Endgame: Grima

<== SUPPORTS

*Storm clouds as black as night circle the ancient and sacred Mount Vrede. Rain comes pouring down in sheets and the occasional lightning bolt is the only source of light for the three figures beginning their ascent up the mountain; anxious to reach the top, the historic location where the peace treaty was signed so long ago.*

**Pika**: Man, I can't even tell what time of day it is anymore. This is getting pretty heavy...

**Sam**: It is. We're so close to victory, I can taste it. Even if those Risen didn't kill the Shepherds, there's no way they'll get here in time.

**Grima**: They survived. I could feel Naga awaken. They're no doubt on their way here.

**Sam**: Right. Of course this can't be easy.

**Grima**: Don't fear. By the time we're finished, not even Naga will have enough power to quell us.

**Pika**: So uh, run this one by us again? I'm still a bit confused about the whole “avatar” thing.

**Grima**: Sam is the true Avatar. In my time, the plan was to convince Sam to accept Grima, but he refused right until the bitter end. This body was also suitable, but even then, it holds my power back ever so slightly. When you host this version of myself, your power will be fully unrestrained.

**Sam**: Even though my mark is far smaller than the one on Joos' back?

**Grima**: The size or placement of the mark doesn't matter.

**Sam**: Ah, right. I guess you would know that size doesn't matter better than anyone.

**Pika**: Really?

**Sam**: What?

**Pika**: You really had to make a dick joke? The last day of humanity and you make a dick joke.

**Sam**: I feel it sums up the entire experience pretty well.

**Pika**: I...can't even argue with that. You're absolutely right.

**Grima**: Enough jokes. You must be sure that you're ready to fight when the Shepherds arrive.

**Sam**: What?

**Grima**: There won't be enough time to awaken this Grima before they try to stop us. I will summon as many Risen as I can, but most of my power is going to have to be focused on the task at hand.

**Pika**: No problem. I have a knack for keeping people at bay. And since we'll have the high ground, I'll see 'em coming from a mile away.

**Sam**: Alright then. We'll station you a little ways down then. We'll wait at the top and we can put a last line of defense behind Pika just in case someone gives her the slip.

**Pika**: As if.

**Sam**: We need to be careful. That Dakota is a sneaky one.

**Pika**: ...Right.

**Sam**: And then in front of her will be all the Risen you can manage. Sound like a plan?

**Grima**: Indeed. I will begin raising them now to speed up the process.

**Sam**: Excellent. The Shepherds won't even make it half way up the mountain.

*On the western shore of the Sea of Tranquility, the Shepherds prepare a boat to sail to the center. The black storm clouds are less immediate and are merely a threatening ink blot on the horizon as opposed to their all-consuming nature Sam, Pika, and Grima are experiencing. The remaining royals and Joos examine the sky, one of them nervous to weigh anchor.*

**Joos**: This is it. For real this time. Today could either be the last day of this war, or the last day of humanity.

**DJ**: I have faith in us. We'll save the world today.

**Knifez**: DJ's right. We do have a wedding to attend after all this is over.

**Joos**: Wait, we do?

**Knifez**: Yours, dumbass.

**Joos**: Oh...

**Green**: Yeah, you remember that, don't you? “The second this damned war is over, so it will be, my love”? Gods, you're a sap.

**Joos**: Oh geeze. How did you know about that?

**Signele**: I'm not good with secrets.

**Joos**: I can te...wait, why are you still in your beast form?

**Signele**: No reason.

**Joos**: You should probably revert back. We don't want to take up too much space on the boat.

**Signele**: I'll be taking up space either way...

**Joos**: What?

**Signele**: Anyway! Knifez is right. You promised, and that ring that me and Jayde wear is proof of it. No going back on that, you hear?

**Joos**: I...guess.

**Signele**: And don't you dare start on this foreboding “I'm not gonna survive the day” bullshit this time, okay? You made it through fine last time, so you'll make it through just fine this time. And when this is over, we'll celebrate by having a big “we saved the world” wedding.

**Joos**: Uh, sure...

**DJ**: Don't forget, you promised George he could be the flower girl.

**Joos**: I did no such thing!

**Knifez**: Alright everyone, boat's ready to sail. I suggest using this trip to be with your loved ones. We're going to try to all make it through this, but just in case. I don't want anyone crying on the battlefield that things didn't get resolved properly.

**Joos**: Right.

**DJ**: Good idea.

**Signele**: On it. Let's go. I have something I need to tell you and Jayde.

**Joos**: ...You do?

*The boat sets sail and the Shepherds begin their trek into the darkness of Grima's storm clouds. On the front of the boat stands Janice, leaning on the railing and staring into the horizon. She reaches up behind her head and unties her bandana. She holds the red fabric in her hands and stares at the patterns created by the stitching. Finally, with a sigh, she throws it into the air and watches as the wind carries it away. She leans against the railing again and stares at the horizon, filled with a mixture of dread and determination. She starts absentmindedly playing with her now unrestrained hair when suddenly, someone hugs her from behind, startling her.*

**Janice**: What the...?

**Justice**: Relax. It's just me.

**Janice**: Next time ask before hugging me.

**Justice:** Sorry.

**Janice**: What do you need?

*She turns around to see Justice clutching the bandana in his hands.*

**Justice**: You dropped something.

**Janice**: You ruined the whole symbolic thing I was going for there.

**Justice**: Oh, well sorry then.

**Janice**: Maybe it's for the best. I was going to want it back after this anyway, I'm sure.

**Justice**: You're welcome. I'm such a good cousin.

**Janice**: Can't argue with that. Say, shouldn't you be with your parents?

**Justice**: I'll go find them soon. I just wanted to see what you were doing out here first.

**Janice**: Ah. I was just...thinking.

**Justice**: About how you're kind of our leader now?

**Janice**: Yeah...

**Justice**: Oh, so throwing away the bandana was the symbolic “you accepting your role” type thing?

**Janice**: Pretty much. All this fighting has been my way of running from it, but once this is over, I won't be able to avoid it anymore, I think.

**Justice**: Yeah, probably not. My dad will take the throne, but we'll have to live up to a lot of expectations.

**Janice**: Yep. It's terrifying.

**Justice**: But hey, worry about that later. We have to do something more important right now. If we can beat Grima, we can definitely handle being royalty.

**Janice**: ...You're right. Thanks Justice.

**Justice**: No problem. Can I have a hug now?

**Janice**: Since you asked, sure.

**Justice**: I love you, Janice. You're the best cousin a guy can have.

**Janice**: Says the awesome cousin.

**Justice**: Heh. Now I'm gonna go find my parents. You should find your dad.

**Janice**: I should.

*They leave the front of the boat to do just that, Justice sticking the bandana in his pocket for the time-being. Elsewhere, Grace and Augustus sit together, watching others tensely prepare for battle.*

**Grace**: How are you doing?

**Augustus**: I hurt a little bit more every day, but for now the spasms aren't stopping me from being able to do anything. The limp is a bit of a pain in the ass, but it's whatever.

**Grace**: I don't like this at all.

**Augustus**: It's okay, mom. I'll be fine, promise. I'll muscle through. And when this is all over, I have a feeling this kind of thing can open some new doors.

**Grace**: ...Really?

**Augustus**: Yeah! Like in the world of humor.

**Grace**: Uh, huh...just don't overexert yourself, okay?

**Augustus**: You got it!

*Nearby, Jayde and Joos sit against a still transformed Signele, whose eyes are closed tight.*

**Jayde**: You okay, mom?

**Joos**: Yeah, you said you had something to tell us.

**Signele**: I did, but urrrgh...I'm so seasick right now. You'll have to wait until I'm not so sicky.

**Joos**: Are you going to be able to fight?

**Signele**: Of course I'll be able to fight! Just...not when we're sailing.

**Joos**: Alright then.

**Jayde**: I'm so glad this is all almost over. We're actually gonna do it, guys!

**Signele**: Yeah...Great.

**Jayde**: I wonder if any guys will dig that I saved the world. That's hot, right?

**Joos**: Ha ha, who knows?

**Signele**: It all goes back to the same thing with you, doesn't it?

**Jayde**: Mooom, not so loud. When you're in your animal form, everyone can hear it...

**Signele**: Sorry.

**Jayde**: It's okay. Maybe I shouldn't start looking for guys right away when we save the world. Maybe I should spend more time with you guys first.

**Joos**: Really? You've been stuck with us a while now.

**Jayde**: But the whole reason I came back was to be with you. We'll have a big family party when this is over! And *then* I'll go look for a guy.

**Joos**: Sounds good...

*He looks down at The Book of Naga he's clutching in his hands and smiles.*

**Joos**: You know, for the first time since Sam left us, I actually feel like we can do this. I feel like I'll make it through this time. Maybe if I believe that enough, it'll come true.

**Signele**: We'll help you too, obviously. Now if you excuse me, I need to go barf over the side of the boat again.

*As she bounds off, Joos and Jayde shrug at each other. Nearby, another father/daughter duo sit together.*

**Julius**: Man, I did *not* know what I was getting into when I joined this group.

**Danica**: Yeah?

**Julius**: A few years ago, if you had told me that I'd join a group, meet Kate, and then shortly after meet our daughter from the future, I would probably have just kicked you in the gonads.

**Danica**: I don't have those.

**Julius**: You know what I mean.

**Danica**: Not really.

**Julius**: I wouldn't have believed you is what I mean.

**Danica**: I understand. I'm glad I came back. You're not half bad a dad...lad.

**Julius**: You had to go for the rhyme?

**Danica**: I guess Augustus is rubbing off on me.

**Julius**: Just don't let him rub up on you too much, okay?

**Danica**: Oh my gods, dad.

**Julius**: If he hurts you, I'm killing him.

**Danica**: Yes, I know. Don't worry, because I'd be killing him first.

**Julius**: Glad we came to an agreement.

**Danica**: Ha ha, you're great.

**Julius**: Thanks!

**Maggie**: Hey, you're Bohl, right?

**Bohl**: Hm? Why yes, I am.

**Maggie**: And your mom's Bella.

**Bohl**: Indeed.

**Maggie**: Is it hard knowing she won't be by your side for this final battle?

**Bohl**: A bit. But I also know that Naga is keeping her safe. I did what I came back to do in respecting to keep my mom safe, so I now have to do the part Spencer wanted us to do here. It's like a win-and-win.

**Maggie**: That's a good outlook on things. I still think it's awfully convenient that only the male royals made it here, but...

**Bohl**: What?

**Maggie**: Different subject for a different time.

**Bohl**: You are Kelsie's mom too, right?

**Maggie**: Yep.

**Bohl**: I am so sorry about Keshie. I miss her.

**Maggie**: \*sniff\* I do too. I didn't know her for long, but she still felt like mine. I wish I could have saved her...

**Bohl**: It's okay. We will make sure her death was not in vanity!

**Maggie**: Heh, close enough. And you're right! Thanks for the pick-me-up, Bohl.

**Bohl**: You are very welcome! So how do you know my mother?

**Maggie**: Sarah knew her, so I did too. Sometimes Sarah wouldn't shut up about how neat Bella is.

**Bohl**: Awe, how cute! I like to meet my mother's friends. Where is she?

**Maggie**: She died when Kelsie did...

**Bohl**: ...Oh. I am very sorry. I did not know.

**Maggie**: Exactly. That's why it's no big deal. You're good, Bohl.

**Bohl**: Thanks Maggie!

*DJ sits against a wall, holding his version of Ragnell in his hands and staring at its soft, blue glow.*

**Chase**: This is the end, DJ. We're about to avenge our Spencer.

**DJ**: And make sure our other Spencer gets to live a full life.

**Chase**: When you fight Grima, do give him an extra stab for me, okay?

**DJ**: Gladly.

**Chase**: And also, don't die. But I think that part goes without saying.

**DJ**: Oh, trust me. We've come this far, and I'm not dying now. Spencer's going to grow up with both of his parents.

**Chase**: That's what I like to hear.

**DJ**: *Both.*

**Chase**: Yeah yeah, I'm not dying either.

**DJ**: Good!

**Justice**: Dad.

**Knifez**: Hm?

**Justice**: Are you nervous?

**Knifez**: No. All time for nervousness is over. We're getting to the end, and we can't afford any slip-ups.

**Rachel**: He's only saying that because he has a shiny new sacred sword to keep him safe.

**Justice**: I wanna wield the Falchion.

**Knifez**: You're a Dark Flier. Those can't use swords.

**Justice**: Damn.

**Rachel**: Why don't you try to learn some magic? That's something Dark Fliers can do.

**Justice**: Nah. This isn't the time for me to be bumbling about learning new magic. I'll have plenty of time to do that after we win.

**Rachel**: Fair enough.

**Knifez**: That's very good thinking, Justice. Maybe there's hope for you yet.

**Justice**: ...Maybe?

**Knifez**: That was a joke.

**Justice**: Oh, okay. Heh...

**Rachel**: I don't know about you guys, but I can't help but feel a bit nervous. Do we have a plan for when we get to the top?

**Knifez**: Nothing specific yet. Joos is thinking on that. All I know is that Green, DJ, Joos and I will be going after Grima.

**Rachel**: You should send a healer up with you. Like me.

**Knifez**: I don't want anyone getting caught in the crossfire. If Grima sees that someone present has a weapon incapable of defeating him, he's going to go after them immediately.

**Rachel**: Damn it.

**Knifez**: Don't worry, we'll be fine.

**Green**: Yeah, what do you think we are?

**Rachel**: Oh, hey Green.

**Justice**: Hi Mason.

**Mason**: Hey.

**Green**: Knifez and DJ can't say this because they were born into it, but I'm royalty for a reason. If anything goes wrong, I'll be up there to protect them,

**Rachel**: Something about that doesn't make me feel better.

**Justice**: It's true, though. With the four of them up there, nothing can possibly go wrong.

**Mason**: Justice!

**Justice**: What?

**Mason**: When you say nothing can go wrong, you're guaranteeing something will go wrong!

**Justice**: As if. This is too important for some jinx to ruin.

**Green**: Don't worry, Mason.

**Mason**: Right. If I'm busying myself with worrying about everything, I'll only do worse in the battle.

**Green**: Good thinking. And another thing...

**Mason**: What?

**Green**: If I somehow *were* to fall in battle, don't you dare stop fighting, got it?

**Mason**: W-what?

**Green**: I'm not saying it's gonna happen, but if I do die, you have to promise me you'll keep fighting no matter what. Don't you dare lose hope during this fight.

**Mason**: I can do that. I promise I won't lose hope.

**Green**: Good. Now I'm gonna go get some rest before we make it to where we're going.

**Mason**: Okay. I'll probably hang out with Justice a bit more.

**Green**: Do what you want.

*Back at the front of the boat, someone approaches Signele, who's leaning over the railing in her beast form.*

**Dakota**: You know, there's no sight in the world quite like a giant rabbit blowing chunks.

**Signele**: Glad to hear you're enjoying yourself.

**Dakota**: Seasick, huh? How'd you survive traveling here from The Domain?

**Signele**: It's complicated.

**Dakota**: What do you mean? Did you swim?

**Signele**: No, I'm uh, not usually seasick.

**Dakota**: You...aren't? Then what's wrong today?

**Signele**: Nothing, nothing...I'll tell you later. I think Joos would kill me if I told someone else before him.

**Dakota**: Hmm...

**Signele**: Sorry Dakota.

**Dakota**: Don't worry about it. And please, call me Kody.

**Signele**: What?

**Dakota**: That's what my friends call me.

**Signele**: \*gasp\* I'm your friend?

**Dakota**: Yeah, why not?

**Signele**: Oh yay! Thanks, Kody!

**Dakota**: Don't mention it. Are you gonna be able to fight?

**Signele**: Absolutely. There's no way I'm sitting this one out.

**Dakota**: Good to hear. Let's watch each other's backs up there.

**Signele**:  Sounds good.

*Down below deck, Janice finally approaches her father.*

**Jimmy**: Oh, there you are. Where've you been?

**Janice**: Oh, around. Thinking about stuff.

**Jimmy**: Makes sense. I see you've let your hair down.

**Janice**: Y...yeah.

**Jimmy**: I like it. It looks like your mom's this way.

**Janice**: Thanks. Dad...?

**Jimmy**: Yes?

**Janice**: You...um, can I ask you to promise me something?

**Jimmy**: Sure thing. What is it?

**Janice**: You need to survive today. I don't care what else happens when we get on that mountain, you have to make it through, okay? Promise?

**Jimmy**: I can promise you that. Let's stick together just to make sure though.

**Janice**: That sounds fantastic. I'm sorry for every bitchy thing I've ever done to you.

**Jimmy**: Hey, save the sappy stuff for after we're done, alright?

**Janice**: Right. Sorry. ...Do hugs count as sappy stuff?

**Jimmy**: Nah. Bring it in.

**Janice**: Thanks.

*As the boat starts to near the shore, Harley starts to look more visibly nervous.*

**Joanne**: Harley, was it? You doing okay?

**Harley**: I'm fine. Just a bit nervous.

**Joanne**: Oh, yeah I understand that.

**Taylor**: I'm nervous too.

**Harley**: (Oh good, more people...)

**Taylor**: But don't worry. We all have each other's backs.

**Joanne**: We are the Shepherds, after all. We're like a tight-knit family, and families look out for each other.

**Harley**: But I'm not anybody's family here. My family's all gone. Or is going to be after today.

**Taylor**: Family doesn't end in blood. We've fought together, bled together, laughed together...we're as good as family.

**Joanne**: Taylor's right. We're family, and we're here for you.

**Harley**: I guess you're right. I appreciate you guys helping out someone you don't really know.

**Taylor**: It's our pleasure.

**Joanne**: In fact, I'd like to get to know you more once this is all over.

**Harley**: That sounds nice. You're a good person, Joanne. I'm glad you're with us.

**Joanne**: I am too!

*The boat comes ashore and the Shepherds scramble to prepare themselves for the tough battle at hand. They all gather around Joos and Knifez for one last strategic meeting. The clouds above are swirling and the wind is howling. Some of the Shepherds struggle to see in the darkness, but the flashes of lightning are frequent enough to provide adequate light.*

**Knifez**: Alright then, what's the plan?

**Joos**: Grima and Sam no doubt expect us to charge straight up the mountain, so we're definitely not going to do that.

**DJ**: But there's only one path up the mountain that doesn't take days to climb.

**Joos**: I was afraid of that. So that path is no doubt littered with Risen. Green, how many can Minerva hold?

**Green**: She can carry two on her back and if she needs to, she can grab two in her claws.

**Joos**: Perfect. The path to the top will be swarmed with more Risen than we can imagine. The fight probably won't end until Grima's dead, but that will be nigh impossible if we're struggling to fight through them. Therefore, Green, DJ, Knifez and I will fly up the side of the mountain, circumvent the Risen, and take on Grima directly at the top. Everyone else, you will fight as hard as you can to make it to the top, but don't be surprised if you don't make it up there before Grima's dead.

**Knifez**: Also, don't risk your lives unnecessarily to get up there. You're of more use to us a fourth of the way up alive than halfway up dead.

**Signele**: But you four will be alone against Grima, Sam, and Pika!

**Joos**: Don't worry. We'll be able to take them. Our sacred weapons will give us all the power we need.

**Harley**: We need to be careful of archers. Since they have the high ground, they've no doubt brought as many Risen archers as they possibly can.

**Dakota**: This is true. The bow's easier to work when you're aiming down and not up.

**Joos**: Alright then. Everyone, be wary of stray arrows. Take this time to wish us luck, because we're heading out in moments. Once we're gone, everyone haul ass up the mountain.

**Justice**: Dad! Be careful. I know you'll do good.

**Knifez**: You bet your ass I will.

**Rachel**: Yeah, then you'll come back down and we can go home.

**Knifez**: I look forward to it.

**Mason**: Father...

**Green**: Mason? Remember what we talked about?

**Mason**: I do. I just wanted to tell you... Kick Grima's slimy lizard ass!

**Green**: Yeah!

**Maggie**: Lizards aren't slimy. You're thinking amphibians.

**Mason**: Whatever.

**Chase**: I have never doubted you, DJ, and I'm not gonna start now. I know you'll do fantastic.

**DJ**: I will. Thanks for the encouragement.

*Signele temporarily transforms back into her human form before tackling Joos to the ground with a hug.*

**Joos**: Augh! Uh, hey there.

**Signele**: You come back down the second you kick his scaly ass, alright? I'm not losing someone else I love to this monster.

**Joos**: Hey, I promise, okay? I'm coming back. Now, can the apex predator let me up?

**Signele**: Sure.

*She transforms back into her beast form and allows him to stand so Jayde can hug him normally.*

**Jayde**: I believe in you, daddy. You'll make it through and then we'll have a party!

**Joos**: You bet we will.

**Jayde**: I love you, dad...

**Joos**: I love you too. Both of you. You two stay alive too, yeah? It's not a party without all three of us.

**Jayde**: You bet!!

**Harley**: Joos...?

**Joos**: Hm?

**Harley**: ...Give my parents hell, okay?

**Joos**: I can do that.

**Janice**: Uncle Knifez...

**Knifez**: Yeah?

**Janice**: Please...keep an eye on Joos. He was the traitor in our time. I don't want this going south last second.

**Knifez**: Hey, don't talk like that. I believe in him, and so should you. Naga wouldn't have entrusted him with that tome if he wasn't trustworthy.

**Janice**: I know but...just be safe, okay?

**Knifez**: You got it.

**Joos**: Anyone else have anything to say?

**Grace**: You know what? Yeah! Kick ass you guys. I've been with you since the start and I've watched everyone grow closer than I could have imagined. Show them our bonds won't go to waste just because things got a bit scary!

**Jimmy**: I'm ready to go home and catch some sleep. Can't do that if you all fail up there. Give 'em hell for all of us!

**Dakota**: Joining this group was the best idea I've ever had, despite the ups and downs. You guys make sure Sam and Pika realize that when you're against the Shepherds, you're facing certain death. I know that one from experience.

**Chase**: Never have I worked with a more enjoyable group of people. Their lives would be wasted if you all fail up there now. We'll do the best we can down here. You four make sure we're not doing that for too long.

**Signele**: Esh-Ban was killed, and The Domain was avenged, which was what I thought would be the end. These twists are starting to get old, so make sure this is the very end!

**Julius**: I can't help but think of that fateful day where you all saved me outside that coffee shop. Thanks for not letting these good looks go to waste. Now go do that again. I know you can.

**Maggie**: In all my years of living, I've never met more enjoyable people. I still have many years left to live, now go make sure we can all live them out together.

**Rachel**: May's kindness to me so long ago lead to the best journey of my life. It's been hard, and full of its ups and downs. Let's not let these years go to waste, yeah?

**Joanne**: When I joined Frar's cavalry, I never would of dreamed that I'd be helping take down Grima himself. That being said, I'm sending all my good vibes your way!

**Taylor**: Before you guys came along, I could barely ride a horse without hurting myself. Now, I can hold my own against a horde of zombie people. I'd say that's pretty impressive. Don't make all my learning be for naught!

**Janice**: I almost didn't even want to come back to this time, but I'm so glad I did. Please, do your best. Don't let Spencer's sacrifice be for nothing!

**Justice**: Nobody deserves to see the hell we hail from. Plain and simple. There's no way you can lose with that much on the line!

**Augustus**: If you lose, nobody will ever get to hear a joke from me or my father ever again! Don't let that travesty befall us all.

**Jayde**: You've got all the encouragement you need. What are you waiting around here, for? Go, go go!!

**Mason**: Everyone's given so much to this cause. Some have even given their lives and their sanity. Looking at you, Augustus... Don't let that all go to waste!

**Bohl**: If you do not come back down off that mountaintop, Bohl will be having several hundred words with you, in the most carefully constructed lecture one can be imagining!

**Danica**: We've gotten out of tougher scrapes than this before, and we'll do it again. This is no big deal at all. Kick ass up there.

**Harley**: I came back with two objectives. I failed the first one, so now all I can do is hope we can accomplish the second one. I have the utmost faith in your abilities. If Naga believes in you, so do I.

**Knifez**: I say that's a pretty encouraging bunch, hm? Joos, from the moment I found you in that field, I knew you'd be very important to the Shepherds. Under your watch, we've grown into a force that can conquer anything. Let's go add Grima to that list.

**DJ**: I'd wager we're the four strongest men on this continent right now, if not the world. Let's go show Grima humankind isn't a bunch to be trifled with.

**Green**: I know I made the right decision in trusting you guys. And now, in the moments before the final battle, I know there's not another group of people alive I'd rather have at my side. Let's show them just what the Shepherds are made of!

**Knifez**: So, are you ready?

Set off for the final battle?

**Let's get moving.**

On second thought...

**Joos**: Let's get moving. Thanks you everyone for your encouragement. You all do your best too!

*With that, Green and DJ climb onto Minerva's back. She ascends and grabs the shoulders of Joos and Knifez in her claws before setting off, the rest of the Shepherds waving as they disappear around the base of the mountain.*

**Janice**: Okay everyone, let's go!

*The Shepherds head up the mountain and are almost immediately met by hordes upon hordes of Risen.*

**Janice**: Alright everyone, the plan is to fight our way up the mountain, and if we make it in time, help the others against Sam, Grima and Pika. Let's book it. And remember: No one gets left behind!

*The Shepherds all prepare their weapons for their final battle and jump right in. The Risen are the strongest they've ever been, but so are the Shepherds. That being said, the battle starts off smoothly.*

*Halfway up the mountain, Pika sits alone at her station, which is atop a large rock jutting out of the ground. She can faintly see a large group slowly beginning to move up the mountain in the distance.*

**Pika**: Alright Pika. This time, your arrows are firing true. You're the most competent one sitting in between victory and defeat right now.

*She takes a deep breath and prepares her bow.*

*Up at the top of the mountain lays a shrine dedicated to the peace treaty signed so long ago. Minerva, along with her four passengers, land near the shrine and look around. Above them is the eye of the storm, which is eerily calm compared to everything else happening. They look around, weapons drawn.*

**Knifez**: So now we wait, huh?

**DJ**: I guess we do.

**Joos**: At least we beat them here. I'd hate to have caught them at the tail end of the summoning ritual. If they summon this version of Grima, we lose.

**Green**: Hopefully the element of surprise is on our side.

*Suddenly, a tendril of darknes shoots up from the ground through Joos' foot.*

**Joos**: Augh! What the...?

*A very calm Sam and Grima approach the group. Green, DJ, and Knifez prepare their weapons while Joos struggles to free his foot.*

**Sam**: Sorry, but the element of surprise won't save you twice.

**Grima**: You may have gotten the drop on Esh-Ban, but we're no fools. We counted on you splitting up. Now your Shepherds will be easier to decimate and you four are walking right into a slaughter. If you think four mere mortals can beat me, you are sorely mistaken!

*Just when Joos finally frees his foot, Grima lets loose an earth-shaking roar heard from even the base of the mountain. The darkness surrounding him shoots out in the familiar tendrils that attacked at Esh-Ban's castle and rips his four attackers to pieces. Sam whips out Grima's Truth and assaults them with the horrific dark magic, causing them to fall to the ground, each fighter laying in a pool of his own blood.*

*Their screams faintly echo down the mountain, but only two people hear it.*

**Signele**: Oh no... That doesn't sound good.

**Jayde**: Everyone, move faster!

*The Shepherds scramble to pick up their pace while Joos, Green, Knifez and DJ  writhe in pain at the summit.*

**Sam**: Didn't think we'd be prepared, did you? Such a shame that your fatal mistake is something so trivial.

**Green**: Urgh...Damn you.

**Knifez**: That wasn't an attack, that was a tragedy.

**DJ**: I'm dying...what are we to do?

*Joos attempts to think of a solution, but his mind is too muddled. He can feel himself dying from the blood leaking out of his numerous wounds to the dark magic eating at his insides and it seems he's finally out of options. Just when he's about to embrace the fact that they failed, the book in his hands starts glowing. He looks at the Book of Naga to see a blue aura emanating from it. He holds it up and the aura blankets him and his comrades.*

**Sam**: What?

**Grima**: That tome!

*The magic from the Book of Naga miraculously heals their wounds and dissolves the dark magic from inside them. Knifez, Joos, DJ and Green take shaky stands and, when the aura has healed them completely, they ready their weapons.*

**Grima**: So this will be more fun than I though after all. So be it! Continue fighting worthlessly like fish thrown onto land. Know that it all ends the same!

*He opens his mouth wide, a bizarre sight to see another version of Joos doing, and fires off a pitch-black ball of fire. The Book of Naga senses the danger and erects a wall in front of his targets, causing the fireball to explode uselessly against it.*

**Knifez**: Not gonna happen, lizard breath.

**DJ**: We came to stop you, and that's just what we're gonna do.

**Green**: We didn't get all these shiny new weapons for nothing. If you're allowed to have overpowered God weapons, so are we.

**Sam**: Oh well, at least this will be interesting.

**Joos**: So who wants to take on who?

**Green**: I'll take Sam.

**DJ**: Same here.

**Knifez**: Okay Joos, you and me got Grima.

**Joos**: Just make sure you don't attack me on accident.

**Knifez**: No promises.

**Joos**: Heh.

*The battle atop the mountain begins while the main group of Shepherds continues in what was supposed to be the group Grima focused on. They fight tooth and nail through Risen, but not without sustaining many injuries and leaving themselves prone to attack from behind. Luckily, the beaten path they're taking makes the journey a bit faster than it would be otherwise, but their progress is still not enough.*

**Janice**: We're making decent progress everyone, good job!

**Signele**: We need to go faster. I think they're in trouble up there.

**Justice**: They'll be fine. There's nothing we can do down here.

**Jimmy**: We will try to press on though. Shepherds! Push through!

*The group does just that, surging through the group of Risen. However, the higher up they go, the tougher the Risen get and the slower the group moves. Eventually, they get close enough for Pika to make out their forms.*

**Pika**:  Just a little closer guys. Let's make this magic happen.

*The Shepherds draw ever-nearer, cutting down Risen swiftly and efficiently. Augustus laughs maniacally as he chops down the Risen with glee.*

**Mason**: I knew you lost your sanity.

**Augustus**: I'm not insane, I'm just happy to be teaching these sons of bitches what for!

**Danica**: You're a little insane.

**Augustus**: Pft.

*Suddenly, an arrow pierces Augustus' shoulder.*

**Augustus**: Augh! This is not helping my nerves!

**Danica**: Oh shit. Move!

*The trio shuffle away and into a thicker crowd of Risen, but one of them manages to slice open Danica's side.*

**Danica**: Ow!

**Augustus**: Hands off her, you fuck!

*Augustus slices the Risen clean in half as Danica stumbles backwards.*

**Mason**: Go get your mom, I'll keep on eye on Danica.

**Augustus**: Got it. Mom!

*As Augustus rushes off, Pika takes aim at Danica in the distance. She fires, but a Risen gets in the way of her arrow at the last moment.*

**Pika**: Damn it, these mindless thugs are so annoying.

*She scans the advancing crowd as more and more Shepherds start to get in range. She fires a few stray arrows at them, some of which only manage to give their targets slight injuries. Finally, her eyes land on Dakota...*

*Explosions rock the summit as the battle continues. Some of them are explosions of dark matter as Sam slings Grima's Truth attacks and Grima shoots fireballs, and some of them are explosions of light from Joos' Book of Naga.*

**Grima**: Fight all you like! I'm gathering my energy to summon the other Grima here as we struggle pointlessly. In a matter of moments, we will be unstoppable!

**Knifez**: Not if we can kill you in time, you won't!

*Finally, Knifez manages to hit Grima. The Falchion only deals a glancing blow against his chest, but the mountain itself rumbles as Grima lets out a roar of agony.*

**Grima**: Petty noble!

*Enraged, Grima smacks Knifez with the broad side of Ragnell, sending him flying.*

**Joos**: Knifez!

*As Knifez slides toward the ridge dangerously, Grima takes advantage of Joos' distraction by kicking him in the chest. Joos goes flying as well while DJ and Green start to get the upper-hand against Sam.*

**Sam**: Stop struggling! If you two just give up now, your deaths will be painless. If you insist on fighting, I'll make your deaths as slow and painful as possible.

**Green**: I'll take option three: saving our world.

**DJ**: You'll pay for what you two did to Spencer.

**Sam**: Not likely.

*They continue to fight as Grima advances on Joos, Ragnell drawn menacingly.*

**Grima**: Any last words, false Avatar?

**Knifez**: I have a few. *Your end has come*!

*Knifez strikes Grima from behind, causing him to cry out once more and fall to his knees.*

**Joos**: You did it! Now let me deal the finishing blow!

**Knifez**: You got it.

*Joos and Grima both struggle to stand, but it's Joos who holds his book high, preparing his final spell. Before it can fire, Grima stands straight and lets loose a terrifying roar that causes tremors violent enough to cause everyone else on the summit to stumble. He uses this opening to charge at an unsuspecting opponent. Green's eyes widen and he only has time to turn his attention to his new attacker before the explosion hits.*

*Despite the tremors, Pika intently aims her bow at the one person besides her own kin who could be a threat to her.*

*Meanwhile, Dakota strikes down Risen quickly and nimbly alongside Julius.*

**Julius**: Assassin-off?

**Dakota**: What?

**Julius**: Let's see who can be the better assassin!

**Dakota**: I'd rather not.

**Julius**: Come on. Let's keep a tally. I've killed seventeen Risen so far. You?

**Dakota**: \*sigh\* Eighteen.

**Julius**: Damn.

**Dakota**: How about we fight together instead of making it a competition?

**Julius**: Good idea. We can compare scores once this is over.

**Dakota**: If you insist.

*They continue fighting foes while above them, Pika steadies her aim.*

**Pika**: Don't hesitate. You got the perfect shot right...now!

*As she lines up her sight, she lets the arrow fly. This one, she knows is going to hurt. However, the second her arrow leaves its bow, something snaps inside the archer. She realizes she doesn't want to be doing this anymore. Staring at the back of her friend's doomed head, she realizes that she doesn't want to sacrifice her friends for peace. Maybe if she acts quickly, she can save Dakota and convince Sam to change his mind. Maybe.*

**Pika**: DAKOTA!

*Her scream is harsh, strangled, and desperate. However, it only makes things worse.*

**Dakota**: Huh?

*Dakota turns to the source of the scream just in time for the arrow to puncture the bridge of his nose, right in between his eyes. The arrow shoots cleanly through his head as if his skin is wet paper. Eyes wide and unseeing, he drops to his knees, and then to the ground.*

**Julius**: Wha...? Dakota!

**Pika**: Dakota no!

*As Julius checks Dakota's wounds, Pika falls to her knees, sobs racking her entire body. She pounds the ground with her fist.*

**Pika**: Damn it, damn it, damn it!! Why are we even doing this?

*She stands tall, still crying relentlessly and runs from her spot. She clumsily falls from her perch and gets herself hurt in the process, but she finally makes it to Dakota's side, where she scoops his lifeless body up in her arms.*

**Pika**: Dakota! Dakota! Kody! Speak to me, please!

**Julius**: What the fuck?

**Pika**: Oh, why did I do this? Why, why, why? I killed one of my best friends, and for what?

*As Julius watches her cry, someone else approaches, having heard Pika's scream.*

**Harley**: Mom...?

*Disregarding her daughter's presence, Pika continues crying over Dakota's body for a moment.*

**Harley**: Mom...mom, are you alright?

**Pika**: I did this. This is all my fault!

*As the battle rages around them, Pika, Harley and Julius stay still and stare at the body of their friend. Finally, Pika puts down Dakota's body and takes a shaky stand. She grabs her bow and holds it high above her head. Julius and Harley prepare to defend themselves as Pika's hand reaches behind her back. Harley draws an arrow and Julius holds his sword up, ready to attack if need be. However, they lower their weapons when they watch Pika let go of her bow, allowing it to drop to the ground.*

**Harley**: Mom, what are you...

*With not a word, but a sniffle, Pika slips her quiver off her back and tosses it to Harley.*

**Pika**: I'm sorry I couldn't be here for you...This isn't much, but...maybe this can help you.

**Harley**: Mom?

**Pika**: I'm sorry. Please don't hate me like...like I do.

*Before Harley can respond, Pika starts walking around Dakota's dead body, searching for something through the haze of tears flowing from her eyes. Finally, she finds what he's looking for.*

**Pika**: I didn't ask for all this. I knew I was betraying my friends, but I guess I wasn't prepared to actually kill any of them. I'm so sorry Dakota.

**Harley**: Mom, what are you...? Mom!

*Suddenly, Pika plunges the very arrow that killed Dakota into her chest, taking a drastic step back when it punctures her heart.*

**Harley**: Mom!

**Pika**: For...give me...

*With a heavy sigh, Pika falls to the ground.*

**Julius**: Whoa...that was heavy.

**Harley**: Mom...no.

**Julius**: No time to focus on it. Let's get back to fighting.

**Harley**: But...!

**Julius**: I'm sorry, but she's gone. We need to keep pressing forward.

**Janice**: Pika's down, let's keep moving!

*The Shepherds cheer and surge forward through the crowd of Risen.*

**Harley**: How can you cheer for that?! You monsters!

*As the Shepherds push past, Harley drops to her knees at the bodies of her mother and Dakota and takes a moment to mourn them alone.*

*The explosion rocks the mountain as Green and Minerva go flying in opposite directions. They hit the ground hard and it's all Green can do to hold onto his axe. Green struggles to his feet to see Grima advancing towards Minerva.*

**Green**: Minerva, no!

*He runs at Grima and leaps into the air, ready to bring down his axe, but it hits a different target instead. Sam gasps as the blade digs deep into his chest.*

**Sam**: No...I was so...close.

**Green**: Wha...no time, I need to save Minerva.

*Green pries Helswath out of Sam's chest and rushes at Grima again.*

**Green**: *Rest in pieces*!

*He takes a mighty swing, but Grima steps out of the way, instead bringing down the axe on his own intended target. Green gasps and tears instantly well up in his eyes when he watches the blade of Helswath sink into Minerva's hide.*

**Grima**: You should watch where you're swinging that thing. Someone could get hurt!

*He takes a swing at Green, cutting deep into his back with the alternate Ragnell. He lifts his hand and dark matter swirls around Green and Minerva. They rise into the air, Green struggling to break free and swinging Helswath around blindly.*

**Green**: You bastard!

**Grima**: Now now, you should watch your language around a god. Just for that, I'll be sending you away now.

*With a flick of his wrist, Green and Minerva go soaring away, presumably tumbling down the mountain painfully.*

**Knifez**: Green!

**DJ**: I'm gonna go check on him. You two can take Grima on your own, right?

**Knifez**: Joos?

**Joos**: Good idea, DJ. Go make sure Green's okay!

*With a nod, DJ breaks out into a run and chases after Green. Grima smirks and turns to his opponents.*

**Joos**: Just us now.

**Grima**: You have made a grave mistake.

*The ground trembles once more as Grima raises a hand to the sky. The eye of the storm gives way to more dark clouds, rain and lightning. A streak of black energy strikes the ground with the ferocity of lightning.*

**Grima**: You thought you could team up on one enemy, but I am not alone!

*The black energy gives way to the sight of Sam taking a slow stand.*

**Knifez**: What? But Green just...

**Grima**: You cannot kill Grima with your enchanted weapons. You may only stop him for a short time!

**Joos**: It's happening, isn't it?

**Grima**: This Grima is slowly making his presence known. Within moments, Sam will become the Avatar he was always meant to be! This means, of course, that the process is healing his wounds. Only a fatal wound can stop this process now.

**Sam**: Try as hard as you are able. You can't escape your fate.

**Joos**: Lies!

**Knifez**: *Anything can change*!

*The battle begins anew at the top of the mountain while the battle rages on a little further down. Green comes sliding to a stop just outside the fray and DJ nearly stumbles over him in his attempt to catch up.*

**DJ**: Green, are you alright?

**Green**: Healer...please.

**DJ**: Right.

*DJ runs into the crowd to locate a healer, but gets stopped when Signele finds him.*

**Signele**: What are you doing here?

**DJ**: Grima threw Green off the mountain. We need to find him a healer.

**Signele**: You mean Joos is up there alone?

**DJ**: No, Knifez is with him. They'll be—

**Signele**: I need to help them!

*Before DJ can respond, Signele bounds off, leaving DJ to once more search for a healer. He finds Grace and she eagerly gets to work on Green, praying that Minerva will be tended to in time.*

**Green**: Please, help her first!

**Grace**: I'm saving you, Green. Minerva can survive a few more moments.

**Green**: No...no she can't! Help her! I did this, it's my fault!

*He slaps Grace's healing staff away in his struggle, and Grace solemnly nods.*

**Grace**: Fine. I'll check on her first.

**Green**: Thank you...

*Nearby, Jayde fights valiantly against the Risen, but they're proving to be the strongest any of them—even the future kids—have ever faced. She narrowly dodges a fire spell, which explodes close enough to send her sliding back, claws digging into the wet soil to stop her momentum. She comes to a stop, left ear draped over her eye.*

**Jayde**: Geeze, damn ears always getting in the wa—

*She doesn't finish her sentence, as the blood curdling scream she emits stops it. The axe falls to the ground, stained in her blood as she staggers back. She wastes no time in transforming back to her human form and covering up the new wound that encompasses two major facial features.*

**Jayde**: My eye! My ear! Somebody help!

*Further up the mountain, Signele comes to a dead stop, looking back down.*

**Signele**: Jayde's in trouble! But...Joos is too...

*She lingers in her spot, unsure of what to do, before finally taking a deep breath and facing up the mountain, tears welling up in her eyes.*

**Signele**: Jayde...I'm so sorry. I'll do better next time you come around. I promise.

*She continues her trek up the mountain while Jayde stumbles through the crowd uselessly. Finally, Danica hears her wails of pain and finds Jayde nearly collapsed from bloodloss.*

**Danica**: Jayde, oh my gods, how are you still standing?

**Jayde**: I don't know! Help, please.

*They get right to it as Rachel scrambles around the battlefield, healing smaller injuries.*

**Rachel**: Damn, we're running low on healers here!

**Justice**: Mom, watch out!

*As instructed, Rachel ducks as a javelin sticks into the chest of a Risen that was about to attack from behind. Justice lands next to her and nods at the purple dust.*

**Justice**: Serves you right. Need someone to watch over you, mom?

**Rachel**: That sounds like a great idea. Thanks, Justice.

*It takes no time at all for them to run into trouble. An arrow fatally finds itself buried in Justice's pegasus, sending them both tumbling to the ground.*

**Rachel**: Justice!

**Justice**: Hope, no!

*Justice scrambles to his feet and angrily starts fighting through his tears.*

**Justice**: *Time to pay*!

*He swings his lance around fervently, going a bit slower on his feet, but managing to be a force to be reckoned with regardless. Rachel fights behind him, but the Risen start to overwhelm her. A sword-wielding Risen somehow manages to cut a gash in her side. She cries out and stumbles to the ground, calling for Justice as she does.*

**Justice**: Mom!

*He runs to her side and starts fending off advancing Risen. However, Justice can't fight them alone for long...*

*At the top of the mountain, Knifez attacks Sam while Joos fights himself. The battle rages and all combatants are covered in scrapes, cuts and bruises. Everyone is evenly matched, but Sam's power is steadily growing as his body is prepared to accept Grima.*

**Knifez**: Sam! You have to stop this right now! We can still go back!

**Sam**: It's too late, Knifez. I'm too far along. You'll all die on this mountain!

*With lightning fast reflexes and split-second prediction, Sam knocks the Falchion out of Knifez's grasp. The sacred blade spins into the air before sticking into the ground a few feet off. He stabs Knifez in the gut before kicking him away.*

**Knifez**: Augh! Sam...no!

*Wordlessly, Sam grabs Grima's Truth and raises his hand. The dark magic works its way into Knifez's system and lifts him off the ground.*

**Joos**: What? Knifez!

**Knifez**: Joos! Help!

*Joos runs for Sam, but Grima takes the opportunity to trip him before he can make much progress. Sam flicks his wrist and sends Knifez flying off the mountain. He goes soaring over a certain rabbit's head and tumbles down the slope.*

**Sam**: Three down, one to go.

**Grima**: It's so close I can taste it! Who shall do the honors?

**Sam**: Let me. This lackluster tactician has been a thorn in my side for far too long.

*The brothers stare each other down, Sam having enough courtesy to allow Joos to stand.*

**Sam**: Here we are. Final battle. *Here's how it's done*!

*They start battling, but it takes no time at all for Sam to overwhelm Joos. A gash in the ribs sends him stumbling back, but as Sam prepares the finishing blow, a loud voice stops him in his tracks.*

**Signele**: *DON'T MESS WITH A BUNNY*!

*Signele hops over the ridge and digs her claws into Sam's chest furiously.*

**Joos**: Signele? What are you doing here?

**Signele**: I'm here to help.

**Grima**: Who invited the rabbit?

**Sam**: Nuisance. You should have stayed home.

*He makes a grab for Grima's Truth and Joos gasps.*

**Joos**: NO!

*Before Sam can attack, Joos whips out the Book of Naga and sends a blast of light towards Sam. It hits him hard and the explosion causes Grima's Truth to burst into blue flames.*

**Sam**: Fine. I'll do it the painful way, then. As you wish.

*He grabs a wind tome from his robes and sends a small, violent vortex at Signele.*

**Joos**: Watch out!

**Signele**: Joos, I—

*Her words are lost as the wind picks her up and sends her hurtling down the mountain, gashes opening up the whole way down.*

**Joos**: No!

**Sam**: No more help from anyone. It's just you and me now.

*Justice continues fighting back the Risen, but the injuries he's taking are becoming more than Rachel can keep up with. Finally, the two are backed into a wall, injuries slowing them down and fatigue setting in.*

**Rachel**: I think we're done...

**Justice**: No! I have to keep fighting! Never give up!

*He tries to dive into the fight, but is stopped when a body hits the ground hard in front of him.*

**Justice**: ...Dad?

*In front of them, Knifez struggles to get to his feet, wheezing and gasping as he does.*

**Knifez**: Oh, hey guys...mind if I join in?

**Rachel**: Knifez, are you okay?

**Knifez**: No.

**Justice**: What happened?

**Knifez**: Don't worry ab...augh!

*He stumbles forward to reveal a new injury running down his back.*

**Justice**: Dad!

*While Knifez joins Rachel on the ground, Justice fights valiantly, but his battle comes to an end when he is disarmed and thrown against the wall by a wind spell.*

**Justice**: I'm...so sorry. I tried my best...I really did.

**Rachel**: It's alright. We all tried our best.

**Knifez**: I wasn't going to survive this anyway. Grima's Truth...got to me.

**Justice**: I did good though, right...?

**Knifez**: …

**Justice**: Dad? Dad, you're proud of me... right?

**Knifez**: Yes son. I'm so proud of you.

**Rachel**: I'm proud of both of you.

*The royal family embraces in a final hug as the bloodthirsty Risen close in on them.*

*Nearby, Danica finishes healing Jayde with grim news.*

**Danica**: Jayde...I'm sorry, but I couldn't save your eye.

**Jayde**: What...?

**Danica**: You'll never see out of that eye again. I'm so sorry.

*As Jayde starts sniffling, another rabbit finishes her descent down the mountain. Signele crashes into the ground next to them, causing them to jump.*

**Jayde**: Mom!

**Danica**: Oh dear. If it's not one thing, it's another.

**Signele**: Help...them.

**Danica**: You'll be alright, Signele. Come on, let's get you fixed up.

**Jayde**: Mom, what happened to you?

*Before she can answer, Signele loses consciousness. Nearby, Green finally regains his senses to news even worse than his own death.*

**Grace**: Green...I'm sorry, but... I couldn't save Minerva.

*The news takes a moment to settle, after which Green sits on the ground and buries his face in his hands, refusing to move or let anyone see his tears.*

**DJ**: Green...

**Grace**: I'm so sorry.

*A moment of relative silence passes and DJ looks to the summit.*

**DJ**: I'm going back up. They still need my help if it's still not over yet.

**Grace**: DJ, are you sure?

**DJ**: Positive.

*He begins his trek up, but he won't make it in time. Sam and Joos battle, neither budging an inch until Joos is disarmed and thrown skidding across the peak. His battered and bruised body comes to rest at the spot where Falchion is resting. He struggles to stand, using the blade as leverage. He grips Falchion's hilt and frees it from the ground.*

**Joos**: I just got an idea...

**Sam**: Thanks for narrating for us. Care to narrate your death?

*As Sam runs for Joos, blade at the ready and darkness swirling around him, Joos opens the Book of Naga in one hand and holds Falchion in front of him with the other. A blue flame surrounds Falchion and causes it to vibrate with energy. Joos runs at Sam and they lunge at each other.*

**Joos**: *Time to tip the scales*!

**Sam**: *You're finished, brother*!

*They each swing and the mountain trembles when the ritual is disrupted. Grima hears the scream and looks toward the two to see Falchion buried in Sam's chest. Blue flames swirl around the wound and Sam grips Joos' wrists tight.*

**Sam**: It's...too late...Grima's...here.

*Falchion is ripped from his chest and his body falls to the ground.*

**Grima**: You fool! Now the ritual is interrupted. Who's Grima going to take now? Ever thought of that? This body will hold Grima's soul twice over and you will know true despair!

**Joos**: Who says I'm going to wait around long enough for that to happen?

*The two do battle with the Falchion and Ragnell, clashing as hard as they can, utilizing the powers of two separate divine dragons.*

**Grima**: Give up!

**Joos**: Never! This is your battle to lose. This is for everyone who died in the name of defeating you. Florence. Anna. Spencer. Sarah. Kelsie. Kayla. And everyone else!

*In one final bid, Joos throws Falchion into the air. Grima's eyes follow the sacred blade and Joos kicks Ragnell out of his grasp. Joos jumps, using Grima's now empty hand as a spring board. He grabs Ragnell in one hand and Falchion in the other before landing behind Grima. Grima turns and launches dark energy at him, stabbing at Joos in several places. The adrenaline allows Joos to cut the tendrils to pieces using Falchion, and he uses Grima's disbelief to lunge at him.*

**Joos**: *Checkmate*!

*Falchion and Ragnell both puncture Grima's chest at once. His roar of agony causes tremors stronger than any other thus far. This causes several Shepherds to stumble and fall as the Risen stop all together and, one-by-one, crumble into dust.*

**Grima**: You...It's...too late. The ritual is...too far on...When there's only one body left for Grima...you'll be forced...to kill everyone you love...This...isn't...OVER!

*As the Fell Dragon of one time collapses to the ground, both swords still sticking out of his chest, Joos takes a moment to collect himself.*

**Joos**: Whew... \*huff\* it's over.

**Grima**: I AWAKEN.

*Joos' body stiffens as the dark clouds swirling above the mountain enter his body. DJ peeks over the ridge to see Joos standing amongst two dead bodies.*

**DJ**: Joos...? Did you do it? Where's Knifez?

*In response, Joos opens his mouth and lets loose an earth-shattering roar, the shockwave of which sends him flying.*

My vision blurs and the world around me won't stop spinning. The only thing that is concrete right now is my own body, which feels like it's being torn to shreds slowly and painfully. The one other thing I'm aware of  is the harsh laughter rattling my bones and shaking the world.

AT LAST. THIS WORLD IS MINE TO COMMAND.

I can feel my self control slipping away as what's happening finally dawns on me.

Grima is coming.

I kneel down, the power almost too much for my body. Grima's laughter continues, unaffected by my futile resistance. “No, this can't be happening,” I try to say, but I'm not even sure I can move my mouth right now. However, the message is conveyed to my captor.

STRUGGLE NO MORE. I HAVE ARRIVED.

I reach out, knowing where to find a weapon. Grima...my...other me's chest is still acting as a sheath for two very powerful weapons. It doesn't matter which one I grab. As long as it ends up in my own chest, it will be enough. I somehow manage to pry a sword—I don't even know which one—out of his chest before Grima forces us to our feet.

THIS WORLD IS MINE!

“This world...is ours!” I raise the blade to the skies, Grima intending it to be a symbol of victory. The faces of all my comrades, dead and alive, flash through my mind. Signele and Jayde being the final, most prominent ones. They're waiting for me at the bottom of this mountain. I can't...

THEY WILL DIE.

“They will live!” My struggle to turn the blade on us begins. Grima finally wises up to my plan and fights against me.

I WIN!

“You lose!” This is the hardest thing I've ever done, but we're at the point of no return. It's this, or oblivion for everyone else.

I AM THE FELL DRAGON.

“You are defeated...” It's these statements that keep me going. Resisting Grima's influence is like swimming in the sun, but I must work through it.

WE. ARE. GRIMA!

The sword turns, finally pointing at my...our...no, my chest.

“I. Am.”

I watch the sword advance on me as if in slow motion. In this split second of total control, I remember something lost to me for a very long time.

“Justin.”

*The clouds have long since parted and the Shepherds have gathered up the bodies of the fallen to pay their respects. Many tears were shed, especially by Janice, who ends the adventure with one living relative in the world. During the proceedings, DJ, Green, Signele and Jayde steal many glances up the mountain, expecting [ERR] Joos to descend at any moment. Finally, once everyone has been paid the proper respects, they travel up the mountain to see what the hold-up is. The sight awaiting them at the top is the last one anyone was hoping to see.*

**DJ**: ...Joos?

**Green**: Oh no.

**Signele**: What do you see up there? It's been hours now.

**Jayde**: Yeah, where's my dad?

**DJ**: Keep Signele from coming up here. Don't let her see this.

**Signele**: I heard that! Don't let me see what? Oh gods, what happened?!

*Despite their insistence, DJ and Green can't prevent Signele from seeing the sight of three dead bodies resting at the summit. Two of them are perfectly identical, save the sword jutting out of their chests. As Signele and Jayde steal away to cry their eyes out, DJ and Green nod at each other.*

**Green**: You give the speech.

**DJ**: I was always counting on Knifez to give it but... \*sigh\* Alright. I'll do it.

*He pulls the Falchion from one of the Joos' chests and addresses the Shepherds.*

**DJ**: My friends. The battle is ended. Never again will the Fell Dragon trouble this world. I, nay, the world owes you a debt that words alone cannot hope to repay. Especially Joos, who we can only assume gave his life to save us all. And all worlds yet to come. Unfortunately, his life was the ultimate price.

**Grace**: Oh no... we've come such a long way from that empty field...and just like that, he's gone as if it never happened. Why is the world so cruel?

**Jimmy**: I've never been one to believe in fairy tales, but if there was a way to reverse all the death and suffering we had to go through, I'd take it. Joos was part of the reason we made it through all that. I owe him my life.

**DJ**: Because of him, and everyone's sacrifices today, my baby Spencer will grow up to know a peaceful world. A world without Grima's shadow looming over us.

**Green**: We won, but...it feels like such a hollow victory. Sam and Pika...Knifez, Rachel, Justice...Dakota...Mi...Minerva. Joos. It's too much of a loss to just ignore, you know?

**Chase**: I can't say I never doubted them, because there were times when I wondered if we were ever gonna make it through this. But we did. And now the world's a better place. I just wish they were here to see it.

**Signele**: You call this a victory? I had my whole family taken from me. Again! We never should have split up. What are we going to do now? I can't...I can't.

**Julius**: Oh man...this is some heavy shit. And to think I was here for all of it. This has been the wildest adventure anyone could ever hope for.

**Maggie**: You said it. I've met some of the greatest people I've ever known while we were on this adventure. And now they're all gone so much sooner than I expected...

**Joanne**: We won. We finally won, but why does it still feel like we lost? Man, I wish everyone else was here to share in our achievement with us.

**Taylor**: Why did it have to be them? Why couldn't it be me? I...I can't handle this.

**Janice**: My family's gone. Now I have to rule Waydrn alone. I can't call this a happy ending. Maybe someday, but not yet. This is too much for me to handle.

**Augustus**: We did it, and it cost us a hell of a lot of lives. And my better motor functions. And some people's happiness. Oh gods, even *I'm* having trouble finding a better silver lining. If my dad was here, he'd have one.

**Jayde**: Dad...he's gone. At least I have my mom but...I don't think we'll ever be the same. Add that to my eye and my ear being out of commission and I kind of wish I had died instead.

**Mason**: Everything we worked for came to fruition. We didn't give up hope and we came through in the end. If only the price wasn't so steep. ...I miss Spencer.

**Bohl**: We did it. There will be legends written about what we have done here today! But at what cost? ...at what cost?

**Danica**: I had a bad feeling in my gut the moment we jumped into that portal. If only we had been more careful, we would have been able to avoid all of this suffering.

**Harley**: People gave their lives for the peace we will be seeing from here on. They wouldn't want us to sulk about wasting it. That's what I know. What I feel, however, is...sad. Defeated. Like I'm never going to see my family again. Where am I going after this? Just...

**Green**: Everyone who died secured for us all the most precious gift: a future. Now it falls upon our shoulders to protect that. I vow to give my all to healing the damage this battle has wrought upon the realm. Near the end, Joos started to doubt his place amongst the Shepherds due to what his alternate self had done, and at the end, Pika regretted all she had done against us. I'm sure, despite his actions, Sam felt the same way in his final moments. He's a smart man. I want them to be able to see what their sacrifices have done for us.

**DJ**: Sam, Pika, Joos... if any of you can hear me, I want you to know that you always have a place with us. Remember that. Always.

==> EPILOGUES

## Final Party

**The Shepherds**

* Grace. War Cleric. An affectionate and cheeky Shepherd with a possessive streak.
* Jimmy. Great Knight. A quiet Shepherd who knows exactly when to get to work.
* DJ. Swordmaster. A noble from Frar who knows his way around a sword.
* Green. Wyvern Lord. A funloving Tostian dracoknight. Has a penchant for stabbing first and asking questions later.
* Chase. Bow Knight. A Sellsword with a love of tall tales and romance.
* Signele. Taguel. Last surviving inhabitant of The Domain. Also a giant bunny sometimes.
* Julius. Assassin. A gifted dancer with a flair for philandering and caffeine.
* Maggie. Manakete. An innocent Manakete with a penchant for theatrics.
* Joanne. Paladin. A quiet knight who waits for the perfect moment to speak up.
* Taylor. Great Knight. A horse-loving girl who's incidentally really bad at riding horses.

**Future Children**

* Danica. Trickster. A cunning, flirty girl who could rob even the greatest thieves blind.
* Bohl. Sage. An confusing youth with incredible intelligence and not so great speech patterns.
* Jayde. Taguel. A hyperactive Taguel obsessed with the goal of making the species thrive.
* Augustus. Warrior. A fun-loving warrior with sharp wit and even sharper axes.
* Janice. Wyvern Lord. A rebellious Wyvern Rider with more love for her wyvern than herself.
* Mason. Dark Mage. An uptight mage who stands for nothing and falls for anything.
* Harley. Sniper. A reserved girl torn between saving the world and protecting her family.

## Information

* This chapter was originally posted to the Total Drama Writers' Forum here.

Paralogues: Paralogue 1: From Sickle to Sword - Paralogue 2: The Secret Seller - Paralogue 3: Taylor's Dilemma - Paralogue 4: Rides With Wyverns - Paralogue 5: Wings of Justice - Paralogue 6: Tournament of Kings - Paralogue 7: All Buns go to Heaven - Paralogue 8: The Lyin' King - Paralogue 9: Doing God's Work...Kinda - Paralogue 10: Nose in the Book, Head in the Clouds - Paralogue 11: Fast Fingers and Freedom - Paralogue 12: Witchcraft and Wizardry

DLC: The Conquest of The Domain [ Xenologue 1: Twenty-One Years Ago... - Xenologue 2: Fight of the Mapmakers - Xenologue 3: Capital City Onaw ] Days of Future Past [ Xenologue 4: The New Shepherds - Xenologue 5: A Glimmer of Hope - Xenologue 6: Beginning of the End ]

Non-Canon: A Very Forum Emblem Christmas! - Reawakened - Tales From the Barracks [ Second Seal Scramble ]