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Chapter Text

(The Wilds, Camp Kidney, Night). Camp Kidney was currently nothing but a ghost town. The Rust Bucket III landed at the front gates and four Recruits exited; KO, Gumball, Kelsey and Kevin from The Cul-De-Sac. Once they were out; Duncan, The Teen Titan known as Firebreather and Academy Instructor, met them at the door to brief them.

Dialogue:

Duncan: “Alright, so here’s the deal. There’s a Fusion Monster that’s roaming around here somewhere, so your mission is to find it and get rid of it so the camp can open back up again.”

Kelsey raised her hand.

Duncan: “What’s up?”

Kelsey: “Is there a reason why we’re here in the dead of night?”

Duncan: “Because I thought it’d be funny, kinda like a horror movie or something.”

Gumball: “How the heck is a horror movie funny?”

Kelsey: “Depends on which you’re watching.”

Duncan: “Anyhow, that was a joke. You guys are here now because this needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.”

The Recruits looked worried so Duncan tried to alleviate some of the tension.

Duncan: “Look, don’t worry. I’ll be circling the camp in The Rust Bucket III just in case something goes wrong.”

Gumball: “Well, that’s a relief at least.”

Kevin: “Man, you’re such a baby.”

Gumball: “Whatever, man.”

KO: “I think that between the four of us, we can take this monster no problem.”

Kelsey: “At least before Gumball bites it.”

Gumball: “C’mon Kelsey, not cool.”

Kelsey realized she said something out of line and apologized; “Sorry, sorry– you’re right.”

Kevin: “So, what kinda monster we takin’ out?”

Duncan: “I sent you guys the info through The DexLabs Bestiary Database, just use your NanoTechs to access it. Now, this is your first time on the field so how you do here will determine if you guys graduate or not, got it?”

The Recruits all replied; “Right!” in unison and with that, Duncan took to the skies in The Rust Bucket III.  The Recruits then cautiously entered Camp Kidney, weapons already drawn; Kelsey and Gumball had Lightning Guns while KO and Kevin had Lightning Swords. It was dark and quiet, except for the slight buzzing that came from the light posts that lit up certain areas of the camp. The ground was also covered in a scattering of glowing green veins of a Fusion Matter infection, that spread to areas that were now closed off.

Gumball: “You guys think what monster is here, caused this infection?”

Kelsey: “More than likely.”

The cold air that would rush past them would send shivers up their spines while also causing the cabins to rattle.

Gumball: “Uh, s– someone check their NanoTech for the info Mr. Duncan sent.”

Kevin activated his NanoTech device, bringing up a holographic screen that displayed the desired information and relaying that information to the others.

Kevin: “Looks like this thing’s called a Tiger Wolf or somethin’.”

Kelsey: “Ooh, two of the coolest animals in one.”

Gumball: “Seriously, Kelsey?”

Kelsey: “What?”

Kevin: “You dorks wanna hear the info or not?!”

KO: “Sure, keep going Kevin.”

Kevin then went on to explain The Tiger Wolf’s appearance. It was a quadruped that was almost as big as a truck with both feline and canine traits. It also had sharp claws, especially the ones on its front legs as they were made from scrap metal while the rest of it was wooden and held together by Fusion Matter. It also had multiple divots across its body that acted like stripes, horns wrapped in barbed wire as well other protrusion that stook out from its body.

Kevin: “This thing looks wicked, I can’t wait to be face to face with it.”

Gumball: “Glob, you’re a weird dude.”

Kevin: “There goes the baby again. All I’m saying is that this is gonna be cake because of what I snatched before we came here.”

KO: “What did you take?”

Kevin grinned and replied; “You’ll see. Just know that with this thing, we can take it out no problem.” The Recruits noticed that the creaking of wood was suddenly being drowned out by what sounded like footsteps heading towards them. They readied their weapons with Kelsey and Gumall taking point as the footsteps came closer until what was hidden in the shadows came out in the light. That was when Gumball and Kelsey immediately opened fire, trying to take out whatever it was that approached them but when the dust cleared, instead of what they expected it to be, it was instead one of Mandark’s Skyway Agents; Spencer Spidermonkey.

Spencer Spidermonkey: “...I think… imma call it… a night.”

Spencer then flew off into the night sky with KO yelling; “Sorry!” as he left.

Kevin: “Well that was a bust.”

Gumball: “I wish we could’ve helped look for the missing heroes instead, like Brick did.”

KO: “It’s ok, Gumball. We can do this.”

Kevin: “Yea man, quit acting like such a baby!”

Gumball: “That’s it, what’s your problem man?!”

Kevin: “Having a whiny baby on our team, that’s what my problem is!”

Gumball: “Get bent! I see through that fake bravado, you’re just as scared as I–!”

Kevin suddenly grabbed Gumball by the collar of his uniform and pulled him close.

Kevin: “I am not scared!”

Gumball: “Talk… is cheap!”

KO intervened, separating the two boys.

KO: ‘Alright, that’s enough guys. Fighting each other while a monster is on the loose is that last thing we need right now.”

Kelsey: “He’s right. Let’s just find this thing and take it out so we don’t have to be here any longer.”

Gumball: “Yea.”

Kevin: “Whatever.”

As The Recruits ventured further into the desolate Camp Kidney, the darker it became until they noticed that some of the light posts were damaged.

Kelsey: “Hopefully these light posts were… always busted.”

They suddenly heard what sounded like breaking of glass, signaling another damaged light post.

Gumball: “I think that answers your question.”

The Recruits once again started to hear more footsteps but this time, it sounded like they were surrounded by them, getting louder as if the source was getting closer. Each footstep made the ground rumble until they eventually heard growling.

KO: “A– are you guys… hungry?”

Kelsey: “We ate before we got here, remember?”

Another light post was taken out and everything was now pitch black and the growling became louder, ringing in their ears. The Recruits found themselves trembling uncontrollably and without a verbal agreement, they began to backtrack in unison which was when they heard a much louder growl that stopped them in their tracks. They were petrified; their eyes had widened with fear, sweat was raining down their faces and their mouths were agape but they couldn’t find the words to speak. However, they found the strength to keep going back to where they came but still keeping their sights ahead of them, cautious of what would leap out of the darkness to get them. They backtracked slowly until they left the darkness and returned to the light, back in the center of camp. As they were frantically catching their breaths, all the light posts in the vicinity began being destroyed by an unseen force, taking out all but one. The Recruits all starred in the direction of that one functioning light post that was left and that’s when they saw that beast that Kevin had described, slowly coming into the light, The Tiger Wolf. Everyone was frozen stiff as The Tiger Wolf’s beady red eyes glared at them, its teeth that were the size of kitanas shimmered under the light as did its metal claws that indented the ground with each step. Its thunderous roar echoed throughout Camp Kidney and Prickly Pines as well as shattering the ground beneath its feet and even shattering all the glass in the camp. Unfortunately, The Tiger Wolf’s roar also damaged the last functioning light post, leaving the entire area in a thick layer of black. Kevin tried to say something, anything but the words couldn’t form until he saw those red glowing eyes staring at him, that scared him so bad that all he could yell was; “RUN!!!” Without delay, they all ran, trying to escape the beast that was now on their tail.

Kelsey: “I would shoot but I can barely see anythi–!”

Kelsey hadn’t finished what she was saying because she had caught sight of those same glowing red eyes that were peering through the darkness, following her. The Tiger Wolf swung its large metal claws that shined bright in the dark at her, aiming to take her out but she was fortunately saved by KO. KO had lit up that vicinity with his Power Fist, pushed Kelsey out of the way then blasted the beast in the face which gave them enough time to escape. They ran into an empty Bean Scout Cabin; it had three beds, some semi stacked bookshelves and a totem pole. From bottom to top; the totem pole had a gnome, a bunny, a rhinoceros, an elephant and a monkey. Inside the cabin was pitch black so KO also lit up the room with his powers but when they heard a loud roar and footsteps circling the cabin, KO quickly powered down with the room unfortunately becoming completely dark again. Gumball felt someone shaking next to him and thinking it was KO, he asked; “KO, you alright?” only to hear KO’s voice from the other side of the room reply; “Yea, I’m ok. I’m Kelsey, she’s fine too.” Gumball was stunned as he realized who the person was next to him and all he could do was smile and respond to KO; “Glad you guys are ok.”

Kelsey: “You know what, I am not fine! That thing is gonna tear us apart!”

Gumball: “It will if you don’t keep your voice down!”

Kelsey: “Like we’re safe inside this wooden box?! It’s obviously playing with us, Gumball!”

KO: “Kelsey, c’mon–.”

Kelsey: “No KO! I almost died out there! If you hadn’t pushed me out of the way–!”

Kelsey held her head in hands and receded into her knees.

Kelsey: “I’m not like you guys… I wasn’t in the fight when Fuse invaded The Academy and I wasn’t in protecting The Suburbs… I was whisked away to Tech Square for safety. I have no experience with this.”

KO placed his hand on Kelsey’s back, gently patting her on the back.

Kelsey: “...I miss Stacks.”

Gumball: “I miss Penny.”

Kevin mumbled to himself as quietly as he could; “I miss Naz.”

KO: “You say that you weren’t in this situation but we’ve taken down plenty of Fusions during class.”

Kelsey: “ During class , KO. A controlled environment. Aren't you worried about not going home one day, not seeing your friends and family anymore?”

KO: “Of course I am but I know what I signed up for and that I’m doing this for them. I mean that’s why we’re all doing this, right?”

Gumball: “Well, I lost a game of Dodj or Daar but… yea, I stayed at The Academy for them.”

Kevin: “I joined to impress Na– I mean, to be cool and stuff but yea… I have people back home that I wanna see again.”

KO: “Alright, so we can do this, guys.”

Kelsey wiped her eyes, patted both sides of head before rising to her feet.

Kelsey: “Yea, we can do this.”

Gumball: “Ok, pep talk aside, what do you suppose we do with that thing out there?!”

Kelsey: “We’ll think of something, we can’t just stay here and do nothing.”

Gumball: “We could call Mr. Duncan–.”

Kevin: “Man, you’re such a baby, what’s wrong with you?!”

Gumball: “Well excuse me for wanting to survive!”

Kevin: “Surviving is taking that thing out ourselves, dork!”

Gumball: “Really, you gonna stop that thing with your timid dog act?!”

Kevin: “Wha–? Shut up!”

Gumball: “Make me, fraud!”

A potential fight was going to break out between the two boys but Kelsey quickly swooped in to stop it. She kicked Kevin off his feet and with the same momentum, threw him into Gumball with them both landing in one of the beds.

KO: “Kelsey, was that really necessary?”

Kelsey: “I’ll admit that it wasn’t.”

KO: “Ok.”

Kelsey: “Now you two, instead of fighting each other, why don’t you turn that aggression of yours towards the monster out there?!”

Kevin and Gumball climbed out of the bed.

Kevin: “Sure, I’m ok with that.”

Gumball: “We gotta think of a plan first.”

Kevin: “Just leave it to me. I’ll get everything set up so you guys can take it down.”

Kevin then pointed at KO and continued; “Especially you– with your fist blast powers.” KO nodded.

Kevin: “It's time to face that monster.”

Suddenly the cabin began to shake violently from the Tiger Wolf that was repeatedly ramming into it, trying to get to its prey that were inside. The cabin kept shaking and the screams of The Recruits were being drowned out by the booming roars of The Tiger Wolf and the rattling of the cabin.

Gumball: “Good luck, man!”

KO: “Kevin, whatever you’re gonna do, you better do it now!”

Kevin: “Y– yea.”

Kevin bolted for the door but kept getting knocked down by the incessant tremors that The Tiger Wolf caused. One of its metal claws eventually bored through the cabin wall, trying to snatch up The Recruits as they screamed while they managed to avoid capture. Gumball and Kelsey were firing their Lightning Guns at the beast’s claws while KO was fending them off with his Lightning Sword. The hole eventually became big enough so that The Tiger Wolf could look inside the cabin, its red glowing eyes staring at its prey.

Gumball: “OH Glob! Kevn, hurry up– Augh!”

Kevin saw Gumball get struck across the chest by The Tiger Wolf and while the wound looked pretty bad, it wasn’t severe. However, seeing his teammates in potential peril gave Kevin the motivation to get back on his feet and fight through the cabin’s shaking, eventually making it outside. That was when the cabin’s shaking abruptly stopped and Kevin heard hefty footsteps approaching him, prompting him to draw his Lightning Sword. The Tiger Wolf had come from the side of the cabin, staring down at Kevin with those same red eyes with drool dripping from its large fangs. It then began attacking Kevin with the others by the doorway watching as Kevin narrowly escaped the beast’s deadly claws. Kevin saw the other standing by the doorway and told them; “GET READY!!!” Kevin then took out a black object with a deep purple light emanating from the top and a red light on its side.

Kelsey: “Wait a minute– that’s The Energy Grenade that Duncan told you not to touch!”

Kevin: “Yea it is– nobody tells me what to do!”

Gumball: “Just shut up and throw it already!”

Kevin was about to do just that when he was struck by The Tiger Wolf. He tried to block the attack with his Lightning Sword but that was knocked from his grasp and he was unfortunately slashed across the arm. The Tiger Wolf roared before going in for another attack that Kevin luckily evaded before activating then throwing The Energy Grenade directly in the beast’s face. The Energy Grenade detonated, exploding in The Tiger Wolf’s face and the explosion was so strong that it even sent Kevin flying into a tree, though he was seemingly fine.

Kevin: “WHAT’RE YOU JUST STANDING THERE FOR?!! LIGHT THAT SUCKER UP!!!”

Gumball and Kelsey opened fire on The Tiger Wolf while KO threw his Lightning Sword, lodging it right in its eye. Kelsey and Gumball ddin’t let up, repeatedly pelting the beast with lighting. KO then leaped into the air and charged up the largest and strongest Power Fist he could before launching it at The Tiger Wolf, resulting in another huge explosion on impact. KO landed next to Kelsey and Gumball and they all patiently waited for the dust to clear. The Recruits were sweating with Kelsey and Gumball specifically gripping onto their weapon tight as if the beast wasn’t taken out after that attack, it was potentially the end for them. Luckily however, after the dust cleared, it was revealed that The Tiger Wolf had been defeated as it lay unconscious in a large crater. Everyone cheered for their victory, wiping their tears as they no longer had anything to fear. Kevin could finally relax and Gumball slumped down at the doorway to take a breather. Later that night, Duncan and some of other Academy Instructors were on the scene along with Plumbers who expunged The Tiger Wolf and that infection that sprouted in the area as well as vaccinating The Recruits. Gumball and Kevin in particular got their wounds patched up by Nurse Loulabelle and were told to take it easy for a bit. Garnet and Duncan approached The Recruits to wish them well and to congratulate them on completing the mission.

Garnet: “You all did great.”

Duncan: “Yea, keep this up and you guys might even graduate to Cadets.”

Squirrel Scoutmaster, Jane Doe was also on the scene and had approached the heroes to thank them for getting rid of The Tiger Wolf.

Jane: “Thank you so much, now Scoutmaster Lumpus’ Anniversary Celebration can go off without a hitch.”

KO: “That’s great! You’re welcome, citizen.”

Jane gave each of The Recruits a kiss on the forehead before going on her merry way.

Garnet: “Wheels up in five, it’s time to get you guys back to your dorms.”

Garnet then left for The Rust Bucket III but before Duncan followed suit, he turned to Kevin and said; “I know you took The Energy Grenade, Recruit.” Kevin was caught off guard, stammering out his words in an attempt to defend himself.

Duncan: “Hey, don’t sweat it. I respect it, besides, it saved your asses today.”

Kevin smiled, although nervously so as Duncan followed Garnet back The Rust Bucket III.

KO: “He’s right, we barely made it out of there.”

Kelsey: “I mean, this is what we signed up for, right?”

KO smiled and replied; “Yea, it is.” Kevin broke off from the rest of them, making his way towards The Rust Bucket III, Gumball noticed and followed him.

Kevin: “What?”

Gumball: “I guess I wanted to say that… you were pretty cool out there. You faced that thing with no fear in your heart! I mean, weren't you scared?”

Kevin: “...Yea.”

Gumball was taken aback while also reaching an epiphany. Kelsey and KO then met up with the two boys.

Kelsey: “You know, I could go for some candy right now.”

Kevin: “My Dad sent some Jawbreakers from his job, we could eat them or whatever.”

KO: “That sounds fun! Hey, come over to our dorm, we can watch scary movies and eat Jawbreakers there!”

Kelsey: “Sure!”

Kevin: “Aight.”

Gumball: “Well then I guess it’s settled.”

The Recruits entered  The Rust Bucket III together, leaving the night of terror behind.

The End

Chapter Text

Welcome to Tales of Ascension

Tales of Ascension is a series of stories, an anthology within The Fusion Fall: Ascension Canon. These stories will take place through the chronology of the main FFA storyline; before, inbetween or at the end while being completely self-contained. These stories will either be in the form of a one-shot or a story arc and since they’re self-contained, you don’t need to read one to enjoy the other and you can read them in whatever order you want or not at all. As long as you’ve read FFA, you’ll have the context. Now, enjoy!

The War of Two Kyngs
Part One

(Suburbs, Day). Omar, otherwise known as The Green Poncho, was standing as his usual spot; the overpass that bordered both Herkleton Oaks and Herkleton Mills. The day was slow and the time was hot but Omar stood at his post, watching the time pass by the way of the sun. His eyes wandered towards Planet Fuse, the blemish in an otherwise clear blue sky and as he gazed upon the wretched planet, he heard the sudden movement of water. Omar looked down to see King Xavier and his court on a raft, traveling down the stream that ran under the overpass. With King Xavier was his BFF Maya along with his champions; Jackie of The Water Lilies also known as The Arm, Aggie of The Acorn Knights also known as The Squashinator and Keun Sup of The Cherry Blossoms also known as The Blur. Omar wasted no time, drawing his bow and arrow and aiming at the king.

Dialogue:

Omar: “Xavier, what do you want?”

King Xavier: “Jeez dude, not everything’s about you, you know.”

Omar: “Answer me!”

Maya: “Who do you think you’re talkin’ to like that, Omar?!”

King Xavier: “It’s all good, Maya.”

King Xavier turned to Omar and answered; “What do I want? Absolutely nothing.”

Omar: “How stupid do you think I am?!”

King Xavier: “Very. But it’s like I said, Omar… you’re not that important. Besides, don’t I pretty much own this creek now? I can go wherever I want”

Omar: “Not for long.”

King Xavier chuckled then said; “Sure, man.” The raft kept floating by, going under the overpass and out the other side but Omar followed along, still aiming at the king. Omar’s and the king’s eye contact didn’t break, not until King Xavier and his court drifted off into the distance, further down the stream. Omar reluctantly holstered his bow and arrow, trying to process what just happened. However, Omar noticed that King Xavier didn’t take the usual route to Herkelton Oaks but another route entirely and followed after them. Omar jumped down into the stream below, landing on a floating tire then making his way down stream, jumping from one floating object to the next.

(Suburbs, Peech Creek, Day). King Xavier and his court arrived in the other part of The Suburbs, coming across the Candy Pirate refuge; Candy Cove and being astonished by The Whoosh Alpha Whale vessel that was in the area. They  then arrived at the stream that separated The Park n’ Flush Trailer Park and The Cul-De-Sac’s Cardboard Castle with the latter on the left side of the stream. They docked their raft and walked back on to dry land, approaching the right side of The Cardboard Castle. They all saw the large cardboard city that was behind The Cardboard Castle and stopped for a bit to observe it closely.

Dialogue:

Keun: “That’s the cardboard city, right? Looks like I see some 2x4 Tech on there, that’s pretty–.”

King Xavier glared at Keun, masking him too scared to continue his original sentiment, opting for another.

Keun: “Mid! Pretty mid!”

King Xavier: “Wait til it’s mine first before you give out compliments, ok?.”

Keun: “Yes, my king.”

King Xavier then commanded his court; “Let’s go.” Meanwhile, Eddy was making his way towards his throne when the large plank gates of The Cardboard Castle suddenly burst open.

Aggie: “Mhm, that was a good workout.”

Eddy: “ HEY, WHAT’S YOUR-!!! ”

Eddy’s screaming had come to a halt as he quickly realized who had entered through the gates.

Eddy: “What do you want?”

King Xavier: “Is that anyway to greet your king, Skipper?”

Eddy shuttered hearing his middle name being called aloud. King Xavier and his court made their way down The Cul-De-Sac, standing before Eddy and his throne.

Eddy: “ How did you freaks even get in here?! ”

Maya: “You’re buddies let us in.”

The two Urban Rangers that stood guard by the large plank gates were slumped over, beaten while having from their heads to their chests drenched in water.

King Xavier: “The city looks nice. What’s it called?”

Eddy: “...Edtropolis… 2.0.”

King Xavier: “Oh yea, this is your second time around. Welp, either way, I guess this added to our deal.”

Eddy: “ We got no deal, Xavier! I told you, ya ain’t getting my castle! ”

King Xavier: “Dang, you keep talking but all I’m hearing is ‘blah, blah, blah’. You guys hear it too, right? I’m not trippin’, am I?”

Maya: “His tongue must be heavy or something.”

King Xavier: “Must be. Listen, all you need to say is yes. Anything else will sound like gibberish. Sounds good, Skipper?”

Eddy: “Stop saying that, will ya?!”

King Xavier: “My bad, Skipper. What did I say?”

A voice then asked; “So you guys are the reason why two Urban Rangers were flat on their butts and soaking wet.” King Xavier and the others turned to see Ranger Joey standing behind them.

King Xavier: “Yo, sup Joey. Been a while.”

Ranger Joey: “We’re not friends, Xavier.”

King Xavier: “Of course not.”

Eddy: “The heck, Joey! You know Xavier too?!”

Ranger Joey: “Before I joined The Urban Rangers, the king here asked me to join his court and obviously I said no.”

King Xavier: “And now your talents are being wasted here. You should be thankful, I don’t give out praises often. It just goes to show how much I think you’re worth– or was.”

Ranger Joey: “Whatever, man! You can’t come in and beat on our Rangers like that!”

The leader of The Urban Rangers, Rolf, approached the group with more Urban Rangers backing him up which included Ryan “Sumo” Sumouski and Andy Johnson.

Rolf: “ Who was the one who disgraced Ranger Matt and Ranger Lewis?! Who was it?! ”

Maya glanced at Jackie before she answered; “I did, what of it?”

Rolf: “ You shall pay for your transgressions! ”

Eddy: “ Nobody move! Rolf, chill out! ”

Ranger Joey: “What the heck, man! They hurt some of our own!”

King Xavier: “Listen to your ‘king’ now. There’s no reason to start a fight, this is just a negotiation after all!”

Eddy: “ We’re done talkin’, get outta here! ”

The other Cul-De-Sac Kids; that being Naz, Jimmy and Sarah, came out to echo Eddy’s sentiment.

King Xavier: “Oh look, it’s more of your jabronies.”

Jimmy: “Uh– uh, you need to l– leave… now.”

King Xavier: “Oh? Are you gonna make me?”

Jimmy receded in fear but Sarah stepped in to defend her meek friend.

Sarah: “No, I will!”

King Xavier gestured to Aggie with a nod and she stepped between the king and Sarah like a wall.

Aggie: “Back off, little girl.”

Sarah: “ You back off!”

Aggie doubled down, she stooped down before Sarah and poked at her, taunting Sarah.

Aggie: “Aw, you’re a little cutie, aren’t you?” 

Sarah yelled; “ Get outta my face, orge! ” as she shoved the champion back, much to Aggie’s shock. Sarah’s anger hadn’t subsided and giving into it, she charged at Aggie.

Jimmy: “Sarah, wait!”

Sarah leaped in with a punch that Aggie clashed with her own and the impact even managed to kick up a wave of dust beneath their feet.

Aggie: “Wow… You really are strong.”

Aggie then began to flex her muscles, preparing for a fight until she was stopped by King Xavier’s glare.

King Xavier: “Didn’t I say that this was negotiation, Aggie?”

Aggie instantly deflated and backed down.

Aggie: “Sorry, my king.”

King Xavier: “It’s all good. Just don’t step out of line again, ok?”

Aggie nodded.

King Xavier: “On second thought, Aggie might have the right idea.”

Maya: “Oh yea?”

King Xavier: “Mhm. Maybe a show of force is the exact thing that ‘Kyng’ Eddy needs to get with the program.”

King Xavier walked past Eddy and along the red carpet that led to Eddy’s throne, whipping off the bottom of his foot with the first few steps. He stopped at the base of the throne where the steps made of cardboard boxes that directly led to the throne were, turned to Eddy and declared; “I’m just gonna take it from you.”

Eddy: “ Like heck you will! ”

King Xavier: “Exactly.”

King Xavier gathered his court to leave but before leaving, he had more to say.

King Xavier: “We’ll be coming back here in the next three days, that’ll give you guys enough time to get your stuff together.”

King Xavier and his court then left. On top of the cardboard wall of The Cardboard Castle was Omar, hidden behind one of the boxes, watching as they left.

Omar: “So that’s what you’re up to.”

Omar leaped off the cardboard wall to make his way back to Herkleton Oaks. However, little did Omar know, King Xavier knew he was there, smiling to himself as he left.

Naz: “Eddy, what’re you gonna do?”

Eddy: “Gonna defend my castle, what do you think?!”

Rolf: “You will have the force of The Urban Rangers by your side, shorter-than-the-average Ed boy!”

Naz: “We’ll help too.”

Rolf: “Ranger Jimmy, I expect to see you in uniform!”

Jimmy answered; “Yes, Ranger Leader Rolf!” as he saluted.

Eddy: “Aight, get your butts in gear.”

(Peech Creek, Game Hive Arcade, Interior). The Game Hive Arcade is the usual hangout spot for any kid, a place filled with games and prizes, a great haven of sorts. However a couple children were having their experience tarnished by King Xavier and his court who ran them away from the Skeeball Machine they were using and took it for themselves.

Dialogue:

King Xavier: “Did you see him, Maya?”

Maya: “Yup, he followed us just like you said he would. He’s probably on his way to ask Craig for help.”

King Xavier: “That’ll keep him busy for a while.”

King Xavier Cont’d: “Everything's coming up Xavier. With the big dumb one missing and sockhead looking for him, ‘Kyng’ Eddy’s forces are weak. It’s free eats to be honest.”

Aggie: “Kinda too bad cuz I would’ve so loved to throw hands with that big idiot!”

Jackie signed that he was once told that Ed ripped a whole sewer tunnel from the ground. Everyone was shocked once Keun translated for Jackie.

Maya: “For real?”

Jackie nodded.

Aggie: “Dang, I’m just getting hyped for a fight I’m not gonna have!”

King Xavier: “It’s cool, Aggie. Chill.”

Keun: “They still haven't found that melonhead kid either so we don’t gotta worry about that weirdo.”

Jackie asked King Xavier how much time they are actually gonna give The Cul-De-Sac Kids and of course, Keun translated.

King Xavier: “We’ll go when the others get here. They should be here by the time we finish this game.”

(Suburbs, Herkleton Oaks, Day). Omar met up with Craig and J.P. at the stream by the overpass to warn them about King Xavier’s plans.

Dialogue:

Craig: “So King Xavier is gonna take The Cardboard Castle by force and he’s giving them three days to prepare for war?”

J.P.: “That’s oddly considerate of him.”

Omar: “I didn’t believe him either but he left after he told them so he gotta be at his tree fort right now, right?”

J.P.: “I guess.”

Craig: “Regardless, I think we should help Kyng Eddy out as much as we can. If he claims The Cardboard Castle and The Urban Rangers he will have more than enough power to spread his playtime ideology.”

J.P.: “He’d be uber powerful.”

Omar: “Alright, do you have a plan then?”

Craig: “We can sabotage their preparations, give Kyng Eddy an edge.”

J.P: “Do we get the council involved?”

Craig: “This is technically not a creek problem– not this creek anyway so we’re gonna have to handle this ourselves.”

(Suburbs, Herkleton Mills, Day). The trio arrived at King Xavier’s Tree Fort, keeping out of sight but they quickly realized how quiet it was with no-one in sight. The doors of the tree fort were wide open and coupled with the loud silence, created an eerie and ominous atmosphere.

Dialogue:

Omar: “...They didn’t come back!”

Craig: “...Omar, they knew you were there and that you’d come get us for this very reason!”

Omar: “He played me!”

Craig: “We need to–!”

Omar: “No Craig… this was always Kyng Eddy’s fight so it’s up to him and his court to defend his castle.”

J.P.: “I know it sucks but he’s right, Craig. Besides, we need to get back to stopping King Xavier from fully taking over our creek.”

Craig sighed then replied; “Yea, you’re right.” melancholically.

(Suburbs, Peech Creek, Day). Rolf was supervising his Urban Rangers’ preparation, they were arming themselves with the lower level 2x4 Technology that Numbuh 2 had dropped off. Naz and Sarah were also taking a look at the weapons selection with Naz arming herself with a S.P.L.A.N.K.E.R. while Sarah took a Chocolate Staff. Meanwhile, Eddy was by The Urban Rangers’ Croc Pot Catering Station. This was where Urban Rangers along with the occasional K.N.D. Operatives go to update their clothing and weapons cosmetically through dying and accessory additions. Eddy was there to update a magician’s outfit he used in a prior scam into something fit for a king and while waiting for the update to complete, Naz approached him.

Dialogue:

Eddy: “What did Kevin say?”

Naz: “He can’t make it. His break is already set so he can’t change the date.”

Eddy: “Whatever, we can do this without him.”

Naz: “Hey uh Eddy? What about The Kank–.”

Eddy: “Heck no! What’re you thinking?!”

Naz: “That it’s King Xavier, Eddy!”

Eddy: “So what?! We got this! The moron gave us three days, we’ll kick their butts no problem!”

Eddy was handed his newly made regal cape which now had a deep blue colour with white fluff around the neck and crown of the same hue with a Sumo Slammers card as a headdress.

Eddy: “So quit your whining, will ya?”

Everything seemed normal but Naz was skeptical and her skepticism was valid as shadows suddenly started appearing on the ground.

Jimmy: “The sky is falling, Sarah!”

Sarah: “Jimmy, that can’t– what?”

Everyone saw the multitude of shadows crawling along the ground and once they looked up, there they were, a mass amount of balloons raining from the sky. Almost everyone and everything was covered in peanut butter and jelly once the balloons landed, forcing everyone to run for cover whether it be under awning or under a tree. Sarah yelled: “Jimmy, c’mon!” as she dragged him along. Ranger Andy who manned The Croc Pot Catering Station quickly covered the large croc pot with its lid before running for cover himself. Eddy stuffed his regal attire under his shirt so as not to let it get messy while avoiding every other condiment filled balloon. While scanning the area, he eventually spotted King Xavier standing on top of the Cardboard Castle’s large plank gates, looking down on everyone with a smug expression. He then laughed hysterically, averting everyone’s attention towards him.

Naz: “I thought you said three days?!”

King Xavier: “And I can’t believe you goons actually believed me!”

Rolf: “Yes, Rolf prefers this– vengeance shall be wrung!”

Eddy: “Come down here and face us!”

King Xavier: “Now, now, don’t rush your king.”

King Xavier leaped off behind the gates before the gates themselves had burst open, revealing King Xavier and his entire court by his side. King Xavier then ordered The Water Lilies to cease fire.

King Xavier: “Now, let the war begin.”

King Xavier’s forces began spilling into The Cardboard Castle; Acorn Knights, Cherry Blossoms and Water Lilies along with their champions all charged ahead while Maya stayed by her king's side. Eddy put on his real attire and yelled; “ CHARGE!!! ” and he along with his troops charged into battle. The War of Two Kings had begun. Naz and Jimmy along with other Urban Rangers were confronted by Jackie “The Arm”, Ranger Joey confronted Keun “The Blur” while Sarah was confronted by Aggie ‘The Squashinator”. King Xavier and Maya approached Kyng Eddy and Rolf in the middle of the battlefield.

King Xavier: “I think I’m gonna extend the back of the castle a bit after I–.”

Kyng Eddy: “You still have to take it from me, Xavier!”

King Xavier: “Dude, I already won.”

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

The War of Two Kyngs
Part Two

(Suburbs, Herkleton Oaks, Day). Craig and J.P. were in the former’s room of The Williams’ House, coming up with ways on how to stop King Xavier’s further encroachment of The Creek. The leader of The Ninja Kids, Yustice, came by Craig’s room window to tell the boys about the battle going on at The Cul-De-Sac at that moment.

Dialogue:

Craig: “Yustice, how’s it going?”

Yustice: “The battle is epic, it reminds of The Navyfort Arc in Two Piece. All we can do now is hope that Kyng Eddy comes out as the victor.”

(Suburbs, Peech Creek, Day). The battle had enveloped the entire Cul-De-Sac, the fate of its ownership relied on the outcome of the victor and both King Xavier and Kyng Eddy were motivated to make things go their way. Jackie was fighting off a group of Urban Rangers that included Ranger Jimmy along with Naz and led by Ranger Sumo. He kept his distance, pelting them with condiment filled balloons while The Rangers tried to close the gap with their Chocolate Staffs. Jackie then switched over to his bags filled with flour, taking out some of Urban Rangers with his powerful swings and precise aim that made these bags of flour feel like a punch to the face. Naz, Jimmy and other Urban Rangers ran for cover at the side of a house.

Dialogue:

Naz: “I thought Kevin had a strong arm.”

Jimmy: “What do we do?”

Unfortunately, nobody had an answer for Jimmy’s question. Jackie, to get them out of their cover, made an impressive trickshot. He threw a Wizbee overhead then threw a balloon filled with Peanut Butter that ricocheted off that Wizbee and struck everyone below.

Ranger Sumo: “Run!”

They ran from their defensive position, covered in Peanut Butter while Jackie, with a smug smile on his face, ran after them. However, he ended up running into the calvary; a group of Urban Rangers led by Ranger Cubinacle otherwise known as Ranger “Cubey” after being able to solve The Wonder Cube.

Ranger Cubey: “I wish we met under nice circumstances cuz you seem like a cool dude but oh well.

He then yelled; “Get ‘em!” and he and his group charged at Jackie who leaped backwards to create distance.

Ranger Cubey: “Watch out!”

Jackie began throwing a multitude of his flour bags that took out some of the Rangers; however, they were Rangers that managed to evade them on Ranger Cubey’s warning. They leaped in with their Chocolate Staffs, swinging at Jackie who dodge them all with impressive skill. Ranger Sumo charged at Jackie with his Chocolate Staff, using it to swat away Jackie’s Wizbees and condiment balloons. Jackie worked fast, pulling out his stronger weapons.

Ranger Moira: “He’s got baseballs!”

Ranger Moira was then instantly struck in the face with a baseball, knocking her out. Jackie took aim and began taking out more of The Urban Rangers in quick succession except for Ranger Sumo who managed to get close, swinging at Jackie with his Chocolate Staff. Jackie dodged Ranger Sumo’s swings, leaped into the air and threw a couple jelly filled balloons on the ground that Ranger Sumo unfortunately slipped on, landing on his back. Jackie then used Ranger Sumo as a springboard, leaping into the air and taking aim.

Ranger Cubey: “NAZ, HE’S AIMING FOR YOU!!!”

Naz was frozen in shock as a baseball was launched at her, all she could do was close her eyes and wait. With her eyes closed, she heard a loud crash and when she opened them, she saw Jimmy indented into the side of a house with a baseball stuck in his headgear. Naz quickly ran over to Jimmy and pulled him out of the wall and luckily, he seemed to be still conscious.

Naz: “Thank Glob, you’re ok!”

Slowly approaching them, Jackie showed off his selection of weapons; Wizbees, condiment filled balloons, water balloons, bags of flour and baseballs.

Ranger Cubey: “It’s not over yet.”

Meanwhile, Keun and Ranger Joey were face to face and as the latter seemed confident, the former was unenthused.

Keun: “Why don’t you run away as slow as you can cuz you’re definitely not fast enough to even touch, Urban Ranger.”

Ranger Joey: “Didn’t you wonder why your king ‘praised’ me?”

Ranger Joey went on his marks, as if he was about to run a race, confusing Keun but before he could ask a question, Ranger Joey suddenly charged at him with the speed of a track star. He swung a punch that Keun quickly dodged, moving to the side.

Keun: “What the?!”

Ranger Joey: “I was a part of Nano Development as a courier, which means I was delivering samples all over the place and I did it on foot.”

Keun: “You’re joking!”

Ranger Joey: “Try me.”

Infuriated, Ken charged at Ranger Joey, initiating the battle of the sprinters. Aggie and the rest of The Acorn Knights were battling some Urban Rangers but Aggie was interested in crossing paths with Sarah as the little girl’s strength, in spite of her small stature, intrigued her. Luckily for her they did run into each other on the battlefield and Aggie sent her Acorn Knights away so she could face Sarah on her own.

Aggie: “I never met a girl your size that could match my strength. I did wanna fight that big dumb idiot that lives here but you could do.”

Sarah: “That big dumb idiot is my brother, you orge!”

Aggie: “Oooh, that explains a lot. Yea, this is gonna be fun.”

Sarah dropped her Chocolate Staff and put her fists up. The excitement welled up in Aggie before bursting to the surface in the form of a wide grin. They charged at each other and clashed fists like they did once before. Kyng Eddy and Rolf were still at a standoff with King Xavier and Maya in the middle of the battlefield. Maya saw the three shoes that Rolf had brandished on the right side of his waist and chuckled.

Maya: “You’re gonna fight us with shoes?! Deadass?!”

Maya’s eyes widened in shock as Rolf drew one of his shoes and charged at her with a strike that she narrowly blocked with her pink purple bat.

King Xavier: “Maya! You good?!”

Maya: “Yea, I got this!”

King Xavier nodded. Rolf pushed Maya away before lunging at her with another attack that she  also managed to block. While those two were fighting, Kyng Eddy and Rolf Eddy were left to their own devices.

King Xavier: “So, how are we gonna do this?”

Without saying a word, Kyng Eddy charged at King Xavier who dodged his tackle and countered with a kick to the face. Kyng Eddy didn’t go down however, going for another tackle that landed. Kyng Eddy and King Xavier were now on the ground with the former on top.

King Xavier: “Get off!”

Kyng Eddy: “Get out!”

The clash of plastic bats and shoes were taken to the top of Rolf’s house. Rolf swung at Maya who evaded and attempted to counterattack but also missed her mark as Rolf leaped backwards.

Maya: “You gonna use all three shoes or what?”

Rolf: “I will slay you with a single shoe, no more!”

Maya gritted her teeth and slammed her plastic bat on the roof, sending a small tremor throughout the house itself. Maya screamed; “Take me seriously, dammit!” before she charged at Rolf. Maya ran into a slide that Rolf jumped over her to avoid, barely managing to block an attack from below while in mid air. They got back on their feet and went at it, Maya managed to get behind Rolf but not without receiving an elbow to the face, she didn't falter however and answered back with a suplex. Rolft rolled back on his feet and drew another shoe, now using two.

Maya: “There we go, now to get you to use the third one!”

Rolf charged in and swung with both shoes, Maya blocked it but the force sent her flying. She dug her plastic bat into the roof to stop her momentum.

Maya: “...The heck was that?”

Maya stood up, glanced down at the roof then slammed it again, this time knocking loose shillings into the air then launched them at Rolf by swatting them with her plastic bat. Rolf ran towards Maya, smacking the shillings out of the way in quick succession. Maya leaped forwards with a horizontal spinning strike that Rolf managed to block. Maya swung again but Rolf swatted her attack away, knocking her plastic bat from her hand. However, Maya launched it forward with a quick back kick, almost hitting Rolf in the face had he not moved. Maya picked back up her weapon and went back on the attack. She eventually saw an opening and took it, aiming for Rolf's head only for Rolf to move out of the way and counter with a swing of his shoe. However, Maya evaded his counterattack which created a bigger opening for her.

Maya: “Gotcha!”

Maya pulled back her plastic bat to strike when she noticed Rolf’s other shoe soaring up from below and not having enough time to evade it, got a hefty strike to the chin. Rolf leaped back a bit, held both shoes to the sides of his head then rammed into Maya’s stomach like a goat. The strike knocked the wind from Maya’s sails while sending her flying, skidding to a stop near the roof’s edge. Rolf rested his arms but he knew that the fight wasn’t over and he was right as Maya got back on her feet, screaming to the heavens. She had a bit of a cough as she picked her plastic bat and after her cough subsided, she stared at Rolf with a smug smile. He knew what she wanted and he obliged. Rolf took out his third and final shoe, holding it by the heel with his mouth before going into a stance that emphasized all three.

Maya: “ Now , we’re cookin’.”

Aggie and Sarah were having an interesting back and forth as the latter could stack up in strength along with her size which made it a bit harder for Aggie to land a hit, however whenever she did, Sarah was sent flying. After Sarah was sent flying into one of Kyng Eddy’s signs, she got up and charged at Aggie and punched her in the gut but Aggie would withstand the hit and slam Sarah into the ground. Aggie then took up Sarah, threw her up then punched her away.

Aggie: “You’re strong but small.”

Sarah got up and asked; “So?!”

Aggie: “So you got nothing to back it up.”

Sarah yelled; “Do to!”as she charged at the giant. As she was running towards Aggie, Sarah grabbed her Chocolate Staff from the ground and chucked it at Aggie who swatted it out of the way just in time to once again clash fists with Sarah. Sarah leaped onto Aggie’s arm then struck her in the face with both feet. Aggie grabbed Sarah by the face and slammed her to the ground, pressing her down with her weight. Aggie was laughing as she pinned Sarah to the ground until Sarah sunk her teeth deep into Aggie’s hand, getting out of her grasp. Sarah then leaped into the air, kneeing Aggie in the face, she then grabbed Aggie’s head and using her downward momentum, dragged Aggie down onto another knee.

Sarah: “I got you on the ground! What now?!”

Aggie rose to her feet and replied; “Just like you, I get back up again.” Aggie threw a punch but Sarah leaped up, ran along Aggie’s arm and threw a punch of her own. However, Aggie blocked the punch, then chucked Sarah into the air before leaping after her. In the air they were in a power struggle that Aggie won because of her size, grabbing Sarah and throwing her to the ground before trying to crush her with a falling fist that Sarah quickly evaded. Sarah then sprung up with a double spin kick that Aggie blocked consecutively before punching Sarah in the face, launching upwards. Upon falling back down, Aggie threw another punch that Sarah dodged. She then grabbed Aggie’s arm and once again using her downward momentum, flipped the giant over and slammed into the ground. Aggie was on her back, catching her breath while Sarah landed on her feet, shaky but balanced. Aggie eventually got back on her feet and Sarah wasted no time and charged at her. Sarah leaped in with a punch but was tackled out of the air and slammed into the ground. Once on top, Aggie threw a punch that Sarah smacked to the side, cracking the ground a bit on impact. Sarah then pushed herself off the ground, striking with a headbutt that Aggie defended against with her own.

Sarah: “You’re really annoying me!”

Aggie: “Really? I kinda thought differently!”

Aggie began swinging, forcing Sarah on the defensive while retreating from her. Aggie was knocking over more of Kyng Eddy’s signs along with a couple of The Urban Rangers’ Lemonade Stands in her attempt to land a hit on the fleeing Sarah. Sarah unknowingly led Aggie between two neighbouring houses.

Aggie: “C’mon, why’re you running?! Lame!”

Just then Sarah stopped running away and ran towards Aggie which put a smile on the giant’s face. Sarah slid on the grass, boosting her speed then pushed herself off the ground, launching a kick into Aggie’s face. Sarah then jumped off Aggie’s face, landing on her feet just in time to avoid an oncoming punch. Sarah rushed in and struck Aggie in the stomach, kicked both her legs then pushed the giant onto her back. She then leaped in with a potent elbow to the giant’s gut, seemingly taking Aggie down. Sarah just laid there on Aggie’s stomach, thinking that she had won. However, she suddenly found herself thrown into the side of a house, Aggie was not defeated and back on her feet. Sarah had slumped to the ground and Aggie was disappointed as it appeared that Sarah was done only to be quickly proven wrong. Sarah rose to her feet and slowly faced Aggie. Her face was red as a tomato, she was gritting her teeth, she had a mean scowl with tears filling her eyes and blowing steam from her nostrils.

Aggie: “Finally.”

Aggie clenched her fists and gritted her teeth as all her muscles suddenly bulked up as if they were going to burst from her outfit.

Aggie: ‘Show me how big you are.”

Ranger Joey and Keun were racing all over the battlefield, locked in a relatively high speed battle. Keun tripped up Ranger Joey who managed to go into a defensive roll to mitigate injury before quickly getting back on his feet and getting back into the race. Keun came in like a ball, spinning at high speeds striking down with an axe kick that Ranger Joey blocked.

Keun: “What?! Not fast enough to dodge The Blur ?!”

However, Ranger Joey grabbed Keun’s leg and pulled him into a chokeslam.

Ranger Joey: “I guess not but I’m smart enough to know what to do next.”

Keun got back on his feet, rubbing the back of his head with a frustrated expression. Keun shot towards Ranger Joey, ramming him into another one of The Urban Rangers’ Lemonade Stands. Ranger Joey attempted to grab hold of Keun but he anticipated a counterattack and quickly backed off, Keun then came back in with a speedy dropkick that launched Ranger Joey through the lemonade stand, landing on his back on the other side. As Ranger Joey was getting up, he noticed Keun standing over him, mocking his slow pace.

Keun: “If that’s the case, I just have to be quicker than you– which is not a problem.”

Keun egged Ranger Joey on and the race started back up again. Keun would attack and Ranger Joey would attempt a counterattack but Keun would back off before quickly going back in with another attack, ruining Ranger Joey’s flow. However, Ranger Joey was watching Keun’s movements, allowing him to build up a groove to strike when he least expected it.

Keun: “I can react to all your moves, you will never touch me! You got that?!”

Keun came in with a punch that Ranger Joey blocked and for the first time, he didn’t attempt to counter but Keun hadn’t noticed, absorbed in the groove he had built up. That's when it hit Keun however it was too late as he already threw out a punch that Ranger Joey ducked under before decking Keun in the gut. As Keun was staggering back, Ranger Joey swept his leg then came in with a rapid spin kick, striking Keun in the face which flung Keun into one of King Eddy’s signs. While Keun was on his back, Ranger Joey was catching his breath. Not too long after, Keun sat back up, rubbing his face.

Keun: “Look at you… winded already?!”

Keun stood up and continued; “It’s a good thing you’re not by King Xavier’s side, you’d just drag him down!” Ranger Joey charged in with a couple of kicks that Keun was dodging with ease, saying “Blur” with each evasion. Keun came in with a flurry of kicks of his own that Ranger Joey managed to block. Keun pushed himself off Ranger Joey’s arms and while airborne, Ranger Joey took that opportunity to strike a powerful kick that sent Keun flying. Keun landed on his feet, skidding across the ground, stopping his momentum. Finding himself next to one of The Urban Rangers’ Food Stalls, Keun quickly grabbed a couple muffins and began launching them at Ranger Joey who used his speed to evade some while kicking away others. Ranger Joey came in with an axe kick but Keun dodged, making the Urban Ranger strike the food stall table, splitting it in two with both halves flying up in the air. Ranger Joey then kicked the two pieces at Keun who ran around them, ending up a few meters behind the Urban Ranger.

Keun: “You had me going for a bit but I knew that nobody could be faster than me!”

Ranger Joey: “Have you not met a superhero before?!”

Keun: “Shut up, you know what I meant!”

Keun then took a pose, placing one hand on the ground before him.

Ranger Joey: “Wha– what’re you doing?”

Keun: “I’m gonna show you that you were never in my speed class.”

Keun then began revving his feet, kicking up tons of dust behind him, his feet cycled so fast that to Ranger Joey, Keun’s legs seemingly had the appearance of the figure “8”.

Keun: “Blur.”

Forces of The Other Side and The Cul-De-Sac were fighting hard, Urban Ranger and the four groups under King Xavier’s command were throwing themselves at each other, battling with the determination to win. Meanwhile, King Xavier and Kyng Eddy were fighting at the latter’s throne and unfortunately, Kyng Eddy was getting overwhelmed by King Xavier’s skills.

King Xavier: “How can you be a king but can’t fight?!”

Kyng Eddy yelled; “Shut up!” as he charged at King Xavier with a punch which was dodged then taking a kick to the face.

King Xavier: “A king needs to be capable to defend not only his castle but himself! You’re just so disappointing, seriously.”

Kyng Eddy came in with a couple of punches that King Xavier effortlessly weaved and dodged before punching him in the face. Kyng Eddy tried going in with a tackle but King Xavier dodged it then struck him with an axe kick to the back of the head.

King Xavier: “You know why, right?”

Kyng Eddy: “Why what?!”

King Xavier: “Dude, pay attention. Why does a king need to be capable of not only defending himself but also his castle?!”

Kyng Eddy: “Wha– I don’t know!”

King Xavier leaped in with a kick to Kyng Eddy’s face. Kyng Eddy tried retaliating with a punch but was blocked, King Xavier then pulled Kyng Eddy in and elbowed him in the face. Then King Xavier, having not let go of Kyng Eddy’s arm, flipped him over on his back. King Xavier then pressed his shoe on Kyng Eddy’s chest.

King Xavier: “Because if the king falls… the same goes for his court.”

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

The War of Two Kyngs
Part Three

(Suburbs, Peech Creek, Day). Maya and Rolf’s battle had broadened in scope as they were both leaping from one rooftop to the next mid fight. They eventually settled on a rooftop where they continued their pseudo sword fight. Maya was jabbing at Rolf with her plastic bat who would evade them all consecutively. She swung down but when Rolf put his guard up to block, she quickly changed her arm’s trajectory mid swing to instead strike from the side. Even so, Rolf quickly adjusted his guard and blocked successfully. Maya was trying to get through Rolf’s defense to land a significant blow but with his three shoes drawn, she found it difficult. Rolf went on the attack, his swings forced Maya on the defensive, trying to break through it. Maya backflipped to create some distance but Rolf stayed on her tail.

Dialogue:

Rolf: “You flee?!”

Maya: “Catch me then!”

Rolf swung but Maya leaped into the air then came back down with a spinning strike. Rolf dodged but since there was power behind the attack, it knocked a couple loose shillings from the roof they were on. Maya pushed Rolf back and went in for another attack, suddenly obstructing his vision with her scarf, taking it off and throwing it at his face. Rolf was about to swat it to the side when he was kicked in the face which sent him flying. Maya quickly put back on her scarf and ran after Rolf as he was careening through the air, she then leaped into the air and slammed Rolf down with a strong swing of her plastic bat. However, Rolf was undeterred as he quickly rose to his feet. Maya shot down with a strike that Rolf evaded, he then lunged at her with an attack that pushed her back as she was blocking. As she was stepping back, Maya suddenly felt stuck and when she looked down, she saw that Rolf had clamped down her foot with his own. Rolf then struck Maya in the face with his third shoe then and went after her as she was staggering back. Maya saw Rolf charging towards her and swung but at that moment she realized that he had dropped the shoe from his mouth. Her hit landed with a loud bang but Maya’s eyes widened in shock as Rolf had apparently caught her plastic bat with his mouth and quickly crushed it with his teeth.

Maya: “All this time… he was trying to get through my defenses too.”

Rolf struck with both shoes and Maya had no choice but to block with her hands but the attack was still severe, flinging her back. While running towards Maya, Rolf quickly grabbed his third shoe with his mouth and with her arms now weakened from the previous attack, Maya no longer had any defenses for Rolf’s three shoe strike. It was a powerful swing with all three shoes to the face, chest and stomach that blasted Maya away, launching her clear off the roof but before she could hit the ground, Rolf saved her. He pulled Maya back onto the roof and laid her down after which Rolf put up his shoes as the fight was finally over with him as the victor.

Maya: “Just gimme… a couple… minutes… I’ll get back… up.”

Rolf: “Yes and will battle again! You were a worthy foe!”

Maya: “...Yea? Well… you weren’t so bad either… I guess.”

Elsewhere, loud booms echoed from a certain part of the battlefield along with the sound of trees tipping over. The origin of the sounds came from the battle between Aggie and Sarah. Sarah’s face was still beat red with a mean scowl, a look of pure anger. They were going blow for blow with Aggie’s face showing nothing but elation with each strike. Sarah ripped a mailbox off the ground and struck Aggie, launching her through a tree but the giant dug her fingers into the ground, stopping her momentum while propelling herself forward. Aggie then rammed Sarah into the side of a house but Sarah quickly leaped off the wall, launching herself back into battle. There were no attempts to guard against an attack, both girls were throwing their weight around until either one eventually conceded, a battle of pure strength. Aggie slammed Sarah into the ground but Sarah immediately launched herself back up, into Aggie’s chest head first but the giant shrugged her off and kicked her aside. Aggie then came in with a lariat that knocked Sarah off her feet before grabbing Sarah by the leg and throwing her into a tree. Sarah got up, ripped the tree from its root and swung down on Aggie who managed to bypass the tree by punching her way through it, now being airborne. Aggie had also collected a couple of tree limbs on her way up and began chucking them at Sarah who, while charging at Aggie, punched every single one away before meeting Aggie in the air. As they were plummeting back down to the ground, they were exchanging blows, clashing fists as they crashed down. Sarah leaped in with another double spin kick that Aggie withstood before grabbing Sarah’s leg, spinning her around and slamming her down with the ground cracking on impact. However, this didn’t deter Sarah one bit as she leaped up and punched Aggie in the gut but the giant punched Sarah in the gut before swatting her away.

Aggie: “C’mon!”

Sarah: “Shut up!”

Aggie came down with both fists but Sarah quickly sidestepped her attack. She then lunged at Aggie with a headbutt that Aggie countered with her own and as their powers collided, the resulting shockwaves pushed them apart. Even so, they went back at each other in no time, punching each other as hard as they could. Aggie attempted to crush Sarah under her fist but Sarah grabbed the giant’s arm and flipped her over, slamming her in the ground. Aggie then catapulted Sarah into the air as she was still holding onto Aggie’s arm. Sarah banged into the side of a roof before landing on top of it. Aggie suddenly appeared before Sarah and threw a punch that she redirected with a punch of her own, making Aggie punch the roof instead. Sarah then ran along Aggie’s arm and kneed her in the face.

Aggie: “Yea!”

Sarah: “I said shut up!”

Sarah leaped in with a flurry of kicks that Aggie countered with a flurry of punches, their attacks slowly built up speed the more they kept going before they finished with a powerful clash, Sarah with a powerful kick and Aggie with a punch that was just as strong. As the fight went on Sarah was reaching her limit and Aggie had picked up on that, not giving Sarah a moment to breath with her constant attacks. However, Sarah kept going but she also knew that this fight needed to end. Sarah leaped in and sucker punched Aggie in the face only to get one back in kind. Sarah then pushed Aggie’s arm to the side then struck her in the face with both feet, pushing the giant closer to the edge of the roof. Sarah then charged in with an elbow to Aggie’s gut which was the final nudge that she needed to send the giant over the edge. However, Aggie quickly grabbed Sarah and now they were both careening through the air.

Aggie: “You think I didn’t notice?! You think I’m stupid?!”

Aggie pulled Sarah into a strong punch in the face, instantly knocking her unconscious. However, as quickly as Sarah lost consciousness, she regained it. Sarah was now even more enraged and firmly gripped Aggie’s arm, making the giant groan from the pain. Sarah then used everything she had to spin Aggie around, building up momentum then with a thunderous roar, launched Aggie into the ground. The ground exploded on impact, emulating a detonated grenade; kicking up dust and debris everywhere. The Squashinator was defeated but Sarah had nothing left in her either, falling onto Aggie.

Aggie: “...Listen, keep up that strength… you got it? Cuz when you grow up you can finally back it up…  and you’ll be even more awesome.”

Sarah: “...Whatever…”

While Rolf and Sarah both took down two of King Xavier’s champions, the battles against the other two had a different outcome. While banged up himself, Jackie still managed to take down the group of Urban Rangers that took him on. Naz had nothing left and Jimmy had more baseballs intertwined in his headgear. Meanwhile, Keun still had the upper hand against Ranger Joey but the Urban Ranger was still standing.

Keun: “Just give up, man. This is getting pretty pathetic at this point.”

Ranger Joey: “Give up? Why, you afraid I’ll win?”

Keun: “Pfft, as if!”

After taking some deep breaths, Ranger Joey went into a groove, moving around to get himself hyped up which did nothing more than leaving Keun unimpressed. Ranger Joey charged at Keun, leaping in with a spinning axe kick that Keun dodged effortlessly with an unenthused expression. Ranger Joey threw out a couple speedy punches that also didn’t reach Keun and at that point Keun wanted the fight to end. After dodging another punch, Keun grabbed Ranger Joey’s arm and spun him around, creating a mini twister in the process before launching the Urban Ranger into the air. Keun then leaped from house to house, using his speed to boost him further into the air where he ended up above Ranger Joey. Keun then began striking Ranger Joey with a barrage of rapid punches, taking the Urban Ranger back down to the ground with each hit while repeating his favourite word “Blur”. Keun struck the finishing blow that smashed Ranger Joey into the ground with a loud boom and when the smoke cleared, Keun was standing over the defeated and unconscious Ranger Joey.

Keun: “The. End.”

With both sides having substantial wins and loses, it was really up to both the kings to determine the outcome of the battle and so far Kyng Eddy was on the receiving end of a beating by the hands of King Xavier. Kyng Eddy tried his hardest to fight back but he was sorely outclassed by King Xavier in skill at every turn.

King Xavier: “Dang, you’re so lame . Put up a fight at least, my Glob !”

Kyng Eddy: “Shut up, will ya!”

King Xavier: “Make me then! I’m over here fighting my butt off just to be going against a king that can’t even dish out what he already can’t take!”

Kyng Eddy was infuriated which perked up King Xavier a bit.

King Xavier: “There ya go!”

Kyng Eddy charged in and threw a couple punches that King Xavier easily got around, snuffing out the flames of excitement that was within him.

King Xavier: “Why did I get my hopes up, seriously.”

King Xavier dodged another punch then struck Kyng Eddy with a kick to the face. Kyng Eddy then tackled King Xavier, pushing him back until King Xavier planted his feet, stopping Kyng Eddy from pushing any further.

King Xavier: “Is that all ya got, man?!”

King Xavier lifted both arms then slammed them into Kyng Eddy’s back then kneed him in the chin before launching Kyng Eddy away with a flip kick. Kyng Eddy landed at the base of the cardboard steps that led up to his throne.

King Xavier: “Welp, I guess you put up a little fight at least.”

Kyng Eddy got back on his feet and ran behind his throne to the sounds of King Xavier’s laughter as he thought that Kyng Eddy was retreating.

King Xavier: “Really?! I’m that much for you?!”

The king’s laughter had ceased after he realized that Kyng Eddy hadn’t run away, he actually went to retrieve a weapon, his Ray of Riches. Kyng Eddy took aim at King Xavier with a smug smile on his face.

King Xavier: “...The heck is that?!”

Kyng Eddy: “My ticket to victory!”

Kyng Eddy fired a ray of dollar signs that King Xavier managed to evade with the ray destroying where he stood. King Xavier quickly grabbed some debris that was left behind from the blast before going back on the defensive, narrowly avoiding Kyng Eddy’s Rays of Riches. 

Kyng Eddy: “Stay still!”

King Xavier threw some of the debris at Kyng Eddy which prevented him from firing properly.

Kyng Eddy: “Hey!”

King Xavier then ran around Kyng Eddy’s line of fire, getting behind him and striking him in the face with a kick so strong that it both disarmed Kyng Eddy as well as sent him flying into his throne, knocking it off its altar. King Xavier quickly grabbed The Ray of Riches and smashed it on the ground, shattering it to pieces. King Xavier then approached Kyng Eddy and held him up by his cape.

King Xavier: “You’re not worthy of this castle, it should be mine! You’re not a king and will never be one!”

King Xavier continued yelling at Eddy as he ripped off his regal garbs, shredding them to pieces with his bare hands before throwing Eddy to the ground.

King Xavier: “Just give up because this castle is mine!”

Eddy: “You’re not getting my home!”

Eddy tackled King Xavier who attempted to strike him in the back like before, however, Eddy tripped King Xavier’s leg and managed to bodyslam him which knocked the king into a momentary daze. Eddy began wailing on King Xavier but the king swatted away Eddy’s punches. King Xavier then punched Eddy in the face but he did not falter, biting into the king’s arm before another punch was thrown. King Xavier screamed in pain as Eddy sunk his teeth deep into his arm, not letting go even though King Xavier was repeatedly striking him in the face.

King Xavier: “STOP BITING ME, YOU FREAK!!!”

King Xavier continued punching Eddy in the face until he managed to get Eddy off. King Xavier then punched Eddy in the face but mistakenly used his now injured arm as he was caught up in his emotions. Because of that, the punch had no power behind it while making the pain agonizingly worse. Eddy shrugged off the punch and went in, reeling back a punch of his own.

Eddy: “I got friends coming back home soon– AND IT’S GONNA BE HERE WHEN THEY GET BACK, YOU GOT THAT?!!”

With a booming roar of determination, Eddy landed the strongest punch he could muster; he put all his might into it, sinking his fist into King Xavier’s face. King Xavier was sent flying a few feet away, crashing onto the ground, knocked out cold. Eddy fell to his knees, realizing he had managed to win.

Eddy: “I WON, YOU HEAR ME?!! I WON!!!”

Eddy's voice echoed across the battlefield, making all who were still fighting stand still to listen with all on Eddy’s side happily listening with a smile on their bruised faces. Aggie and Sarah got up off the ground after hearing Eddy’s wail and quickly ran towards it. Keun heard and immediately ran to find Jackie while Ranger Joey was on the ground, smiling to himself. Maya had finally sat up and after hearing Eddy’s voice, instantly leaped off the roof to be by her king’s side. Both King Xavier’s and Eddy’s court converged at both kings with the former in complete shock that their king had fallen. Aggie had picked up King Xavier on Maya’s command, throwing him over her shoulder.

Maya: “Our king has fallen… and so has his court. The war is over… Kyng Eddy is the winner.”

Eddy: “That’s right. Now, get outta my castle.”

With that, King Xavier’s court left in shame as everyone of Peech Creek rejoiced about their victory. Later, everyone was repairing the damages of war and Eddy had just finished restoring his throne. Rolf, Naz, Jimmy and Ranger Joey approached Eddy when he was about to sit down.

Naz: “Welp, we won.”

Eddy: “Duh, of course we did! You’d do your best to not doubt your kyng!”

Naz smiled as she rolled her eyes.

Ranger Joey: “So, what now Kyng Eddy?”

Eddy: “Make this place spotless before Ed and Double D get back.”

(Suburbs, Herkleton Oaks, Evening). Craig and J.P. were still in the fromer’s room, talking to Kelsey over video chat. She was on Craig’s laptop that sat on his bed next to J.P. and they were talking about the war that had ended, relieved that King Xavier had fallen to Kyng Eddy.

Dialogue:

Kelsey: “Thank Glob that Kyng Eddy won. Can you imagine if King Xavier got hands on The Cardboard Castle?!”

J.P.: “Nope, not gonna.”

Craig: “He was far too close in succeeding, though and what’s stopping him from trying again? We have to stop him.”

Kelsey: “I wish I was there with you guys to help out.”

J.P.: “Kelsey, you’re saving the world right now. I think we can cut you some slack.”

Kelsey chuckled.

Kelsey: “Welp, I gotta go. I got a Nano Mission to prepare for so I’ll talk to you soon. Be careful, ok?”

Craig: “We will.”

(Suburbs, Peech Creek, Evening). Meanwhile, at The Park n’ Flush Trailer Park, The Kankers had finally woke up having slept in. They got out of bed with Lee going straight to the kitchen to heat up some coffee while the other two sisters went to watch TV.

Dialogue:

Lee: “I wonder if we missed anythin’?”

Marie: “Like what?”

Lee: “I dunno.”

May: “It’s probably nothin’, then.”

Lee: “Eh, I guess.”

After the coffee was finished heating, Lee poured herself a cup and started drinking while staring out the window.

Marie: “Hey, what about us?!”

Lee: “Get ya own damn coffee, dammit!”

May: “But that’s not even yours, that’s Dad’s!”

Lee: “And I’m his favourite so there!”

Marie: “No you’re not– I am!”

May: “It’s me!”

In no time at all, a fight broke out between The Kankers.

The End

Chapter Text

(Suburbs, Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends, Day). It was Adopt-a-Thought Saturday at the home, a day where kids can come by and adopt an Imaginary Friend of their dreams along with allowing those who gave up their friend to the home to come back and visit. From athletes to scientists, from police officers to even superheroes, many different kinds of people came to visit their childhood friend. Since the Suburbs was recently under siege by Fuse’s forces, the function and home was guarded by Global Security with Global Security Officer Brick McArthur and Chestnut at the front gates, with the latter often being mistaken for an Imaginary Friend, much to his dismay. Mac and Bloo were walking the courtyard while the latter sneaked a cup of punch from the punch blow.

Dialogue:

Mac: “Bloo, you already had enough punch! There’s tons of people here!”

Bloo: “But Mac, I’m thirsty!”

Mac: “Sure you are. That’s the last! One! Got it?!”

Bloo murmured; “Fine.” under his breath. Mac took a look around to see the mass amount of people there to celebrate Imaginary Friends in some capacity and was filled with excitement.

Mac: “It’s really cool that DexLabs not only funded this Adopt-a-Thought Saturday but also the repairs of the entire Suburbs!”

Bloo: “Eh, I don’t buy it.”

Mac: “Well Bloo, that’s because you don’t like Dexter.”

Bloo: “Heck yea, I don’t! The guy was a big jerk to us– he yelled at Coco!”

Mac: “And they’re friends now.”

Bloo: “Why, cuz he patted her head on TV? Mac, you know that TV is fake.”

Mac: “Bloo… I get it but look around you, Foster’s was revitalized because of DexLabs, we owe them a lot.”

Bloo: “Yea, yea.”

Frankie had finished talking to some of the parents whose children wanted to adopt when she was approached by Adam and Douglas; Coco’s guardians.

Adam: “Uh– uh– H– hey Frankie.”

Frankie: “Oh, hey guys!”

Douglas: “Uh– you know, Frankie, we were just hired by DexLabs–.”

Frankie: “Oh yea? That’s great, you two!”

The two men blushed, Douglas then continued, stumbling over his words; “Well– uh– we– we’re actually gonna be cl– close by.” Adam then sheepishly pointed towards The Imaginasium that was being built.

Frankie: “Cool so I guess we’re kinda like coworkers.”

All the blood from Adam and Douglas’ bodies had seemingly rushed to their faces. They were about to speak again when Frankie saw Mac and Bloo walk by and called out to them; “Mac! Bloo! Could you come here for a sec?!”

Frankie: “See you around you guys, enjoy the party.”

Frankie then walked away to meet up with the boys, leaving Adam and Douglas in their rose tinted daze.

Frankie: “Hey guys, could you pick up more chairs from the back and bring them to the front?”

Bloo: “You kidding me? We don't work for yo–!”

Mac quickly covered up Bloo’s mouth, preventing him from speaking any further.

Mac: “We’ll get on it!”

Frankie replied; “Thanks guys.” before tending back to the parents. Bloo pushed Mac off.

Bloo: “Mac, what the heck?!”

Mac: “Just calm down, alright. Come on.”

Bloo begrudgingly followed Mac to the backyard. Blossom and Dexter were in The Foster’s backyard, standing before a massive wooden crate.

Blossom: “A wooden crate?”

Dexter: “It was what I used to keep him in.”

Blossom: “Right, because wood isn’t a conductor. Makes sense.”

Dexter: “Mhmm.”

Blossom immediately noticed Dexter's lackluster response and dower mood and asked; “Are you ok?”

Dexter: “I haven’t visited Mitochondrion ever since I gave up competing in The Extremosaur Battle Circuit and it got even worse after… Cheese.”

Blossom: “Well, just continue doing what you’ve been doing with the rest of Foster’s and earn his trust.”

Dexter nodded. He then opened up the crate and went inside where he saw Mitochondrion sleeping in the center of it. Sneaking up to the little electric rat friend, Dexter’s steps were not quiet, waking Mitochondrion up, who was not happy seeing the boy genius.

Dexter: “Uh, hi Mito.”

Mito hissed at Dexter, wasting no time sprouting his electric tentacles and reaching for Dexter who managed to leap out of the way.

Dexter: “Wait, Mito!”

Mito ignored Dexter’s plea and went after Dexter with his tentacles but Dexter quickly materialized an energy shield from his glove to block. However, Mito smacked it out of the way and swatted Dexter to the side with him slamming against the crate interior. Dexter was trying to get back on his feet, in a bit of daze which was when he was blasted by a powerful bolt of electricity that sent him flying right out of the massive wooden crate. He was skidding against the ground until he was caught by Blossom.

Blossom: “Dexter, you ok?!”

Dexter: “That’s to be expected– oh, I’m fine… thank you.”

Blossom: “I heard you call him Mito, is that his nickname?”

Dexter blushed and replied; “Yes.”

Blossom: “it’s cute.”

Dexter blushed even more. Blossom helped Dexter to his feet and even brushed off the bit of dirt from his lab coat.

Dexter: “Thanks, you’re the best–.”

Dexter and Blossom instantly realized what the former said and became stiff with embarrassment, second hand respectively. Blossom managed to utter; “Y– yea… thanks.”

Blossom: “So… are you gonna– try again?”

Dexter: “Yea– um… Well, I have to.”

Just then, Mac and Boo had arrived in the backyard to pick up the chairs with Bloo getting upset by the sight of Dexter. Bloo ran over to Dexter with Mac following behind, trying to stop him, yelling; “Bloo, wait!” Bloo approached Dexter and kicked him in the shin with Mac immediately pulling him back afterwards.

Dexter: “OW!!! What the?! You– you kicked me in the shin?!”

Bloo: “Heck yea, I did!”

Blossom: “Why did you do that?!”

Mac: “I’m so sorry– Bloo, what’s wrong with you?!”

Dexter: “...Wait… It’s alright, I get it.”

Bloo: “Wha?”

Mac: “Bloo, apologize!”

Bloo stared at Dexter before walking away.

Mac: “Bloo!”

Dexter: “It’s fine.”

Mac reluctantly nodded then went to catch up to Bloo who was already moving chairs. Mac then picked up two and carried them to the front. Meanwhile, Wilt and Edurado were talking with their creators; Officer Nina Valerosa and basketball star Jordan Micheals. The two friends were telling them about their inclusion in The Suburban Siege that had happened some days ago.

Officer Valerosa: “I still can’t believe that happened, weren’t you scared?”

Eduardo: “Si but my friends were in trouble. Tuve que ayudar.”
                                                                      “I had to help.”

Officer Valerosa: “I understand, Eduardo. Estoy orgullosa de ti.”
                                                                 “I’m proud of you.”

Wilt: “Sorry for worrying you guys.”

Jordan Micheals: “It’s fine, Wilt. We’re just glad that you two are ok.”

After the worrying conversation ended, the group went on to enjoy themselves. TubeTube sensation Grizzly aka Crowbar Jones and his brothers; Panda and Ice Bear, caught the attention of some people when they entered The Foster’s courtyard to visit their Imaginary Friend. The young boy named Mike Believe was hanging out with his Imaginary Friend that was named Mr. Patches when he noticed the three bears walk by.

Mike Believe: “Wow, it’s Crowbar Jones!”

Grizzly: “Hey, wassup.”

Grizzly greeted the boy with a fistbump as he walked by. The bear brothers then met up with their Imaginary Friend named Silver Bear, a bear dressed completely in armor with a visor. While they hung out, elsewhere there seemed to be a little show off party with a couple of visitors showing off their Imaginary Friends. DeeDee was showing off Koosalagoopagoop, Bubbles was showing off an Imaginary Friend that was a humanoid bunny wearing dress, boots and glasses named Ms. Bon-Bon and even Melvin of The Teen Titans stopped by to show off her giant teddy bear Imaginary Friend Bobby. Boomer and Jacie Khones even stopped to watch while passing by.

Melvin: “It takes a while for people to get used to him but Bobby is the best.”

DeeDee: “I think he’s beautiful!”

Melvin: “Aw, thanks.”

Bobby blushed from DeeDee’s compliment after which Melvin added; “Aw, Bobby really liked the compliment.” DeeDee giggled.

DeeDee: “Hey Bubbles, what made you and your sisters make Ms. Bon-Bon?”

Bubbles: “Well, there was this boy in class when we were younger that made a mean Imaginary Friend that terrorized us so we made Ms. Bon-Bon to beat him up.”

Jackie: “Nice.”

Bubbles: “Yea, we’re friends now.”

At the same time, Mike Believe and Mr. Patches walked by, both waving to Bubbles and Ms. Bon-Bon who waved back in kind. Mac and Bloo had finished bringing around the chairs, after which Mac immediately began questioning Bloo.

Mac: “Bloo, what the heck was that?!”

Bloo: “What?!”

Mac: “You kicked Dexter in the shin!”

Bloo: “So?!”

Mac: “Bloo, c’mon!”

Franke approached the boys, thanking them for bringing around the chairs.

Bloo: “Hey Frankie, let’s say that there’s a person you don’t like, is it ok to kick them in the shin because you don’t like them?”

Frankie: “That depends, what did they do?”

Bloo: “Well, they’ve been a jerk to a lot of people I know, even yelling at Co– Conner, yea Connor. He’s a friend of mine.”

Frankie: “Connor? Has he stopped by the house before?”

Bloo: “No no he… lives in– he lives in Townsville! Yea.”

Frankie: “Oh, ok.”

Bloo: “So yea, about the jerk thing?”

Frankie: “Right. Hmm, so a jerk huh? Well, are they still a jerk now?”

Bloo: “Well… I guess… not?”

Frankie:”Well, if that person changed for the better, then I don’t think a kick to the shin is necessary.”

Mac gave Bloo a smug expression with Bloo dismissing it in annoyance.

Frankie: “Welp, thanks again guys.”

Frankie then went on her way. Mac still had his smug expression, making Bloo bark; “Well I still don’t buy it!” then folding his arms in frustration. Dexter and Blossom were now sitting next to the giant wooden crate, deep in conversation.

Dexter: “Mito was created during my stint of trying to create my own superhero. I failed with my pet Monkey but succeeded with Mito but he was more than my own superhero… he was my friend.”

Blossom: “...How did the whole Extremosaur tournament thing start?”

Dexter: “I was a kid and I wanted to show off.”

Blossom giggled and replied; “Dexter, we’re still kids.”

Dexter: “Hm, I suppose we are.”

Blossom: “I see what you mean, though.”

Dexter: “...If Cheese hadn’t done what he did, I probably would have come and visited Mito. Still, I should’ve treated him better.”

Dexter sighed and Blossom got closer to comfort him which made both blush but they muscled through the embarrassment and continued. Little did Dexter know, Mito was actually listening in, now fully understanding where Dexter was coming from. At the same time, Bloo was also watching from afar while drinking punch, first scowling at Dexter before questioning his feelings, thinking back to what Frankie had told him. Meanwhile, Coop and Jamie had introduced Kiva to the latter’s Imaginary Friend; a yellow dog-like Imaginary Friend that wears a pair of underwear and a green hat.

Jamie: “Kiva, this is Bingo.”

Bingo: “Sup.”

Kiva gave Bingo the once over then said; “This is exactly the type of Imaginary Friend I thought you’d think up, Jamie.”

Jamie: “A work of art, isn’t he?”

Kiva: “Yea, sure.”

Coop: “Hey, let’s play Kick the Trash Bag! It’ll be like old times!”

Jamie: “Sure.”

Bingo: “Yea, I’m down.”

Coop: “You can play too, Kiva.”

Kiva: “Uh, why don’t I keep score instead.”

Coop: “Good call. Alright, let’s get this party started!”

Kiva sarcastically replied; “Yes, let’s.” before she and the others went to go start the game. Princess Morbucks and her father then arrived at the function with the former wanting to adopt a friend. They were approached by Mr. Herriman who came to assist them.

Princess: “Get me an Imaginary Friend and not a lame one either, a really cool one that follows orders, got it?!”

Mr. Herriman: “Excuse me, madam. That’s not how you speak to people!”

Mr. Morbucks: “I’m sorry about her. I know she’s a bit older than the other kids here but can you help us out?”

Mr. Herriman: “Hm, yes. Very well. Ms. Francis!”

Frankie came over, asking;”What do you want, Mr. Herriman?”

Mr. Herriman: “Rudeness aside– this little one wants to adopt.”

Frankie: “Aw, aren’t you a cutie.”

Princess: “ Geez , tell me something I don’t know. Just bring me my Imaginary Friend, ok?!

Frankie: “Well, aren’t you a charmer.”

A devious smile then suddenly popped up on Frankie’s face and she then replied; “You know what, I have just the friend.” She then went and got Duchess and showed her off to Princess who was immediately put off by the Imaginary Friend’s appearance.

Princess: “Ew, she’s hideous!”

Duchess: “What was that?! You disgusting, no taste-having, repulsive little gremlin, how dare you say I’m hideous! You wouldn’t know beauty if it hit you in your ugly face! Which by the looks of it, it seems as if that didn’t happen as you’re unbearable to look at!”

Duchess’ comment quickly got to Princess, making her tear up. She was trying to retort Duchess’ words but kept stumbling over her own while trying to keep from crying outright.

Mr. Morbucks: “Hey, you can’t talk to her like that!”

Frankie: “Yea, bad Duchess.”

Duchess scoffed.

Mr. Morbucks said; “Let’s go, sweetie.” as he ushered the now crying Princess away. Duchess herself said; “That was a waste of my time.” as she walked a moment after.

Mr. Herriman: “Ms. Francis:”

Frankie: “Yea?”

Mr. Herriman: “Good work.”

Frankie: “Thanks.”

Dexter and Blossom were now standing before the giant wooden crate.

Blossom: “You sure about this?”

Dexter: “Yes. I have to do this alone.”

Blossom: “Ok.”

Dexter once again entered the wooden crate where he was immediately met with Mito who was waiting for him. They silently stared at each other until Mito sat down, still looking at Dexter. Dexter slowly approached Mito and kneeled down before him.

Dexter: “Mitochondrion, I should have visited you but I didn’t. After Hero’s Hollow, I had developed an unhealthy outlook of Imaginary Friend as a whole which was wrong of me. I have since shed that mindset and began to make a change for the better, I’m trying to be better. All that being said, you deserved better and for that… I am truly sorry.”

Dexter stood up and was ready to walk away when Mito stopped him with one of his tentacles that unfortunately and unintentionally blasted the boy genius with a powerful electric shock. Mito quickly pulled away his tentacle then Dexter fell to the ground. Mito climbed onto Dexter’s chest to see if he was ok which he was, he was fully conscious, eyes wide open and breathing heavily. Mito was relieved that Dexter was seemingly ok, laying down on his chest and purring which made Dexter crack a smile. Blossom called out from outside; “Dexter, you alright!”

Dexter: “Yea– ugh! I’m coming out!”

Dexter and Mito both exited the giant wooden crate with bright smiles only for Dexter to be in shock that Bloo was standing next to Blossom.

Bloo: “...Sorry for… kicking you in the shin.”

Dexter: “It’s fine.”

Bloo: “I guess you’re not that bad– anymore at least.”

Dexter: “I’m trying.”

Bloo looked over to Mito and replied; “Yea, I guess so.” He then said to Dexter; “See ya around, I guess.” before leaving.

Dexter: “Yea.”

Blossom kneeled down and began petting Mito, asking Dexter; “So you guys are ok now?” Dexter looked over to Mito who smiled at him then replied; “Yea.” The three then began playing together. Bloo bumped into Mac who was watching everything that had gone down.

Bloo: “Mac?!”

Mac: “Mhm. C’mon, let’s get back out there.”

Bloo nodded, then he and Mac went back to the front with Bloo calling out; “Bingo!” after seeing said Imaginary Friend playing Kick the Trash Bag with Coop and Jamie. A little later, when everyone was still having fun and friends were being adopted, The President of The United States, Mandy, showed up. Her sudden appearance made everyone pause, even The Global Security Officers that were present. President Mandy approached a tall and lanky yellow Imaginary Friend with a big smile, a large rainbow coloured afro, wearing a white smiley face shirt, purple ascot, shorts with a white belt around his waist and brown shoes for his large feet.

President Mandy: “So, how’ve you been?”

The Imaginary Friend quickly scooped Mandy off the ground and hugged her after which everyone started moving again, going back to what they were doing prior.

Bloo: “It’s always so tense when she’s around.”

President Mandy’s Imaginary Friend continued hugging her with Mandy reciprocating with headpats.

President Mandy: “...Yea, you too.”

Dexter, Blossom and Mito were sitting on top of the giant wooden crate, watching the day go by. Mito was resting in Dexter’s lap and Blossom was rubbing the friend along his back as it purred in its sleep.

The End

Chapter Text

A Galactic Road Trip
Part One

(Space, Incarcecon, Interior). The galactic prison of Incarcecon was in disarray, more than usual as a riot had started, a riot started by Mascumax. Everyone was fighting among themselves, once again more than usual, which was a diversion for Mascumax’s escape. He and two other inmates; a Brocoloid and the Tetramand Kolar were making good progress but their efforts were thwarted by the Galactic Guardians of the sector, those being Atomic Betty, Sparky and Jillian Vegan. They managed to take down Mascumax and his cohorts with the added help from Ben, Kai and The Titan Crew; Ilana, Lance and Octus who were in the area at the time. They came together to stop the infighting and bring back relative peace to Incarcecon.

Dialogue:

Atomic Betty: “Thanks for the help, Ben.”

Ben: “Anytime.”

Ben glanced over to Kai and The Titan Crew helping out the rest of the Galactic Guardians, specifically honing in on Jillian.

Ben: “How’s Jillian holdin’ up?”

Atomic Betty: “It’s not easy being among the only Vegans left but she’s doing good.”

Atomic Betty Cont’d: “So, what brings you this way?”

Ben: “This was a detour– we’re on a road trip.”

Atomic Betty: “With… Kai?”

Ben: “Heh, long story… That I guess you wanna hear.”

Atomic Betty: “ Well , if you insist.”

Ben chuckled.

A Week Ago

(Downtown, City Point, Day). Ben, Gwendolyn, Kevin Levin and Rook were hanging out at Kevin’s auto shop.

Dialogue:

Ben: “What do you mean you need The Rust Bucket?! What am I gonna use to go on my road trip?! That I’m going solo on, by the way!”

Gwendolyn: “Ben, would you quit being a baby. We’re sorry we can’t go with you.”

Ben: “Whatever, it’s fine.”

Rook: “Sorry Ben, I would need the Rust Bucket III for transport.”

Ben: “Hm, yea that makes sense. Well, I guess I’m using the Omnitrix.”

Kevin Levin: “Why don’t you use the Mark 1?”

Ben: “The wha?”

Kevin smiled.

(Offworld Plaza, Skypad Space Port, Interior). Skypad Space Port was also a pseudo base of operations for The Plumbers so Plumber personnel were near commonplace at the facility. Max and The Titan Crew were in one of the command centers, looking over the transmission from King Linus himself.

Dialogue:

Max: “That… does sound like King Linus.”

Ilana: “My father sent coordinates to where he is, as well as a meeting place.”

Lance then activated his holoviewer, showing off a sub par holographic image of King Linus, telling Max; “He sent us this minutes after the first transmission.” Max overlooked the image.

Max: “I see– and where do these coordinates lead?”

Ilana: “Somewhere called The Drift.”

Max: “Hm, that’s in the Hugopata Quadrant of The Milky Way.”

Lance: “We’re going to see The King.”

Max: “Do you need any help?”

(Outskirts, Los Soledad, Day). Kevin was driving everyone to the abandoned military base and during the drive, Ben took out his phone and texted Kai if she wanted to tag along on the road trip, not expecting an answer. So when there wasn’t an immediate one, even though the text came up as delivered, Ben didn’t dwell on it and pocketed his phone. When they arrived, Kevin then led them to a seemingly vacant hanger and after opening the doors, a large green concord with black accents was revealed; The Rust Bucket III Mark 1.

Dialogue:

Ben: “Wha?! But I thought–!”

Kevin Levin: “That it was the same plane? Of course it wasn’t– I would have to tear it apart then put it back together as a whole new plane! Nah, I kept it safe– gave it some upgrade too, couldn’t leave it without a tune up.”

Gwendolyn: “What kind of upgrades?”

Kevin Levin: “five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room– all of them TVs by the way. Except for the bathrooms, still looking.”

Rook: “You never cease to amaze me, Kevin.”

Kevin Levin: “I have that effect on people.”

Ben added; “Yea man, this is awesome.” as he fistbumped Kevin, with Kevin replying; “It’s what I do.” Ben was about to take the plane for a spin when he got a call from Max.

Ben: “Hey Grandpa, you’re gonna see me off, right?”

Max: “You can count on it, Ben. Although, I need your help with something– well, Ilana needs your help.”

Ben: “What’s up?”

Present Day

Dialogue:

Atomic Betty: “Wow… and I guess Kai answered your text then, huh?”

Ben: “Yup, still surprised about that.”

Atomic Betty placed her hand on Ben’s shoulder, telling him; “Good luck with that, man.”

Ben: “Thanks.”

Ben approached his group while they were helping out Sparky and Jillian, greeting the latter two. Both replied; “Hey, Ben.” as they continued doing their jobs. Ben clapped his hands, rubbing them together, asking; “So, we ready to go?”

Kai: “What’s that rush, Ben? Space prison getting too scary for you?”

Ben: “I don’t know, Kai, that kinda sounds like projection. C’mon guys, let’s go before Kai’s space dementia gets worse.”

After they bid the Galactic Guardians a farewell, they went back to the Mark 1 all while Ben and Kai were throwing insults at each other with Ilana observing them both.

(Space, Rust Bucket III Mk1, Interior). Back on their journey with Octus taking the role as pilot. Lance and Ilana were in the kitchen, talking about their journey to see The King and while Lance was keen on the conversation, Ilana’s mind seemed to be elsewhere.

Dialogue:

Lance: “Ilana, are you alright?”

Ilana: “Uh yea– yea. It’s just… have you ever noticed the tension between Ben and Kai?”

Lance: “Oh uh, I suppose they argue a lot.”

Ilana: “Or maybe they’re masking their attractions for one another with offensive banter.”

Lance: “Ilana… are you sure you’re alright?”

Ilana: “...I suppose I’m just nervous… I thought that we were the only Galalunans left but to find out that father, some of our people… are alive. My brain is just all over the place and I suppose… I’m just hyperfixating on Ben and Kai to handle the stress.”

Lance hugged Ilana, telling her; “It’s alright.”

Ilana: “Thank you, Lance.”

Ben was in his room, playing Sumo Slammers Online, yelling every now and again which prompted Kai to bang on and scream from her side of the wall to quiet him down. However, Ben just ignored her pleas. Someone knocked on Ben’s door so he left the game to answer it, thinking it was Kai.

Ben: “Just turn up your TV, Kai!”

However, once the door slid open, Ben realized that it was the Galalunan Princess at his door.

Ben: “Oh, Ilana– what’s up?”

Ilana: “May I speak with you, Ben?”

Ben replied, “Of course.” as he led her to some bean bag chairs to sit in.

Ilana: “Oh. Bean Bag chairs, correct?”

Ben: “Yea, sorry. The ship was decked out by a teenager.”

Ilana: “I don’t mind.”

Ben: “Cool. So, what do you wanna talk about?”

Ilana: ‘Are you and Kai betrothed?”

Ben choked on air, coughing for a bit before answering; “Wow– ugh wow. W– why do you ask?”

Ilana: “I’ve been noticing the ‘banter’ between you two and was wondering if it was a way for you two to mask your true feelings.”

Ben: “...Ya know, I didn’t plan on bringing her along. I texted not expecting a response but boom, there it was; ‘Sure, I’ll go to space’. …I don’t why we ‘banter’, I guess it’s just how we deal.”

Ilana: “So there’s no confirmation on your relationship?”

Ben: “Not really, I honestly don’t know where we stand.”

Ilana: “Ben, do you know of the Estron 3?”

Ben: “Johnny told me about it once but I’ve never been. What about it?”

Ilana: “The planet is a well-known place where couples go to strengthen their bond or in your case, confirm it.”

Ben: “And you want me to take Kai there?”

Ilana: “Sure, you two could finally develop an understanding, see where you two stand.”

Ben: “I guess, I mean in the future we… sure, I’ll do it.”

Ilana: “Fantastic.”

Kai was in the kitchen getting food specific to earth when Ben entered.

Kai: “I left my room to escape your yelling but here you are, are you gonna scream directly in my ear?”

Ben: “You wanna go out to eat something?”

Kai: “Huh? I guess if I want to get used to alien food, I might as well start now. So, where are we going?”

Ben: “I mean me and you, by the way.”

Kai chuckled then asked; “Ben, are you asking me out? In Space?”

Ben: “You don’t have to be weird about it, Kai.”

Kai: “I’m not, I’m not– you know what, ok I’ll bite.”

Kai Cont’d: “So, where are you taking me and have you already set up the reservations?”

Ben pointed at himself then announced; “Ben 10, that won’t be a problem.” Kai rolled her eyes as she smiled and then said; “Ok.”

(Space, Estron 3). The most pleasant-smelling asteroid in the galaxy, home to an all female race of humanoid aliens with shiny and metal looking skin along with big and colourful hairstyles in varying hues. The planet is also one of The 777 Wonders of The Universe as it is known for its advances in the culinary arts and maceration and boast an impressive infrastructure as they benefit greatly from their many restaurants and perfumeries. These reasons, in addition to its warm and welcoming atmosphere, couples come from all over the galaxy to indulge in the planet's many commodities. Ben took Kai to a restaurant called The Spingarn where they got in for free on the account of Ben’s status that Ben wasted no time flaunting as Kai played off being annoyed by it. They were immediately hit by the welcoming atmosphere as they entered, lowering their guard and making them feel very relaxed. They sat at a table and were presented with a wide spread of alien cuisine and even earth food which surprised Kai. They were enjoying themselves and the insults had lessened, being replaced by actual banter as they shared laughs. It was a little later when they both wined down, Kai asked Ben a question.

Dialogue:

Kai: “Ben… why did you ask me to come with you?”

Ben: “Because it would be fun– you’re having fun, right?”

Kai: “No, I mean to space.”

Ben: “The same reason you accepted my offer.”

Kai: “You got it figured out, huh? Tell me, why did I come along?”

Ben: “While you agreeing to come did surprise me at first, the answer was obvious. You wanted to see if it was during this road trip how… ’us’ happen.”

Kai: “I keep forgetting that you’re actually smart, Ben.”

Ben: ‘Why do you– why do we do that?

Kai: “Do… what?”

Ben: “We throw insults at each other for no reason.”

Kai laughed nervously then responded; “Ben, it’s just banter.”

Ben: “Some of it, sure but we can get pretty bad with our ‘banter’ – weirdly reminds me of my summer vacation.”

Kai: “Ben…”

Ben: “...You know, when you rejected me when we were kids, it took awhile but I got over you. But then you showed up after so long and all we do is ‘banter’. Why?”

Kai: “I– I don’t know. Maybe it’s just teen things, you know?”

Ben: “Sure but doesn't it get tiring?”

Kai: “Yea, it kinda does.”

Ben: “You wanna know what else is tiring? The fact that within all that ‘banter’ there’s some fleeting moments where… I can feel something else. I don’t know, I just wanna understand why am I destined to be with you– no offense.”

Kai chuckled then replied; “None taken.” Kai then sighed and continued; “I wanna know too.”

Ben: “Yea?”

Kai: “Look Ben, I like you, I’ll admit that and I agree that we should probably–.”

Ben: “Probably?”

Kai laughed then continued; “ Definitely stop our ‘bantering’ cus yea, it can be a lot.”

Kai: “Although… I don't think we should seek out the reason or the circumstance that leads to us. Just because we end up together in the future, doesn’t mean we have to force it, that’s too much pressure.”

Ben: “You’re right. So, what should we do then?”

Kai: “We live our lives– don’t focus on the future, enjoy the journey. We’ll probably see why ’us’ happen on the way.”

Ben nodded and agreed; “Yea.”

Ben: “Let’s at least finish this date.”

Kai chuckled and said; “Sure. This food is amazing, by the way.”

(Space, Rust Bucket III Mk1, Interior). Ben was walking down the hallway when he ran into Ilana who was extremely interested in how his and Kai’s date turned out.”

Dialogue:

Ben: “It went well, it was fun.”

Ilana: “That’s great to hear. So, did you two confirm your relationship?”

Ben: “Yup, there is none– not in that way, at least.”

Ilana: “Oh, I see. So what’s next for you two?”

Ben: “What’s next? We’re gonna live our lives.”

After ending the conversation, Ben entered his room as Ilana walked away, going to hers. On her way there, she ran into Lance.

Lance: “Did they confirm their relationship?”

Ilana: “I suppose they’re just friends.”

Lance: “Hm. So, are you hungry?”

Ilana smiled then answered; “Yea.” They both then went to the kitchen.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

A Galactic Road Trip
Part Two

(Space, Rust Bucket III Mk1, Interior). Ilana was in her room, sleeping, dreaming about the last time she saw her father. Sending her earth as Mutraddi attacked Galaluna, the thoughts of what happened to her father and her people ran through her mind ever since. She thought him dead along with her people after Fuse struck which haunted her and was the driving force for her to defeat Fuse as well as protecting the planet she currently called her home. However, the nightmare was seemingly going to come to an end as her father along with some of her people were still alive. The nightmare became a dream, Ilana was so happy that she began crying in her sleep. Eventually, Ilana was awoken to the sound of Lance’s voice, opening her eyes to see his worried face.

Dialogue:

Ilana: “Lance? What’s wrong?”

Lance: “I could ask you the same question.”

Ilana sat up in her bed when she felt that her face was wet, she touched her face and realized that those were tears. She then started giggling which then turned into full blown laughter. Lance was confused, on edge that something might be wrong with Ilana.

Lance: “Uh, Ilana?”

Ilana suddenly hugged Lance, saying aloud; “We’re not alone, Lance! I’m just so–.”

Lance: “Happy.”

Ilana: “Yes. Happy.”

Lance then embraced Ilana, continuing their hug for a bit longer.

(Space, The Hugopata Quadrant, The Drift). A large space station inhabited by a plethora of alien species from across the cosmos. While not as flashy or as vast as The Centrium, it is home to many species, it has ample housing and a decent marketplace with the most notable establishment being Sammy’s Teahouse that was located in The Plaza. The Drift was where King Linus and other surviving Galalunans took refuge after managing to escape their planet’s demise and have fully acclimated into its society. However, little did they know, they were being watched by the most dangerous bounty hunter in the universe, Huntor with his minions; Einz, Drai and Zwai at his side. Einz is a humanoid alien with a large build, Zwai is larger reptilian alien and Drai is an insectoid with bulging full black eyes and clawed hands and feet. They all wore a full armor of red that conformed to their varied body types with utility belts and orange laser pistols.

Dialogue:

Huntor: “There they are.”

Drai: “Oooh, they look scrumptious!”

Einz: “They’re not for eating, Drai.”

Zwai added with hissing grunts.

Huntor: “I thought I told you to make sure you got something to eat, Drai .”

Drai: “Uh, m– my bad, boss.”

Einz: “Idiot.”

Huntor: “Galalunans may be rare nowadays but they’re not a delicacy. I want them unharmed.”

Einz: “So, when do we strike?”

Huntor: “In due time, we need to corner them– get them when they’re alone.”

Drai: “Imma get some grub while we wait.”

Einz: “Try Sammy’s, they got a new drop of Artificial Tiffin buns.”

Drai: “Ooh, just as good as the real ones.”

Zwai added more hissing grunts. Huntor sighed and shook his head.

(Space, Rust Bucket III Mk1, Interior). Ben had just entered the ship's bridge, meeting up with Octus.

Dialogue:

Ben: “We’re making good time, considering our Incarcecon detour. It does help that you don’t need sleep, Octus.”

Kai then entered.

Kai: “Morning, guys– wait, is it morning?”

Ben: “It’s morning somewhere. Ya sleep well?”

Kai: “I did actually, I didn’t hear any yelling.”

Ben: “I turned on the noise cancelers, thought I’d give you some peace and quiet.”

Kai sarcastically replied; “Aw, thanks so much, Ben.”

Ben: “No prob.”

The two then shared a laugh. Ilana and Lance entered the ship’s bridge, both drinking cups of Cuppa Joe’s coffee, greeting everyone.

Ilana: “Salutations, everyone!”

Ben: “You’re in a good mood.”

Ilana: “Why of course, more Galalunans are out there… my father is out there and we’re going to see them.”

Octus: “It is indeed a joyous occasion.”

Kai: “Hey Ilana, what’s your dad like?”

Ilana: “He’s inspirational, caring and very patient while also being strong and passionate. It’s what makes him a great leader and greatly admired.”

Kai noticed Ilana’s dower expression and asked; “Uh, Ilana– did I touch a nerve?”

Ilana: “No no… it’s just that the last time I saw my father it was when The Mutraddi attacked under the control of General Modula… someone we thought was trustworthy. He was captured and for all we know… probably tortured.”

Kai: “Oh my Glob, I’m so sorry.”

Ilana: “It’s alright, because no-one is going to hurt my father ever again.”

Lance: “And if anyone does, they’ll have us to deal with.”

Ilana: “...I’m going to make another promise… that we will never be separated ever again.”

Lance smiled and added; “Yea.”

Octus: “I concur, Princess.”

Ben: “Ilana, I’m going to make sure that you guys and the other Galalunans feel right at home on earth.”

Ilana: “Thank you so much, Ben.”

(Space, The Hugopata Quadrant, The Drift). Huntor and his minions struck, cornering a couple of the Galalunans including King Linus himself in a secluded area.

Dialogue:

Huntor: “Now, just come with us, no-one has to get hurt. Oh and would you be so kind as to lead us where the rest of you are staying?”

King Linus announced to the Galalunans that were with him; “Get behind me.”

Drai: “Looks like the king is feeling a little brave, boss.”

Einz: “We don’t need a fight, just–.”

King Linus quickly grabbed a piece of scrap metal and chucked it in Huntor’s face, putting him in a daze. He then ordered the others to run as he ran past Huntor and right up to Einz and Drai. The King then flattened Einz into the ground with one punch before ramming Drai into a wall. He then took Zwai off his feet and chucked him into Huntor, sending them into a corner before retreating with the others. Huntor barked; “ Get off me! ” as he threw Zwai off and got back on his feet.

Huntor: “Alright, I guess I’ll have to do some hurting.”

(Space, Rust Bucket III Mk1, Interior). Since the heroes were approaching The Drift’s location, the ship was put on autopilot while everyone had a small party in Ben’s room, celebrating the upcoming reunion. After a little while, everything had wined down and Ben and Kai had struck up a conversation while sitting in bean bag chairs.

Dialogue:

Ben: “How’s Wes?”

Kai: “He’s taking some time off.”

Ben: “Makes sense, The Fire Swamps must’ve been hell for you two.”

Kai: “Tell me about it– Doyle was lucky he got to sleep on the airship but someone had to watch over the swamps.”

Ben: “Ya did good.”

Kai playfully bowed her head. After taking a sip of their Red Gush, Kai asked; “...That was cool of you, being so open with Ilana and her family like that.”

Ben: “It’s all in helping earth to be open after all.”

Kai: “Sounds like you have something big planned?”

Ben: “Yup, I’m working on building a massive city which is going to be the center of all things alien.”

Kai: “Oh really?”

Ben: “Yup, I’m thinking of calling it Omnitrix City.”

Kai chuckled, then replied; “Creative.”

Kai: “...You might wanna be careful with interstellar integration, though.”

Ben: “How come?”

Kai: “Ben, being open minded is great but make sure that earth doesn’t lose its identity in the process. It’s about bringing cultures together, right?”

Ben nodded.

Kai: “Ok, so don’t lose sight of that. Make sure that earth doesn’t lose its culture, ok?”

Ben: “...Yea. Thanks, Kai.”

Kai: “No problem.”

They shared a smile then went back to drinking their Red Gush.

(Space, The Hugopata Quadrant, The Drift). They eventually arrived, entering The Drift interior. They went to the place that their father said to meet, however he wasn’t there which made everyone worry.

Dialogue:

Ilana: “Wh– where is he? Where is my father?”

Lance: “We’ll find him.”

Kai: “I could track him down for you guys.”

Ben added; “I can too.” before activating his Omnitrix, transforming into Wildmutt.

Kai: “Good idea, Ben. Do you guys have something with the king’s scent on it?”

Ilana: “...The dress I last saw my father in.”

Kai: “...Ok.”

Ilana grabbed the dress from the ship and gave it to Wildmutt and with Wildmutts’ abilities and Kai’s expert tracking, the heroes eventually found King Linus. However, he was cornered by Huntor, his alien pet Snorkdro and his minions.

Ilana: “Father!”

King Linus: “...Ilana?”

Huntor: “Oh would you at that, Ben 10 brought me more Galalunans– including a princess! Thanks.”

Wildmutt changed into Big Chill.

Big Chill: “Huntor.”

Kai: “Huntor?”

Big Chill: “Self proclaimed ‘dangerous bounty hunter in the universe’.”

Huntor: “It’s not self proclaimed, homosapien!”

Big Chill: “Yea yea, calm down.”

Ilana: “Get away from my father!”

Ilana and Lance summoned their Manus and Corus armors and charged at Huntor who managed to maneuver around their attacks then throw what looked like a grenade at their feet. The grenade went off, releasing a small EMP wave that deactivated their armors.

Lance: “What?”

Huntor: “A hunter is always prepared.”

Octus: “EMP effect duration; 15 minutes.”

Huntor: “Wish you hadn’t said that out loud but, that’s enough time to bag ‘em and tag ‘em.”

Huntor sent his minions after Lance and Ilana but Big Chill intervened, appearing before them out of the ground.

Big Chill: “You’re gonna have to go through me.”

Huntor: “Oh, I know.”

Huntor pointed at his pet Snorkdro and asked; “Look familiar?” Big Chill immediately noticed The Nemetrix around that beast’s neck.

Huntor: “You guys were really distracted fighting that big slime planet so I helped myself– didn’t want to bother you all.”

Big Chill said to himself; “So that’s how you got The Nemetrix.” Huntor activated The Nemetrix, transforming Snorkdro into Hypnotick, Big Chill’s predator.”

Kai: “Oh, Nemetrix as in predator.”

Big Chill: “Yup.”

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

A Galactic Road Trip
Part Three

(Space, The Hugopata Quadrant, The Drift). A full scale battle broke out, unfortunately spreading to The Drift’s marketplace, putting civilians in danger.

Dialogue:

King Linus: “We need to get away from the people! There are vacant sectors of the space station that should be a safe distance away from civilians!”

Big Chill: “Right.”

Big Chill transformed into Gravattack and using his Gravity Manipulation, he transported himself and everyone else in the vicinity towards the empty sectors. While the king was directing Gravattack towards the desired location, Huntor commanded Snorkdro to attack, with the beast transforming into Gravattack’s natural predator which was given the name The Busteroid; a spheroid silicon based lifeform that had the consistency of rock and ore.

Gravattack: “What the?”

The Busteroid secreted a liquid similar to water, enveloping itself in it. Then, using the power of upthrust, it suddenly burst out of the liquid at high speeds, launching itself at Gravattack like a meteorite. The attack was so potent that it knocked Gravattack unconscious instantly which made everyone start to plummet to the ground. However, Snorkdro changed into Omnivoracious, saving Huntor and his minions from falling.

Lance: “ What’s the EMP duration now?! ”

Octus: “12 minutes!”

Ilana: “ Father! ”

King Linus: “ Ilana! ”

Ilana managed to get closer to the King and they both got closer to Lance and Octus, grabbing a hold of them. Kai on the other hand, got closer to Gravattack, trying to wake him up. She screamed at the top of her lungs which eventually woke Gravattack up and after regaining his bearings, he quickly stopped his and everyone else’s descent with his powers.

Gravattack: “Sorry, guys.”

King Linus: “It is alright, young man.”

They landed safely after flying through the entrance of the empty sector. Ben almost fell over after returning to base form but Kai luckily grabbed him before he did.

Kai: “You alright?”

Ben: “My head’s spinning but I’m good. Thanks.”

Kai: “You’re welcome.”

Huntor and his group then landed behind the heroes.

Huntor: “To tell you the truth, I'm kinda glad you guys saved yourself. Some poor sap would’ve had to clean you off the floor.”

Huntor then commanded his group; “Take ‘em.” Snorkdro, Einz, Zwai and Drai all charged at the heroes while Huntor himself took on King Linus.

Huntor: “Ya know, I didn’t want to hurt you before the actual hunt started but eh, I don’t really care anymore.”

Huntor continued; “However, I wanna see something– let’s do this on even ground.” as he dropped all his weapons to the ground. King Linus saw where Huntor was getting at and took a stance which put a smile on Huntor’s face. An all out battle began and with no civilians in sight, there was no holding back on either side. Einz, Zwai and Drai began firing off their laser pistols at Ilana, Lance and Octus. Lance ran through laser fire, dodging each one and disarming them with a single kick. However, Einz grabbed Lance out of the air and slammed him to the ground but Lance quickly wrapped himself around Einz’s arm and got him off his feet. Drai was about to pile on Lance when he himself was struck in the head by a kick from Ilana.

Drai: “Ow! That hurt!”

Ilana then got close, deflected Drai’s punches then planted her feet and struck the insectoid in his gut, making him stagger backwards.

Drai: “Through the armor?!– argh!”

Zwai leaped in but he was immediately launched into an empty building by an open-palm strike from Octus. Meanwhile, Ben transformed into Armadrillo but Snorkdro then countered with a Slamworm transformation.

Armadrillo: “Of course.”

Kai: “I’m guessing that’s Armadrillo’s natural predator?”

Armadrillo: “Ye– I didn’t know you knew any other name than Blitzwolfer.”

Kai: “I’m learning, I’m learning. Back to the fight, though– you can teach me more later.”

Armadrillo: “Deal.”

Slamworm charged at Armadrillo, ramming into him before slamming him into the ground.

Kai: “Why don't you turn into something else?!”

Armadrillo: “Doesn’t make sense– ugh. It’ll just counter me.”

Kai looked over to the Slamworm and said; “Ok.” before going over to Armadrillo and climbing onto his back.

Kai: “Let’s do it together then.”

Armadrillo nodded. The Slamworm struck again but this time Armadrillo managed to grab hold of its mouth but it was quickly getting to be too much on him.

Armadrillo: “ Whatever you have up your sleeve, now’s the time to show it off! ”

Kai took out a laser pistol and began shooting up the inside of the Slamworm’s mouth. Armadrillo let go of the beast as it writhed and roared in pain from the fire that was lit ablaze in its mouth. It then transformed into Crabdozer to counteract the fire which was when Armadrillo quickly transformed into Rath, dealing a massive blow to the creature that sent it flying into a building.

Rath: “Lemme tell ya somethin’, Kai Green! Teaming up was a pretty good idea– let’s do it again! ”

Kai: “Uh, sure?”

Meanwhile, The Titan Crew were fighting off Huntor’s minions.

Drai: “We need to hurry up before they get their armors back!”

Einz: “We know, shut up!”

Zwai added with his usual hissing groans. Ilana flew in with a double kick to Drai’s face, landing the first but missing the second as Drai managed to evade the attack before spitting out goo that proved to be acidic as after Ilana avoided it, it burned away a piece of scrap metal that it landed on. Einz punched Lance in the face, sending him back but Lance flipped off his hands to slow his momentum before leaping back in with a punch of his own. Einz got struck in the face then threw out a couple punches that Lance managed to weave around, Lance then leaped onto Einz’s chest and kicked him in the face. Zwai was swinging wild punches with Octus evading every single one before striking the reptilian in the face, another to the gut then finally picking up Zwai off the ground.

Zwai: “Uh… are you gonna throw me into another building?”

Einz: “You can talk?!”

Drai yelled; “What?!” before he was then kneed in the face by Ilana. Zwai managed to get out of Octus’ grasp and attempted to throw him, however when Zwai threw him, Octus landed on his feet while holding onto Zwai’s arm after which he then whipped the reptilian through a stone wall. At the same time, King Linus and Huntor were going blow for blow. Huntor threw a punch that King Linus ducked under before striking the bounty hunter in the face, the king threw another punch that Huntor quickly caught. Huntor then struck King Linus in the face with a headbutt which sent him staggering back but the king quickly planted his feet and stood his ground, shaking off his daze.

Huntor: “ Yea, that’s it! That’s what I expect from a king! ”

King Linus threw another punch that Huntor countered with another headbutt but the king pushed Huntor’s head off with his fist then tackled Huntor through a wall before throwing him into scrap metal.

King Linus: “Back on your feet.”

Huntor got back on his feet and said; “Oh, a command from the king.” They then charged at each other and clashed fists, kicking up the dust around them. Huntor quickly whipped around the king and suplexed him to the ground, Huntor then kicked the king in the side as he was trying to get back then punched him in the face. Huntor then displayed his impressive strength by picking the king up by his neck with one arm.

Huntor: “Where’d all that regal energy go, your majesty?”

Huntor then chokeslammed the king, dragged him across the ground then threw him into a wall. King Linus got back on his feet, spitting out some blood as he rose.

Huntor: “There ya go– you sure are something. I wonder if your daughter and that Galalunan boy are this impressive.”

Huntor Cont’d: “That bot could also be useful for scraps.”

This infuriated the king, however his anger quickly dissipated, being replaced with a smile which Huntor noticed.

Huntor: “What’s got you smilin’?”

His question was immediately answered as Drai was suddenly thrown his way, smacking him to the side.

Drai: “Uh sorry, boss.”

Huntor yelled: “Why do you guys keep falling on me?!” as he pushed off the insectoid and as he got to his feet, he saw Ilana next to her father.

Huntor: “So I guess this is a 2 on 1 now, eh?”

Ilana: “You will not hurt my father or any of us, never again.”

Huntor chuckled. Ilana and her father charged at Huntor, throwing out attacks that the bounty hunter dodged in quick succession. However, Ilana managed to sweep Huntor off his feet for King Linus to then launch him through a wall with a single punch. Huntor dug his claws into the ground before slingshotting himself forward, attacking them both with a flurry of claw swipes. Huntor was about to land a hit on Ilana but the king took the hit himself, however Ilana acted fast, leaping over her father and striking Huntor on the head with an axe kick, slamming him to the ground as the duo then made space between them. As Ilana checked on her father, Huntor rose to his feet, rubbing the back of his head.

Ilana: “Are you ok, father?”

King Linus: “I am.”

Ilana was enraged, turning her sights on Huntor.

Huntor: “Didn’t you say that I wouldn't get to hurt your father or something? Well, what do I win?”

Ilana: “My anger.”

Huntor: “Aw, ain’t that cute.”

They charged at one another, Ilana slid across the ground, heading for Huntor’s feet but he leaped out of the way. Huntor landed on his feet after which King Linus began throwing punches, managing to land a couple of them. Ilana then added some kicks to the mix, landing one in Huntor’s face but the bounty hunter grabbed her leg and threw the king’s way. Fortunately, King Linus caught his daughter and threw her back at Huntor, coming in with a flying dropkick that Huntor blocked. He then pushed Ilana off and after landing on her feet, she and her father immediately went back in. Ilana ran ahead of her father this time around which Huntor took notice of, anticipating whatever they were planning but he still wasn’t prepared. Ilana threw a fake punch that Huntor reacted to, which gave the king the opportunity to grab hold of the bounty hunter’s arm. After Ilana kneed Huntor in the chin, King Linus then took the bounty hunter for a spin before slamming him into the ground so hard that he bounced back up. Ilana and her father then stood side by side then struck Huntor in the gut with a powerful unified punch, sending him flying through a wall and back outside, skidding across the ground and crashing into another building.

Zwai: “Huntor’s down!”

Ilana and King Linus walked out of the building, banged up but triumphant.

Octus: “EMP waves have dissipated.”

Ilana: “Good.”

Ilana then summoned her Corus armor and blasted the building that Huntor crashed into, bringing it down on him. At the same time, Lance summoned his Manus armor and pinned down both Einz and Zwai. Drai staggered to where Ilana and the king were, saying; “Well this sucks.” Meanwhile, Ben and Kai had finally brought Snorkdro down with their combined efforts, with Ben dealing the finishing blow with Echo Echo. They then shared a high five of victory.

Kai: “That was Echo Echo, right?”

Ben: “There, ya go.”

Kai playfully shoved Ben.

Kai: “So, you're gonna put this thing up, right?”

Ben took the Nemetrix from Snorkdro’s neck then replied; “Yup, back under Plumber surveillance.” Ben and Kai then went over to the others where they saw that Huntor and his minions had been beaten while King Linus was embracing The Titan Crew with Ilana shedding tears of joy. A little later, Galactic Guardians responsible for The Hugopata Quadrant arrived; Spinel, Robotgirl and Pud’n and they were taking Huntor and his group into custody. Meanwhile, The Titan Crew were leading the other surviving Galalunans into the Rust Bucket III Mk1.

King Linus: “Lance, I owe you and Octus a great debt for keeping my daughter safe. Thank you. It is as I said before, you were destined to become the person you needed to be and you have. You are a good man, Lance.”

Lance: “Thank you, your majesty.”

King Linus nodded. He then turned to Ilana and continued; “Even so, my daughter has greatly improved as a warrior. You have the same strength I saw in your mother.”

Ilana: “It’s the same strength I see in you too, father.”

The king smiled as he embraced his daughter who then extended her arm out to both Lance and Octus, creating a giant group hug.

Ilana: “I’m home.”

Ben and Kai went over to the Galactic Guardians as they were escorting Huntor in their spacecraft with both Ben and Kai making fun of the bounty hunter.

Spinel: “Please don’t patronize the prisoners.”

Ben: “Really?”

Spinel: “I’m just kiddin’!” 

Kai noticed Pud’n and asked; “This little guy is a space cop too? A kid?”

Pud’n: “It’s not nice to underestimate people.”

Kai: “Sorry but can you blame me?”

Spinel: “Well this also kind of like community service for him– galaxy wide community service, I guess.”

Kai: “For what?”

Pud’n: “Spinel, no–.”

Ben: “He’s a Krafter, I think–.”

Kai: “You’re one the guys that cheese’d our moon?”

Pud’n: “I’m not with them anymore! I’m a good guy!”

Spinel: “Not like you had a choice, they left you stranded on earth after they lost soooo…”

Pud’n: “Spinel, please stop!”

Ben began laughing which was contagious as Kai started laughing as well.

Pud’n: “What’s so funny?”

Robotgirl shook her head. After everything was wrapped up and peace was reestablished at The Drift, it was time for the heroes to take their leave.

Kai: “So after we drop off the Galalunans and the Nemetrix, where to next?”

Ben: “London.”

Kai: “London, why?”

Ben: “Because the next stop is The Forge of Creation to pick up Alien X and there’s no telling who we might bump into on the way there so you’re gonna need that sword.”

Kai: “...How did you–?”

Ben: “I’m not blind, Kai. I saw the sword move when your hand touched it.”

Kai chuckled, then replied; “Alright, let’s go.” They then left for earth and onto their next journey as the galactic road trip continued.

The End

Chapter Text

(The Purelands, Victory Meadows, Day). There was a celebration going on at the top of Mt. Neverest, inside the base of operations of The Justice Friends, The Hall of Heroes. The celebration was the bittersweet retirement of fellow Justice Friends member Coop, pilot of the mechanical marvel known as Megas and the last of the Megas Crew to leave the team. Of course the Justice Friends were in attendance along with other members of the superhero community such as; Jamie, Kiva, The Tennyson Family, Dexter and The Powerpuffs, Boomer and Jackie Khones and other members of the Titans Organisation. It was a casual occasion and the heroes were dressed accordingly. The current Major Glory that being Brick was wearing a white shirt under a pale red jacket and blue jeans. He had gold earrings and his messy red hair was in a taper fade. Nightwing was in a black muscle shirt and blue jeans, his long hair was tied in a ponytail and he was still wearing his black domino mask. Lollipop Star or Goo was wearing a red beanie over her long braids, a blue jumper embroidered with pins of various colours over a rainbow coloured short sleeved shirt. Mr. KO was barefoot in a blue jacket with its sleeves torn off over a white tank top, dark blue shorts and a dark red headband with bright pink wristbands and leg warmers. The prior Kid Flash, now the current Living Bullet, was wearing a gold shirt over a white long sleeve undershirt, blue jeans and a red domino mask. Uppercase G or Grace, the daughter of Capital G was wearing black a ray ban, a red jacket with blue and white stripes across the shoulders over a black tank top that exposed her midriff and blue jeans. As for Rasslor, the embodiment of Victory and Monkey, they were still in uniform. Everyone was drinking Red Gush and eating food provided by Chowder’s Catering, enjoying each other’s company. Brick grabbed a glass bottle of Root Beer that he smuggled into the party, jumped onto one of the tables and tapped it to get everyone’s attention.

Dialogue:

Brick: “Yo, have I got everyone’s attention?!”

Boomer: “I’d say so.”

Brick: “Aight, good! So, I know this is a celebration but we’re here for the retirement of this chunky blob of a man!”

Coop chuckled, then replied; “Hey, I’m thinning a bit!” which initiated more laughter from everyone else.

Brick: “Mhm. Hey man, listen, you were the best–!”

Nightwing: “When he wasn’t playing video games and eating all day.”

Kiva: “Which was everyday.”

The Living Bullet: “Then again, because of him, the food never went bad.”

Goo: “And he was really good on the sticks too.”

Brick: “And it helped having a giant robot on your side to bash bad guys’ heads in!”

More laughter filled the room.

Coop: “It’s like I always say, everybody digs giant robots!”

Brick: “Can’t argue there, man! Coop, live it up in your retirement, aight?!”

Brick raised his root beer and said; “We’re gonna miss ya, buddy.” Everyone cheered; “Here, here!” as they raised their Red Gushes. Grace placed a holoviewer in the centre of the room and announced in her thick British accent; “Guys, we managed to reach him! Coop, this is for you, mate!” A large holographic screen popped out of the holoviewer that displayed another former member of the Justice Friends Butch. He was wearing a gold form-fitting suit with white accents that contrasted his slicked back black hair. On his chest was a symbol; a white shield and within it was a blue “G” and within that was a lit torch. Everyone cheered and clapped for Butch’s long distant appearance.

Butch: “Hey everybody! Hey Coop!”

Coop: “Sup, dude!”

Boomer: “Hey bro, what’s up?!”

Butch: “It’s been good. Big things are going down, the Galactic Enforcers and Betty’s Atomic Guardians are gonna merge into a multi planetary defence force so that– Wait a minute, this is not about me. This is about Coop, happy trails man.”

Coop: “Thanks, dude.”

Butch: “Wish I could be there but hey thank Glob for interstellar phone calls.”

Ben: “You can thank Azmuth for that.”

Butch: “I will. So Coop, what’s the retirement plan?”

Coop: “Playing video games with Jamie and eating junk.”

Coop and Jamie then fist bumped each other.

Kiva: “Of course.”

Butch chuckled, then replied; “Enjoy it, man.” The day went on and so did the celebration, everyone was making conversations and having good laughs with one another. Mr. KO was with the Tennysons; Ben, his wife Kai and their kids Gwenneth and Kenneth or “Ken”.

Ben: “Joining the Justice Friends? This is news to me.”

Ken: “Uh, I meant to tell you, dad. Sorry.”

Gwenneth: “Sounds about right.”

Kai: “Well, I think you’d be a great fit on the Justice Friends, Ben. I mean, there’s a couple open slots now.”

Ben: “Aren’t you going to miss me?”

Kai: “I will but space makes the heart grow fonder.”

Gwenneth: “That was really corny, mom.”

Ben: “I’m with Gwenneth on this one, Kai.”

Kai: “Yea yea.”

Mr. KO: “So, what do you say, Ben?”

Ken: “Yea Dad, why do ya say?”

Ben: “Listen–.”

Ben was interrupted by Brick, hovering above, who insinuated; “Too good for us, Ben?” Brick touched down before Ben, prodding a bit more; “Hm?” The two men were having a playful yet confrontational stare down, initiated by Brick. However, Brick tipped the scales over to the playful side, putting his arm around Ben.

Brick: “Hey, it’s all good, man. Let’s just enjoy the party, huh?”

Ben: “Yea, sure.”

Gwenneth: “ That wasn't weird at all.”

Blossom was showing off her wedding ring to both Goo and Grace, a diamond ring which was made of Peppermintanium.

Goo: “You’re right, Blossom, it does smell like Peppermint.”

Grace: “Doesn’t that scuff up your Super Smell or somethin’?”

Blossom: “Not really, I mean, I like smelling it.”

Goo: “You guys could’ve asked me to make you two rings by the way. Could’ve gotten rid of the smell too.”

Blossom: “Thanks for the offer, Goo but I’m happy with my husband’s ring… I love it.”

Goo: “Ok, that was cute.”

Buttercup was standing next to Dexter, listening in on Blossom’s conversation with Super Hearing. She nudged the genius and said; “Still smells like something you put on ice cream though, Red.”

Dexter: “Again with that? I offered to get rid of the smell but Blossom decided against it.”

Buttercup: “Man, it’s so easy to bug you, Dex.”

Dexter: “Well, I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

Blossom shouted over to her husband, having heard his conversation with her Super Hearing; “Don’t let her bother, hun! I love the peppermint smell!” Dexter smiled, waving at his wife.

Buttercup: “Aw Red, you two are so cute.”

Dexter glared at Buttercup, prompting the Green Powerpuff to ask; “What? I’m giving you a compliment.”

Dexter: “It’s the inflections in your voice, you’re obviously making fun of me like you always do.”

Buttercup: “And it’s never gonna stop.”

Bubbles then came over, userhing Buttercup away despite her protest, saying; “Ok, that’s enough, Buttercup.”

Buttercup: “Aw, c’mon, I’m just having fun with the boy genius.”

Dexter: “I am an adult male now, Buttercup!”

Buttercup: “See? We’re having fun.”

Bubbles: “C’mon, let’s go.”

Elsewhere in the room, Boomer caught Brick looking at the familial camaraderie of Dexter and Buttercup. Boomer approached his brother, punching him in the arm to get his attention.

Boomer: “You alright?”

Boomer pointed at the blue long sleeve shirt he was wearing under his grey and black sweater vest and continued; “ Feeling blue? ”

Brick: “If I was before, I’m ashamed now.”

Boomer: “Seriously, what’s wrong?”

Brick: “Did I say that something was wrong?”

Boomer: “C’mon man, you’re looking longingly at other families– all mopey and stuff, something’s definitely wrong.”

Brick took a swing of his smuggled Root Beer, choosing to not engage with his brother’s question. Boomer put on a knowing smile, patted his brother on the back and then entered back into the party. The retirement celebration went on into the night and when it ended, everyone had congregated outside the Hall of Heroes, bidding Coop one final farewell before they left. After Boomer and Jackie said their goodbyes to Coop, Boomer saw his brother over to his left and approached him.

Boomer: “Hey, when you’re ready to talk and stuff… I’m here.”

Brick: “Mhm.”

Brick took out a new bottle of Root Beer that Jackie quickly swiped before he could take a drink.

Brick: “What the heck, you little–.”

Jackie: “I’m cutting you off, Trendbender.”

Jackie then began drinking the Root Beer, belching in Brick’s direction, making Boomer chuckle.

Boomer: “See ya, man.”

Brick: “Yea.”

Boomer flew off with Jackie on his shoulder. Brick saw the last of the heroes leaving, then the rest of the Justice Friends standing before the Hall of Heroes and flew over to them.

Coop: “Welp, this is it.”

Nightwing: “It was great working with you, Coop.”

Nightwing held out his hand but Coop pulled him in for a hug, saying; “C’mere you.”

The Living Bullet: “So, what about Megas?”

Megas was standing behind the Hall of Heroes.

Kiva: “Coop has the idea to keep Megas here, where it stands.”

Grace: “I can bet you can’t be happy about that?”

Kiva sighed, then replied; “He owns Mgeas.”

Coop: “It’s just for a little bit. I wanna give the big guy some time to say goodbye to the place.”

Brick held out his hand, saying; “Before you leave, you gotta shake Major Glory’s hand.” The two men shook hands to end the day.

(Suburbs, Eternal Vistas, Night). Once overrun by Fusions and Fusion Monsters of all kinds was now cleansed off all its prior grime and filth with gravestones that people can see their reflection in and green grass that was vibrant even at night time. Brick was standing over the gravestone of what seemed to be the prior Major Glory, he was a bit drowsy as he was slightly intoxicated by the Root Beer he was drinking.

Dialogue:

Brick: “Hey uh, Pops. Man, I don’t even know why I’m even in this place. Never really came here before, never had a reason to– until now, I guess but it still feels weird.”

Brick stared at the gravestone as if he was trying to make out the words engraved into it, he gave up and began rubbing the back of his head while chuckling nervously.

Brick: “So, what am I doing here? I guess… Well, a lot of stuff’s been going down lately. Butch left a month ago and I just came from Coop’s retirement party. He’s off to play video games for the rest of his life… honestly, that sounds like the life.”

Brick turned his head away, clearing his throat before glancing back at the gravestone.

Brick: “Then there’s Ben not wanting to join the team– ‘Mr. Hero of Heroes’ . What, is he too good for us or something? Candle handle being led by me? I bet I’m a better hero than him, I’m Major Glory, I should be the ‘Hero of Heroes’ ! Wait, that sounds dumb.”

A voice asked; “Does it?” surprising Brick, making him drop his Root Beer.

Brick: “Who said that?!”

The voice continued; “Don’t you remember me? It’s me.”

Brick: “...Pops? How the hell are you doing this?”

Major Glory: “Come now, son. The Grim Reaper owns a flower shop downtown, I don’t think talking to you from the grave is too far fetched.”

Brick: “This is still kinda nuts.”

Major Glory: “I suppose. So, having some problems, son?”

Brick: “I don’t… Things are just changing, is all. I know I shouldn't be pressed about it, nothing stays the same. I mean, look at me, I’m Major Glory now.”

Major Glory: “You can absolutely accept change… but that doesn’t mean you have to like it.”

Brick: “I get that but that’s not what’s going on…”

Major Glory: “What, do you feel like you’re being left behind?”

Brick eyes widened as the voice talking to him guessed his current struggle perfectly.

Brick: “I uh, I’ll get over it, though.”

Major Glory: “What if you don’t want to, why not revel in it?”

Brick: “Pops, I’ve never heard you use that word before? I don’t even know what ‘revel’ means.”

Major Glory’s voice went silent.

Brick: “...Pops? You there?”

Major Glory: “I never left, son.”

Brick: “This is so weird.”

Major Glory: “What is?”

Brick glanced at the Root Beer next to his feet.

Brick: “Uh, I’m gonna go.”

Brick stood standing for a moment, curious if the gravestone was going to speak and when it didn’t, he took off into the air. As Brick flew out of the Eternal Vistas Cemetery, there was a figure down below, watching Brick fly into the distance.

(Downtown, City Station, Day). Flying over the giant metropolis, Brick stopped over at Jackie and Boomer Investigations, now a massive skyscraper with its own parking lot filled with the cars of the various employees that work at the building. He felt himself floating down to the building but stopped and blasted off, not knowing that his brother Boomer was by the window, watching him. Boomer’s phone suddenly started ringing, he frantically answered his cell phone after seeing that Brick was calling him.

Dialogue:

Boomer: “Brick, what’s going on?! I just saw you fly by!”

Brick: “Uh, yea yea, I'm good.”

Boomer: “You sure?”

Brick: “Yea… Listen, my bad for flipping you off back at the party. I just had to clear my head. I don’t want to bug ya.”

Boomer: “Brick, you’re my brother, you bug me all the time. You coming to talk to me wouldn’t be one of those times.”

Brick chuckled.

Brick: “Appreciate it, bro. Hey uh, talk to ya soon, aight?”

Boomer: “Yea, see ya.”

After hanging up, Boomer pocketed his phone, the worry he had for his brother still gnawing at him.

(The Purelands, Victory Meadows, Night). Brick was on his way back to the Hall of Heroes, brushing off the weird encounter he had with a deep breath, smiling after breathing out. He was close to the hall when a beeping sound came from his jacket pocket. He reached in and pulled out his earpiece, placed it in his ear and pressed it, picking up a distress call from Nightwing.

Dialogue:

Brick: “Yo!”

Nightwing: “Brick, we have trouble! It’s Dr. Diablos!”

Brick: “Get everybody ready!”

Nightwing: “Brick, he’s here!”

Brick: “What?!”

Brick quickly picked up the pace, shooting through the sky like a shooting star of red energy through the night sky. Brick arrived at the Hall of Heroes in no time to see that it was already turned into a battlefield by the hands of Dr. Diablos who was floating above the heroes. Everyone was already in costume; Nightwing’s was a black bodysuit with a blue bird on his chest, its wings stretched across both shoulders and connected at the back. He had a grey utility belt around his waist and his hair was untied, flowing freely. The Living Bullet had on his gold armoured form-fitting suit that had grey fabric along his biceps and thighs with a lightning bolt engraved in its chest. Uppercase G was wearing a red bodysuit under a cropped red jacket with blue and white stripes running along the chests of both and a golden “G” specifically on the chest of the bodysuit. She also still had on her ray ban. Lollipop Star’s suit was based on her “Space Nut Boogie’ army; a form-fitting suit with a gradient of orange to purple to black that started from her legs and a yellow star on her chest. She wore a pair of visor shades that had its own gradient of purple to black and her braids were put into a ponytail and its tips were coloured a glowing purple. Mr. KO’s costume was only a slight change from his casual attire, switching out his shirt and shorts with a dark blue bodysuit and purple boots. As for Rasslor and Monkey, they were still in uniform, never needing to change. Brick created a wall of ice with his Frost Vision to separate his team and Dr. Diablos.

The Living Bullet: “Nice timing, Major Glory .”

Brick: “Hey, I’m here, aren’t I?”

Dr. Diablos: “Don’t you need to run off to put on your silly little costume like the rest of your simpletons?”

Brick: “I’m Major Glory, d-bag ! I don’t care if anyone knows who I am behind the cape, it’s not like they’re strong enough to take me!”

Dr. Diablos: “Tan arrogante. That quality only suits those who have the power to impose it.”
                     “So arrogant.”

Dr. Diablos exerted his power, destroying the wall of ice. He then blasted Brick out of the air, right into the fountain before the hall.

Brick: “The heck was that?! It was like Rasslor just punched me in the face!”

Rasslor: “That would be because this here ‘tin can with limbs’ , copied…”

Rasslor flexed his large muscles, continuing; “The Great Rasslor’s strength!”

Brick: “What?!”

Dr. Diablos: “Were you not listening to my monologue?! I absorbed your power of Victory , Tonto Niño! ”
                                                                                                                                           “Stupid boy!”

Uppercase G: “Ok, I’ve had enough of this bloke!”

Brick flew out of the fountain and shouted; “Take him down!” and the heroes charged at Dr. Diablos. Uppercase G increased her stature to enormous size and struck Dr. Diablos who, to her surprise, actually grabbed the giant woman’s fist and launched her several metres away with a single strike of his yellow glowing fist. Brick flew in, doing a double spin kick; Dr. Diablos evaded the first and grabbed the second, he then threw Brick away but Brick managed to stop his trajectory and flew back in.

Dr. Diablos: “Fahta-me-doof!”

Dr. Diablos fired a stream of fire that was interrupted by Nightwing who threw a birdarang at the ironclad villain’s face. This gave Brick the opportunity to get in close to strike with a fist imbued with red energy but the villainous doctor grabbed Brick’s fist and threw him into the ground. The Living Bullet and Monkey rushed over to Brick.

The Living Bullet: “You good, dude?”

Brick: “Yea… no sweat. Get back in there, I’m good.”

The Living Bullet and Monkey shared a look and a smirk before charging back into battle. Nightwing leaped in, throwing multiple birdarangs at Dr. Diablos that unfortunately exploded against a force shield of Victory. Nightwing held out his arm, yelling; “Bullet!” The Living Bullet ran up, grabbed Nightwing’s arm and began spinning around like a top. The Living Bullet then let go of Nightwing, launching him right at Dr. Diablos. Nightwing swung his metal bo staff but his attack was unfortunately blocked by another force shield of Victory. Dr. Diablos blasted Nightwing away but he was thankfully saved by one of Lollipop Star’s Imaginary Space Nut Boogies. It caught Nightwing and placed him on his feet and he looked up at the army of Space Nut Boogies flying overhead, casting a massive shadow over him.

Lollipop Star: “Good job, Space Nuts!”

Lollipop Star was riding on the back of one of them where he materialised a large hammer made of black steel, glowing purple crevasses and what was also an Imaginary Friend. She flew up to Dr. Diablos and struck him, once again striking the force shield that was protecting him.

Lollipop Star: “Dang it!”

The ironclad villain dispatched both Lollipop Star and her imaginary army with a burst of yellow energy. Brick quickly flew in and caught Lollipop Star before she hit the ground.

Brick: “Gotcha.”

Lollipop Star: “Thanks.”

Brick turned to Mr. KO and told him; “KO, you’re up!” Mr. KO nodded before leaping into the air, yelling; “POWER FIST!!!” when he was high enough in the air. Mr. KO then crashed down, striking Dr. Diablos’ energy shield made of Mana and imbued with the power of Victory. Mr. KO gritted his teeth and pushed forward, cracking the Mana shield which impressed the ironclad villain.

Dr. Diablos: “You’re very powerful, Mr. KO. Muy Impresionante.”
                                                                    “Very Impressive.”

The Living Bullet and Monkey were running side by side, racing towards the villain to help their teammate. The Living Bullet turned to Monkey and asked; “Super Monkey Bullet?!” and Monkey responded positively with his usual howling. The Living Bullet grabbed Monkey’s arm, spun around much like before and launched the super powered primate at Dr. Diablos. Mid launch, Monkey imbued himself with an intense aura of electricity and struck Dr. Diablos in the face, sending him flying through multiple trees and crashing into a wall.

Mr. KO: “Thanks, guys!”

The sharing of gratitude was abruptly cut short by a burst of yellow energy flying into the sky with Dr. Diablos, rising above within it.

Brick: “Rasslor, can’t you– I don’t know, take back your Victory powers or something?!’

Nightwing: “That could work! If he took your power, just take it back!”

Rasslor: “Sounds like a…!”

Rasslor flexed his muscles and continued; “A mighty fine idea!” Uppercase G stomped over to the others, her large legs shaking the ground with each step.

Uppercase G: “I want my lick back, Major!”

Brick: “Take it! We’re right behind you!”

Uppercase G yelled “Alright!” before charging ahead as the other heroes rallied behind her.

Dr. Diablos: “Mercucius Verditits!”

Brick: “KO, you got this?!”

Mr. KO yelled; “I do!” as he leaped ahead and destroyed Dr. Diablos’ attack with another Power Fist.

Brick: “Uppercase G, it’s all you!”

Uppercase G yelled; “Right!” as she slammed Dr. Diablos into the ground like squashing a bug. Dr. Diablos threw off Uppercase G’s hand and flew up to her face, ready to strike. However, Uppercase G dodged the strike by spontaneously decreasing her size.

Dr. Diablos: “Que?!”

Uppercase G smiled at the villain’s confusion, instantly grew in size, this time much bigger than before and punched Dr. Diablos back into the ground.

Uppercase G: “I got ‘em pinned!”

Brick: “Rass, do your thing!”

Rasslor touched down next to Uppercase G’s hands, hovering his own above the restrained Dr. Diablos.

Rasslor: “There we go.”

Dr. Diablos was shocked as he saw the power of Victory leave his body, returning to its rightful wielder. Furious, he blasted everyone away with a burst of Mana and Victory Power. Uppercase G was about to fall over when she was propped up by Lollipop Star’s Space Nut Boogies. Uppercase G shared a thumbs up with the Imaginary Energy based hero as well as her imaginary army. Dr. Diablos stood in the smoke, feeling accomplished until he saw the rest of the power of Victory leave body. The Rasslor then approached him, fully empowered and back to form. As he flexed his muscles, Rasslor declared; “I am the Great Rasslor once again!” Rasslor then threw a punch at Dr. Diablos, who tried to block the attack with a Mana shield. Even so, the Rasslor bypassed the shield with a fist full of victory, shattering it to pieces and smashing Dr. Diablos into the ground, taking him out of commission. The fight had finally ended as the sun began to rise.

The Living Bullet: “There goes my sleep schedule.”

Brick approached the semi-conscious Dr. Diablos, just watching him. Nightwing asked; “Brick, you alright?” but his question went unanswered, snuffed out by the same voice Brick heard earlier.

Brick: “...Pops?”

Lollipop Star: “...What?”

Brick grabbed Dr. Diablos by the throat and picked him up off the ground, holding him up in the air.

Mr. KO: “Brick?”

The voice in Brick’s head was repeating a single phrase which increased in volume each time it was said; “Give in to the anger! Embrace the rage!” Brick’s eyes began to glow with red energy, his Heat Vision seeping out of them.

The Living Bullet: “Whoa, his eyes are red.”

The voice still rang; “After all that’s happened; your friend leaving you, your brother leaving you! This thing chose now to further ruin your life?! End him, Brick! Do it now!” Brick’s sudden scream filled the air, stunning the other heroes stiff. He then punched the ironclad villain so hard that his entire armour shattered to small chunks of metal.

Uppercase G: “Brick, what’re you doin’?!”

Brick then grabbed Dr. Diablos by the head and slammed him into the ground, shattering the ground on impact. Even with his body buried into the ground, Dr. Diablos only looked up at Brick with the same coldness in his eyes which boosted Brick’s rage.

Dr. Diablos: “¿Vas a hacerlo?”
             “Are you going to do it?”

The voice continued blaring in Brick’s head; “THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU WERE MADE FOR!!! DO WHAT YOU WERE MADE TO DO, END HIM!!!” This shift in volume and change in tone, snapped Brick out of his trance.

Brick: “What?”

Brick was in a daze but that didn’t stop what was already in motion and that was Rasslor knocking him back into the fountain.

Rasslor: “Cool off there, Major!”

Brick: “The heck was that, man?!”

Nightwing: “We could ask the same thing.”

Brick looked over at the battered Dr. Diablos, and was speechless, only managing to utter; "I don’t… Huh?” Brick saw everyone approach him with concerned looks on their faces.

Lollipop Star: ”Brick… are you ok?”

Brick: “I don’t know.”

The Living Bullet: “What was that back there?”

Brick: “...I don’t know.”

Nightwing reached his hand out, Brick smirked before taking it for Nightwing to then pull him up on his feet.

Nightwing: “Well, we’re going to find out.”

Brick saw his team all smiling at him, Monkey leaping up on his shoulder and hugging his head.

Brick: “Yea.”

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

(Downtown, Bravo Beach, Day). On the northern side of the beach were mountainous terrains with various high-class houses and villas. One of these mansions belonged to the former Justice Friends members Coop and Jamie. Of course, Coop and Jamie were playing video games on a massive television that engorged the living room wall it stood against. They were playing a round of the latest game in the Super Mega Blasteroids franchise, that being its reboot Super Mega Blasteroids 1 when they heard a knock at the door.

Dialogue:

Coop: ”Could you get that?”

Jamie: “Dude, we’re in a game.”

Coop: “I know but I don’t wanna leave it.”

Jamie: “ Duh , me too.”

The doorbell rang again.

Coop: “Are ya gonna answer it?”

Jamie: “Nope.”

There was a sound as if the door was opened, which it was, as Kiva and Johnny Bravo entered the massive living room. Kiva had cut her hair to neck length and was wearing a black cropped sweater and red jeans. Johnny, on the other hand, looked like he hadn’t aged a day. He still had his tall blonde pompadour but with grey streaks running along both sides, wearing his signature black shirt, blue jeans and shades. Kiva was immensely annoyed and disappointed by the reason why Coop and Jamie didn’t bother answering the door, hands on her hips as she stared daggers at them.

Kiva: “Seriously, you two?!”

Johnny Bravo: “Heya, neighbours.”

Coop: “Sup, guys! Gaming right now!”

Jamie: “You two going on another date or something?”

Johnny Bravo: “Yep, takin’ mah lady out for the day. Startin’ with a tour through the Botanical Gardens .”

Kiva: “...Coop, have you heard from Brick and the others?”

Coop suddenly paused the game, gently placing his controller on the coffee table before him.

Coop: “Yea, the guys took Brick up top to see what’s actually wrong with him, why he wigged out yesterday.”

Kiva: “It’s that serious?”

Coop: “It sucks but… yea.”

Kiva: “Hopefully, they’ll find out what’s going on with him and fix it.”

Johnny placed a consoling hand on Kiva’s shoulder; she then held his other hand and shared a smile with him.

(Earth’s Orbit). The Justice Friends were in their designated aircraft that was built by Test Tech; a blue concord with yellow stripes along the top, framing the yellow “JF” insignia within. Brick and Nightwing were in the pilots’ seats while the others were seated behind them, separated by the walkway between them. Everyone was in costume, including Brick, now being in his Major Glory persona. His suit was white and blue which started from a point on his upper abdomen and extended to his sleeves that stopped at his wrist. On his chest was a large white star buried in the blue, a gold belt with a large red orb as its buckle, complete with his red and white striped cape.

Dialogue:

Major Glory: “We’re here.”

The Living Bullet was fast asleep so Monkey, who was seated behind the sleeping speedster, nudged him awake.

The Living Bullet: “Huh? Are there yet?”

Rasslor: “ ‘Are there yet?’ Looks like you need some more sleep, eh?”

The Living Bullet: “Dr. Diablos ruined my sleep schedule. It's gonna take a while to get back on track.”

Their destination was the base of operations for The Titans Organisation called The Titans Mega-Tower which was once the stage for intergalactic battle, The Mega Cruiser, operated by the now deceased Slix Vigma. It was transformed into a force good from the combined efforts of Cyborg, Fixit and Tramm and home to every Titans Organisation member. It orbited the planet, monitoring the globe trouble, taking the place of Global Security. It was like a massive technological city that offered housing, restaurants and grocery stores, its own Travel Tower that used teleportation technology and Titans Academy for training the next generation of Titans. They touched down in one of the several landing decks on the lower side of the Mega-Tower, underneath the gigantic city above. The Justice Friends took the elevator from the landing deck up to the city above where they saw a multitude of Titans flying and/or walking around the gigantic metropolis.

Mr. KO: “Oh, it’s Argent! Oh look, it’s Aqua Girl! And Jericho!”

Major Glory: “How’re you still a fanboy, KO?”

Mr. KO: “Can’t take the fan out of the boy, Major Glory.”

Lollipop Star: “Hey Mr. KO, more heroes are coming this way.”

Mr. KO: “Really? Who?”

Nightwing: “The heroes we’re here to see.”

Mr. KO gasped before exclaiming; “The original Titans!” as Cyborg, Starfire, Raven and Beast Boy approached the Justice Friends. Beast Boy was barefoot, wearing a sleeveless black bodysuit with purple strides on either side, a popped collar and a zip running along the middle of it. Raven had shoulder length hair and wore a white cloak that tapered off into a feather-like design over her black bodysuit that cut off above the thighs. Starfire’s costume was purple with gold accents; pants and boots, her top exposing her athletic midriff, long sleeves and gold shoulder pads adorned with green gemstones. Her hair grew to feet length and had the appearance of a blazing inferno. Cyborg’s body was sleeker with blue glowing shoulders and head piece with the blue energy running along his mostly silver shell.

Raven: “You do this all the time you come here, KO. We’re friends.”

Mr. KO: “Which makes it even better!”

As Raven smiled while shaking her head, Beast Boy approached Mr. KO and fist bumped him, saying; “The feeling’s mutual, dude.”

Cyborg: “Now, let’s get down to business, huh?”

Major Glory was laying on a bed inside a massive laboratory, only one of the many that’re in the Mega-Tower. He was underneath a giant machine that was tracking his vitals and brain waves while everyone else was situated inside a command centre, looking down on the Justice Friends leader. Cyborg pressed a button on the control panel before him that allowed his voice to spill inside the operating room.

Cyborg: “Just stay calm, alright?! It might hurt but hey, you’re Major Glory so it should be fine!”

Major Glory: “Got that right! I got this, no sweat!”

Raven: “I have a feeling that’s not going to age well.”

Uppercase G: “So what exactly does this machine do?”

Cyborg: “He said that he was hearing voices, right? Well, this is going to poke around his brain to see if there’s– ya know, any screws loose.”

Raven: “Tactful.”

Cyborg: “ It’s also – it’s also going to check on his powers, see if his Super Hearing is just out of whack.”

The Living Bullet: “This machine can check all that at once?”

Cyborg: “Of course, it can. Think of this machine as a giant diagnosis machine, one hundred percent accurate.”

Raven: “And one hundred percent painful.”

Cyborg grew annoyed from Raven's offhanded comments, keeping his frustration in even though it was still visible from the steam coming from his boiling red head.

Starfire: “I have faith in the large machine of diagnosis, friend Cyborg!”

Cyborg: “Thanks, Star.”

Cyborg broadcasted his voice into the operating room; “I’m going to turn it on, alright?!” Major Glory gave Cyborg a thumbs up and a smug smirk. Cyborg shrugged and pressed a button, activating the machine; a light blasted Major Glory right in the face, causing him to scream at the top of his lungs.

Lollipop Star: “That sounds like it really hurts.”

In the middle of his screams, Lollipop Star thought she heard Major Glory yell; “ Pops! ”, her eyes widened in shock. She was the only one that managed to hear it as everyone was distracted by his screams, trying to help Cyborg alleviate his pain. It went on for a little longer until Cyborg decided to shut off the machine, after gathering the necessary info, ending the process and Major Glory’s screams.

Cyborg: “So, how was it?!”

Major Glory: “I told ya… nothing to it!”

A little later, Major Glory was in the command centre with the other heroes, heeding the results of his diagnosis from Cyborg.

Major Glory: “Aight, what’s the damage?”

Cyborg: “Nothing.”

Major Glory: “Wait what?! What do you mean nothing ?!”

Cyborg: “My machine didn’t pick up any biological anomalies, not one. No mental deterioration, no injury from head trauma and your powers are totally fine– nothing.”

Beast Boy: “Cy, are you sure that your machine just didn’t work?”

Cyborg: “No but it did, BB. It just never picked up anything.”

Lollipop Star: “What now?”

Raven: “If a scientific diagnosis won’t work, how about a magical one?”

Everyone went over to the original Titans Tower, brought up from Jump City. The rest of the heroes were standing in the hallway by the door to Raven’s while Major Glory and Raven herself were inside.

Starfire: “Will the Major of Glory be alright?”

Nightwing held his wife’s hand, sharing a smile with her.

Rasslor: “He's gonna be a–ok! He’s a tough little man!”

Nightwing: “Don’t worry, Star. He’ll be alright.”

Inside the room, Major Glory was laying down on a lounge chair, watching Raven floating before him in awkward silence. She was in a meditative sitting pose, taking multiple deep breaths.

Major Glory: “So uh, wha–?”

Raven: “Azarath Metrion Zinthos. Azarath Metrion Zinthos. Azarath Metrion Zinthos! ”

Major Glory gasped as if he was struck by something, closing his eyes and when they opened them seconds later, he found himself inside a jail cell. It had one bed next to the wall and next that was a dirty toilet. Raven materialised before Major Glory, making him bump into the cell’s bars behind him in shock.

Major Glory: “Watch it.”

Raven: “So, a jail cell, huh? Weird place to hangout but I guess it’s not that– no this is weird.”

Major Glory: “This was where I was born.”

Raven: “Really? You never mentioned this.”

Major Glory: “First off, not anyone’s business and second, I'm not gonna just go around telling the story about how I was made in a toilet.”

Raven: “A toilet?”

At that moment, Major Glory noticed that the toilet started glowing green and pointed towards it.

Major Glory: “Yea, that one glowing over there.”

Raven turned to look at the toilet and they began approaching it, slowly and cautiously. Black ooze was sitting at the bottom of the toilet bowl, bubbling up until it suddenly burst forth, ensnaring Major Glory.

Major Glory: “He– hey?! What’s the deal?!”

The black ooze pulled Major Glory into a dark abyss and just like in his own mind, he was screaming in the outside world.

Lollipop Star: “Oh Glob, he’s screaming again! What’s going on in there?!”

The darkness around Major Glory began to fade, slowly being overtaken by a light source from above. He then heard crackling of stone and concrete until there was an explosion and he was transported to the middle of an empty street. Major Glory found himself looking down from a great height.

Major Glory: “Raven?! Where are ya?!”

Major Glory looked down at his feet, seeing that he was standing on a podium made of crooked rocks. He also realised that he was wearing the clothing he used to wear when he was a Rowdyruff Boy and what was more surprising was that he was a child once again.

Brick: “The heck?! Why am I a little twerp again?!”

Next to him were his brothers; Boomer and Butch, also children and in their old Rowdyruff attire. Boomer was slow, reaching for a butterfly that was flying by while Butch was like a rabid dog on a leash, ready to be aimed at an enemy to tear apart.

Brick: “Man, these two bozos really changed, huh? Boomer is all smart now and Butch, that Infinity Train really did him some good. I forgot how wild he was.”

Brick had a realisation as he looked at his hands, now that of a child’s.

Brick: “The toilet, this street. I’m seeing my past and if I’m seeing my past, then the girls should show up now, right?”

Brick looked down, expecting to see the Powerpuff Girls but saw someone unexpected. Brick saw Major Glory, the first Major Glory standing in the street below, looking up at him. Brick tried to go down to Major Glory but he quickly found that he couldn’t move.

Brick: “P– Pops?!”

Major Glory: “I called you my Minor Victory, didn’t I?”

Brick: “Ye– yea, you did.”

Major Glory: “Then why aren’t you doing what you were made to do?!”

Brick: “I am, I’m a hero and everything! What’re you talking about?!”

Major Glory: “You’re not living to your full potential, you’re masquerading as something you’re not when you could be so much more!”

Brick: “Pops… I don’t get what you’re saying!”

Major Glory: “ You stupid little child! YOU ARE NOT WHAT YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE!!! ”

Major Glory suddenly morphed into a mass of amorphous black ooze that then transformed into an indescribable figure that towered over Brick.

Brick: “ Wha– what’re you doing?! ”

It reached for Brick, aiming to crush him within its finger when he was fortunately saved by a large Raven of black energy. The raven grabbed Brick and whisked him away, pulling him back into the real world. With a loud gasp, Major Glory woke up to Raven over him, her hand on his shoulder. He was in a daze but even then it didn’t take him long to notice that Raven was sweating profusely and breathing heavily just like he was.

Major Glory: “The heck happened to you?”

Just then, the other heroes barged into the room, startling both Major Glory and Raven who turned to see them rush in.

Nightwing: “You guys alright?!”

Mr. KO: “We heard screaming!”

Major Glory: “That was probably her.”

Raven glared at Major Glory with a look that said; “Seriously?” and he retracted his statement, clarifying; “Nah, that was mostly me.”

The Living Bullet: “Yea, we know. We heard a male voice.”

Everyone was in the Titan’s Tower living room, discussing the results of Raven’s magical prodding.

Beast Boy/The Living Bullet: “So Brick has black goo in his head?”

They both smiled and high-fived.

Major Glory: “No, I don’t know what it is.”

Raven: “I think there’s a presence that latched onto you, haunting you. A strong one that took me for a loop.”

Major Glory wanted to say something but held it back but Lollipop Star caught his apprehension.

Nightwing: “We think you should stay here while the Titans look after you.”

Major Glory: “What?! Who’s gonna lead you guys?”

Uppercase G: “Nightwing can, he’s our second.”

Cyborg: “Yea, it’s no big deal. Raven’s gonna find what’s wrong with you while the team still does their thing.”

Major Glory felt a rage within him, one that he didn’t understand and one that deeply terrified him. He knew the logic was sound but he still felt an anger, an anger that his team would be without him, led by another.

Major Glory: “Yea, aight.”

Major Glory stood up and declared; “I uh– I need some air.” before leaving the room. Major Glory was on the roof of Titans Tower, looking at the cosmos, through the impregnable transparent dome that covered the Titans Mega-Tower. He was looking beyond what the normal person could with his Telescopic Vision, exploring the different planets with just his sight when Lollipop Star walked onto the roof. She approached him, greeting him with a; “Stargazing in space will never not feel like a contradiction to me.”

Major Glory: “What’s up?”

Lollipop Star: “I’m just gonna come out and say. You said Pops when you were under that machine. You said that yesterday too before you punched tin face’s lights out. I know you call the first Major Glory that, is there a connection or something?”

Major Glory gave Lollipop Star a look.

Lollipop Star: “What?”

Major Glory: “You said I call him that?”

Lollipop Star: “Yea, what?”

Major Glory: “Nothing. Listen, maybe you could’ve heard wrong?”

Lollipop Star: “Don’t do that.”

Major Glory sighed.

Major Glory: “My bad. Look, Raven said that something latched onto me and we’re gonna find out what.”

The both were contacted by the Citiesville Police, specifically Sergeant Mitch Mitchelson, informing them that Professor Death Ray Eyes was attacking the city.

Major Glory: “What?! Isn’t he dead?!”

Sergeant Mitch Mitchelson: “You tell me!”

Major Glory turned to Lollipop Star and ordered; “C’mon.” The Justice Friends and the Titans were back in the landing deck with the Justice Friends piling into their concord.

Major Glory: ”Watch each other’s backs, aight?!”

Uppercase G: “Will do, Dad .”

Major Glory: “Just get outta here.”

Major Glory stopped Nightwing and told him; “Hey, good luck out there.” Nightwing nodded then stepped inside the ship. Major Glory watched as his team blasted off into space, racing back to earth.

Raven: “Alright, come on.”

Major Glory: “...Yea.”

(Downtown, Citiesville, Day). The Justice Friends touched down in the city and were instantly greeted by the destruction caused by Professor Death Ray Eyes, who was still burning down the city with his powerful Heat Vision. They were then met by Sergeant Mitch Mitchelson.

Dialogue:

Sergeant Mitch Mitchelson: “About time! We already cleared out the area and set up the perimeter! Listen, don’t let the fight go past those lines!”

Sergeant Mitch Mitchelson pointed at the perimeter that was set up using yellow separators in the distance.

The Living Bullet: “We got this, just sit tight, ok.”

Uppercase G: “You’re fully awake now, Bullet?”

The Living Bullet: “Don’t worry about me.”

Nightwing: “Let’s get to work.”

The Titans charged at the villain, having a conversation on their way over.

The Living Bullet: “So, any theories on why this guy’s alive right now?”

Mr. KO: “Reincarnation maybe?”

Rasslor: “Nah, this looks like some good ol reanimation! If it was resurrection, he would be reborn as a different person altogether!”

Uppercase G: “What geezer woke up and decided to resurrect this bloke from the dead?!”

Nightwing: “We can deal with the details later! Let’s take him down first!”

Professor Death Ray Eyes saw the heroes coming and fired his heat Vision at them but on Nightwing’s command, Monkey flew ahead and blocked the attack with a dome of electricity. Rasslor then leaped in and punched Professor Death Ray Eyes across the face, sending him crashing into the ground with a fist of Victory. However, Professor Death Ray Eyes was undeterred, instantly blasting Rasslor into a building. Professor Death Ray Eyes then got back on his feet as the building collapsed upon the Embodiment of Victory himself.

Mr. KO: “Hold on, Professor Death Ray Eyes is Level -5, he shouldn’t be able to take down Rasslor so easily!”

Lollipop Star: “You sure?!”

Mr. KO: “I have his POW Card, I’m sure of it.”

Nightwing: “Something’s wrong here! Lollipop Star, give some targets to shoot!”

Lollipop Star replied; “On it!” before conjuring several Imaginary Friends that were mirrors, surrounding Professor Death Ray Eyes within them. He fired his Heat Vision at them resulting in his attack ricocheting all over, hitting him at every angle. This seemed to have only enraged Professor Death Ray Eyes as he then suddenly morphed into an amorphous form made of black ooze, towering over the heroes.

Lollipop Star: “Wait, didn’t Major Glory and Raven mention black ooze?!”

Nightwing: “They did. Uppercase G, pin it down!”

Uppercase G: “On it!”

Uppercase G increased her size, exceeding the size of the black blob before tackling it into a building, however she was then thrown back, cashing in the middle of the street. Things were getting out of hand but Ben 10,000 fortunately arrived, speeding onto the scene in his XLR8 transformation. In a green flash of light, Ben changed back to his human form.

Ben: “You guys could use some help!”

Nightwing: “Thanks!”

(Space, Titans Mega-Tower, Interior). Major Glory was waiting in Raven’s room for another round of the magical exploration in his mindscape and although he was nervous, she still felt that rage boiling from below, waiting to rise to the surface. Major Glory looked over to the door, hearing Raven making her way to him with his Super Hearing. It was then that the voice from before spoke to Major Glory once more.

Dialogue:

Major Glory: “...Are you really Pops?”

The voice replied; “Don’t you recognise my voice?”

Major Glory: “You sound like him but sometimes you don’t… like right now.”

The voice then replied; “Son, it’s me.” with a warm and comforting tone.

Major Glory: I don’t know…”

The voice continued; “I can feel it bubbling inside you, your anger. You’re angry at your team, aren’t you? You’re angry that they abandoned you, that Nightwing took away your leadership.”

Major Glory: “What’re you– what’re you talking about?”

The voice went on to say; “C’mon, you know it’s true. They want nothing to do with you, just like everyone else. You want to know how I know?” Major Glory nodded and the voice then answered with an echoing tone that reverberated in Major Glory’s ears; “Because ‘Ben 10,000’ is there with them right now.”

Major Glory: “He… is?”

The voice responded; “Yes and here I thought that he wasn’t interested. Looks like he was but came back around after you left. He lied to you, Brick! It’s obvious that he thinks you’re the problem.” Major Glory gritted his teeth with all his strength as his eyes began glowing a burning red. The voice then asked; “What’re you going to do… BRICK?!! ” Raven opened the door to an empty room and was immediately struck with worry.

Raven: “Oh no.”

(Downtown, Citiesville, Day). The Living Bullet ran around the amorphous blob that used to be Professor Death Ray Eyes, the harsh winds that he kicked up forcing it into the shape of a cone. Ben then activated the full power of the Biomnitrix, crossing his arm to access his Hu-Chroma-saur transformation. Hu-chroma-saur was a large behemoth with the visage of a crystalline humanoid dinosaur, from his head to his torso was dark purple mineral while his limbs were bright purple crystal. He had a bright purple crystal protruding from the top of his head and surrounded by a constant aura of energy. Hu-chroma-saur lunged at the cone of black ooze, sending it flying with a fist full of energy.

Dialogue:

Lollipop Star: “We’re doing it!”

Hu-chroma-saur: “We just need to–!”

Suddenly, the black ooze dispersed into a mist that then whittled away into nothing.

Uppercase G: “What in the bloody hell was that?! Have we scuffed it?!”

Nightwing: “I don’t think so. This was a waste of time.”

The Living Bullet: “Wait, what?”

Nightwing: “This was strategic, we weren’t even fighting the real Professor Death Ray Eyes to begin with.”

Uppercase G: “Aw man, that’s so long!”

Ben changed back to his human form and asked; “Nightwing, what’s going on?”

Nightwing: “I have a feeling that we’re going to find out.”

There was an explosion a few feet from the heroes as something had crashed down from the stratosphere, sending debris and balls of fire flying everywhere.

Sergeant Mitch Mitchelson: “ What the heck is going on?! ”

Out of the flames then stepped Major Glory with red glowing eyes.

Lollipop Star: “Uh, Major? Um, we already uh… beat the bad guy?”

Mr. KO: “Major Glory, did you uh… did you find anything wrong?”

Nightwing: “Major Glory!”

Major Glory: “Another time, Nightwing! Hey Ben!”

Ben: “Major.”

Major Glory: “Heh, isn't it kinda funny how you suddenly decided to join up when I wasn’t around?!”

Ben: “Join up? Oh on, I was just–.”

Major Glory suddenly appeared before Ben, punching him through several buildings. Immediately after, The Living Bullet, Monkey and Mr. KO grabbed hold of Major Glory to restrain him.

The Living Bullet: “ What the heck are you doing?! ”

Monkey howled at Major Glory while Mr. KO asked; “ What’re you doing, Major Glory?! ”

Major Glory: “ Don’t call me Major Glory and let go of me! ”

Major Glory flew up then crashed into the ground, shattering it on impact and rendering all three heroes dazed and hurt.

Nightwing: “ Brick! ”

Major Glory: “That’s more like it!”

Major Glory footsteps before him, turning to see that Ben had walked the entire way back, holding the right side of his face.

Ben: “The Worst being invulnerable is so helpful… too bad it still hurts.”

Major Glory rocketed towards Ben, throwing a punch that Ben caught after transforming into the fusion of Fourarms and Diamondhead. Major Glory fired off his heat Vision that just bounced off Ben’s head, hitting a building in the distance.

Uppercase G: “Laser eyes? He hasn’t used that in forever, right?”

Lollipop Star: “No… he hasn’t.”

Major Glory screamed at the top of his lungs as he threw a punch that Ben clashed with his own, blowing them away opposite from each other while shattering the area of impact. Major Glory glared at everyone with burning red eyes and teeth bare, ready to attack but he began quelling his rage, shaking his head rampantly. It was then that he was suddenly struck by Rasslor, launching Major Glory far into the air.

Rasslor: “Oops, too much.”

Ben changed back into his human form moments before Raven teleported onto earth via the Titan’s Mega-Tower’s Travel Tower.

Nightwing: “Raven!”

Raven: “Where’s Brick?!”

Ben: “Ok, what the heck is going on?!”

(Suburbs, Eternal Vistas, Night). Major Glory had crash landed a few feet away from the Eternal Vistas Cemetery, eventually going inside to once again visit the first Major Glory’s headstone. He was leaning against it, trying to catch his breath and sweating profusely, puzzled about prior events and questioning himself and his actions. He glanced at his suit then took it off, now in a tank top and underwear, he threw his Major Glory costume on the headstone. He staggered back from the headstone, still trying to catch his breath when he bumped into someone. Brick tried to see who it was but all he saw was a pitch black figure, he couldn’t make out the person’s features whatsoever, all Brick knew was that this person towered over him. Brick backed away from the person, racing out of the cemetery and into the street where he immediately ran into a massive group of heroes made up of the Justice Friends and the original Titans team.

Dialogue:

Raven: “Brick, please come with us. Let us help.”

Brick: “...Sure, why not.”

Brick held up his hands, surrendering himself to the heroes.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

(The Wilds, Monkey Mountain, Day). In the heart of a massive patch of jungle that oversaw the ocean was its tallest point, that being Monkey Mountain, the home to the retired villain Mojo Jojo. Mojo technologically modified the mountain to be livable, completely refurbishing it into a mansion within the earth; it had a massive living room that connected to a marble floor dining room, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms with a large balcony overseeing the jungle below. Mojo was sitting on a chair on this balcony reading a book titled “Adventure Boy” when his wife Moko Jojo, another now retired tyrannical monkey genius from another universe, brought him a cup of hot tea. Mojo graciously took the tea and thanked his wife with a kiss on the cheek before she went back inside the house. He went back to reading, taking a sip of his tea with a smile on his face when his smile suddenly faded into frown. He set his tea down, closed his book and placed it next to the cup of tea then took off his reading glasses.

Dialogue:

Mojo Jojo: “It’s funny that you stopped by my home because it is comical that you decided to do so after so many years. If you require my assistance, I will not offer it because you don’t deserve it as you are not worthy of it.”

Mojo noticed that Moko was approaching him, thinking that he was talking to her but he feigned a smile while gently waving her away.

Mojo Jojo: “The boys have grown so your actions are redundant as they make no logical sense. So if you continue on your path, it will blow up in your face.”

The presence that was with Mojo then left. Mojo smiled as he placed back on his glasses, opened back up his book and went back to reading as he drank his tea.

(The Purelands, Hall of Heroes, Interior). Brick was in his quarters, sitting in a chair next to his bed. He glanced over to a Major Glory poster that was hung over his bed before looking through the window to see the sunrise, signalling a new day. The door to his room opened and Raven stepped inside, the many Major Glory paraphernalia was all over Brick’s room catching her eye.

Dialogue:

Raven: “This is worse than Beast Boy’s room.”

Brick: “So, another round?”

Raven: “A girl walks into your room and that’s the question you ask her?”

Brick: “Hm? Ah, hey! That’s not what I meant!”

Raven let out a raspy chuckle as she floated over to Brick, sitting in mid air. Raven noticed Brick’s melancholic mood, looking down at the ground.

Raven: “Ben is here, you can tell him how sorry you are after we find out what’s going on with you.”

Brick: “You poking around my head?”

Raven: “I don’t need to read your mind to know that you’re racked with guilt, Brick.”

Brick: “I’m like an open book, huh?”

Raven: “It’s good that you feel guilt, it means you care. It means you’re a good guy.”

Brick: “...I don’t know about that.”

Raven: “If you weren’t you wouldn’t have stopped yourself from attacking Ben anymore than you had.”

Brick: “You heard about that?”

Raven: “Nightwing told me. He said you fought whatever it was that took hold of you.”

Brick sighed.

Raven: “Brick, I think… I think that after all the good you’ve done, you don’t really see yourself as a good person. I know you did some bad things when you were a kid but you made up for that; you helped end the war against Fuse, you took up the mantle of Major Glory and led the Justice friends against the evil in this world.”

Brick: “...Then why can’t I see myself any different from them?”

Raven: “I think that’s the key to what’s going on. I think whatever evil forces that latched onto your soul—.”

Brick: “There’s a thing on my soul?! Like a demon or something?!”

Raven: “That’s what I want to find out. Something’s targeting that insecurity and using it.”

Brick: “Using it for what?...You probably don’t know that either, huh?”

Raven shook her head.

Raven: “I do think I have a way to handle the first problem, though.”

The door opened and a black figure stepped into the room, prompting Brick to jump out of his chair.

Brick: “That’s the thing I saw at the cemetery! Why did you bring it here?!”

Raven: “It? Brick, what’re you talking about?!”

The figure spoke; “Is that anyway to speak to your mentor, son?”

Brick: “Wait a minute… Why do you sound like Pops?!”

The figure replied; “That’s because it is, son.” Brick eyes glowed red and he went on the attack, throwing a punch that the figure managed to catch. Raven quickly transported everyone outside the Hall of Heroes right as the shock wave from the collision of fists rippled through the air.

Brick: “The thing in my head used Pops’ voice but he’s dead!”

Raven: “Dead?!”

Ben and the rest of the Justice Friends ran outside after hearing the commotion, all out of their costumes and back in their civilian clothing.

Brick: “What’re you deaf?! Of course he’s dead!”

Nightwing: “Brick, who’s dead?”

Brick: “Major Glory! I’ve been going to his grave for the past couple days now! That’s where I left my suit!”

The Living Bullet: “Dude, you didn’t leave your suit on Major Glory’s grave.”

Brick: “...What?!”

Nightwing: “He’s right, Brick. The grave you went to see was A. Kwest – The Scotsman’s grave.”

Brick: “What’re you…?”

Raven: “Brick, look at the person in front of you.”

Brick turned to the black figure that was still holding his fist. The sun finally reached its peak, shining its light into Brick’s eyes while seemingly revealing that the figure was actually the first Major Glory, alive and well. Brick staggered back, questioning his eyes.

Brick: “How’re you… I thought you were– were you?”

Goo: “No, he wasn’t.”

Brick: “...Pops.”

Major Glory: “Hello, son.”

Brick uttered; “Po–.” before collapsing to the ground. Brick opened his eyes, seeing that he was back inside his room and at the foot of his bed was Mr. Glory, sitting on a chair. Mr. Glory still wore his golden mask but wore a regular blue button shirt that had stripes of red and white on either side. He also had on pale brown knee height cargo pants with a red fanny pack around his waist and sandals. His beard was a dirty blonde with a scattering of grey throughout it.

Brick: “Pops, it’s really you.”

Mr. Glory: “Of course it is! Why wouldn’t it be? Sure, you may be the current Major Glory but I bet that people could still identify me no problem!”

Brick chuckled.

Brick: “You dork.”

Mr. Glory: “...So, what’s this I hear about you shattering Dr. Diablos’ armour after he was already defeated and worst of all, attacking a fellow hero?”

Brick: “I don’t know.”

Mr. Glory: “You don’t know? Brick, this is not the actions of a hero.”

Brick: “I said I don’t know, ok?!”

Mr. Glory: “Brick, you attacked a defeated enemy and punched him so hard that you could’ve ended him! You attacked Ben, a fellow hero! You can’t just go around doing these unjust things and then say you don’t know! That’s not–!”

Brick: “What heroes do, I get it!”

Mr. Glory: “Do you?!”

Brick: “Well maybe I don’t! Maybe I’m not a hero then!”

Mr. Glory: “Brick, what’re you talking about?”

Brick: “I said I’m not a hero! There I said it! I’m not a hero!”

Mr. Glory: “Brick, you’re not who you were anymore!”

Brick: “How do you know that, huh?! You don’t really know that I’ve changed, that I still might be that little twerp– that little brat that went around and hurt everybody he sees!”

Mr. Glory: “No, don’t say that!”

Brick: “Why?! Huh?! I’m just telling the truth, aren’t I?! You said it yourself; I almost ended a guy and I attacked Ben! Let’s face it, Pops, I’m still a monster! ”

Mr. Glory: “No you’re not !”

Brick: “Of course I am! That’s why Boomer and Butch left me behind, that’s why Ben wants nothing to do with us because while they’re all ahead of the game, I’m still the same!”

Mr. Glory: “That’s not true, Brick.”

Brick: “How do you know, huh?!”

Mr. Glory marched forward and hugged Brick.

Brick: “Wha?!”

Mr. Glory: “I don’t believe you are this monster you claim to be, Brick. You were a troubled kid that fought hard to grow into a great man. You have to believe that, Brick just like I do… because it’s true.”

Brick broke down, crying as he hugged Mr. Glory.

Brick: “Am I still… a monster?”

Mr. Glory: “You’re not, Brick. I raised you better than that.”

Brick had let his emotions flow, crying like a fountain as he squeezed Mr. Glory tightly within his arms. Some time later, after Brick was all cried out, he and Mr. Glory were sitting on the bed. Brick was sniffling a bit as he wiped the tears from his eyes.

Brick: “Never. Tell. Anyone about this.”

Mr. Glory chuckled, then replied; “Scouts honour.” as he held up two fingers.

Mr. Glory: “Brick, what’s really going on? Do you actually feel that way?”

Brick: “...Yea and I know it’s stupid. I know things are different now and I’m Major Glory and all but I just never really felt–.”

Mr. Glory: “Worthy of it all?”

Brick: “Yea. Like I said, I know it’s dumb–.”

Mr. Glory: “Brick, do you know why I brought you under my red, white and blue wing?”

Brick shook his head.

Mr. Glory: “Because I saw myself in you.”

Brick: “Really, you were a little twerp when you were younger?”

Mr. Glory: “Well, no but I saw a young man that didn’t have a purpose, one that needed  guidance. I wanted better for you, just like my Uncle Sam did for me.”

Brick: “So you helped me.”

Mr. Glory nodded.

Brick: “...By the way, you were a lot more than just a guide… you were like a father to me. Thank you, Pops.”

Mr. Glory: “There he is. Brick, you’re worthy of the life you have now, you paid your dues and now you’re rightfully cashing in. Enjoy it, continue being the hero you've been all these years. You may slip up but try not to fall and come to us when you ever feel like you will.”

The two men stood up and hugged, ending it after a couple of seconds.

Brick: “By the way, how’re you– why did I think you were–?”

Mr. Glory: “Raven said that whatever is troubling you also messed with your head. You thinking that I was dead, visiting my ‘grave’ and seeing me the way you did, was all some ploy of this fiend. They were trying to keep me away from you, Brick.”

Brick: “What the heck is going on?”

In the middle of his confusion, a giant robotic arm suddenly burst through the wall and grabbed Brick, pulling him out into the open. To his surprise, Brick then found himself in the clutches of Megas.

Brick: “What the heck is going on?! Megas?!”

Megas pulled Brick close and started speaking, much to Brick’s shock.

Brick: “That voice… that stupid voice! Why didn’t I see it until now!”

Mr. Glory, Raven, Ben and the rest of the Justice Friends came running outside, immediately taken aback from what was before them.

The Living Bullet: “Uh… Why is Megas attacking Brick?!”

Just then, the car that Megas used for a head suddenly morphed into a familiar face, the face of the demonic ruler of his own domain.

Raven: “HIM.”

Him turned to Raven, eerily grinning at her as he asked; “Nice try keeping me out, Raven but your spells weren't good enough!”

HIM: “By the way, HOW’S DAD?!!”

Raven scowled at the demon, enraged by his question.

Brick: “Hey! You and I were talking!”

The Hell Lord turned to Brick, chuckling.

HIM: “My apologies, Brick! How’re you?!”

Brick: “I’m doin’ pretty good, ya bastard! I was actually in the middle of something when your lousy ass interrupted!”

HIM: “Is that so?!”

Brick: “After all these years, why show up now?!”

HIM: “That’s easy! I’m here TO SET YOU STRAIGHT!!! YOU STRAYED, BRICK!!! WHO TOLD YOU THAT YOU WERE A HERO, HUH?!!”

Brick smiled, stared right into the demon’s eyes and replied; “That’s easy, my Dad did.” Brick’s sentiment made Mr. Glory smile from ear to ear.

HIM: “Why you little brat, I AM YOUR FATHER– YOUR CREATOR!!!”

Brick: “Technically, the green monkey was but hey.”

HIM: “I BROUGHT YOU BACK TO WREAK HAVOC AND CHAOS BUT YOU ENDED UP PLAYING HERO!!! YOU MAKE ME SICK !!! YOU ALLOW THESE MORTALS TO FILL YOUR HEAD WITH NONSENSE AND I WON’T LEAVE UNTIL I FORCE YOU BACK TO YOUR SENSES!!!”

HIM threw Brick into the ground, crashing into it like a meteorite striking the earth. This prompted Monkey to start frantically jumping up and down, screeching at the other heroes.

The Living Bullet: “The little guy’s right, let’s get in there!”

Brick burst out of the ground, flying up in the air. He turned to the heroes with a smile and shouted; “You wanna help?! Then get over here!”

Mr. Glory: “You heard the boy, forward!”

The heroes were charging in but at that moment, Brick and HIM were covered by a massive dome of pitch black, shutting them out.

Mr. KO: “No, Brick!”

Ben: “We need to think of a way to get in there!”

Grace: “Raven, can’t you find a way past this?!”

Raven: “No, Brick has to escape with his own strength.”

Nightwing: “And he will.”

Inside the dome of black, Brick was being thrown around by HIM, however he was holding his own against the demon as well. Brick flew up and landed two high speed punches in HIM face before he was sent crashing into the ground with a swing of HIM’s arm. Brick got back on his feet, bruised but with a smile on his face, he then asked; “Is that all you got?!”

HIM: “DON’T TEST ME, BOY !!!”

Brick: “Or what?!”

HIM was taken aback by Brick’s resilience, he calmed the mood with a deep breath then began speaking to Brick with a softer tone; “Listen, Brick. I don't want to hurt you, I’m just trying to dissuade you from the wrong path. C’mon, shed this stupid heroic skin you’re wearing and become the agent of chaos you were made to be.”

Brick: “...I get why you’re so hard on me. The girls ain’t buying your crap anymore, Boomer wised up and Butch actually became sane but me… there was still some part of me that held onto that monster that I used to be. A really stupid part of me that you tried to turn into a bigger problem so you could control me and you would’ve too if I didn’t stop being a dumbass. Let’s get this straight, the only skin I’m ‘shedding’ today is one of a man that thought he didn’t deserve what he worked his ass off for and the man standing before you now, that’s the hero who’s going to kick your ass!”

HIM: “Brick–!”

Brick: “Only my people call me Brick, it’s Major Glory to you!”

Brick exerted his power, shattering the ground beneath his feet as he blasted into the air. Brick began beating on HIM’s head, sending it colliding into the dome, causing it to crack with each punch.

Brick: “You thought you could cut me off from my friends, like you’ve been doing all this time?! Think again, jackass! I’m breaking through! You ain’t gonna hold me down ever again, got it?!”

Brick sped up his punches, knocking around HIM by the head, creating further cracks in the dome until a small opening was created. Brick then reeled back his fist and roared; “One more thing! Get the heck out of my bud’s robot!” before he punched HIM into the dome one last time, completely shattering it.

Rasslor: “He done done it!”

Goo: “He’s free!”

Brick landed another punch that, while unfortunately damaging Megas, forced HIM out of the giant robot, sending the Hell Lord crashing into a wall. HIM slowly rose to his feet, beaten and weakened, only to be greeted by Brick and the rest of the heroes floating over him.

Mr. Glory: “Go for it, son!”

Brick: “Justice Friends, Assemble!”

HIM: “Oh poo.”

The heroes began bombarding HIM with attacks; The Living Bullet ran around HIM while pelting the demon with high speed punches, Monkey then sent HIM flying with an electric punch for Rasslor to then land an armbar to the demon’s neck. HIM was sent flying toward Grace who clapped the demon between her giant hands like a bug, as he was falling from her hands, HIM was then enveloped by a horde of flying Space Nut Boogies and within the swarm were Nightwing and Goo. Nightwing struck with a flurry of blows using his bo staff and Goo then sent HIM flying sky high with a single strike from her Imaginary Hammer. Ben then activated the Bimonitrix’s Fusion Matrix, transforming into Hu-chroma-saur and then blasted the Hell Lord with an intense energy beam.

Raven: “Azarath Metrion Zinthos!”

Raven then restrained HIM within the talon of a giant black raven, bombarding HIM with magical energy.

Raven: “By the way, that demon is not my father. He’s a monster, just like you.”

HIM’s eyes was suddenly blinding by a bright white light, looking up he saw both Brick and Mr. Glory building up the final strike. They then flew down at blinding speeds and roared; “ALL-AMERICAN STRIKE!!!” as they struck HIM with fists of red, white and blue energy that exploded into a pillar of white that tore through the clouds. The tower of white energy then dispersed into particles, like snow falling from the sky, lighting up the area with their glow. When the smoke cleared, HIM was on his knees, out of breath but filled with anger. He glared at the heroes, squeezing his teeth with all his might. Still weakened, he was ready to attack when Brick restrained HIM within a block of ice, using his Frost Vision. Brick floated down and told the Hell Lord; “Get lost, will ya.” before he punched HIM into pieces. Him morphed into a black mist, seeping through the ice chunks and then disappeared into thin air. Brick took a deep breath then smiled as the sun shined down on him. He was then dogpiled by the Justice Friends, all of them hugging him and cheering for their victory.

Brick: “Alright, alright! Quit it!”

The sun had set over the Hall of Heroes as the Justice Friends and the Megas Crew stood before the damaged Megas.

Coop: “So this HIM dude possessed Megas?”

The Living Bullet: “Pretty much. You should’ve seen it, it was like a haunted kaiju or something.”

Coop: “Even though that sounds cool, that jerk still messed up my ride!”

Nightwing: “Don’t worry, we got back at him for it.”

Coop: “Good.”

Brick: “It was my bad, man. I tried not to wreck it too much.”

Coop: “Hey, it’s all good, man. Welp, it’s been a while since I’ve worked on the big guy.”

Kiva: “Should be a fun time.”

Coop: “Yup.”

Jamie: “How about you, man? You all good now?”

Brick: “Yea, I am. I haven’t felt this great in a while. It’s like–.”

In the air, Raven continued Brick’s sentiment; “A huge weight has been lifted, doesn’t it?”

Brick: “It kinda does, yea.”

Raven: “I know that feeling all too well. You’ll be just fine.”

Brick: “Thanks for helping me out.”

Raven: “No problem.”

Raven then bid farewell to the heroes before flying off into the air. Mr. Glory then came over, announcing; “I should get going too. There’s a Silver Age Reunion that I need to prepare for.” Brick hugged his surrogate father and thanked him.

Brick: “Don’t be a stranger, alright?”

Mr. Glory: “Likewise. Remember, I’m always here.”

Brick: “Yea.”

Mr. Glory said his goodbyes before he took off into the sky. Ben then called out to Brick, prompting the Justice Friends leader to approach the Hero of Heroes, a few feet from the others.

Brick: “Hey uh, I’m sorry about everything. I was being an idiot back there.”

Ben: “Hey, you had a demon on your soul, it’s fine.”

Brick: “I’m also talking about yesterday at the party. No hard feelings?”

Ben: “None whatsoever. …Listen Brick, about me joining the Justice Friends–.”

Brick: “It was a tough ask, I know.”

Ben: “Not necessarily. I mean, I would want the ‘Hero of Heroes’ on my team too but you got a good thing going here. You’re making your own way and so am I. We're two guys on two completely different missions which is where the focus should be.”

Brick: “Yea, I get ya. Hey uh, good luck out there, huh?”

Ben: “You too. Call me if you ever want some help with a fight or to just– ya know, to grab a Root Beer or something.”

Brick: “I will, thanks.”

Ben gave Brick a salute and a wave to the others, he then transformed into Jetray and blasted off into the sky, disappearing in the clouds.

Jamie: “We better head out too, huh Coop?”

Coop: “Yea, I’ll drive us back home in Megas. C’mon.”

Kiva: “Goodnight, everyone!”

After exchanging their goodnight farewells, the Megas Crew hopped inside the damaged Megas and marched off as the evening turned to night.

Nightwing: “I say that we get some proper sleep.”

The Living Bullet: “I’m with you there. I can finally fix my sleep schedule.”

Monkey hopped on The Living Bullet’s shoulder as he went inside the Hall of Heroes. Brick was watching as his team entered the hall, smiling with pride.

Goo: “Hey, you coming?”

Brick answered; “ Duh. ” before following everyone inside.

(Downtown, City Station, Day). Brick was at The Jackie and Boomer Investigations building, waiting for his brother as he sat on a stone bench a few feet from the front doors of the building. Boomer then stepped out, going down the short flight of stairs before approaching Brick, who greeted his brother with a hug.

Dialogue:

Boomer:”Whoa, hey man.”

Brick ended the hug, greeting his brother with a; “Sup.”

Brick: “Uh, where’s Jackie at?”

Boomer: “Someone has to keep the business running while I hang out with my bros, right?”

Brick: “Oh yea, right. It’s probably for the best, that guy can be a pain sometimes.”

Brick instantly picked up on Jackie’s voice with his Super Hearing; “Heard that, jackass!” Brick spun around, frantically scanning his surroundings for Jackie.

Brick: “The hell? How did he do that?!”

Boomer: “Jackie’s full of mysteries, I’ve known him for years now and I still don’t know everything about him.”

Brick began chuckling and Boomer quickly caught the bug, chuckling as well which then evolved into laughter that went on until water filled their eyes.

Brick: “I missed ya, man.”

Boomer: “I never left, Brick.”

Brick: “...I uh, I know. My bad for giving you the cold shoulder.”

Boomer: “You’ve been holding onto a lot of stuff when you never had to. I hope you know that you don’t need to go through life alone, not when me and Butch– and all the other guys are here.”

Brick: “Yea. I know you guys got my back.”

Boomer: “Sure do.”

Brick smiled but he laughed it off, saying; “Alright, enough of this gooey stuff.”

Brick: “Anyway, when is Butch gonna get here?”

A voice from above then answered; “Already am.” and the two looked up to see their brother Butch, in uniform, floating above them.

Brick: “What took ya, man?”

Butch: “I missed you guys too.”

Butch touched down and hugged both his brothers.

Boomer: “So this is the Galactic Enforcers uniform up close, huh?”

Butch: “Oop, actually we went through a name change. We went back to Galactic Guardians.”

Brick: “Hm, that’s pretty cool, man.”

Butch: “Thanks, bro.”

Brick: “Although, is that what you’re gonna wear to the party?”

Butch smiled and pressed the torch of his suit’s symbol, morphing his uniform into civilian clothing using holographic technology. He had on a black sweater jacket over a green shirt, blue jeans and wrappings on his arms.

Boomer: “Awesome!”

Butch: “So, a party, huh?”

Brick smiled.

(The Purelands, Hall of Heroes, Interior). There was a massive celebration at the hall and it was more vibrant, loud and bigger than last time. Of course; The Tennysons, Dexter and The Powerpuffs were present along with tons of other heroes, with some of those heroes being; The Silver Age members of The Justice Friends, Heroes from Lakewood Plaza, The Off Colours, the original Titans, Admiral Betty and Admiral Ultimos and The Academy's Headmaster J. Jonah Jones. Couples like; The Living Bullet and Jinx, Monkey and Quackor, Gwendolyn and Kevin, Kiva and Johnny Bravo and Nightwing and Starfire were on the dance floor. At the same time, adjacent from the dance floor was Raven, softly bobbing her head to the music with a drink in her hand. Mr. KO was introducing Rasslor to his family and friends; Carol, Mr. Gar, Dendy, Enid and Rad. Enid and Rad in particular, brought their significant others; Red Action of the Time Squad and Witchy Simone, respectively. Goo was sharing drinks with Dexter and the Powerpuffs. Coop and Jamie were playing Super Mega Blasteroids 1 with Cyborg and Beast Boy. Grace was chatting with her parents and the rest of the Silver Age Justice Friends while Brick was drinking Root Beer with his brothers as he watched it all with a prideful smile. Brick shared a smile with Ben as they raised their Root Beer at each other and he did the same with his surrogate father before giving Mr. Glory a playful salute. Brick then looked to his brothers as they laughed together and felt at peace.

The End