Calias and the Lost Prince of Babylon

In this roleplay story, Calias is whisked away to another world to save his people.

This is a transcript from Discord.

## Story

### Episode 1: Refusal of the Call

```
Two Phoenixes walk into an alley. What happens next? Oh wait, this isn't a set-up for a joke. It's the beginning of our tale. Calias and Nihil are investigating an alleyway.

Nihil:
"I am telling you, Calias. There was something back here..."

Calias:
"And I'm telling *you*, you need glasses."

Nihil:
"I could have sworn there was someone being awfully suspicious in this alleyway."

Calias:
"Can we please just get back to the party? The countdown is in three minutes!"

Nihil:
"Fine... If it must be thi--"

A shadow cuts past Calias's line of sight and makes contact with Nihil's face.

Nihil:
"OOF!" *He falls backward.*

Calias:
"Wha?!"

Mystery Voice:
"Calias the Phoenix. Bearer of the Phoenix Factor... I have an urgent request of you."

The shadow steps into the light, revealing a tall bird girl.

Selphius:
"I need you to board my spacecraft and return with me to New Babylon."

Calias:
"..."
"WHO THE HECK ARE YOU!?!"

Nihil:
*Is on the ground, but notices something about the stranger.* "New Babylon?!"

Selphius:
"I only have a few more minutes before my ship takes off. Please, I'm begging you."

Calias:
"What is your NAME, lady?!?"

Selphius:
"Oh... Sorry, I got ahead of myself. I am Selphius the Caladrius, of New Babylon... Now. PleasecomewithmeI'mrunningoutoftimehere."

Calias:
"Okay... You're just a bit screwy I take it..."

Nihil:
*Quickly gets off the ground.* "Calias. A word?"

Calias:
"Huh?" *He turns away from the stranger.*

Nihil:
*Whispering.* "I believe this stranger is genuine. She knows that you possess the Phoenix Factor... And look at her feet. She as talons."

Calias:
"What does that mean? So do you?"

Nihil:
"They are the mark of a Babylonian Cryptid. This stranger truly is from New Babylon."

Calias:
"I honestly have no idea what that means."

Nihil:
"Please. Take her up on her offer."

Calias:
*Visibly annoyed.* "...Fine. But only because going to space is on my bucket list."

Selphius:
*Looking like she's about to explode from impatience.* "Are you two done whispering? We don't have much time, you know!"

Calias:
"Alright. Do I have time to say bye to everyone first?"

Selphius:
*Pulls out a futuristic watch of some sort.* "No." *Grabs Calias's wrist and starts dragging him to... somewhere."

Nihil:
*Follows behind.* "Calias! Wait!"

A minute later, the three birds approach a large black and green spacecraft.

Calias:
"Whoa! That *is* a spaceship!"

Selphius:
"Did you take me for a liar?"

Calias:
"Yes. Yes I did."

Nihil:
"That... doesn't seem Babylonian, though."

Selphius:
"The Void Huntress is a ship older than Babylon itself, so please be careful when boarding."

Calias:
"I'll try my best."

The ship begins to shake.

Selphius:
"Hurry!" *She practically tosses Calias into the ship.*

Nihil:
*Hops on at the last second.*

Calias:
(Sorry, Hannah... Hope you won't be too worried about me.)

With a flash of green light, the ship takes off. It soars into the sky and out of sight. I make a title card appear.

```

```
Not long after... the Void Huntress speeds through space at lightspeed. The emotions of those on board are all over the spectrum.

Selphius:
*Turns the ship on auto-pilot, then turns to face Calias in the co-pilot seat.* "I am sorry for short notice. I tried to approach you several times before. But I wound up getting distracted by the wonderful sights of Mobius."

Calias:
"O-kay. Let's start from square one. Where are we going? And why did you need to bring me along?"

Selphius:
"Surely you know of New Babylon? You are the Lost Prince, after all."

Calias:
(Lost Prince?!? What?!?) "Um... Yeah! I know what it is. Definitely."

Selphius:
"Wonderful. Then you also know of my people... Or perhaps you weren't cursed with that information."

Calias:
"I guess not?"

Nihil:
*Is intently staring out the side window, not paying attention to the conversation.* [he's distracted by the view]

Selphius:
"The Cryptids... They...--We are an oppressed people."

Calias:
*Cal's expression changes, he is now kind of invested in what she is saying.*

Selphius:
"The King of New Babylon. He despises us. We live in the bottom levels of the city, and are treated like lesser beings by the full-blooded Babylonians."

Calias:
"Huh. He sounds like a grade-A jerk."

Selphius:
"I assume that is Mobian speak for a golglock?"

Calias:
"Maybe? I'm new to all this..."

Selphius:
"Oh! I'msosorry! I never even considered that your archive chip may have never activated!"

Calias:
"My what."

Selphius:
"Before you were banished to Mobius, your mother bestowed an Archive Chip on you. It contained the sum of all Babylonian knowledge."

Nihil:
*Perks up, having heard a snippet of the conversation.*

Selphius:
"The reason I needed you to come with me, is because my ancestor told me to find you: the lost prince of Babylon, so that you may claim your rightful place as king of New Babylon and free my people."

Calias proceeds to have a VERY bad idea.

Calias:
"King, huh? That doesn't sound too bad... I'm in."

Selphius:
"You had no say in the matter anyway."

Nihil:
*Having heard all this, Nihil begins to scowl.*

Selphius:
"Please, take your seat, straggler. We are nearing Babylonian space."

Nihil:
*Sits down, annoyed for some reason.*

Calias:
"Already? That was fast."

Selphius:
"That is why we had to leave so quickly. We exploited an anomaly of sorts that is only available for a few days every Mobian year."

Calias:
"Weird..."

Selphius:
"There it is! New Babylon!"

Outside the cockpit window, a grand celestial city can be seen. It reaches high, with modern-like skyscrapers surrounded by Arabian-style buildings. The base is circular and a large, jagged dome hangs underneath. Off of the sides, there hang seven towers, connected by bridges to the main base. At the top of the tallest tower is a large crystalline sphere.

Calias:
"Whoa..."

Nihil:
"New Babylon..." (I'm finally home...)

Selphius:
"Your friend seems impressed. Why did he follow us?"

Calias:
"Oh... He's my uh... bodyguard. Y'know, I'm kinda a big deal where I come from."

Selphius:
"That is true. You appeared on the broadcast after that disaster in the City of Gold."

Calias:
"Uh, yeah! I was saving the people! Just like I'm gonna do with your people! That's a Calias promise."

Selphius:
"What is the difference between a normal promise and a Calias promise?"

Nihil:
"I do not believe there is one."

Calias:
"Hey! Come on! All I'm saying is that there's no way I'll back down from this. You can count on me."

Nihil:
"...You have made a promise now, Calias. You had better not go back on it."

Calias:
*Senses that Nihil is annoyed.* "...Right."

Selphius:
"You have no idea what you're in for, do you?"

Meanwhile, inside the crystalline sphere, we find an elaborate throne room. Upon the throne, perches a large bird with tubes connected to him on all sides. His face is metallic and lifeless.

```

```
Adonis:
"It is as we predicted. The Caladrius girl has brought the Phoenix Factor directly into our clutches... How foolish. Go and give our friends a welcoming party."

```

```
Tempest:
*Three large birds with heavily weaponized apparatuses stand before the throne.* "It will be done, Your Majesty."

Tide:
"They'll never see us coming..."

Turbine:
"THEY GO SQUISH! HAHA!"

```

```
Adonis:
"Go! My guardians! Bring me the Phoenix Factor!"

As the Void Huntress approaches New Babylon, Cal's stretching of the truth has begun to dig him into a hole he may not be able to climb out of! The Phoenix is about to face his greatest challenge yet... Next time! Calias and the Lost Prince of Babylon - Episode 2!

```

### Episode 2: Cryptic

```
OKAY! We're back now! Calias, Nihil and their new... friend(?) Selphius are approaching New Babylon in a fancy spacecraft! What happens next? Let's find out!

Selphius:
"Hold on, this may get a bit bumpy..."

Calias:
"Wait. Where are we landing?"

Selphius:
"In that tower right there. It's the one with the least security."

Nihil:
"Security? Why must we worry about security?"

Selphius:
"...Um... Cryptids are not allowed to leave the city. Aaaand, I *may* have stolen this ship..."

Calias:
"Oh great..."

The craft slowly creeps in through a force field, and lands in a dusty, dank, yet anciently ornate hangar space. The bay doors open, but no one is standing there doing dramatic poses.

Selphius:
*Peeks around the corner.* "...Okay. I think we're clear."

Calias:
"How much security does this place usually have? 'Cause right now, it looks like none."

Nihil:
"Verily. Nor does it seem like there are any custodians either."

Selphius:
"This hangar has been out of operations for a decade now. There aren't even any surveillance lenses in here."

Calias:
*The three descend the ship's ramp very carefully.* "Okay... Where's the king? Let's get this show on the road!"

Selphius:
"Not so quickly, Calias. We must see my ancestor first. He has been waiting a long while to meet you."

Calias:
"Your... ancestor?" *Looks puzzled.*

Selphius:
"There are too many generations between us for me to count, thus I refer to him as 'Ancestor'."

Nihil:
"Where is this ancestor of yours?"

Selphius:
"He resides in the Cryptid sub area. It is near the low levels of New Babylon. Follow me."
*Begins running towards one of the walls.*

Calias:
*Looks at Nihil and makes a confused face, before following Selphius.* "Okay, Selphie? Was it?"

Selphius:
"Selphius."

Calias:
"I'm gonna call you Selphie."

Selphius:
"Why?"

Calias:
"Uh. That's just kind of my thing. I give everyone nicknames."

Selphius:
"My name is Selphius, not Nick."

Calias:
"Alrighty."

Selphius:
*Reaches the wall and points to a vent.* "We can sneak down through the airways to get down to the Cryptid area."

Nihil:
"That seems crammed. I am not too fond of small spaces..."

Calias:
"Me either."

Nihil:
"I would assume for the same reasons..."

Calias:
"We've both been stuffed in tiny pods before?"

Nihil:
"I would rather not think about it."

Selphius:
*Grabs a tool off of her belt that begins to spark as she uses it on the air vent.* "Stand clear."
*The vent cover falls to the ground, leaving the passageway exposed.* "Alright, make haste!"

Calias:
*Selphius enters first, but the Phoenixes hesitate.* "After you?"

Nihil:
*Gives Calias a disapproving look, but enters after Selphius.*

Calias:
*Takes a deep breath and follows them.*

A short time later, the trio arrives at the vent.

Selphius:
"Here we are. Please do not mind my people, they will most likely want to speak to you. But please remember we have business to attend to."

Calias:
"...Right."

Selphius removes the vent cover, revealing a subterranean village, with small, simplistic, but very clean houses. There are a few bird people walking about.

Calias:
*The three exit the vent as Calias and Nihil take in their surroundings.* "Whoa... This place looks like the bad part of Golden City... but a lot less trash on the ground."

Nihil:
"The Cryptids live in a place like this?"

Selphius:
"Yes. We all live here. We are not permitted outside of this floor without supervision from a Babylon guard."

Mystery Voice:
"SELPHIUS! THERE YOU ARE!"

A frantic bird runs up to Selphius, he seems mad.

```

```
Venice:
"WHERE WERE YOU?!?"

```

```
Selphius:
"Venice. I'd like you to meet someone. This is Calias. The Lost Prince."

Venice:
*Venice's eyes go wide, before walking over to Nihil and bowing.* "Your Majesty! I've he--"

Selphius:
"Not him, Venice! This one!" *She motions to Calias.* "Can you not feel the Phoenix Factor emanating from him?"

Venice:
"Oh! You're right! Sorry, sir." *He nods at Nihil then walks over to Calias and bows.*

Calias:
"Um... Thanks?"

Selphius:
"Calias, this is my cousin, Venice the Thunderbird."

Calias:
"Nice to meet you?" *Extends his hand for a handshake.*

Venice:
*Stares at Calias.* "...Your Majesty? Do you want me to kiss your hand?"

Calias:
*Quickly pulls his hand away.* "Um... No. Never mind."

Venice:
"OH! He needs to see the Ancestor, right away!"

Selphius:
"That is where we are headed, Venice. Do you want to come along?"

Venice:
"I wouldn't dream of missing this historic moment."

Nihil:
"..."

The four birds make their way over to the last house in the village, it seems very old. Like VERY old. The other residents of the town stare and begin following them.

Selphius:
"Do not be alarmed. Our people have waited generations for this moment."
*The four enter the house, and the other citizens crowd the doorway.*
"Ancestor Leander... It is me, Selphius. Daughter of Helix. I have brought the Lost Prince to you... Just as you foretold."

```

```
Leander:
*A short, wrinkly bird with a cane sits at the back of the room. His eyes seem to be glazed over, but they glow with a mystical light.* "...Yes. I can feel the power of the Phoenix... It permeates the surrounding..."
"..."

```

```
Everyone stares at the old bird.

Leander:
"Long have I waited for this moment. Three thousand, two hundred and thirty-seven years, one hundred and ninety-eight days to be exact."

Calias:
"...Okay. How the HECK are you still alive?!?"

Leander:
"'Tis an ancient technique. I have sustained myself through breathing practices and meditation. AND SHEER, DEATH-DEFYING WILLPOWER."

Calias:
"That's insane..."

Selphius:
"Ancestor... He will free us. I have his word."

Leander:
"Oh... Good."

Nihil:
*Finally speaks up.* "With all due respect, Great Ancestor of the Cryptids. How can you be sure this is the Lost Prince?"

Leander:
"Well, I remember what he looks like..."

Nihil:
(Do you really now?)

Leander:
"But I am blind."

Nihil:
"Of course. Then what does the Lost Prince look like?"

Leander:
"Well... He has a beak. And feathers."

Nihil:
"What color were his feathers?"

Leander:
"I could tell you... but I have been colorblind my entire life."

Nihil:
*Sighs and slinks back into silence.*

Selphius:
"Ancestor Leander. You must tell Calias of the plan."

Leander:
"Oh yes. The plan... I forgot the plan."

Venice:
"Ancestor!!"

Leander:
"I jest! You simpletons. Your Majesty... In order to stop the king, you must disconnect him from his power source... The Grand Gem sits heavily guarded in the city's engine room... You must infiltrate that room and remove his connections..."

Calias:
"Okay, sounds easy enough..."

Leander:
"But beware the buttheads three and the all-seeing eye of Nicholas..."

Calias:
"The what."

Leander:
"The king's minions. SIMPLETONS!"

Selphius:
"They are more formidable than Ancestor makes them sound..."

Calias:
"Okay! Then what are we waiting for? Let's move!"

Leander:
"Wonderful! I have fulfilled my purpose. Now I can die."

The citizens all gasp.

Leander:
"My time has come..." *He walks over to a small shrine.*

Selphius:
"Ancestor! You cannot leave us yet! You must see our people freed!"

Leander:
"My dear descendant... Have faith in the Lost Prince. As I have had for millennia..."

Selphius:
"Ancestor..."

Leander:
"Calias..." *His eyes begin glowing with fire.*

Calias:
"Whoa!"

Leander:
"One last vision... I see it..."
*His voice booms across the room.* "The great city will come down and take its place in its rightful ground. A war among the friends turned foes, will turn to make the new bonds sown. And then the Lonesome Soul will come, the towers burn, save but for some. As the blood moon doth rise, the ignorant will be made wise when he who struggles with his heart will take control but from power depart. The specter doth return and ready his hands, a cry heard from across the lands. The Jaded Cell with scatter hence and the Greater Seven will commence. And then at last when the Phantom Bride falls... That will spell the end of all."

Calias:
"...What does that mean?"

Leander:
*Immediately fades away into the afterlife.*

[a GIF of Yoda dying]

Selphius:
"He's gone..."

Nihil:
"Did someone write that down?"

Venice:
"I did. Well, not really. But I have a very good memory."

Nihil:
"Then we must fulfill his wish, Calias."

Calias:
"Right... The engine room. That's where we need to go. Selphie, do you know how to get there?"

Selphius:
"I do... It's across the Styx."

Nihil:
"The great dark river..."

Venice:
"None have ever dared cross it without a life badge..."

Calias:
"I'm going to pretend like I know what you're talking about..."

Selphius:
"The river Styx is a body of water, it flows throughout the entire city and pools at the bottom-most level. The water is said to be life-draining..."

Calias:
"So... It's a sewer."

Selphius:
"What is that?"

Calias:
"Big scary river, right. Let's just get going!"

Nihil:
*Takes a deep breath.* "Alright. Prepare your things then, and we'll be off."

Calias:
"Right. A break would be nice..."

Nihil:
"Calias. May I speak to you in private?"

Calias:
"Um... Sure?"

The two proceed into another room.

Calias:
"What did y--"

Nihil:
"How long will you keep lying to the Cryptids?"

Calias:
"Oh... Right..."

Nihil:
"You went right along with Selphius's claims that you were the Lost Prince..."

Calias:
"Technically, you were the one who told me to go along with her."

Nihil:
"I did not mean for you to tell falsehoods. What would Hannah say if she knew you lied?"

Calias:
"Gh!? She--"

Nihil:
"She would be very disappointed in you."

Calias:
"...I know..."

Nihil:
"Why did you lie then?"

Calias:
"...I just... wanted to be the hero, y'know? The chosen one of prophecy! The liberator! The savior of all Cryptid-kind!"

Nihil:
"And yet, you failed to realize that by lying, you are sealing the Cryptids' fate."

Calias:
"Well, who the heck is the Lost Prince? He's obviously not alive if they've been waiting for him for thousands of years..."

Nihil:
"Calias... I could be mistaken. But... I believe the Lost Prince... is me."

Calias:
"..."
"WHAT?!?"

Nihil:
"A long time ago, the King of New Babylon banished his child to Mobius in a cryogenically frozen state. Over three thousand years later, that child was found, and used to create you."

Calias:
"...And that was you, right?"

Nihil:
"Correct. Then, at some point, the Phoenix Factor that I previously possessed passed on to you."

Calias:
"And that's why everyone thinks I'm the Lost Prince..."

Nihil:
"Yes..."

Calias:
"...I should probably come clean, shouldn't I?"

Nihil:
"..." *Looks down.* "Actually... I do not want to let them know the truth. You would make a better prince than myself, after all that I have done..."

Calias:
"Nihil! Come on, dude!"

Nihil:
"Please, Calias. Forget we had this conversation. As of today, you are the Lost Prince of Babylon."

Calias:
"...Okay."

The two Phoenixes exit. The main room is now filled with the townsfolk.

Calias:
"..."

Nihil:
*Nudges Calias.*

Calias:
*Takes a deep breath, then plasters a smile on his face.* "OKAY! Listen up! We're going to the Engine Room, and we're gonna take down the king once and for all!"

Selphius:
"I am coming too! You will need my knowledge of this city to traverse it!"

Calias:
"Alright! Then it's settled! We're overthrowing the king!"

Venice:
"You say that as if you have experienced this before..."

Calias:
"Well, coups are kinda my thing at this point."

Nihil:
*Raises a fist.* "Prince Calias will show us the way to freedom!"

The townspeople cheer.

Calias:
*Calias's gut begins to wrench.* "...Yeah. Let's do this."

THE REVOLUTION BEGINS! Next time on Calias and the Lost Prince of Babylon!

```

### Episode 3: The Point of No Return

```
Calias, Nihil and Selphius have crawled through the ventilation systems again. This time, they've arrived at a secluded alleyway.

Selphius:
*Crawls out of the vent in the ground.* "We are here..."

Calias:
*Leaps out, and extends a hand for Nihil.* "What is this place, Selphie?"

Nihil:
*Takes Cal's hand and is hoisted up.*

Selphius:
"This is the upper city. It's the only place with an entrance tunnel to the Styx."

Nihil:
"From what I have gathered... You are not supposed to be up here, are you, Selphius?"

Selphius:
"No. We Cryptids are not permitted to enter the upper city without guard supervision."

Nihil:
"...That's awful. You have not done anything to deserve your solitude..."

Calias:
"Well. Once we stop the king, things'll change. Right?"

Selphius:
"Let us hope so."

The three birds exit the alley. There, they are greeted by the sight of a glowing, golden city. A huge city square sits in front of them, filled with many large birds that have feathers for hands.

Calias:
"Whoa..."

Nihil:
"I have only glimpsed this city before..."

Selphius:
"Be very careful... We must not be spotted by the citizens."

Calias:
"I have a question. Why are they so big?!? Where are their hands? They're like overgrown flickies!"

Nihil:
"Calias... Those are Pureblood Babylonians."

Calias:
"OOOOOOH! That makes sense."

Selphius:
*Leaps onto the ledge of a nearby building's balcony.* "Up here!"

Calias:
*Calias and Nihil follow suit, as the three begin crossing balconies to evade being spotted by the Babylonians.*
"So... Something's been bothering me, Selphie..."

Selphius:
*Turns back whilst still leaping from balcony to balcony.* "Yes, Your Highness?"

Calias:
"Okay, first of all, don't call me that. Second of all... How long were you stalking me back on Mobius?"

Selphius:
"Stalking? I do not think that is what I was doing. I was simply following you around so that I could approach you at the correct time... Although, I may have gotten a tad carried away."

Calias:
"Watching people without their permission is still stalking..."

Selphius:
"I have no shame in it. You are here. My mission was successful."

Calias:
(Not creepy at all...)

The trio reaches the roof of one of the buildings. Selphius then points to a gate and the far end of the town. It's heavily fortified with guns and guards, and what appears to be a spike trap with a bridge going across it.

Selphius:
"That gate over there is where we need to go."

Nihil:
"It seems impenetrable..."

Calias:
"Oh, come on, man! We can get through there, no problem!" *He punches Nihil on the arm.*

Selphius:
"Remember, we must not be spotted. We cannot ri--"

A loud shriek surrounds the air, before a rain of gunfire begins spewing on the roof in front of them.

Calias:
*Quickly rushes Selphius and Nihil out of the path of the gunfire.*

Nihil:
"What was that?!"

Selphius:
*Looks up at the sky, gritting her teeth.* "They've found us..."

Tide:
*A large bird hovers in the air above them. Attached to her shoulders are machine guns.* "By order of King Adonis, stand down."

Nihil:
(Adonis?!?)

Calias:
"MAKE ME!"

Selphius:
"Calias!"

Tide:
"I have no problems with killing Cryptids. In fact, I quite enjoy it. So you had best surrender now."

Selphius:
"This is one of the Babylon Guardians. They call her Tide..."

Calias:
"Well, she's about to find out what happens when you challenge me..." *He kneels down into a running start position.*

Nihil:
*Hesitates, but follows suit.*

Tide:
"So you have chosen oblivion..." *Rushes in to attack.*

Calias:
*Jumps out from his position, leaping towards Tide and punching with a glowing fist.*

Tide:
*Flies up, evading Cal's attack.*

Calias:
"Hey! No fair! Birds can't fly!"
*Realizes he's now falling from the rooftop into the city square below.* "Oh shoot..."

Babylonian:
*A vendor is attempting to sell his wares.* "Please! Have a look at my one of a kind goods!"

Calias:
*Falls on top of the vendor's wares, destroying them.* "Ouch..."

Babylonian:
"..."

All of the Babylonians in the surrounding area are now staring at Calias.

Calias:
*He sits up.* "Um... My bad?"

Selphius:
*Calling from the roof.* "Calias! Get up here! Hurry!"

Calias:
*Without a second's hesitation, Calias darts back towards Selphius.*

Tide:
*Has been chasing Nihil across the rooftops.* "You cannot run, half-breed!"

Nihil:
"I cannot? But I am running right now!"

Calias:
*Back on the original roof.* "Hang on Nihil. I've got your back."

Selphius:
"It would seem stealth is no longer an option..."

Calias:
*Speeds off after Nihil and the Guardian.*

Selphius:
"WAIT! What should I do?!"

Calias:
*Is too far away to hear Selphius.*

Selphius:
*Shakes her head.* "Then I shall do as I must."

Calias:
*Catches up with Nihil.* "Hey, man. I know running on rooftops is cool and all, but you might wanna start thinking about losing this crazy chick."

Nihil:
*Is trying his best to stay neck-and-neck with Calias.* "I have a plan, Calias. Follow my lead."

Calias:
"*You* have a plan?! That's not how this works."

Tide:
*Continues to rain gunfire on the Phoenixes.* "Alright. This is the end of the line, Cryptid scum!"

Nihil:
*Runs down the side of the building, narrowly avoiding any balconies or clotheslines hanging from the windows.*

Calias:
*Follows suit.* "What the heck, man! Slow down!"

Tide:
"GRR!" *Flies skyward for a better vantage point.*

Nihil:
"Just as I thought! The Guardian wouldn't dare risk hurting the people of this city. So we must remain on the ground."

Calias:
"Right. And when does this come back to bite us?"

Nihil:
"Have faith, Calias! This will work!" *He says, right before getting grabbed by something.*

Calias:
*Still running, he doesn't see what nabbed Nihil.* "Huh?! Nihil?! Where'd you go?"

Tempest:
*Another Babylonian, this one clad in glowing armor, has grabbed Nihil with his talons.* Nuisance apprehended.

Nihil:
"Nuisance?! I will show you who is the nuisance! Chaos SPEAR!" *Nihil fires a Chaos Spear, albeit weak, at the Guardian.*

Tempest:
"GRAH!!" *Starts to descend, but doesn't let go of Nihil.*

Nihil:
"Oh dear..."

The Babylonian and Nihil crash through the walls of a building.

Calias:
*Looks up to see what just happened.* "Nihil! Hang on, buddy! I'm coming!" *He begins to speed in that direction, but gunfire starts to rain back towards him.* "AAH! I thought he said they *wouldn't* shoot where there are civilians!"
*Starts running the other way, dodging shots that are too close for comfort.* "YOU SHOULD REALLY BE MORE CAREFUL WITH THAT THING!"

Tide:
"Enough!" *Divebombs after Calias.*

Calias:
*Calias has reached a dead end alley. He turns to see the Guardian approaching him at high speed.* "Oh cra--"

A net suddenly spreads across the alleyway, consuming the incoming Guardian.

Tide:
"Lost visual contact!" *She crashes into the dead end.*

Calias:
"What."

Selphius:
*Hops down from a rooftop.* "Excellent work, Your High--Calias. How did you know I was waiting in this alley?"

Calias:
"I... I didn't."

Selphius:
"Oh. So it was pure luck, then."

Calias:
"I'm beginning to think that's most of my life."

Meanwhile, inside the building Nihil crashed into.

Nihil:
*Leaps to his feet, and looks for the Guardian.* "Where did he go?"

Tempest:
*A pile of rubble in the back of the room begins to spark with electricity, before the Guardian bursts out, crackling with blue lightning.* "DO NOT RESIST!"

Nihil:
"I could continue this all day, but I really must be going." *He dashes out through the hole in the wall.*

Tempest:
*Curses in ancient Babylonian, before chasing Nihil.*

Calias:
"We need to find Nihil and regroup."

Selphius:
"Found him." *She says, pointing to the Phoenix that just jumped out of a tall building and is now in freefall.*

Calias:
*Sees the Guardian following him.* "Oh great, another one. Stand back and watch this, Selphie!" *He charges his energy before dashing off at supersonic speeds and up the building.*

Selphius:
"What am I watching?!"

Nihil:
*Sees Calias coming, and turns around to face the Guardian whilst still falling.* "SIR! I WOULD MUCH APPRECIATE IT IF YOU COULD END THIS QUICKLY."

Tempest:
*His attention is now completely focused on Nihil.* "That can be arra--" *He's punched directly in the beak by Calias.*

Calias:
"Yes!!" *He begins to lose momentum and starts falling.* "Wuh-oh. That's not good."

Selphius:
*Selphius leaps onto a vendor's stand, and uses the canopy as a trampoline. She catches Calias in midair, before using the building as a springboard to jump towards a nearby large fountain.* "Do not worry. I have this covered."

Nihil:
*Selphius completely ignores Nihil, who falls on top of a Babylonian citizen.* "Agh... My back..."

Babylonian:
*In pain.* "Today has been a trial..."

Calias:
*Calias and Selphius splash-land into the fountain, to the surprise of the surrounding citizens.* "Whoa. That was AWESOME!"

Tempest:
*Has crashed into what appears to be a Babylonian version of an extreme gear rack.* "Filthy criminals..." *Spits out a tooth.*

Selphius:
"Where is your bodyguard?" *She says, stepping out of the fountain. The townspeople all flee as she inches closer.*

Calias:
"Um... I think he--"

Nihil:
*Dashes over.* "I am here! Apologies for the delay."

Calias:
"Okay. We're all here..."

Selphius:
"I believe a change of plans is in order..."

Calias:
"Yeah. No way we'll get past the gate's security with these guys on our tails..."

Selphius:
"Then we must find a way to draw attention elsewhere..."

Nihil:
*Nihil begins to ponder.*
"What if I were to draw the Guardians away, while the two of you continue the quest?"

Calias:
"Dude! No! That's insane!"

Nihil:
"I can handle myself if I keep running. I will make sure they do not come after you."

Selphius:
"That is a sound idea. It is risky, but a bodyguard must be willing to [do?] anything for their liege."

Calias:
"But I--Okay... Don't get careless, dude."

Nihil:
"Not to worry, Calias. I will be just fine." *He extends his fist.*

Calias:
*Calias hesitates to return the fist bump, but does so.*

Nihil:
*Nods before speeding off.*

Selphius:
"What was that farewell ritual?"

Calias:
"Huh? Oh! That's called a fist bump! It's a thing friends do to say 'see you later'."

Selphius:
"Like this?" *She punches Calias in the gut.*

Calias:
*Doubles over in shock.* "AUGH! ...No... Not quite like that."

Selphius:
"I have an idea. We need to find Nicholas the Watcher."

Calias:
"...Nicholas the Watcher?"

Selphius:
"He is the all-seeing eye of Babylon. And most likely, the reason the Guardians found us so quickly."

Calias:
"And if we find him, we can beat him up and make sure we get through undetected?"

Selphius:
"In few words, yes."

"I have seen his observatory through the vents on one of my excursions. I can lead us there."

Calias:
"Well, then what are we waiting for! Let's move!"

THE QUEST CONTINUES! Nihil has gone off on his own! Calias and Selphius head for the observatory of Nicholas the Watcher! What awaits them? Find out next time on Calias and the Lost Prince of Babylon!

```

### Episode 4: The Observer

```
We rejoin the birds as Calias and Selphius make their way up the vents, trying to get to the observatory of Nicholas the Watcher...

Calias:
"Hey, Selphie? How much longer?"

Selphius:
"You really have no fortitude, do you? And here I thought the Lost Prince would be the bravest soul in existence..."

Calias:
"...Well, expectations and all that..."

Selphius:
*She grunts while climbing.* "Yes, expectations... I always imagined you as a legendary hero, stoic and brave, someone who could free us all."

Calias:
"Sorry to disappoint."

Selphius:
"I'm not disappointed! You may be rash, loud and slightly arrogant, but you're still a hero from my point of view."

Calias:
"Thank you...?"

Selphius:
*Stops at a particular vent.* "This one."

Calias:
"Alright. Now what do we do?" *He looks through the vent to find a room covered in holographic screens. A single chair sits in the middle of the circular room.*

Selphius:
"Nicholas can see all. He most likely knows we're coming, so we must formulate a plan of attack."

Calias:
"Hmmm." *He quickly finishes thinking and raises his finger. You can practically see the light bulb appear over his head.*

Selphius:
"Do you have something?"

Calias:
"You enter through this vent, and I'll sneak in from a different one."

Selphius:
"Understood. There is another one at the top, but I've never been that far..."

Calias:
"Okay. Cool. Here goes nothing..."

As Selphius begins unscrewing the vent from the wall, Calias climbs further towards the top of the room.*

Selphius:
*Finishes undoing the cover and quietly sets it down.* "Okay, Selphius... This is it. No turning back now..."
*She steps into the Observatory, her heart beating faster than a hedgehog with an affinity for chili dogs.*

Mystery Voice:
"**WHO DARES ENTER MY OBSERVATORY?!?**"

Selphius:
*Jumps back at the voice, and reaches behind her, grabbing something out of a pouch on her belt.* "S-Someone who is tired of the oppression of my people..." (That sounded much more intimidating before I said it aloud...)

Mystery Voice:
"**HAHAHA! I already knew that. After all, you said it yourself... I knew you were coming.**"

Selphius:
"Then you must also know who I am. The people of the city refer to me as the Broken Puppet. Long have I been fed up with the mistreatment of the Cryptids. As such, I've taken it upon myself to see to their liberation."

Mystery Voice:
"**How noble of you. And how rude of me... Please, allow my friend here to attend to you, my guest.**"

Selphius:
"Friend?!"

With a loud shockwave, a bird of great stature lands in front of Selphius. Another Guardian. This one with jet engines attached to his wings.

Turbine:
"STUPID REBEL. DEATH TIME IS FOR YOU!"

Selphius:
*Smirks ever-so-slightly, but you can tell she's quaking.* "Ah, yes... Turbine. Mind over matter may play a part in our squabble, your Guardianship."

Turbine:
"THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE INSULT! CRUSHING NOW COMMENCES!" *Flies up and spins, creating energetic tornadoes that have locked onto Selphius.*

Selphius:
*Flips backward, landing on a suspended catwalk. She draws what she had grabbed from her pouch, a small, pen-like device.*

Mystery Voice:
"**This is my domain. You must understand I control every bit of security for this entire craft. You sealed your fate when you stepped in here.**"

Selphius:
*Jumps off the catwalk as the tornadoes hit it, and lands on Turbine's back, she attempts to stab him with the pen device, but gets thrown off.* "Agh!"

Eight highly advanced drones surround Selphius with guns drawn.

Selphius:
"Heh. You think you have me cornered?"

Calias:
*Up above, Calias has reached the vent, he gives Selphius a thumbs-up.*

Mystery Voice:
"**Did you forget already? I knew you were coming...**"

Selphius:
"...Wait..." (He knows Calias is...) "CALIAS!"

Calias:
*Punches off the vent cover and jumps down.*

Calias is immediately caught in an energy field.

Calias:
"W-Huh?!"

Mystery Voice:
"**And thus, the legend of the Lost Prince of Babylon comes to an end. However, if you truly were the Lost Prince, this wouldn't be a problem for you... Too bad you're an impostor.**"

Calias:
"How do you--?!?!"

Selphius:
"Calias *is* the Lost Prince! Can you not feel the Phoenix Factor emanating from him?!"

Mystery Voice:
"**Look closer, rebel. If he truly were the Lost Prince, wouldn't he have talons on his feet?"**

Selphius:
*She finally realizes.* "Calias... What is the meaning of this?"

Calias:
"I wanted to tell you... Nihil told me not to..."

Selphius:
"You lied to me... You are not the Lost Prince. You never were!"

Mystery Voice:
"**I hate to interrupt this shocking conversation... But it's time you were laid to rest. Your rebellion has come to an end.**"

Selphius:
"No... PLEASE! NO!"

The drones open fire.

Calias:
"SELPHIE!" *He attempts to break out of the energy field, but he cannot.*

Mystery Voice:
"**As for the impostor... You really thought you could be the big hero, didn't you? Turbine, if you would do the honors..."**

Turbine:
"WITH THE PLEASURES..." *His chest begins to glow.*

Calias:
"What have I done?..."

Turbine:
*Turbine fires a laser beam from his chest, immediately incinerating our hero.*

Calias's consciousness floats in a black void.

Chol:
"I knew we would meet like this again sooner or later..."

Calias:
"...Did I die?"

Chol:
"I would have thought that would be apparent."

Calias:
"Of course I died... This whole adventure was a bad idea to begin with."

Chol:
"Why did you come here in the first place?"

Calias:
"I.. don't know. I thought it would be fun, I guess..."

Chol:
"No other reason?"

Calias:
"...I felt like I needed to. Something inside me told me to follow Selphie..."

Chol:
"Yes... And what was that?"

Calias:
"I... don't know?"

Chol:
"It was me, Calias. I was the one who urged your heart to come here."

Calias:
"You did? But why? What do you even want with me?!"

Chol:
"You are my current vessel. And as such, you are the only one I can rely on to carry out the necessary actions that must come to pass."

Calias:
"You want to use me... I get it. I'm used to that. It's why I was created."

Chol:
"Our partnership is mutually beneficial. If it weren't, you would be dead right now."

Calias:
"...You have a point. So what do you need me to do?"

Chol:
"I, much like your new friend, want to see the people of New Babylon liberated, and the Lost Prince returned to the throne."

Calias:
"You mean Nihil, right? He's the Lost Prince, not me."

Chol:
"Very true, but you currently possess my power. You must be the one to assist him in his journey."

Calias:
"I will... Just let me go back and I'll do everything differently!"

Chol:
"No. That is out of the question. I will return you to the Cryptid village, right before you left for the city. The things you said and did up to the point where you parted ways with Nihil should be left as they are. Repeat every action again, and then chart a new path."

Calias:
"So I have to lie again? Why?!?"

Chol:
"For Selphius's sake, and for Nihil's. He trusts you to keep his secret."

Calias:
"..."
"Fine. But I *REALLY* don't like this."

Chol:
"I will guide you from now on. Be attentive, and I shall show you the way."

Calias:
"Okay... You'd better not steer me wrong."

Chol:
"Have faith, Calias. Now, if you're ready..."

Calias:
"Ready as I'll ever be..."

The whole world turns white, then suddenly, Calias stands before Nihil. The two Phoenixes exit. The main room is now filled with the townsfolk.

Calias:
"..."

Nihil:
*Nudges Calias.*

Calias:
*Takes a deep breath, then plasters a smile on his face.* "OKAY! Listen up! We're going to the Engine Room, and we're gonna take down the king once and for all!"

Venice:
"You say that as if you have experienced this before..."

Calias:
"..."

Chol:
*Speaks directly into Calias's mind.* "You must go to the city and engage the Guardians, as you have done before."

Calias:
"Okay. Here goes nothing..."

And back from the dead he comes! Calias must redo the events of the past two episodes [just one, actually] to the best of his ability! Thankfully, with the power of modern technology we can skip all the stuff we've already seen!

We now return to Calias's big fat adventure... Today we find ourselves catching up with the birds as they have just beaten the Guardians in the city of gold.

Calias:
(That seemed a lot less perilous than last time...) "You guys okay?"

Selphius:
"I am fine, yes. How are you?"

Calias:
"I've been worse."

Nihil:
"Calias. I have a suggestion, but it might sound absurd."

Calias:
"Yeah? What's that?"

Nihil:
"I believe we should split up."

Calias:
"..." (CHOL! What do I do now?)

Chol:
"Nicholas the Watcher will no doubt see you coming. Regardless of how many of you confront him, he will likely capture you all the same."

Calias:
(Okay... I think I have an idea.) "Nihil. Hold that thought."

Nihil:
"But a thought is an abstract concept, how do I hold it?"

Calias:
"...I'll be right back." *Calias speeds off in the direction of the ventilation system.* "Alright. Here goes nothing..."

Faster than this Phoenix has ever zoomed before, Calias jumps and curls into a ball, zipping straight up the vent shaft.

Calias:
*Getting sick.* "How dOeS SoNiC dO THis?!?"

Before you can say "My aunt is a giant slime monster", Calias crashes into his destination, landing directly in front of Nicholas the Watcher's... watching chair.

Calias:
"Bet you didn't see that coming did you?!"

```

```
Nicholas:
"Uh... Hello?"

```

```
Calias:
"...Erm. Who are you?"

Nicholas:
"I'm... Nicholas the Watcher? I would think someone who crashes through my ceiling would know who I am."

Calias:
"But... You're so... nerdy."

Nicholas:
"I'm the one who watches the security cameras for the entire city. I don't get out much. What did you expect? A terrifying villain?"

Calias:
(Did *this guy* actually manage to get me killed?!?)

Nicholas:
"Great job figuring out where my observatory is in such a short amount of time. It's a shame you're not actually the Lost Prince. That'd be sick."

Calias:
"Okay. Let me stop you right there. First off, why do you sound like you've lived in Empire City your whole life?"

Nicholas:
"Oh, that's 'cause I've got a *NICE* satellite that picks up TV signals from Mobius. I keep up with ECPD. You see that season finale?"

Calias:
"No, I'm more of a soap guy myself."

Nicholas:
"Ah, I gotcha man."

Calias:
"Okay, now. Second of all. Why aren't you trying to kill me right now?!?"

Nicholas:
"Simple. I don't like killing. It ain't really part of my code. I'd only do that if I were told to."

Calias:
"Told? By the king?"

Nicholas:
"Him or the Guardians. They're the only guys I listen to. *Worst bosses ever, though*."

Calias:
"If you don't like them, why do you listen to them?"

Nicholas:
"Do you know what happened to the last guy who went against the King? He got banished! Shot off into the far reaches of space, never to be heard from again."

Calias:
"Hmmm... Y'know, I think we might be able to help each other out..."

Nicholas:
"Hold up. You saying I should help you and the rebel get rid of King Adonis?"

Calias:
"Sure thing. I think we could all benefit from that jerk getting brought down a peg."

Nicholas:
"Let me think about it..."

As Nicholas thinks, Calias stands. Meanwhile, the other two are back in the city.

Nihil:
"Where could he have gone?!"

Selphius:
"To think that he would abandon us..."

Nihil:
"...I don't think that is it. Calias is many things. But he is not unfaithful in the slightest. For the little I have known him, I have seen naught but a duty-bound fighter."

Selphius:
"That is good to know. That does remind me. I had a question for you."

Nihil:
"What was that?"

Selphius:
"You are a Cryptid, correct? How did you make it to Mobius and come in contact with Calias?"

Nihil:
(I had hoped she wouldn't ask that... Perhaps I should come clean?) "...You see, Selphius. The truth is... I--"

Nihil is immediately cut off by the sound of a shriek coming from an alleyway.

Nihil:
"What could that be?" *He runs toward the sound to investigate.*

Selphius:
*Follows behind, cautiously.*

The birds happen upon a Babylonian, beating up a fellow Babylonian.

Nihil:
"HALT! What is the meaning of this!?!?"

Babylonian:
*The aggressor speaks up.* "Oh? What is this? A tiny Cryptid tries to meddle in the affairs of a greater Babylonian. What drivel!"

Nihil:
"I do not care what you may think of my people, as it seems you care not for your own either. Your insults are invalid."

Babylonian:
"You speak as if you are mighty, little one. Do you wish to be as this thief I caught stealing my magic carpet?"

Nihil:
*Punches his palm.* "There is a word for people like you on Mobius." *He makes a swift strike and knocks the Babylonian out cold.*

Babylonian:
*The victim speaks up.* "...Why did you save me? I am a Babylonian... We hate your kind..."

Selphius:
*Stands there, not knowing what to say.*

Nihil:
"Because. Helping people is the right thing to do. No matter who they are."

Babylonian:
*Tries to stand, but falters.*

Selphius:
*Runs over to the Babylonian, grabbing a vial off of her belt.* "Here, drink this. It's a healing potion."

Babylonian:
"I don't understand this at all... But thank you..."

Nihil:
*Nihil begins to walk away. Selphius soon runs to follow him.*

Selphius:
"That was a very noble action. You must be very proud of yourself."

Nihil:
"No... I have many debts to repay. If I can help one in need, then I can feel like I am making up for my past misdeeds..."

Selphius:
"What could you have done that would cause you to think that way?"

Nihil:
"...I... don't know."
(I'm not really sure what it is that I did... or if I was even the one to do it at all...)
"It is better left as a conversation for another day. First, we must find Calias."

Selphius:
"Yes. That would be wise..."

Nihil:
(Something at the back of my mind keeps telling me that I was the one who did those things... There is still a presence there that haunts me...)

MEANWHILE! Nicholas seems to have finished thinking.

Nicholas:
"Alright. You've got yourself a deal!"

Calias:
"Really?! Great!"

Nicholas:
"On one condition. When you're done overthrowing the king... Take me back to Mobius with you... I've seen so many commercials for Chaos Cola, I've just gotta taste one!"

Calias:
"Deal. You've got my word, Nick. I'll get you a Chaos Cola."

Nicholas:
"Sweet!" *He reaches behind him and grabs a key.* "Here, lil dude. This'll get you into the Styx. Be careful, though. That place is a literal nightmare..."

Calias:
*Takes the key.* "I'm sure I've seen worse..."

Nicholas:
"Don't say I didn't warn you."

Calias:
"Okay, here goes!" *Calias begins speeding out, but runs into something, sending him tumbling backwards.* "Huh?"

Turbine:
"YOU GO SOMEWHERE?! NOOOOOOO!!! NOT TODAY!"

Nicholas:
"Oh, great. Inspection time already?!"

Calias:
(I thought this was going too smoothly...)

Turbine:
"TRAITORS MUST GO SQUISH!" *He flaps his wings, creating a strong gust of wind.*

Calias:
*Calias quickly clings to the ground so as to not be blown away.* "Alright..." (Chol. I need help to beat this guy...)

Chol:
"Do not fear, Calias. I will be your wings."

Calias:
*He begins to glow with teal light, summoning the power of the Phoenix.* "You want to squish me, big guy? I'd like to see you try."

AAAND, unfortunately that's where we're gonna end this chapter. CLIFFHANGER! But don't worry! Calias and the Lost Prince of Babylon will return Thursday with the next episode.

```

### Episode 5: NO WAY OUT!

```
We return now to Calias and the Lost Prince of Babylon, where our titular character is facing down one of the Babylon Guardians on his own, with only the power of the Phoenix behind him.

Turbine:
"Puny Cryptid!" *The massive bird flaps his wings, creating strong gusts of wind.*

Calias:
*Calias grits his teeth as he latches onto the ground, charging the energy within himself and preparing to attack.* "Hey, watch it! You're blowing your nasty stench all over!"

Turbine:
"WATCHER! WHERE ARE THE DRONES?!"

Nicholas:
"Oh, um... They are coming sir. I just haven't... run the daily diagnostics on them! They'll be right out."

Calias:
*Glowing wings of light appear under Cal's arms as he springs toward his opponent, fighting the wind.* "Hey! Tall, dark and loud!"

Turbine:
*Begins charging a laser in his chest.*

Calias:
(Oh dang. Seen this one before.) *Calias course corrects and lands, deciding instead to rush the Guardian's feet.*

Turbine:
*Tries to land on Calias.* "HAHA! SQUISH TIME!"

Calias:
*Slides under Turbine's feet and leaps up, landing a strong blow on Turbine's jet-powered apparatus.*

Turbine:
*His jet begins malfunctioning and sends him soaring across the observatory. He quickly takes control and dive bombs towards Calias.*
"THAT NOT HOW YOU PLAY!"

Calias:
"Rules go out the window when you try to kill someone!" *Calias jumps to attack the incoming Guardian, but is caught off guard by Turbine's incredible speed that hits him head-on.*
"GAH!" *He tumbles backwards into the wall.*

Turbine:
"NO ONE GO FASTER THAN ME!"

Calias:
"Oh yeah?" *Cough.* "Wanna bet?" *Calias begins running around the room at high speeds.*

Nicholas:
"Hey, man! Careful! Don't break anything!"

Turbine:
"I GOT YOU RIGHT IN THE PLACE OF WANTING!" *Dashes in, landing right in front of Calias's path.*

Calias:
*Screeches to a halt.* "Erm... excuse me?"

Turbine:
*Grabs Calias and begins shaking him like a protein shake in a mixer bottle.*

Calias:
"GaKAKakakK!"

Turbine:
*Slams Calias into the ground, making a sizable shockwave.*

Calias:
"Guhhh..."

Turbine:
"TIME TO END THE THIS!" *Prepares to fire a laser.*

Nicholas:
*Looks over to the security cameras. He spies two figures making their way up the vents.* "Guardian Turbine, sir! The drones need your authorization to deploy!"

Turbine:
"HUH? Oh. CODE OF THE AUTHORITY ONE-TWO-ONE-TWO."

Nicholas:
"Hmm. Not that one. Try again?"

Calias:
*While Turbine is distracted, Calias rolls out of the way.*

Turbine:
"GRAAAH!" *Smashes his foot down to where Calias was lying, but he is no longer there.*

Calias:
*Waves at Turbine, still on the floor.* "Yo."

Turbine:
*Prepares to flap his wings again.*

The side vent cover shoots open as two figures emerge.

Turbine:
"HUH?!?"

Selphius:
"Guardian Turbine. We meet again..."

Turbine:
"REBEL GIRL! DIE DIE DIE!!" *He rushes forward.*

Nihil:
"You will not come any closer!" *Uppercuts the approaching Guardian.*

Turbine:
"GRAAAH!"

Calias:
*Gets up.* "Thanks for the save, guys!" *Leaps up to meet the Guardian and smashes him into the ground.*

Turbine:
"Ughhhh..." *He goes unconscious.*

Calias:
*Lands, not-so-gracefully.* "Agh. I'm gonna be feeling that later..."

Nihil:
"Calias..."

Selphius:
"WHY WOULD YOU COME HERE ALONE?!?"

Nihil:
"You did not even ask us to join you. And had we not showed up now, you could have died!"

Nicholas:
"Whoa, guys! Lay off the man! He just fought one of the strongest warriors in all of New Babylon!"

Calias:
*Cal's Phoenix power fades as he collapses.*

Nihil:
*Nihil and Selphius rush to his side.* "Calias! Are you okay?"

Calias:
*No response.*

Selphius:
"He must have worn himself out... Not to worry, I have my family's special healing potions on me at all times."
*She grabs a potion off of her belt and makes Calias drink it.*

Nihil:
"How quickly does it work?"

Selphius:
"Instan--"

Calias:
*Shoots up.* "WHAT IS GOING ON?!?!"

Nicholas:
"Welcome back! You just knocked out the Guardian and I gave you the key to get into the Styx. You're welcome!"

Nihil:
"I'm sorry, who are you?"

Nicholas:
"...Nicholas the Watcher..."

Selphius:
"Do you jest?!"

Nicholas:
"Don't you have a river you should be getting to? Move it! I want my Chaos Cola!"

Calias:
"Yep! Thanks for all your help, Nick!"

Nicholas:
"Don't let me down, dude!"

Calias:
"Wouldn't dream of it."

Before long, the trio makes their way to the gates of the Styx. The guards are nowhere to be seen.

Nihil:
"So Nicholas did not lie. He truly wishes to help our endeavors?"

Calias:
"Looks that way." *Calias walks up to the gate and searches for a keyhole.*

Selphius:
"Calias... I cannot continue with you unless you explain your reckless actions. Why did you confront Nicholas and Turbine on our own?"

Calias:
"...I couldn't risk you guys getting killed. So I decided to fly solo."

Nihil:
"I do understand... But please, Calias, from now on, rely on us."

Calias:
"Yeah... I will. Thanks, you two."

Selphius:
*Nods in response.*

Calias:
*Calias discovers the keyhole and inserts the key, turning it slowly, it opens up.* "Alright! Now let's get going before the guards get back!"

The three birds make their way down a winding staircase that unfolds as they walk down it, folding back behind them, until they arrive at a dock. A single boat sits on the... water? What is that, Stuff?!?

Calias:
*Plugs his nose.* "Agh. And I thought Turbine smelled bad..."

Selphius:
"This is truly the Styx. None would dare venture here without cause... This is why the entrance to the engine room is hidden across this river.

Nihil:
"Then we must cross... no matter the odor..."

Calias:
"Yep..." *They all slowly get in the boat, Calias grabs what seem to be oars and starts to row.*

Selphius:
"Faster, Calias! We have a destination we must reach!"

Calias:
*Groans, then rows faster.* "Y'know, there's another set of oars right there."

Selphius:
"Oh! So there is..." *She grabs the other oars and begins to row.*

Nihil:
"I will watch for the entrance to the engine room... It is quite dark down here..."

Calias:
"No kidding, I can't see where we're going!"

Selphius:
"Unfortunately, I brought many machines, but a spottingtorch was not one of them."

Nihil:
"Wait... I see a faint light..." *He points in the direction of the light.*

They row towards the light and soon arrive at a small platform with a door.

Calias:
"This's gotta be it..."

Selphius:
"All of our efforts are about to pay off. We must simply disconnect the King's power source from the Great Gem."

Calias:
*Begins pushing open the door.* "Y'know, I had a question about that. Just what is the 'Great Gem'?"

Selphius:
"I have never seen it..."

Calias:
*As Calias continues punching the door, light pours out from inside the room.* "Huh?"

Nihil:
"What could..." *Nihil enters the room, the other two follow suit.*

Calias:
"That's the Great Gem, right? It's gotta be..."

Selphius:
"It most certainly is..."

There, sitting atop a golden pyramid, is a large glowing stone. It is the same size and shape as the Master Emerald, however, this one glows cyan.
[an image of the Gem]
Connected to the base of the pyramid are several dozen tubes and wires, no doubt feeding into every part of New Babylon.

Selphius:
"The entire city gets its power from this one gem..."

Calias:
"Whoa... That's one fancy rock."

Mystery Voice:
"We knew you would come here..."

Calias:
"Huh?!" *Calias looks up, in the direction the voice came from.*

Tempest:
"Did you truly believe you could escape me that simply?" *A bolt of lightning shoots out and strikes the pyramid, coating it in electricity.*

Nihil:
"This one again..."

Calias:
"Hey, I've already beat up one Guardian. What's one more?"

Selphius:
"Besides. This one, we will take on together..."

Calias:
"Right. Let's do this."

A BATTLE COMMENCES IN THE ENGINE ROOM! Who will win? The trio of rebels? Or the amped-up enforcer? Find out next time, on Calias and the Lost Prince of Babylon!

```

### Episode 6: The Truth Behind It All

```
SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY SHOWDOWN!!! It's the revolutionary trio versus Tempest, the Babylon Guardian inside the engine room of New Babylon! Who will win this epic thrash? Let's find out!

Tempest:
*Flies up to the top of the room and shoots lightning across the ceiling. It makes its way down the walls and towards the floor.*

Calias:
"Okay, everyone! On my count, we jump!"

Selphius:
*The other two nod.*

Calias:
"One... TWOJUMP!" *Having realized the lightning was coming faster than expected, he jumps. Selphius and Nihil follow suit.*

Tempest:
*Divebombs toward the ground, covering himself in electricity as he descends.* "You are quick, Phoenix. But do not underestimate the true power I possess!"

Nihil:
"Grab on, you two!" *He extends his hands, which Calias and Selphius grab.* "Chaos Control!"

Tempest:
*The trio is teleported out of the way, right before Tempest crashes into the ground.*

Calias:
"Whoa! Nice thinking, man!"

Tempest:
*Disoriented, he turns to face his opponents, his eyes are now bursting with electricity.* "Okay. I have had my fun. It is time to put an end to this."

Selphius:
*Grabs a pen-like device from a pouch on her belt.* "Keep him distracted. I have a plan."

Calias:
"Alright. You ready, Nihil?"

Nihil:
"I do not know what I am ready for, but yes."

Calias:
"Cool. You left, me right." *Speeds off to the right.*

Nihil:
*Shrugs before speeding off to the left.*

Tempest:
*Jumps backward and begins forming a lightning ball.*

Calias:
*Motions toward Nihil with strange hand motions that most likely don't mean anything.*

Nihil:
*Bewildered.*

Calias:
"Chaos SPEAR!" *A spear shoots from Calias towards the Guardian.*

Nihil:
"Oh, right! Chaos Spear!" *Nothing happens.* (I must have used all my built-up energy on that teleport earlier...)

Tempest:
*Gets hit by Cal's spear, but seems unfazed, even though his wing is now on fire.* "Ah, a jester. I like your party tricks!"

Selphius:
*Selphius has climbed up one of the tubes connected to the gem. She is now at the ceiling.*
"Okay, Selphius... You can do this... Here--GOES!!" *She says, jumping down and landing on Tempest's back, stabbing the device into his armor.*

Tempest:
*Tempest's armor immediately shuts down, and he falls to the ground with a thud.* "GRAHHH!"

Calias:
"Man, sucks to be you!" *He runs up and kicks the Guardian in the head, knocking him out.*

Selphius:
*Jumps off the unconscious Guardian's back and groups up with Calias and Nihil.* "My nullifier worked!"

Calias:
"That was really cool! Did you make that thing?"

Selphius:
"My father helped me. He's an amazing mechanic. But yes, it was my idea."

Nihil:
"There is still one more Guardian, we can't afford to get careless now."

Calias:
"Right. Let's do what we came here to do as fast as possible!"

Selphius:
"Right. Disconnect as many of these tubes as you can!"

Nihil:
"These tubes connect to the entirety of New Babylon, correct?... I remember seeing some in the hangar when we first arrived, as well as the village and the city."

Selphius:
"Yes. This one gem has powered this entire craft since it first left Mobius."

The three begin running up the pyramid, but before they can reach the top, the structure is once again covered in lightning, shocking the birds and causing them to collapse instantly.

Calias:
"Gak!" *He begins tumbling down the staircase, landing at the feet of a very angry Tempest.*

Tempest:
"I told you not to underestimate my power..." *He locks all three in electric chains.* "Come now, traitors. We are going to see the king."

Nihil:
(The king? This is my chance...)

Calias:
"Alright. Take us to the king. I have some choice words for him..."

Tempest:
"You would do well to hold your tongue... impostor."

Calias:
"What?" (How does *he* know?!?!)

Selphius:
"You are the one who is a traitor. You dare speak to the prince of New Babylon like that?!"

Tempest:
"Oh... I understand what is happening. You poor, miserable thing."
*He drags the three behind him to a secret door behind the gem.* "His Majesty will decide your fate."

The door turns out to be an elevator that shoots them up all the way to the crystal sphere at the very top of the great city.

Nihil:
"This is it..."

The door opens to reveal a stark white throne room, adorned with lava falls along the walls. At the back of the large hall is a massive crystal throne. The same tubes seen throughout the city feed in from the ceiling and connect to...

Adonis:
"Welcome home, my child."

...The king of New Babylon. A massive bird with feathers that look like they should've disintegrated centuries ago, and metal plates across his entire body. The tubes seem to be feeding him energy.

Nihil:
"Father... It has been too long."

Calias:
"Wait. WHAAAAT?!?!"

Selphius:
*Is equally confused.*

Adonis:
"I have been told you brought the Phoenix Factor back with you. At least you are useful for something."

Nihil:
"Fath--...Adonis. We are here to put an end to your evil ways."

Adonis:
"You will be doing nothing of the sort. I have waited over three thousand years for this moment... My revenge will finally come to pass. All I need is the Phoenix Factor."

Selphius:
"Calias will not allow that to happen! The Lost Prince is here to take back his kingdom! Right, Calias!"

Calias:
"...Yes. I am the Lost Prince..."

Adonis:
"Hmph. No you're not."

Calias:
"I am the one you want, Adonis."

Adonis:
"You are a liar. Nihil is the one I have waited for."

Selphius:
"..." *Selphius looks at Calias.* "What does he mean, Calias?"

Calias:
"...I'm sorry, Selphie... We thought it would be best to lie about Nihil being the actual Lost Prince..."

Selphius:
"No... How could you?!? I trusted you!!"

Calias:
"I'm just a faker. That's all I am..."

Nihil:
"Calias..."

Adonis:
"How quaint..."
*The king begins to hover off of his throne.* "Tempest! Throw the other two into the depths of Tartarus. I will be taking the Phoenix Factor from Nihil myself."

Selphius:
(Wait, Calias has the Phoenix Factor...) *She turns to see Calias's expression is dead serious.* "Okay..."

Tempest:
"It will be done, your majesty." *He waves his wing, and a hatch opens in the floor.* "None have ever escaped Tartarus, so make your peace and then die."

Calias:
"Well, if this is it. I'm sorry we couldn't win, Selphie..."

Selphius:
"I had only hoped it would go this well..."

Tempest:
*Calias and Selphius are kicked, Sparta style, into the hatch.* "Laid to rest in the prison of the gods..."

The hatch closes.

Nihil:
"Well, Adonis. It is you and me now. Shall we get this over with?"

Adonis:
"You have so much of your mother's spirit in you. It sickens me."

Nihil:
"How will you obtain the Phoenix Factor from me?"

Adonis:
"I will kill you and take it by force. There is no other way."

Nihil:
"Then do your worst... old man."

Adonis:
"Very well." *Adonis rises up and begins curling his body into the shape of a fighter jet.* "This is the beginning of a new dawn!"

Meanwhile, in the depths of a dark pit...

Calias:
*Shakes himself awake.* "Agh... That was some fall..." *He looks around and finds Selphius.* "Selphie! Are you alright?!"

Selphius:
*She is unresponsive.*

Calias:
"Oh no... Chol! Where are you? What do I do?"

Chol:
"This is an ill omen..."

Calias:
"Is she alive?"

Chol:
"Yes... She should have a healing potion on her belt."

Calias:
*He quickly grabs the healing potion and makes Selphius drink it.* "Come on! Please work!"

Selphius:
*Instantly shoots up.* *Gasp.*

Calias:
*Almost on the verge of tears.* "Oh good... You're okay."

Selphius:
"Yes... But it's no use..."

Calias:
"What? Why do you say that?"

Selphius:
"This is Tartarus... It's an inescapable prison labyrinth, filled with deadly traps. No one has ever made it out alive..."

Calias:
"No... But to be fair. No one has ever attempted it using the Phoenix Factor!"

Selphius:
"About that... You... are not the Lost Prince, are you?"

Calias:
"No. I'm an artificial clone of Nihil. He's the real prince."

Selphius:
"I see... And you inherited the Phoenix Factor from him... That's why I mistook you for the Lost Prince."

Calias:
"Yeah... He wanted me to keep quiet about all that... But I guess that backfired."

Selphius:
"I should have known. You don't even have talons!"

Calias:
"Heh... Yeah. Apparently that's a dead giveaway."

Selphius:
"Right... But Adonis wants the Phoenix Factor... And you're the one who currently possesses it."

Calias:
"So, in a way. He just foiled himself! Nice!"

Selphius:
"Yes, nice. But now we are doomed to this death trap."

Chol:
"Calias, I have a plan... It is risky, but it must be done."

Calias:
(Okay. Whatdya got?)

Chol:
*Explains their plan to Calias.*

Calias:
(Okay... Got it... Is the save point activated then?)

Chol:
"If that is how you want to refer to it..."

Calias:
"Alright, Selphie. No more doom and gloom!" *He picks her up.* "We're getting out of here."

Selphius:
"You are insane, but alright."

Calias:
*Calias, now carrying Selphius, speeds off to take on the gauntlet of traps in the labyrinth.*

WELCOME TO THE NEXT LEVEL! Calias takes on the prison of the gods, while Nihil faces off against daddy-jerkface! How does this end? Come back tomorrow to find out!

```

### Episode 7: The Future King

```
Calias floats in a black void... You can probably guess what happened.

Chol:
"Calias..."

Calias:
"Send me back, Chol."

Chol:
"Calias, please."

Calias:
"I said, SEND ME BACK."

Chol:
"How many times will you attempt this?"

Calias:
"As many times as it takes. Now do it!"

Chol:
"Calias... You have already died over one thousand times. You can pass on..."

Calias:
"...Why are you giving up? Weren't you the one who taught me not to give up?! Don't think I didn't put two and two together. The time I saw Grizz in the desert... That was you, trying to get me back on my feet."

Chol:
"...You are very observant. And very headstrong..."

Calias:
"Y'know... I've been wondering this for some time now... What do you really want from me?"

Chol:
"...I wish to get my revenge on King Adonis. You are my only hope of doing that."

Calias:
"Revenge? Okay... Just *who* are you exactly, Chol?"

Chol:
"I am the spirit that inhabits the Phoenix Factor. Who I was before is irrelevant. You and I both want to see Adonis taken down, that is all that matters."

Calias:
"Alright, then send me back!"

Chol:
"Calias... As much as I want revenge, I do not want to see you suffer any longer. You are allowed to give up now..."

Calias:
"No."

Chol:
"Why?"

Calias:
"Because. I made some promises... I promised Selphius that I would free her people. And I promised Nick that I'd get him a Chaos Cola... I'm not going to break those promises."

Chol:
"...Very well. I will send you back... You truly are extraordinary, Calias the Phoenix."

The world turns white, and suddenly, Calias is back at the entrance of the labyrinth.

Calias:
"...Okay. I'm back."

Selphius:
"Back? Where did you go?"

Calias:
"I..."

Selphius:
"I see. So that is how the Phoenix Factor works..."

Calias:
"Huh?! What do you mean?"

Selphius:
"The Cryptids have long awaited the coming of the Lost Prince. As such, we took it upon ourselves long ago, to become attuned to the Phoenix Factor... I can sense when its power has been used. And that's also how I discovered you in the first place."

Calias:
"So all this time, you knew that I've been returning..."

Selphius:
"I have just realized. The Phoenix Factor brings you back in time after you die, doesn't it? It's not a true power of immortality, rather, it is a fail safe..."

Calias:
"Yeah... If I bite the dust, it brings me back."

Selphius:
"And how many times have you returned here already?"

Calias:
"...Over a thousand..."

Selphius:
*Selphius's face drops. She pauses for a second before embracing Calias.*

Calias:
"Huh?! What's this for?"

Selphius:
"Is this not how people on Mobius show their appreciation?"

Calias:
"I mean, sometimes, I guess?"

Selphius:
"Great... Thank you for not forgetting your promise..."

Calias:
"If there's one thing I will never do, it's break a promise..."

Selphius:
"Okay. I believe you." *She lets go of him.* "Now, let us get out of here. No giving up, alright?"

Calias:
"Right." *Calias begins to glow with Chaos Energy, before picking Selphius up and rushing into the labyrinth once more.*
(Okay, the first trap is a swinging pendulum, so I'll slide under that. Then there's a laser field after that. I've got it all memorized. There's a falling floor trap up here and...) "Oh dang."

Selphius:
"What's wrong?"

Calias:
"I've never made it this far on any of my loops..."

Selphius:
"I see. So we do not know what's coming next."

Calias:
"Pfft. Like that's gonna stop me."

Selphius:
*Looks around.* "Okay. This looks like it could be a crusher... The mechanical parts along the walls look like they could fold in on themselves at any moment."

Calias:
"Okay. So we trigger it by getting close, then back away, wait for it to start resetting itself, and dash underneath it."

Selphius:
"That seems logical."

Calias:
"Here goes!"

The pair uses their combined wits to make their way through several more obstacles, until they finally reach a wall with a tiny door.

Calias:
"Did we make it through?"

Selphius:
"There is only one way to know for sure..." *She hops out of Calias's arms and approaches the door.* "I wonder where this leads."

Selphius opens the door, and to their shock, they find themselves back in the Cryptid village.

Selphius:
"Home? I did not expect this..."

Calias:
"Hey, I'll take it..." *He jumps out and slumps over, catching his breath.*

Selphius:
"...Thank you, Calias." *She puts her hand on his shoulder.* "I mean it."

Calias:
"Don't mention it."

Selphius:
"Okay. I won't."

The two stand in awkward silence for a moment.

Venice:
*Comes around the corner.* "Selphius?! Calias?! Where did you two come from?!?"

Selphius:
"Oh, Venice. We just escaped from the depths of Tartarus."

Venice:
"...You did?"

Calias:
"Yep. It's right behind this door!" *He turns and the door is gone.*

Venice:
"..."

Calias:
"Well... The door was there... Regardless. Venice, can you gather everyone together? I have something I need to tell everyone."

Venice:
"Alright... Give me a minute." *He runs off to gather the other Cryptids.*

Selphius:
"Calias, are you sure about this?"

Calias:
"They deserve to know the truth."

Selphius:
"Okay. If you think that is best."

Calias:
*The two of them walk towards the center of the village. Calias looks around and spies a mysterious mechanism along the barrier walls.* "Hey, Selphie? What are those gears?"

Selphius:
"Oh, those? Well, you see, this part of New Babylon used to be a heat chamber, back when it was an operational spacecraft. If it were to ever fly again, this village would be incinerated."

Calias:
"Yikes... That's a bit scary."

Venice:
*Comes running back, the entire town following him.* "Calias! We are all here! What do you have to say?"

Calias:
*Jumps on top of a hut.* "OKAY EVERYONE, listen up!"

The Cryptids all turn their attention to Calias.

Calias:
"I have to start by apologizing... I am not the Lost Prince."

Everyone gasps.

Calias:
"The guy who I called my bodyguard, Nihil, he's the real prince, and he's currently fighting for his life against King Adonis."

Venice:
"Then Prince Nihil will save us! We will finally be free!"

Calias:
*Facepalms.* "That's not the point, Ven. You guys have spent, what? Three millennia waiting for someone to save you?! Selphie here was brave enough to not just wait around... She took action! And you all should too! The prince needs your help! So get out there and save yourselves!

The Cryptids begin murmuring among themselves.

Selphius:
"Calias... I don't think--"

Venice:
"Alright. What do we do?"

All of the townspeople turn their attention to Venice.

Calias:
"Right..." (I didn't think this far ahead!)

Mystery Voice:
*A voice suddenly rips through the air.* "Calias! My dude! Glad you're alive, but I gotta let you know, the Babylon Guardians are heading your way."

Calias:
"Huh? Nick?!"

Nicholas:
*Over the loudspeakers.* "Yep! I see that the dude is fighting King Adonis! Looks pretty intense!"

Calias:
"Nihil... He needs backup..."

Selphius:
"Go, Calias. Help Nihil... We will hold off the Guardians."

Everyone starts grabbing various objects that could be used as weapons.

Venice:
"It is time we stood up for ourselves."

Calias:
"Alright. Good luck, guys!"
(Chol, I need a lot of power...)

Chol:
"And it shall be given to you. Go defeat King Adonis. Free this land."

Calias:
*Calias begins glowing. The power of the Phoenix courses through him as his Soulwings appear. He charges up then shoots off skyward, ripping through the different levels of New Babylon, until he finally breaches through the crystal palace.

Nihil:
*Flips backward, landing next to Calias.* "You're just in time, Calias..."

Calias:
"Let's just put an end to this."

Adonis:
"You escaped from Tartarus?!? Oh... I see. The Phoenix Factor resides in you..."

Nihil:
"Yes. Calias has the Phoenix Factor. But I will still be the one to end you, Father."

Adonis:
"You have been doing a miserable job of that so far."

Calias:
"Well, now he's got me by his side."

Adonis:
"A wonderful sentiment, but you are just a lesser being created from a lesser being. Utter garbage."

Calias:
"Sticks and stones, man. You wanna put your money where your mouth is?"

Adonis:
"If you wish to perish swiftly, that can be arranged." *Adonis launches two missiles from his wings at the Phoenixes.*

Calias:
"Ooh! Explosives!" *Calias grabs one of the speeding missiles, swings it around and tosses it back at Adonis.*

Nihil:
*Speeds behind the throne and jumps off the wall, launching himself at the king.*

The other missile hits the ground and explodes behind Calias. He is temporarily blinded by the blast.

Adonis:
*Faced with an incoming missile and Nihil, Adonis spins rapidly, his wings becoming a spinning saw blade.*

Nihil:
(Oh dear.) "Chaos Control!" *Nihil teleports away from danger just in time.*

Calias:
*Still unable to see very well, Calias attempts to run up to the ceiling and drop on Adonis's head...*

Adonis:
*Adonis unleashes an energy blast that shoves Calias away and nearly into one of the lava falls.*

Calias:
"Gak! Hey! Careful where you're tossing people!"

Nihil:
*Runs to Calias's side.* "We need to devise a strategy..."

Calias:
"This guy's probably been planning this battle for centuries... No way he's not outfitted with as many weapons and attacks as possible..."

Nihil:
"Not to mention, he is powered by the Great Gem..."

Calias:
"Then all we've gotta do is break his connection! Go for the tubes!"

Nihil:
*Immediately runs towards the place where Adonis's power source tubes come in from the floor.*

Adonis:
*Swoops in and grabs Nihil with his talons. He begins to try and pull him apart.*

Calias:
*Speeds in and clocks the king on the beak.*
"OW! What is your shnozz made of?!?"

Adonis:
*Instead of pulling Nihil apart, Adinis instead replies to Calias's question by yeeting Nihil at him.*

Calias:
*Catches Nihil, as they both go skidding backwards.*

Adonis:
"I will make you surrender the Phoenix Factor!"
*Adonis spreads his wings. The throne room is suddenly filled with an oppressive ear-splitting sound, that instantly cripples the Phoenixes.*

Calias:
"AGHH!!! MY NON-EXISTENT EARS!!!"

Nihil:
"Stay strong, Calias!"

Calias:
"It's... too... much..."

Chol:
"Calias. Remember the plan?"

Calias:
(Is it that time already?)

Chol:
"Follow through..."

Calias:
"ADONIS!! YOU WANT THE PHOENIX FACTOR, RIGHT?"

Adonis:
*Alleviates the noise.* "Are you prepared to surrender it?"

Calias:
"Yes... You can have it. I'll give you the Phoenix Factor."

Adonis:
*Adonis descends to meet Calias.* "So you will die..."

Nihil:
(Calias... What are you doing?!)

Calias:
"Ha! Looks like someone doesn't know how the Phoenix Factor actually works!"

Adonis:
"What do you mean?"

Calias:
"For the longest time, we all believed that the Phoenix Factor was generational. That's not the case. It's been under my nose the whole time."

Adonis:
"What do you mean?"

Calias:
*Takes off the necklace.* "This... is the Phoenix Factor. Long ago, your wife, the queen of Babylon, gave this necklace to her son before sending him to Mobius."

Chol:
*Calias may be speaking, but it is Chol who is putting the words in his mouth.*

Adonis:
"Chol... You sly woman..."

Nihil:
"Mother..."

Calias:
"For too long, she's waited to reunite with you, Adonis."
*Calias carefully hands the necklace to Adonis. He immediately stops glowing, the power of the Phoenix leaving his body.*

Adonis:
"At long last... I have the power of the Phoenix! Now my revenge can begin! I will use this spacecraft to destroy all of Mobius, I will see it destroyed firsthand, and live on! That is how I win!"

Chol:
"Adonis... It has been a long time."

Adonis:
(Chol! You?!)

Chol:
"Unfortunately, it has not been long enough."

Adonis:
(You dare speak to me that way?!?)

Chol:
"There are many things I would like to say to you, but you have existed like this for far too long. You wanted to live forever, correct? Then you shall be forever doomed to repeat the failure you have wrought here today."

Adonis:
(WHAT!?)

Calias:
"Nihil, we might want to step back..."

Nihil:
"R-right..."

Adonis:
*Adonis begins glowing with a familiar teal light. It begins erupting out of him... He rises in the air and explodes in a ball of light.*

Calias:
"Did it... work?"

Nihil:
"I think so... He's gone."

Calias:
"That's... good. Really good..." *Calias collapses, having used up all of his energy.*

Nicholas:
*Over a speaker.* "Calias! Real prince dude! The Cryptids have just beat the Guardians after a hard-fought battle in the city!"

Calias:
"Great job... Selphie."

Nicholas:
"Hold on, something is happening... This can't be right..."

Nihil:
"What is it, Nicholas?"

Nicholas:
"There's a program overriding my system! It's calling itself ADONIS... I think it might be the king's digital consciousness!"

Adonis:
"**PROTOCOL: CRONUS. ORIGINAL HOST HAS PERISHED, REVENGE MUST COMMENCE. ACTIVATING: LIGHT WARP TRAVEL. NEW BABYLON CODE: OMEGA**"

The entirety of New Babylon begins to quake, as it transforms once more into a spacecraft. [just to clarify. the Cryptids were fighting in the city. so while their village is gone, they themselves are fine]

Adonis:
"**DESTINATION SET: ORIGINAL LAUNCH SITE. COMMENCING NOW**"

Calias:
"What's... going on?"

Nicholas:
"Uh... Looks like we're gonna be barreling at light speed right into the surface of Mobius..."

[they're going significantly faster than light, actually :P]

Nihil:
"That would surely destroy the entire planet..."

Calias:
"No way... We can't let that happen..."

Nihil:
"Yes... Even if it means sacrificing ourselves, we are Burning Rangers. We have a duty to keep the people of Mobius safe... Nicholas, tell Selphius to meet us at the engine room. We must prevent the worst from happening."

Nicholas:
"Roger that!"

Calias:
*Struggles to stand, but Nihil helps him up.* "Let's do... this."

THE CITY IS FALLING!! Well, technically, it's speeding towards Mobius on a collision course... Come back tomorrow to see the planet get blown to smithereens! Or maybe not...

```

### Episode 8: The Place You Dreamed You'd Never Find

```
In the city, a few minutes before King Adonis was defeated...

Selphius:
"Alright, everyone! Get in your places!"

Venice:
"We are all ready to go, leader! You must only give the word!"

Tide:
"This time, I will destroy you! You shall not make a fool out of me!"

Selphius:
"You have made a fool of yourself for even attempting to best us!"

Turbine:
"YOU MUST GO SQUISH!!"

Tempest:
"You shall pay for this insolence, traitors!"

Selphius:
*All of the Cryptids behind her, Selphius sounds a battle cry in ancient Babylonian. The Cryptids charge at the Guardians, with makeshift weapons in their hands.*

Tide attempts to swoop at the Cryptids, but another net is spread before her.

Tide:
"I will not fall for that this time!" *She flies up to dodge, but gets trapped by a second net.*

Selphius:
*Jumps up and tackles Tide to the ground.* "Like I said. You are a fool."

Tempest:
*Fires a lightning bolt directly at Venice... The worse person he could ever choose to do so to...*

Venice:
*Absorbs the lightning, and shoots it directly back at Tempest.*

The other Cryptids gang up on Turbine and soon bring him down.

Selphius:
"Show your oppressors no mercy!"

Before long, the Cryptids have taken down the Babylon Guardians.

Venice:
"I cannot believe we did it!"

Selphius:
"Yes. We all did it together!"

At that moment, the city shakes.

Babylonian:
"WhAt is HapPening?!?!"

Selphius:
"Something must have happened..."

Venice:
"You don't think?..."

Selphius:
"I worry that New Babylon has once again become a space-faring vessel..."

Nicholas:
"Hey! Selphius or whatever your name is! The Prince requests your presence in the engine room!"

Selphius:
"Then it has come to the worst..." *She begins running towards the Styx entrance.*

Meanwhile, the crystal palace is crumbling...

Nihil:
*Nihil hobbles along, carrying a half-conscious Calias.* "Come, Calias... We have to get moving..."

Calias:
"Yeah..."

The two make their way to the elevator just in time, just as the palace falls to pieces. They are shot downward to the engine room. There, they find the Great Gem, pumping energy to all the different parts of the spacecraft.

Nihil:
"That is not good..."

Calias:
"Nihil... That... energy..."

Nihil:
"Yes. I feel it too. That is Chaos Energy..."

Selphius:
*Throws the chamber door open and runs in.* "Calias! Nihil! You are alive!"

Calias:
*Stumbles forward toward the Gem.*

Selphius:
"Are you alright?!"

Nihil:
"He has lost the Phoenix Factor. His power has been sapped from his body."

Selphius:
"Oh no..."

Nicholas:
"HEY! Not to alarm anyone! But we only have seven minutes before the inevitable collision with Mobius..."

Nihil:
"Then we must stop the City... Even if it destroys us in the process..."

Calias:
"I... have an idea..."

Nihil:
*Helps Calias stand.* "What do we need to do?"

Calias:
"Get me to the Gem..."

Nihil:
*The two of them walk up and place their hands on the Gem...*

IN A FLASH OF LIGHT, THE TWO PHOENIXES TRANSFORM!!

```

```
Calias:
"Now this is more like it!"

Nihil:
"Such overwhelming power!"

Selphius:
"You two..."

Calias:
"Alright, Nihil! Let's move! We've got a city to stop!"

The two fly out. Amazingly, their super forms allow them to keep up with the speeding city ship.

Nihil:
"This is faster than I am comfortable with, Calias!"

Calias:
"No time to worry about that..." *He tries to speed up, but is struggling.*

Selphius:
"Can you two hear me? Nicholas has set up an outside link!"

Calias:
"We read you, Selphie! What do you got for us?"

Selphius:
"I was able to detach several wires and tubes from the Gem's base, but..."

Nihil:
"Even without power, there is no gravity to slow the city down..."

Nicholas:
"Everyone! Watch out! Adonis's AI has taken over the outside weapons systems!"

Calias:
"Nihil! I'll keep the guns distracted, you find a way to stop this thing!"

Nihil:
"I will. It is my duty to my homeland." *He speeds up, but cannot catch up to the front of the craft.*

Nicholas:
"Watch out, Calias! That looks like a homing shot!"

Calias:
*With a rocket on his tail, Calias does a barrel roll, making the rocket crash into one of the guns.*

Nihil:
"I... CAN'T... GO ANY FASTER!!"

Mystery Voice:
*A voice speaks inside Nihil's head.* "You cannot... However, I can lend you my power..."

Nihil:
"You... I will not surrender to you. I will not be your puppet again..."

Mystery Voice:
"Then let us come to a mutual agreement. I will not possess your body, so long as you allow me to grant you my power."

Nihil:
"Very well... Grant me your power, POLYBIUS!"

Polybius:
"Very well..."

Nihil:
*Nihil's scarred eye turns black and red. He immediately speeds up.*

Calias:
"CHAOS SPEAR!" *Several hundred spears erupt from Calias's hands and destroy the city's defenses.* "NIHIL! You okay down there?!?"

Nihil:
"I AM MANAGING!"

Selphius:
"We are approaching the Mobian solar system! One minute left!"

Calias:
"Alright. Here goes!" *Calias uses all of his speed to catch up with Nihil.*
"Dude?!? Your eye?!"

Nihil:
"IT IS ONLY TEMPORARY! Let us finish this, Calias!"

Calias:
*The two of them fly down to the front of the hurdling city and attempt to hold it back.*
"GRRRRRRAAAAHHHHHH!!!!"

Nicholas:
"We're entering the atmosphere, dudes!"

Nihil:
*The Phoenixes have slowed the city considerably, but it is still moving quickly towards certain doom.* "I CANNOT HOLD ON MUCH LONGER!"

Calias:
"COME ONNNNNN!!"

New Babylon is now approaching a certain place in Golden City. The two desperately try to keep it from impacting.

Nihil:
*Pushes back against the overwhelming force with all of his might.* "NO ONE IS GOING TO DIE. NOT ON NEW BABYLON, NOT ON MOBIUS! NOT IF I HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT IT!!!"

Calias:
"ONE. FINAL. PUSH!!!"

With all the power they can muster, the Phoenixes push back. Then, once it has slowed to a halt, they carefully set the city snugly into the hole where Illumina used to be... New Babylon's original launch site.

Calias:
*They fly up to get a good view.* "There doesn't seem to be too much collateral..."

Nihil:
"Yes... We did it..."

Selphius:
"Are you two alright?!"

Calias:
"We're awesome! Thanks for asking!"
*Calias notices something... Jack Beakton on the Jumbotron.*
"Jackaboy?!"

Jack:
"You people have been lied to. It's time you learn the truth... A harsh truth I recently learned... Your beloved Eggman, is not the hero he appears to be."
*Displays pictures and video he's compiled of some of Eggman's worst crimes: blowing up the moon, Dark Gaia, enslaving the wisps, and lastly, starting the war.*
"However even with this knowledge I allowed myself to believe that surely there was a good man somewhere behind it. That he had reasons for these actions... But his latest scheme? That crossed a line... He brainwashed you. ALL of you. And pinned the blame on Sonic. The real hero..."
*Sighs as he plays a quick video of Sonic stopping Eggman at various schemes.*

Calias:
"Nihil..."

Nihil:
"Yes, Calias?"

Calias:
"Go and help your people... I need to help mine."

Nihil:
"Very well..."

Calias:
*Nods, before flying away at high speeds.*
[an image of the city in the city, and a light trail flying away from it]

THE DAY IS SAVED! But it's not over yet! We will continue Calias's journey in Organization Chaos 3: Rising Fall.

```

### Episode 9: The Kingdom

```
Immediately following the previous episode... Chaos breaks out in New Babylon, and Golden City...

Nihil:
*Flies into the main city of New Babylon.* "A riot... It is my responsibility to quell this..."

Babylonian:
*Below him, throngs of Babylonians surround the Cryptids.* "WHAT DID YOU DO?! FILTHY CRYPTIDS!"

Selphius:
"Stay back! We have every right to be here!"

Babylonian:
"YOU WILL ALL BE HANGED FOR TREASON!"

Venice:
"Selphius... We cannot avoid a fight here..."

Selphius:
*Grits her teeth.* "We will stand our ground, Venice."

Nihil:
"PEOPLE OF NEW BABYLON! YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!"

Babylonian:
*The crowds turn to trace [face?] the voice which booms throughout the city.*

Nihil:
"Adonis the king is dead... Not only that, but the city has returned to Mobius after three millennia... These are unprecedented times for our people. We cannot waste our breath fighting amongst ourselves! We must band together as one!"

Babylonian:
*The crowd falls silent.*
"WHO ARE YOU!?"

Nihil:
"Oh... Right..."

Nicholas:
"Look skyward, Babylonians! This is your new king!"

Babylonian:
"But... he is a Cryptid..."

Nicholas:
"So what?! He's blood and feathers, just like the rest of us! Get over yourselves!"

Tempest:
*The Guardians arise from their beaten states.* "Nicholas... Is this truly the lost prince? Nihil... son of Queen Chol?"

Nicholas:
"Yes sir! I can confirm! He's the real deal!"

Tide:
"Our ancestors... They believed in a world where Babylonians could be one with the people of Mobius... The people of this planet..."

Turbine:
"THEY WANT US SQUISH!"

Nihil:
"Hear me, Guardians! The people of Mobius are not the same as their ancestors! They are kind and accepting of all races and people. They live in harmony with nature and people! Of course, there are some exceptions... but they pale in comparison to the overwhelming kindness that graces this planet."

Tide:
"I will believe it once I have witnessed it myself..."

Nihil:
"Then I suggest you give them a chance..."

Tempest:
"...Adonis is dead... As his only living family... You are now King of Babylon."

Nihil:
(I knew this was coming... But it had not truly resonated with me...) *He descends to the crowd below as his super form begins to fade away.*
"Then as my first royal order... I declare the freedom of all Cryptids. And outlaw prejudice against them. The same applies for prejudice against pure bloods. Any hate for either side will be severely punished."

Babylonian:
*Many Babylonians glare at their new king, but nonetheless, they all bow in respect.*

Selphius:
"King Nihil... The people of Mobius will certainly have questions about our kingdom descending on their land..."

Nihil:
"No doubt... But I will deal with that accordingly."

Tempest:
"...We are in your service, your majesty."

Tide:
"Long live King Nihil."

Turbine:
"NEW KING!"

Venice:
"Long live King Nihil!"

Mystery Voice:
*A voice rings out from outside the city.* "THIS IS GLACIA, WE HAVE THE PLACE SURROUNDED! STATE YOUR INTENTIONS!"

Tide:
"Kindness... I see..."

Nihil:
"Stay inside the city walls, everyone. I will handle this."

Nihil makes his way to a large drawbridge, that lowers into the streets of Golden City. Outside, there are large military vehicles, police cars, and all manner of other emergency response teams.

Brandon:
"Agent Nihil?! What's the meaning of this?!"

Nihil:
"General Conley! We come in peace!"

Brandon:
"Explanations, now."

Nihil:
*Nihil proceeds to tell the General about the entire story.*

Brandon:
"I... see... So you've got an entire alien race aboard this thing..."

Nihil:
"Yes sir, and as their king, I must protect them from harm. Please, allow us to stay here."

Brandon:
"That sounds like a request for Lord Eggman. I doubt he'd allow it."

Nihil:
"Lord... Eggman?"

Brandon:
"Oh, that's right. You weren't here for the Doctor's grand takeover."

Nihil:
"Eggman now rules the United Federation?"

Brandon:
"No... Eggman rules the world."

Nihil:
"That raven on the screen earlier, he must be one of Lord Eggman's enemies..."

Brandon:
"Yes, Beakton staged a coup d'état. Hence why I am here and not the Director... We currently have two national crises on our hands."

Nihil:
"I see... So Calias must have gone to help fight off the rebellion..."

Brandon:
"Perhaps... If you could spare some forces, maybe we could join the battle, 'your majesty'."

Nihil:
"I will have to consult my Guardians... Please, wait here."

Brandon:
"Of course."

At that moment, a wave of magenta washes over the land.

Nihil:
*Stops in his tracks.*

Brandon:
*Raises a hand to his head.* "No..."

Nihil:
"This is all wrong..."

Brandon:
"Eggman is the enemy. He must be stopped!"

Bridgette:
*Over the radio.* "General Conley! The Air Fleet has engaged Eggman's capital in combat. Director says to prevent any riots in the Twin Cities!"

Brandon:
"Roger, General Livegood. Well, Agent... Looks like you get your wish. Make sure your people don't do anything stupid until we get back."

Nihil:
"Yes sir."

A few hours later... reconstruction of New Babylon has begun. There's obvious tension in the air, but both pure bloods and Cryptids are working together.

Selphius:
"King Nihil... We have confirmed it. The Cryptid village was destroyed in the flight... Only four casualties... We are lucky it was not more."

Venice:
"If it wasn't for you leading us out here, we all would have died, Selphius..."

Nihil:
"Then we must find lodging for the Cryptid families..."

```

```
Helix:
*A large Cryptid approaches the makeshift throne that Nihil sits on.* "Your majesty! I have taken a gander at the engines!"

```

```
Selphius:
"Father... What is the word? Can we fly?"

Helix:
"ABSOLUTELY NOT! The engines will never fly again! Even the greatest mechanic in New Babylon couldn't make it work."

Nihil:
"Then we have no choice but to occupy Golden City..."

Venice:
"The Guardians are doing a great job making sure no one from the outside enters until we are ready."

Mystery Voice:
"Oh, are they?"

Everyone turns to the voice.

Calias:
"They let me waltz right by them!"

Nihil:
"Calias! You have returned!"

Calias:
"Yeah, sorry for jettin' off so quick. I had some stuff that needed my attention."

Selphius:
*Runs to Calias's side.* "I am just glad that you are safe..."

Calias:
"You and me both. Congrats on the new title, Nihil! It fits you."

Nihil:
"I am simply doing my best. My amends are still not met... So, as unfit as I am, I will continue to serve both the people of New Babylon and the people of Mobius."

Calias:
"Right. If anyone can do it, it's you man."

Nicholas:
*Approaches the group.* "Looks like everything is shaping up. The people are getting along surprisingly well. And a bunch of folks have gathered around the city base. It looks like a welcoming party."

Calias:
"Or a protest..."

Nicholas:
"Nope! It's just as King Nihil said, they're all out there ready to welcome us to their planet!"

Selphius:
*Selphius smiles wide, she seems to be tearing up.*

Calias:
"You okay, Selphie?!"

Selphius:
"Yes. I am more than okay... A miracle was performed today... Thanks to you two... Calias... and Nihil, the lost prince of Babylon."

Nihil:
"I believe, once the city is repaired and we have found homes for the displaced families, we must have a celebration!"

Calias:
"About the homes thing... I doubt Dr. Dad would turn down a family in need."

Helix:
*Walks up and bear hugs Calias.* "Thank you! We accept your invitation!"

Calias:
"GAK! Huh?! Who?"

Selphius:
"Oh, sorry... Calias... This is my father, Helix."

Calias:
*Struggling to breathe.* "Nice... to... meet you... sir."

Helix:
"The pleasure is all mine! You are a hero to our people!"

Calias:
"Okay... Do you have any other family members I should know about?"

Selphius:
"Besides my cousins? No."

Calias:
"Great... I'll let Dr. Dad know I'm bringing home guests then... You spending the night too, Nihil?"

Nihil:
"No... I'm afraid I cannot stay with you and Hannah any longer. My place is here, among my subjects."

Calias:
"Alright... Oh yeah! President Tower told me to pass along the message. He wants to talk to you and me about... politics, I guess?"

Nihil:
*Sigh.* "Such is the life of a king, I suppose..."

Calias:
"Hey. Just know, man. If you ever need a hand, we've got you."

Nihil:
"Of course. Thank you... all of you."

Later that night. Nihil finds himself alone in the royal chambers.

Nihil:
"..."
"Am I truly fit to rule? There are still so many mistakes I have to atone for... Also..." *He holds a hand over his scarred eye.*
"Why?... Why did you assist me? Why do you still exist?"

Polybius:
*Nihil's eye turns black and red.* "Because, I am you. And you are me."

Nihil:
"That's not true... You are a monster... You used my body..."

Polybius:
"I am simply a program. I do as I am instructed. Who is to say it was not your will?"

Nihil:
"Lies... You were the one who caused my friends to suffer. What is it that you want from me?!"

Polybius:
"I simply seek peace... by all ends... on my terms..."

Nihil:
"Then peace you shall have. But not on your terms.

Polybius:
"..."

Nihil:
"If you insist on haunting me... I will not allow you to have your way."

Polybius:
"Then it is settled. In exchange for my survival... I hereby surrender my will to you. But know, that the moment you lose control, I will return. And I shall forge my own path to law and order."

Nihil:
"Then I shall make sure you stay trapped inside me forever. I cannot allow any harm to come to my people... Both here and all of Mobius. It is my sacred duty as the king."

A solemn vow by the monarch. A kingdom has come. A people have been unified... All thanks to the efforts of Calias, Nihil, Selphius and others... Long Live New Babylon.

```

## Characters

*In order of appearance:*

* Nihil the Phoenix
* Calias the Phoenix
* Selphius the Caladrius
* Adonis the Phoenix
* Tempest
* Tide
* Turbine
* Venice the Thunderbird
* Leander the Griffin
* Chol
* Nicholas the Watcher
* Polybius
* Jack Beakton
* Brandon Conley
* Bridgette Livegood
* Helix the Caladrius

## Participants

* Captainclay55
* GasglowJones