Wrapping Things Up

The content of this page is relevant to the Alpha-Archaic Timeline.

## Chapter 1 - ohmygodimfreakingout

It's been a while since Umbra had told Revelian that she was pregnant. He was still going on about it every once in a while. Umbra herself was starting to gain a stomach. The rest of her body remained normal, but her belly was growing out. That was actually impressive- Umbra just gets a little bulge and there we go.

Umbra herself is going to the Town's market. She winds up meeting Jast there.

Jast: Oh, hey, Umbra. I'm still shocked that pregnancy just gave you a slap on the wrist.

Umbra: Yeah, I'm surprised it hasn't made me that fat, too.

Jast: So what are you doing here?

Umbra: Just picking up the usual. What are YOU doing here, though? I never see you here.

Jast: Oh, I recently discovered a shortage of some food in my house. I don't know why... But I just came here to get some more.

Umbra: Alright. Well, I gotta wrap things up here and go. See you!

She turns and walks away. While in the market, she drops by and gets something else.

Some wedding gear magazines.

After finishing shopping, Umbra heads home to Revelian. She opens the front gate, where Revelian is sitting on a couch.

Umbra: Hey, Revelian. I'm home!

Revelian stands up and walks towards her, giving her a hug and a quick kiss. They then eat their lunch and chat for a bit.

Revelian: So, Umbra, anything interesting happen while you were at the market?

Umbra: Nothing in particular. But I did see Jast there.

Revelian: Huh, really? I never see him at the market...

Umbra: He says that he was getting food or something.

So they finish their lunch, and Revelian gives her a kiss goodbye as he heads to work.

At IDC Offices...

Revelian sat down in his office chair and began to work. After an hour or so, Revelian was called up by the intercom. He stood up and went into the head office. Inside, Jast, Zach, and Hank stood there.

Revelian: Hey guys, what's going on?

Zach: Revelian, we need to talk about you and Umbra's relationship.

Revelian got a bit irritated.

Revelian: And how does our relationship concern you?

Hankvi: Well, we aren't trying to intrude on your relationship, but we think it's time for you two to... Well, y'know, settle down and get married.

Revelian: What!?

Jast: Look, Revelian. I'm your friend, but I'm gonna be blunt. You can't just live like this with her forever! You need to settle down and truly be with her. Because for one, you have a freaking child on the way, and second, she's not going to stay like this forever! Helc, I spied on her looking at wedding catalogs! If you don't settle down with her, then you're just going to make her feel all the worse.

Revelian finally nods his head.

Revelian: Alright, then... I'll do it!

The gang cheers for him.

Zachary: Now get out of here, get a ring, and propose to her. You get the rest of the week off!

Revelian turns and flies out the door and heads out in order to prepare.

## Chapter 2 - D'AAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWW

About an hour later...

Back at the castle, Umbra was quietly sleeping on a couch. She soon woke up when she felt something inside of her. She smiled- the baby was kicking. She pulled her shirt up, exposing her enlarged belly. She began to rub the surface of her shiny belly with her hand.

Umbra: You're gonna grow up to become a fighter like your dad, aren't you?

She heard the door open. That was odd. Revelian didn't get off for another hour.
However, his voice soon echoed through the halls.

Revelian: Umbra?? I'm home early! And I have a surprise for you!

Umbra stood up and went to the foyer. Revelian was standing there, waiting, with something behind his back.

Umbra: Revelian? Why are you home early?

Revelian didn't answer. Instead, he walked towards her.

Revelian: Umbra... we've been through thick and thin... we've both dealt with jealousy before... and in the end, we've always came through together. We've both seen... and experienced... horrible things. And in the end, we always came through together. What I'm saying is...

Revelian got down on one knee.

Revelian: Umbra, do you want to experience the joys and sorrows of life, and get through them all... together?

Umbra started to cry tears of joy. Revelian pulled his hand out from behind his back, revealing a dark violet box. He opens it. Inside is a large, diamond ring.

Revelian: Umbra... Will you marry me?

However, before Umbra answers him, she suddenly starts to scream in pain and falls on her knees.

Revelian: OH COME ON I KNOW THAT SUCKED BUT YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE LIKE THAT!!

Umbra grabs a hold of him.

Umbra: I'M GOING INTO LABOR!!

She then lets go and starts screaming again.

Revelian: Oh.

Realization hits like a Falcon Punch to the face.

Revelian: OH HOLY FUCKING SHIT!!!

Later, at the hospital...

Revelian is in the emergency room with Umbra and Jast. Jast's acting as the doctor, apparently. Revelian sits next to Umbra while holding her hand.

Jast: Okay, Umbra, you're doing good...

Umbra screams again. Suddenly, the door opens up. Samuel walks in.

Samuel: Hey, I thought I heard screaming and OH MY GOD.

All 3 of them raise their heads.

All: OUT.

Samuel turns and runs away.

Umbra then grabs Revelian with her other hand.

Umbra: R-Revelian... I will...

Revelian: What??

Umbra: I do want to spend our lives together... Y-yes, I'll marry you...

A single tear falls from Revelian' face.

Suddenly, Umbra starts to scream again. Finally, the baby is born.

Zach: Alright! It's a girl! YESH.

Revelian: Why are you so happy about that?

Zach: I had a bet with Delbin, and I won!

Jast then hands Revelian the baby. She is a deep, dark shade of crimson. She has some hard nubs - antlers, like her mother's - spurring from her head.

Revelian: W-Wow... Hey, little guy...

Umbra: Let me see her...

Revelian hands the baby to Umbra.

Umbra: She's beautiful...

The baby then opened her eyes. They were a fiery, hot cyan. Umbra smiled at the sight.

Umbra: She has her father's eyes...

Revelian leans towards Umbra.

Revelian: And I bet she'll grow up to be as beautiful as her mother.

Revelian then gives Umbra a deep kiss...

Meanwhile... far across the universe... in a large palace, something watches the scene unfold.

???: So. The bitch finally had the kid. And she's gonna get married. How oh-so-fucking sweet. Hmph. It's time to crash this party...

The being then warps away.

Back at the hospital...

Hankvi: Well, good job! Not only are you getting married, but your child is proving to be very healthy!

Later on, Revelian and Umbra head home with their baby girl.

## Chapter 3 - PAAAARRRTTYYYYY... planning.

Umbra puts the baby to bed and heads back into the living room with Revelian.

Umbra: Alright then. I'm going to call up some of our friends...

Revelian: Huh? Why?

Umbra: For the wedding! Let's see... you remember Crone, right?

Revelian: Oh, I remember them, alright. ...WAIT A SECOND. What about... HER?

Umbra: Who, my sister?

Revelian: No. Karelia.

Umbra: Ah... Right... Well, she should be ok with this, right? She said that she'd live on and get over you...

Revelian: This is gonna be fuuuun....

Umbra: Oh, it'll be ok. I'll call them up with the ear dust...

Revelian: Wat.

Umbra then sticks her finger in her ear. Umbra's eyes then start to glow.

Revelian: WAT.

However, instead of Crone, Umbra inadvertently calls Karelia.

Umbra: W-whoops, wrong signal...

Meanwhile, at Karelia's house...

Karelia gets the signal from Umbra. Karelia puts her finger to her ear, grinning.

Karelia: Hello?

Umbra: Oh, hi Karelia!

Karelia: Hello?

Umbra: Uhh, yeah, anyways I wanted to ask you something!

Karelia: Your call has been forwarded to an automated voice messaging system. "Karelia" is not available.

Umbra: Karelia, focus.

Karelia: Please leave a message after the tone.

Umbra facepalms.

Umbra: It's nice to see you're back to normal, Karelia. We're having a party.

Karelia: Ooh! Wonderful, wonderful!

Umbra could hear Karelia hopping and bouncing around.

Umbra: Hello?

Karelia: That's my line!!

Umbra: Haha, anyways, that's why I called! Could you go pick up Crone from the academy? I'll come get you in a bit.

Karelia: So what kind of party is this?

Umbra: W-well...

Revelian: Here it comes...

Karelia: Ooh, is that Revelian?? HI, REVELIAN!!!

Umbra: Karelia, YOU'RE YELLING IN MY EAR.

Karelia: Sorry...

Umbra: So yeah... The party's for me... And Revelian...

Karelia remained silent.

Umbra: We're getting married...

Karelia stood there for a moment. She could feel the tears coming out of her eyes. But she remembered her promise...

Karelia: That's good! I'm happy for you both.

Umbra: Really? Well, anyways, I've gotta go. See you soon.

Karelia: What about your sister?

Karelia grimaced as several nasty things were said by Umbra.

Karelia: Got it. Do NOT invite her... Well, I'll see you later!

She cuts the signal and heads out to get the others.

Umbra: Ok, everything's set!

Revelian: She didn't react badly??

Umbra: No, in fact, she took it well. See? I told you she would!

Revelian: Oh, ok then!

Umbra: So what's the wedding day?

Revelian: Day of Krono, I've been looking at.

Umbra: So we've got a few days to prepare...

Revelian: So do you want a bachelorette party, or...?

Umbra simply grabs him with both hands and looks into his eye lovingly.

Umbra: The only thing I want is to spend my life with you. Like always.

Revelian: 'til death do us part.

They both kiss.

## Chapter 4 - Remember Them?

The next day...

Umbra is chatting with Crone via ear dust.

Umbra: Be right there!

She cuts the signal. Revelian, who's sitting on the couch watching TV, raises his head.

Revelian: Wait a second. If the party is on Krono, then... Fuck.

Umbra: What is it?

Revelian: You mean people are gonna be holed up here for the WHOLE WEEK?!

Umbra: Is that really a big problem??

Revelian: Well, no, but...

Umbra: But nothing. Look, I understand you're still worried about Karelia... But it'll be alright! I promise you. This wedding's gonna go off without a hitch, and you and we'll spend the rest of our lives together...

She gives him another kiss. She then stands up.

Umbra: Well, I'm off to get them from Pragma. Ooh, this'll be so much fun!!

Umbra walks upstairs into the bedroom.

Revelian: W-what are you doing??

Umbra: Getting the gang!!

Upstairs, Revelian hears swirling wind and energy. He charges upstairs...

Revelian: WHAT THE HELL IS-

He walks in on Umbra, trying to pull a puffy-haired Pragman through a thin portal.

Crone: Alright, maybe try grabbing from the left- Oh. The psycho-cyclops. Good to see you again.

Umbra: *Behave*. Both of you.

Revelian: ... You know what? I'll wait downstairs.

Some time later...

Revelian, Jast, Zach, and Hank stand in the foyer, waiting. From upstairs, Karelia and Crone come down.

Zach: Well, there they are.

Zach walks to greet them when he sees Karelia charging down the steps, wearing some mismatched robes. She knocks him out of the way and grabs a hold of Revelian, hugging him.

Karelia: Oooh! I missed you so so much!!

Revelian: Haha, Karelia, I missed you too. Ok now, let go please.

Karelia lets go and backs up.

Karelia: Sorry...

Suddenly, a knock comes from the door. Revelian turns around in shock, as does the rest of the IDC gang, but when Revelian looks back up at Umbra, she merely smiles. Hankvi goes over and opens the door, to see...

Aox: GRAAAAAAURGH!!!

Hankvi hollers, jumps back, and gets into a fighting stance.

Jast: ELTE!!

Elte shifts back into her usual form, laughing, and steps inside. Rebecca funnels in after her, followed by two women - one dressed in cyan garb with red-tinted goggles, and the other with prominent triangular ears and a large green coat.

Revelian turns to the latter.

Revelian: Haven't seen you around on Pragma. Welcome, uh...

Mori: Call me Mori. I am from Ludus, and I've been admiring your work - well, all of your works - at IDC for a long while. With the approval of your wife-to-be - and congratulations to the both of you, by the way - I was invited by a friend and fellow scholar of mine.

Revelian: Checks out. And I can only presume that that must be...

Crone, dressed in a similar green outfit, though with more clashing patches of color, comes down the steps and starts greeting everyone.

Crone: Well, I'll have to congratulate you, for once. You've managed to leave Umbra with the short end of the stick.

Revelian: Hmph. Good to see you again, too.

Jast: (Uh, wait, who's this supposed to be, and how are they allowed to just... insult Rev without, uh, dying?)

Crone: Name's Crone, captain eyepatch. Don't worry, we go way back.

Revelian: Unfortunately.

Crone: Heh. In all seriousness, though, I'm glad for the both of you, and I'm happy you're having me over.

Revelian: How are the studies?

Crone: Long, boring, going well.

Revelian: Is Astra still running her mouth about me?

Crone: ... Sorta.

Revelian: Well, it's not your fault.

They give an awkward shrug, then continue introducing themself to everyone.

Suddenly, everyone hears crying upstairs.

Umbra: Oh boy... Sorry, I gotta run and get her.

Umbra proceeds to run upstairs to calm the now-screaming infant.

Rebecca, already making her rounds through the foyer, meets up with Revelian.

Revelian: It's nice to see you again. How are things?

Rebecca: Oh, everything is quite well! Squato had to stay behind to take care of some housekeeping. And exercises.

Revelian: Makes sense...

Jast: What? Psh... lemme call him up and bring him over!

Revelian pulls him aside into a huddle with Rebecca.

Revelian: (whispering) Or, how about we don't, because we have a lot of people attending this party -

Rebecca: (whispering) - and most of them like keeping their spines intact while getting hugged.

Jast: ... Ah.

They break off. She gives a smile, then remembers about the effect that that tends to have on people, and purses her lips quickly.

Elte has been waiting patiently to meet with Revelian first, and finally makes her way to him.

Elte: Long time, no see! Good to meet up with you again when I'm not punching some sense into you or stopping the end of the world, for once. Man, when was the last time we met up - was that the bird? The really big bird that almost ate your castle that you had to chase away before sundown or else-

Revelian: Easy, easy! And let's... let's not talk about that in front of everyone here. No fighting this time around.

Elte: Alright, alright.

She finally releases the steel vise of a handshake she's been locking Revelian's hand in for the past few minutes. He raises it up and looks at it. The fingers are bent, the hand is pulsating, and there are several bruises on it.

Elte proceeds to walk around the room to say hello.

No hand was left un-broken.

Lastly, the cyan-clad Splationian - everyone at IDC was already familiar with her. This was Maxine, another employee and one of Samuel's relatives, though she rarely took part in the more daring adventures as the rest of them did. She's started making her rounds already before coming to Revelian.

Maxine: Hi! A wedding, huh? Great idea, and about time, I'd say.

Revelian: Could say the same for you and geometry-horns back there...

Maxine: Oh, shush. (giggles) Congratulations, about the wedding and the baby, of course. Even if it has left me and Hank picking up your slack at work, we're very happy for you.

After everyone gets introduced to everyone else, Revelian heads upstairs and walks into his bedroom. He sees something that makes his lack-of-a-heart warm: Umbra is cuddled up next to the baby, asleep. Revelian simply puts a cover over them both and heads downstairs.

## Chapter 5 - TIMESKIP GOOOO!!!!

A few days later... (Veloces, and two days before Krono, for those wondering)

Umbra is quietly making breakfast in the kitchen. Revelian is playing with the baby in the living room. Pragman babies grow fairy quickly- This one is already both crawling and talking baby talk.

Revelian: ABRUBRU.

Baby: BRU!!

The baby crawls towards him and grabs his mask.

Revelian: Hey hey hey let go!

Baby: BRU!

They both laugh. Umbra, who overhears them, also smiles. The wedding's in two days. She has already gotten a dress, and Revelian has gotten himself a wedding ring as well. She suddenly gets an ear-signal. She pokes her finger in her ear.

Umbra: Hello?

Karelia: Hey princess! What'cha doin'?

Umbra: Making breakfast. Revelian's also playing with the baby.

Karelia: D'aww!! That's cute! Anyways, I wanted to talk about your bachelor and bachelorette parties!!

Umbra: Our what??

Karelia: You heard me! You've both gotta enjoy your last days of freedom! And I've already got something planned!!

Umbra: Karelia! I don't want to go around and whore myself out for my last night of freedom, and I'm sure Revelian doesn't want to become a part-time pimp either.

Revelian: A *what?*

Karelia: Hey, hey, hey, I didn't say anything INTIMATE has to happen! Just have some fun! Y'know, party, get a little tipsy... Umbra, you're cool and all, but you're too uptight! You gotta loosen up! Have some fun! Come on, nothing bad'll happen! I'll throw a party for Revelian with our friends, and you can go and have some fun with the guys! And if either of you feel things are getting too "personal" then you can just bail out! C'mon, what do you say?

Umbra stands there and thinks for a moment...

Umbra: Ok, fine. But if ANYTHING bad happens, it's on your head! Got it?

Karelia: Nothing bad will happen!! Seriously! Okay, I'm gonna tell the others to get ready!! Ooh, this'll be fun!!

She cuts the signal. Revelian walks in the kitchen.

Revelian: Hey, what was that about?

Umbra: Karelia's gonna throw us both parties. Karelia's saying that nothing bad's gonna happen. Just party, y'know?

Revelian: Oh boy, something's gonna happen, isn't it??

Umbra: It wouldn't surprise me.

Later that night...

The doorbell rings, and Umbra answers it. Everyone from before has arrived.

Umbra: Well, you're all here. Also, Revelian, before we do anything...

Umbra pulls out two small stones.

Umbra: These are "Promise Stones". Say a promise into them and then give it to the person who you're telling the promise to. If they stay true to it, the stone will remain a bright, radiant yellow. If the person breaks the promise, the stone will turn a murky black. Now, Revelian... say your promise into the stone.

Revelian raises a stone up.

Revelian: I promise that by the end of this night, I will have stayed true to myself and my future wife.

The stone begins to glow yellow. Revelian hands his stone to Umbra, and she raises the other one to her face.

Umbra: I promise that by the end of this night, I will have stayed true to myself and my future husband.

The other stone glows a bright yellow, and she hands it to Revelian.

Umbra: Ok then, let's party!

So Karelia, Elte, Rebecca, Maxine, Crone, and Mori take Revelian into one side of the castle, and Zach, Jast, Delbin, and Hankvi take Umbra to the other.

## Chapter 6 - Did I Mention a Party?

Revelian gets lead into a large room in his castle. Inside are several large tables, some coolers, and a large radio.

Karelia: What is this room?

Revelian: Uhh... Well, it's a party room. Yeah. I plan on throwing a party here after the wedding, hence the coolers, food, and radio.

Karelia: Haha! You just make my job easier and easier!

But then she notices something.

Karelia: Ooh, what is THIS?!

She ran to the back of the room and rolls out a large, round table. It apparently has a swiveling top, and there are several straps on parts of them.

Revelian: My torture table?

Karelia: Ooh! Has anyone been on it?

Revelian: Nah, I had it custom built.

Karelia: Well, ok then, let's party!

Karelia raids one of the coolers, getting out several cans of beer.

Revelian: Beer? There's supposed to be wine in them. Cygnus... She must have snuck some in there for herself.

Mori: There IS wine in these coolers, correct? I can't stand the taste of beer.

Revelian: Get two glasses, I'm drinking wine too.

Mori heads to another cooler and gets some wine, along with two wine glasses. They all soon gather around a table and begin to laugh around while starting to get drunk. After a while...

Karelia: Revine... This is starting to... \*Hic\*... Get boring...

The only one of the group that wasn't drunk was Mori, who still agreed! Even Rebecca was a little tipsy. She reminded Revelian of Hankvi when he was drunk.

Rebecca: Yeah! \*Hic\*... I got an idea! Pick him up... \*Hic\*.

Suddenly, Revelian gets lifted up into the air by the others. They start to take him to the torture table.

Revelian: WOAH WOAH WHAT, WE'RE GOING THERE!?

Crone: Relax... We're not gonna torture you... Much...

Elte: I tell you hwat man dem things'r startin' to get all wild n crazy n stuff like that n here we are all whoopin' round here n about to to torch'r to Revv and stuff man...

Revelian: I can't even understand her anymore.

Elte: Revv man remmembmer when we- \*snores loudly, still standing upright\*

They throw Revelian on the table. After strapping his arms and legs, Karelia flips the table up and around, having Revelian face away from them. Crone stepped forward with a bottle of very potent alcohol.

Revelian: Where did you get THAT?

Crone: Nevermind that. Bottoms up, old friend...

## Chapter 7 - Settling Scores

About three hours later...

Revelian freed himself from the table, covered with alcohol and what he hoped wasn't vomit. That was a helluva party, but in the end, he didn't break his promise. Everyone was passed out... Except for one other person. Karelia sat quietly at a table, oddly sober.

Revelian: Karelia, you're still conscious?

Karelia: Haha... I never really drank anything...

Revelian: Huh. Y'know, you could have done anything you wanted to me while I was stuck on that table. But you didn't. That's good of you, Karelia.

Karelia: Thanks... \*Sigh\*...

Revelian could tell that, despite her cheery attitude towards him and Umbra getting married, she was still sad and lonely. He sighed.

Revelian: Look, I can tell you're still really upset about this... But I'll give you a little something for pulling through in the end. It isn't the full thing, because I can't break my promise... But it'll be enough.

Karelia turned to him, confused. She gasped when he gave her a deep kiss.

Revelian: That's the closest thing to what you what that I can manage. It isn't everything, but it's what I can give... okay?

Karelia quietly nodded, tears starting to fall down her face.

LATER...

Revelian and Umbra meet in the foyer.

Revelian: Well how was your party?

Umbra: It was fun. Everyone was tame, we just did a lot of dancing.

Revelian: Mine was insane. Urgh.

They both start to walk upstairs.

Revelian: I gave Karelia a kiss at the end of it. I have a feeling she's gonna get by a lot better now.

Umbra nods, understanding. The two check their Promise Stones, still glowing the same radiant yellow lights.

Umbra: We both kept our promises.

They walk into the bedroom and take a look at the baby.

Umbra raises her head and looks at the crib. She stands up and walks towards it. The baby lies there, asleep. She grunts as she turns and lies on her back, kicking her feet in the air.

Umbra: Hehe, she's so cute.

Revelian: You don't think we'll wake her, do you?

Umbra: She's a heavy sleeper, like her dad.

She laughs as she walks back toward the bed.

Revelian: I'm so lucky to have met you first.

Umbra: And you think that I don't feel that way? I'm grateful that you managed to make me feel happy again. If it weren't for you... I might have... It makes me feel sick to even think about it...

Revelian grabs her hand and looks into her eyes. He sees that she's actually crying.

Revelian: Hey, now, everything turned out good in the end, didn't it? I mean, you're out of that hell-hole and living with the person you love the most. Hell, you have a child and you're going to get married! What more could you ask for?

Umbra looks at him, soon smiling.

Umbra: I can only think of one thing.

She gives him a deep kiss.

Umbra: I want to spend our lives together. Forever.

Revelian smiles back at her.

Revelian: Forever.

## Chapter 8 - Final Day

Umbra groans as she finally wakes up. The sunlight, coming from a window in the opposite end of the room, nearly blinds her. She tries to get up, but finds herself trapped. Revelian is completely passed out next to her, with his arms over her. She smiles as she carefully pries herself free from his grasp. She stands up and stretches out, popping her limbs. She starts to get dressed.

Revelian: Aww, I was enjoying the show.

Umbra simply shakes her head, smiling.

Umbra: Nice to see you're awake.

Revelian: I think I woke up when you pried yourself out of my arms.

Umbra giggled as she slid on her pants and shirt. She then walks over to the crib. The baby was still asleep. She carefully strokes the baby's head. Soon, the baby grunted and turned herself over.

Revelian: She's like you after a bad party.

That completely caught Umbra off guard. She suddenly burst into laughter.

Revelian: Yeesh, was it that funny?

Umbra: Your timing was impeccable.

She turned around to see something that nearly made her laugh again. Revelian was jokingly giving her some eyebrow (?) movements.

Umbra: Well, since you're awake, you can cook breakfast.

Revelian pretends to fall asleep. Umbra jokingly pushes him off of the bed, making him yelp from surprise.

Revelian: Ok, ok! Sheesh!

They both simply laugh as they start to leave. Umbra looks at the baby again.

Only to see her gone.

Umbra: R-Revelian...?!

Revelian: Ok ok let's all calm the fuck down. She's gotta be close.

Umbra turns away to look in the floor. Revelian turns back to the crib, only to see her there again.

Revelian: Umbra? Err... She's back.

Umbra: What?!

The baby looks at the two, confused. She then gives them a toothless grin. She suddenly vanishes again.

Revelian: WOAH HOLY CRAP.

Umbra: She... turned invisible??

Revelian: Ok, I don't know WHAT genes you gave her, but whatever they are, they're friggin awesome.

Umbra gropes at the baby, and soon picks her up. Umbra finds it utterly bizarre to be picking up something she can't even see. The baby soon turns back visible.

Umbra: Well, shall we?

They both head downstairs, where Revelian starts to make breakfast. Despite what you might think, he's actually a pretty decent cook. He puts the food on the table for both of them and sits down. They soon hear a groan. They both look up to see Crone walking in, with their hand over their head.

Revelian: What's the matter, Dorc? You look like you have a five-star hangover right about now.

Crone sits down at the table, still clutching their head.

Revelian: Why don't you go take a nap on the couch for a while. It's a lot better then sleeping on a table.

Crone: I'm alright... Urgh... That was some party last night. Everybody else is still passed out...

Revelian: What I want to know is how the hell Rebecca was convinced to start drinking beer.

Crone: Your guess is as good as mine.

Revelian: The one that got me the most was Elte. That was hilarious! I loved it when she tripped over the stool and smashed through a desk.

Crone snorted at that.

Crone: And the way she talked! "Tell you hwat man talkin' stuff n thing goin round gettin staggerin drunk n then we wake up n everythins broken..."

They all laughed at that.

Umbra: Was she seriously that drunk??

Revelian: Shit, she started running around transformed into Aox at one point. She then wound up doing that stool-thing and smashed through the desk. That's where she just sort of passed out.

They hear the noise of someone falling down.

Revelian: Think that's her?

Sure enough, Elte, in the form of the Blauxolm overlord, staggers into the kitchen.

Revelian facepalms and covers his eye.

Revelian: Elte, you can change back now.

Elte: What...? Oh.

Elte shifted to a gridoid form, wearing a white t-shirt and shortened jeans.

Revelian: Morning.

She didn't say a word. She just went to the table and started to devour the food.

Umbra: What, does she have the munchies?

Revelian: By drinking beer?

Elte: I ain't got the munchies... I'm just really hungry.

Elte continues to engulf the food.

Crone: Err, care to leave some for us?

Elte: O-oh, sorry.

So after they eat (what's left), Revelian gets up and heads back to the oven.

Revelian: I'm still not even done cooking. I gotta make breakfast for the rest of you. I still can't believe you burned the hotel down.

Crone laughed. At the hotel, Crone was trying out some new spells. One caused a massive fire and burned the hotel to the ground, forcing them to stay at Revelian's castle.

Elte: How come you aren't hung over? You drank more then the rest of us combined!

Revelian: I don't get hung over. My blood just destroys alcohol before it can get to my core.

Umbra: Hey, Rev, I'll help you cook if you want.

Revelian: Thanks.

They make some more food. After a while, Rebecca comes into the kitchen. She sits down and patiently waits for breakfast.

Revelian: Hey, Rebecca. What do you want for breakfast?

Rebecca: Just some toast and something to drink, please...

Revelian: You hung over, too?

Rebecca nods quietly.

Revelian: Okay, that does it. Time to make my famous soberer.

Elte: What's that??

Revelian reaches into a cabinet and starts to mix together some things. Soon, after a bit of stirring, he hands each of them a glass filled with weird, blue liquid.

Revelian: Drink it. It's gonna hurt like hell, but it'll take out the hangover.

They all drink it, soon clutching their heads in pain afterward. A few moments later, the pain stops and the hangover is gone!

Rebecca: What is that stuff?

Revelian: It's a special plant found in these parts that, when grounded up and mixed in water, pretty much snaps you out of a hangover. Hurts like hell for a minute, though.

Elte: No lie...

Pretty soon, Mori comes inside, clutching her head.

Mori: I'm not ever drinking that nasty stuff again.

Revelian hands her the special drink.

Mori: What's this revolting-smelling thing?

Revelian: Drink it. It'll knock you out of your hangover.

She drinks it. She then groans painfully.

Mori: Ugh, my head! It's just making it worse!!

Revelian: Give it a second.

Finally, Mori lets go of her head, and looks at Revelian in surprise.

Mori: What IS this? This is astonishing!

Revelian tells her of the plant.

Mori: Interesting. I'll have to get some samples myself some time.

Then Maxine comes into the kitchen and has a similar experience with the drink because I'm sick and tired of writing the same damned scene with different characters.

Finally, Karelia comes into the kitchen, wearing a blue set of robes. She's the only one of the group not to have gotten wasted last night.

Karelia: Hey there, you cute little lovebirds!!

Karelia bounces over to a chair and sits in it, smiling.

Umbra: You're awfully happy this morning, Karelia!

Karelia: I know!! Last night was great, wasn't it? I told you it would be fun!

Umbra: Well, it was pretty fun. Right, Revelian?

Revelian: I was tied to a table and tortured.

The group giggled. Revelian rolls his eye.

Karelia: So tomorrow's the big day, huh?

Umbra: Yep. Tomorrow's the day Revelian and I get married and spend the rest of our lives together.

As she said this, she leaned over to him and kissed him on his cheek.

So the day happens and nothing interesting happens CAN WE GET TO THE WEDDING DAY NOW?

## Chapter 9 - ~~Castle~~ Wedding Crashers

The big day.

Revelian stands at the altar, headbanging, which is located in his palace. He has a priest be a priest because he is a priest and has Zach be his best man. Yesterday, Mori had gotten Revelian a fine tuxedo-like suit for the wedding, and even got him a black cloak for it. Finally, the door opens up at the far end and Jast smacks Revelian upside the head to get him to stop headbanging. Umbra walks in, wearing a beautiful violet dress, while Mori and Crone walk on either side of her. They walk up to the altar, where Revelian takes off the veil covering her beautiful face. A priest guy who is priesting starts his speech, which was written by Jast.

Priest: WE HAVE GATHERED HERE TODAY TO WATCH THESE TWO UNITE IN HOLY MATRIMONY. BLAH BLAH FINAL WISHES ALL THAT CARP. MAY THE RING-BEARER WALK FORWARD!

Samuel walks forward, with a small pillow. Revelian and Umbra take the rings and put them on each other's fingers.

Priest: AND NOW...

Speech skip.

Priest: YOU MAY NOW KISS THE BRIDE.

They then lean forward to kiss each other...

And Delbin smashes through the door, panting.

Delbin: Y-YOU GUYS... HUFF HUFF... THERE'S THIS BIG ARMY MARCHING TOWARDS US... I THINK THEY'RE...

Suddenly, Delbin gets knocked out of the way by a tall Pragman wearing golden armor. A large group of them walk on either side of the red carpet, and kneel. Revelian simply draws his sword.

Finally, Astra walks forward, wearing a white dress.

Astra: Oh, what, did you stop the ceremony because of me? How modest.

Revelian: What the hell are you doing here, Astra?! No one invited you.

Astra: So I'm not allowed to see my sister get married to the freak she loves? How sad. Oh well, I didn't come here to watch anyways.

She snaps her fingers. One of her guards walks up...

Carrying Revelian and Umbra's baby. Astra takes the baby out of his hands and starts to stroke her nose. She whispered something, too low for anyone else to hear.

Astra: How beautiful. I'm surprised my disgusting sister and her monster of a groom could create something this beautiful.

She turns to leave. She looks at one of the guards.

Astra: I leave them to you.

She warps her and some of the weddinggoers away, and all of the guards draw swords! Umbra snaps her fingers, and her dress vanishes, revealing her normal attire.

Revelian: Neat trick. But how are you gonna fight without a weapon?

Umbra's eyes start to glow.

Umbra: You act like I can't use magic.

The guards all charge forward. Zach draws his own sword and leaps into the fray! Jast draws his anchor and rushes into battle! Samuel and the priest just run away.

Revelian: COME ON, SWINE OF ASTRA!! COME ON AND DIE.

Four guards leap at Revelian and all promptly get decapitated. Umbra, meanwhile, starts to float in the air and bombard the remaining guards with dark magic.

Revelian: When the hell did you learn that!?

Umbra: You forget already?? You taught me this stuff when you were at Pragma!!

Revelian: Curse my memory.

Zach and Jast also continue to fight off the guards. More start to come in through the foyer, and promptly get blown away by a powerful blast of magic by Umbra. Finally, they all seem to have been killed.

Revelian: Was that it? Pfft, Astra must have forgotten how strong I am.

Zach and Jast give Revelian an angry look.

Revelian: Of course, my friends made nice allies, too.

Jast shakes his head. Umbra runs up to Revelian.

Umbra: Revelian... They took her...!

Revelian: I know, I know. Jast, that pet you found - the map one -

Jast: Oh, Mapiru?

Revelian: Yeah. Take a look and see where they're headed.

They all get the pet Mapiru and proceed to look at the map in horror.

Jast: Jeez... Astra has been working under our noses.

They see large installations scattered throughout Ludus.

Jast: So what, are we going to war or something!?

Revelian stands up.

Revelian: Damn right we are.

## Chapter 10 - A Few Good Men (And A Woman) Go to War

Revelian, Jast, and Zach have gathered around Mapiru to plan their first attack.

Jast: So, as we can see, they've got the whole Seaside area taken over... We've got these massive docks up here to the north next to the channel, where Zach's old castle used to be, and a large factory is producing weapons across it, where Wodwick's old castle used to be. In the desert, we have large oil factories getting... oil... for their cause, and we finally have the snowfield, where their command is. We've got a big battle ahead of us.

Revelian: No kidding. And we're gonna take 'em all over.

Zach: The bastards demolished my castle!! BOTH OF THEM!! DAMMIT!!

Revelian: When we're done, we'll telethon you a new castle. Just relax.

Jast: So Revelian, are you going to get your Seashore Army into this?

Revelian: NAW, I'M NOT.

Jast facepalms.

Jast: I shouldn't ask stupid questions.

Revelian: So, I was thinking a split operation to take out both the Docks and the Factory. Me and Umbra will attack the Docks, and you, Zach, and some soldiers will take over the factory. We might even get Thomas into this.

Zach: Oh yeah, Thomas. How is Thomas?

Revelian: Doing good, actually.

Umbra: So, you and me are going to take over a facility by ourselves?

Revelian: You act like we're helpless.

Umbra: I didn't say that, but... it's still a large complex. What if we get outnumbered severely?

Revelian: Umbra. You act like we're helpless.

Umbra finally shakes her head and leaves, angry.

Jast: Revelian, I think you should...

Revelian is already behind her.

Jast: OK THEN NEVERMIND. So we're going with Revelian's plan?

Zach: It would be for the best.

Meanwhile, at the enemy HQ...

Astra lies on the bed, covered in a blanket and in front of a fire place. Soon, a Pragman walks in.

Generic: Ma'am... The assault failed.

Astra: Hm. That's disappointing. I need better generals.

She turns and glares at the Pragman, who happens to be a general.

General: U-umm...

She pulls out a handgun and fires a shot, hitting the general between the eyes.

Astra: Get this filth out of here. And where is my new contact?

As some maids nervously remove the body, a tall being walks into the room. He looks at Astra and simply grins.

???: Enjoying your pampered self, Astra?

Astra: Don't make me return you to that wreckage I dug you out of.

???: Meheheh... I'm a bit too valuable for that...

Astra: You think you are. So, are you set for the plan?

???: Yesss....

Astra: Bring me that bitch's head, and you'll get a nice reward...

She turns over and looks at the being.

???: Astra, please. Your body doesn't interest me. I'm long dead, remember? Meheheh....

Astra: Then you'll get pleasure of killing your arch-nemesis, Zeronius.

???: You mean Revelian... Hahahaha.... Yes, that would be my greatest reward... HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

The being laughs insanely, shaking violently.

Astra: Stop that laughing. It's irritating.

???: Yessss, your highness...

With that, the tall being walks out of the room, preparing for the plan.

Then the baby starts to cry.

Astra: Hahaha... Fuck you too.

## Chapter 11 - Joint Assault

Outside of the briefing room...

Revelian tries to talk to Umbra, who is angry about the fact that Revelian thinks they can easily take the job of taking over docks themselves.

Umbra: Revelian!! You know the enemies there outnumber us fifty-fold! We need, at the very least, some soldiers to use as backup!!

Revelian: Umbra, I know that, but we're two of the strongest beings in this world! Are you saying we can't take over some docking complex by ourselves?

Umbra: A docking complex that's probably heavily guarded!! Revelian, please. Just consider it. At least have some soldiers back us up. It would make me happy knowing we're not fighting a lonely battle.

Revelian nods.

Revelian: Ok, I'll get some Commandos to fight alongside us.

Umbra: Thank you, Revelian.

She kisses him once.

Revelian: Also, I got you a new weapon!

Umbra: Really?

Revelian then walks over to a storage crate and opens it. He pulls out a large box, and opens the case. He pulls out a wicked-looking machine gun.

Revelian: This is a heavy machine gun I had custom-made. It also has a flamethrower on it!

Umbra: You and your weird-ass weapons... But how is this better then my mini-gun?

Revelian: The bullets hit harder than yours, and they're generally more accurate. Also, there's next to no recoil on this. And hey, FLAMETHROWER?? The only bad part is that this thing can only fire burst rounds of eight before having to stop for a moment. But it's a pretty short moment.

Umbra: Okay, I'll give this thing a shot. But I'm also taking my stake gun.

Revelian: Right. Okay then, I'll get some Commandos and we'll prepare for the assault.

Umbra: One more question... What are these blades on the front?

Revelian: If enemies get too close for comfort, you can slice them up with them. Also, I nearly forgot... You can shoot the gas can from this thing and cause a massive inferno with it. However, you'll be out of Flamethrower ammo if you use it. It's a pretty nice room clearer, though, and you'll still have machine gun ammo, so... Yeah.

Umbra: Hmm, this does seem like an effective weapon... Thanks, Revelian.

Revelian: No problem. Now then, let's head out.

A few minutes later, the gang is on their way towards their targets on a transport plane.

Revelian: We have the ID on this thing set for civilian transport. That'll allow us to fly overhead without getting attacked. Me, Umbra, and three Commandos will dive onto the docks and land on a large crane. We're codenamed Alpha Team. Zach, Jast, Thomas, eight other Commandos, and eleven Skeleton Soldiers will dive down to the Factory, codenamed Bravo team. We have more troops situating there because the Factory complex is MUCH larger then the Docking complex. Once both complexes have been successfully occupied, we'll have the army move in and completely take it over. Now then, you all ready for this?

Everyone else is ready.

Revelian: Okay then... Here's our stop. Let's go!!

Revelian, Umbra, and the Commandos dive down towards the docks and land on a large crane.

Revelian: Diving successful. Good luck on your mission, Bravo team.

Zach: Same to you, Alpha.

Revelian and the rest of Alpha team throw the parachutes into the water. They then begin to spy on the docks.

## Chapter 12 - Dock Land

The complex itself was somewhat large. There were several ships still docked in, and there were two large buildings. Tramways helped with transporting things to the facility to be processed. There were many Pragman dock workers feverishly moving equipment and weapons, and there were many soldiers moving around as well.

Revelian points to a bunch of soldiers gathered around a burning oil drum.

Revelian: Umbra, launch a grenade at those soldiers. It'll clear a good amount of them out.

She launches a grenade, killing them all. This alerts the rest of the soldiers.

Revelian: Okay, Umbra, you stay here and snipe the soldiers that try to flank us or attack from behind. Me and the Commandos are going in.

Revelian and the Commandos leap down from the crane!

Some soldiers rush at them from the front. Revelian laughs as they get gunned down by the Commandos.

Revelian: The idiots don't even use guns!!

Revelian regrets saying that as bullets start to pound the ground in front of him. Revelian leaps into cover, and the two Commandos begin to fire on the attacking soldiers. Revelian soon leaps out and finishes them off.

Meanwhile, Umbra continues to snipe any enemies that she spots, having precise aim not to hit any dock workers. A soldier sneaks up behind her, having hook-wired up the crane. She doesn't even look at him as she points the stake gun at him and impales him into a wall. Soon, the battle is over.

Revelian: Okay, we've taken care of this area. Let's head towards one of the buildings. Umbra, let's go.

Umbra leaps down from the crane and joins Revelian. They head towards one of the large buildings. Revelian kicks the door open. Inside are loads of dock workers who went into hiding when the attack began.

Revelian: Clear. Just dock workers. Don't attack them.

C1: Why are a bunch of them chicks?

Revelian: Pragma's got a 70-30 gender ratio for "chicks" to everyone else.

C2: What? That's a little weird.

Revelian: I know, right? Anyways, this place is clear. Let's keep moving.

They head towards the second building, which looks a lot larger then the other one.

Revelian: We've got a hell of a fight on our hands... Get ready!

They kick the door down and dive behind some boxes as bullets start to pound the ground behind them. Umbra pops out and starts firing at some soldiers, taking them down. More simply follow suite. A Commando gets hit and killed. ~~My action sequences are divine.~~

Soldier 1: Stop worrying about the other guys!! If we kill that one bitch, we won't just get a promotion, we won't just get a damned medal, we'd get a statue in our honor AND get to sleep with Astra herself!

Soldier 2: ... What?

Finally, Umbra gets enraged and leaps out of cover!!

Revelian: UMBRA, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?

She starts to gun down all of the soldiers!!

Umbra: YOU FUCKERS COULD NEVER KILL ME!!

Finally, the soldiers appear to have all been gunned down!

Revelian: Wow...

But suddenly, another soldier runs out. He sees the carnage in front of him and backs up.

Then the same tall figure from before appears behind him and jabs him with a sword! The soldier falls to the ground, but starts to glow and stand up! His body grows to a monstrous size!!!

???: Sick 'em.

The monster charges at Umbra and bashes her with his fist, knocking her into a wall. It then picks her up and bashes her head on the side of a railing, then proceeds to ape-smash her into the ground!!

Revelian: Umbra!!

Revelian charges out of the cover and starts to attack the monster. The monster gets a right hook in, knocking Revelian's head sideways. But it simply spins back, and Revelian glares at the monster.

Revelian: You hit like a BITCH.

Revelian punches the monster himself, sending him flying through a wall. He leaps inside of the wreckage and continues to fight the monster!! More soldiers show up, as well, and take aim at Umbra's unconscious body. Another Commando leaps forward and shoots the other soldiers. He then grabs Umbra's beaten body and takes it back behind cover. Finally, Revelian decapitates the massive monster. It flails around a bit before falling to the ground.

Revelian: It's over. We've won.

He then heads back towards the cover, where Umbra lays on the ground.

Revelian: Dammit, Umbra!! Why the hell did you do that!?

Her body is bashed up badly. Her arm is twisted up, her mouth is knocked loose, and her eye is swollen. Cuts and gashes cover her body, and blood continuously leaks from the top of her head.

Revelian: Get her out of here and back to the infirmary! NOW!!

The other two Commandos comply. Revelian gets on the radio with Zach, who's busy fighting off enemies in the Factory.

Revelian: Zach!!

Zach: KINDA BUSY, REVELIAN!!!

Revelian: THE DOCK'S OURS.

Zach: AWESOME. WE'RE STILL FIGHTING OFF SOLDIERS IN THE FACTORY!!

Revelian: CAPS LOCK PARTY.

He cuts the contact and heads out of the docks.

## Chapter 13 - About That Same Time...

Cut back a few minutes.

Zach, Jast, and the other soldiers silently wait on the plane, ready to drop towards the factory. Zach soon spots it.

Zach: There it is. Let's get ready to drop.

They all leap out of the plane and land at the entrance.

They prepare to attack.

Zach: Okay guys, we need to split up if we're going to take over this base effectively. Jast, Thomas, and I will go to the mid-section, where the primary office is. The rest of you get split up into halves. Got it?

They all split up into teams. A lone Skeleton Soldier is left behind. He's armed with a customized rifle with a sight.

Zach: Hey, wait, what's your name, Skeleton Soldier?

SS: What?

Zach: What do you identify yourself with??

SS: Numbers, sir. I'm Skeleton Soldier #4871.

Zach: I'm calling you Jack for redundancy's sake. Come with us.

Jack: Really?? I can go with you guys???

Zach: Your gun. It's bad-ass.

Jack eagerly heads towards their team.

Thomas: So, are we heading out or what??

Thomas, unlike the other Commandos, wore golden armor. His head-mask was a bright, radiant red, and he was armed with two unique guns...

He had a custom handgun with an extended mag, holding 34 bullets, that was colored blue and had "Heaven" carved into the barrel. He also had a large revolver with an extended mag that was colored red and had "Hell" written on the barrel. He actually knew Jack, as the two used to be in the same unit before Revelian promoted him to general.

Thomas: Alright, then, let's go! Come on, Jack.

They all head out.

Zach: Let's try to be sneaky with this one... Time for a little espionage.

Zach pulls out a silenced gun and sneaks over to a guard post. Two guards stand on patrol. One's inside of a tiny building, and the other's leaning on the wall smoking a cigarette.

Zach: Smoking kills, dude.

He fires a shot, hitting the guard in the head. The other one looks outside, only to get shot by Zach.

Zach: The main gate's open, let's head inside and split up. The other two teams are meant as a distraction to allow us to sneak inside undetected. Then, if... *when* you make it out, make your way to the head complex.

C: We'd die for this mission, sir. This is a pivotal point, and if have to die in order to take it over, then so be it.

Zach: Well... Good luck out there. Alright, get ready...

He then yells out:

Zach: ATTACK.

The two teams charge towards the facility and starts to fight off the soldiers as a distraction. Revelian trained his soldiers well. Even the lowly Skeleton Soldiers get top-tier training in order to survive as long as possible. In the carnage, Zach and his team sneak by and head towards the main facility.

Jack: Okay, we did it! We've reached their main facility.

Zach: But still, we should expect heavy resistance.

Jast: Right, let's keep moving.

They soon arrive at the main facility. Sadly, Zach was right. There were still several soldiers guarding the main facility.

Zach: Dammit. Jack, do you have a silencer for that thing?

Jack pulls out a silencer.

Jack: Yessir.

Zach: Start to snipe those enemies. Keep your head low, okay?

Jack: Yes sir! I was voted "Best Shot" in my training!

Zach: Put those skills to use, kid.

Jack runs over behind a semi-truck. He climbs on top and hides behind some boxes. He starts to take aim at the soldiers.

Jack: Okay, let's do this...

He starts to snipe the soldiers, getting several headshots.

Zach: He's not bad.

Thomas: He said he was voted "Best Shot", didn't he? He didn't just mean "Best Shot" out of all Skeleton Soldiers.

Zach: You're kidding!!

Thomas: Dead serious.

Soon, Jack has amazingly sniped all of the guards in the area.

Zach: That... was amazing.

Jack: T-thank you, sir!

But then, a wall crumbles nearby, and a large swarm of soldiers rush in!!

Zach: DAMNIT!!

Zach grabs a gun from a fallen soldier. Jast still has a tommygun from his last adventure. Jack and Thomas have guns, too, just so you know that. BLUH.

Just then, Zach's radio blares out. It's Revelian.

Revelian: Zach!!

Zach: KINDA BUSY, REVELIAN!!!

Revelian: THE DOCK'S OURS.

Zach: AWESOME. WE'RE STILL FIGHTING OFF SOLDIERS IN THE FACTORY!!

Revelian: CAPS LOCK PARTY.

The radio signal gets cut. Zach starts to go on the assault, slicing up some soldiers that have gotten too close for comfort. Thomas and Jack work together- Thomas focuses on the offensive, while Jack snipes any soldiers trying to flank him. Jast climbs on top of one of the boxes and grabs a grenade launcher that was conveniently located inside of one.

Jast: SHAY HERRO TO MY RITTRE FRIEND!!

He starts to unload with the grenade launcher, blowing away several soldiers with one shot each.

Jack continues to snipe enemies gathering around Thomas. He suddenly gets grabbed from behind!!

Jack: S-shit!!

Jack grabs the attacking soldier's neck, then does a powerful flip using his nimble body and lands behind him.

Soldier: What the fuck?!

Jack grabs his rifle and stabs the soldier through his chest with his bayonet. He then kicks him off of the truck. Thomas sees the kill.

Thomas: GOOD WORK, KID!!

Jack: THANK YOU, SIR!! ...WATCH OUT!!

Thomas gets smacked by another one of those big enemies!! He goes flying towards a wall.

Zach: WHAT THE HELL IS THAT THING!?

They all hear loud, insane laughter coming from above them. Zach looks up to see a figure wave at him, then fly off.

Jack starts to unload on the monster, but the bullets don't seem to have any effect. Jast leaps down from the truck and shoots the monster with a grenade. The monster gets knocked back, but doesn't even look wounded!

Jast: Whatever it is, it's durable as helc! ... Assuming that helcite materials are durable.

Jack suddenly leaps down from the truck and charges at the monster! He leaps on the monster's back and starts to stab away at his head with the bayonet!!

Zach: JACK, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?

Jack finally manages to give a powerful stab through the top of the monster's skull, stabbing through its brain. The monster finally keels over and dies!!

Zach: God damn, that was amazing, Jack!! Hell, we've won! Look!!

The rest of the soldiers, who witnessed the battle, all walk out and surrender.

Zach: Wait a second... Thomas!!

Thomas is lying on the ground, beaten badly.

Thomas: Dammit... I ain't gonna make it.

Zach: Oh, come on man, don't die on me here!!

Thomas: JACK!! Come here!!

Jack nervously walks towards Thomas. Thomas throws him two things... Heaven and Hell, Thomas' weapons.

Thomas: Use 'em, kid... You'd do better with them then I could...

Jack: T...thank you, sir...

Thomas: Don't let these fuckers kill you, man. You've gotta survive where I stumbled...

Thomas then dies. Zach slams his fist into the ground, angrily.

Zach: Dammit... Well, we managed to take over the factory... Are there any surviving troops??

From the gate, three Commandos and three Skeleton Soldiers come forward.

Zach: Well, we have survivors, at least...

The Skeleton Soldiers run over to Jack.

SS1: Wow, you killed this thing, 4871?

SS2: That's friggin' awesome!!

SS3: Where'd you get those awesome guns?!

SS1: What happened to Thomas?!

Jast: YOU'RE ALL ASKING TOO MANY QUESTIONS.

Zach gets on the radio to Revelian.

Zach: Revelian!

Revelian: ... Yeah...?

Zach: We've taken over the factory... But we lost Thomas... We've got a kid who's got some serious skills, though. He managed to take down some giant monster all by himself!

Revelian: One of those big fuckers...? Yeah, we got attacked by one too... Umbra, she's...

Zach: Oh god... she's not...

Revelian: She's beaten badly, man. The doctor says the only reason she even survived is because she's a lot more powerful than most... She's in a fucking COMA right now...!! DAMMIT...

Zach could hear the anger and sadness in Revelian' voice...

Zach: I'm sorry to hear that, man...

Revelian: It's okay... We've gotta assault, with or without her...

Zach: ...

Revelian: Return to base... I'll get the army to occupy the captured areas. We'll use them for our benefit... Operation Joint Assault was a success...

With that, Revelian cuts the radio feed. Zach, Jast, and Jack return to base. Jack carries Thomas' body.

No one celebrated.

## Chapter 14 - Things Heat Up

As Zach's team arrives at the starting base, they begin to plot their next move... Umbra isn't with them.

Revelian: She's in the infirmary, getting treatment. She's on life support. She will not be with us for what is most likely the rest of this mission.

Zach: Roger. And what's the next thing we're going to attack?

Revelian points to a large oil complex located in the desert.

Revelian: This is the only really major point in the desert- A large facility that is pumping out oil from beneath the desert. If we can take over this base and stockpile on the oil received, we'll never have to worry about fuel again. This time, we're going for a full-frontal assault. We'll all meet at the entrance to the complex, and-

A massive quake shuts down the briefing map.

Revelian: What the hell was that?!? REPORT!!

C: SIR!! WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!! SINGLE HOSTILE! HE'S HEADING TO THE INFIRMARY!!

Revelian: Oh no... Umbra!!

Revelian charges out of the briefing room and dashes towards the infirmary.

Inside, is none other...

... than Shenanigans.

He has changed substantially since his original appearance. His hunchbacked composure is now fixed. He wears a bizarre robe, where one half is yellow, and the other half is blood red with stains of matching color. The exposed half of his face is burned away, revealing his skull.

Shenanigans: NOT ONE STEP CLOSER, NEGATIVE.

Revelian: SHENANIGANS!! HOW THE HELL ARE YOU ALIVE?!?

Zach and Jast soon storm into the infirmary.

Zach: OH FUCK! THAT'S THE GUY FROM THE FACTORY!! YOU MEAN HE WAS SHENANIGANS ALL ALONG!?!

Shenanigans: You learn fast, dragonkin. Yes, I'm back... and itching for revenge...

Revelian: How the hell did you come back!?

Shenanigans: That Astra brought me back... She knows about my deep-seated hatred for you... And she wants you dead, too! I figured it would be best to work with her... for a little while, at least... Then, after you've died and I've absorbed your power, I'll kill her and take this world over myself!! Mehehe...AHAHAHAHAH!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!

Shenanigans quakes violently from the laughter.

Shenanigans: I'd love to stay and play, boys, but I'm afraid I need to leave, and I'll be taking this little doll right here with me...

He then warps off, carrying Umbra with him.

Revelian: MOTHERFUCKER!!

Revelian angrily picks up the bed and throws it across the room, making Jast duck underneath of it.

Revelian: READY THE TROOPS. WE'RE FUCKING MOVING OUT.

...Back at the enemy HQ...

Astra silently overlooks some maps. Inside walks Shenanigans.

Shenanigans: Mehehe... I've gotten something you might like...

He pulls Umbra's still-comatose body out from behind him.

Astra: Is she dead?

Shenanigans: Not yet...

Astra: I wanted her DEAD, Shenanigans. Not her in a coma.

Shenanigans: In the condition she's in, she won't survive days without life support... Just enough time to get Revelian and his friends to the oil complex and take them all out...

Astra: A trap? Hmm... Clever. But you're no use to me dead. Revelian would kill for her, and he would definitely kill one of his worst enemies to save her. Kill her and be done with her.

Shenanigans: Not until Revelian is dead.

Astra: Follow orders, Shenanigans.

Shenanigans: Nah, not this time.

He grabs Umbra and walks out of the room.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the HQ...

Crone has obtained a book detailing the history of Ludus. They have been studying it for days... They then come upon a page that frightens them.

They find Shenanigans' profile.

Crone: Wait...

They read on how he is the Spirit of Trickery, and how he is a threat to anyone he encounters. It also details that this isn't the only time he's been under someone else's command. The first time, he killed the commander just to absorb him. As they read on in horror, a figure silently steps into the library. The door slams shut behind her. Crone spins around...

To see Shenanigans, glaring at them with a wicked smile on his disgusting face.

Shenny: Hey, Crone. Ever heard of an old saying? Curiosity killed the cat.

Some time later...

Revelian had gotten the army up to the Oil Complex. The place was much larger then both the factory and the docks.

Revelian: Prepare for attack. Get some Commandos to bomb those guard towers. When the operation begins, I'm gonna be heading towards their main facility. Don't follow me.

Jast: What? Why??

Revelian: I bet that cock-eyed bastard's in there somewhere. I'm gonna kill him again and get Umbra back. She won't last much longer without life support. If she dies, then I... I can't let that happen.

Jast: Understood...

After a few minutes, the attack begins. Revelian flies past the enemy guards, decapitating a few as he flies by, and proceeds towards the main facility. He kicks the door down and flies past more guards, not even bothering with them. He soon winds up in a large room. Umbra is tied upside down by her feet. He hears an insane laugh behind him.

Revelian: You fucking bastard... Let her go... NOW.

Shenny: I don't think so.

Revelian spins around and deflects a blast from Shenny.

Shenny: Sharp as ever, I see... You've changed quite a bit, Negative.

Revelian: I could say the same for your twisted ass.

Shenny: Meheheh...

Revelian: Does Astra know who you are?

Shenny: Nope. This one found out, though...

He conjured up an orb, revealing Crone's face - wounded, and choked within an inch of their life.

Shenny: It would be no fun to kill this little bookworm, though. At least, not yet. That'll come after you and Astra, and the rest of this pitiful world. And then the universe will just be fit for conquering... HAAHAHAHAHAH!!!!

Revelian: Damned Lunatic. You should have stayed in Hell where you belong!

Outside, the fighting is intense. Many Pragmans and Skeleton Soldiers are dying across the map.

Zach: Dammit, we REALLY need Revelian for this shit!

He spins around to behead more soldiers charging towards him.

After several hours...

Revelian stands over the defeated Shenny.

Revelian: You're still too weak to win, Shenanigans.

Shenny: Hahah... Sadly for you, I have a backup plan!

He launches a fire blast towards a pool of oil. It ignites, and starts to burn away. What Revelian missed was that a line of oil was placed... And it ended on Umbra.

Shenny: It's either me or her, Zeronius... Hehehe!

Revelian spins back towards him. He smiles.

Revelian: You're still gonna die here, you Lunatic.

Revelian charges and cuts the chain holding Umbra, pushing her away before the oil burns her. Shenny laughs and flies off...

And gets a sword stabbed through his head by Zach.

Zach: Haha, saved in a flash!

Shenny: D-Damnit!! I thought you were fighting off soldiers!!

Zach: Most of those guys are in la-la land now. And now it's your turn. I'll let Revelian do this.

Revelian walked over towards the still squirming Shenny and beheads him. His body the the ground, and Zach knocks the head off of his sword. Revelian angrily smashes the remains with his foot.

Revelian: Stay dead, you fucking freak.

Revelian picks up Umbra and Crone, then they all head out, having captured the oil facility.

## Chapter 15 - Old Friend

Revelian silently leads his army towards the mountain series. He then hears something in the distance.

Revelian: Give an order to stop.

A Commando runs off to give the order.

Zach: What's going on?

Revelian is silent. He motions for Zach to follow him to the top of the mansion, where a mansion sits.

Zach: Elte... Wasn't she taken by Astra?

Revelian: I think she must've made it back, or found her way out, or something. This place just feels... different whenever she's around.

They head inside, and the door locks behind them.

Revelian: We'll be alright.

Two white pupils glare at them.

Revelian: Stand your ground.

A Blauxolm walks towards them, mouth agape.

Revelian: Relax. It's us.

Elte: Oh thank god.

She runs over and hugs Revelian. Having a tall, blue monster hug you is awkward, though.

Revelian: Uh, yeah, let go. Where the hell were you?! We needed you back there!!

Elte transforms back to her normal self.

Elte: It's been no picnic here, either! I figured I'd slip away and help out on this side of the country while you guys worked your magic, and that you'd stop by whenever you had things under control!

Zach said nothing.

Elte: Come on, am I wrong? How long have we been smashing faces in, huh? We're pros at the stuff! Remember that last time with- what was it, the bird?- the bird, we-

Zach: We're not doing so great. Umbra got hurt... badly. She's in a coma...

Elte: ... Oh.

Revelian simply sighs.

Revelian: Listen. We need a heavy-hitter back on our front. When I'm not around, the troops... falter a bit. If we have someone tough, we could be much more effective.

Elte: Say no more. I'm coming.

They all head out back towards the army. Revelian has the troops move out again...

## Chapter 16 - Let's All Just

They soon arrive in the snowfield...

Zach: Well, here we are. Where's the enemy's main base, again??

Revelian: All the way across the snowfield, at where the Ice Palace used to be. It's a bit of a walk, it'd take days to get there.

Zach: Good thing we have plenty of supplies.

Revelian: Yup...

Meanwhile...

Karelia is still upset that Astra had actually kidnapped Revelian and Umbra's child... She felt horrible about it. She wanted to do something about it. But as a Liljequist - an "enemy" of the Zeronius Clan - Astra considered her an ally. She wouldn't be able to overpower anyone from in here, but if she could bide her time and gain Astra's trust, she might be able to help out Revelian later on.

A guard pushes past her, heading towards Astra's room.

Karelia: Hey, what's the big idea?

Guard: The enemy has made it to the snowfield. They'll be here soon enough. I've got to tell Astra...

He keeps moving. Karelia gets an idea... If the army's in the Snowfield, then she might be able to get the child to Revelian. She'd kidnap her - collecting was in her blood - but she wondered how she could do it. Hiking to Revelian's army would take too long, flying would be noticed instantly, and teleportation was prevented by magic. And there was still the matter of taking the child - she'd get noticed quickly, and that would just get the little one killed. But she had to find a way...

She heard an angry scream from Astra's room. It was Astra.

Astra: If those fuckers get here, then I want that damned child of hers dead. Do you understand?! It's bad enough that the stupid jester failed me. Now we've not only lost Umbra, but they're almost here!! I'll make sure that even if they DO win, they'll still suffer!! NOW GET OUT!!

Karelia knew she had to act, fast.

The baby was kept in Astra's room. She just had to wait until Astra left for whatever reason. She went into the library, which was next to her room, and sat there, quietly. She soon heard the sound of Astra's door opening, and she saw two figures leave the room. She jumped up and looked down the hallway.

Sure enough, she saw Astra's sparkling hair as she turned a corner. Karelia dove inside the room and snatched the kid.

Karelia: Shh, I'm gonna get you out of here...

She slowly closed the door and went back inside the library. The baby seemed happy to see her. She playfully grabbed Karelia's nose.

Karelia: Shh! You'll get me caught!!

Karelia could only laugh at the irony of this situation. She heard Astra go back into her room. Karelia ran out of the library and dashed down the hallway. She saw a bunch of guards standing around. If they saw her carrying the baby inside of the blanket, she was done for. She looked down.

The baby had vanished. Karelia gasped, surprised. The baby re-appeared, with a big grin on her face.

Karelia: Look, do that again! I need you to!!

The baby looked at her, confused. She then grinned again and vanished. Karelia started to walk by the guards. They didn't question why she had a bunch of blankets on her arms.

Right as she turned the corner, the baby laughed loudly.

Guard: What the...!? She has the baby!! Shoot her!!

Karelia made a mad dash towards the exit, getting chased by guards. She was caught from both sides by some more guards. The only way out was a window...

She leaped through the window, landing over the wall. She then started to run like hell towards the west.

Mori, who had been using her magic to see all of this from her dungeon cell, thought to herself.

Mori: So Karelia has the baby... Perhaps now is the time to move.

Her eyes flooding with light, the image of the guards chasing Karelia faded out- and the two appeared directly in front of Mori.

Guard: Whuh...?

Mori: Hello there.

Guard 2: How did we get here??

Guard 3: Stand your ground! You, prisoner, stay put!

Mori: As you wish.

With all the guards pointing their weapons at her, chills ran down their spines as they heard the unmistakable noise of every cell gate opening behind them.

Maxine cracked her knuckles.

Rebecca snarled.

Mori: After all, the front row is the best place to watch the show.

Meanwhile...

Karelia continues to run across the snowfield. She's exhausted by this point, but can't stop. She has to keep going. After another two hours of running, she falls to her knees, freezing and about to pass out. She keeps herself conscious, barely. She looks down at the baby. She can only smile at her. She has beautiful, crimson skin, and orange peach fuzz on her hair.

Karelia: What can I name you...? You haven't been named, right? ... How about... Solaria? I know it's dumb... But hey, it's still something... Hahaha...

She keeps moving, still cold. Still no sign of hope.

Hours later...

Karelia is literally crawling across the snowfield. She has the baby on her back. She hasn't heard a word from the baby. She feared that the baby has actually died...

Karelia: C-come on, little guy... say something...

The baby coos softly, sounding perfectly alright.

Karelia: I'm glad you're okay... But I can't last much longer...

Her core has started to freeze up without her goggles. She feels herself going numb, unable to move... She can only do one more thing.

Karelia: SOMEONE.... ANYONE!! HELP US!!!

A few yards away...

Jack is out on patrol in a vehicle. He hears the screams for help!

Jack: What? Who's out there!?!

He hears the voice cry out again. He drives towards the voice... And finds Karelia, nearly passed out, with a baby on her back.

Jack: Good God, are you alright?!

Karelia: J-just take Solaria... Leave me here...

Jack: No way!! Come on, you're both coming with me!

He gets Karelia in the seat, then places the baby in his lap. He notices that, despite the freezing weather, the baby is perfectly alright. She grins at him.

Jack: What... Is this Revelian's child...!?

Karelia: I... stole her... from the headquarters...

Jack: What?! You could have died out here!!

Karelia: The baby... would have died.... if I didn't...

Jack: Well, you're safe now! I'll get you out of here!

Suddenly, an explosion rocks the vehicle, nearly knocking it over!!

Jack: SHIT!! ENEMY TANKS!!

Jack floors the gas, driving away from the enemy tanks that followed Karelia. He hits a ramp and goes flying over the wall of a fort that the army set up. He drives towards the infirmary and comes to a screeching halt in front of it.

Jack: GET HER TO THE INFIRMARY!! NOW!! SHE HAD REVELIAN'S CHILD!! SHE SAVED HER!!

A large commotion occurs. Jast, who was standing nearby, runs off to tell Revelian of the news.

A few minutes later...

Revelian opens the door into the infirmary. Karelia lies in a hyper-heated room, in order to balance her body heat.

Karelia: Hey-hey-hey...

Revelian: Dammit. Dammit, Karelia! You could have gotten yourself killed!! ...But... I'm thankful that you got my kid out of that hellhole...

Karelia: How is she... How's Solaria...?

Revelian: Solaria?

Karelia: That's what I called her... Do you like it...?

Revelian smiles.

Revelian: Beautiful.

Karelia smiles a bit and leans back.

Karelia: Haha... I did something right, at least...

She passes out.

Revelian turns back around to let her sleep. He walks into another room to see how the baby- Solaria- is.

Revelian: How is she, doc?

Doctor: It's... astonishing, really. She's perfectly okay! No cold, no frost-bite, no fatigue... It's impressive!!

Revelian: Damn.

Doctor: I ran some tests... The baby has a radiating energy core inside of her, like yours, but without the ability to see... It's tiny, but it kept her warm through that nightmare.

Revelian: Yeesh...

Doctor: But she's perfectly okay, now. You can relax.

Revelian nods and leaves the room.

Meanwhile...

Inside Umbra's room...

Umbra's eyes open. Her vision is blurry and red for a moment as she hears disturbing voices in her head. Memories flood into her head. Finally, she blinks, and the disturbing voices vanish and her vision returns to normal. Her body is numb and she can't move. But she can talk.

Umbra: Hello...?

A voice comes from across the room. It was a doctor.

Doctor: Well, good morning. Glad to see you're out of that coma.

Umbra: A coma...?

Doctor: You got beat up pretty badly.

Umbra: Where's Revelian?

Doctor: I was just about to call him.

A few moments later, Revelian pushed his way into the room. He ran over and hugged Umbra.

Umbra: Easy now, my arm's still broke.

He pulls away from her and kisses her.

Umbra: Did you miss me that much?

Revelian: You know it.

Umbra: Where are we?

Revelian: We've taken over most of the complexes in the territory. We're on our way to take over the main HQ.

Umbra: Let's get there and get our baby back.

Revelian: No need to worry about the baby.

Karelia, who has recovered by this point, walks in holding Solaria.

Umbra: M-my baby...!

Karelia gives Umbra the baby. She hugs her and kisses her all over.

Umbra: H-how did you get her...?!

Karelia: I broke out and took her with me. I named her Solaria...

Umbra: Solaria... That's a beautiful name, Karelia.

Karelia: Thank you... I can only hope everyone else is doing okay. Your other friends were chained up last I knew... the only reason I was kept separate was because she thought I'd be against you two as a Liljequist.

Revelian: We'll get them back. We're still going to take down Astra. She has to pay for this.

Umbra had a look of pure rage on her face.

Umbra tried to get up.

Umbra: GET ME MY GUN!! I'M GONNA SHOVE IT SO FAR UP MY SISTER'S ASS, SHE'LL BE SINGING SOPRANO WHEN I'M DONE WITH HER!!!

She tried to stand up, but wound up nearly falling down. Revelian picked her back up and put her back on the bed.

Revelian: You're not going anywhere. You still can't walk, and your arm's broken.

Umbra: She wasn't always like this... She used to actually be kind...

Revelian stopped her at that point.

Revelian: What she did to you was horrible, and she's done nothing to show she'll stop anytime soon. You don't need to keep holding on to that memory. What's done is done- and we're gonna get payback with interest real soon.

Umbra nodded. Revelian then left the room in order to advance his armies again...

A day or so later...

And they arrive at the enemy HQ.

## Chapter 17 - High End Castle

Revelian silently overlooks the enemy HQ via a telescope. (He has one eye, remember?)

The HQ was a large castle, situated on an old mountain. A large barracks settlement lies at the base of it, where the soldiers sleep. Revelian knew that this would to be tough. He doubted that there were any civilians in the area, but he couldn't be sure. It was going to be a bloodbath either way.

Meanwhile, at the castle...

Maxine, Mori, and Rebecca storm into Astra's room.

Astra sneered.

Astra: I'm not even going to act surprised about the guards.

Rebecca spat out a golden helmet.

Astra: Pitiful mistake you've all made coming here, though. I know that the Negative will be coming to get his revenge no matter what - I don't need to keep any of you alive.

Mori: You seem to have missed the part where you are in your room with no backup.

Maxine: You've got "newcomer" written all over you - welcome to Ludus. Talk as big a game as you want, IDC's ready to smack some sense into you, and we don't need Mr. Zeronius to do it.

Astra: Oh, you naive little things. You have much to learn.

The light in front of Astra shifted - this confused her, and she squinted. Shifting like a mirage, a figure shimmered into view, recovered from most of their wounds.

Crone: Enlighten me.

Meanwhile...

Revelian and the army storm the base.

Revelian: Alright! Zach, Jast, Karelia, and Jack! Come with me!! Elte, break them up!!

Elte transforms into a beastly form and leaps over the wall. Revelian and the others tear through the enemies and head towards the castle, gunning for the infirmary.

Revelian: Jack, get in there and secure it.

Jack storms inside... stopped at the door by a large sigil, managed by Mori.

Jack: Huh??

Mori: Ah, welcome. Hurry, please.

Mori dispelled the magic. Rebecca and Maxine had moderate wounds, but Crone was by far the most battered.

Crone: ... Ghh... Death, old bud, I thought we had a deal...

Jack: I'm not... who are all of you?

Rebecca: Friends of Revelian... Please, tell him we need help!

Revelian storms inside.

Revelian: God. Crone, what happened?

Crone: Tried to take on the teach... no dice. We retreated here before you came.

Revelian: Jack, you're going to get promoted after this. Stay here and guard this lot - we'll send in all the backup we can. Don't let anything else happen to them.

Maxine: Uh, Mr. Z? No offense, but... is he gonna be enough to help us out until the docs get here?

Revelian: That's our "Best Shot" you're talking about, Max. You up for the job, Jack?

Jack: Yes, SIR!

Revelian leaves, and meets up with Jast, Zach, and Karelia.

Revelian: Karelia, get in there and tend to their wounds. Jack can cover you.

Karelia: I'll go in there and defend them with my LIFE if I have to!!

Revelian: Go to it. We're moving out. It's time to end this.

Revelian, Zach, and Jast keep moving. They soon reach the top of the castle!

Revelian: ASTRA!! IT'S THE END OF THE ROAD FOR YOU!!

Astra stands before a flying machine.

Astra: I must disagree, Revelian. This is far from over. I'll see you in Universe City!!

She climbs inside of the chopper and it flies off.

Revelian: God dammit!! She got away from us!

Zach: Fly after her!! Or teleport!! Or something!!

Revelian: Can't fly in this weather, can't teleport with the spells she has on the castle. But we know where she's going...

Jast: Universe City? That old place??

Zach: Yeah. What's there??

Revelian: It doesn't matter. That's where we're going next.

Zach: This just can't end, can it?

Revelian: It's going to. Real soon.

They head back to the infirmary to regroup.

Maxine: Boss! Any news?

Zach: She ran off to Universe City, which is just east of here.

Rebecca: Universe City? Where's that?

Jast: We know the way. It's this old metropolis of off-world tech. Kuipter used it as a base a while back.

Revelian: Many a hard time was had by that city. And now things are just gonna get worse for it.

Rebecca: So... she ran off there? We can't just sit here then... we've gotta go after her!

Revelian: Exactly. Wait, how's the attack going??

Mori: You'll be pleased to know that we've laid enough waste to her guard before your arrival. The remainder is likely to surrender without their leader.

Revelian: Astra most likely has some form of army in Universe City, too. It's highly likely that she has had that place under her control for quite some time. It's time to take it back and end this foolish war. Her reign of terror is going to end. And the end begins... now.

## Chapter 18 - Cold Reception

Revelian and the others walk outside. The castle has been taken over by this point. Soldiers are surrendering left and right.

Revelian: Well, this place is taken over. Now then, let's get back to base to prepare for our next move...

Zach: What about you all? What are you going to do?

Mori: Assist you, of course. This planet wouldn't do well under Astra's management.

Rebecca: There might not be a planet to come back to if we don't help out!

Zach: Alright then, let's go.

They all head back towards the field HQ. When they arrive, Revelian walks into the infirmary. Umbra has already gotten healthy.

Umbra: Universe City, huh?

Revelian: Astra ran off there. This is the end of the line. We're calling in everyone we know to help us out, too. Well, except for Crone... They're in bad shape...

Umbra: What happened??

Revelian: Shenanigans attacked them, they got their ass beat, they recovered and went right for Astra. Getting that close to death in such a short timespan can't be good for anyone.

Umbra: That's horrible... Wait, Shenanigans?! That clown that your brother hired?

Revelian: Yeah. Had to kill him again.

Umbra: Well, of course I'm coming with you. My sister has to pay for this.

Revelian: Right-on. Let's go to the briefing room.

Revelian and Umbra leave the infirmary and head to the briefing room. Inside are Zach, Jast, Jack, Elte, Mori, Maxine, and Rebecca.

Zach: Alright, everyone, gather around. We've got a big mission ahead of us.

Jast: Alright, I'll lay out the situation. As we've guessed, Universe City has definitely been fortified since the Dr. Sand incident. We believe Astra has had the city under her control for months, hence why we haven't heard any contact from it. The city has been heavily fortified, having checkpoints and barricades set up across all of the major highways...

Jast then pulls up a map showing Universe City and it's many routes.

Jast: As you can tell, Universe City is large and complex. The enemy base is believed to be in the new capital building, located in the center of the city. This building, known as "New-Hope Tower", is a giant skyscraper that towers over the rest of the city. Ironic name, huh? When we're done with it, they should call it the New Blood Tower. Anyways, back to the city... We've decided to go as separate teams. We've got a shipment of sports bikes here, and I hope you all can drive. We'll have two per bike- One shoots, one drives. We'll have two bikes per team... And now I'll lay out the teams. We'll have Revelian and Umbra, Zach and... wait, weren't you, like, dying?

All eyes fall on Crone, who is in the room with them.

Crone: Yeah. Hate when that happens.

Jast: Your condition's still pretty bad! If something happens to you, you'll be done for!

Crone: And without all hands on deck, we'll all be done for. Astra herself has been my instructor for years. I might be your best chance to counter her.

Jast: Ugh... I'm not going to argue with you! Anyways... Revelian and Umbra, Zach and Crone, Mori and Maxine, Rebecca and Elte, Jack and Karelia, and... wait, where am I?!

Revelian: Sorry, we ran out of people.

Then, Lazro walks in.

Lazro: I'M TIRED OF NOT BEING IN THIS STORY.

Jast: Okay, and lastly, the dream team. Now then, for the two-bike teams, we'll have Revelian/Umbra and Zach/Crone, Mori/Maxine and Rebecca/Elte, and lastly, Jack/Karelia and myself/Lazro. So we have three teams. Each one will take a route through the city. If things get hairy, take the next best thing! Get to the capital, where we'll meet up.

Rebecca: Is being separated like this really necessary...??

Jast: If we all go at once, we could all get taken out easily. If we split up, it'll make it harder for the enemy to concentrate their forces.

Rebecca: I see... Okay then...

Maxine: Alright-alright-alright! Enough of this!! Let's go already!!!

Jast: ARGHCGFDSGVSRTHYCSYTH. YOU BE SILENCY.

Revelian: Thank you...

Jast: Ugh, sorry. Just relax. If we get too fired up, it'll make it all the easier for us to mess up. Okay?

Maxine: The sooner we get moving, the better!

Zach: Alright. We all set with the plan?

Everyone else is ready.

Zach: Alright, let's move out.

They head outside, to where the sports bikes are.

Revelian: I hope that you all know how to drive these things.

Jast: Oh shmit I forgot about that.

Zach: Relax! I taught them how to drive sports bikes during their week here.

Jast: Well, isn't that a convenient little plot point!!

Revelian: Are you really going to complain about it?

Jast: NOPE DO YOU HEAR ME COMPLAINING NO SIR.

Mori: This is getting dull.

Revelian: Mindreader. Let's go.

They all get into their teams and drive off. Umbra, Crone, Mori, Rebecca, Karelia, and Lazro are the drivers, while Revelian, Zach, Maxine, Jack, and Jast give cover.

They soon arrive at the tunnel that leads into the city. A large roadblock is ahead.

Revelian: GUN IT!! DRIVE OVER THE RAMP!!

They all fly over the blockade using a nearby ramp that was left behind. They start getting chased by bikes as they arrive in the city!!

Revelian activates his radio.

Revelian: You hear me?

Everyone: Roger!

Revelian: OK! Get in your teams and move out!!

Umbra and Crone drive down one street. The metropolis has definitely been improved since the Dr. Sand incident. The buildings have been reconstructed, and the city looks lively again. It's also crawling with tanks and soldiers. Only a few civilians roam the street - they're all Pragman.

Crone: What do you think happened to the other people who lived here?

Revelian: Most likely driven out. Or killed.

Umbra: Charming.

Some of the bikes that followed them through the tunnel soon appears behind them. Revelian raises and fires the machine gun, knocking a driver off and killing him. The other one starts to get close, and soon gets ignited by Revelian's flamethrower. It goes skidding towards a brick wall and smashes into it, exploding. Umbra makes a sharp right, dodging some moving vehicles.

Revelian: OK!! WE'RE ALMOST ON THE MAIN ROUTE!! EVERYONE THERE?!

Jast: YOU DON'T HAVE TO YELL. We're there!

Revelian: Alright then, let's go!!

The teams soon meet up on the main highway. The capital building is in sight!! Umbra pops a wheelie and slams into a ramp, flying over a large blockade. She smashes into the capital!!

Revelian: HOLY SHIT UMBRA.

Umbra: What's the matter, Revelian?? Can't take the heat??

Revelian: SERIOUSLY, THAT SHIT'S SOMETHING I WOULD DO!!

Umbra: Well, I did it first!

They both bail out of the bike as it goes flying towards the reception desk. An Pragman runs away screaming as the bike smashes into it and explodes. The rest of the gang soon arrives.

Zach: Dayum. Umbra did that??

Revelian: You underestimate her.

Umbra: Just because I've got a pretty face doesn't mean I can't break yours.

She grins as she walks off.

Revelian: Yeah, let's keep moving.

## Chapter 19 - Welcome To The Party, Baby

Revelian has everyone gather around.

Revelian: Alright, listen. I'll take my usual gang to take on Astra while the rest of you-

Crone: Absolutely not. We're not gonna sit here on the sidelines.

Revelian: Fine. We're heading towards the top floor. I've just received word from outside - all the rest of Astra's forces are being cleaned up by our backup squad.

Zach: Wait, we have a backup squad? Why did I not know about all this?

Revelian: Delinius, Samuel, and Squato have been holding down the fort for a while - they got in touch with some of the Commandos and worked out strategies without us needing to get involved. And I can only pity the lingering troops in Astra's castle and beyond.

Jast: How's that?

Maxine: Seriously? Pragman invasion, I go missing, and you think my boyfriend's gonna sit around and let it happen?

Jast mouths "boyfriend" to himself. Maxine facepalms.

Maxine: It's Hankvi! He came looking for me, and god help anyone who gets in his way.

Revelian: Lucky we got in contact with him directly before he went totally berserk - he's doing a lot of work on the other end. Let's move out! Get into your teams! We're gonna assault different parts of the building in order to spread our attack. Alright! Zach. Crone, and Umbra, with me!

Revelian and his team runs towards the door. The other teams split up to attack different parts as well. Revelian opens the door and walks inside. Inside is a large office complex. A door opens up on the opposite side of the room, and some Royal Guards come out. One in particular is different - instead of being white, this one was a dark shade of grey. Its eyes were glowing yellow, and it had bat-like wings. Its helmet was also somewhat Gothic in style.

Revelian: Umbra, aren't those YOUR guards?!

Umbra: Oh please, all of these bastards are under Astra's payroll.

Zach: Wait, Umbra has her own guards??

Revelian: Yes, unlike Astra's guards, these are hired mercenaries. They're quite a bit more dangerous then Astra's guards... They're called Dark Royal Guards.

Suddenly, some computer monitors... come to life. They start to attack the guards!!

Zach: Woah, what the hell!?

Umbra: Oh, I'm just having some fun, is all.

Zach: Wait wait what... You can turn non-living things into... well, living things?! Holy shit!!

Revelian: You ought to've seen the first time she did that to me. I had a statue of a dragon in my palace. She made it come to life and attack me because we got into an argument over who got the last piece of toast for breakfast. Needless to say, that statue is now gone.

Zach: God damn! That's friggin awesome! Why don't you use this more often?!

Umbra: Well, the side effects can be... nasty...

A computer starts to thrash around violently before exploding.

Umbra: Yeeah.

They clear out the now-confused guards and head across the room. There's an elevator shaft.

Revelian: Alright. We can get to the top floor with this!

Revelian and the others climb inside.

Revelian: Dammit, must be some kind of lock on here... We can only go up two-thirds of the way. That's still pretty good.

Revelian presses a button and the elevator starts to rise up. The gang sits inside, bored.

Zach: So... Revelian... What happened at your bachelor party, anyways?

Crone: Really the time for this, horndog?

Umbra facepalms.

The elevator (finally) stops. Revelian and the others walk out...

To find themselves surrounded by Dark Royal Guards.

Zach: Oh crap...

Revelian silently glares and starts to get angry. But before anything can happen, he gets hit with a powerful blast that drains his energy!!

Umbra: Revelian!!

Umbra kneels down to check on Revelian.

Revelian: Ugh... Umbra, look out!!

Umbra spins around to receive a back-handed slap from Astra. She gets sent tumbling towards a wall.

Crone: HEY!!

Astra spins towards her and pulls out her gun and fires a single shot, hitting Crone in the stomach. They get knocked off their feet, and Zach runs over to help them.

Astra: Guards, finish these two pests off. I'll be taking Revelian and Umbra for myself...

She grabs them both and warps off. The guards prepare to finish Zach and Crone off...

But suddenly, they get riddled with bullets and killed! From some side-exits in the room, the other two teams walk inside!

Zach: It's you guys!! We need help here! Crone got shot...

Crone: E-ergh... it's just a stomach wound... Nothing major, I don't think...

Zach: It doesn't matter. You're getting out of here. You coming with us was a bad idea in the first place!

Crone: I know, I know... You don't need to pile it on...

Mori: He cares for you, as do I. You came with us despite your injuries. It *was* a bad idea, and I regret letting you convince us, especially after what just happened. If we had not shown up, you would have died. There will be no more question about it - you'll return to safety.

Zach: Right. Well, are you gonna stay here with them?

Jack: I suppose so...

Jast: No way, I'm going with you. E-err, I mean, I'm worried about Crone, it's just that you're still gonna need some backup.

Zach: Right then, let's go!

Zach and Jast run off.

## Chapter 20 - Bad Memories

Umbra wakes up,chained against a wall.

Soon enough, Astra walks in. She has a look of pure evil on her face. She walks over towards Umbra.

Astra: Dear sister... You do remember our... conversations... don't you??

Umbra started to thrash around, violently, letting out a muffled scream.

Astra: Ah, you do. That's good. I bet you're wondering where your freak of a spouse is... He's busy... dealing with the Butcher. Without any form of energy to use his attacks.

She chuckles.

Astra: But you're not going to worry about him, no...

She reaches over behind Umbra and pulls something out.

It's a long, steel chain that's been modified to be used like a whip.

Astra: You've been running around, acting like you're actually FREE!! I guess it's time to wake you up from that stupid dream...

She tightens the chain up and whips the ground once. She then draws it back...

Another place, minutes earlier...

Revelian finds himself hung upside-down. His arms are tied up, and he's also stripped of his cloak and weapons.

Revelian: What the fuck...?!

He tries to use energy to break free, but he finds he can't use his energy... So all he can do is sit there.

Revelian: Great... We got captured...

Revelian looks around a bit. He sees another Pragman passed out upside down. It looks like a Royal Guard. Unlike Revelian, this one's mouth is gagged.

Revelian: Hey!! What happened to you?!

The Pragman wakes up. He starts to shake, scared.

Revelian: HEY!!

The Pragman turns to him and muffles out something. But he can't talk because of the gag. They both suddenly hear heavy footsteps. The Pragman starts to shake even more.

Revelian: Look, don't piss yourself, got it?! I don't want to see it all over the goddamned floor. It's bad enough I have to look at you like this now.

Revelian turns his head to where the Pragman is looking. He sees what has him so scared.

A tall, muscular Pragman stomps inside, carrying a huge blade. The Pragman shakes even more.

Revelian: What the fuck?!

The other Pragman continues to stomp forward. He then stops in the middle of the room and looks at them both. In the light, it's more clear as to what he looks like...

He's wearing a large, metal mask on one half of his face. The other, exposed half is heavily mutated. It is completely blank, save for an eye hole and what looks like a mouth slit. His body is covered with metallic plates, but otherwise, he's naked. Revelian notices the huge amount of blood on his crotch area - upon closer inspection, it is revealed that he is actually castrated.

Revelian: Ooh, that's gotta hurt... What the hell did Astra do to this guy?!

The monster then stomps towards the Pragman. The Pragman shakes violently, letting out muffled screams from beneath his gag.

Meanwhile, Zach and Jast make their way into the last floor before the roof. Conveniently, this is the same floor as the torture chamber, where both Revelian and Umbra are. Zach quietly pushes his way into one room... He peeks behind a wall. Jast walks up behind him.

Zach: Shh, it's Revelian. Who's that big guy?!

The monster raises its blade and slowly slides it down the Pragman's skin, cutting through the skin and drawing blood. The Pragman continues to flail around in fear. Finally, the monster backs up and starts to violently stab the Pragman, cutting him open and causing his guts to spill all over the floor.

Revelian: JESUS CHRIST!!

The monster then turns to Revelian and starts to walk towards him. He raises the blade and slides it down Revelian's body like he did with the Pragman... But before he can stab Revelian, Zach jumps out from behind the wall!!

Zach: HEY!!

The monster slowly turns to Zach. He then starts to stomp towards him!!

Zach: Oh SHIT.

### BOSS BATTLE: The Butcher

Zach backs up as the Butcher stomps towards him. Jast just sorta backs up. ~~BECAUSE HE'S SCARED WAAH~~

Zach draws his sword and stops moving. The Butcher slams his sword down, and Zach barely blocked in time. And even then, the strength of the Butcher forced Zach into a squatting position. The Butcher raises the sword again to slam it down, but suddenly...

Jast: SHAY HERRO TO MY RITTRE FRIEND!! [2]

Jast lets loose with his tommygun. The Butcher staggers back as the bullets pound him. Soon, Jast empties the clip. The Butcher still stands.

Zach: HOLY SHIT!!

But then, the Butcher falls face forward onto the floor. Zach walks towards him and picks up the Butcher's sword. He looks at it for a second, then slams it down onto the beast's back. The Butcher lets out a moan as it dies. Zach then unties Revelian and frees him.

Zach: Yeesh, Revelian, you're getting soft!

Revelian: Shut up, I couldn't use any of my powers.

Zach: Why??

Revelian: No idea... Musta been Astra's doing. Where's my sword??

Zach: No idea. Here, just use this.

Zach rips the large sword out of the Butcher's back.

Revelian: Good enough for me. Let's go.

They all run off. They run back into the hallway.

Revelian: We've got to find Umbra! Who knows what Astra's doing to her...

Jast: Alright, let's-

They hear a loud scream come from another room. They immediately run towards the source of the sound. Revelian slowly creeps up to the door where the sound came from... He hears Astra, panting, as if she's tired. He then hears her talk...

Astra: Well that was a fun, final punishment, wasn't it sister? Oh well. Farewell.

Revelian kicks the door open. Astra spins towards him, surprised, and fires a shot from her gun. Revelian blocks the attack with his large sword. Astra grunts angrily and warps away. Revelian turns to Umbra...

Revelian: Oh God... Umbra, she didn't do what I think she did, did she...?!

Umbra doesn't say anything, she lies there, crying quietly.

Revelian runs over to Umbra, and soon picks her up, wrapping his arms around her in a hug. She starts to cry louder.

Revelian: Shh, it's okay... We're here for you...

Zach: Dear God...

Revelian: Zach, see if you can find me her clothes. They should be in here somewhere.

Zach looks around the room. He spots her shirt and pants sitting on a table. He snatches them and hands them to Revelian.

Revelian: Here, Umbra... Put these on.

Umbra quietly gets dressed.

Revelian: I think you two should just go on... I'll stay here with-

Umbra: No...

Umbra stands up.

Umbra: No, I'm... I'm ok... Let's just go... Astra's probably on the roof...

She walks out of the door. Zach and Jast look at each other.

Jast: I'm worried about her.

Zach: Me too... Astra really did something that horrible to her?! That's fucking sick... Is she that ruthless?!

Revelian: Yeah... When I found out that she'd do this to Umbra, I had to keep myself from cutting her head off there... It was fucking horrible...

Jast: Wow...

Zach: Well, that ends today!! Come on, let's take her out!! Oh, and Revelian, I found your sword over there, too.

Revelian: Alright, thanks.

Revelian takes the sword out of his hand.

Zach: Alright, let's go!!

Revelian and Jast nod and stand up. They run out to meet Umbra in the hallway. They all head towards the last flight of stairs...

## Chapter 21 - End of the Line

The gang walks outside, onto the roof. Snow gently falls down onto their faces. They see Astra, who's standing on a landing pad. However, there's no escape vehicle.

Revelian: This is the end of the line, Astra...

Astra: I'm fully aware there's nowhere else to run. Why did you think I was going to run again?

Jast: What you've done is unforgivable! Not only did you kidnap a child, but you've taken over our land, tried to kill us on multiple occasions, and you tortured Umbra! You're sick!!

Astra: Why are you telling me this? Do you act like I don't fucking know what I've done?

The gang hears something behind them. The group who stayed behind comes out from the entrance.

Revelian: Hey! Weren't you staying behind?!

Crone: Not getting rid of me that easy, bud.

Astra: Ah, Crone. It's good that you and your friends showed up...

Crone notices Umbra, who's beaten badly.

Crone: U-Umbra, what happened to you...?!

Zach: Astra's been keeping a lot more from you then you know. It's-

Astra: Sick? Disgusting? Sadistic?? Save your breath.

Crone: You're despicable.

Astra: Oh, Crone, you naive fool. Enough chat...

Astra raised her hand, and a bolt of lightning struck Crone, ricocheting onto those nearby.

Revelian: Oh, SHIT!!

Astra: Now, then, it's time to-

Suddenly, a shot rings out!! Astra gets hit in the shoulder. She grunts in pain and grabs her shoulder. Revelian spins around, to see Jack. He stands there, holding Hell.

Jack: Don't let her get to you, sir.

Astra: Impudent mortals...

Astra heals the wound. She then unleashes more lightning!! Jast, Zach, Revelian, and Jack all get hit by the powerful attack!

Umbra: N-no!!

Soon, everyone but Revelian falls to the floor. Revelian grunts in pain as he gets to his knees.

Astra: Heheheh... hahahahaha!!! How does it feel, sister? How does it feel to be isolated from your friends with no hope in sight?? Hehehe... It's time to end this.

Magic orbs begin to orbit Astra, then glow violently.

Umbra: No... NO!!!

As a rainbow laser is unleashed from the orbs, Umbra feels something shove her out of the way!! She turns to see Revelian get blasted by the attack!! He screams in pain as the attack devastates him!!

Umbra: REVELIAN!!

Zach: Damnit...!!

When the attack finally ends, Revelian slumps to the floor, unmoving. Umbra runs to him and starts to shake him...

Umbra: Revelian!! Please, get up...!!! No!!

Revelian doesn't move. Astra angrily growls.

Astra: Impudent cur! In my way until the very end!! Lie there and die like the dog you are!!

Umbra, who's kneeling before Revelian's body, picks up his sword. She stands up and points it at Astra.

Astra: What is this shit? Are YOU actually going to fight me now??

Umbra looks at her, with nothing more then pure anger and hatred in her eyes.

Astra: Hahaha... This ought to be fun... Come now, sister, let us-

Umbra: SHUT THE FUCK UP AND DIE ALREADY!!

Astra sneers, and levitates in the air.

Jast: She's gonna take her on by herself...? There's no way she can.... Urgh!!

Zach: We can't give up hope...!!

Crone: COME ON, UMBRA!!!

Zach and Jast turn their heads. Crone is up on their knees.

Crone: YOU CAN DO IT!! YOU HAVE TO!!

Suddenly, Jack gets to his knees as well.

Jack: DON'T LOSE HOPE, MA'AM!! YOU CAN WIN!!

Zach: GO, UMBRA!!!

Jast: I can't believe I'm cheering a deer on, but FIGHT!!!

Suddenly, Astra angrily blasts them with more electricity!!

Astra: SILENCE!!! ALL OF YOU!!! THERE'S NO HOPE FOR ANY OF YOU!! I'LL KILL YOU ALL, RIGHT HERE AND NOW... STARTING WITH YOU!!!

She points at Umbra, furiously.

Umbra: BRING IT ON!!

## Chapter 22 - EPIC GODDESS FIGHT

The orbs surrounding Astra start to rotate faster. However, their colors soon become dark and muddy...

Astra starts to float around the area, quietly chuckling as she does so. She floats out of Umbra's reach.

Umbra: GET DOWN HERE AND FIGHT!!

Astra then absorbs one of the rotating orbs. She absorbs its corrupted element - her hair turns its same color, then falls to the ground, charging towards Umbra brandishing a laser-like blade!! Umbra gets into a guarding stance as Astra starts to launch a flurry of stabs!! Umbra manages to block some of them, but gets sliced a few times across her face. When Astra finally stops, she leaps back a bit, before getting on her knees. Using the elements normally is strenuous enough, but because these elements are severely corrupted by Astra, they drain even more energy. Umbra realizes this and dives in, delivering several slashes. Astra grunts in pain and warps away, soon appearing back above her, having purged the element and returning to normal.

She starts to float around the arena again. Umbra silently stands there, watching her. This time, Astra absorbs a different element, her hair again shifting to match. Two energy-like arm blades form, and she floats in the air. She suddenly delivers wide-spread slashes. Umbra manages to leap over the slashes, and delivers a powerful stab through Astra's chest!! She screeches once, but manages to warp away, still able to fight.

Umbra: JUST FUCKING DIE ALREADY!!

Astra re-appears in the air again, clearly wounded and starting to feel it. This time, she desperately absorbs another orb. Her hair, instead of changing colors, gets electrified. She floats above Umbra, and suddenly unleashes a massive laser blast, similar to the combined powers of the elements, only weaker. Umbra leaps out of the way in time. However, Astra starts to aim the laser, in an effort to hit her. Umbra runs around the roof, dodging the massive blast. Finally, the laser subsides, and Astra falls to her knees again. Umbra charges towards her. She unleashes a battle-cry as she rams the sword through her chest again. Astra falls to the ground...

But soon gets up again.

Umbra: DAMNIT!! WHY?! WHY WON'T YOU STAY DEAD?!?

Astra: Rggh... I'll admit, you've definitely gotten stronger, sister... But I won't let you win... I'll never die... I won't allow myself to die... Not before I see your body torn to pieces before my very eyes...!!! I'll kill you... here and now...!!

Astra then absorbs ALL of the elements!! A massive void of energy surrounds Astra, and her body begins to transform!!

Zach: Urgh!! What's happening?!

A massive blast of light engulfs them all.

The light subsides. It is suddenly daytime. From the sun, Astra floats down.

Her body has drastically changed. She has turned into a seraph-like form. She has six massive, rainbow-colored wings. Her body constantly glows in a heavenly light. The colors of the orbs stripe across her body, and she has a halo over her head. Her hair is no longer rainbow colored. It flows over Astra's body, glowing a radiant yellow like the sun.

Umbra: Such a heavenly form... for a demon like you!!

Astra sneers at her. The transformation didn't change her attitude.

Astra: Hahaha... It doesn't need to be heavenly. As long as it kills you dead, I could care less if I looked like a goddess or a demon.

Umbra backed up. There was no way she could combat this enhanced form normally... What was she going to do??

Suddenly, she hears a voice behind her...

Revelian: G-gagh...!! We've gotta help her... somehow... Rgh... What about those elements...?!

Zach: You mean the elements we used to defeat Zalgo...?? The ones we got for facing our darkside??

Crone: Hold up - "elements" how? You got them for what?

Revelian: We... defeated our darksides... during a nasty adventure... We got to use some... bizarre elements...

Crone: The Elements of Acceptance? That power's been in the hands of the Liljequists for a while... yes, that all makes sense! You get an element based on your attitude towards life... Your "dark sides" being the opposites of that... They're not as strong as Astra's powers, but they'll do for now...

Zach: Do you think we can... ergh... transfer them onto Umbra?

Crone: It's worth a shot. I'll raise them out from you, but you'll have to fire it on your own, Revelian.

Zach: We're missing two people... but this should be enough to at least power her up to stop Astra!!

Umbra: You guys... you're not actually going to...?!

Astra: What is this?! Elements of Acceptance?!? I've never heard of such garbage!! Paw away all you want, your power can't even scratch mine!!

Zach: SHUT UP, ASTRA!!

Zach stands to his feet, and draws his element forward!! Revelian, Lazro, and Jast do the same!! Since Revelian's power, Redemption, is much stronger then the others, it practically draws the others in towards it. They combine and form a massive ball of energy!!

Revelian: RGH!! I HOPE THIS IS ENOUGH!!

Suddenly, two of the elements fly inside!

Zach: What the...?!

Zach looks up, and spots Sauphara and Samuel flying overhead!! They give a thumbs up before warping back away!!

Jast: How did they...?!

Revelian: IT DOESN'T MATTER!! THIS'LL DEFINITELY BE ENOUGH NOW!!

Revelian screams as he unleashes the combined elements onto Umbra!! She absorbs the massive ball of energy...

She lowers eye head, eyes glowing. Astra actually starts to back away.

Astra: How?!? How is this madness possible?!?

Umbra leaps into the air, and unleashes a wave of her own dark light!!!

The light fades away. She has also become a seraph-like form. However, unlike Astra, her body is a deep shade of black, and instead of the colors of the elements, dark blue lines run across her body. Her hair is also a deep shade of blue, and she lacks the halo. She also only has 4 wings, which glow a deep shade of violet.

Revelian: We've... done it...

Revelian falls down again. Crone gets to their feet and runs over to him.

Crone: He's crying out blood! This isn't good, this isn't good...

Astra starts to laugh.

Astra: That cur gave up all of his energy in order to give you a futile hope at winning!! Lie there and die for all I care... HAHAHAH!!! And even then, it doesn't matter!! Look at the difference between us!! I'm far more powerful then you!!

Umbra doesn't say a word.

Astra: Now then... come, sister. Let me peacefully rip that pathetic soul of yours out of your body... and burn you away in the fire of the sun...

## Chapter 23 - Finale

Astra began to surge with energy. Suddenly, her wings started to unleash small laser beams! Umbra immediately launched herself away to dodge the burst of lasers. Umbra countered with a blast of energy, which slams into Astra, who's too busy firing her lasers to notice. (SHUT UP)

Astra grunts angrily and launches herself away as well. Umbra gives chase. Revelians' sword, which she held onto, has gotten substantially more larger and powerful, probably due to the transformation. She brandishes it and tears after Astra, dodging the concussive blasts launched by Astra. She manages to catch up to Astra, and delivers a vicious slash with the sword. Astra cries out as two of her wings get torn off. She then angrily spins towards Umbra and launches a flurry of energy blasts. Umbra gets rocketed away by them, but catches her balance. Astra's clearly getting weakened, and is struggling to keep in the air.

Umbra: What's the matter, sister?! Is your oh-so-powerful form actually shit for combat??

Astra: Rrgh.... SHUT UP!! Unlike you... I'VE GOT AN ACE UP MY SLEEVE!!

Astra suddenly charges up a stupidly high amount of energy.

Astra: RADIANT STAR... COME TO ME!!

Umbra: WHAT?!? YOU'RE NOT PLANNING ON ACTUALLY...

Astra: YOU'RE DAMNED RIGHT I AM!!! I'LL BURN US ALL UP IN A BLAZE OF GLORY!! HAHAHAH!!!!

Suddenly, a massive ball of light appears above the planet!!

Zach: HOLY SHIT!! WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!?! IS ASTRA GONNA DROP *THAT* ON US?!?!

The severe amount of energy it took to summon the sun to them leaves Astra back into her normal form. She falls to the floor.

Astra: I DON'T CARE IF I DIE... I DON'T CARE IF I KILL ALL OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD... I DON'T CARE IF I COMPLETELY JEOPARDIZE MY OWN PLANET... AS LONG AS YOU DIE WITH ME, IT'LL ALL BE WORTH IT!! I'LL SEE YOU IN HELL, SISTER!!!

Umbra: YOU'RE A FUCKING LUNATIC!!

Astra: DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO STOP THE STAR FROM ANNIHILATING THIS WORLD?!? PFFAHAHAHA!!! YOU FORGET - IT TOOK ALL OF MY POWER TO BRING IT HERE!! AND I'M STRONGER THEN YOU!! IF IT TOOK THAT MUCH POWER TO BRING IT HERE, THERE'S NO WAY IN HELL YOU'RE GONNA SEND IT BACK!!

Umbra flies upward to the star, which is starting to rapidly descend upon the planet!! She soon gets as close to it as she can get without burning alive. She raises her arms forward and starts to use old magic. She was going to have to literally teleport the star back where it came from. She started to use up all of her energy.

Umbra: ARGH... COME ON...!!

Despite her efforts, the sun was still falling. Umbra charged up and unleashed all of her power towards the sun!

Astra: GIVE UP ALREADY!! LET THE SUN FALL AND KILL US ALL!!!

Umbra: SHUT... UP!!!

Umbra couldn't come up with a comeback. She was too focused on the task at hand. She could feel the immense pain and effort of using up all of her power pulse through her. But she didn't care. She couldn't let the sun fall. She was going to stop it, even if it killed her!! But the pain... it was too much for her to bear. She could feel her vision start to fade away...

Her vision blacked out.

She was standing in an empty, black room. She had returned to normal.

Umbra: What the... is this a dream...?? Where am I...??

???: Yes, this is simply a dream. You passed out...

Umbra: What?!? I can't let the star fall...!!

She turns around to the voice. Standing there is Revelian.

Umbra: Revelian, you're alive!

Revelian: ... Not quite...

Umbra could feel the dread stab her heart like a knife.

Umbra: W-what...?!

Revelian: But you cannot let that, of all things, stop you. Umbra, despite what people say about you, you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it... Umbra, you are the only one now who can save the world. And you can do it. Now then...

Umbra: B-but, I've invested all of my energy into it... There's no way I can stop the star... So we're all going to die...??

Revelian: Don't let your bitch sister get to you. You're just as powerful, if not more so, then her. This job should be easy for you.

Umbra: Then why isn't it?!

Revelian: Because. You're mentally blocking yourself from doing it. You feel feeble, and helpless, when you're not. You think that because I'm not there for you, you're nothing. That's a lie, Umbra. You need to get over that. You can do anything, with me or not. Now then, you have a job to do.

Umbra: But...

Revelian: Just try. I promise you. It'll work. Good luck, my love. And farewell...

He gives her one last kiss before fading away.

Umbra: R-Revelian... No!!

A white blast of light flashes over her.

She wakes up on the building. Zach is shaking her.

Zach: Umbra!! What happened to you?!? You just blacked out!!

Umbra: What...?!?

Umbra's back in her transformed-state. The sun has gotten closer.

Astra: SHE'S GIVEN UP ALL HOPE!! GOOD!! THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HER!! JUST TAKE YOUR DEATH LYING DOWN!!

Umbra: No... No, I haven't given up a damned thing!!

She flies back up towards the descending sun. She starts to unload her power onto it again. The pain starts to emanate within her again.

Umbra: Argh... No... I can do this...!! I have to do this!!

A hand grabs a hold of her outstretched arm. She turns to her right and sees Revelian, in a ghostly state. She lowers her head and nods once. They both turn towards the sun.

Zach: Who... Who's that with her...?! Revelian?? But he's right here...!

They both outstretch an arm, holding each other's hand. A giant, white sphere of energy appears on it.

Umbra: What the...?

Revelian: Let's finish this, shall we?

The sphere of energy flies forward towards the sun. The sun whitens up in a blinding light.

Zach: WOAH!! WHAT'S GOING ON...?!

Astra: NO... NO!!!

When the light subsides, it has gone back to night. The sun is gone.

Zach: UMBRA, YOU DID IT!!

Jast: MAN... that was close... And halos don't feel cool anymore if everyone can just get them whenever they want...

Umbra turns back towards Revelian's spirit. He silently nods at her once, lowers his head, and vanishes.

Umbra: Revelian...

Umbra solemnly floats back down towards the gang. Astra sits on her knees, dumbfounded.

Astra: It can't be... how could someone as pathetic as you... It's not possible...!!!

Umbra turns towards her, with absolute rage and hatred in her eyes.

Astra: Go on, then... kill me. Jeopardize Pragma. I don't care anymore.

Umbra: No... I've got a better idea...

Umbra floats back up into the air.

Umbra: Astra, for your crimes, too numerous to list, I call upon the oldest magic and sentence you to live one eon sealed in the heart of the Pragman star!

Astra: YOU CAN'T DO THAT TO ME!!!

Jast: (Actually, though, how can she do that?!)

Umbra: Damned right I can.

Astra's body starts to glow!!

Zach: What the...?!

Umbra: Farewell, sister. I pray we never have to meet again.

Astra starts to scream as she flies off towards the star.

Zach: A fitting end...

Jast: But wait!! What about Revelian?!?

Everyone looks at his body... Umbra solemnly walks towards it and picks it up...

Zach: Umbra...

Umbra: I'm going back to our castle... I'm taking him with me...

Everyone nods. Umbra steps off of the building... and blasts away at extreme speeds, flying Revelian's body back to the castle. She soon slows herself down, and starts to gently float over the world. She stares down at the metropolis below... she continues to float away, holding Revelian's body.

Back at the capital...

Zach: Poor Umbra...

Crone: I never got along well with Revelian, but he was someone she truly cared about... and she sat there and watched him die. At least Astra got what she deserved...

Zach: I'm going. I'm gonna get Solaria and take her back to Umbra... Maybe that'll cheer her up.

Jast: Zach... control yourself...

Zach: I know, I know...

Zach flies away himself.

Umbra finally arrives back at the castle. She places Revelian's body on the floor of his castle. Having finally completed her task, she finally had time to mourn. Her body transforms back into its normal state, and the elements fall to the floor. She ignores them.

Umbra: Revelian...!!

She kneels before his body, and places her head in his chest, crying.

After a few minutes, the door opens up behind her. Umbra doesn't look up.

Umbra: What do you want...?

Zach: Umbra, it's me... I've got Solaria.

Umbra stands up and turns around. Hey eyes have gotten red from the crying. She sees Solaria in his arms.

Umbra: I... I forgot all about her...

Zach: It's okay, she was well-taken care of.

Umbra takes her out of his arms and holds her. Solaria coos and grabs her snout playfully. Umbra smiles.

Umbra: Thank you...

Zach: I'm really sorry for your loss, Umbra... I wish there was something we could do...

Umbra: It's... okay... I'll get on, without him... I'll have to.

Zach: ... I'm always here for you, if you need help.

Umbra: Thank you, Zachary...

Zach places a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Umbra: Alright, back up before you get any ideas.

Zach blushes and backs up.

Zach: S-sorry...

Umbra: Talk about ruining a sad moment... ugh...

Zach: ...

He turns and walks away...

Umbra: Zachary...

Zach: ... Yeah?

Umbra: I'm sorry about that. That was a bit uncalled for.

Zach: It's okay... I sort of asked for it.

Umbra: Well, I'll see you later, I guess...

Zach nods his head and walks out of the castle. Umbra turns back around to Revelian's body...

Umbra: ... How many...

Umbra puts the baby in a small crib nearby.

Umbra: How many times... HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO FALL BEFORE I CAN FINALLY GET BACK UP!?!

She slams her fist onto the floor, then clutching her head in despair...

So, in the end, the world soon returns to normal, except without Revelian... Umbra now carries his sword with her where ever she goes, as a memento of him. In the end, he gave himself up to save them all.