Total Calamity: New Game +

**Total Calamity: New Game +** is a fanfic depicting what happens when one of the characters are forced back to the day the long, long journey started.

## Story

### Steve's Last Day

After what felt like months of planning, the group was finally bringing the fight to Yharim himself. They'd made sure to divide themselves so that one team would assail the Slime Kingdom with clouds of spores so as to debuff their main forces, another team hung in the outskirts during the distraction, and during the distraction, another team would make their way into the castle to assail the forces and work their way up to the big cheese himself. And that distraction? An empowered Devourer of Gods ransacking Yharim's front door.

Yharim was forced to send several forces after him to try and take him down. He's since reached out for reinforcements to wear down the beast faster, though forces are keeping them at bay, intent on drawing the fight out. Meanwhile, his main forces are firing blast after blast on the beast as his dragon's spawn flew around to try and tear at the scourge. Yharim overlooked the fight and couldn't help but get frustrated. He was hearing requests for backup within his castle, the Slime Kingdom was requesting reinforcements, and his own reinforcements were taking an awfully long time to get here. Who could've possibly organized for everything he's worked towards to go wrong?

Meanwhile, a team of several were making their way through the annals of Yharim's kingdom, delivering swift strikes to his many soldiers and racing past them. The wielders of the Elementals were among them: a demon, a dwarf, a siren, a harpy, a lamia, and a dryad. And among many others, there were major members in the strike force: the sharp-eyed gunsmith Ryan, the detail oriented rogue Michael, the loyal spearman Tritan, the cleric of Providence Terra, lady of calamity Ira, and frontline fighter Steve.

They raced through the halls, continuing on their pace. Blasting, stabbing, slashing, bashing, so on and so forth. They got closer and closer to the top of the castle, and by now the Devourer had been felled, and the forces that laid in the outskirts were closing in to finish off what it had started. The invasion team was racing up more and more and getting closer to the top.

"Once we get past here, we should be past the majority of his forces and upon Yharim himself!" Michael said as they kept on their pace. They'd rush and rush, before coming to a stop. In front of them, they'd see something they knew they'd have to confront, but would've loved to've passed: an elite, one of Yharim's elite circle that helps him maintain control of the world. This particular elite proved a big pain for Ira herself. Yharim had worked on cloning several members of his army, and among them was Ira herself, forming Supreme Calamitas, a version of her that helped remind her of the dumb girl she was when she looked up to the mad man conqueror.

"Amazing. You've managed to avoid detection, yet still brought chaos to his highness," she remarked. She focused on Ira herself, and glowered. "You however... Last I saw, you were supposed to be dead." Ira growled, and Ryan stepped forwards.

"Step down, now. We've plowed through pretty much an army to get here, and you're just one person," he pointed out. Supreme Calamitas, however, let out a mirthless laugh as she held her hand in front of her. Wisps of Brimstone Magic flew along her arm like ribbons before curling into a staff-like shape. And at one end of that shape came a malicious smirk, and a similar one appeared on the other. Then, the light gaveway to reveal in her hand a long shaft as black as ash, boasting a pair of blood red scythe blades on either end. She flicked her weapon to have them twirl like the world's deadliest blender before holding it over her shoulder.

"You'll see I'm far more than any simple army," she pointed out. With that, she flicked her scythe such that one of the blades were held to the side, and then she suddenly rushed forwards. Steve would be the first to act, rushing in and holding his star-like greatsword and preparing to block. As she approached, the clone would hurl her scythe forwards, it spinning as it neared. Steve would swing his blade up to block it, the scythe ploinking off while Supreme raced in to deliver a powerful kick to the blunt edge of the weapon, sending the fighter skidding. Then, she'd use the momentum she got from grabbing the deflected scythe to instead hurl it towards Michael, the latter, using his scarf to dance away from the weapon as its blade embedded itself into the ground he stood at moments ago.

She'd rush to pick it up, though several of the fighters were starting to close in around her. The avatars were going to, but they could hear a veritable army starting to come in from behind. They'd each turn, silently agree with each other that the group can handle it, and they'd race towards the rear while Sylia went towards the party. They raced forwards and tried to strike her, though Supreme tensed up, before flexing and releasing a wave of fiery energy, forcing many back. While they were toppled, she'd yank her scythe from the ground before turning towards the closest warrior.

That happened to be Michael. She'd flash her blade up before rushing at the toppled rogue, though Steve, who'd held his footing from the wave, would rush forwards to swing his sword towards the other end of the clone's scythe, catching it to stop her from swinging. This gave many fighters the chance to get up, and the clone would flip her scythe to get it off of Steve's blade before swinging to try and dice him, though his armor would let him absorb most of the damage. Meanwhile, Ryan would release a flurry of bullets on the enemy, striking much of her torso.

Ira herself would manifest a scythe and rush at her copy, before bringing her weapon up and swinging down, forcing Calamitas to bring up the shaft to block it. While up, Michael would swing his spear up and thrust it down to try and pin the blade in place, Steve following suit. Ryan would keep firing, Ira would keep up the pressure so she'd be forced to keep the weapon in guard pose, and Tritan and Terra would deliver ranged attack, Tritan with his flail and Terra with magical blasts.

Calamitas grit her teeth and channeled a large buildup of Brimstone magic. Then, with a mighty shriek, another fiery wave emanated from her, tossing away those near her while she herself rose up skyward. She hovered in the air and loomed above the many rebels, her bringing up the scythe to deliver blade beams at them. Michael, Steve, and Ira would each get struck, bright scorches driven deep into their armor. Sylia and Terra would work on healing while looking up at her weary as Calamitas was summoning up balls of fire around her.

Then, the balls raced past her and assail the floor in a seemingly random fashion, the many warriors forced to stop themsevles from fighting and instead take evasive action. They'd dart around and have to avoid the blasts, Michael, Steve, Ira, and Tritan soon forced to get airborne. Steve would use his mighty sword to try and block much of the attacks while Tritan would get behind him and use his flail to lash at the furious elite. Michael and Ira meanwhile would be maneuvering around, the former using his hook to get around while Ira would tank a few blasts as she channeled her own blasts to intercept some fire and strike at Calamitas.

"Die! Die! Diediediediediediediediediediedie!" she wailed as she rained hellfire on the group. They fled more and more, a few members forced to take some blasts of fire on top of them, Terra and Sylia working to keep their health up. Meanwhile, Michael, Steve, Ira, and Tritan continued facing Calamitas from on high, their attacks managing to distract her for a few seconds and stopping her flurry. Ira would send beams of fire, her taking some damage before swinging her scythe to try and deflect. Michael and Tritan would team up to stab at her from a distance, her again flicking to stave off the attacks. And Steve would rush Calamitas and swing, her forced to use her shaft to block the blow. They kept on the attack, but she'd soon unleash another shockwave of fire to drive them back.

By now, the invading force was starting to look a little winded. The team below had to go on the defensive, on the evasive, and healing, and the four of them struggled against Calamitas. Ryan would try to fire, though his bullets would get quickly absorbed by her attacks. Steve himself would realize things weren't looking totally good. Something drastic needed to happen to turn the tables. He'd thusly decide to hold his sword to his side, and rush her, bellowing out a roar as he approached, intending on catching her attention. So, the cloned witch would see him coming, taking up her weapon, and drive the blade forwards, stabbing it into his chest.

And at that, there was a palpable silence throughout the room. The rain of death gave pause, and the sound of metal piercing armor rang out like a deafening gong. Steve looked down at his wound, seeing blood beginning to pool down. He could feel Calamitas give an evil smirk. She went to pull away, though Steve grasped the shaft with one hand, stopping her. She furrowed his brow and tried pulling, though Steve held the offending weapon in place, his strength quickly fading and him being forced to drop his sword. Realizing the opening they had, several other members would choose to capitalize.

Tritan struck her with his flail, her grunting at the strike. She tried to turn a free hand to him to prepare a blast, though a javelin fired by Michael would distract her. Ryan would follow up with gunshots, Terra and Sylia would heal up the last of the wounds, even Steve would punch at her as hard as he could. And Ira would grit her teeth as she held her scythe ready, as if addressing wherever to slice just right. Calamitas let out grunts and heaves of pain, thrashing and still trying to knock Steve off. And then, using a blast of fire, Ira would fly forwards and flip through the air, flashing her scythe. She flipped and flipped, and Calamitas would have only a moment to see her coming before she delivered a powerful scythe swing from her head to her feet. With that, she'd give pause, a straight line of blood from top to bottom as her irises seemed to shrink to pin pricks.

"Y... y-you can't..." she moaned as her body flexed, as if physically trying to keep herself together. "I... am... Calamitas..."

"You're just a murderer," Ira declared, before delivering a sharp horizontal swing. The elite's blood sprayed out as she wailed in pain. The fire around her faded, she'd slowly descend to the ground, and her scythe would fade. She'd land on her knees while Steve fell in a heap on the ground. Calamitas continued to wail until her voice gave out, and she fell into a heap herself. With that, the many party members would give a sigh of relief, feeling the need to relax now. It actually took them a few moments to realize Steve was in danger. Not because no one cared or anything, he'd withstood so much damage in the past. A part of them actually sort of forgot that he was still, well, mortal.

They'd race over, Terra and Sylia attempting to heal. However...

"He's... gone..." Terra said. And in that moment, the celebration they had would come to a halt as they all kneeled around the body of one of their most reliable fighters.

...

Steve woke with a stir, grunting with discomfort as the memory of the metal piercing flesh was fresh in his mind. He swung wildly in front of him before blinking his eyes a few times. He'd realize that he wasn't in danger... he wasn't even in Yharim's palace. He found himself... looking at the interior of a log cabin. He rose a brow and stood up, walking around curious. He'd see his wulfrum sword hanging by the door, a bow, and arrows that he honestly forgot he even had for a long time. Why're they just out, though?

Curious, Steve stepped through the door and looked out, realizing he was far, far from the jungle...

### Loop 1

Steve walked out, furrowing his brow as he tried to ponder how he got here. He felt like he was staving off an intense migraine after his previous attack. And as that memory rushed to him, he patted at his abdomen, realizing not only that he was missing his previous armor, but that the gash in his sternum was gone. He then pulled his shirt forwards to look at his bare chest.

"Not even a scar," he muttered to himself. Then, he heard some loud thrashing nearby. Curious, he'd race away from his house, approaching what he realized was the desert. He'd forgotten how close it was to his house. He'd go there, and would see a certain skinny stranger wielding a spear and boomerang, him trying to fight off what looks like a small group of large sea horses whose scaly hides were rendered crusty and burned from their time in the ocean-less sands. It seemed like this stranger was dealing with a bunch of cnidrions, and Steve was about to rush in to aid, though he'd realize the other guy was Michael. He'd worn his usual armor so much, Steve hadn't recognized him at first. "He can take them," he muttered. "Now, what else is going on here?"

He turned away from the scene, and suddenly sprouted his wings, deciding to lift up and searched around. He lifted up, and found himself gazing around. He was on the Capital again, except... He narrowed his gaze as he saw, a fair distance from his home, a field of rotting flesh slinking through the grass like oil across the ocean, and elsewhere he'd spy land with decaying plants and holes throughout the landscape. It was... the Crimson and the Corruption.

"What...? Am I seeing my life flash before my eyes?" Steve pondered. Then he groaned and massaged his forehead. "That doesn't quite make sense... Does it? Did anyone I talked to die before? What did Ira say about it?" His out loud thoughts were interrupted by a piercing shriek in the sands below, the scream getting swiftly cut off. Steve's eyes widened as he realized the noise came from the desert. He turned and flew down, bringing up his Ark of the Cosmos and holding it with two hands. He'd slice through one cnidrion with a single slice, before swiftly dashing through the rest of them. "Jeez, what's got you screaming, Mich-?"

Steve's eyes widened as he saw the strange sight before him. He felt like he was hallucinating. He felt like he was dreaming. But the sand brushing against his ankles, the heat beating down on his brow, and the stench of rot around him was making him doubt that more and more. He saw Michael, his abdomen perforated by high pressured beams of water while chunks of missing meat mars his body. Steve stood there for a while, his brain struggling to understand the sight before him. Surely it had to be some other traveler, right? He had his face though, his frame, Steve would know this guy like the back of his hand. Was he some sort of doppelganger? A double for some sort of prank?

"...Michael?" Steve asked to the wind around. "You must be watching, right? If you are, this joke is really messed up!" There was no noise besides the wind whistling across the sands. Steve peered around as if trying to find any hiding spot Michael could be, but there was no sign of any, the desert was a clean slate. "Michael?!" He looked around more and more, before focusing on the treeline nearby. He must be watching via binoculars. His wings flared up, and he flew over, intent on investigating. "Michael!"

He'd soon make it to the nearby forest and searched around for any sign of him. Tracks, sounds, anything... As he searched around, he'd soon spy a familiar looking guy with a gun holstered to his side. His eyes widened with recognition, and he raced down to meet him.

"Bob!" he suddenly shouted as he darted in front of the ranger. The latter gasped at his sudden appearance, reaching to his side.

"Woah! You... you know my name?" Bob asked.

"Now's not a good time for jokes," Steve said. "I just woke up after getting impaled by Calamitas, and now Michael's made it look like he died-!"

"Slow down, slow down!" Bob said as he backed away. "Michael? Calamitas? I don't know who Michael is, and I don't know what you're doing messing with Calamitas, or what you're doing with my name, so back off."

"What...? Bob, it's me, Steve." The warrior approached, but Bob reached for his gun, starting to draw it.

"Seriously, back off. If anything happens to me, you'll only invite disaster onto yourself!"

"Invite disaster? What're you...?" Steve saw his threatened stance. That had to be a double in the desert, right? So this had to be a bluff too. So, Steve neared him, when Bob suddenly flipped his gun up and delivered a blast, nailing him in the chest. With that godly soul in him, and especially in comparison to what he's dealt with, it hadn't really registered as significant damage to him. But the sheer shock of feeling the burning lead nail his flesh, feeling the legit recoil of the blow... Bob actually went for the kill... While Steve was dealing with that attack, Bob had run off, and Steve found himself only staring.

The gunshot was real, Bob's terror seemed real, so was... that in the desert real? Bob disappeared into the forestry, and Steve now stood alone in contemplation...

Steve retreated back to his house, looking over it with a sense of prolonged loneliness he hadn't felt since before he met Michael and Bob. Back then, he didn't have to worry about the bigger picture: he relaxed at home, hunted, and just lazed away. Ever since those guys came up, he'd been thrust into a series of events that gave him some more direction in life. And now, he stood here missing those two, and he didn't even know how he got here. Hell, he wasn't even sure if what was here was actually happening. Was it all hallucinations? Was it all him suffering from a death-induced dream? ...Was this Hell?

"This doesn't make sense," he muttered. He looked over his field, before walking over to the edge of the tree line. He looked out, spying Michael's body left over. He decided that he shouldn't just leave it. He walked over, and carefully took up Michael's body, before walking over to the front of his house. He'd dig it up, creating a hole. Once there, he'd go around the house to chop down enough trees to make a coffin, before setting it down and placing Michael in the coffin. He shut it, and shoveled dirt into the hole, covering him up. "Still a dream... Still a dream...?"

He buried the body and stood up, looking down at himself. He was covered in cold blood. Blood couldn't be faked easily, least of all to someone as experienced in battle as Steve. It had a very specific texture, a very specific temperature, a very specific complexion. And the fluid over his body matched those to a T. He let out a disgusted cough as that all sank in for him, and he grasped at his temples. He took in labored breaths, when he heard some squelching noises nearby. He turned, and he'd see a small squadron of slimes jumping towards him. They hopped towards him with a certain threatening aura, and he grit his teeth.

"You picked a really bad time to piss me off!" he declared as his starry sword formed in his hand. Hoisting it, he'd rush at the various slimes, dashing them into droplets at blinding speeds. Though, slashing each of them proved faster than he'd expected. Maybe the lack of Bob's turncoat made less appear? Whatever the case, they were gone. He growled and slammed the edge of his sword into the soil, shaking the earth a little. He needed to relieve his stress more and more! Well, since everything else was repeating... "Coming at you, Scourge!" His wings flared out, and he'd thusly fly away. And as he did, a strange figure watched from the tree-line: a stranger in bloody armor and with a brimstone-like aura around him, looking upon Steve with interest.

Unfortunately, the next fight proved limited too. The tribe of ghouls in the cavern in the desert were quickly torn up by his blade, and the loud sounds of the fight stirred up the desert enough to awaken the burned up worm. He'd rush it and tear into it with his blade, stabbing and chopping through its large body. For a moment, he'd swear it'd start to flee, but he kept on striking and striking. And quickly, it was torn apart, leaving behind its gear, including that javelin-firing weapon Michael typically used. Steve took a deep breath and gathered the gear, and began walking away.

He'd make his way through the desert, not even noticing the part where Michael's blood was blown away from the winds. He'd walk and walk, and make it home, only to find a very familiar weirdo. He'd glare, spying the armored mage step out and in front of him.

"Hello, hello!" the brimstone mage greeted as he stood between him and his house.

"What are you doing here?" Steve glowered.

"Come on, I'm an ally," he swore. "Name's Red Ravager. Mind introducing yourself?" He extended his hand to him. The warrior came close and looked down at his hand... before turning towards his face, and delivering a harsh swing into his face, sending the mage flying back and slamming against the wall of the house. He'd grunt and fall to his feet while brushing his armor. "Phew... The *hell* are you doing?"

"Get out!" Red Ravager took some more steps towards Steve, and couldn't help but notice the look on his face.

"Oh, what's the matter? You look like you've seen a monster." Steve punched him again, hurling the undead mage into his house again, only this punch caused his head to twist unnaturally, and even seemed to crack his armor. He'd drop onto his feet before reaching up, and twisting his head to look at Steve head on. "...I'm starting to think you don't like me." With this, Steve suddenly conjured his starry blade, and raced towards the mage in a stabbing motion. Red Ravager dove to the side, the blade piercing into his wall. Having evaded the blow, Red Ravager would bring up a hand, before extending it towards Steve and conjuring a beam of fire, managing to knock him off of his sword.

Steve was momentarily surprised he'd taken damage from that. It'd usually take a lot to pierce his... armor. He suddenly realized he was less armored than usually. He grit his teeth and took up his sword, before rushing the enemy and slashing at him. Red Ravager would weave around oddly, twisting and contorting his body in strange ways to avoid the sword.

"You know, I came here expecting to have a conversation with some soldier with potential! Well I'm here, and all I'm seeing is a mad man!"

"Oh I'm a very mad man!" Steve declared as he swung madly, keeping the enemy on his toes. Eventually, he'd managed to ram the butt of his sword into his forehead to disorient him. And then, he'd deliver a vertical swing to the warrior, who managed to weave away just in time to avoid what might've been a fatal blow, though half of his arm was sliced off and sent flying into the treeline. He looked down at the stump of his arm.

"Aw man..." Steve then grabbed at him, the foe forced to bring up his arms to defend. Steve grabbed his free hand and tugged him towards him, glaring daggers into the foe.

"Mad, pissed, angry, frustrated! I'm any kind of man right now!"

"Interesting, interesting," Red Ravager said. "Well, I think I can tell when I'm not wanted, so I'll be on my way-" Steve, however, tightened his grip and tugged Red Ravager closer.

"No you're not. I know the kind of man you are, I know who you're going to hurt!" He then took up his sword. "Now, do you know who I am?" At that, Red Ravager began looking over Steve and, even through his helmet, the warrior could see dawning realization on the man.

"Oh, that *is* interesting," he remarked. "Very interesting, very interesting..." As he contemplated, Steve began raising his sword. "Alright, I can see you're not happy to see me and you want to get rid of me pronto, buuuuut, consider the following..."

"The following?" With that, Red Ravager would sharply tug one way, before flipping his body the other, sending himself careening around Steve sharp enough to cause his held arm to snap, allowing him to orient above Steve's head. And once on high, he'd rear his head back, his helm retracting ever so to reveal his ghastly lips. And then, he'd swing down and exhale a magical breath of flame, utterly dousing Steve in a torrent of blinding fire and causing him to lose his grip and stumble back. Steve was hurting all over, and Red Ravager would land on his knees, grunting as he got up.

"Man, I gotta fix myself up all over..." he complained as he observed his twisted arm. "And I gotta find my hand... Well, that's what I get for trying to help you." With that, he'd leap away, using a jet of flame to hurl himself into the woods faster. Steve, meanwhile, was left with blisters all over himself, grunting and panting in pain. He could only watch as that jackass flew off. Only getting angrier, he'd punch at his house some more, and kept on punching and punching as night began to descend...

Steve'd collapsed, leaning against the wall. He groaned and leaned back against the wall, collapsed from exhaustion and stress. There was a lot to deal with ever since he'd... died. He rubbed at his face, groaning and wiping his hair away. He tried to climb up, when he heard someone shambling close. He turned, and would spy a strange cloaked figure. Though, of course he remembered the figure. The one with the cloak came close, him now acknowledging the subtle mechanical creaks. He'd see the mage begin to reach towards him, when Steve suddenly summoned up his sword and bisected the creature. The foe slouched over, falling over into two, and Steve would see the Draedon-shaped visage under that cloak. He sneered and unsummoned his blade, walking away. And meanwhile, the original Draedon looked on from a safe distance, growing curious at the warrior's action. He then began to leave, heading off while Steve wasn't aware.

Steve, meanwhile, would feel a strange urge within him now. It felt like something throbbing within him. Not in his body, but in his very soul. Or, hell, maybe even deeper. It felt like it was urging him in a direction. He felt like whatever that sensation was, it wanted to tear through him like a dagger within him if he didn't comply. So, just wanted to get rid of this stabbing sensation, he decided to follow it. He followed and followed, unaware of a caravan of odd civilians wandering through the forest and who knows where, unaware of the warrior or his settlement, having missed both him and it.

Steve walked and walked, continuing to follow the sensation. He was led into the Crimson, through the fleshy terrain, it reeking of death. Creatures would try and assail him, though he'd be quick to dash them and continue, his pace unbroken. He walked and walked, soon leading him to a crack in the earth and down towards a sight that seemed positively unassuming, yet felt needed for him. He was deep, deep in the pit, and looking down at one of the altars that'd seemed only prevalent in these plains. He moved around it curious, and the sensation tugging at his very being was undeniable: it wanted it.

"Who the hell... Is that you, Moon Lord?" Steve questioned. "Are you even conscious in there?" He, unfortunately, would get no response. Merely, the sensation tugged. He felt it tug so hard he lurched forwards, falling to a knee. "The hell do you want?!" The sensation pulled towards the altar in a rhythmic fashion, pulsing towards it and feeling like a heartbeat. He tried to think to what he could possibly do as he felt like his very essence was being clawed at. Eventually, he'd draw his sword. And, with a loud wail, he'd swing down on it, cracking the altar with his blade. And at that, the sensation stopped. He groaned and stood up, rubbing at his body.

"So what, you wanted me to repeat *that*? Why specifically that?!" He groaned and started to walk away, though another thought came to him. He'd missed out on Michael and Bob, but if the rest of the events are playing out like he remembered them... "Seony!" He'd flare out his wings, and flap upwards, rushing to the fleshy plains. There, he stood and looked around. He should see an army of slimes led by someone in slimy armor. And then, he'd recruit them, and then, he'd talk to them, and then, he'd find some comfort in this weird, weird world. So, he waited... and waited... and waited...

...

Midnight soon came, and Yharim's castle stood tall, though Yharim had called a meeting for a select few people. In his chambers stood himself, his majestic dragon Yharon, that machine that'd pumped all gears to make it home, and a Sentry Slime, through which Slime God was communicating through. Draedon had managed to give Yharim his update earlier.

"So, the two of you have brought me interesting information within the day," Yharim explained. He focused on the sentry. "Slime Vassal, you'd explained that a stranger with a sword gleaming with celestial energy dashed your forces."

"That is correct," Slime God explained.

"And you," Yharim said, pointing towards Draedon. "You'd sent your own sentry so you may monitor him, only to be dashed instantaneously."

"Indeed, sir," Draedon explained. "I'd managed to maintain a graph on it to test the force of the blow, and I'd gotten sufficient results. I'd hoped to've had more time to understand his powerset, but I feared destruction on my end if I waited too long. I can only assume that he'd recognized me through the cloak, which means he's either an enemy of mine or of the court at large." Yharim stroked the chin of his helm while furrowing his brow.

"And that location... If I'm not mistaken, that may be near where Calamitas would have disappeared to."

"Slime God, do you feel he poses a threat to Calamitas?" Draedon asked the sentry.

"My statistic readings aren't nearly as intricate as yours, but I believe that he is not quite on par with the calamity bringer," the sentry answered. "I would've sent my forces to collect Calamitas, but after the performance this morning, I fear any attempt on my part in crossing the threshold of that man."

"As understandable as your fear is..." Yharim said. "That girl cannot be away from me for long. We need her brought to us soon, and we need that little blighter ironed out."

"To aid you, I can compile the statistics I'd gathered on the sword wielder so you may form a sufficient strike team," Draedon offered.

"My thanks, Draedon," the sentry said. Yharim then raised a hand.

"Provide Calamtias's statistics too. We'd... not left on the best terms," Yharim said. At that, the sentry turned to him, fearful.

"M-my lord, you mean she may strike back?"

"Worry not. She should be limited in her power as of now," Yharim said. "She won't bear the power she'd wielded years ago. Ergo, your forces should be capable of containing her, should she try to resist."

"And in case it needs clarification, the statistics provided to you will match her current power output," Draedon clarified.

"...Very well..." Slime God said. "I shall await your numbers, and then organize a team to take them." With that, Draedon nodded in affirmation, Yharim simply staring. With that, the machine would head elsewhere in the castle, ready to collect...

...

Meanwhile, Steve returned home. He'd waited for what felt like hours, and he hadn't seen any sign of that summoner. He had no idea why she wasn't here. It should be the day she arrived, it should've been the time she arrived... Why'd Michael and Bob appeared when they should've, but not her? He hadn't even realized that there was nobody constructing anything by his home by the time he made it. He entered and laid on his bed, growling as he laid back. He'd looked around his room and kept an ear out, as if waiting for any slight noises that'd once filled the house.

He'd been used to being alone for a while. But now, having spent time with them... The loneliness never felt more harrowing than it had now...

The sun came and woke Steve up. He groaned and stirred, messily pulling his sheets off of himself. He stretched his limbs and began stepping out, looking around and blinking his eyes. A small part of him had hoped that he was just having one long dream, but the presence of the empty field has confirmed otherwise. He muttered in annoyance before shutting the door hard enough to sever it from its hinges. He rested his forehead against the wall of his house and panted, still upset at his situation. There's still nobody...

Nobody...

Nobody...

His eyes widened as a memory came to him. Calamitas had thrown herself away from Yharim previously. She got in a fight and fled into the underworld, where he and his group met her and saved her. There's no reason that'd be different, right? He lifted his head as a brand new goal filled him. It may not be the most welcome company, but right now, she's looking like his only shot. So, he headed towards a cave he reached deep into his memory to find, and began heading down it and its veins, going deep, deep down into the layers.

He rushes down more and more, easily dashing the various creatures that lay in the depths. He goes further and further down, and soon he feels the heat of the annals of the planet beat against him. He presses forwards and looks down into the molten landscape. There were remnants of a city standing here once upon a time, but it's all ruins, and he happened to be looking for the ruin bringer.

"Come on, where are you?" he muttered to himself. He took flight and went through the hellish terrain, making sure he was low enough to avoid the stalactites while remaining high above the gnarled terrain below. He scanned all over the magma and all over the ground, trying to see her. He'd remembered her coming down in a blaze of glory, lit up like a firework. How could he not see her now!? Was he wrong in his assumption?! Was she truly not here?! He scanned and scanned when, among the ruins of the old civilization, he found an out of place body, smoke emanating from it. He flew down and investigated, and found it to be none other than the brimstone witch, Calamitas.

He'd thusly scoop her up, holding her over his shoulders. Her body still felt hot like a flame. He must've spent a little more time brooding than he had first time they found her, meaning he'd missed her falling into the underworld. But he's found her. He's still found her. He'd flare his wings, and promptly fly out, making his way all the way up the cave and back home.

"Ok! Now I'll get you to Helen, and-!" he started. However, the moment the words left his lips, he realized the problem; especially as he looked upon his very lonely house. "No... no no no no!" He grit his teeth in annoyance, starting to hunch over as it slowly came to him that he'd missed the person that could help her. The person that could bring her back from the pain she was currently suffering. It felt as if there was far more weight on his shoulders than before, as if he was ready to collapse to the soil below in defeat. However, he grit his teeth and planted his feet firmly on the ground as he stood upright. "No... No, I'm not losing another one!"

He then rushed into the house and to his bedroom, where he'd lay the smoldering body onto the bed. He remembered seeing Helen take a bunch of restorative medicine and use it on her. So, he'd search his storage chest. It was flooded with potions of varying colors and thickness. He'd use one hand to grab a healing potion, and stuff it into his free arm. He'd fill it up with potion after potion after potion, and thusly rush over to bed and carefully open up her mouth, before pouring solution after solution in.

"Don't you die on me!" he begged as he began to empty bottle after bottle, massaging her throat to make sure she'd swallow. More and more he'd pour, not even realizing tears were starting to come down his face. "Damn it, don't you die on me! Haven't I gone through enough! What've I done to deserve to lose you again on top of everyone else?! Why am I left scared, alone, and confused, just after I started to do the right thing?!" He poured and poured. He was about to go for another potion, when he noticed a twitch on Calamitas's part. He'd give pause and look on. The flaming witch began to groan, grunting in effort. She slowly opened her eyes, and Steve stood still, only able to watch as life returned to her. Calamitas opened her eyes, trying to get a good look on the world around her. Soon, her vision would come into focus, and she'd spy some stranger looming over her.

"Oh thank goodness!" He'd drop his potions and swiftly throw himself at her, wrapping her up in a tight hug. Calamitas's eyes widened in shock, confused at the motion. She began to bring her arm up, bringing it up to his shoulders... before she suddenly hurled him off, tossing him straight into a wall and causing him to slide down, stunned.

"What in the hell-?!" she started. She tried to get up, though would wince in pain and lay down. "The hell're you doing hugging me?!" However, Steve couldn't help but snicker a little, despite his nerves exploding with pain. Calamitas cocked a brow in confusion, and Steve stood up, sighing as he rubbed his sore back.

"It's great to see you too... sis..."

Needless to say, it was a weird period of time for Calamitas. She'd just declared her independence from Yharim and overloaded on her resources of magical power to escape as he'd summoned forces to subdue her. Then, she woke up to some guy claiming to be her brother hugging her. If she wasn't in severe pain, she'd definitely vaporize him right there and then, but even throwing him away proved difficult for her right now. So, she was forced to stay in that bed, and Steve would swear to get her material to help her heal. It was fortunate for him: if it weren't for her inability to kill him, she wouldn't have been able to realize that he did, in fact, resemble that adopted brother that stayed around until father scared him off.

So, she'd sit around while Steve went out and searched for abandoned campsites for material she'd requested for healing. She had no idea what his end goal was, what he was doing in the underworld, but one thing she was certain of was that he didn't know what she became in that time they were separated. Otherwise, there's no way he'd go so far to help her now. Eventually, Steve would return, brandishing a sack full of clinking glass.

"I found some of that ointment," he said. "I also found some of that rope you talked about, some metal bars, some mana potions, and a regeneration potion."

"Just leave it at the bedside here," she said. Steve set the sack there, and she'd carefully take some of the material. She'd then pop her arm and her leg back into place, before taking the bars and rope and tying them over the limbs. She'd thusly take the regeneration potion and down it. She'd sigh and lay back. "Got some fractures and shit. With this set up the bones should be able to heal properly, and the regeneration potion should make it such that I heal up faster than usual."

"So you should be able to get up and about soon?"

"Yeah, hypothetically," she said. "And while I wait, you can either stop staring at me, or you can explain what I'm doing here."

"What do you mean?"

"Look, I've gone through a lot, I can't exactly form questions sensibly," she groaned. "Ok, give me a bit to organize... First, what were you doing in the underworld?"

"Looking for you."

Calamitas rose a brow, confused at that. Surely no one would've known where she came from unless they were aligned with Yharim. However, she of all people would know of the many participants of Yharim's army, and she certainly saw no sign of Steve. Was she a recent recruit?

"Ok... Where are we now?"

"Welcome to the middle of nowhere," Steve said. "A remote location that's seemed completely unworthy of Yharim's influence."

Now Calamitas was even more confused. If he knew about Yharim, then surely he'd know about... If he were aligned with Yharim, then this is completely against the tyrant's MO. He wouldn't do this mind game thing of making her think she was with family and away from him. He'd probably dangle her family inches away from her with a set of bars separating her from them or something, make her know that she was still under his rule or some shit like that. But Steve was here trying to convince her she was safe or something.

"...Why did you save me?"

"...Because you're the last person I have left." Calamitas rose a brow at that, now even more confused. "It's... it's been a rough little while. I've had some friends, but now they're... gone. I felt like I was going to go crazy if I didn't have some sort of familiar face, so I wanted to see you. And, here you are."

"...And, what're you going to do in the future?"

"Honestly, I don't know. I don't know if I'll have the ability to stand up to Yharim like before... Right now, I just want to hang out with you."

"Like before?" Calamitas repeated.

"It's a long story. But right now, I just... I need an anchor. Will you be my anchor, Ira?" Calamitas took pause at that. Being called by her old name... it was like going back in time for only a blink of time. She'd spent so long without her old name, Calamitas just sort of felt natural to her, like a whole new skin. And yet, for a brief moment, she felt the old tug of family as her brother called her her real name. So, she took a deep breath, and sighed. She was still uncertain about the situation all around her. Steve was clearly not giving her the whole story, but she wasn't convinced that he was dangerous.

"Well... It's not like I'm going anywhere too soon," she said. "If it really means that much to you, I can 'be your anchor'." At that, Steve sighed and looked to almost collapse on the spot, as if the stress that'd built up in his body melted out of him.

"Thank you. A-and I promise, I'll be family for you too. If you'd like something fun for the room, I'll look for it."

"...Maybe a branch, or something else safe to burn."

"O-of course." With that, Steve went out. Calamitas, meanwhile, sat back, looking over her wounded body. She'd try to mull over the information currently offered to her, and still thought on Steve. He was certainly a mysterious entity. After all of the changes she went through, she wondered what changes he'd gone through, and what events transpired that allowed the two of them to meet again after literal centuries apart.

Steve would gather material for Calamitas to entertain herself with. Entertaining herself apparently meant burning up the things she requested and leaving some soot on the floor. Steve was just fine with the mess, however; as far as he was concerned this wasn't his home anymore. Truth be told, he doubted even pre-death him would've really cared. Pre-death him was only ever really concerned with living from day to day. It wasn't until those two popped up that he suddenly had more to do with life. Calamitas, meanwhile... she seemed to be healing fine as far as he could tell and as far as she was willing to say.

Many days had passed since she first arrived, and admittedly, it wasn't the worst, as Calamitas would put it. Ironically enough, while being bedridden, she felt far less afraid for her life than she ever did before. She had her reservations about the set up, but Steve followed her each instruction. She'd even find herself humming her mother's song, and when that'd happen, Steve would find himself lingering near to listen. The two of them felt a brevity they hadn't in a long time. Yeah, Steve had his allies to hang out with, but he felt he didn't quite belong with the lot of them, even before the final assault.

"Can I tell you about a dream I've had?" Steve one day asked. Calamitas looked at him curious.

"You want to talk about dreams? Seriously?"

"Well, to be honest we have plenty of time to discuss about them," Steve reasoned. "We're kinda in the middle of nowhere, and there's been no sign of you-know-who. So, I think that, maybe, we should open up a little until things stop being comfortable."

"And you thought to open up by telling me about a dream?"

"Honestly, this dream's gotten me really riled for a long time now." Calamitas would pause and mull over the information while looking over her brother. He looked like he was serious about this. Plus, she supposed she didn't have much reason to not listen.

"Fine, as long as it's nothing weird."

"Alright." With that, Steve would lean back against the wall next to the bed, and would think long and hard, to a day that felt like it'd been years ago. "Let's start with a day when a bunch of cnidrions surrounded some guy in the desert..."

Steve spoke long and hard about the life he'd lived only a few days ago. From his meeting of the gang, to them bumping into Calamitas, to them battling monster after monster, to recruiting many, many allies... even to the point where they stormed Yharim's fortress. Calamitas, meanwhile, didn't know what to expect when she agreed to this. But a shockingly in depth tale about forming a resistance against the big man himself? She imagined many dreamed of striking down that tyrant. Hell, she herself did, before she abandoned dreaming all together. This dream, however, felt too... much to be one of those simple dreams. She started curious, before her expression grew into confusion as he talked and talked.

"...And then my body held down her scythe, and everyone else was able to take her down!" Steve wrapped up.

"And then what happened?"

"Well... I don't know. My world went dark, and I... think I felt myself die."

"So, you got scared of a dream that killed you off?" Calamitas off. "Well, I suppose I can understand that. Especially as it felt like you've lived a whole other life."

"It's not just that," Steve said. "A couple days ago, when I woke from that 'dream'... I saw Michael being chased down by ravenous desert creatures."

"Hm?"

"I'd been so familiar with my dream, I thought for sure he'd be able to take care of them. But instead... It's like he was reset to that day way back when, and... he died..."

"...S-so what... you think you went back in time or something?"

"I didn't want to admit it because it sounded insane, but it seems like the only thing that made sense. I mean, on top of Michael, I found various people from my 'dream'. Bob, Deedee, dad... I even found you." Calamitas's eyes widened at that and her body perked up a little. "I wouldn't have realized you were down there in the underworld if it wasn't for my dream. And, well, now you stand here as the only soul I have left to confide in..." Calamitas paused, mulling over that information. She didn't quite believe it, but at the same time she couldn't fully deny it. Truth was, him finding her still didn't make sense. He didn't appear to be any of Yharim's goons, so it's not like he was here for the tyrant's sake. Nor did she exactly publicize her expulsion, so it's not like Yharim could've mobilized bounty hunters in such a short amount of time. Still, this was... insane. She lied back in bed and sighed.

"Ok, so, your 'dream' shows that you and a bunch of guys around the world were able to pierce Yharim's defenses and, seemingly, kill off almost the entirety of his elite circle," Calamitas reasoned. "If you truly went back in time, then that stuff should be possible, yeah? So, why aren't you going through with that dream? Sure, Michael bit it, but what about the rest of them? You know, gods and the like?" Now it was Steve's turn to look uncomfortable. He leaned against the wall, and he unfortunately had to contend with a fatal flaw. One that he'd momentarily vocalized to his friends, and one that'd only cropped up all over again as he told the story.

"Because, fact is, I'm just me," he explained. Calamitas cocked her head in confusion. "I was surrounded by interesting people with all sorts of drive and power, and... Truth is, I'm just a dude that swings good who, until then, was perfectly content with just living in the middle of nowhere. I've always been the dude that's good at chopping guys up, but I'm useless in stuff that can't be solved with good old violence. I probably would've stricken down Seony if it weren't for the guys around me, I probably wouldn't have been patient enough to pacify the Queen Bee or deal with the sirens or to deal with the harpies. It's been the others that've made sure we could make friends with others. Without them... I'm just a ball of violence and testosterone. The only reason I'm not going mad on some monster right now is because you're here now..."

There was an uncomfortable silence between the two. The brimstone witch felt like she should've said something to assuage him or to say that that wasn't true, but the fact was that this was all so alien to her, she had no way of really extrapolating the story he weaved and finding ways to deconstruct it to make sure that Steve wasn't who he said he was. After the pause, he continued speaking.

"And right now, I don't even know if I can actually go through with what that 'dream' showed me. I've messed up with Michael, I scared Bob away, Seony wasn't anywhere to be seen, and now the little town doesn't even exist. I think the truth is that I had one chance to start this resistance business, and this time... I fucked it up..." His demeanor darkened and he shrank into the wall, his head hanging low, as by now, he couldn't even bring himself to really look at his sister. "I think the best thing I can do now is, just, hang out with you. So, hope you're ok with wasting away with me..." Seeing this despair, this helplessness... Calamitas suddenly felt a fire light up in her.

"God, shut up," she said sternly and quietly. "Yeah, it sucks, just feeling like a weapon. It sucks just being in the palm of another being, and it sucks when you think you have nothing else. But you know what? It'll keep on sucking if you keep thinking that! Everything sucks for everyone right now, but ultimately it's about to us to make it not suck."

"Y-yeah, but-"

"I'm not going to pretend I know everything you've gone through. It sounds like you've got a lot on your shoulders, but the way you're trying to deal with it, that's going to stay on your shoulders." Steve grew quiet at that, and Calamitas was starting to think she was getting nowhere. "Look, I'm getting close to recovery. So, how about we..." She then thought back to her own status. If she were to go anywhere, she'd likely be seen as an enemy. Suddenly, that spark started to dim, and she sank into the bed. "How about..."

"Yeah, maybe we should try something," Steve said. "Just... not sure what..." With that, he got up, and stretched. "In the meantime, any more stuff you'd like to play with?"

Steve would keep on entertaining her, and she would keep on being entertained. Eventually, Calamitas would find herself recovered. She could actually get on her feet and walk around. Fortunately, she stayed around instead of leaving. With her recovered, the two thought o something they could do.

"Well, why not try to seek out some of those guys?" Calamitas said. "Or at the very least deal with some of the monsters you saw? Maybe speak to Queen Bee?"

"That queen's weird," Steve said. "Her hive's always moving. Actually, we were able to uncover her when we got some mushrooms... Let's go deal with the weird crab thing."

"Yeah, let's." With that, the two would step out and head into the wilds, armory equipped and prepared for whatever they think they'll encounter. However, their path forwards would be watched by a small group of sentry slimes. The Slime God was keeping an eye on them through those slimes, and seemed to nod to himself in affirmation of the info he's gathered.

"King," the Slime God spoke telepathically to the sovereign. "That vagrant Draedon talked about is seen with the witch. Be careful as you approach."

"Will do," the Slime King responded back. The large blob raked through the sandy desert, multiple, high ranking slimes behind it, alongside multiple sentries. The King knew how important this mission was. Hell, any mission by Yharim would be important for the slimes to complete. But this especially... They need to keep up rapport with the king, else risk a harsh reprimanding. Either way, the slimes approached the cabin, and would position themselves around the forest in hopes of hiding from their sight. Meanwhile, the Slime King wormed its way into the cabin...

Steve and Calamitas, come sunset, made their way back, brushing some spores off of them.

"Wow, that was a lot more dirty than I remembered," Steve remarked.

"I swear, you took every spore blast," Calamitas remarked. "So, this stuff's supposed to be bad for slimes?"

"Yeah. Apparently the bees are trying to get past Yharim's slime defense, so now that we cleared the way, we should get their attention," Steve said. "And, we gotta remember, don't kill her."

"Yeah yeah, don't kill her."

"I was more talking to myself than you." The duo came closer and closer, unaware of the slimes peeking around the trees or the leaves as they kept an eye on the duo. They came closer and closer, and Steve would open up the door, his attention still towards Calamitas. "Anyways, we just wait a little bit, and-!" His plans were swiftly interrupted as several tendrils of darkness suddenly lashed out and rammed into his chest, hurling him back and winding him as he falls on the ground. Calamitas was stunned, and turned towards the source of the attack, where she'd see...

"Slime King?!" Indeed, the sovereign of the slime kingdom was within, and began pulling its way through. Its large form squeezed through the door as it forced its way forwards, who was looking far more intimidating before Calamitas than she remembered.

"Yes, tis I," the King said as it loomed before the duo. Steve was groaning as he tried to sit up, though the creature was already glowing with an eldritch power. "Stay down, whelp. Else face the wrath of the kingdom. Speaking of..." The creature turned its form towards Calamitas, as if it had a face to glare down at her. "Yharim isn't fond of you disappearing like you did."

"Don't you dare try and intimidate me," Calamitas said. "Your kingdom's always been scared into submission, and you're speaking to among the strongest of his army."

"Did you really think we would've gone for you without doing our research?" the Slime King asked. "Oh God, reveal to them their insignificance." With that, there's rustling all around them. Steve and Calamitas would look around, and see various slimes, including sentries, revealing themselves. They approach, and Calamitas could tell that this was a threatening situation. Steve even had an inkling that this kind of a crew wasn't something to sneeze at. Steve remained in a partial-lay position while Calamitas looked around, clenching her teeth. "You're outnumbered. Our combined power level exceeds yours. Especially as Yharim has stripped you of your power. He has given us permission to end you if you don't comply."

Calamitas was only half listening to him go on. She really wasn't sure whether or not she could destroy these creatures, but that wasn't the primary worry here. Steve sounded tough from the dream he described, but she could only take his word for it. Other than that, she was sure he'd be done for if she tried to resist. And as much as she'd love to take care of Yharim's forces, the slimes were more of a derivative than Yharim's actual members. She groaned and Steve could see her arm go limp. And seeing that, the warrior had a bad feeling of what was going to happen. He looked around with worry, trying to size up the crowd around them. They still looked dangerous, and he was certain he'd have no means of getting through them without getting scuffed up.

"Fuck it..." he muttered to himself.

"So, do we have a deal-?" the king started. However, he was interrupted when a giant sword was spear-thrown straight into a slime, splatting it against the tree behind it. The sovereign was surprised, Steve attacking mid-conversation. Then, with a pair of wings, he lunges towards his sword, pulling another sword out to lash at slimes nearby as he got close, soon getting his hand on the handle of the Ark, and swinging it before him to deflect magical blasts coming towards him. At this point, the various slimes now turn towards Steve. "Oh God, punish him!" With that, beams of darkness suddenly flair from some of the more powerful slimes. Steve was forced to weave away, the beams disintegrating the tree he stood in front of.

While the slimes were focusing on him, Calamitas would see her hand forced. It was either fight, or her brother would die. So, she'd summon up her scythe, and suddenly swipe at the King, who doubled back. She'd swing again, though the slime would suddenly deploy his sword (a snake-like black blade) to block the blade. He'd swing at her more, Calamitas stumbling back and evading more and more swings, soon lunging back several feet away from him. And with that, the creature would rear back an eldritch tentacle and swing at her, though she'd be able to deflect it.

"Oh, you came at a good time! I've been looking for some time to vent!" Steve declared as he took up his sword, lashing at several. However, the combination of slimes would start to overload the area with tentacles and beams, Steve and Calamitas stumbling back more and more.

"Steve! We need to divide their numbers!" Calamitas shouted over the sounds of clashing.

"Right!" With that, Steve would use his wings to flap up, and begin heading towards the edge of the forest. Calamtias, meanwhile, would use her brimstone powers to jet up into the air, and fly into the forest, while blasting back at firing slimes with brimstone beams. She headed into the forest, and Steve would go off into the distance. The Slime King, meanwhile, would glower at the two fleeing.

"We can't let her get away!" the King declared. "Oh God, seek out the foes!" With that, the sentries would split up, and go off into the vague direction of the foes. The King would go on to turn to the individual soldiers. "60% of you will go with the Calamitas search team. The reminder will go with the vagrant search team. We can't afford that thing annoying us." The various slimes would nod in affirmation, and begin heading into their respective directions. Slime King, meanwhile, would crawl up one of the trees and look out into the distance, waiting for something important for he himself to respond to.

"Pathetic whelp... Do you think you alone have something to run from?" Slime King said to no one in particular. "We too are slaves. We wouldn't be out here if you hadn't run off. Now it looks like more people are going to die... Are you ready to doom another kingdom, girl?"

The Steve group had raced along the edge of the woods, trying their best to follow Steve's trail. The latter of which, meanwhile, hovered near the tree line. As he flew, he'd be forced to evade an eldritch beam from some sharp-eyed creature, and would also be forced to swing his sword to divert certain blasts. He kept on racing away and looking down at the sheer number of slimes he had to contend with. Even with this power, he wasn't sure how great a chance he stood against this many slimes. That King, after all, gave him quite the blow a short while ago.

"Ok, don't worry too much," Steve told himself. "You don't have to destroy them all, just enough of them..." And as he flew, he brushed his brow. And as he glanced at his palm, he spied the spores that'd lingered on him. And he got an idea. He'd slow down a little while evading the oncoming blows. And then, from on high, he'd brush at himself furiously, casting a cloud of spores down at the crowd beneath. And once the spores made contact, several of the slimes would sizzle, akin to a snail meeting salt. Meanwhile, the Slime God would feel the intense burning sensation, and in response the sentries would pull away, intent on avoiding whatever amounts of the spores they could. However, looking at the comrades, they could see a good fraction of their forces reduced to mere lifeless puddles on the grass.

He brushed and brushed, but soon found that he was out of spores. He cursed himself for not grabbing more of them, and would continue flying as the slime crew regrouped. Now, he dove into the branches and partway into the forest itself. The slimes continued to chase after, racing into the woods approximately where he fled into. However, they didn't have a perfect view of where he'd gone to. When they arrived at where they were sure he was, they'd find a complete lack of him, save for some broken branches. They lingered in the general area, and then began to fan out, in search of the foe. Steve, meanwhile, lingered behind a tree, trying to peer around it to get a good read on those blobs.

They slithered about in random directions, trying to cover as much ground as they could. One of the sentries came to the tree he'd hid behind, at which he'd hold his sword in a reverse grip. The sentry came in close, he'd lift the blade up, and then he'd ram it down on top of the foe! The blade dug in deep, though the sentry would turn towards him. It rippled, and suddenly dark tendrils lashed at Steve, hitting him back a fair amount. They weren't nearly as painful as what the King had offered, but it was enough to drive him back a few feet. And when he lingered back, the many slimes that'd slid out would notice him. Steve took up his sword and glared around at the many forces.

He'd take the Ark, and swing, producing magical beams. He'd realize the sentries would be out of the question, so he'd aim his magics at the weaker ones. Some with thicker weapons and shields were able to block the majority of the damage, though others would start to pop. He'd manage to take down five before beams struck him. He'd grunt as he felt his flesh burn up and gashes formed around him. He'd pull away and bring up his sword to block them. He'd swing to divert the lasers' path, before flapping his wings to go towards one of the slimes he failed to take down, and end it with a proper swing. He'd avoid another flurry of beam, while sidestepping to another to deliver a spinning slash.

The sentry he'd stricken before was still beaming on him, and Steve realized he'd have to limit the projectiles a little if he was going to survive. So, while weaving through a network of beams, he'd race towards the sentry, and swing at it. It survived the initial swing, hitting against the trunk. It reared a tentacle back and would try to slice at the warrior, though he'd block. He'd then ram the tip of his sword into the slime, pinning it against the tree. He'd then rear back and deliver another swing, managing to hurl it a fair distance away. However, after hitting it away, the tree he fought near took a hit, and it began to fall towards him. Steve was thus forced to swing his sword up to shatter the tree, saving himself. However, an eldritch beam struck his side, causing him to wail out in pain and fall to a knee.

And while he was down, a slime with a hefty axe would rush towards the warrior, swing. Steve would manage to bring his blade up in time to block the brunt of the blow, though the force still drove him back a few feet. And while driven back, he'd take a javelin to the chest. He'd growl in annoyance and rush at the axe foe, slashing at it wildly to reduce it to droplets. He'd dip to the side to avoid another javelin shot, and swung his sword, sending another sword beam at it. The slime would dive to the side to avoid the blow, only for another javelin foe to hit him from the other side. Steve was bleeding by now, blisters over his skin, and sweating profusely. He stood tall and clenched his sword with two hands.

"God, did Seony and team go through this?" Steve wondered to himself. "No wonder they've kept up a kingdom..." Now, he'd be forced on the defensive. He'd have to swing to bat oncoming javelins away, and block to prevent more beams from striking. He'd have to change the angle of his sword frequently to try and avoid strikes as the slime group would spread out and try to hit him from various angles. He'd try to maneuver towards a tree to give himself some cover, and would see some of the slimes with greatswords and war hammers trying to get closer. Between blocks and parries, he'd try to swing a sword beam at them, and would sometimes land a good blow on them, and sometimes see his attack get blocked.

He'd find himself inching deeper into the forest as the foes kept on beating him. When those melee forces got near, he'd find breaks in the projectiles to approach and swing at them. Slimes that blocked direct blows would find themselves hurled back, while others would be decimated by the large weapon. He'd keep on swinging while inching back, getting grazed by more beams or javelins. And the more the fight went on, the more tired he was feeling. His body felt like it was on fire and like it was slowly but surely being wrung dry of its life. He'd huff and puff as he'd find his movements getting slower and slower. He'd figure attempting to fly up wouldn't do well, the slimes practically have him pinned down with projectiles and going airborne would make him a bigger target. If he were to turn and run, he'd leave his back exposed to the projectiles. If he were to stay and fight, he'd likely get torn apart! His simplest solution would probably be to use his wings to speed his retreat into the woods, but that runs the risk of ramming his back or wings into one of the trees.

He pants and pants as he keeps blocking and keeps taking damage. He had an idea, and would look into his blade while blocking, getting a look at its reflection. He could see the trees behind him. He'd thusly flair his wings, and swing back, plunging himself into the woods. He'd keep that up a little more, building up distance and allowing him to race deeper into the woods. He'd hear the slimes continue to try and attack him, though now there was enough distance for the majority of blows to miss. He fled and fled, looking over his shoulder as he ran to make sure he could create enough distance. As he ran, he'd hear a powerful explosion deeper in. He'd stumble to a stop and would turn towards the source, seeing smoke starting to build.

"The hell is...?" he pondered at first. Then, his eyes widened as a revelation hit him. "Ira!" As if he weren't nursing multiple gashes and blisters, he'd rush in with renewed strength, intent on approaching the source of the smoke.

The Slime King, meanwhile, had watched from on high, trying to gauge for when he needed to step in. Meanwhile, the god had transferred information to him via the sentinels. He could see the two of them struggle, trying to hide and pop out to land blows on them when they could. However, as information came to him, the two would note a few strange things.

"These guys have developed chemical weaponry against our forces?" the King repeated towards the God.

"This was never mentioned in the reports," Slime God said. "And Calamitas... I feel like our numbers don't match up to her."

"Maybe the court underestimated that swordsman, Oh God?" Slime King suggested.

"Maybe- What in the hell?"

"What is it?" Suddenly, a violent explosion went off partway into the forest, roughly in the direction Calamitas had run off in. Slime King was surprised and could only look on.

"Goodness-! ...I-I guess it's a good thing we've separated our forces..." Slime King then hopped down to the ground. "It seems I'll have to confront her myself." With that, the Slime slithered through the ground, gliding between the trees and in the direction of the explosion.

Steve ran and ran, having desummoned his sword to make running through easier. He runs past scarred, shattered, and felled trees and gets closer. He rushes past the splattered remains of several slimes, and soon makes it to a field full of ash and smelling of a campfire. And in the epicenter, past a veil of smoke, he saw the panting and bloody form of his sister, her scythe down at her feet as she stood there, looking very pained.

"Ira!" Steve shouted as he continued running. He came close, waving the smoke away as he carefully held her shoulder. "Hang on, I got some potions!" With that, he reached for his satchel while Calamitas kept panting, looking over him.

"You... look awful..." she panted.

"You should see the other guys," Steve said, trying to wave off the worry. He'd manage to pull out a couple potions. "Here, one for you, one for me." With that, she'd take the vial offered, and drink. Steve drank herself, and sighed as the restorative magic worked through them. "These guys put up a hell of a fight."

"I noticed," Calamitas said. "Sounds like this fight is new to you."

"Yeah. Didn't expect them to send these jerks after us," Steve said. "And, this would be a whole lot easier if the rest of the gang was here."

"Yeah, those guys could definitely do something to these jerks," Calamitas said. "But, I wound up dragging you into this mess..."

"Don't talk like that," Steve said. "Remember, I fought Yharim's forces once."

"Yeah sure," Calamitas waved off. "Just... we gotta get out of this fast. Those guys are probably mobilizing on us."

"Maybe we can fly now!" Steve declared.

"Doubtful. The Slime God's probably equipped with long distance snipers keeping an eye on the skies here," Calamitas pointed out. "Either we make it to one of those caves and lose them, or-" Her plotting would get cut off as they'd hear the sound of slithering nearing. Calamitas turned, and could see the slimes that'd tried to attack Steve wandering in. She looked around more, and could see other slimes, those not destroyed by her explosive burst, getting up. And, training her eyesight, she could see Slime King coming in from the distance. "Damn it... We're going to have to fight our way out..."

Steve summoned up his sword, and Calamitas took up her scythe, holding their weapons. The enemies closed in, going to form a ring around the heroes. That was definitely something they had to take care of, and the two thought to go break the formation. Calamitas summoned a beam of fire on one of the sentries, intent on vaporizing it. Steve, meanwhile, would approach a section of the group trying to form the ring, send sword beams to beat them away. He'd be forced to bring up his sword to block a beam from one of the sentries, and Calamitas would stop trying to vaporize the creature and instead fires on the one attacking Steve. With that, the monster was forced to retreat and Steve was able to stop blocking, going back to trying to break the ring.

The slimes kept trying to approach and would try to beat back. Powerful beams and projectiles would be split between either fighter, and Steve and Ira would end up taking a few hits, especially on the part of those sentries' beams. The witch would weave around and slice her scythe to try and through beams away, while Steve would keep on blocking and try to work through the pain. They fought and fought, and were able to greatly reduce a few of the slimes while also taking care of a small fraction of the sentries. However, the King would manage to arrive on the scene, making it to the ring of sentries. And from there, it'd rear back, before jumping up, intent on landing right in the middle of them.

The warrior would be preoccupied slashing at some of the normal slimes, though Calamitas would spy the oncoming slam attack. While airborne, the larger slime extended tentacles outwards to increase its coverage, and slammed down. Calamitas evaded, though Steve would get slammed on the leg, twisting it and causing immense pain to course through him. He'd find himself driven down to his knees, and looked back to see his foot bending at an odd angle. The King, meanwhile, would draw its blade, retract the tentacles, and turn towards Calamitas.

"Oh God, focus on that madman," King Slime said. "I'll wear down the traitor." Suddenly, Steve felt as if dozens of eyes were on him, and he'd turn to see several slimes facing him. Meanwhile, Calamitas realized that if this attack were to go on, Steve would surely face peril! So, she tried to race past the King, though it was able to shift its body to block her, before swinging at her. The witch was forced to use the shaft of her weapon to block the blow. The King would rear the blade back before chopping down again, Calamitas now meeting it with a swing of her scythe, the force pushing both of them away from each other. And once there was space, Calamitas would conjure a scythe of flames in one hand, before hurling it to chop into the King. The latter would be forced to block it, prompting an overhead swing from Calamitas to drive down into the King's top.

Meanwhile, Steve would go to leap over the ring to try and get behind it, realizing that being in the middle of a bunch of enemies wanting to kill him would not be helpful. As he leapt up, he'd be forced to take a few arrows and grazed by javelins, though he'd manage to avoid eldritch beams. He'd land down, though take care to keep his broken foot off of the ground. And once there, he'd attempt one more swing on the foes before him, managing to dash a few of the slimes. However, the several sentries would fire a beam each. Steve was forced to bring his blade up and block each beam, them focusing on a central point to try and beat him down. His blade was holding, but he could already feel the handle heat up. The beams were pushing him, and he was dragging through the soil, struggling to keep himself upright. What's worse, he could see some of the other slimes breaking formation to try and get at him.

Steve tried to push back against the beams, tried desperately to overpower the beams aimed at him. However, he lacked the leverage to properly push them away. Worse still, if he didn't do anything, then either the slimes would get around him to attack him, or his sword would be split apart. At this rate, he was going to die! And as that thought crossed his mind, another thought crossed. What would happen... if he died?

*He remembered back to that "dream". He'd been killed there too, but just woke up to the day his adventure here started. He wasn't sure whether he just lived a long dream, or if he did actually go through it for a little while. It all felt real... and that "dream" did guide him. Was it possible that that'd happen again? Would he awake in the same situation? At the same time? Would he see again the people he'd failed to align with?*

*"I think the truth is that I had one chance to start this resistance business..." Was that true, though? He had at least two apparently. Could that only stop at two? And, for that matter, what'd happen to this world if he were to disappear? Would this even be a world that he should care about if his resistance couldn't be formed? In a world where there's no resistance, that probably means Yharim can claim the world unopposed. But, here, there's maybe, **maybe** someone that can prevent that...*

*Before he makes the decision, **she** must live...*

He tried to push, tried to find a way past it. He looked towards Calamitas, who was trying to beat against the slimy sovereign. Steve needed to tilt the fight to her advantage. He knew this was going to hurt like hell, but...

He dove to the side, feeling the beam race past him and brush against his face. He felt like the skin cells of his cheek exploded in pain, and the edge of his ear was reduced to ash. Steve felt momentarily blinded by the pain and he stumbled forwards. And when he got close, he'd plant a foot down and swivel around, delivering a spin slash to several of the sentries, knocking them away. He'd follow with another swing to one, managing to hit it hard enough to send it towards the edge of the forest. Meanwhile, he'd look up and see the King hurl Calamitas back, before rearing back its eldritch tentacles, and trying to stab at her. Steve raised his sword to the sky, building energy along the blade, before swinging forwards to send a multi-colored wave of energy outwards, managing to deflect the various tentacles.

The king was surprised by the attack, and while blindsided, Calamitas would recover, hop down to the ground, and, while spinning her body to increase the force, she hurled the scythe forwards. The blade thusly embedded itself into the king. And while he was reeling, Steve used his wings to sore after the creature, and slash at it from behind! By now, Calamitas would pull away, prying the blade out while Steve reared back with his sword. The two would then slash at the king, who was forced to divert his attention between the two, Calamitas dodging swipes of the sword, and Steve parrying the blows.

They hacked away at the creature, the God itself feeling the blows. However, it had eyes on the field. Those eyes were behind Steve while Calamitas was out of view. The sentries were thus forced to focus on Steve, and fire those painful beams. And like that, Steve felt like thick stake was driven halfway to his spine! Seeing him take the blow, Calamitas would stab her scythe into the overhead of the King, flip over it, and would deliver a sweeping fire beam across the sentries to stop their attack! She landed down and joined Steve's side.

"We must be making some progress!" Calamitas said. "Plenty of the slimes are down! There's just those sentires and that king and-!"

"I-I don't think we're both making it out of this," Steve said as he struggled to stand up. The King had turned his blade towards Steve, and while Calamitas blasted sentries from afar, Steve would block the blows, him forced to back away while Calamitas accomodated.

"E-excuse me?" Calamitas asked as she tried to keep those forces at bay.

"They're tough. I don't think those potions can keep up with their output..." Steve said as he kept blocking, swinging to try and keep it back. "If anything happens... You remember my dream?"

"N-now's not a good time!"

"I want you to remember those names. Please..."

"Listen to yourself. I'm the Brimstone Witch. How's anyone going to listen to me anymore than you!"

"Because you're the one with a future... a dream..." Steve kept on blocking and kept swinging at the beast, aiming for openings in its defense to try and wear it down. "I told you I'm nothing, least of all in this world. My dream's out of my hands now. You? Yours is still in your reach. You just have to play your cards right... And I know you're smart enough to." Steve reared back, and rushed the King in a suicidal charge. Calamitas spared a glance back, seeing just what he was attempting.

"STEVE!"

The King was able to deliver a painful swipe across his foe, dashing across his abdomen and having him spill blood like a meaty pinata. At the same time, however, Steve was able to get the Ark past his defenses, and deliver as deep a cleave through the creature as he possibly could. His blade managed to get halfway into the beast, and it roared in pain, actually forced to drop Neptune's Bounty and rear back while Steve fell into a heap.

"AGH!" the King cried in pain. "Y-you...! H-how dare you scar me, you ape of a rebel!" Calamitas, meanwhile, was left staring. She looked down at her brother. His state was comparable to a piece of cloth held together only by a few threads. She could practically see his slowing heartbeat. For a while, Calamitas was sure she'd lost her perception of despair, having lived within it for as long as she has. However, Steve, as absolutely bizarre as the situation has been, was a glimmer of hope she finally had after so long. And now, after some of the only niceness she's had in so long... Yharim's forces had stolen it away from her again.

The King could swear that he felt the air heat up a little. Confused, he turned towards the witch. And she was radiating with a latent power, a silent fury pouring out of her. The slimes seemed stunned as they felt this sudden surge of power. However, the God shook off the fear. He had notes on her power levels, he has the advantage. So, he had one of the sentries aim towards her, and fire at her, trying to stop whatever she was doing. However, she reared back a fist, and swung it forwards in a punching motion, sending a powerful fireball in the direction of the firing sentry. The beam was halted by the fireball, and it could only watch helplessly as the magic soared towards it, and popped it like a balloon.

The many slimes were stunned by that simple motion. A creature as powerful as that sentry, struck down in almost an instant. Was that...? The Slime King thought surely it was a fluke. It'd gone through plenty of battle, so it must've been worn down. The other slimes would thusly charge their beams, however, Calamitas let out an animalsitc growl and charged them. She flashed her scythe, its blade seeming to've grown and been shrowded in blisteringly hot flames. She raced towards one sentry and delivered a flurry of slashes faster than it could register, and were it possible, the King's jaw would've dropped.

"Wh-what in the...?" he gasped. However, that witch was racing from sentry to sentry, each battling and trying to wear her down, though bursts and swings were able to dash them. The King growled in annoyance. "Th-this is all a fluke... She's merely a rebellious sort! She's grown too strong to contain! Oh God, lend me the power to end her, right now!" With that, a duo of sentries would manage to work their way beside the King. The trio would begin to light up with power while Calamitas was taking care of the last of them. And with them down, the slimes would finish their charge, before firing. Calamitas would turn to see the oncoming beam, and be struck headon!

"How do you like that!" the King declared. "With enough power, these beams can strip down an object atom by atom! Even you won't survive you little-! ...worm?" However, despite the nature of the attack, he'd come to realize the beam was stopped in its place. Mere inches from her, Calamitas had began launching a beam of fire, stopping it in its tracks. She growled, before bellowing out a hellish growl and thrusting forwards, a surge of brimstone magic bursting forwards and forcing the beam back bit by bit! The slimes were pushed back as they felt their beam reduce in power, though they dug in. "G-God?"

The God, meanwhile, was feeling himself sweat. This power... it was... uncharted. They should be outmatching her right now, so why...?

"God! Oh God, grant me more power!"

"I-I'm trying!" the God assured.

The two teams fought and fought, though the slimes were losing ground. Their beam shrank and shrank, and they could see an almighty brimstone blast inch closer and closer to them!

"Steal my life! Steal my soul! Steal my family!" Calamitas shouted, blood pouring from her eyes as she put more and more of her strength into this blast. And though the slimes wouldn't hear it, nor would anyone hear it for that matter, she could just picture who her rage was directed at, and that only made her want to overwhelm this enemy even more! "You were never happy on your own! You always wanted what others had! Well I've had e-fucking-nough!" More power surged, and the ground was starting to be cleaved apart as the enemy assault got weaker and weaker! Nerby trees lit up like matches, and nearby streams evaporated into steam! "It's about damn time you learn what it's like to be left nothing! Not even your own fate!!!"

The Slime King found itself only able to watch as the beam came closer and closer! Heat was pouring over them, and the King could even feel its body boil! And as the beam came closer, one sentry evaporated away! That lessened the resistance, and soon after, the other vaporized! Now, the King was all alone, getting a face full of certain death!

"O-oh God!" the King cried as his only defense faded. "Oh God! HEEEEEEEEELP MEEEEEEEEE!" The God was helpless to watch as his king was swept up in a beam of fire. A small army was sent to subdue that witch. But now, only droplets were left, and the beam of intense fire soared off to dissipate one cloud in the sky. Calamitas only stopped when she felt she was drained. She panted and panted, dropping to her knees. She was covered in her blood after her assault. She looked around, and was finally able to register a lack of enemies.

"S... Steve? ...Steve?" She looked around. The slimes left behind only vapor. So, when she looked to where Steve was and saw ash... She wanted desperately to believe that just getting rid of the bad guy would give her some glimmer of hope. But now, she stood the sole survivor. Tears began to pour down her cheeks, and she turned skyward, crying out her frustration and sorrow to an empty forest, ruined by the Embodiment of Fear herself...

"What in the hell was that?!" a sentry shouted at Yharim, the tyrant sitting on his throne, ready to get what he expected to be a simple update on the Calamitas situation.

"Calm now, God, and please explain-" Draedon tried to say.

"Calm?! M forces battld that which using the statistics *you* provided! And guess what! They were wrong!" the God shouted. "I felt my many soldiers explode, and felt such an intense wrath destroy my sovereign!"

"Sir God," Draedon started. "If she didn't match the numbers, that simply means that our measurements were off."

"And now she's angry!" the God declared. "I've stood by you for centuries because you kept me and my people safe! Now, because I followed your orders, the destroyer of kingdoms is going to set her sights on me!" Yharim seemed to tense up at this anger.

"Sir God, do think rationally-"

"The chance of rationailty is long past!" the God declared. "Can you even be certain if even your forces can keep her back?!"

"Sir God, do not underestimate our power."

"Why not? You've already failed my kingdom here-!"

"Enough," the man in thick armor bellowed, seeming to silence the room altogether. He climbed off of his throne and stepped towards the sentry. "Do not forgot your own words: you've stood by me because I kept you safe. This universe is a breeding ground for chaotic forces, and this is one such bit of chaos. You saw firsthand you do not compare." Yharim stepped closer and closer, looming over the sentry with a gaze that could pierce armor. "You know mine is the most powerful force on this planet. She is a drop in the ocean compared to us. You should consider yourself lucky if we even consider to provide you aid, because, think logically..." Yharim leaned in close.

**"What other choice do you have?"**

The question lingered in the air, tension filling every soul there. Eventually, the sentry seemed to relax.

"...You're right, my lord," he said.

"Good. Now, send me the numbers you collected from the fight so we may be prepared," Yharim ordered. With that, the sentry complied, though Draedon would glance towards Yharim, silently telling him that this is an unwise approach. Eventually, a document was provided, and Yharim took it. "We shall review this."

"Thank you, my lord," the God spoke. And then, his influence ended through the sentry, and within his terrain, he addressed the trio before him: Seony, Bob, and the Dark Emperor. "My three, I have submitted our lord fake numbers. Not enough to be obvious, but enough to make him underestimate her power."

"Why do this?" the Emperor asked.

"Because, my three loyalists, the signs are clear; he seeks to end us," the God explained. "The targets happened to have on hand a spore to dissolve us, the targets were more dangerous than we were told, and Yharim's concern over us has hardly been on perfect terms. I wouldn't be surprised if he's organizing this to off us without losing political power."

"But we're the security," Bob said. "Is that truly wise?"

"I cannot ascertain the reason of destroying the security," the God said. "But there's no way we can deny the evidence."

"Ok," Seony said. "But if that's the case, what are we to do?"

"History has made one thing clear," the god explained. "If Yharim sets his sight on something's destruction, it is destroyed. Thus, we are to be destroyed... However, we will drag as much of his empire kicking and screaming down with us. My three, before our end comes, we are going to lay the groundwork for the rebels. We are going to undermine his authority and allow the rebels the killing blow."

"Ok, where do we start?" Bob asked.

"I have many names in mind..."

The next day came, and a certain witch had regained her strength. She flew down the caves, using brimstone magic to send her down the corners and into the depths, bringing her deep, deep down into the underworld. And as she came down, she'd touchdown on the nexus point of her long, long spiral into despair... her hometown. She'd lost so much here, and here the monster, Calamitas, was born. She approached what used to be her house, an urn under her arm.

She walked through the ruins within, ending up in the living room, where a set of chairs and a couch stood crushed under rubble, while a fancy fireplace stood mostly in pieces, though the frame managed to stand upright. She came close and touched it a bit to test its foundation. Then, she took the urn in either hand, lifted it up, and set it upon it. And once set there, she gently craddled the side of it, brushing a thumb over it.

"...Welcome home, brother..."

She allowed herself a rare moment to indulge in her grief there, simply standing there while she held the urn, crying. It felt so strange being able to be alone with her feelings, able to express. She had the moment to relax herself, but she knew that she couldn't just stop here.

She'd leave the urn and step out, walking out into the ruined city with steely determination on her face. Her brother had a strange dream, but it might be just what she needs. He had names, he had steps in the journey, and there was a finale to it. She'd attain that. She wasn't dumb, she knew that she'd struggle to get any supporters. But she needed to try. Because if her brother meant anything to her, if her fate means anything to her... she has no other choice. And so, she marched on, leaving her trail of destruction behind her and looking ahead to a future that could be better, because of him.

### Loop 2

Steve woke with a stir, grunting with discomfort as the memory of the rending blade and intense heat was fresh in his mind. He'd lay in bed for a little, as if believing he was now accepting death. However, he'd realize that he wasn't in danger... He found himself looking at the interior of a log cabin. His expression lightened, and he walked around curious. He'd see his wulfrum sword hanging by the door, a bow, and arrows that he honestly forgot he even had for a long time. He stepped out, and found the forest was looking as untouched as it was before those slimes attacked.

"Did it work?" Steve asked. "Am I... back again?" He looked around his cabin, seeing not a sign of Calamitas being here once upon a time, and no sign of that previous grave. And as he looked around, he'd hear a thrashing nearby. He raced from home and ran towards the desert, where he could see... Michael harrassed by those cnidrions. "This scene..." There's no denying it now. He recognized Michael, he recognized those enemies, he definitely went back in time. And... he could change it this time! Thus, his wings flashed out, his sword forming, and he rushed towards the scene! There, he'd slam down and swing through the enemies, instantly dicing them. Michael was surprised at the sudden appearance of the warrior, and he allowed himself a sigh.

"Thank you, you really saved me there," he said. Steve turned, and felt a wave of friendliness that, for a moment, almost seemed foreign to him. It was as if he'd woken from a bad dream and found things were going to be ok!

"Michael!" he cheered, rushing towards the rogue and grabbing him by the shoulders. "By the gods, it feels like it's been years!"

"Woah!" Michael gasped as he was suddenly grasped. "Woah woah, slow down! Slow down!" Steve stopped and backed away while Michael brushed himself. "Ok, couple things. First off, who are you? Second, did we meet before? I don't remember ever being here."

"Who am I?" Steve asked incredulously. However, it'd soon dawn on him the general issue. And when it came to mind, he'd sigh in defeat. "Oh, right... S-sorry, I mistook you for someone else."

"Oh, sorry," he said. "Well, my name is Michael. What about you?"

"Steve."

"Good to meet you, Steve," Michael said. "I'm out here to map the general area."

"I think I can help you out a little with that." With that, Steve would lead Michael out of the desert, and towards his cabin.

Michael was brought back to Steve's cabin, and soon after, a certain agent of slime arrived. Steve tried to recall how the original conversation went, and managed to not weird him out this time. Now, Bob was able to come to and not run away. And soon after, that strange dark blob appeared and, with Slime God's voice, told him that he was no longer a member of his guard. And at that, Steve couldn't help but wonder about how flagrantly the god just discarded him. Considering he was aligned with Yharim, he shouldn't have been surprised to see a guy tossed out like garbage. But what weirded him out was how nonchalant Bob himself was about it. He just shrugged it off. In comparison to Seony... Steve realized he hadn't really paid much attention to life with the slimes, so he could only imagine how Bob's general servitude played out.

Either way, Steve decided to go through the usual stuff with that duo, all while contemplating on changes between his "dream" and the last life. He had to figure out how he missed those villagers, why that bunch of slimes attacked, why Seony didn't come back that one time... He also wondered whether or not he could actually save a few guys early. By the time they'd slain that sand worm, Steve decided to himself that he should try with one guy real quick. Though as they made their way back, Steve realized he blotted out another memory when he saw a certain stranger on their path to the hut. A certain, armored mage.

"Oh no," Steve muttered to himself as he saw the weirdo.

"You know this guy?" Michael asked. Steve stepped ahead of the duo while the brimstone mage stood there.

"Hello, hello!" the mage greeted. "I happened to watch you guys from afar, couldn't help but notice your skill." Steve came closer and closer, already feeling anger building. "You guys are, real messy. And, you guys seem like the type to want to keep on fighting."

"So, you want to help or something?" Michael asked.

"Well, yeah," the mage said. "Oh wait, we should talk about our names. My name's Red-" He was cut off as Steve came close enough to deliver a hellish uppercut, sending him high into the air and hurling him deep into the forest. Michael and Bob were shocked at the sudden strike.

"What was that?!" Bob asked.

"Steve! He said he was going to help us!" Michael pointed out.

"I know that guy, he isn't really going to help us," Steve said. "All he is is a jerk that just wants to feel better as he sees people weaker than him struggle, even if they aren't capable of what he demands of them!" There's a pregnant pause among the group, and Michael and Bob share a glance.

"Jeez, didn't realize he stung you that badly," Michael said.

"Yeah," Bob affirmed. "And for him to just talk on like he didn't even recognize you... That's cold."

"Cold..." Steve muttered to himself, one of those villagers coming to mind. He then shook his head. "It's nothing," Steve said. "He's gone now... Actually, we should probably keep our guard up in case he shows up again."

"Are... you serious?" Michael said. "I'm pretty sure you just homerun'ed him, I don't see how he'll possibly recover from that."

"Trust me, he's... hard to put down..." Steve said. "If we're lucky, he'll just move on to some other sod."

"Uh, ok," Bob said. "Anyways, we should suit up."

"Yeah," Michael said. "Got a lot of material after going through that Scourge and den."

"You guys go on ahead," Steve said. "I think I should make sure that guy doesn't come back."

"We should come with," Michael started.

"No, no, I got it." With that, Steve headed in the direction Red Ravager flew off. The two other hut members shrugged, and headed into the hut to work on their stuff. Meanwhile, Steve, truthfully, wasn't going after that carcass. No, instead, he'd flash his wings, and fly off towards the land of snow. He flew and flew, soon landing down on a patch of the snow, where he'd spy a great big mass of ice partially buried into it. Its surface is frosted over and its inside obscured, though an observant eye would spy the silhouette of a figure familiar to Steve.

The warrior drew his massive sword, and approached. Sensing his aura, the massive chunk of ice would begin to writhe. Shards of ice would extend from the prison, and with them, the creature levitated from the ground. It turned on Steve, and would rear back, before hurling chunks of icy projectiles at him. Steve would approach, using the Ark to block the blows and send them off in the distance with sharp swings. He'd come closer and closer, weaving between chunks of ice and approaching. He'd duck and weave and parry, before leaping up at it and swinging the massive sword into it, causing the prison to be sent flying a few meters backwards, a massive gash forming in it.

The creature did not feel pain. Instead, it kept on attacking, sending its shards at him with the intent of skewering him. Steve would end up taking a few hits to the shoulders and things, though he'd power throurhg and lash at it, this time chopping downwards to spike the prison into the ground below, kicking up a cloud of snow. It tired to hover up, though Steve would fly in and swing again. He kept swinging and swinging, cracking it more and more. Steve decided he couldn't give this monster any time to recover. Instead, he'd keep on swinging, until bringing the blade up, and delivering a sharp stab into it, managing to hit it with enough force to shatter the prison.

The brief rush of adrenaline was quickly subdued, and the warrior took a few deep breaths. And for a moment, he swore his battle spirit was raging such a fierce fire, that the air around him seemed to fog up from the temperature difference. He brushed through the ice chunks, and could see the telltale sign of a certain old resident, them deep asleep.

"Nice to see you again... Permafrost..."

Michael and Bob had finished up their upgrades, gathering some material and brandishing the new weapons.

"Do you think we should check on Steve?" Bob asked.

"He seems pretty strong himself," Michael said. "I don't think he'll be terribly threatened by that weird mage."

"Yeah, maybe," Bob said. Michael and Bob tested their weaponry a little bit, when Steve arrived, flying in with his wings and a stranger in his arms.

"Oh hey, there he is," Michael said. "And there's... who is that?"

"While I was out, I noticed this guy," Steve said. "He looks kinda important with this regalia."

"Yeah, that is kind of a weird robe for any normal guy to wear," Bob remarked.

"Is he... alive?" Michael asked.

"Yeah, I still feel life in him," Steve answered. "I'm going to bring him to one of the beds." With that, he headed in and set him down on one of said beds. "Now, we'll just get him some healing material, and let him recover at his own pace. That means we'll have to make more beds for ourselves."

"I guess that can be handled later," Michael said.

"That means gathering slimes and mushrooms for the potions."

"In that case, I think I know a place," Steve said. "There're a lot of mushrooms there."

"Let's go." With that, the trio began heading out and towards a fairly familiar cave...

They went down the veins of the earth, traversing it and coming closer to a chamber within. And said chamber featured multiple mushrooms of various types, and the many party members looked over it curious.

"This is an awful lot of mushrooms for one place," Bob said.

"Yeah, almost looks suspicious," Michael replied.

"Should we... check it out?"

"Hold on, I got this." Steve walked forwards. He proceeded in and in, and as he did, he silently thought over the various events that've happened and that will happen. This thing right here happened after they'd gotten that mech duplicate, and even after they'd gotten Seony. Seony pops up before the machine, and they know to get rid of that machine. However, last time he got rid of it that invasion of slimes popped up. Would he have to play nice with that thing to avoid those guys charging them? Actually, maybe if they got more hands they'd be able to put that guy on its proverbial back foot. They've got Permafrost, though he isn't in a great position. He has the usual two allies he started this whole thing with. And if he plays his cards right, he can probably get Seony and Ira. Still, even with her the battle got dicey. Maybe there's someone else he can get to help protect this place. Two someones, maybe...

Either way, a crab rose from the soil, it bearing many giant mushrooms upon its shell. The rest of the party was alarmed and would begin to take up arms. However, Steve would manifest that massive sword his godhood got him, and prepared it while mulling over his current options.

"A gunner and a merman. Those sound like some good allies..."

"Wow, you devastated that guy!" Bob cheered.

"Yeah, I swore I blinked and it was gone," Michael pointed out.

"Thanks, got a bit experienced dealing with some of the wildlife," Steve said, the party dragging home a bunch of mushrooms.

"Can't believe something that big was hanging out here," Michael said. "So you think these mushrooms should be good for healing up that stranger you found?"

"That and then some," Steve'd say. "We should keep as much leftover as possible. I saw this thing get rid of some of those slimes."

"You... fought slimes?" Bob asked.

"Well... I... knew a slime..." A single tear rolled down Steve's cheek, though he shook it off. "Anyways, we gotta save some of this up. And keep that mushroom cave secure while we're at it."

"Sounds like a plan." With that, the trio was at the cabin, and once there, they'd get to work starting to trim down the growths. Steve, meanwhile, would head to his own room. And there, he'd take out a journal and begin jotting down information for himself. "Let's see, this is what led to Michael and Bob joining, healing Ira led to her joining, long one on one got her to feel better around me... Crud, it feels like ages ago when I went through that original timeline. Where did Ryan start at? Where did we find Tritan?" He mulled over the information and tried to write out his train of thought...

The next morning came, and once more, he felt a strange sensation. It was a very familiar throbbing, again urging him in a direction.

"What the-?" he'd mutter. He'd feel pained. Great pain and felt the urge to go in the direction. Meanwhile, Michael and Bob would spy him moving and come forwards, curious.

"You alright?" Bob asked.

"Steve?" Michael asked. The warrior tried to steel his resolve.

"Y-yeah, I'm just fine..." He could scarcely hide how "not fine" he was. He walked more and more. "I-I actually have a bit of a job for today, mind following?"

"Uh, ok," Michael muttered. With that, he'd follow, Bob following as well. Thus, Steve followed the strange sensation in his core. This led the group to the lands coated in flesh. The two of them seemed very uncertain, but they followed suit anyways. This led them down one of the pits in the landscape, towards one of those... altars. Just looking at it, Steve could feel that sensation throb harder. Is it demanding he do... *that* again?! He'd summon up his blade as he looked over the altar. "What are you...?" Steve brushed off the question and instead raised the weapon. And then, he swung it down on the altar, and with that, the sensation faded yet again. He'd sigh and step back, de-summoning his weapon.

"...What was... that for?" Michael asked.

"Strange spirit," Steve would say all too quickly. "Needed to destroy it now, or something bad would come out." Not like he could explain why he needed to attack it. Even *he* didn't know!

"Oh. Well, thanks for the service," Michael said. Steve nodded, and thus began to lead them up and out of the pit. And soon they'd be up on the ridge, though on their way back, Steve would notice a group of slimes, led by someone in some sort of fancy armor. And then, he'd remember the scene here. She definitely wasn't here in the first loop, which meant they were probably going on the right path.

"Careful guys," Steve would say. "Got a bunch of slimes coming at us." Hearing that, Michael and Bob would draw their weapons. The two teams would come close, before colliding, Seony now standing before them.

"I've been told to apprehend you lot," the summoner said. "You've been spotted behaving strangely around here."

"No way we're going into the slime's clutches!" Michael declared. Steve, meanwhile, was playing through the events that played by last time. If he recalled correctly, Deedee should be with them by now, he's just not sure why he's not there now. Then there's Seony. If they just follow events like they should, they should be able to recruit her. He himself just thinks that he should be nicer about talking her in.

*Don't promise I may eat her, noted,* Steve thought to himself as he drew a normal sword, not wanting to do too much damage to her.

Seony was brought back, and thankfully integrated just as quickly as she had before. Shortly after was when they recruited Ira, a sequence that went by similar to before, though Steve would explain that they were raised together for a little while. Explaining how he was hundreds of years old was a bit harder, seeing as he himself didn't totally know, but he'd cross that bridge at a later date. For now, though, he knows two particular heroes that'd be pretty helpful. As far as he knew, Terra would be following them, and unless he figures out how/when she started, he's not sure if he can find her. Those two, however, he remembers where they were hidden.

Soon the rest of the villagers would arrive, and once there were plenty of people around the party and he gave them some instructions on keeping her safe, he'd decide to make for, first, the snowy landscape. He searched the area, and soon made his way to a certain cave. He'd carefully skulk through it and towards its depths. As he made his way in, he'd see the gentle glow of the healing waters that became home for someone. And there in the water, he'd see the blue scaled, red armored fish person with a trident and icy hook strapped to his back, the warrior training against some ice dummies. And standing here, Steve had realized he hadn't exactly considered what he'd say at this point.

"Uh, hello?" the warrior asked. This prompted a shocked grunt from Tritan, who spun around to aim his trident at the stranger. "Hey now, hey now, didn't mean to scare." Tritan seemed less tense, though he still kept his weapon up and kept a close eye on the stranger.

"Who are you?" he asked.

"Name's Steve," Steve explained. "I've been living in the middle of nowhere, though recently people are starting to settle around me."

"What kind of people?"

"Lot of merchants for now, but we got good fighters too," Steve explained. "The kind of fighters that'll put Yharim to the blade." And at that, Tritan looked up curious and lowered his trident more. "I heard about what happened to the kingdom, how Yharim was involved and stuff. We're lucky enough to be beneath his notice, so we have time to grow our forces and battle him. We're going to rise up against him, and we need all the help we can get, and that spearman-ship of yours... that looks helpful. Plus, we could use a water person." Tritan listened carefully and still held his trident, though would still keep it between the two of them.

"How did you find me?" he asked. Steve would have to be smart about this, but he thinks he can improvise well enough.

"I was traveling the general vicinity, when I heard ice breaking. I came close and thought to watch you. Sorry about intruding, by the way."

"...I should probably install a door something," Tritan concluded. "You think you guys can defeat Yharim?"

"...I know so..."

And so, there was a period of silence between the two. It went on uncomfortably long, before Tritan sighed.

"A-alright, I'll try and check you guys out. Just lead the way."

"Sorry, but I've gotta look elsewhere real quick," Steve explained. "Though I can point you towards the village." He thus pulled out a map and showed it. Tritan looked over it, and nodded. "I'll see you later."

"And I'll hope you're right." With that, the two of them would make their way to the exit, Steve splitting off so that he could don his wings and fly off to a certain gunner.

Steve flew long and hard, panting as he soared through the air. Eventually he'd end up over along a dusty biome, with a dilapidated town that looks as if it'd just gone through a small war. He could see several of Yharim's men lining the ground, the sand that'd collected their blood already swept away. However, he couldn't see the other bodies. He grew curious, though could hear someone walking. Curious, he neared the sound, where, after passing a few houses, he would notice a graveyard. However, a portion of the graveyard's gating was blown away, and it looked like new graves were being dug.

And as Steve noticed this area, he'd also spy a certain familiar gunman carrying some bodies to the graveyard. As he does, Steve would fly closer, touching down behind him.

"Hey, could you use a hand?" he'd ask, now getting the gunner's attention. He turned curious.

"Who are you? Where'd you come from?" Ryan asked.

"I was flying over," Steve said. "Saw a bunch of Light bodies, thought that maybe some freedom fighter was in the area."

"There used to be a bunch," Ryan said. "We tried to battle a bunch of Yharim's goons. We were able to evacuate the town, and I ended up finishing off this platoon. But now, the whole squad is gone."

"...I'm sorry for your loss." Steve would carefully take one of the bodies and begin to help him clean. Ryan would make sure to leave only the Light on the ground, while everyone else would be given a proper burial. Steve could only imagine what these guys would look like a while later. But either way, soon night would come, the town would be clear of the dead, and Steve and Ryan would enter the local tavern to stay away from the cool desert air.

"So, where'd you come from?" Ryan asked.

"I actually came over from an island," Steve said. "I myself am starting a resistance."

"Oh are you?"

"Yeah. And, to be honest, I have a good feeling about our men."

"I had a good feeling about my men too... Although, I guess I can't exactly be too scared to try and fight him."

"Yeah. If people don't act, then evil will triumph, or however that saying goes," Steve points out. Ryan nods.

"Long as we get some good weaponry and stuff." He'd then bring out a gun, a gun Steve remembered was hidden deep in the dungeon once upon a time. And now that he looks at it, he can't help but wonder, if that other timeline is still running, what that Ryan was doing without pretty much *anyone* in the old resistance available. "I myself am good at making guns. I mean, assuming you have gunners."

"Well, at the very least it couldn't hurt to learn," Steve said. "I can actually fly you over."

"The desert isn't good at night. I think we should probably hang out here until the sun rises. Besides, I get to show some cooking."

"...You know what? I wouldn't mind that at all." Steve may've been away from the camp for a while, but he knew there were some competent people over there. He still remembers how they bumped into Sylia while he himself simply slept. That was a little embarrassing... Either way, tomorrow, he'll be able to show off a new ally.

The morning would come, and with it, Steve and Ryan waking up. They'd make their way outside, where the gunman would accept Steve's offer for flight. The warrior flashed his wings, and began to fly him over and over...

On the way over, Steve would explain about what kind of stuff and people were at the village, about some of the creatures they fought, and about their dreams of the future.

"And you know, I know this might not sound like good news, but we recently found-!" Steve began until Ryan cut him off.

"What in the hell is going on there?" he spoke up. Steve was curious and would turn, having been too wrapped up in expositing to really pay too much attention. But when he took notice, his eyes were wide with horror. It was the village. There were scratch marks around the various buildings, shards of ice, and water damage. Steve was equally confused, when he took notice of the sound of a weapon being swung. He'd look towards the source... and he could see Tritan, lashing the sharp prongs of his trident towards Ira, the latter was focusing solely on dodging and backstepping away whenever she could. This would be greeted with him pulling water from a jar he had at his side, before freezing it and sending a sharp icicle at her, which she'd dodge some more.

Steve would lower himself towards the ground and set Ryan down.

"W-was that Calamitas?!" he asked.

"I'll explain later," Steve said. "Right now, she's not a bad guy. *But*, that merman isn't a bad guy either, he's just angry. Look, just hang out here if you want, but if you want to fight, then, I beg you, focus on disarming."

"O-ok," Ryan said as he brought out a gun familiar to Steve. This one chrome plated with blue lights here and there and a laser sight that shone under the barrel. This was the Pearl God. "I guess this is the least I can do after you helped me with burying people." With that, the two of them would race into the village. In there, Tritan kept on striking and Ira kept on evading.

"Do you realize how many you killed?!" he shouted as he swung horizontally, Ira forced to duck under.

"I know! I've spent centuries with that knowledge!" she'd declare. "And I will avenge them, I swear!"

"The only way you can pay them back is with your blood!" Tritan rose his trident, but a gunshot caused the weapon to rattle, him struggling to hold it steady. And seeing the distraction, Ira would race away from the village and towards the forest, the merman glaring as she did so. He'd turn and could see Steve and Ryan racing forwards. "You-! You brought me here, to her! Did you plan her kill me?!"

"No, I didn't!" Steve swore. "I forgot it would even be an issue-"

"Forgot?!?!" Tritan shook his head and turned his trident towards the warrior. "Once she is felled, you'd better beg for your life back!" With that, his ice magic went to work, and a pair of icy wings stood on his back.

"Tritan, please just let me-!" However, the merman flapped those wings, heading off to the forest while Steve was racing after. "-explain!" He reached up futilely towards the prince. He clenched his fist in frustration. He took a moment to think about what led to this, and realized an easy throughline. Yharim used Ira to destroy his home, split up his family, and, as far as he probably knew, kill his dad. It's no wonder why he'd assume the worst of her right now. After how much leeway he gave someone like Anahita, Steve forgot that this was the same guy that promised to avenge his kingdom no matter what. Maybe next time, if he could just show him his dad is ok, the reaction would be lessened? Maybe if he'd just explained himself? He turned to Ryan. "Go into that main building, and tell the spearman, summoner, and ranger to go into the forest, and to try and subdue, **subdue**, the merman."

"O-ok. But are you sure you'll be safe? That's Calamitas there-!"

"I know!" Steve cut him off. "But damn it, I know her, and I know she's trying to be better! And I also know that *he* isn't a bad guy, he's suffering! So I need you to help me make sure no one dies!"

"Y-yes sir!" With that affirmation, Steve decided it was time to leave Ryan with this mission while he charged off into the forest, hoping he could stop this from getting out of hand...

The swordsman rushed after the two, huffing and puffing. He'd see a trail of ice chunks dotting the landscape. He raced more and more, and could hear the sound of metal clashing more and more. Eventually, he'd make it close to the other edge of the forest, just in time to see Ira dodge a head-on stab, it strong enough to tear the tree that was behind her out of the earth. The witch stood tall, her brushing her hair out of her face as she eyed the prince carefully. The latter stayed airborne with wings of icy crystals, him huffing and puffing as he appears to've put more effort into this fight.

"You can't erase what you've done..." he'd say.

"I can't stop Yharim if I'm dead," Ira would answer. "When this is over, I will make sure I've paid for what I've done to you."

"I cannot trust your word..." Tritan declared. He brought up his icy flail, and swung it towards her, forcing the latter to summon up her scythe to twirl it and knock the tip off course. Tritan would attempt to pull back to try and coil the head back towards her, though she was able to duck under it. The prince would try to fly above before rushing down, allowing her to dodge away, though she'd be surprised as a rose-like array of ice shards suddenly sprouted from the epicenter of the stab point. While she was caught off guard, Tritan would form a spear of ice in one hand, and try to hurl it at her, though a sword beam from Steve would be able to disintegrate it. This made the vengeful man turn towards the latter.

"I know you've kind of been living under a rock for a while now," Steve would start. "But things are too deadly now for us to be fighting among each other! Ira's trying to help!" Tritan's face twisted in anger as the warrior spoke and he lowered to the ground. He spun his polearm.

"If you stand with her, you stand against me," he'd say. "This is for my father!" He'd rush towards Steve, forcing the latter bring down his weapon to block the strike, the prince's weapon threatening to split apart against the blade of the warrior.

"Amidias is-!" he'd start. But he recalled they still haven't met him. He could try to say that, but he'd have no proof. What would he do, bring him to the clam and reveal him? Would Tritan even believe him at this point? No, his father had to be here for him to see in order for him to change his mind. While he mulled it over, the prince would dash to the side, spinning his weapon around to stab at the latter's side. It didn't pierce the armor, but it still shook Steve up.

"Either stay out of our way or fall!" Tritan turned towards Ira, who was still in a defensive pose. Tritan would rush at her to try and strike, though she was more than able to vault over the charging merfolk, who'd end up shoulder-checking a tree out of the soil. While Tritan was distracted, Steve would flap his wings to get between him and Ira, prompting the other to swivel around. He'd form two different ice spears and hurl one after the other towards Steve, though the latter was able to shatter each of them. Tritan would hold his flail yet again, though a pair of gunshots would ring out, either nearly striking his hands. Turning, they could see the rest of the crew from the village had arrived.

"You alright?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah." Steve then turned towards Tritan. "Alright, you're outnumbered. Are you ready to calm down?" Tritan looked over the lot of them, and only got angrier.

"You all would stand by her?!"

"I'm not crazy about it either, but I don't think she has bad intents," Michael would say as he held his own spear at the ready. "So just lower your weapon, and-"

"I don't care what she says!" Tritan would declare. "She! Needs! To! Pay!" The prince would realize his chances were getting more and more limited. He needed to limit their numbers somehow... He'd start by erecting an icy wall between himself and Steve and Ira. He'd then rush towards the new arrivals, Seony summoning a sun spirit to fire at Tritan. The latter would weave around the beam it'd conjure to try and strike at Ryan from a weird angle, the latter of which not quite able to account for it. Both he and Tritan would attack the other... and as the tips of Tritan's trident began to dig into his target's torso, he'd end up firing straight into the latter's abdomen, though he was attempting to strike at his hand.

Shocked at seeing the new recruit injured, the rest of the team would respond, Bob shooting, Seony's summon firing, and Michael firing a javelin from his Scourge. Tritan would be peppered by the projectiles, driven off of Ryan and slamming onto his back. By now, Steve would manage to strike the ice wall hard enough to break the barrier, and was horrified at the scene. Tritan laid there, burn marks on him and blood pouring out. The prince panted and gasped, his condition so much worse from all the strain he'd put on his body before now. Steve was frozen in horror, the rest of the party tending to Ryan though still keeping an eye on Tritan.

Ira approached, looking over the bloodied prince. She looked as the others would manage to patch up Ryan, though still unsure about helping the other injured guy out. He did come by in a vicious attack after all. Ira would come closer to the merfolk, who tensed up as she got near. He stared at her angrily before she kneeled before him. She could see, even through the rage on his face, he was in unimaginable pain. She knew he was suffering right now, and, if left like this, he'd probably be in agony until the very end. She'd unsummon her scythe and raise a hand.

"I promise to avenge you... your father... everyone..." She'd thusly place a hand over his chest. And then, a bolt of flame shot through him, the prince tensing up for only a moment, before he'd go limp, collapsing on the ground. And all the while, Steve was left staring in horror as, yet again, an ally to the cause was lost forever. He collapsed to his knees, suddenly feeling as if tons of stress just bore down upon his shoulders. Ira would stand, clearly shaken by what had all transpired. There'd be an uncomfortable pause, before she'd speak again. "...I'd understand if you consider me a liability..."

"...Stress is still high," Seony assured. "Let's head back to the village, see if we can find some way to calm down."

"I suppose that's the best we can do," Bob would say. He'd bring Ryan up, the latter using the former as a sort of crutch. "You good?"

"He didn't get too deep," Ryan would say. "Still, that's a... helluva introduction..."

"Don't worry. It tends to be less... personal around here..." Michael assured. With that, the party would begin to walk while Steve looked over the felled Tritan.

He turned towards the party as they left, before facing Tritan again, thinking about what they'd done together. And about how it's all gone. He'd eventually realize he should do at least something to honor this man, even if he's not a friend in this time. So, he'd take the merfolk's body, and then fly off towards the remains of his father's kingdom. And as he did, ready to bury him over there, he could only imagine the cavalcade of consequences this could possibly bring...