Lich. Draco: Hmm¡­ Lich? That¡¯s not your real name though. But it¡¯s okay, you can keep it hidden. One of my friends here is doing the same thing. But, Lich¡­ Lich: ¡­? Draco: You won¡¯t betray me, right? Draco¡¯s eyes change into stars, giving off an intimidating presence. For a second, Lich was about to waver, but Lich stood firm, not moving. Lich: No. As long as you don¡¯t interfere with me getting the Key of Life back, I won''t. Then we¡¯re on the same page. Draco: (Key of life?) I honestly don¡¯t know what that is, but I won¡¯t get in your way. Lich: Then we have a deal. Draco reaches out his hand, smiling, as usual, Lich reaches her hand slowly. They both shake on it but Draco¡¯s smile grows bright in Lich¡¯s face. But she doesn''t get stunned, keeping it in order. Lich: So, what¡¯s your Asterism called? Draco: Asterism? [Wrath¡¯s Location.] Dust settles, in the fight area. Wrath is seen huffing and puffing, a few cuts, but barely any serious ones but they start healing. *Bzzt* The area is clear now, seeing three large crosses. Crux, Absolunto, and Harris are nailed to the crosses!! They all are knocked out! Both Crux¡¯s and Absolunto¡¯s creatures are paralyzed, and unresponsive! Wrath: Yahaha! I guess you nobles aren¡¯t so bad for a test run. Wrath surges three lines of electricity around three fingers and does a slight motion. Slitting the three on the crosses'' necks!! Killing them!! **Wrath** Elitist Kill Count: 3 Wrath: YES! TAKE THAT VEGA AND DRACO! I¡¯M FINALLY ON THE SCOREBOARD!! Their corpses hang, lifeless. Blood pours out from their necks and their companions begin to disintegrate away. Wrath laughs in front of the bodies, *Bzzt* and Regulus¡¯ body shivers and he fidgets with his nails. Electricity surges around Wrath. Wrath: I feel like I got a little stronger. His electricity goes out, he falls on his back tired. Wrath: Whew. I should rest a bit before we move again. Zeus walks and rests beside him, while Regulus is still frightened and looking around. Wrath falls asleep quickly. **A Few Hours Later** Getting dark outside, Wrath wakes up. Regulus who was nodding to sleep also woke up. Wrath stretches. Wrath: AHHHH!! Zeus snaps awake and is hyper. Wrath: Alright, let¡¯s go find Draco. Regulus: Ok. Wrath, Zeus, and Regulus all start walking, following where they came from to get back to the train. **After a few minutes** An unusual sight is before them, a knight soaked in red bloodstained armor walking by, from head to toe, his face is hidden behind a certain armor mask, only sees bloodshot eyes. Strutting beside the armored knight is a blood beast, taking the form of a vicious Manticore*, painting the walkway, leaving a trail of blood as it drips from its body and mouth. AN* The knight¡¯s manticore form has the head and body of a lion, a scorpion tail, porcupine quills around its body, and the wings of a dragon. It''s very ferocious and stalks prey often. The knight¡¯s creature is all blood. Wrath: (A manticore...) Not to do anything, Wrath, and Regulus just casually walk by the knight. Neither Wrath nor the knight says anything. Zeus and the blood beast face forward and don¡¯t interact with each other at all. They walk past the other, no harm done. But in a split second, Zeus gets the jitters, and the blood beast has the same reaction! ¡°??!!¡± The knight quickly turns around and throws out a deadly attack!! DOOM: **DOOM Style - Impending DOOM** A very powerful slash of blood comes at Wrath!! Wrath quickly throws out a powerful attack to counter!! Wrath: **Thunderbolt** A strong-blue thunderbolt surges out and clashes with the blood slash! A colossal commotion ensues! It appears even, but Wrath feels pain on the right side of his stomach. He holds his side, firmly closing his eyes in pain. Wrath: (What the hell? It pierced through my attack?) He has a cut and his stomach is bleeding. The blood and lightning attacks settle the area. DOOM is flicking his blade, walking towards Wrath, having an unrelenting violent aura around him. Wrath grips his side. Wrath: (Doom style? Why did he yell that out?) Wrath grins, baring his fangs. DOOM: ALL CAPS WHEN YOU SPELL THE MAN¡¯S NAME! Wrath: Huh??? As he raises his sword for another attack!! [Lich Joins?! Wrath Gets Some Kills! But The Hunter Has Become The Prey!] Mystery 46 Fin Mystery Forty-Seven: Fate Worse Than Death Fallen Stars Mystery Forty-Seven Fate Worse Than Death DOOM sends out another fearsome slash! DOOM: **DOOM Style - ForeDOOM** DOOM sends out a technique that appears to be an incredibly destructive downward slash. Waves of blood follow! Wrath: (Shit!) Wrath tries jumping out of the way but is still cut by the attack, piercing through the side of his leg! Wrath: (Fuck!!) After the attack finishes, DOOM has a calm but strong tone. DOOM: There is no "dodging" my sword techniques. Wrath: (Unavoidable attacks¡­?) Wrath''s stomach and leg heal slowly. Wrath: Let me introduce myself. I- DOOM: Don''t introduce yourself. I don''t care. DOOM lines up for another attack, this time he takes an en-garde stance, aiming for a piercing straight-line attack. DOOM: **DOOM Style - Crack of DOOM** Wrath: Hey asshole!! A high-powered stream of crimson blood attacks Wrath! Wrath: **Ball Lightning** Wrath conjures a blue luminous sphere and sends it out! *Bzzt* Clashing with the stream of crimson blood! Blood splatters and thunder rumbles!! Both attacks settle after the clash, but Wrath''s ball lightning remains. The ball lightning hops around as if it''s uncontrollable and dashes in attacking DOOM again! DOOM quickly slashes it in half and the split ball flies behind him. Half of it fades away, but the other half turns around and shocks him anyway!! Then flutters out. DOOM: What the¡­ Wrath wipes his stomach after it heals up. Wrath: Yahaha. My lightning just doesn''t die off like your blood. Blood spurts from DOOM''s left leg profusely. Wrath: (He''s bleeding alot and only half my attack hit him¡­) DOOM: If fate wanted me to get attacked, then it was supposed to happen. Wrath becomes boiling mad. Wrath: Fate?! Fuck fate! DOOM: ? Wrath: If I want to attack you and kill you, it''s not because of fate! It''s because I wanted to!! DOOM: ¡­You will not kill me, because fate won''t allow me to die to you. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Wrath: *grins* If I want to kill you, I''ll do it. In the background, Zeus and DOOM''s companion are flying around, attacking each other on and off, but mostly patrolling the skies watching the battle. DOOM is silent, the aurora around him gives off a bloodlusted mood. He raised his blade again. Wrath instincts go off. Wrath: (Tck.) Wrath quickly shifted his voltage system to 300k. *Crackle* Wrath: **Cadmus Crash** Wrath forms multiple branches of lightning, stretching out to attack DOOM!! *Crackle* DOOM: **DOOM Style - Impending DOOM** DOOM''s attack is straight-line, then splits apart appearing as veins in the body! Each branch/vein connects and clashes!! But DOOM''s vein attack outpowers Wrath''s, making Wrath run and jump around trying to dodge it. But he is still getting his body/legs slashed!! Wrath notices. Wrath: (He''s right, I can''t avoid these attacks, my attacks just have to be stronger than his!) Regulus watching from a distance is worrisome and panicking. Wrath blitzes into DOOM, getting closer, supercharging himself!! Wrath: **Direct Current** Wrath rushes DOOM with a storm of attacks!! Wild electricity flows off of Wrath and attacks DOOM! Wrath gets closer with his punches and kicks! But DOOM musters up his techniques, not letting Wrath near him!! And sends out his flurry of attacks!! DOOM: **DOOM Style - Inevitable DOOM** DOOM''s attack frenzy overpowers Wrath''s, and Wrath is forced to take on a great amount of damage in his escape. Wrath: (Tck. I can¡¯t get close to him, his attacks are even greater at close range¡­) DOOM''s blood beast postures to dive in, but he wards it off with an intense aura. DOOM: Don''t interfere, Moros*. AN* Moros is the Greek personified spirit of impending doom. Wrath: Hm mh. You have to command your companion. Mine knows not to interrupt me. DOOM: ¡­ Wrath: What a poorly trained lil capillary. DOOM: ?! DOOM tilts his head and his bloodshot eyes give a fearsome presence. DOOM: You will meet a fate worse than death¡­ The ground leaks blood. Wrath: YAHAHA. I''m sure! Blood spurts from the ground! Creating a rapid spinning vortex. Wrath: Ugh, of course, I run into someone using blood. DOOM: What, afraid of a little blood? Wrath: I''m not afraid! I just hate seeing it! DOOM: Enough. The blood splashes together creating a tidal wave! DOOM: **DOOM Style - DOOM Merchant** The tsunami of blood targets Wrath!! Crashing deadly waves! Wrath: Shit! Do you have to always yell out your style and the attack name?! Wrath conjures a high-voltage grid! Wrath: **Bay Banjo Box** The banjo box forms boxes in the tidal waves. Vaporizing some areas in the wave. Wrath jumps through one of the openings, but is met with a powerful stream of blood!! Slicing his left arm!! Wrath: Awk! DOOM: Why would I let you through so easily? Wrath holding his arm, lets it go and holds up his right arm. Sending out a pure highly concentrated critical beam of electricity, shooting faster than all his other attacks!! Wrath: **Bolt Beam** It torpedoes past DOOM before he could even react!! It chips his right shoulder armor, and the electricity seeps in, spreads, and shocks his entire body!! DOOM: AHHHHHH!!! DOOM loses more blood than from the ball lightning attack. He''s in severe pain, coughing with an agonizing burn. Wrath: *Huff* (A glass cannon¡­ this will be fun¡­) DOOM regains, and he calms down, gripping his sword. DOOM: Sorry about that. You won''t be hearing that from me again. DOOM readies. DOOM: **DOOM Style - LONG LIVE DOOM** DOOM sends out multiple streams of blood, attacking Wrath from all angles!! Wrath: (I can''t move. I''m done here) The blood comes in hitting Wrath!! Slicing all the tendons in his right arm and legs!! Knocking him up and throwing him down! After the attack subdues¡­ DOOM: I told you, you can''t dodge my attacks. This was over from the beginning. Wrath lies out, blood flowing from his body. Wrath: *Huff* (That attack didn''t hurt as bad. He''s hurt too. His attacks have weakened¡­) Wrath huffs and puffs. Wrath: (If I could get some time to heal a bit, just a bit.) Regulus is anxious in the background, but he hesitates to move. Zeus and Moros continue clashing and watching the fight from above. In the northern expanse of the sky, a figure peacefully slumbers beneath a celestial blanket. Draped in cozy pajamas and a whimsical nightcap, he clutches a golden teddy bear, cradled close. His eyes, shielded by a soft sleep mask, adorned with a playful snot bubble. Golden hair, as he dreams amid the clouds. The snot bubble pops and he wakes up. He lifts the sleep mask, squinting his eyes, and looks around. Revealing his golden eyes. ???: Why does this place smell like blood? Oh well. *yawns* He pulls the mask back down and goes back to sleep. Back to DOOM, who''s still far from Wrath, DOOM can barely walk. Wrath is still laying on the ground unable to move. Trying to let his wounds heal. DOOM: This will be the end of this exchange. DOOM points his sword straight up, with one hand. Strange winds appear on the battlefield. An evil grin appears from the gusts of wind. ???: Oi, DOOM. You''re always starting fights with someone. DOOM seems unamused. DOOM: Why are you here? Wrath: *Huff* (Who is that?) Wrath bloodied, he can barely make out what he sees, but he sees a very short lady floating above the ground. Wrath: (Did she¡­ come to help me¡­?) ???: I came to help you finish this quickly. We''re still on a time clock. DOOM: I don''t need your help, Fear. Wrath: (They know each other...?) Fear: It seems you need some though! Coming in behind DOOM. Fear is a very short young woman, wind below her feet propelling her to float above the ground. Her stature is petite, her height is around 4''5. Ash grey hair, a military hat, and wearing a grey military uniform, with a gold medal on one sleeve, and another medal the purple lung on the other. Fear puts her hands forward, targeting Wrath! Fear: **Tempest Style - Whirlwind** She summons a strong gust of wind, winding up into a funnel shape!! Wrath is lifted and starts spinning!! Wrath: Ahh! Wrath is tossed by the strong wind! While spinning in the air, Wrath is pecked by a strange creature!! Wrath: The hell is this?! Clashing with Wrath is a Wind Beast, taking the form of a Minerva Owl*. AN* Minerva owls are a mixture of an Ornimegalonyx and a Great Horned Owl. They are similar in stature, but Minerva Owls are slightly bigger, more aggressive, and have large talons! Fear holds both her arms forward. Generating powerful gusts of wind. Fear: **Tempest Style - Tornado of Terror** Fear winds up multiple tornadoes and sends them crashing at Wrath!! In the distance Wrath sees a clump of grey tornadoes headed his way at a fast pace!! Still watching out for DOOM, the tornadoes launched away Wrath!! Fear: Hehehe. We''ll finish this fast together, DOOM! DOOM: ¡­ [Fear and DOOM Are On The Same Side?! This Isn''t Looking Good For Wrath!!] Mystery 47 Fin Mystery Forty-Eight: Calm Before The Storm Fallen Stars Mystery Forty-Eight Calm Before The Storm The strong tornadoes blow Wrath away! The wind overpowers him!! DOOM has a weird expression, still holding onto his sword, resting it down. DOOM: Answer me, Fear. Why the hell did you show up? **DOOM** Stellar: G2 Cosmic Path: Blood (Negative) Sacred Companion: Chij¨±* (Forbidden) Epithet: Madvillain, One-Man Army Asterism: Apex Predators Net Worth: 300,000,000 Fear: Don¡¯t take that tone with me! We still have business to handle. **Fear** Stellar: G1 Cosmic Path: Wind (Negative) Sacred Companion: Kazej¨±* (Forbidden) Epithet: Stormfront Asterism: Apex Predators Net worth: 400,000,000 AN* Chij¨± means Blood Beast, and Kazej¨± means Wind Beast! DOOM: I can handle this alone. He¡¯s already finished. Fear: What¡¯s the crime in having some help?! We are a duo; you know? After spinning around in the tornadoes, and getting cut up by the sharp wind, Wrath slams into the ground! Wrath: ¡­ Wrath gasps for breath, and his whole body feels in extreme pain. Wrath: *sigh* (I have to deal with two people yelling out their attack names¡­ This really is worse than death.) Wrath rolls over to his belly, forcing himself to stand up. He stumbles, and blood drips from his wound, but they also heal slowly and he stands, wobbling. Fear: (How is he able to still stand?) Wrath coughs, clenching in pain, spitting the blood out of his mouth. Wrath looks at his opponents, then looks to his side, side-eyeing everything. Wrath: Controlling wind, and controlling blood¡­ Wrath¡¯s wounds begin to seal, healing from the pain. He tightens his muscles, testing his strength. Wrath: (There¡¯s still pain, but I¡¯ll be fine.) Wrath finally gets in a stance and readies. Wrath: Why did I have to run into two of you¡­ Wrath¡¯s voice is picked up by the wind, the quiet whispers travel to Fear. She whispers back and the wind travels it to Wrath. Fear: You don¡¯t know? The Apex Predators move in pairs, so we can hunt down prey easily. DOOM has been my partner for years. Wrath: (Apex Predators...?) Prey? You think I¡¯m the prey? *grins* Lightning cracks from the sky, while Wrath claps his hands!! Wrath: **Lightning Strike** Fear¡¯s wind boosts around numerous cracks of unpredictable bolts striking down!! Striking all over the vicinity!! But Fear dodges easily, and DOOM. They both avoid the oncoming onslaught. Fear puts a hand slightly covering her mouth, laughing. The surrounding synergy is grim. Fear: This is who you¡¯ve been fighting, DOOM? This kid is such a novice, he doesn¡¯t even have a style. He¡¯s just moving his hands around. DOOM: ¡­I noticed. Wrath: Kid?! Novice?! I know the dwarf isn¡¯t talking! Fear: Dwarf?! Fear turned into boiling anger. In the sky, Zeus is fighting two versus one! Soaring the skies as a griffin, fighting both the wind beast and blood beast! Moros: Why do you always have to butt in my fights?! The wind beast flapped its wings while throwing wind pecks at Zeus! Phobos: Oi, quit your crying, big baby. AN* Phobos is the Greek personified spirit of fear and panic. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Zeus zooms in!! Slashing Moros with its claws! And blitzes around Phobos!! Moros: Run in, attack, run out. Rinse and repeat. Moros takes the attack well. Phobos: With no style to use, it has no foundation. How pathetic. Let me show you something, little battery. Phobos flaps its wings repeatedly, summoning a mammoth of wind. Phobos: **Tempest Style - Distressed Derecho** The great grey winds bunch up, creating a cluster pocket of intense winds. Zeus tries escaping but is sucked in, straight into the eye of the storm!! Being hurled around between sixty miles per hour winds!! **Meanwhile, Draco¡¯s Location** **Rarrar¡¯s Tavern** Sitting at a restaurant on the luxurious side of El Dorado. The table is filled with dishes. Draco: And what is this? Draco points to a dish. Sitting across from him is Lich. Lich: This is Bloody Mary Escargot. Snails enriched with nutritious blue blood and said to put a trance of fulfillment on the consumer. Draco takes a bite. Draco: Wow! This does taste good! And this? Another dish, but a light meat dish. Lich: This is from an undersea saltwater cave. Muriel Trench Venison. Flavors are said to burst out when you taste it. Draco picks it up with his fork, taking another bite. And the flavor bursts out! And he has nothing but enjoyment over his face. Draco: I want to order more! Draco, using his fork, takes a bite from every plate on the table, in a snobby way. Lich: You¡¯re going to blow through your money doing that. Especially here. Draco: I just won three million sols. So I can spend a little. Lich: You reveal a lot of information so easily. Do you do that often? Draco: Hm? No, not really. I usually don¡¯t talk to anyone. But, since you¡¯re in my group, I can share a lot with you. I only tell my friends stuff. Lich: Oh. Draco wipes his face with a light cloth. Draco: So, tell me about yourself. Lich: Aren¡¯t you worried about your friends? You haven¡¯t spoken to them since I met you. Draco: Hahaha! Worried? About my friends? No way. They¡¯re pretty strong. I¡¯m sure they¡¯re completely fine. **Wrath¡¯s Location** Wrath: AHHHHHHHH!!!! Wrath is spinning!! Twisting, turning, and hurling through the Derecho!! He¡¯s tossed out of the storm and flips, catching himself before he lands. Fear: Those without a style are pathetic. Wrath grunts. Wrath: **Alternative Current** The lightning coated surrounding Wrath changes in flow. Flowing in a reverse direction. Wrath blitzes and gets up close and personal with Fear! Wrath threw a right punch, but Fear saw it easily coming and dodged, but was hit with a left punch!! Fear: (What?) Fear saw Wrath''s left kick coming and dodge it, but was hit with the opposite leg!! Fear: (I see now.) Wrath controls some lightning, throwing it at Fear from his right. Fear dodges the oncoming attack from the left. Lightning just barely dodges her. Fear: (What you see is really the opposite.) Wrath: (She figured it out pretty fast.) After dodging, Fear and DOOM get side by side. Wrath: ¡­ DOOM holds his sword in the air, and blood comes spewing out. Fear mixes in her wind with his blood, forming strong bloody winds. DOOM & Fear: **DOOM Tempest Style - DOOMster Dust Devil** Six bloody dust devils come raging at Wrath!! Wrath: Watch out, watch out!! The strong winds caught him again despite his attempts to dodge them. Wrath: (Even when he mixes his attack with something else, it¡¯s still unavoidable?!) Wrath wrestles the winds, sparking lightning from his body, trying to overpower them. But his arms and chest are getting constantly cut. Wrath: (I have to be stronger!) **Gold Light District** Someone comes busting through the door into Carina¡¯s office. Mera: Ms.Carina! Carina: Hm? Mera: There¡¯s a fight going on! Carina: In the district?! Carina, Baidam, and Rosa were stunned. Mera: No! It¡¯s taking place in Midas! It¡¯s a tremendous commotion going on, and the entire district is being swept up into it! Carina: What¡¯s happening?? Mera: We¡¯re not sure, but we know it¡¯s a fight between three people. Two people are fighting one person. The immediate thought that comes to Carina¡¯s mind is an image of IX and X. Carina: IX and X are ganging up on someone¡­? Carina side eyes Baidam and Rosa. Carina: If Dorado won¡¯t take care of them, we will. We¡¯re going. Baidam has an outburst of excitement. Baidam: Woooo, finally!! Rosa: *sigh* Ok. Baidam: Cheer up! We finally get to fight! Rosa: Only you have been waiting for this moment. Baidam twirled her chains. Baidam: *shrugs* Maybe. The three walk out of the office. Carina instructs her subordinates about keeping the Cathouse running, and making their way. Before getting outside, Carina grabs Asselli by the collar and drags him. Carina: You¡¯re coming with us. Asselli: Jus-Just one more drink, bartender. Asselli, who¡¯s numb and disoriented, gets dragged into the upcoming fight! **Wrath¡¯s Location** DOOM: Why do you continue to fight? No one will fault you for running away. Wrath: *cough* Wrath barely moving, slowly standing up, coughing up blood. DOOM: What are your goals? Wrath: *smirks* Yaha. I will be king. DOOM: King of what? Wrath: King of it all. DOOM: ¡­ The intensity changes around DOOM, back to his blood-lusted mode. Fear feels the surrounding aura changing and smirks. **Years Ago** On an unknown island, there sits a young boy in a red suit of armor, training his swordsmanship. His father comes by, giving him a word of advice. His father is smoking a cigarette, he has bags under his eyes, his beard is a five o¡¯clock shadow, and is extremely unkempt. Doomer: Still training to become a Sword King? Jajaja. The young boy stops training. His father leans against the wall. Doomer: Listen here, boy. Anyone can be anything in this world. The possibilities are endless. But only a select few can be king. And you¡¯re NOT one of them. It takes a real blessed individual to take up that mantle. Just give up. Life has no meaning anyway. **End of Flashback** DOOM: You have no idea how to be king. Wrath¡¯s sensibility changes. Wrath: (HM???) ME? I DON¡¯T KNOW?? Wrath¡¯s mind goes haywire. Those words unlocked something in the back of his head! DOOM and Fear form another combined attack, this time bigger than anything before. DOOM & Fear: **DOOM Tempest Style - DOOMsday Supercell** A massive bundle of wind and blood mixes. A tremendous wall cloud forms, with a super strong condensed funnel. Blood flicks everywhere while it forms. Wrath¡¯s eyes get larger the more he gazes at the Supercell. [For the first time in Wrath¡¯s life, he has experienced what would seem normal to everyone. This is his first time feeling fear. Or better yet, this would be the second time he has felt fear. When he encountered something exactly like this before. The great storm makes him think of that moment. But Wrath is smirking seeing this.] Wrath: YAHAHAHA!!! [What Is Wrath Thinking About In A Time Like This?!] Mystery 48 Fin Mystery Forty-Nine: What It Means To Be King Fallen Stars Mystery Forty-Nine What It Means To Be King [Flashback: Eleven years ago¡­ In a location called ¡°Olympus¡±] In the rocky mountains, on the side of it, trains thirty-plus young boys: all are doing karate techniques and training. In the same uniform, with a symbol of a wolf howling on the back. Constantly doing straight punches, in unison. They shift to triple kicks, in unison also. HAH! HAH! An athletic, muscle-bound examiner walks by, checking the students. Magnet: (Hm.) She continues walking by, stopping and paying attention to a certain student. He has a little fang tooth and a little afro. Left eye blue, right eye orange. He tries not to get distracted by her brunette hair, eyes staring, and focus. She watches him for a minute but then walks away. Zepheus: (Whew.) Magnet stops the session and ends the class for the day. Most of the students disperse and Zepheus is picking up his stuff, being one of the last ones leaving. Lynx: Yo, Goofus! I mean Zepheus! Wait up! Zepheus turns around slowly. Zepheus: (Oh no¡­) Lynx is a young teen, a bit older than Zepheus. He has scruffy mid-length red hair and lighter skin, he¡¯s wearing the same uniform. Lynx¡¯s hair resembles a lion¡¯s mane, having mint green eyes. Lynx strolls over with his two friends. Lynx¡¯s expression is always an intense grin. One friend is a bit chubby, the other is slim. Their uniforms have a symbol of a tiger¡¯s mark. Zepheus: Not today, Lynx. I have to go. Lynx: C''mon, Zepheus! Let''s play a game! Zepheus: All you ever want to do is play games!! Lynx: It''ll be quick. I''ll flip a coin. If it lands on heads I get to hit you as hard as I can. Lynx pulls out a golden coin, and Wrath is worried. Wrath: Wha- *Lynx flips a coin* Lynx: Too late. *winks* In the air, it rotates and lands in his hand, he reveals it to Zepheus, not trying to look at it. Lynx: What is it? Zepheus: ... Its tails. Lynx: What? Really? As Lynx is about to look at the coin, Zepheus takes off running, but he''s caught by Lynx''s two friends. Lynx: There was no need to lie, Zepheus. But, a bet is a bet. His two friends hold Zepheus while Lynx winds up a punch, and punches Zepheus in the chest as hard as he could!! Making him cough up!! They laugh and let go of Zepheus, he can''t stand and falls over. Lynx: That¡¯s what you get, son of a whore. After laughing, the three of them walk off. Zepheus grabs his chest, looking up in anger. Lynx and his friends chatting. Sprites: How did he not know it was a double-headed coin? Lynx has been flipping that for a while. Jets: Zepheus is too dumb to pay attention. Why do you like messing with him so much? Lynx: That''s my little brother, who else would mess with him besides his big brother? [The Next Day.] Same location, same training, in unison. Magnet watching Zepheus again, closely. Training finishes for the day and they disperse again. Zepheus and his two friends get their things and are about to leave. Lynx: Yo! Doofus! I mean Zepheus! We got out at the same time again! Let¡¯s play a game! Zepheus: (...) Fuck off, Lynx. Lynx: Whoa, I thought you liked playing games? This is a new one. Zepheus: I don¡¯t- Lynx puts his arm over Zepheus¡¯ shoulder. Lynx: Ok, hear me out. It¡¯s a number game, guess a number between twenty and thirty. And if you guess right, I get to punch you again! Zepheus: ¡­Why would I participate in that? Lynx: Well, if you don¡¯t I¡¯ll hit you anyway, and my friends will join in. Lynx¡¯s two friends crack their knuckles. Zepheus sighs loudly. Zepheus: Twenty-three. A brief pause happens with Lynx. Lynx: ¡­ Correct!! Zepheus: No way that was right!! Lynx¡¯s two friends hold onto Zepheus. Lynx: You won, a bet is a bet. Lynx winds up. Zepheus struggles and breaks free from the chubby friend (Sprites). Zepheus: I¡¯m after you first, fatass. Zepheus leaps while still being held by Jets, and elbows Sprites in the nose!! Lynx stops the chaos by kicking Zepheus in the face! With the bottom of his shoe. Zepheus and Sprites yell in agony. Sprites: AHHH!! My nose is broken!! The slim friend checks on him. Jets: Let me see. Sprites move his hands and his nose is already swollen and a different color than him. Jets: Uh¡­ it doesn''t look too bad. Sprites: I¡¯ll kill him! Lynx: No you won¡¯t, don¡¯t kid yourself. That was a dumb move, Zepheus. But, we can¡¯t fault you, what do you expect from someone with a dumb name too! Lyhahaha! Zepheus holds his face, in anger, balling up a fist. Lynx: Let¡¯s go guys. Lynx laughs and walks away. Zepheus¡¯ friends who were watching came over to his aid. Electro: Are you alright, Zepheus? Zepheus: No, I''m not fucking alright! Why didn''t you two help me?? Circuit: Those kids are above us, the older kids would''ve beat us too. Zepheus: So you decide to just sit there and watch?! Electro: You getting a busted lip, and us getting one too will not help us get home. Watching Lynx walk away, Zepheus'' canine teeth start to get larger, and his anger is beginning to show a dangerous side. Zepheus: (I have to control it.) Zepheus gets up mad and storms off to a certain place. Making it to the room, and before that, someone stops him. Wrath: Want to see your father? Zepheus: (angry) Yes! Wrath: Let¡¯s clean you up before that. Wrath is a slim dark skin woman, with brown hair and highlighted features. She takes him to another room, and cleans up his wound, placing a white bandaid on his face covering up a mark. Wrath: Karate was tough today, huh? Zepheus: ¡­ Wrath: Well, some days it¡¯ll be tough, but your auntie is cheering for you, regardless!! Zepheus has a slight blissful smile about him. Zepheus: (Aunt Wrath is always there for me when Lynx plays around.) Wrath: I know you¡¯re training hard to become a sin. One of the seven mighty warriors of this kingdom. And I know it seems tedious, but you will get stronger from it. Zepheus looks down with a bashful expression but looks back at his aunt in the eyes. Zepheus: When I do get stronger¡­ I want your name. Wrath: *chuckles* HmHmHm. Well, you¡¯ll have to beat me for it. Are you ready for that challenge? Zepheus: I am! Wrath: I believe in you, nephew! *smiles* But I won¡¯t go easy on you!! She gets him out of the chair and takes him back to the door. Opened it and let him walk in. In the background is Lynx watching Zepheus walk into the throne room. Balling up a fist. [Olympus Throne Room] Sitting on the throne is the king, a tall, fierce figure. Zepheus is not able to see it, but the cosmos around him is strong, giving off harsh energy. The throne room has an azurite blue floor, and azure steps, before the throne. A white quartz ceiling and the throne itself is golden, with red diamonds and sapphires. A voice begins to speak. Kronos: Welcome, son. Zepheus: (heated) Dad! Lynx keeps making fun of my name! And beating me up! Kronos: Making fun of your name¡­? Zepheus: Yeah! I¡¯m tired of his shit! Kronos: Come over here, Zepheus. Walking over, Zepheus gets to the top step and sits down. Getting closer you can see Kronos¡¯ features. He¡¯s a dark skinned man, with a mustache and goatee, a charming individual. He has blue eyes and still has a fierce look to him. He has a crown of precious jewels, in the middle, there¡¯s a double Z. Kronos: Don¡¯t listen to your brother. I never liked his name anyway. His mother gave that to him. But your name, I picked that myself. Zepheus: Y-You did? Kronos: Yep. Do you want to know how I got it? Zepheus: Yeah! Kronos: My father, your grandad was a great king, an amazing conqueror. During his conquest, he went on grand adventures! Conquering all the lands! Kronos gets loud laughing! Kronos: The man who conquered sixty percent of the world!! A portrait of a man is seen above Kronos. He¡¯s a young adult man with brown skin and golden hair. Sitting on a golden throne in a red robe, surrounded by lions. Kronos: His name was Zenous Alexanderus!! And the throne room rumbles!! Zepheus (amazed): I¡¯m¡­ the grandson of someone like that¡­ Kronos: Sometimes referred to as Zenous Alexanderus The Great. And that¡¯s how I got your name, if you remove the ¡°phe¡±, and add ¡°no¡±, you get Zenous! Zepheus: ¡­That¡¯s very¡­ forced¡­ Kronos: Contrived in a sense? Of course! But it works! Kro-hahaha! Zepheus laughs. Kronos: But forget what Lynx says, you''re the heir to this throne. So just wait patiently. Zepheus: The heir¡­ Kronos chuckles and reaches into his pocket, pulling out some fluffy candy. Kronos: Don¡¯t tell anyone about this now. Handing over the candy to Zepheus and eating it with a smile. Kronos: You have a sweet tooth just like me. Kronos takes out some candy for himself and eats it with Zepheus. Kronos: I know during your training you were on a strict diet. But here, I¡¯ll sneak you some. *shushing gesture* But keep this quiet. Zepheus: I won¡¯t tell anyone. Zepheus and Kronos eat the candy and laugh a bit. [The Next Day.] This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Zepheus bursts through the throne room doors. Heated. Zepheus: UGHHHH! He made fun of my name again!! Kronos: C¡¯mon and sit. Zepheus makes his way over to his dad, and his dad hands him some candy worms. Kronos: Don¡¯t fret. Zepheus eats the candy worms. Kronos: Zepheus. Zepheus: Hm? Kronos: To really make Lynx mad, there¡¯s one more thing about your name. Zepheus: ? Kronos: It means one simple word¡­ the word¡­ Kronos holds up one finger. Kronos: King. Zepheus¡¯ eyes start glistening in awe. Zepheus: (I am King.) Kronos: And with that, you can become a better king than Lynx could ever dream of. A better king than me and your grandfather. You should go after the title he sought after so harshly, one he or I couldn¡¯t obtain, the title: King of- The throne room doors open. Wrath: My liege, the Fates are requesting an audience with the king. Kronos: ¡­Fine, send them in. We have to cut our conversation short, Zepheus. But we¡¯ll talk again. Zepheus: Alright! Zepheus gets up and dashes out of the room with a smile, while three women come in. Lynx who¡¯s standing to the side watches Zepheus run out of the room, staring on with his green eyes. Lynx: (...I should be the one chatting with Dad¡­ I¡¯ll show you, doofus.) Lynx follows Zepheus. [In The Throne Room] The Fates are all pale young women, wearing dark clothing over their heads too. Only seeing faces. Each plays with a single thread, shared between the three. They all talk in unison. Wrath stays in the room. Fates: My liege. *bows* Kronos: Go on, speak. Fates: We have seen another prophecy, our king. A cruel one. Kronos: ¡­What is it? The Fates smile. Fates: We¡¯ve seen your death. The intensity changes in the room, they feel the presence of the king¡¯s anger. Kronos stands up. Kronos: How? Fates: Are you sure you want to know? It¡¯ll change you forever. Kronos: You three helped me before, before my fight with Acrux, and I was able to change that fate. So tell me how now, so I can avoid it again. Fates: But this is a different fate than just losing a battle, our king. This is a set fate! This is you dying! The Fates give off a chilling snarky laugh. Fates: The one who will kill you, is your son! Kronos is coldly silent. Kronos: ¡­. Fates: Bet you didn¡¯t want to hear that. Kronos: Which one? Fates: The prophecy didn¡¯t tell us. All we saw was your son killing you. Kronos: ¡­ Kronos begins to think, sitting back down on his throne. He starts to reminisce. [Flashback, within a flashback Years ago¡­] Kronos stands in front of a blue spatial portal. He has a trench coat on, covering his face with a mask. He enters the portal. Entering it is dreamy land, of all colors. The skies reflect all different types of wavy colors. In extreme cold, and snowing, he walks to a certain village and is confronted by the ninja townspeople. They stealthily dash in and remain silent and drop a baby in a basket in front of him. Kronos: Where¡¯s- Shou: She left. She was exiled from here. She knew the consequences of having an affair with a being on the outside! Kronos: So this is¡­ Fulmen: The child left over. We allowed her to stay until she gave birth, she could''ve left with the child. But she decided to leave it for you. The baby coos, looking at Kronos. Kronos: Did she name him? Shou: No, she did not. Kronos goes to pick up the child in the basket. He coddles the child, smiling at it. Whispering a message to him. Kronos: She left you all by yourself. Your mother was a wonderful woman. Her name was St. Elmo. You would¡¯ve loved her. Kronos gets a glance at his eyes, and they¡¯re shades of orange and blue. Kronos looks at the ninjas. Shou: Yes, he is a rare case and inherited it from both of you, your side, and his mother''s side. We researched the child''s eyes, to find the combination. But there were no records in the bestiary, between these two colors. He''s a special kind, he''s a Beastial; Chimera. Kronos: A special child deserves a special name. Zepheus Olympus Alexanderus. Zepheus coos again, opening his eyes to be seen clearly. Kronos is stunned. Kronos: (His¡­ eyes..!!) Kronos makes his way and leaves the portal. The ninjas dash away from sight. [Back to the Fates and Throne Room] Kronos is shaking¡­ Kronos: (This is karma. I don¡¯t want to die. It has to be Zepheus, maybe Lynx, no, Zepheus, no it''s Lynx¡­) The Fates have a chill around them. Fates: Our king, if we are allowed to speak up. Kronos: ¡­Go ahead. Fates: Your first son, Lynx, is possibly a threat, he¡¯s half Rufus, half Voltaic. You can best him, but your second son, Zepheus, he¡¯s half Voltaic, half Beastial. He cannot survive. Kronos: (What if I kill one, and it was the other one the whole time who would kill me? I can''t exile them, they''ll eventually come back to kill me. Imprison them? The prophecies are set, they''ll break out somehow and kill me.) Wrath sees Kronos visibly concerned. Wrath: (Kronos¡­) Kronos: (I don''t want to die. I don''t want to die.) A brief pause happens¡­ Kronos: (I know it''s gonna be Zepheus, he has those Apeiron eyes¡­!!) All his thoughts stop. Kronos: I have to kill them both. Fates: Wise decision, our king. Wrath steps up. Wrath: Wait, Kronos. Think about this before you act! Kronos looks at her, with a cold demeanor. Kronos: ... The Fates give off an eerie chuckle. Fates: A sin. One of the king''s mightiest warriors is questioning him? How odd. Wrath: Shut up you three wannabes. Kronos: I¡¯ve made my decision, Wrath. Wrath is irate. Wrath: Do you not have any sympathy for your sons??? You piece of shit! Kronos: I¡¯m doing this for my own sake. The calm before the storm. Wrath: You fucking coward! A strong gust of wind and lightning spawned from his body!! Wrath sees the king getting angry and takes off, running out of the throne room!! The Fates giggle and laugh! Fates: I wonder where she is going!! [Zepheus¡¯ Location. Open Dojo Field.] Zepheus is walking back from the throne room and encounters Lynx and his two friends. Lynx: Yo, Zepheus!! Where did you go? Ran off and cried to ¡°daddy¡± again. Zepheus is visibly angry, he balled up his fist. Lynx and his friends laugh at him. Zepheus: I am king. Lynx: You? Being king? Lyhahaha! Imagine that. Zepheus: ¡­ Lynx: You think someone with a dumb name like yours can be king?! Zepheus!! So stupid! Zepheus¡¯ mind goes haywire. The intensity around Zepheus changed into fury. Zepheus'' fang teeth start to grow more prominent, and his nails grow longer. Brown fur grows on his body, his eyes become bloodshot. Wings spawn from his back, and a tail and horns come out too. His true beast form is covered in shadows. Jets (shocked): Wha-What the hell is that?! Sprites: What¡¯s your brother, Lynx?! Lynx: ¡­??!! Zepheus blitzes and slices Jets!!! Ripping his body in half! He quickly turns to Sprites and slices him vertically in half!! Electro and Circuit walk out and see the bloody scene. Seeing Zepheus looking monstrous. Electro: Zepheus?! What¡¯s going on?! Circuit: He¡¯s a feral beast!? Zepheus sees them both and rushes over, slicing them both down too!! Leaving Lynx by himself. Lynx: (Is he out of control¡­??) Zepheus makes his way over to Lynx. Lynx is frozen. Lynx: I-I..!! Strangely enough to Lynx, Zepheus begins to speak. Zepheus: What, got nothing to say now? Lynx slowly back peddles and falls to the ground. Zepheus (dark tone): I will be king. Zepheus raises his claws, but suddenly a powerful hailstorm comes out of nowhere!! A strong gust of wind, and heavy rain!! Dark clouds loom over them, and a hand of clouds reaches out. Kronos: Come here, my sons. Fate is telling me I have to kill you. Lynx and Zepheus: Fate¡­?? Dad¡­?? Wrath comes running towards them and karate chops Zepheus in the back of his neck, knocking him out cold! He depowers and reverts to his original body. Wrath picks him up and looks at Lynx. Wrath: Sorry. Wrath turns and takes off running with Zepheus in her arm. Behind her are heavy dark clouds, following her. Lynx desperately reaches out to them running away then looks back to the oncoming clouds. Making it from the dojo, she encounters six people and slides while trying to stop. Pride: Look at Wrath, guys. She¡¯s standing up to the king. Wrath: ¡­ I won''t fight you all. Pride: That''s fine *shrugs* we were letting you pass anyway. Wrath: (...!!) Pride: One thing, before you go. Denounce that sin name and go by your name. I always liked it. Wrath: ... I will. Pride: Been a long time without it, and since you''ve been called by your name, huh... Joules. Joules: It has. See ya, Charge. Joules continues to run with Zepheus out cold. Charge: I hope the future King Zepheus appreciates what we did for him. Amps: Indeed. And things of that nature. Watt: We aren¡¯t going by sins anymore? Wathaha. I never liked being called Envy. Charge: Brace yourself. The king is here. The clouds reach the six warriors. Kronos: Move. Coulomb gulps. Fulmen shuffles into a fighting stance. Fulmen: Facing the king head-on¡­ Coulomb: This is the fight of our lives. Hertz: A fight we¡¯ll win!!! AHHHH!! CHARGE! The six try to engage the eye of the storm. Joules finally makes it off the rocky mountains, seeing the surface of the land is black. Joules pulls out her bank card phoning someone. *Ring* *Ring* Amalthea: Hello? Joules: Amalthea. I don''t have time. Listen to what I''ll say. I''m sending my nephew to your location, he''ll arrive in five minutes. Take good care of him, I won''t be around any longer. Amalthea: ...Ok. I understand. Joules is about to hang up. Amalthea: Joules. Make sure you say your goodbyes. It¡¯ll be tough for him to miss someone strong like you. Joules: I know. Joules hangs up and makes it to the edge of the veil. She opens her inventory and pulls out a dagger, and some protective gear. She wraps Zepheus in it, as he snores. Joules: Zepheus. Grow up big and strong. Tears come down her eyes, and the storm behind her rages on and comes closer. Joules: Be a better king than your father. Come back and claim this throne. Joules takes the dagger and slices the cosmic veil!! Opening a hole, picking Zepheus up, and sending him through it!! In protective gear, he floats amid space. Joules watches as he speedily floats away from the moon she¡¯s on. [Instantly¡­ On Another Moon Named ¡°Wave¡± Location: Ancient Life] The scenery was breathtaking, the surface of the moon is green with life, and the green vegetation grows abundantly. Waterfalls and streams of clear blue water surround the land. Compsognathus, stegosaurus, triceratops, velociraptors, deers, and other creatures saunter, eating in peace. Brachiopods and Crinoids emerge from the water. A creature reacts "?!" The ground starts shaking, and splits in two!! Something large rises from the ground!! Almost completely out, the entity stands over twenty meters tall!!! The entity has caramel skin, long black hair, and no shirt flexing its brolic muscles. It has a fur coat wrapped around its waist, with skin-tight pants. No shoes, no socks. It has an x scar on its face and a few scars on its body. The entity balls up its fist, and rages into the sky!!! Atlas: AHHHHHH!!!! Pushing all the living and nonliving things from around him!! Only with his voice! **Atlas** Epithet: World Breaker Race: Titan Raz: Wait, what happened?? What woke Atlas up?! Jaz: The cosmic veil covering Kronos'' territory was broken. Atlas sensed it. Atlas crouches and looks into the sky, and leaps into space!!! Raz: And¡­ he¡¯s gone. Jaz: Noone can stop him now. [Joules¡¯ Location] Joules wipes her tears and faces the storm. Kronos comes out of his cloud form, holding Charge and Amps¡¯ lifeless bodies by their throats. His left hand is as frozen as a tundra, while his right hand is as dry as a desert. Kronos: Wrath- Joules: I don¡¯t go by that name anymore! Kronos: ¡­Joules. Where is my son? [Zepheus¡¯ Location. Floating Through Space.] In the protective gear, he speeds up, turning into a fireball, a shooting star. Headed towards the red sea planet. Dark clouds follow it. [In a certain country: Amalthea] In the country, the citizens see a shooting star headed right for them!! All of the citizens are wearing violet-colored garments. Natalia: That isn¡¯t good¡­ Flora: Shooting stars were always a bad omen. Amalthea steps out, an elderly woman, with brown skin, and wearing the same violet garments. She has a diamond tiara with red jewels. She has goat horns going up through the tiara. Amalthea: Clear out. Let it land. Flora: Lady Amalthea?! The citizens bow. Amalthea¡¯s assistants come by her side. Irene: What do you want us to do, my lady? Amalthea: Clear out Mount Lyctos Facula. I feel a storm brewing. Irene: Yes, ma¡¯am! They all clear the impact site. Anticipating the shooting star landing. The burning star comes in hot, brightening up! The citizens run for cover!! With a strong force, it lands in front of everyone!! Dust is blown throwing everyone off! Irene: ?! Natalia covers her face from the dust spewing at her. Natalia: What was that impact?! The rest of the citizens cower behind buildings and inside their homes. Amalthea sees the impact and is worried, the dust finally settles and she makes her way over to it. The impact of the shooting star leaves a huge crater. Only the protective gear is in the center. Amalthea jumps down and sees the gear. Amalthea: (Did he survive¡­?) Scavenging through the rumble, she opens the protective gear and sees Zepheus is still breathing. Amalthea: (Whew. Good.) The dark clouds following the shooting star start to come. Amalthea: (We have to get out of here.) Amalthea takes the unconscious Zepheus and dashes toward the cave. [In Space. Kronos.] After resealing the cosmic veil. Kronos looks to the right and sees his seven warriors'' lifeless bodies floating through space. Kronos: My own sins betrayed me¡­ Kronos looks at Joules. Kronos: My own sister... No more relying on warriors. The Seven Sins system is disbanded. Kronos looks to move forward, to follow and kill Zepheus, but is confronted by Atlas!! Kronos: ¡­Not you again. Atlas remains silent, but his roar shatters the air, his arms trembling with uncontrollable fury and his face contorted in a visage of sheer madness! Atlas: AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! Atlas rushes to fight Kronos!! Kronos looks to the planet and continues to send out his storm to finish chasing Zepheus. **Kronos** Epithet: Storm Sovereignty The storm rages on, with hail, and thunderstorms, all conjured into a cloud. Kronos whispered something, before engaging Atlas! [In Amalthea: Mount Lyctos Facula] In a cave hidden in the mountain, the country is hit with constant thunder strikes!! A rampage of hail! And flooding amounts of rain! Hearing that, Zepheus finally wakes up, in a lightly lit cave. Zepheus rubs his neck. Zepheus: Ow. Where am I? Amalthea: In my home. Zepheus jumps! Getting in his karate stance. The light reveals Amalthea. Zepheus: Huh? Who are you?! Amalthea: I¡¯m your aunt. On your mother¡¯s side. Zepheus: My aunt? Wait. Zepheus looks up. Zepheus: Where is Wrath? That¡¯s my aunt. Amalthea has a frown. Amalthea (saddened): She didn¡¯t make it. Zepheus: Didn¡¯t make it? Amalthea: She passed on. And thunder strikes behind Zepheus!! He cowers from the outside sounds. Zepheus: ?? You¡¯re serious? Amalthea: I am. Zepheus looks down, his expression turns to gloom. Zepheus: ¡­How? Amalthea: Your father. Zepheus: ?! Another lightning strike happens! It constantly strikes! Zepheus, who doesn¡¯t know how to control himself begins to hold his head, trying to stop thoughts from getting out, his anger is consuming him. He kneels, continuing to hold his head. And tears start to fall. Zepheus: She saved me. She protected me. She was always there for me. His fangs start to grow. Amalthea: (Don¡¯t worry, Joules. I¡¯ll place a charm over him, he won¡¯t transform until he¡¯s of age.) Amalthea does a few hand gestures, placing a charm over Zepheus. Amalthea: **Blessing Style - Benign Cornucopia** **Amalthea** Cosmic Path: Blessing In Disguise (Positive) Epithet: Tender Mother [Blessing, she can bless anything including people, objects, etc, and produce positive effects. Granting who she placed the blessing on, charms and luck.] His fangs revert to normal. But she hears him murmuring words to himself. Amalthea: What are you saying? Zepheus continues whispering, but Amalthea still can¡¯t understand him. Zepheus: Either you eat or you¡¯re food. Thunder continues to rumble. But the heavy rain stops, the lightning strikes too, and a fog emerges over the country. Zepheus: Is it finally over? Zepheus takes a step to look out of the cave. Amalthea: Wait! And all the fog disappears, and sunlight shines. Zepheus sees the storm has subdued. Zepheus: It¡¯s clear- Dark clouds come back!! The huge thunderclouds form together to create a giant supercell!! The thunderclouds form into a hand and reach out to Zepheus! A voice is heard in the clouds! Kronos: Being king is far beyond what you can comprehend. Your mind cannot grasp even a sliver of the responsibility. You don¡¯t know what it means to be king. Come here, boy. Fear enters Zepheus¡¯ heart, frozen in place, but Amalthea grabs him and brings him back, deep into the dark cave! Uncontrollable tornadoes spawn in! Twisters of hail go wild! Hearing lightning strikes and thunder rumble, Zepheus covers his ears in fear. The storms run amok, with no end in sight. Days upon days go by, and the storm continues. [A Few Months Later.] After a few months, the storm was still ongoing, but it died down a bit. Zepheus has been surviving off of what Amalthea produces, or what her still-alive assistants can bring them during the night. Amalthea feels the storm isn¡¯t as hectic as a few months ago. Amalthea: (Maybe that fight weakened him a bit.) She sees Zepheus struggling in his sleep, trying to whisper to calm him. Amalthea: We can¡¯t stay here forever. We have to leave. I know someone in Cosmic City. We can live there. Far far away from your father. His storm could never reach us. We should make our way, and live there. Everything will be fine, you¡¯ll make friends, and create great memories. Let¡¯s go. But other words keep entering Zepheus¡¯ mind. The same phrases, over and over again, ¡°You don¡¯t know what it means to be king¡±, while the storm rages outside, crashing into the mountain. Then lightning strikes! Waking him up in a cold sweat. Zepheus stands up, with a determined face. Amalthea: ¡­? Zepheus: I¡¯ve decided. I am going to claim the throne, and get back at my father! Amalthea nods in understanding. Zepheus: And I¡¯m going to do it under the name, WRATH! Lightning strikes! Amalthea is stunned by the name, the confidence, and the commitment in his voice. Amalthea: Alright, Wrath. Wrath: Hmph! The same phrases enter his head again. ¡°You? Being king? Lyhahaha! Imagine that.¡± ¡°Being king is far beyond what you can comprehend. Your mind cannot grasp even a sliver of the responsibility. You don¡¯t know what it means to be king.¡± Wrath''s face is covered in rage, irritation, and displeasure. Wrath: (Dad. Lynx. I know what it means! I know what it means!!) Wrath gets loud to sound over the thunder!! Wrath (heated): I KNOW! I KNOW WHAT IT MEANS! Amalthea: ? Know what? Wrath: WHAT IT MEANS TO BE KING!!! Wrath erupts, while flashes of lightning sound off!!! Lighting the area on fire!! As Wrath is about to yell again, several Superbolts strike!! And thunder rumbles and rolls! Echoing through the cave!! Wrath: !!! [End of Flashback] Wrath faces Fear and DOOM¡¯s bloodthirsty supercell head-on!! He starts to transform into a deadly beast!! Having a savagely fierce grin on his face!! Wrath: I KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO BE KING!! [HE¡¯S FINALLY UNLEASHING THE BEAST!!] Mystery 49 Fin Mystery Fifty: Unleash The Beast Fallen Stars Mystery Fifty Unleash The Beast Wrath''s metamorphosis is grotesque, his body contorting into a living nightmare. Jagged, blood-stained fangs erupt from his maw, werewolf-like fur thickens across his skin, eyes glowing like a predator¡¯s. The sight of an eagle. His left hand warps into razor-sharp badger claws, *Bzzt* while his right twists, cracking and reforming into a massive, crushing lobster claw. His back splits, producing dragon-like wings. A venomous scorpion tail slashes the air behind him. Muscles bulge, infused with the brutal strength of a lion. An inhuman roar that shakes the ground. The creature stands, a grotesque terror, eyes burning with rage! *Bzzt* Fear: ¡­ DOOM tilts his head. DOOM: A chimera, eh¡­ Wrath: **Wrath Style - Zenith Mode; Sky Splitter** [Wrath Style, a name he copied from DOOM-] Wrath: Not copied. [Ahem. Wrath Style, a new style Wrath created solely on his own! Combining his electricity and Deimos Khaimera karate. His Voltage System is constantly minimally locked at four hundred thousand volts! But it can be amplified at any time!] Wrath¡¯s electricity begins sparking a new color! [Something happened in this exact instant. Almost as if a ¡°path¡± opened up. Wrath sees himself soaring through the dark and gloomy void of space, resembling M¡¯s place. Spotting red electricity sparking in a nebula in front of him, blitzing to the nebula, he grabs the new colored electricity and is shocked by it, but he smirks. A pattern of dots is seen behind him, with the first already lit. Then, the blue electricity spreads to the next dot and ignites. Lighting up a new red color.] The storm rages around the three. Wrath¡¯s power surge is sent out! Splitting the storm! It changes from a blue color to a bright new red!! Heavy red lightning scatters around the skies and rains down on DOOM and Fear!! DOOM is struck and shakes in agony!! Fear conjures her wind to send the lightning elsewhere, but it continues raining down on her!! DOOM breathing heavily- Wrath: What¡¯s wrong, DOOM?! Can¡¯t handle it?! Wrath disappears and appears by DOOM! A lobster claw full of red electricity bashes DOOM on the side of the head, sending him soaring!! He¡¯s caught by a Fear wind pocket and lands safely on the ground. Fear: You alright? DOOM: Of course I am. Wrath comes soaring swiftly, directing at DOOM!! Seeing Wrath skyrocketing toward him, DOOM winds up a brutal attack. DOOM: **DOOM Style - DOOMsday** DOOM¡¯s blood floods around him, it begins to send out hundreds of unavoidable scythes-formed attacks at the oncoming Wrath!! Wrath, having no concern, still blasts at DOOM, fully focused eyes widening!! The blood scythes cut through Wrath, slicing his arm and legs! His injuries heal immediately!! Wrath strikes at DOOM! Wrath: **Wrath Style - Blitzkrieg** Wrath sends out numerous punches and kicks at DOOM, but every time he does, the blood beneath him pulls up and forms a wall protecting DOOM.Wrath speeds up, but the blood reacts even faster, effectively stonewalling Wrath. DOOM: Getting close like this is idiotic. DOOM points his sword forward. DOOM: **DOOM Style - DOOMsday; Hour to Midnight** The blood from the ground roots up! All the blood DOOM has spread across the battlefield spawns up! Fountains of blood target Wrath, forming massive strands and coming at him viciously! Fear gathers her wind and sends it behind the strands to speed it up! Fear: Don¡¯t forget that I¡¯m here too! DOOM does a lunge, forward-piercing attack, and stabs Wrath through the chest!! Wrath is stuck in place as the blood approaches him! He grins, grabbing DOOM¡¯s sword. Wrath: This is what I wanted, you tampon. Now you¡¯re stuck with me. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. DOOM goes to pull his sword out of Wrath, but he can feel himself being pulled closer to Wrath. His metal armor is attracted to him. Wrath¡¯s red electricity surges brightly, and the electrifying chills ring across the area. Wrath: **Wrath Style - E-Bomb** A colossal sphere of crackling electricity erupts from Wrath''s chest, engulfing him and DOOM in a devastating surge of power. DOOM is barely able to see a glimpse of blinding light before the expanding sphere of electricity overwhelms both!! DOOM: You¡¯re trying to take me out with you?! Fear screeches out to DOOM! Fear: DOOM!!! The sphere of electricity forms a deep crater around DOOM and Wrath before a powerful explosion erupts, sending shockwaves and debris flying!! The shockwaves power spikes the fountains of blood and jolts them, shocking them in place, falling to the ground, dying out. Fear: (Who would¡¯ve thought he would pull a suicide bomber tactic on us? Not a bad strategy.) **In Midas Off the train** Carina, Rosa, and Baidam are coming off the train. They see droves of people and creatures pushing each other, running to the tracks! Guards yelling out ¡°Keep a straight line! We¡¯ll all be getting out of here!¡± Mani: Ma¡¯am. Lady Carina, we¡¯re evacuating the region. There¡¯s a fight going on that¡¯s consuming the residences. Carina: Yes, we were already informed. The three look on and see a raging storm, with red lightning sporadically flashing through it. Carina: Alright, clear out the district. We¡¯ll be heading in. Mani: What?! Didn¡¯t you hear me?! Baidam: We did. We¡¯re going in. Mani: *gulp* God bless you, ladies. Carina and her friends rush through the crowd. Carina: We have to hurry, whoever IX and X are fighting, it doesn¡¯t look good for them. Rosa and Baidam: Ok! Mani: Hold on. What about this drunk guy?? Carina: Leave him! He¡¯ll catch up to us! They hop on their respective beasts and dash to the battlefield! **Wrath¡¯s Location** The bomb crater dust settles, Wrath is standing, healed, but he¡¯s breathing heavily. Though his wounds are gone, exhaustion looms over him. Fatigue from the form weighing him down. DOOM stands firmly, the aftereffect of the attack coursing through him like a shock. Despite the lingering anguish, he remains perfectly fine, unmoved and unshaken.Wrath grins and is surprised DOOM is still alive. Fear is thunderstruck at seeing DOOM still alive. Fear: How the hell did you survive that?! Catching DOOM off guard, a red lightning creature phases through his body with electrifying force. The creature surges through him like a storm incarnate, leaving a trail of raw power in its wake! Wrath: Nice, Zeus! DOOM¡¯s anger ignites, staring down Moros (DOOM¡¯s beast). Moros takes the initiative and attacks Zeus, their fight continues. DOOM draws his crimson bank card, sifting through his inventory before unleashing the DOOMslayer¡ªa sword reduced to its ominous hilt. DOOM¡¯s intensity grows¡­ Fear: (He¡¯s really injured, I¡¯ve never seen DOOM like this. Oh right, DOOM has endurance, he can survive this¡­but Wrath, he has regen, he¡¯ll keep healing from all these attacks. In the long run he¡¯ll¡­) DOOM forms a single sharp blood creation line on the hilt, solidifying, perfectly replicating his first blade. Harnessing a new crimson blade. DOOM: **DOOM Style - DOOMslayer** DOOM spews sinister red cosmos from his body, imbuing it into his swords. Wrath can see a slight glimpse of the cosmic motion taking place. DOOM¡¯s energy becomes hostile. Wrath (concerned): (He¡¯s a dual wielder¡­?) DOOM: What? You thought you were the only one who could evolve in this world, mutt? Wrath: Mutt?! Wrath reacts, but the strain weighs on his body. Wrath: (This form puts too much stress on my body. I can¡¯t be in it for long. I have to end this quickly.) Moros forms two new glowing red eyes, able to react to everything differently and quicker. Its claws get sharper, and horns sprout from its head. DOOM: I see you have a formless beast as well¡­ Wrath side eyes Zeus, clashing with Moros and Phobos. Wrath: ¡­Yeah. DOOM: And you plan on being king of all the formless beasts? Wrath: Yeah. DOOM: ¡­ Wrath: But you¡¯ve asked me a lot of what I¡¯m going to do, what are you after, DOOM? DOOM: ¡­Being king means nothing to me. I¡¯m after an Olympic Regalia. Wrath: ?! DOOM: And of course, the illustrious title ¡°God of War¡±. Wrath: Yaha. That¡¯s an extreme goal. DOOM: Almost like being King of the World. Wrath: And I know which regalia you¡¯re after. A swordsman? Covered in red? Easy to figure out. DOOM: ¡­ Wrath: If I managed to obtain it, would you join my side if I offered it to you as a gift? DOOM: Never. You¡¯d have to beat me ten times in order for me to join you. Wrath (grins): I¡¯ll hold you to that. Fear: You two can stop being chippy now. We have a fight to finish. Wrath (side eye): (Forgot about her¡­) DOOM: Don¡¯t interf- Fear: Shut up and do the finisher, DOOM! DOOM: ¡­ DOOM & Fear: **DOOM Tempest Style - Hail Bloody Mary¡¯s Kamikaze** Wrath: Damn, she has you in check, DOOM. Both furious, DOOM thrusts his arms outward, commanding the blood from the battlefield to surge and swirl, merging with the howling winds. The air crackles with raw energy as a massive tornado spirals to life, its violent winds ripping through the landscape at over 300 mph. Ranked as an EF10, it¡¯s a force of pure destruction unleashed!!! DOOM propels himself into the tornado, his dual swords gleaming with fury. Wrath: I¡¯m not afraid of your little clouds. The immense tornado spits out DOOM! He descends like a war god, blades raised high, ready to cleave the very earth beneath him!! Wrath swiftly dodges the incoming strikes, just as DOOM slams into the ground with crushing force. The impact gouges deep rifts into the Mir, cutting an X shape, sending debris flying as the ground trembles beneath the weight of DOOM''s assault! DOOM is yanked back into the raging tornado, only to explode from its depths like a bat out of hell, forcing Wrath to make another maneuver! DOOM is pulled back into the storm, repeating the cycle, as buildings are shredded into debris that swirls violently through the air, while Wrath weaves through the chaos, dodging the winds, DOOM, and the wreckage surrounding him. In the sky, the chaotic winds wake up the golden-haired teen. ???: Geez¡­I was told this country never experienced natural disasters¡­I¡¯m giving that travel agent a bad review. On the ground, Carina and her friends arrive near the area. They see a child staring at the ongoing storm, and the crimson swordsman flying in and out of the storm, attacking a beast!! Carina: What are you doing, kid?! You have to get out of here! The kid is trembling. He raises his arm, shaking in fear, pointing toward the storm. Regulus: Can you¡­can you help my friend¡­he was attacked by those two¡­ They look ahead, witnessing the crimson swordsman being absorbed by the storm and being sent out. They tell the kid to leave the area and they approach the eye of the storm. Inside of the storm, Fear sends a message to DOOM. Fear: Who are they? DOOM: I don¡¯t know, but they must be strong to walk into this storm. Carina spots the monstrosity¡­ Rosa: Should we help this thing? What if it attacked first? Wrath glances at the newly arrived group, and their formless beasts¡­ DOOM comes flying in!! Slashing at Wrath! But he dodges again! He gets sucked back into the storm. Carina: ¡­ Baidam: I know who that was¡­that was Doom from the Apex Predators. Without a doubt, he started this fight. DOOM: **DOOM Style - DOOMsday; Hour to Midnight** DOOM sends out an all powerful attack at Baidam and her friends!! The three of them form a combined barrier of sand, plants and ice!! Behind the barrier, after the attack disperses, Carina speaks to Wrath. Carina: Yeah, we have no idea who you are, but we are for sure on your side for this fight. In the storm¡­ Fear: Why would you do that?! Now we have to fight four of them! DOOM: She must say the name correctly!! Fear: Are you still on about that?? DOOM: Catch a throatful from the fire vocal. With ash and molten glass like Eyjafjallaj?kull!! Fear¡¯s eyes narrowing, utterly baffled by what she just heard. Her mouth opens slightly, but no words form, her brain scrambling to make sense of the bizarre reference. A long pause hangs in the air as Fear''s brow furrows deeper in sheer confusion. Fear: ¡­I swear I will be the one to kill you someday¡­ As Rosa and Baidam cautiously circle Wrath, a flicker of terror glimmers in their eyes. Carina is unconcerned. Wrath: I¡¯m Wrath, don¡¯t be frightened, this is just a temporary form, it¡¯ll end soon, just like this fight. Carina: Understood. Wrath: (This form¡­ I¡¯m barely holding on...) His vision falters, blurring in and out of focus. Wrath: (I must finish this¡ªbefore it finishes me.) And out of nowhere ¨C a radiant light pierces through the storm, blinding both groups with its overwhelming brilliance, shimmering like a beacon in the chaos. Wrath: (Draco??) [A Hopeful Light Enters The Field! Draco Shows Up Right On Time?!] Mystery 50 Fin Mystery Fifty-One: A Storm of Beasts Fallen Stars Mystery Fifty-One A Storm of Beasts The radiant light cuts through the heavens, illuminating the dark and stormy sky. Wrath: (Draco made it?? This is an easy win now!) Everyone on the battlefield pauses to glance at the newly arrived stranger as the light slowly dims. ???: Can you fools chill out, you¡¯re disturbing my torpor. Wrath: That voice¡­Ursa??! Ursa is a golden-haired teenager with a brown complexion and a perpetually sleepy demeanor. He looks down at the beast, with morning blur. Wrath waves at him erratically, his claw twitching with a weird motion. Ursa: *rubs eyes* Who are you? Wrath: It¡¯s me! Wrath! Ursa: Wrath? I¡¯ve never seen you a day in my life. Wrath: It¡¯s me, you dim lightbulb!! Ursa has a memory bubble form, him in highschool on the basketball team, wearing the number twenty, and standing next to him with their arm over his shoulder is a teen with a large afro, and the wearing number six, it is unmistakably, Wrath. Ursa¡¯s memory bubble pops. Ursa: Uh...you don''t look like the Wrath I know. Wrath: Ursa, you idiot! Wrath looks down at his claws, getting sad. Wrath: (I really fucking hate this form.) Ursa: *lightbulb* Ooooh, Wrath. The guy who cried when I beat him one on one? Wrath: I didn¡¯t cry! Ursa: So you admit I beat you! Wrath: Never! Practice started before we could finish the game!! Ursa: But I was up, you mutant freak! Wrath raised his arms slightly, his expression a clear display of alarm, concern and hurtfulness. Wrath: Whoa, too far. Ursa raises his right arm and tilts his head down. Ursa: You¡¯re right, my bad. Ursa scatters as light particles, traveling to Wrath¡¯s side. Ursa: So, what¡¯s the situation? *yawns* Wrath addresses the circle gathered around him, his gaze fixated on the storm as it brews once more. Wrath: I¡¯ll enter the storm and destroy it from within. Baidam: What?? How?? Wrath: Follow me up from there. In the storm¡­ Fear: And now they have five. We should pull out and retreat. DOOM: I¡¯m going in. Fear: No! We need to be cautious! DOOM: Just send me out!! Fear ropes DOOM with her tempestuous winds, hurling him out with fierce intensity, cleaving through the area near the beasts! Wrath, waiting for this moment transforms into lightning, sneaking into DOOM¡¯s armor and shocking him from the inside!! The other beasts form their attacks to assault DOOM, but he¡¯s pulled back into the storm. Fear: Good strat. DOOM: Why did you pull me?! He¡¯s here!! Wrath: **Wrath Style - E-Bomb** Another massive electrical sphere forms, detonating in the eye of the tornado and shattering the storm¡¯s fury, tearing the chaotic whirlwind apart!! Ursa: Always reliable Wrath. If he says he''s going to do something, he''s going to do it. My turn. DOOM and Fear are both falling down to the ground from the explosion. Fear covered herself in wind armor to dampen the blow. Ursa scatters again, as he travels near both. He becomes whole, he forms a ball of light near his foot, and begins to kick it and juggle it. Ursa: **Tired-light Style - Circadian Rhythm** He begins a rhythmic motion with the light ball, its intense glow blinding as it pulses with accumulated energy. With a powerful, precise movement, he executes a super kick, sending the brilliant, blinding ball soaring toward DOOM and Fear, who are plummeting from the sky. DOOM and Fear: We¡¯re dead¡­ Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. But, in that moment before it reaches them, Ursa falls asleep, the light ball fades away. Ursa, now in a deep slumber, begins to plummet to the ground at high speeds. Just in time, his quick-acting blanket unfurls and cushions his fall, saving him from a harsh landing. Baidam: What was that?? Carina: Useless. Rosa: **Louloudi Style - Rooted in Jealousy** A swarm of tree roots surges forward, grappling DOOM and Fear with reverse hooks that latch onto them tightly. They hang upside down, the roots coil around, locking them in place and piercing through their armor, rendering them immobile and ensnared. A vibrant, angry lime green flora emerges, spitting out a corrosive acid that eats away at the wind armor and dissolves DOOM''s metal suit slowly. Baidam: **Purity Style - Bankrupt Blizzard** A fierce blizzard sweeps in, its icy winds shaped in the form of tiny sharks, tearing into their armor and slashing at their skin. The bone-chilling cold rapidly freezes DOOM and Fear, encasing them in a solid layer of ice. Carina: **Sandsation Style - Dune & Desire** Sand erupts from beneath DOOM and Fear. The swirling sand engulfs them, forming a crushing sand tomb that traps and entombs them completely. Wrath: Nice job! One more hit! Wrath: **Wrath Style - King¡¯s Wrath** Wrath raises both hands, summoning three lightning bolts that flash in the sky clouds behind him. He hurls them forward, crackling with energy and piercing through the sand tomb, electrifying DOOM and Fear!! Wrath flies, landing by Carina, Rosa and Baidam. Wrath: (Jealousy, Bankrupt, and Desire? I have the perfect names for them.) Baidam: Is it over already? That was too quick. I wanted to chain them up! Wrath leans over in pain, holding his shoulder. Wrath: We did fight already for quite awhile, so it end- A fierce gale rages, blowing apart the sand tomb and all lingering attacks. Despite the strain, Fear and DOOM remain steadfast, battered and worn but still upright, the pain is evident in every labored breath, their bodies showing the toll of the battle. Fear: We have to pull out. DOOM: I can win this. I may not be able to kill the rest of them now, but Wrath is weakened like us, let me kill him and we can go. Fear: I¡¯m making the call. DOOM: One more attack, one more is all I need. Wrath turns to address his group, but a harsh cough erupts, splattering blood onto his hand. He quickly wipes his hand across his face, leaving a streak of blood, but his determination remains unshaken despite the setback. Wrath: One more attack, I can end it with that. The three of them nod. Crackling lightning surges around Wrath, while sinister blood flows from DOOM, pooling ominously at his feet. Wrath vanishes in a flash, leaving a trail of lightning in his wake, reappearing above DOOM and Fear, wings beating powerfully in the sky. Carina, Rosa and Baidam continue their assault, unleashing their attacks on DOOM. Fear leaps aside, amplifying her gale to shield DOOM, deflecting Carina¡¯s treacherous sand, Rosa''s writhing roots and Baidam''s relentless frostwave. Wrath: Let¡¯s end this, DOOM! Rumbling lightning coils around Wrath, gradually shaping into his vivid, crackling crown. Baidam and Rosa are stunned by it. Baidam and Rosa: The-The Limitless Crown!? DOOM: (The Limitless crown??) DOOM is quickly reminded of something, someone intimidating, standing with their back to him saying, ¡°The Limitless Crown will lead all the beasts, and that¡¯s what I want.¡± His lightning surges chaotically in red and blue, the red overwhelming the blue entirely as he aims down at DOOM. Wrath: **Wrath Style - Bolt From The Red** A superbolt spins within the clouds above, and with tremendous magnitude, it strikes down! DOOM: **DOOM Style - Midnight** Fountains of blood erupt from the ground once more, but this blood has hardened and been fortified with DOOM¡¯s Cosmos. The massive strands surge upward, clashing fiercely with the crimson lightning bolt descending from the sky! Fear unleashes her wind once more, propelling them upward behind the blood with renewed strength! The clash remains balanced, a fierce power struggle unfolds, but gradually the blood starts to gain the upper hand! Wrath smirks, a glint of challenge in his eyes. Wrath: Hmph. Since it''s two of you, how about we even the odds. Handle this second one. A second superbolt spirals within the clouds, crackling with a more potent pop and rumble, radiating a volatile synergy infused with Wrath''s Cosmos leaking from its core. It descends, crashing down onto the first bolt, overwhelming DOOM''s blood in a spectacular display of raw power! As if time has slowed down, DOOM¡¯s attack breaks apart, and crimson droplets hang in the air, gradually falling in every direction. All DOOM can perceive is Wrath smiling and waving goodbye with his lobster claw hand, just before the blinding flash of the red bolt overtakes his vision! He glances frantically to the side, as if preparing to dodge or run, but his armor suddenly pulls him toward the incoming bolt! The thunderous bolt strikes! Wrath wipes the sweat from his forehead. Wrath: Whew. As the destruction subsides and the lingering smoke clears, DOOM still stands, barely clinging to life. His armor is almost nonexistent, with only fragments remaining, and his mask is half destroyed. Wrath: How the fuck is he still alive?! Wrath jolts, his body shaking uncontrollably as he reverts to his normal form, his electricity runs out of time. Wrath collapses into unconsciousness, his limitless crown still aglow as he plummets from the sky. Fear: DOOM! This is the time, finish him off! DOOM remains standing still, strangely silent. He is also unconscious, his body is shocked occasionally from the lingering aftereffects of the bolt. Bolt From The Red has an everlasting trait known as "Shellshock," which persistently torments the target. Carina: Save him, Baidam. We¡¯ll finish off DOOM. Baidam: Ok! Fear senses their movements. Fear: (I can¡¯t beat the three of them alone.) She ropes DOOM and launches herself into the air with a tempest, yanking him away from the battlefield as she kicks the air to dash hastily away. Phobos and Moros quickly take off, following. Baidam creates a series of ice stepping stones that ascend with each level. At the last step, she leaps into the air, catching Wrath falling. Baidam (blushing): (He¡¯s surprisingly handsome...) Baidam drops from the sky and lands on a giant flower in a flower bed created by Rosa. Baidam smiling, playing with Wrath¡¯s hair, fascinated by the crown. In the distance, DOOM snaps awake! Bloodshot eyes open, he unleashes a final, ruthless attack! DOOM: **DOOM Style - Impending DOOM** A potent iteration of this attack manifests as a single, unyielding line of blood, infused with his last efforts and Cosmos. This tremendous crimson wave of blood rushes toward the group. Baidam senses the impending threat and swiftly reacts, creating a cryo-style sigil on her hand before slamming it into the ground. Baidam: **Flat Mir; Ice Wall** Sixteen titanic ice walls, thick as fortifications, ascend from the ground! The bloodstream collides violently with the ice walls, shattering each one in succession! It reaches the twelfth wall, smashing into it with relentless force, obliterating it, and then dies out! Rosa: That was close. DOOM falls unconscious again. Baidam: It¡¯s a good thing I did sixteen, I was only going to put up eight. Carina and Rosa move closer, checking on each other and Baidam. Rosa begins crafting a flower bed that radiates life force and energy, allowing those who rest within it to regain their strength. Rosa: **Lifebloom** Carina: And what are we going to do with him? Carina shoots Ursa a piercing glare, her eyes narrowing like a laser dart while he sleeps peacefully. Rosa: Yeah, what was the point of him showing up? Baidam: It looks like he was friends with Wrath; we need to leave him be. Rosa: Fine¡­ Rosa sits down in the flower bed and begins to meditate as the flowers grow around her. Carina: So, I suppose we¡¯re just waiting til they both wake up. As she speaks, a chair made of flowers begins to bloom around her, and she settles into her seat. Risqu¨¦ coils around her feet. **Fear and DOOM¡¯s Location** Fear: Damn it, DOOM. So close to dying, you owe me again. She dashes through the air, nimbly navigating while dragging DOOM along. Fear: One of his labs should be nearby. The closest one is about five days out. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll get you into a Reviver Pod. DOOM''s body hangs like a ragdoll, arms and legs trailing behind him as he''s violently dragged through the air. An hour passes, and Wrath¡¯s eyes flicker open, slowly gaining awareness. He finds he cannot move, his body still trapped in a paralyzing stillness. He feels and smells a blissful fragrance. Wrath: My body, it feels so good. Laying on Baidam¡¯s lap, he rests amidst a blooming tapestry of flowers. Rosa: It''s the aroma from my flora. It''s restoring your life force and rejuvenating you. Wrath: Yaha. Even though I feel better, I cannot move a single muscle. Ursa stirs from slumber, letting out a deep yawn as he stretches his limbs, shaking off the morning stiffness. Ursa: ¡¯Twas a good fight. They all drill him with a piercing death stare, their expressions a mix of annoyance and disbelief. Wrath: Ursa shut up, you didn¡¯t do anything. Ursa: We won, didn¡¯t we? Must¡¯ve done something. In that moment, the group is approached by another formless beast, made up of swirling dark liquor, taking the form of a donkey. Wrath: (Another friend of DOOM?? I can¡¯t move, I may be dead here.) The beast halts abruptly, it lets out a loud hee-haw, its body shuddering as it starts to cough violently, throwing someone up ¡ª out comes Asselli¡­ Asselli: I-I¡¯m here¡­to help in the fight¡­ He gives a wasted, crooked smile and a thumbs-up. Carina: No worries; he¡¯s on our side and was supposed to help in this fight. Carina delivers a swift kick while he''s down, shattering several of his teeth. Carina: The fight is already over, clown. Asselli: Ah¡­ Let¡¯s have a drink to celebrate our victory then¡­ [Wrath vs DOOM Has Concluded!! Time For A Celebration!!] Mystery 51 Fin Mystery Fifty-Two: Asterism Fallen Stars Mystery Fifty-Two Asterism Asselli gathers cups from his inventory, and begins to pour everyone drinks. Asselli: Drink! Drink! It may have some alcohol content, but it will restore your strength and lift your spirits! Baidam has a cup for Wrath. Baidam: You want to drink? Wrath: Yeah, why not, just a little bit. Asselli''s flushed cheeks from his earlier drunkenness glow with excitement as he downs his drink before the group. It completely restores his teeth, and he smiles brightly. He then refills his glass. Asselli: Toast! To victory! They all drink, feeling revitalized and gaining strength and vitality. Asselli: Again! Carina: Don¡¯t over celebrate like you actually did something in the fight. Wrath smiles as he looks around, noticing everyone has their formless beasts beside them¡ªexcept for Ursa. Asselli pours drinks for the others and quickly downs his own, kicking off a small celebration! Asselli: WHEWWW! That¡¯s some good sh*t! Wrath feels Baidam¡¯s warmth. Wrath: Even though you¡¯re icy, you¡¯re surprisingly warm. Baidam (gently smiling): Thank you. Suddenly, they hear footsteps on the road, approaching them. It''s a child, and he¡¯s crying. Wrath: Regulus?? Regulus: Wrath, *sobbing*, I thought you were going to die... Regulus moves in close, stepping past the beasts, and hugs Wrath. Despite being unable to move, Wrath still embraces Regulus. Wrath: Yahaha! Get off me. I wasn¡¯t going to die to him. Asselli: C''mon, kid! Stop being sad and drink up! They all give him a death stare. Carina: It¡¯s a child. Asselli: Huh? Back in my village, we started drinking at three! Carina: No wonder you¡¯re so messed up. Asselli pauses, then shrugs in agreement before downing another drink. Wrath: It¡¯s alright, Regulus. Stop crying. I know I put you in a tough spot fighting them, but it¡¯s all good now. Regulus smirks through his tears and nods in agreement. Wrath: Besides, I¡¯ve decided something. All eyes turn to Wrath. Wrath: I want all of you to join me¡ªeveryone, even you, useless Ursa. Ursa: Hey! Wrath: I have the perfect names for all of you. If you join me, you¡¯ll each take on a new name. Wrath looked up at Baidam. "Greed," he pronounced, his gaze steady. He shifted his eyes to Rosa. "Envy." Turning to Carina, he continued, "Lust." Next was Ursa, "Sloth." Finally, his attention settled on Asselli. "Gluttony." Wrath: Sorry, Regulus, but you have to be a beast to join me. Regulus pouts in frustration. Carina: What? You want us to join your asterism? Wrath: Asterism? What¡¯s that? Baidam and Rosa contemplate the names seriously. Asselli: Heck no, I don¡¯t want to be called Gluttony. Asselli downs another drink, while Baidam and Rosa continue brainstorming. Baidam: (I want to be close to the crown, let¡¯s see what it brings¡­) Rosa: (The crown¡­ he¡¯s so strong and confident¡­) They both yell out. Baidam and Rosa: I¡¯m in! Carina: Are you two serious?? Ursa and Asselli: I refuse. Carina: I¡¯m not taking on that name, or joining your asterism. Wrath: Yaha. Two isn¡¯t so bad. Ursa: You shot two out of five, like the good ole days, huh? Wrath: If I could stand, Ursa, I¡¯d punch you so hard. Ursa: Good thing you can¡¯t, huh? Plus, you wouldn¡¯t be able to touch me, I¡¯m too fast for you. Ursa stretches, standing up on his blanket. Ursa: But... It''s about time I head out. I need some sleep. Ursa is about to scatter. Wrath: Wait! You really won¡¯t join? How can I get in contact with you? Ursa: Hmm. I might join you, though I have my own asterism to look after. But if you can help me find a weapon ¡ª the Golden Apollo ¡ª I might just consider it. All of them react ¡°?!¡± Ursa: And to reach me, just find me. I¡¯ll be in Callisto. Ursa gives them a peace sign, scatters into light, streaking across the sky at the speed of light in a brilliant blitz, leaving Triton behind. Wrath: That idiot, he could¡¯ve just given me his phone number. Envy: So, I¡¯m Envy. Greed: Yup, Icyhaha, I¡¯m Greed. I like it. Wrath¡¯s Limitless Crown fizzed out as Asselli continued downing his shots. Wrath looks to Carina, though her name is Lust in his mind¡ªhis decision already made. Wrath: You really won¡¯t join, Lust? Carina: No. Stop calling me that. Wrath: Welp, I tried. Greed: So, what¡¯s next? Wrath: Ahhh. I need to rest. My friends are in this country, and I¡¯ll meet up with them. I¡¯m taking you both along. Envy: When do you want to leave? Wrath: Whenever I get the strength, or the signal. Envy: Signal? A bright light shot into the sky, forming a gigantic burning sphere. Its blinding radiance illuminated the night, and it quickly accelerated, bursting into brilliant sparks overhead. Greed: Ursa came back?? Wrath: No. That was him. **Vega¡¯s Location** Vega looked up at the burst of the light sphere, his expression stern and unwavering. Muppet meticulously cleaned his kichi blade, using a sword-cleaning paper ball to wipe away every speck of dirt and smudge, his focus steadfast as he ensured the blade gleamed. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Vega: I have to leave now. Muppet: Before you go, I want to inform you that you need to discover your affinity. Vega: ¡­? Muppet: See, I¡¯m a Slayer. You¡¯ll likely fall under the same type; your Cosmos aligns with your personality. Vega: I¡¯ll figure it out. Muppet: Good. It was nice training with you. Vega: ¡­I will be back for that blade. Muppet: Oh, I know. Vega: And if you don¡¯t hand it over, I will kill you for it. Muppet: I expect it. I won¡¯t go down easy. Vega¡¯s expression remained unchanged. Vega: But you will go down. Vega took his leave, with Enma trailing in his shadow. Muppet¡¯s octopus slid over to him. Kraken: That kid was strict. **Draco¡¯s Location** Lich: Why did you make it so bright? Draco lowered his finger pistol and blew it off playfully. Draco: I have no idea where they are in the country, so I had to make it visible from anywhere. Lich: What if it attracts others? Draco: Eh. Lich: You don¡¯t think beyond your friend group. I will not follow an incompetent leader. Stop playing the fool. Draco drops his playful expression, a mischievous grin forming. Draco: Geez, I can¡¯t fake anything around you. Lich: Of course not. I can see the shape of your soul; I know your true nature. **Wrath¡¯s Location** Wrath: We have to go. Envy: Already? Wrath: Yeah, that¡¯s the signal, he¡¯s waiting for us. Greed: Can you walk? Wrath: Just throw me on Zeus, he¡¯ll carry me. Zeus flies as a crowned eagle, transforming into a dire wolf and approaches Wrath, growling. Zeus: (Pathetic.) Wrath: (I know, but you won¡¯t be saying that for long.) Greed: Your beast isn¡¯t set? Wrath: Set? Greed: It means your beast is locked onto a creature after consuming what it needs. Wrath: Oh, Zeus hasn¡¯t consumed anything yet. Envy grows her plants, lifting Wrath out of Greed¡¯s arm, and tosses him up on Zeus, she has plants wrapping him tight, so he doesn¡¯t fall off. Carina: You two, let¡¯s talk for a second. Greed and Envy gather around Carina, making a small circle. Carina: Are you two sure you want to go with him? You know what he turns into. Greed and Envy side eye Wrath, who¡¯s wrapped flat onto Zeus, talking with Regulus. Greed: Yes, I¡¯m sure. Envy: Same, I¡¯m sure. Carina tears up a bit, and grabs them both with a big hug. Holding their heads to her¡¯s. Carina: Stay safe, and do not die. Greed: *laughs* We won¡¯t. She looks to Wrath and blushes, and Carina notices. Carina: (Ah, this is why, you finally found someone worthy, huh?) What about your friends or family? Are you really just uprooting your life without telling them? Greed: You know, you and V are the only ones we talk to. Carina: ¡­Right. Envy: We''re going, Carina. If it works out, it works. If not, then it doesn¡¯t. Envy and Greed hop on their creatures, and take off with Wrath. Leaving Carina and Asselli behind. Carina: Fine, you two. I support you. Asselli: What¡¯s left for us? Carina looked around at the city, its landscape marred by the devastation of the hurricane. Carina: First, we need to clean up the city and get the reconstruction started. That storm ruined a lot. **The Next Day** **Draco¡¯s Location** The early morning sunshine illuminates the patio area. Draco (smiling): They¡¯re here. Draco and Lich in new attire: Lich wears a black and pink gothic dress, with intricate patterns and dark lace details, still wearing her skeleton mask. Draco, on the other hand, sports black sweats accented with a bold golden and blue theme, paired with a white shirt featuring a central golden dot. Wrath and his beasts come walking up the stairs, Wrath still attached to Zeus by plants. Regulus follows suit. Draco: What happened to you?? Wrath: It¡¯s a long story, yahaha. Wrath struggles but looks at Lich. Wrath: Who¡¯s this? Draco: Our newest member! Wrath: Huh?? They all feel a warm presence. Vega walks up, with Enma peeping out of his shadow. Wrath: Vega. Vega: Wrath. There''s a brief pause before they both laugh. Wrath: Glad you¡¯re alive. Vega: Same to you, but it seems you had a tougher time than me. Draco: What, you both got into fights?? Vega and Wrath: We can see who didn¡¯t get into one. They both laugh, Regulus walks up to Draco, and Draco gives him a head pat. Draco has a frustrated smile. Draco: We have a lot to talk about. Wrath: Did you win the chess tournament? Draco: Yeah, I did. Won some money too. Wrath: Nice. Draco glances at the two women beside Wrath and side-eyes Vega. Draco: Well, it¡¯s clear who didn¡¯t bring any women with them. Wrath chuckles. Vega: ¡­ **In The Distance** Dressed incognito in a garment that covers her head, Vulpecula peers through a newspaper with holes for her binoculars. Vulpecula: What the hell? What is Lich doing there?! She focuses the binoculars on Vega, fanning herself. Vulpecula: His eyes¡­ so glorious¡­ As Vega turns, it feels like he¡¯s staring directly into the distance, almost as if he¡¯s looking right at her! Vulpecula falls out of her chair! Vega: I¡¯m the only one who can stand alone. You two need as much help as you can get. Wrath and Draco show a hint of being playfully ticked off. The group is suddenly interrupted by Dorado. Dorado: You said you wanted to wait for your friends, is everyone here? Draco: Yup, we¡¯re ready. Dorado: Let¡¯s go then. Walking into his office. Draco: You want to take your new friends with you? Wrath: Actually. Greed and Envy, can you guys wait out here with Regulus? Watch over the little guy. Greed & Envy: Got it. Their beasts circle around Regulus, as they all rest on the patio that Draco and Lich were just resting at. The four of Draco, Vega, Wrath (on Zeus), and Lich begin walking toward the office. Draco: Greed and Envy? You actually got them to agree to those names when joining you? Wrath: Hell yeah! I¡¯m so glad they agreed. Vega: What about her? Vega glanced at Lich. Wrath: That¡¯s what I was saying, Vega. Draco: She¡¯s the newest member of M5! That¡¯s why she¡¯s with us and not waiting outside. Vega: Just adding people to the group without asking us. Lich: You should really talk it over with your friends before making a decision like that. All three of them turn their disapproving glares toward Draco. Draco: What the heck, Lich?! You¡¯re supposed to be on my side! Dorado sits at his desk, flanked by four chairs for the gang. On the other side, a large window lets in streams of natural light, casting a warm glow across the room. The walls are adorned with various maps and trophies from past missions, each telling a story of their own. As the gang enters, they take their seats, the atmosphere shifting from casual to serious. Dorado leans back in his chair, studying each of them with a keen gaze, lingering briefly before a wide grin spreads across his face. Dorado: So, ready for your bank cards? Draco shifts in his seat, exchanging glances with Wrath and Vega, who nod in encouragement. Lich leans back, arms crossed, observing the group with an amused smirk. Draco: Of course! Wrath feels a surge of energy in his hand and legs, finally able to move. He bursts free from Envy¡¯s plants and leaps into his seat. Dorado: It¡¯s nothing complicated¡ªreally simple. Just fill out an application with your first name or whatever name you go by, and we can submit it right now. Draco: That¡¯s it?! Dorado: Yup, any name will do. Most stars prefer to conceal their true identities, so we designed the application to be flexible. Just make sure to include what color you want your card to be. The group fills out their applications, but the only one not signing anything is Lich. Draco: You¡ª Lich: I already have mine. While we''re here, Dorado, they¡¯d like to set up an asterism as well. *crossing her legs* I assume Wrath will want a sub-asterism too. Dorado: I can set that up. Draco: What is an asterism? I know it refers to a pattern of stars. The three of them hand their applications to Dorado. Dorado: You¡¯re right about that! An asterism is also a group of stars, which means it''s like a collective of stars flying under one banner. Wrath: How long will the card take? A day or two? Dorado: Nope. With a swift motion, Dorado drops the applications into his desk, and moments later, it spits out three shiny cards. Dorado: Hot off the press! He hands the cards to each of them: an electric blue card for Wrath, a fiery red card for Vega, and a sleek space black card for Draco. Wrath laughs at Draco. Wrath: Oh my god, is that a black card? Draco: Why yes, but I prefer the term Afr- Lich chuckles. Draco: You know that song?! Lich: Of course I do. Dorado: As for the asterism, I can link you all together. But first, what is the name, and who will be the leader¡ªthe heliocentric figure? Wrath and Vega: Draco. Draco: The name is ¡°M5¡±. Dorado: Alright, it¡¯s added. Draco: Yes! Wrath: Me next! You can make mines ¡°Wrath Empire¡±! Dorado: Added. Vega: Indecisive Wrath actually thought of a name? Wrath: Shut up¡­ sweats Can I change it? Dorado: You only get four chances. After that, someone else will need to be the center. Wrath: Damn it, that¡¯s a good name. I can¡¯t risk changing it now. Dorado: And what about you, Lich? Lich: Yes, add me to theirs. Dorado: You want your current asterism to be a sub-asterism? Lich: Yes. Dorado: smirks You guys have no idea what kind of ally you''ve just gained. Added. Vega and Wrath exchange glances, intrigued by the words he said. Dorado: Let me add your winnings, Draco. Thirty-five thousand Sols¡­ Wrath: Whoa, that¡¯s a lot! Draco: I know, right? Dorado: And also the winnings from the bet you made¡­ Vega: You were gambling too¡­? Draco rubs the back of his head, laughing, then a sudden thought hits him. Draco: Wait, wait! Dorado: Hm? Draco: Can you split the winnings? I want to share some with them. Dorado: Sure, I can do that. Draco: Hmm. I initially thought about splitting it three ways. So four ways would be- Lich: Don¡¯t worry, I have my own money. You all seem a little new; share it amongst yourselves. Draco: Okay, thanks! Draco grins at Dorado. Draco: Split it up, four hundred thousand each! Vega and Wrath freak out. Vega and Wrath: Four hundred thousand?? Each?? How much did you bet?! Draco: The champion was a real sore loser. He thought he could beat me and bet 1.2 milly. Dorado: It has been added to each of your accounts. Plus the gold you all had. You can check your balance by pressing the center of your card; only you will be able to see it. Draco: Great! Both Vega and Wrath check. Dorado: One more thing about the Bank Cards: they also function as inventories, allowing you to store items, weapons, or even creatures. Draco: Creatures? Lich: Yep. Dorado: Wrath, since your companion is here, touch it, then press and hold the center of your card. Zeus, sitting beside Wrath, watches as Wrath presses down on the card and touches him. In an instant, Zeus is teleported into the card! Wrath: No way. Dorado: It''s a way to keep your creatures hidden, or whenever you have no space for them in the car, train, or whatever you take. Draco: Hidden¡­ Draco glances at Lich. She nods in agreement. Lich: This is what I was trying to tell you. Wrath: By car or train, and plane, right? Dorado: Plane...? There are no more planes. The mainland is a worldwide no-fly zone. Horrific events hidden in the back of Dorado''s mind begin to resurface, and he starts to relive them. A silver private jet flies through dark, cloudy stormy skies. A kid looks out the window. Haey: Dad, do you know him? Viegar: Hm? Looking out the window, a shadowy figure materializes through the clouds. Still shrouded in mystery, the figure''s massive, angelic wings flap with grandeur, dispersing the clouds in their wake. As the clouds part, the figure is revealed, seated in a meditative position, its body and wings adorned with over one hundred glowing eyes. Cam52: Be not afraid. Each eye twitches erratically in different directions, neon green pupils throbbing with energy before sudden bursts of green laser beams shoot forth from each. Sweeping up and down in a relentless assault, vaporizing the plane chunk by chunk until it''s reduced to smoldering debris. Another tragic memory floods Dorado¡¯s mind. A commercial plane carrying two hundred passengers glides through the bright, daytime sky. Suddenly, a deafening echo pierces the air, followed by a loud screech that shakes the plane! A pregnant woman looks out in horror as an enormous hand descends toward them. A Titan slaps the plane with unimaginable force, screeching as it revels in its destruction. Atlas: AAAAAHHHHHH!!! The Titan then dashes away, leaving the chaos. Snapping out of his daze, Dorado trembles, shaking his head in fear. Dorado: No flying. They all read the room, noticing the inner turmoil it stirs within him. Draco: Understood. Is there anything else we need? Dorado: Do you all have any plans after this? Draco looks around at his companions. Draco: Not really. I think we¡¯ve accomplished everything we set out to do here, right? He glances at M5, who all nod in agreement. Draco: We¡¯re done here; we plan on leaving Triton. Dorado: Before you leave, would you like to go on a side quest? All of M5 appear intrigued. M5: Hm? [M5 Is Finally Created! But, Another Adventure?! When Will This Arc End!?] Mystery 52 Fin Mystery Fifty-Three: Forbidden Zone Fallen Stars Mystery Fifty-Three Forbidden Zone M5 stands outside, poised at the edge of a blue lake shimmering under a thin veil of gold dust. A faint, glistening residue of golden particles floats atop the surface, casting an ethereal glow across the still waters. Greed and Envy by their side. Wrath and Vega in fresh new outfits: Wrath sports a sleek blue tracksuit with a cozy hoodie. Vega, meanwhile, retains his signature cloak, but now with a refined golden trim. Greed and Envy also showcase their revamped looks: Envy, still adorned with her stag ceremonial headwear, now sports a new camouflage outfit that combines with matching gear. Greed''s attire takes on a more refined, ice-blue aesthetic, with a light blue, icy-colored top and high-waisted skinny jeans that mirror the chill of winter. Draco: Hm¡­ Greed: Are you all sure this is where Dorado said to go? M5: We¡¯re sure. **Lake Omolon** Draco: It¡¯s just¡­ Wrath: Weird, right? Draco: Yeah. Weren¡¯t all the waters here supposed to be Scarlet Seas? Even the lake back in the first town was scarlet and rapid. Vega: ¡­The worst part? He said we¡¯d have to swim in to find the adventure. Draco: Can we trust Dorado, Lich? Lich: I¡¯d say we can. He hasn¡¯t done me any wrong. Envy: Are we supposed to¡­ take off our clothes? Wrath: Nope, he said to keep them on. Without hesitation, Draco commits, running forward and launching himself into the lake with a cannonball. Draco: Someone¡¯s gotta go first! Splash! The others exchange glances and, one by one, follow him in. They swim through the water, pushing aside shimmering clouds of gold dust drifting all around them. As they push deeper into the lake, a soft glow begins to pulse beneath them, revealing an ethereal golden portal, radiating a warm, beckoning light. They exchange another glance and nod, and swim directly into it! With no complication, they enter the portal gracefully. Upon entering, they find themselves on a steep slide, swiftly carrying them down into the entrance. Surprisingly, their clothes are completely dry. **Forbidden Zone; Golden Labyrinth** They can feel the maze around them, its shimmering walls pulsing with an otherworldly energy. Each breath echoes softly, swallowed by the golden mist that dances in the air. Intricate patterns carved into the walls glimmer like liquid gold, shifting and changing as if alive, guiding them deeper into the labyrinth. All of M5 can feel the energy emanating from the Forbidden Zone¡ªits atmosphere feels almost homelike, as if they are embraced by it. They all glance down in surprise, realizing their clothes and bodies are completely dry. Wrath, mesmerized by the shifting walls, takes a cautious step forward. Wrath: This place¡ª In an instant, trap doors trigger beneath them, sending them all plummeting downward. Vega manages to dodge the trap, but in the distance, he hears Draco''s faint voice calling out, ¡°Fall!¡± In a split second, he makes the decision to leap into his trap. As they tumble into their respective traps, a gigantic golden ball emerges from the long tunnel of the labyrinth, rolling forward and crushing everything in its path! In a dark area, Wrath calls out. Wrath: Who''s with me? Someone ignites their hand on fire, illuminating the space and revealing Vega. Vega: Yo. Wrath: Oh, it¡¯s just you. Are we the only ones here? Vega: Looks like it. Wrath glances up at the ever-shifting walls. Wrath: While we search for the others, let¡¯s catch up. Who did you run into? Wrath and Vega walk, guided by the shifting walls. Vega: I ran into this swordsman. Not very strong, but I couldn¡¯t put him down. Wrath: Met your match? Vega: No, but he had a black blade¡ªsomething I¡¯m after. And make no mistake, I will come back for it. Wrath inspects the inscriptions on the ceiling. Wrath: You think the blade closed the gap between you two? Vega: I¡¯m not sure. What about you? Wrath: Maaaan, I ran into this bloodthirsty psycho who had a formless beast like mine! Vega: Was he strong? Wrath: Was he strong?! His swordsmanship was unavoidable, and he controlled blood. Wearing metal armor too? That battle was a perfect conductor for electricity, amplifying my damage¡ªhis endurance was insane though; he was practically taking double, maybe even triple the pain... Vega: ¡­ Wrath: Yeah¡­ he was freakishly strong. I¡¯m not even sure what happened after my last attack¡ªI blacked out. Vega: That¡¯s when you ran into your new followers? Wrath: Well, they came before that. They helped a bit in the fight; I would have definitely died without them. Vega: Damn, that¡¯s crazy. Wrath: It wasn¡¯t just them, though¡ªDOOM had someone else show up on his side, and Greed and Envy arrived with someone too. Vega: Damn, that¡¯s crazy. Wrath: Then my friend from high school showed up; he somehow has a cosmic path, like what the fuck. Wrath continues rambling. Wrath: Not to mention another beast showed up. Vega: (How many ¡°Damn, that¡¯s crazy¡± do I have to hit him with?) Damn, that¡¯s crazy. Wrath: Don¡¯t do that! It was crazy! They both share a laugh. Wrath: Then I transformed into my beast form. Vega comes to a halt, with a serious confused tone. Vega: Beast form? Wrath looks at his hands. Wrath: Yeah. Apparently, I¡¯m some kind of beast that I can transform into. Vega: Can you transform now? Wrath: No... I don¡¯t think so. And honestly, I don¡¯t want to. It felt... off. Vega: ¡­ Wrath: Though, having wings was cool. And my electricity changed. Wrath attempts to surge electricity, but nothing happens. Wrath: Huh? I still haven¡¯t recovered from that battle? Vega: ...You still haven¡¯t recovered? From the fight you had a day ago? Wrath: Maybe I oversurged myself. At least we made it out. Barely¡ªnah, not barely! I beat DOOM¡¯s ass, and I¡¯d do it again! Wrath¡¯s triumphant look returns. Vega: Let¡¯s not get too comfortable. Wrath: Meanwhile, while we''re fighting for our lives, Draco''s over there in paradise, playing chess and lambasting everyone like he''s some grandmaster. Vega: That¡¯s true. After my fight, the guy tried to train me, telling me to create a ¡°style¡±. Shock comes to Wrath. Wrath: You developed a style?! Me too! I kept getting taunted by my opponents for not having one, plus the guy I was fighting kept shouting his out! Vega: I did. Wrath: What did you name yours? Mine¡¯s Wrath Style! Vega: Of course you named yours that¡­ Wrath laughs. Vega: Mines¡­ it¡¯s better to save it when I can show it. Wrath: Oh, what a tease to the viewers!Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Vega: Huh? Wrath: Nevermind. How do you feel about Lich? Do you think we can trust her? As both Vega and Wrath see an opening ahead, illuminated by a dim light. Vega: I think we can. She doesn¡¯t seem untrustworthy, but I¡¯ll keep an eye on her. *lightbulb* Oh, and by the way¡ª Wrath: What? Vega: You won¡¯t believe what I ran into while heading to a shrine. Wrath: A monk? Vega: Close, but no, I found a statue of a monkey that loves peaches. Wrath groans in frustration. Wrath: Don¡¯t remind me of that idiot! I was just about to forget about him! He was almost completely out of my mind! Vega: He was the first person I thought of when I heard that. Vega and Wrath enter the opening. **Lich¡¯s Location** Lich lands gracefully, and beside her, another figure descends, sending a wave of ice rippling across the ground when she lands. Lich: You¡¯re Greed, right? Greed: That¡¯s right. Lich? Lich: Mhm. Looks like we¡¯re the only ones here. Lich scans the surroundings, her gaze sharp. She reaches down, touching the bare ground near her, infusing it with a swirl of pink Cosmos. Lich: ...So many people have died in this labyrinth. Though her grin remains hidden behind the mask, her eyes narrow with a cunning gleam, betraying her delight. She rises, and she and Greed spot a faint light ahead. With a silent nod, they agree to investigate. Greed: Lich, I¡¯ve heard about you before. Lich: You have? Greed: The pink-haired reaper. I¡¯ve heard all about the lands you managed to make coexist. Lich lets out a soft, knowing laugh. Greed: You should¡¯ve invited me, I would¡¯ve chained up anyone who disagreed with you. Lich (snickering): I heard you were strong. I¡¯ve been curious about you. Greed (blushing): You have?! Lich: Of course, Queen of the Tundra. Greed, filled with glee, balls up her fists and screams in excitement. Greed: I want them to call me that soooo bad, but I still haven¡¯t earned my first title yet. Lich: Surprising. One of my scouts wanted me to recruit you¡ªthat¡¯s rare unless you¡¯ve already built a name for yourself. You would¡¯ve made a fine addition to my crew. Lich snaps her finger. Lich: In fact, why not join us? Break free from the shackles of being a man¡¯s follower and embrace the strength of a true sisterhood. Greed: I can¡¯t just abandon him¡ªI only just joined! The Lich narrows her eyes, lifting a hand in a slow, hypnotic motion. Lich: Why not? Come to me. Join us. Greed shakes her head, snapping herself out of it. Greed: I said no! And didn¡¯t you just join the so-called men you want me to leave? Lich breaks the trance, looking at her calmly. Lich: That¡¯s true. Greed: So, are you going to abandon your group? Lich: No, I built a real sisterhood. Though, they¡¯re going to be so mad to see who I align myself with¡­ Especially Bella. Greed (sarcastic): Oh? What, are you scared of her? Lich: Scared? No... I just don¡¯t think she¡¯ll take kindly to this little... ¡°betrayal¡±. Entering the opening, the dim light flickers, then fades. In an instant, something drops from the right side of the room, a bat in hand. Greed immediately freezes it. Upon closer inspection, it¡¯s a seven-legged slime. Lich: Good job. Lich walks up, her fist connecting with the ice block, shattering the creature with ease. The light fully flickers on, and six other lights follow suit, all shining down on a book mantle. Atop it rests an oddly large golden book, straps securing it closed. Greed: What¡¯s this? Lich stands frozen, eyes wide in shock. Lich: Th-the-the¡­ Greed: Spit it out already! Lich rushes up to the mantle, her eyes glistening with quiet intensity as her hands hover over the grimoire. The book''s cracked gold leather cover throbs with dark energy, its edges frayed from centuries of forbidden knowledge. Blood-red runes crawl across the surface, their glow flickering like dying embers. The air around it grows colder, filled with faint, malevolent whispers, as if the book itself hungers for something more. Lich: It¡¯s the Grandioso Grimoire!! Greed: The what? Lich: You¡¯ve never heard of it?! Lich starts murmuring to herself, her voice barely audible: ¡°One of the Eldritch Grimoires¡ªalso known as the Golden Ox¡ªdark entities lurk inside¡ªpower, destruction, chaos, spells, undead, reanimation, ruin, decay, k-nowledge¡ª¡± Greed: Everything okay? Lich gives Greed a darting, frightening look, her grip tightening around the book as she clutches it protectively, unwilling to let it slip from her grasp. Greed jolts, raising her hands. Greed: (Scary¡­) You don¡¯t have to worry about me, I¡¯m not taking it from you. Lich rips the straps off the book with frantic energy, then slams it open. The moment she does, a malefic head emerges right above the book, rising as if drawn from its pages. With each page she turns, a new dark entity reveals itself, each one more horrifying than the last. Lich flips through the ancient tome with frantic determination. As one page turns, a malefic golden ox head materializes, but Lich bypasses it. Her eyes roll back into her head, leaving only blank, pale voids, as her hands continue to flip the pages unnaturally fast. Her body shakes violently, seized by an uncontrollable force, and she begins to float, the book still in her hand, as an otherworldly resonance fills the air, like the tolling of distant bells. Greed watches in silence as everything unfolds, uncertain whether to step in and cool her off with a touch of ice. She reaches her hand out but slowly pulls it back. Greed: Are you okay? Lich murmurs some words in a forgotten tongue. Greed: Right, rhetorical question. Greed looks at the invisible camera, pointing at herself. Greed: Am I supposed to help out? Lich (voice distorted): WHERE IS LUCY!? Greed: Lucy¡­? Greed looks around, her gaze lingering on the frozen, shattered remains of the slime that¡¯s twitching, reaching for the bat. Greed: (This thing was protecting such a powerful book? Why hasn¡¯t anyone else taken it before us? There has to be something else guarding it.) **Draco¡¯s Location** Draco and Envy land at the exact same moment. Envy lands but stubs her toe in the process. "Awk," she groans in pain, scowling. Draco: What, are you disgruntled? Her scowl is now aimed at Draco. Envy: No. I¡¯m not disgruntled. Are you? Draco: I¡¯m not disgruntled. You¡¯re over here scowling and groaning. Draco mocks Envy, ¡°Awk, ah, ugh.¡± Envy: Yes, I do scowl, and yes, I do groan when I''m hurt, but I am NOT disgruntled... They stare at each other, inching closer and closer, face to face, each interrogating the other''s gaze. After a brief pause, they both burst into laughter. Draco laughs uncontrollably. Draco: You''re hilarious. I never met anyone who watched that show. Envy: Oh my god, it¡¯s my favorite. Envy collapses to the ground, her hands and knees hitting the floor. Her expression drops, becoming somber and depressed. Envy: So mad it got canceled. Draco: It was so great. How could they cancel it?! Draco sticks out his hand, helping Envy back up. Meanwhile, in the darkness, the only thing that shines in the room is a mysterious, eerie golden apple. Draco & Envy: ¡­ Draco: Clearly a trap, right? Envy: Uh-huh. Draco: But what if it isn¡¯t? Draco steps forward toward it. Envy: Are you an idiot?! Draco picks it up, feeling its unexpected heaviness. Draco: Maybe, maybe not. Draco begins to bite into it. Envy: Are you serious?! Let me at least test it first! Envy¡¯s vines snatch it from Draco¡¯s hand. Draco: Where¡¯s the fun in that? Envy¡¯s vines pierce the apple, wrapping it tightly. Envy: It¡¯s not poisonous¡­ but I don¡¯t feel any benefits, not even the basic nutritional value you¡¯d get from a regular apple. Draco: So, let me eat it. The vines toss it back to Draco. Envy: Your funeral. He takes a bite. His eyes widen as he suddenly zones out, his consciousness pulled into a featureless emptiness. He can hear voices saying the same thing over and over again, ¡°The truth shall be revealed.¡± The emptiness reveals the labyrinth¡¯s individuals, one by one. First, Lich is shown: "Yes, you can trust her, but beware of the dark forces she commands. They follow her, not you." Next, Vega appears: "His ambition is to burn Mir to the ground and slice through its scorched remains with his sword.¡± Wrath follows: "He has an insatiable desire to conquer it all for his reign as king." Greed is displayed: "She has a need to ensure that she will never face vulnerability again." Finally, Envy: "She just wants to be happy.¡± And in the shadows, an unseen entity breathes heavily, steam rising from its nostrils: ¡°Protect.¡± The emptiness shatters like broken glass, Draco falls through, star shapes swirling around him. As he descends slowly, his mind snaps back to reality, and he grips his head, struggling to regain control. Draco: How long did I zone out for? Envy: What do you mean? You bit into the apple and then held your head. A faint panting is heard, followed by a faint laugh and voice saying, ¡°Howdy!¡± Spooked by the sudden noise, Draco blasts the figure with his starlight. Aga: Awk! What the hell?! Sh*t! Draco: Oh, my bad. Envy''s plant reacts, and Aga, the elderly witch hag, is in immense pain. Aga mutters, "Piece of sh*t. Who the hell blasts someone just for saying ''Howdy''?!" She checks her wound, her entire side missing, blood pouring from the gaping hole. "F*ck! That f*cking hurts!" She collapses in a pool of her own blood, cursing under her breath, "F*cking piece of shit. Son of a wh*re..." Her eyes slowly close, her breath faint. She lastly mutters out, "Truthbearer," and exhales one final time, marking her passing. Draco: A bit¡­dramatic. Envy: Yeah, she definitely overreacted. Besides, she''s a witch¡ªwho cares? Draco: That¡¯s cold. What did she say, ¡°Truthbearer¡±? Envy: Mhm. Draco: (So that was everyone¡¯s truth, but what was that last thing¡­) Draco glances at Envy. Draco: (She just wants to be happy. I can trust her with Wrath; she won¡¯t betray him. And I can trust Lich, good to know.) Envy interrupts his thoughts. Envy: My plants¡ªthey reacted to your attack. Do you control sunlight? Draco: Yeah. I do. Envy: Very dangerous power. Surprised you¡¯re still alive. Paths like that get hunted down. Draco: What do you mean? Envy: There are entire cults formed around worshiping the sun. I''ve seen stars hunted for their paths, all to give them to a central figure in the cult. Sun, Moon, Stars, Comets¡ªthese are the hardest paths to control, simply because of the constant threat of being targeted by such cults. Draco smirks wickedly in the darkness, his gaze glinting with malice. Draco: I¡¯d love to run into one of these cults. Draco tosses the apple, and it lands with a thud, making a dent in the floor. Draco: Now let¡¯s get out of here. Draco forms a tennis ball-sized sun in his hand, casting a warm glow as it leads him and Envy to a golden, shifting door. **Wrath¡¯s Location** Upon entering the room, Wrath and Vega are confronted by an enormous purple flame, encircled by fifty smaller blue flame orbs, each flickering with intense heat and light. Wrath: This is your territory, right? You handle it. Vega: ¡­Let the weaklings stand back. Vega steps forward, his hand steady as he begins to unsheathe his sword. Wrath: Weakling? I won my fight. You didn¡¯t. The flames begin to holler as Vega approaches. Wrath: They¡¯re that scared¡­? The echoes of fiery, raspy voices fill the room, ¡°He has come, he has arrived, he is finally here.¡± Vega and Wrath have confused glances. The flames lock their gaze onto Vega¡¯s eyes, sounding off again, ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting for you, Flame Emperor.¡± The enormous flame bounces into the air as the smaller flames circle Vega, drawing closer. He doesn¡¯t react. Vega: (I don¡¯t sense any malice¡­) The flames engulf Vega, encasing him. The massive purple flame descends, landing upon him. One by one, the flames begin to fuse with Vega, their fiery forms melding into his body. A fragment of the purple flame lingers, drawn to Enma lurking in Vega''s shadow. It materializes before it, and Enma, with its mouth widening in a jagged grin, opens its mouth, consuming the flame. As it does, a fiery outline ignites around Enma, adding a new, blazing intensity to its form. Enma retreats back into Vega¡¯s shadow, vanishing. Vega examines his hands and body, his gaze narrowing. His eyes still burn with a fiery glow, the remnants of the flame¡¯s power lingering within him. Vega: Wrath. You know all these folklore creatures. What was that? Wrath: To me, it seemed like the Onibi. But I¡¯ve never read about them referring to something or someone as the Flame Emperor. Vega clenches his fists, drawing his sword as a flame ignites along its edge. Wrath: Feel any stronger? Vega: I-I¡¯m not sure. I can feel something, but I don¡¯t think I can use it yet. The room''s ceiling begins to cave in with a deafening roar. Wrath: Great job. Taking that thing from this place seems to have triggered its collapse. Massive chunks of debris plummet, crashing violently to the floor, dust and rubble filling the air. Wrath and Vega dash toward the lone door, barely avoiding falling rumble and jagged shards of stone. The roof groans ominously above them as the destruction intensifies. Every step is a race against the collapse, with the room shaking violently around them. **Lich¡¯s Location** Lich is sprawled on the ground, her eyes rolled back into her head. Greed stands still, silent. Suddenly, Lich¡¯s upper body jerks upright, gasping as she snaps back to her senses. Lich: Ahh¡­ Sorry about that. Greed: What was all of that? Lich: I had to gain the k-nowledge. Greed: (K-nowledge?) Greed is reminded of Vulpucla''s words: "She was so weird, always pronouncing the ''k''s'' in words." Greed: (This was V¡¯s date? She¡¯s in their group now?) Lich stands up, dusting herself off, the grimoire still in her hand. Greed: Was this your first time getting one of those spell books thingys? Lich: No. I already have two in my possession, and there are many more. I want them too. Lich opens the book, Greed leans over to peek inside but finds herself unable to read any of it. Lich: You won¡¯t be able to read it. Each one is written in a different language¡ªlanguages not of this world. Greed: Not of this world¡­? The room begins to shake violently, cracks spreading as the floor rips apart beneath their feet. Lich: Let''s move! Without hesitation, Lich runs and kicks open the door, bursting through it as she and Greed land in a coliseum-sized room. The coliseum is encircled by a sea of bones, scattered remnants of fallen soldiers, fallen intruders, their broken armor half-buried in the earth. The stench of death hangs heavy in the air, and the cracked skulls seem to stare, hollow-eyed, at those who dare enter. They crash through the middle door as Draco and Envy stand on the side from the right door. Draco: Hey! You made it! On the left side, the door shatters as fire bursts through. Vega and Wrath fly out, barely controlling their momentum. Wrath tumbling uncontrollably. Wrath: Ugh! As they finally reunite: Draco: What happened with you guys? Wrath: Don¡¯t tell me you didn¡¯t have to go through a room collapsing on you. Draco: Nope. Greed: Even we had to go through that. Vega: You¡¯ve had it easy, huh, Draco? Draco: What can I say? The best doesn¡¯t need to struggle. Draco senses the atmospheric shift, looking over his shoulder. Draco: Let¡¯s get out of here. We can catch up once we¡¯re outside. Envy: Agreed. Suddenly, they hear it¡ªmassive footsteps reverberate through the ground, each one shaking the air. The creature drags a colossal axe, its heavy star forged blade scraping against the stone, sending a chilling echo throughout the room. Lich: Looks like getting out won¡¯t be so easy. A hulking, savage minotaur emerges from the shadows, its eyes glowing with a cosmic fury. It lets out a deafening screech that rattles the very bones of the room, the sound echoing like a death knell. **Starkiller: Minotuar** [The Guardian Of The Labyrinth Approaches!!] Mystery 53 Fin Mystery Fifty-Four: King Minos Fallen Stars Mystery Fifty-Four King Minos [A Starkiller is an entity forged from the very essence of Cosmos, created by the Forbidden Zone to guard it against trespassers. Standing as the unyielding guardian of the Zone, the Starkiller ensures that the secrets and treasures within the Forbidden Zone remain untouched and undisturbed. Created with nothing but ferocity and resolve, the Starkiller defends its domain, watching over it for eternity.] The Starkiller of this zone is named King Minos. With a terrifying screech that echoes through the coliseum, King Minos raises a massive axe forged from the stars themselves, its edge gleaming with deadly intent. **Starkiller: King Minos** Wrath: Uh guys¡­ Minos leaps, bringing down its axe with full force onto the group!! Wrath: How is that fat thing that fast?! Greed takes a step forward, unleashing a freezing wave that halts the minotaur in its tracks! Encased in a glacier ¨C the ice begins to crack! Breaking free and resuming its assault, the minotaur charges forward! Lich: Geez~~ Lich steps in swiftly, intercepting the minotaur mid-strike. With a single powerful punch to the gut, she sends it crashing into the ceiling. The others watch in stunned silence. Wrath: Daaaaamnnn! How strong are you?! Vega: (Strength buff? Or is that her true power?) Lich brushes off her fist and glares at the group. Lich: Don¡¯t get complacent¡ªit¡¯s still got plenty of fight left. The minotaur, rebounding from the ceiling, spins mid-air before landing heavily. Without hesitation, it leaps again to attack. Greed conjures her ice, but Vega counters with his flames, neutralizing both powers. Vega: Why did you do that¡­? Greed: I didn¡¯t know you could control fire! As the minotaur hesitates, untouched by their powers, strong branches erupt from the ground, rooting and lifting it into the air. At that moment, Draco launches a blazing sun orb. However, the light drives the frenzied roots into chaos, freeing the minotaur, the roots now fixated on the glowing orb. Draco: Damn it. Envy: Don¡¯t even try to blame me¡ªthat was all you. Wrath taps Draco¡¯s shoulder. Wrath: We¡¯re just lacking chemistry right now. Draco: Why didn¡¯t you attack? Wrath: My powers aren¡¯t back yet. Draco: It¡¯s been a day since your fight though. The minotaur bellows, steam erupting from its nostrils as it spins its massive axe with ferocious speed. With a thunderous roar, it slams the axe into the ground, unleashing a devastating wave of Cosmos-infused energy. The ground fractures violently, sending jagged shards of earth flying into the air. Chasms open in every direction, swallowing nearby debris, and a shockwave ripples outward, toppling anything in its path. The entire zone quakes, the walls trembling under the sheer force of its power. M5, Greed and Envy, react instantly, leaping to avoid the destructive impact. Envy¡¯s roots lash out, grabbing Wrath mid-air and pulling him to safety as the shockwave shatters the ground beneath them. Chunks of debris rain down, some striking those unable to evade in time. Vega, unfazed, slices through the falling rubble with precision, his blade igniting with every cut. The chaos leaves the battlefield uneven and treacherous, with the minotaur standing defiantly amid the destruction, its glowing axe still embedded in the fractured ground. Lich: This thing is too destructive. We have to end this before we¡¯re swallowed whole. As the group lands amidst the chaos, Lich¡¯s hands flow in an enchanting, almost hypnotic motion, casting a powerful spell. Skull-like Cosmos materializes, swirling ominously around her hands and orbiting her head. They mutter an incantation in a forgotten tongue. Lich: **Duat Style - Undertaker** The ground trembles as the remnants of the coliseum come to life. Reanimated, the dead answer her call. Fallen warriors of the coliseum begin to rise¡ªarmor dangling in tatters, but rusty swords and shields gripped tightly in skeletal hands. Their eyes ignite a pink glow, locking onto the minotaur with dedicated focus. One by one, over 400 undead soldiers rise, forming a spectral army. The battlefield is now thick with tension and dread, the undead awaiting Lich¡¯s command to strike. Envy freaks out and begins pointing at Lich, moving her arm up and down. Envy: Witch! WITCH! WITCH!!The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Lich: ? All the undead focus on Envy, Greed places her hand on Envy¡¯s shoulder to calm her. Greed: Ignore her, she has this thing about witches. She whispers to Envy. Greed: You need to ignore this. Vega whispered to Draco. Vega: Did you know she controls the dead? Draco: Nah, I didn¡¯t know. Vega: What did you know about her?! Draco shrugs. Draco: She was funny. Lich: Would you two k-nock it off. We have a serious fight to pay attention to. Vega: K-nock? This is why you invited her¡­ Draco laughs. Draco: Yeah. Wrath: Gotta admit, that is pretty funny, Vega. It¡¯s up there with you messing up phrases. Vega: I don¡¯t mess up phrases¡­ Wrath pats him on the head. Wrath: Sure you- Vega grabs his hand, his eyes laser in. Vega: If you do that again. You will die. Lich: Enough of the banter. Ammit! The sea of undead hear the command and respond with an unholy roar, swarming toward the minotaur with relentless fury. Their rotting hands stab and strike, the minotaur struggles fighting them off. The undead climb up its massive back with unnatural agility, their rusted swords stabbing into its flesh. Despite the minotaur''s frantic thrashing, the swarm of decaying bodies continues to climb and pierce, each strike deepening the pain. The minotaur swings wildly, trying to shake off the undead, but Envy''s roots bind it in place. Struggling in vain, it is locked as the swarm continues to stab deeper. Envy summons a massive mushroom. Envy: **Sporefall** Its cap quivers, and releases a purple-ish twinkling cloud that envelops the minotaur. The fumes quickly take effect, and the beast falls into a deep slumber. Draco raises his hand to the sky, channeling the cosmic energy around him, before launching a powerful disk of concentrated starlight. Draco: **Solar Disc** Meanwhile, Vega dashes forward, disappearing with each step, leaving behind only faint afterimages and heat signatures on the ground. Stabbing deep into the middle of the beast¡¯s chest and igniting his blade, sending a blazing line of fire through the minotaur, erupting from the other side. Vega: **Hellfyre Style - Scorching Shadow** The solar disc comes in and slices the minotaur¡¯s head off and it falls over!! The undead continue stabbing the dead beast. Lich snaps her finger and they all stop. Draco: Geez, Vega. What was that? Vega: Hm? Draco: Your attack seemed so organized, so streamlined. Vega sheaths his blade with a calm, confident motion. Vega: Just a little thing I''ve been perfecting. I guess having a style really does help out. Even you noticed a difference. Draco: Style? Vega: Oooh, look who doesn¡¯t have something now. Draco: ?! Vega: Where¡¯s Wrath at? I wanted him to laugh at that. Vega looks around and he¡¯s off to the side arguing into the air. Wrath: No! No! No! Give me my shit back! Wrath makes exaggerated arm motions, as if in a serious debate with someone, gesturing wildly to emphasize his points. Wrath: I''m tired of sitting out this fight! Put me back in, idiot! Resurge my power! Lich: Who is he arguing with? Draco: Sometimes you have to ignore Wrath. Wrath: Huh?! You hear me, author! Give me back my electricity!! Envy: Author? What are you talking about? Wrath: No! He got me fucked up! Greed: Wait, what? Is that in the script? Is he supposed to be saying that? Wrath: YOU GOT ME FUCKED UP!! He points at the invisible camera, electricity sparks on his fingertip, feeling a surge, a current running through his body, electricity crackling in his veins!! Wrath: Yahaha!! I''m back, baby! The Forbidden Zone shakes as the ceiling echoes with two ominous words, "Second Phase." King Minos¡¯ head blinks three times before it spawns, placed back in the right spot on its body. It rises slowly, its enormous form towering as it swings, clearing away the undead around it with a brutal swipe. Its muscles swell with newfound strength, and the Cosmos around it radiates with a quiet intensity, causing the air to shimmer and the ground to tremble ever so slightly. Greed: It¡¯s stronger¡­ Wrath: Yahaha. I got my power back just in time. Draco: We have to do this again? I just killed it. Vega: What do you mean, you just killed it? I did. Draco: It was still alive from your little stab, my disc cut its head off. Vega: I stabbed it through the chest before your plate came in. Draco: Disc. Vega: What¡¯s the difference? Draco: There- Vega: Why am I arguing with someone without a style anyway¡­ Draco¡¯s eye twitches. Draco: I can develop one right now. Vega: If you could, you would. *shrugs* Draco: Is this a challenge?! Wrath: *cough* No style. *cough* Everyone laughs but Draco. Draco: Oh, oh, so EVERYONE HAS A STYLE BUT ME, HUH?! The others (Lich, Greed, and Envy) look away from Draco, signaling they do. They look to Draco again, his back turned to the minotaur, whose steaming nostrils flare as it kicks one foot back and forth across the ground. With a sudden roar, the beast charges the group at full speed, its massive form shaking the ground beneath it!! Envy: Move! Greed forms her icy sigil and slams it into the ground, raising twelve ice walls!! Greed: **Flat Mir; Ice Wall** The titanic ice walls rise, but the minotaur bull rushes through them!! One by one at a top speed and strength!! The minotaur smashes through the ice walls, grabbing Envy by its horns and lifting her effortlessly. With a roar, it hurls her violently into the nearby walls, sending cracks reverberating through the area. Envy: Awk! The labyrinth shifts, displacing the others and leaving Draco alone with King Minos. Before Draco can react, he is backhanded and sent flying across the coliseum!! He¡¯s slammed into the walls as the labyrinth shifts again, creating a maze and a hole in the floor. Half the undead soldiers plummet through the opening. The labyrinth shifts once more, forming a second layer of walls behind the group. They find themselves back in an open circular coliseum, able to see one another. King Minos breathes heavily, kicking one foot as it prepares to charge. It lunges directly at Vega! Anticipating the attack, Vega raises his sword to slice. In a swift movement, King Minos sidesteps Vega and aims a punch at his side. Before the blow lands, Greed conjures an ice wall between them. However, King Minos shatters the ice with ease and lands the punch on Vega. Momentarily out of commission, Envy, Draco, and Vega look up from the ground, their eyes catching the sight of red electricity sparking above. Wrath: Don¡¯t worry guys, I¡¯m back!! His chaotic electricity forms a swirling red superbolt behind him as he hurls it downward, yelling at the top of his lungs! Wrath: **Wrath Style - Bolt From The Red** King Minos is struck! But it remains unaffected, standing strong. Wrath, shocked and confused, continues falling directly toward him, only to be struck by King Minos before he can reach the ground! Muscles and veins bulge as King Minos stands firm, fists clenched and breathing heavily. The Cosmos around it pulses with conflict and dread. Wrath knocks off the rubble from himself, rising from the debris. Wrath: What the heck, that attack took out DOOM. Vega and Draco both rise to their feet, while Envy''s plants carefully remove the rubble from her. Vega: ¡­Are these in every zone? Draco: We have more to focus on right now. Suddenly, Lich yells out, grabbing everyone''s attention. Lich: Listen up! Everyone reacts in unison. Lich: These things are strong, but together, we are even stronger! Each of us has the power to change the tide of this battle. We can¡¯t let this break us. Everyone nods. Lich: I want you all to go all out, seriously! Your attacks here won¡¯t affect the outside, so don¡¯t hold back! Draco laughs. Draco: Look at Lich, taking charge. Lich: I do lead my own group, you know. Wrath and Draco yell out, charged up. Vega side-eyes them, thinking they¡¯re acting weird. Greed and Envy both grin, ready for what¡¯s coming next. King Minos shifts its weight, kicking one foot back as it prepares to charge. Muscles tense, veins pulse with the power surging through. The air around it crackles, eyes locked onto its opponents as the cosmos swirls ominously. With a roar, it steps forward, the ground trembling beneath each movement as it readies itself for the coming clash. [Will Our Adventurers Be Able To Defeat The Second Phase?!!] Mystery 54 Fin Mystery Fifty-Five: Its Not Enough! Fallen Stars Mystery Fifty-Five It¡¯s Not Enough! Greed: Go all out, huh? *smirk* I¡¯ve been waiting to go off. Greed spreads her arms wide as an icy sphere forms around her fists, the atmosphere shifting to a piercing chill. Greed: **Purity Style - Climate Change** A fierce snowstorm erupts, blanketing the coliseum in freezing winds. Draco, Vega, and Envy shiver as the cold bites into them, rubbing their arms for warmth. The snowstorm surges with ferocity, its howling winds sweeping King Minos off its feet and sending it tumbling through the icy chaos. As the storm''s intensity peaks, several razor-sharp ice spears materialize in the swirling air, glinting with lethal precision. They dart toward the minotaur with unrelenting speed, piercing through its massive frame. The spears strike the ground with such force that they pin King Minos in place, immobilizing the colossal guardian amidst the raging blizzard. From the depths of the blizzard, two massive ice sharks, each the size of a great white, emerge with feral power. They swarm King Minos, their enormous jaws chomping down with crushing force as they relentlessly attack. Lich: Nice job, let me help a bit. The enchanting skulls chant once more, swirling around her. While Cosmos swirls around Lich¡¯s fingertips. With her eyes closed, she raises and lowers her hands with deliberate grace. Lich: **Duat Style - Rotten Requiem** The ground trembles with a sudden jolt as the undead at the bottom of the pit unleash a haunting chime. Those above leap into the abyss without hesitation, their descent joining the eerie chorus. Together, a resonant and chilling harmony rises from the depths, echoing through the battlefield like a spectral symphony. Moments later, a massive skeletal figure emerges, gripping the edge of the hole with bony hands. It pulls itself up, towering over the battlefield, clad in ancient armor and wielding a large, rusted sword. Under Lich¡¯s command, the smaller undead have fused together, forming this formidable behemoth of bone and decay. **Bacedi ** Lich¡¯s Army Rank: First Hour King Minos shatters the ice spears pinning it down and shrugs off the ice sharks gnawing at it. Gripping its colossal axe, it charges forward and clashes with Bacedi in a thunderous collision! The two juggernauts exchange powerful blows, each strike shaking the ground beneath them. The ice sharks weave through the raging storm, wagging their massive tails as they swoop in to bite at King Minos'' legs before swiftly retreating into the blizzard''s icy veil. They clash once again, the air reverberating with the force of their blows. Bacedi thrusts its hand forward, reaching to grasp King Minos, but Minos counters effortlessly, shattering Bacedi''s arm with a single, precise strike. However, the cost of the exchange becomes clear¡ªMinos''s arm begins to decay rapidly, crumbling into a lifeless, withered limb. Lich sucks her teeth in frustration, her gaze flickering between the two combatants. "Foolish," she mutters under her breath, the faint echo of her voice laced with disdain and intrigue. Lich''s soldier begins to break down, its form crumbling and decaying with each passing moment. Yet, despite the inevitable collapse, it presses on, fighting with fierce loyalty to Lich. Greed: It''s already breaking down? Lich: Yeah, they''re strong as one, but they''re still decaying corpses. It''s not enough to finish him, but I have something. She brings out the Golden Grimoire. Greed: Are you sure you want to bring that out?? Can you control it? Lich: The best training is on the field training. She flips to the last page and a malefic pops up in silhouette. Draco from across the room grins and readies to jump. Draco: You guys want to see a style, I''ll show you a style. My turn. He leaps into the air above the two clashing powerhouses, his body surrounded by a shimmering aura of starlight. As he ascends, he spins rapidly, his movement leaving a trail of radiant light. Starlight crystals appear, swirling around him, building in intensity and size with each rotation. Draco''s form becomes a blur of brilliance, his body a nexus of cosmic energy, preparing for the event. Draco: **Mysterious Style - Starstorm Stardom** In a blur of motion, his full force power hurls out. The starlight barrage rains down with pinpoint precision, each crystal exploding on impact, hitting King Minos. Some starlight tears through its skin, a violent eruption of stardust and power on display. The starlight is unstoppable, and the impact is so fierce that Minos¡¯s grip falters, sending its axe flying from its only hand. Minos is pounded by the attack and gets sent back step by step from it. The battlefield is left with the scent of scorched Mir and fading starlight. Minos is still up right, staggering but not out for the count, though the attack has ended, it still is taking slow steps back as if still being hit from it. Lich: That Draco is impressive. Not a single one of his attacks landed on Bacedi.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Bacedi begins to collapse, decaying as it falls apart. Its form breaks into pieces, each fragment creating miniature skeletons that scatter and skitter across the ground. Lich: They won¡¯t grow back in time, but I still have Lucy. Across the room, Vega prepares, maddened by Draco¡¯s attack. Vega: You won¡¯t deliver the final blow, I will. He focuses, channeling his energy, and his orange flames flare to life. With a sudden dash, he leaves a trail of fire behind him. Even Envy can¡¯t track his movement as he blazes forward. Vega: **Hellfyre Style - Holy Hell** Vega makes a B-line, aiming for King Minos. Vega¡¯s sword ignites, flames coursing along the blade, as he slashes upward, he jumps with the momentum, cutting the retreating Minos. The flames scorch Minos, but the cut doesn¡¯t slice him apart. Leaping high above Minos, the slash sears a deep scar into the starkiller¡¯s body. A moment later, the flame trail erupts, roaring toward Minos¡¯s wound. Each point along the trail lights up one after another, igniting a series of fire pillars that shoot skyward in a chain reaction! Getting to Minos, its scar bursts into an inferno. The temperature spikes, a fiery wasteland erupts across the coliseum, molten waves of heat curling into the air, scorching the ground far more than Draco ever could. The once-frozen ground cracks, sizzling and warping as diabolical flames blast at the sky. The air has blistering intensity, a haze of smoke and ember rising in thick, choking columns. Fiery chaos consumes the battlefield, suffocating out the ice and snow as it overtakes the frozen terrain. Draco: Geez, are you trying to kill us too? Vega: ¡­No? Draco tilts his head, clearly confused. Draco: Why did you pose that as a question?? Envy: Yeah, you guys are superstars to me. But I won''t be left out! It¡¯ll be hard for my usual attack to be in these flames, but I have something for that. Envy wraps herself completely in thorns, the sharp, stiff ends piercing her skin and drawing blood as the tradition demands. Her eyes gleam through the thicket of plants, the only part of her still visible. The vines absorb the blood, nourishing the practice with each drop. Envy: **Louloudi Style - Eikthyrnir Everbloom** From the depths of the vines, the form of the Eikthyrnir deity emerges¡ªa majestic stag, its body intricately woven from the living plants. The creature exudes an aura of immense power, standing tall and impervious to fire. EE takes a few steps forward before breaking into a graceful prance. Gathering momentum, the stag leaps mightily into the air, its form majestic and commanding. As it soars, forest green pollen cascades from its antlers, scattering across the battlefield. Upon touching the ground, the pollen begins to transform, sprouting a fireproof forest that spreads rapidly. Each tree exudes resilience, emitting more pollen into the air, saturating the coliseum with life that defies the flames. EE lands near Minos, lowers its antlers, hooking Minos effortlessly. With a powerful surge, it hurls Minos into the air, sending it spiraling uncontrollably. As the colossal figure twists through the air, Wrath, who had been waiting in the sky for this perfect opportunity, finally makes his move. Descending with impeccable timing, ready to capitalize. Wrath: Nice job, Envy! Wrath begins to transform into lightning, his body surging with energy as he becomes a massive lightning bolt, even larger than his Bolt From The Red. The crackling electricity branches outward, half a brilliant blue and half a crimson red, painting the sky with raw thunder. Wrath: **Wrath Style - Theseus'' Teravolt** Without delay, Wrath streaks through the air, striking King Minos mid-flight with a thunderous force! The impact reverberates across the battlefield, a dazzling display of light and sound as the thunder strikes! They crash into the forest below, the vibrant plants absorbing the full impact with a ripple effect. The forest responds, channeling the accumulated damage into a glowing bulb that pulses with potency. The bulb is delicately transferred from flower to flower in a mesmerizing chain until it reaches King Minos. As the final flower opens, the bulb blooms into a radiant orb of green and pink hues. The orb, now throbbing ¨C merges into King Minos¡¯s chest. For a moment, there is an eerie stillness as the light spreads beneath its skin, illuminating its massive frame like a grotesque lantern. Then, the torment begins. Minos roars in agony as its colossal body convulses violently, muscles seizing and veins bulging with unnatural intensity, its voice echoing like a thunderclap. The green and pink orb detonates within it, shredding its internal structure. Its body begins a violent cycle of implosion and explosion, tearing itself apart from within. Each tremor racks its body with unrelenting agony, until, at last, the towering titan is reduced to eerie silence amidst the still-blooming, fruit-bearing forest. The forest tree produces mangoes, one of which falls directly into the hands of Wrath, who has been waiting. He takes a bite, and the fruit bursts with juiciness, its vibrant smell and flavor is full of life. Wrath: A perfect ending to this fight. Lich beside Greed closes her book. Lich: Guess we didn¡¯t need this, going all out was enough. Draco beside Vega. Draco: You know my attack actually finished it off right? Vega: I sealed the deal. Draco: Yeah right, I basically left it unconscious, one more flick and it would¡¯ve been done. Vega: Would you shut up? Draco: Huh?! Vega takes a second to himself. Vega: Though, your one the fly style was impressive. Draco: Right?? Had to come up with that on the spot. King Minos lets out a groan, lifting one arm to his face. Everyone watches in stunned silence, disbelief spreading across their expressions. Wrath: How is it still alive?! King Minos groans, bloodlust gleaming in his eyes as it rises, towering over Wrath, exuding an aura of intimidation and malice. Lich slams her book open to the final page, conjuring a Cosmos-infused dark arts ritual circle beneath her. Lich: **Arise; Lucy.** A sinister, dark ooze materializes before her, its edges lined with arcane symbols and seething with an eerie, malevolent ambiance, from which a small, ominous entity emerges, drowned in black ooze. King Minos lets out a battle cry, summoning its axe to fly into its grasp. Minos readies itself to strike Wrath. Wrath attempts to channel his electricity, but nothing happens. Yelling out ¡°Fuck!¡± in his head. As the ooze covering Lich''s summoned entity melts away, it reveals its true form: a lean, pink humanoid malefic, entirely bare, with two elongated antennas slicked back upon its head. **Lucy ** Lich¡¯s Army Rank: Twelfth Hour Lich: Go! Attack the minotaur! Lucy stands motionless, eyes fixated on Lich. Lich: Ammit! Lucy tilts its head and takes a step toward Lich. Lich makes a hypnotic motion with her hand. Lich: You must be mistaken. You will listen to me. Lucy slaps her hand aside with surprising force. Lich stands firm, unfazed, tilting her head down in a serious manner as Lucy''s eyes begin to twirl, chaotic energy emanating from them, its grin growing wider with each passing second. Without warning, Lucy launches an attack against King Minos on its own volition, before anyone can react ¨C Lucy stands right behind King Minos as it prepares to swing its axe down on Wrath. With slow, deliberate motion, Lucy presses the palm of its hand against Minos¡¯ back, and in an instant, the colossal figure disintegrates completely. The group stands in stunned silence for a moment, but soon exhales, relief flooding over them as the tension melts away. Draco: Whew, a close one. Please tell me it¡¯s over now. The Forbidden Zone shakes as the ceiling echoes with two ominous words again, "Third Phase." They all freak out, bracing for more chaos. Then, the ceiling shifts, speaking again: ¡°Nah, I¡¯m playing ¨C Starkiller defeated.¡± The room collectively sighs in relief. As the tension eases, Lich moves to seal Lucy back into its abyss. But Lucy pauses, its gaze sweeping over each of them. Its eyes settle on Draco, and though it lacks eyebrows, it lifts an imaginary one. Draco blinks, and in no time, Lucy is standing directly in front of him. The two lock eyes for a moment, a silence heavy with uncertainty. Then, Lucy kneels before Draco, as if acknowledging him. Its black ooze circle opens beneath it, and slowly, Lucy descends into the abyss, vanishing from sight. Draco: What was that about? Vega: You tell us. The group gathers at the forest¡¯s center as the flames weaken, suffocated by the pollen-heavy air. The flames are snuffed out, leaving a calm, smoke-filled stillness where chaos once reigned. Draco: Alright, let¡¯s just get out of here. Lich: Not without the spoils. The ceiling above begins to twist and turn, morphing into a spiral. It opens up, revealing six radiant, golden items that slowly descend into the room, glowing brilliantly. [The Spoils Go To The Victors! But, What Are These Treasures?!] Mystery 55 Fin