Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The world around Rex Dangervest spun violently as he plunged through the swirling vortex of the portal. He had been through portals before, but none quite like this. The energy was erratic, pulling and twisting him in directions that made his stomach churn. Gritting his teeth, Rex tried to focus, tried to regain some sense of control, but it was futile. The portal had its own plans, and they didn’t involve Rex having a say in where he ended up. They never do.

Lucy had gone through moments after him. He could still see the faint shimmer of her figure vanishing into the vortex’s mouth, her determined face disappearing into the unknown.

"Dang it!" he growled, the vortex swallowing his voice. He couldn't think about that now. He had to focus on surviving whatever dimension this portal spat him out into. Of course he will not land in their home dimension according to Vakama he has a long journey before him.

A sharp tug ripped through his body, and with a final, disorienting pull, Rex was ejected from the portal, hurling toward the ground. He landed hard, his back slamming into the rough earth. His breath left him in a harsh gasp, pain shooting through his spine as the world around him spun in wild circles.

For a moment, all Rex could do was lie there, blinking up at the sky. Or at least, what he assumed was the sky, it was difficult to tell through the thick canopy of gnarled trees overhead. Fog swirled around the branches, shrouding everything in a dim, eerie light. It was cold, unnaturally so, and the air smelled of damp earth and decay.

Rex groaned, pushing himself up onto his elbows. His body ached from the impact, but nothing seemed broken. He’d survived worse landings. Slowly, he stood, brushing off the dirt and leaves clinging to his vest.

"Great. Another cheerful world," Rex muttered sarcastically as he took in his surroundings.

The place was strange, even by his standards. He appeared to be in the middle of a dense forest, but the trees were unlike anything he’d ever seen. Their bark was a deep, almost black stone, jagged and cracked, as though they had been petrified in some ancient catastrophe. The fog hung low to the ground, swirling in unnatural patterns, and the silence was oppressive, broken only by the occasional creak of the trees swaying in a nonexistent wind.

"Lucy!" he called out, his voice echoing through the trees. No answer. Not even an echo that made it back to him.

Rex grumbled under his breath and glanced around. This wasn’t the first time they’d been separated, and it wouldn’t be the last. But there was something about this place, something off. The trees, the eerie stillness, the fog that seemed to swallow everything, it all gave him the feeling that he wasn’t alone, even though nothing moved.

He took a cautious step forward. "Alright, Dangervest," he muttered, "let’s find a way out of this mess. Again."

As Rex moved deeper into the forest, the unsettling atmosphere seemed to intensify. The trees grew thicker, their branches twisted together like gnarled hands. Every step felt heavier, as though the air itself was weighing him down. The fog grew thicker too, swirling around his legs like it had a life of its own.

He had been walking for what felt like hours when he heard it, a faint, almost imperceptible sound, like stone grinding against stone. Rex stopped in his tracks. He turned toward the sound, his muscles tensing as he strained to see through the dense fog.

Then he saw her.

At first, she looked like part of the forest itself, a statue, carved from the same gray stone as the trees around her. But as the figure moved, Rex realized she was alive, or something like it. Her body was human-shaped, but made entirely of stone, with cracks running along her surface that glowed faintly with a deep, blue light. Her face, though cold and unyielding like the rest of her, had an eerie beauty to it. She was tall and imposing, with long, flowing hair made of whitish rock that cascaded down her back.

She moved slowly, her joints creaking with the sound of stone scraping against stone as she stepped toward him. Her eyes glowed faintly in the fog, locking onto Rex with an unsettling intensity.

He wasn’t sure what to make of her. She looked like something out of a nightmare, a living statue, moving with the grace of a dancer.

"Who are you?" Rex asked, his voice steady but low.

The stone woman stopped a few feet away from him, her glowing eyes narrowing as she studied him. "I could ask you the same question," she replied, "You do not belong here."

Rex raised an eyebrow, his smirk returning despite the tension in the air. "Yeah, no kidding. Name’s Rex Dangervest. I’m just passing through, trying to find my companion. Seen anyone else drop out of the sky lately?"

The stone woman tilted her head slightly, her gaze still fixed on him. "No. And you should not be here."

Before Rex could reply, a flicker of light appeared in the fog beside her. At first, it was nothing more than a faint glow, but as it grew closer, it took shape, a small, mobile hologram projector hovering on spindly legs. The projector hummed softly, flickering as it projected a figure, a twisted, malevolent grin with glowing eyes, cowl and a cape. It was a very bad fashion choice.

The hologram flickered and warped as it spoke, its voice distorted and eerie. "Who’s thisss, Ruina?" it hissed, the image distorting with every word. "Another lost traveler in the Rock Wood Forest?"

Ruina, if that was the stone woman’s name, didn’t take her eyes off Rex. "He came through a portal. He is not from here."

The hologram’s face twisted into an even wider grin, its eyes flickering with a strange, hungry light. "Ohoho, a portal, you say? Intriguing." The projector moved closer to Rex, its spindly legs clicking against the stone ground as it circled him. "I haven’t seen one of those in a long time. Tell me, stranger, what technology do you bring with you?"

Rex glared at the projector, resisting the urge to smash it with his boot. "None of your business," he shot back. "And who are you supposed to be? Some kind of evil tech support?"

The hologram’s grin widened. "You may call me Monstrox," it purred, the voice crackling with static. "And I control everything that moves in this world."

"Right," Rex said, unimpressed. "So you're a hologram? Is that it? Not even a real villain?"

Monstrox’s grin flickered. "Oh, I'm much more than a simple projection," he hissed. "I am everywhere. I am in everything. And my little friends," the projector’s base shifted, and from its legs, small, insect-like critters emerged, "can make sure your tech is mine."

"Great. Just what I needed."

Ruina’s glowing eyes watched the exchange, her face unreadable, though there was a flicker of curiosity in her expression. "You said you’re looking for someone," she said, her voice quieter now. "Who?"

Glaring at the projector before turning back to Ruina. "My companion. She went through the same portal as me. You haven’t seen anyone else around here, have you?"

Ruina didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she stepped closer to him, her stone joints creaking softly as she moved. She tilted her head slightly, studying him with those glowing, yellow eyes. "No," she finally said. "But this forest is vast. She could be anywhere."

Monstrox’s hologram buzzed with excitement. "Oh, this is fun! A lost little hero searching for his friend in the dark, dangerous woods. How touching."

Rex clenched his fists. He’d had enough of this. "Not a hero. Look, I don’t care what kind of game you’re playing, Monstrox," Rex snapped. "But I’m not interested. Just point me in the direction of the nearest exit, and I’ll get out of your hair."

Monstrox’s hologram flickered, his grin never fading. "Oh, but it’s so much more fun to watch you struggle. Besides, there is no escape from the Rock Wood Forest, unless you wish to become part of it." His voice grew lower, more sinister.

Ruina’s eyes flared for a moment, a flash of anger passing over her stone face. "I am not a part of this forest," she growled. "I am more than that."

Rex glanced between them, piecing things together. "So, you’re stuck here too, huh?" He gestured to her petrified body. "What’s the deal? You get cursed or something?"

Ruina’s expression hardened. "I was betrayed," she said, her voice cold. "Turned to stone by those I trusted. Monstrox... gave me the ability to move again."

Rex’s smirk returned, though there was a hint of understanding in his eyes. "Guess that makes two of us, betrayed, that is." He glanced at Monstrox. "And what’s your game? You want to keep everyone trapped here forever?"

Monstrox’s hologram crackled with laughter. "Trapped? No, no. I prefer to think of it as... guiding them to their full potential. Like I did with Ruina."

Rex rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I’m gonna pass on that offer."

Ruina’s eyes flickered again, as though she were considering something. "If your companion is in this forest," she said, "we may be able to find her. But you will need help."

Rex raised an eyebrow. "Help? From you?"

Ruina nodded. "I know this forest. If she is here, I will find her."

Monstrox’s grin twisted into something darker. "And while you search, you’ll be doing me a favor, Rex Dangervest. Whether you realize it or not."

Rex wasn’t sure what to make of that, but he didn’t have many options. If Lucy was lost in this forest, he needed to find her, and fast. He could deal with Monstrox and Ruina later. For now, they were a means to an end.

"Alright," Rex said, his smirk returning. "Let’s find my companion."

As Ruina turned and began leading the way through the fog, Rex couldn’t shake the feeling that he was stepping into something much bigger, and much more dangerous, than he had anticipated. But he’d face it, just like he always did.

Because Rex Dangervest didn’t quit.

Chapter Text

The world whirled around Lucy as she was flung out of the portal, spinning uncontrollably before crashing through branches and landing hard on the forest floor. She groaned, the impact knocking the air from her lungs. For a moment, she just lay there, blinking up at the treetops, trying to piece together what had just happened.

She had went after Rex through the portal. But something had gone wrong. They hadn’t come through together. Rex, she thought, panic surging through her as she scrambled to her feet, scanning the dark forest around her. It was eerily quiet, save for the distant rustle of leaves in the breeze. No sign of Rex. No sign of anyone. That was bad, very bad. What trouble was he causing this time?

"Great," she muttered under her breath, brushing dirt and leaves from her clothes. "Lost in another weird world, alone. Perfect."

But standing around wouldn’t help. She needed to find Rex. And fast.

Taking a deep breath, Lucy started walking, her boots crunching against the underbrush. The forest was dense, the trees gnarled and twisted, their bark a deep, ashen gray. A fog hung low to the ground, swirling around her feet as she made her way through the unfamiliar terrain. The atmosphere felt heavy, almost oppressive, like the air itself was thick with magic.

Lucy wasn’t sure where she was, but something about the place felt off. Dark. Dangerous. Rex is out there somewhere, she reminded herself. She had to find him before anything else did.

As she pushed deeper into the forest, Lucy’s thoughts turned to Rex. She had been trying to bring him back from the darkness ever since they first crossed paths. He was bitter, angry and cynical. The exact mirror of a hero. But despite everything, despite his cruel words and his insistence that he was beyond saving, Lucy still believed there was hope. Or at least, she used to.

Lately, that hope had been harder to hold onto. Rex’s actions, the way he seemed to relish in destruction and manipulation, made it difficult to see the good person he could be. Lucy had started to wonder if maybe she had been wrong. Maybe Rex really was too lost in the darkness.

She shook her head, pushing those thoughts aside. Now wasn’t the time for doubt. She needed to find him. If there’s even a chance he can be saved, I have to try. For Emmet.

Lucy continued through the forest, the oppressive silence broken only by the sound of her footsteps. But as she walked, she began to hear something else, a faint noise, distant but growing louder. Voices.

She paused, straining to listen. The voices were coming from up ahead, beyond a thick cluster of trees. Cautiously, Lucy moved toward the sound.

As she pushed through the last of the trees, she found herself at the edge of a clearing. In the center stood two figures, a tall, armored man and a younger boy. The man wore heavy blue armor, and a large sword strapped to his back. The boy, slightly shorter and leaner, wore a similar suit of armor but with lighter features. They were deep in conversation, their backs turned to her, unaware of her presence.

Lucy hesitated for a moment, sizing them up. They didn’t look like enemies, but in a place like this, she couldn’t be too careful. She stepped forward cautiously, clearing her throat to announce her presence.

Both figures turned immediately, their hands going to their weapons in instinctive defense. The older man’s eyes narrowed, but the younger one looked more curious than anything.

"Whoa, whoa," Lucy said quickly, holding up her hands in a gesture of peace. "I’m not here to fight."

The older man’s posture relaxed slightly, though his eyes remained wary. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice steady but cautious.

"I’m Wildstyle," she said, lowering her hands slowly. "I got... uh, pulled here through a portal. I’m looking for my friend. Have you seen anyone else around here?"

The younger boy glanced at his companion before stepping forward, his expression softening. "We haven’t seen anyone, but maybe we can help. I’m Fletcher. And this is, Clay."

"Clay Moorington," the older man added, giving Lucy a nod. "Leader of the Nexo Knights."

"Nexo Knights?" Lucy asked, raising an eyebrow. She had never heard of them before, but that wasn’t surprising. She had been through a dimension portal to a new world, that had its own heroes, its own stories.

Clay nodded. "We’re defenders of this land, though we’ve been... preoccupied lately. We’re on a quest of our own."

"To find our mother," Fletcher added quietly, his voice filled with determination. "She’s been corrupted by dark magic. We’re trying to save her before it’s too late."

Lucy’s heart ached at the words. A mother lost to darkness. It wasn’t the same as her situation with Rex, but it was close enough to make her feel a painful kinship with these two brothers. She had been trying to save Rex. The doubts, the fear that maybe it was already too late, that maybe they were beyond saving. And yet, here they were, still fighting for her.

"I’m sorry," Lucy said softly. "I know how hard that can be."

Clay gave her a long look, his eyes searching hers. He didn’t say anything at first, but after a moment, he nodded. "We’re headed to the remnants of the Wizards’ Council," he said. "There’s magic there that might help us stop Monstrox once for all and bring our mother back. If your friend is lost in this forest, maybe we can help each other."

Lucy considered his offer. She needed to find Rex, but she couldn’t do it alone, not in a place like this. And if these knights were really on a quest to stop some dark wizard, it might just lead her to the answers she needed. Besides, the idea of helping Clay save his mother resonated with her in a way she hadn’t expected. If Clay hadn’t given up hope on his mother, maybe it wouldn’t be too late for Rex either.

"Alright," she said, nodding. "Let’s work together. I’ll help you with your quest, and maybe we can find Rex along the way."

Fletcher’s face lit up with relief, while Clay simply nodded, his expression unreadable. "Then we should get moving. The council’s ruins are deep in the forest, and we’ll need to move quickly. Monstrox’s influence is growing stronger every day."

As the three of them set off together, Lucy couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope stirring inside her. Clay and Fletcher’s determination reminded her of her own. They hadn’t given up on their mother, even when the darkness seemed overwhelming. Maybe that was the key, never giving up, no matter how hopeless things seemed.

For the first time in a long while, Lucy felt like maybe, just maybe, she could bring Rex back.

The journey through the forest was slow and tense. The deeper they went, the thicker the fog became, and the darker the magic that seemed to pulse through the air. Lucy kept her eyes peeled for any sign of Rex, but so far, there had been nothing. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that they were heading in the right direction, that somewhere, deep in the forest, Rex was facing his own battles.

Fletcher, walking just ahead of her, glanced back every now and then, his curiosity evident. He was young, younger than Lucy had expected for someone who seemed to carry such a heavy burden. She had learned a little about their situation during the walk, about how their mother, Ruina, had once been a powerful sorceress before Monstrox had corrupted her. How she had been turned to stone, and how Clay had been forced to fight her.

"Must be hard," Lucy said softly, keeping her voice low as they walked. "Fighting someone you love."

Fletcher nodded, his expression somber. " It’s been tough. I cannot remember our mother before all of this."

"Do you think she can be saved?" Lucy asked.

Fletcher’s eyes were full of hope as he looked at her. "I have to believe that she can. I know she’s still in there, somewhere. We just have to break the spell or find a way to bring her back. That’s why we’re going to the Wizards’ Council. The magic there might be our last chance."

Lucy nodded, understanding all too well. That same hope, the belief that there was still something good left inside someone who had been consumed by darkness, was what had kept her going for so long with Rex. But lately, that hope had felt fragile, like it could slip through her fingers at any moment. Seeing the determination in Fletcher’s eyes reminded her of the importance of holding onto it.

Ahead of them, Clay came to a sudden stop, raising his hand to signal for silence. Lucy’s body tensed as she followed his gaze. Up ahead, the trees opened into a large clearing, and in the center stood the crumbling remains of an ancient structure, what had once been the Wizards’ Council.

The ruins were imposing, even in their decayed state. Stone pillars, cracked and covered in vines, jutted up from the earth like broken teeth. The ground was littered with debris, fragments of statues, shattered pieces of ancient magic, and the remnants of what must have been powerful wards long ago.

"This is it," Clay said quietly, stepping forward.

The atmosphere was heavy with magic, and Lucy could feel it thrumming through the air. It was old, powerful, and dangerous.

As they approached the ruins, Fletcher pointed to a section of the collapsed building where faint symbols still glowed with a faint blue light. "That’s it," he whispered. "The council’s magic."

But before they could get any closer, a sudden movement caught Lucy’s eye. Shadows shifted at the edges of the clearing, and figures emerged from the darkness, twisted, skeletal shapes cloaked in shadow and smoke.

"Get ready!" Clay shouted, drawing his sword. The blade glowed with magical energy, and the runes along its length flared to life.

Fletcher grabbed his own weapon, a smaller, more nimble sword, and stood at the ready.

Lucy pulled out her own weapon, her heart racing. The creatures, dark spirits or corrupted beings of some kind, lunged toward them, moving with a speed that belied their skeletal forms.

Clay was the first to strike, his sword cleaving through the nearest creature with a burst of light. Fletcher was quick to follow, darting between the creatures with swift, precise movements, taking them down with a few well-placed strikes.

Lucy fought behind them, firing her weapon with practiced precision. But for every creature they cut down, more seemed to emerge from the shadows, their forms twisting and reforming as they attacked again and again.

"We need to activate the council’s wards!" Fletcher shouted over the chaos. "It’s the only way to stop them!"

Clay nodded, slashing through another creature. "Wildstyle, go with Fletcher! I’ll hold them off!"

Lucy hesitated for only a moment before nodding. She grabbed Fletcher’s arm, and together they sprinted toward the glowing section of the ruins. The air around them pulsed with dark magic, but the closer they got to the council’s wards, the more it pushed back against the darkness.

"Here!" Fletcher shouted, pointing to the runes. "We need to activate them!"

Lucy quickly followed Fletcher’s lead, placing her hand on the glowing symbols. The magic responded immediately, flaring to life as the runes began to glow brighter and brighter. The dark spirits recoiled, hissing as the light grew more intense, until finally, with a burst of energy, the creatures were obliterated.

The clearing fell silent, the dark magic dissipating as the council’s protective wards reactivated.

Clay joined them moments later, breathing heavily but unharmed. "We did it," he said, sheathing his sword. "The council’s wards are active again."

Fletcher smiled, but there was still a lingering tension in the air. "Now we just have to figure out where the library is."

Lucy nodded, but her mind was already racing. They had fought back the darkness, but Rex was still out there, somewhere in this twisted forest, facing whatever dangers lay in his path. And now, with the council’s magic in their hands, they might just have the power to save him.

"I’m not giving up on you, Rex," Lucy whispered to herself. "Not yet."

Chapter Text

The stone corridors of Monstrox's fortress echoed with every step Rex took, his boots clanging against the cold floor. Darkness shrouded the place, the air thick with the scent of ancient magic and decay. The walls, jagged and uneven, seemed to breathe with a faint pulse of energy, as if the very stones had been infused with dark power. Rex kept his expression neutral as he followed Monstrox’s hovering projector down the corridor, his thoughts turning over everything that had happened since he arrived in this strange world.

It wasn’t long ago that he had landed in the Rock Wood Forest, feeling confident in his path of destruction and manipulation. But something was gnawing at him now, something he couldn’t quite place. It wasn’t that he missed being a hero, he had given up on that long ago. But the victories that used to bring him satisfaction now felt… hollow. Every time he crushed hope, every time he tore something apart, the emptiness inside him grew. He couldn’t deny it.

Ahead of him, Monstrox floated in his ethereal form, a disembodied hologram with a distorted, malevolent face. His voice crackled as he spoke, glitching between words. "We strike tonight, Dangervest. The Nexo Knights have grown complacent. Their town are vulnerable. With you leading the charge, they won’t stand a chance."

"Yeah, yeah, we’ll crush them," Rex said, his voice laced with boredom. He adjusted the gauntlet on his wrist, making sure the advanced tech he had received was ready to go. "But remind me again why I should care? What do I get out of this?"

Monstrox’s grin widened, flickering in and out of focus. "Power, Rex. Unlimited power. The Nexo Knights are a means to an end. Once they fall, nothing will stand in our way. You’ll have all the control you could ever want."

Rex’s eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. Power was what he had always chased, ever since he’d become Rex Dangervest, the ultimate survivor, the lone wolf. But lately, it hadn’t been enough. Crushing the Nexo Knights would be a new challenge.

Ruina stepped out from the shadows, her stone form gleaming faintly in the dim light. Her face, though made of stone, was eerily human, cold, hard, but with eyes that glowed. She had once been powerful in her own right, before Monstrox had corrupted her, turning her into a living statue of vengeance. And yet, even she seemed to find some solace in serving Monstrox, in the quest to conquer.

"You’ll lead the raid," Ruina said, her voice low and gravelly. "Monstrox has provided you with the forces, machines, infected with his virus. But you will need to strike quickly before the Nexo Knights can regroup. We’ll take the technology they guard, and with it, we’ll be unstoppable."

"Yeah, got it," Rex muttered, not meeting her eyes. "I’ll do the job."

But as he spoke, a shadow passed over his thoughts. He wasn’t sure when it had started, this creeping feeling that something was wrong, but it was getting harder to ignore. Maybe it was seeing Ruina, corrupted and turned into a puppet for Monstrox’s schemes. Maybe it was the way Monstrox talked about control, about manipulating people like they were nothing more than pawns. Rex had once believed that control was everything, that power was the only thing that mattered. But now, standing in this dark, twisted fortress, he wasn’t so sure.

Still, Rex wasn’t one to dwell on doubts. He had no regrets. He’d made his choice, and he was sticking to it, at least for now.

"Good," Monstrox hissed, his grin widening. "Prepare yourself, Dangervest. Tonight, we bring ruin to the Nexo Knights."

Night fell quickly in the world of the Nexo Knights, the once bright and hopeful land now darkened by Monstrox’s growing influence. Rex stood on the ridge overlooking the town, the twisted machines Monstrox had infected buzzing at his side, their glowing red eyes flickering in the darkness. These mechanical monstrosities, infected by the Monstrox virus, were powerful but mindless, exactly the kind of soldiers Rex needed for this job.

"Alright, you tin cans," Rex muttered under his breath, rolling his shoulders as he surveyed the stronghold below. "Let’s get this over with."

He raised his gauntlet, sending a signal to the infected machines. In unison, they moved forward, their mechanical limbs clanking as they began their descent toward the Nexo Knights' defenses. Rex followed behind, his expression unreadable. The thrill he felt before a battle, the rush of adrenaline, the excitement of crushing his enemies, was smaller than before.

As the machines neared the town, alarms blared. Nexo Knights rushed to defend it, their armor gleaming in the moonlight. Rex recognized them from Monstrox’s briefings. Aaron, the archer with his energy bow, Robin with a hammer, Lance with the lance, big Axl with the big power axe. He sees a pattern. The Nexo Knights are ready to lay down their lives to protect their world.

"Move in!" Rex barked, his voice carrying over the din of battle. "Take out their defenses!"

The infected machines surged forward, crashing into the Nexo Knights’ barricades with brutal force. Energy blasts erupted in all directions as the knights fought back, but the machines were relentless with their upgraded Nexo Powers. Rex watched from the sidelines, his gauntlet ready to fire, but he held back. Something inside him recoiled at the sight of the destruction, at the thought of what he was doing.

He could see Aaron at the center of the chaos, fighting valiantly alongside his team. The man was a good enough leader, guiding his knights with courage and determination. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, he didn’t give up. There was something about that, about unwavering resolve, that gnawed at Rex. It reminded him of someone. Lucy.

"Focus, Rex," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. "This is what you do. You’re not a hero anymore. Just… get it done."

He fired his gauntlet, sending a blast of energy toward one of the knights. The knight dodged at the last second, but the explosion rocked the battlefield, sending debris flying in all directions. Rex smirked, but the satisfaction he expected didn’t come. Instead, a strange hollowness settled in his chest. His own fists could do more damage, but would also destroy the delicate technology.

In the midst of the battle, a figure appeared, Dragov, Monstrox’s most twisted servant. Once a proud Technomancer, Dragov had allowed Monstrox to corrupt him, turning him into a grotesque cyborg, part man, part machine. His once noble vampiric features were now marred by metal implants and glowing red eyes, his body twisted by the virus that had consumed him.

Dragov waded into the battle, his mechanical limbs crushing anything in his path. He let out a low, guttural laugh as he tore through the Nexo Knights’ defenses, relishing the destruction. But Rex, watching from the ridge, felt nothing but disgust.

"Pathetic," Rex muttered under his breath. Dragov had given up his humanity, surrendered himself to Monstrox’s control, all for the sake of revenge. Rex had once admired that kind of dedication, that willingness to do whatever it took to be strong. But now, seeing Dragov, this mindless servant of Monstrox, Rex felt only disdain.

The battle raged on, but Rex’s mind was elsewhere. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. And it wasn’t just the battle. It was everything. The more he fought, the more he tore down, the less it seemed to matter. He thought about Lucy, about the way she had looked at him the last time they had spoken. She had always believed in him, always believed that there was still something good left inside him. But Rex had pushed her away, convinced that he didn’t need anyone, that he didn’t need redemption.

But now, he wasn’t so sure.

Rex watched as Aaron fought his way through the infected machines. The man was relentless, determined to protect his people no matter the cost. There was something about his resolve, his refusal to give in to the darkness, that struck a chord with Rex.

For a moment, Rex considered stepping into the battle, helping Aaron and the Nexo Knights instead of tearing them down. But then he shook his head, the thought banished as quickly as it had come.

What was he thinking. He wasn’t a hero. Not anymore.

While Rex led Monstrox's forces in the attack, Lucy, Clay, and Fletcher were deep in the heart of the forest in the remnants of the Wizards’ Council.

"We’re close," Clay said, his voice low as he pushed through a thick cluster of vines. "The magic is stronger here. I can feel it."

Lucy nodded, her hand resting on the hilt of her weapon as they made their way through the ruins. The air was thick with magic, and the ground beneath their feet seemed to hum with energy.

Fletcher, walking just behind them, glanced at Lucy. "You think we’ll find what we’re looking for?"

Lucy smiled faintly. "I hope so. If the council’s magic books can help us stop Monstrox and bring Rex back... then it’ll be worth it."

Clay glanced back at her, his expression unreadable. "You still believe in him. Even after everything he’s done."

Lucy’s smile faltered for a moment, but she nodded. "Yeah, I do. It’s not easy, but... I can’t just give up on him. Not when I know there’s still a chance."

Clay looked away, his eyes darkening. "It’s hard to hold onto that hope sometimes. Especially when the person you’re trying to save seems like they don’t want to be saved."

Lucy met his gaze. "But you haven’t given up on your mother. And I won’t give up on Rex."

Clay’s expression softened slightly, and he nodded. "Then let’s make sure we don’t fail."

The three of them pressed on, their footsteps quiet as they approached the next hall. The ancient structure had been reduced to little more than rubble, but the magic that lingered there was still powerful. Stone pillars, cracked and covered in vines, jutted up from the ground, and the remnants of old spells glowed faintly in the air around them.

Lucy could feel it, a pulsing energy, old and powerful, that resonated through the ruins. This was ancient, primal magic, the kind that could change the course of a battle, or a person’s fate.

Fletcher approached one of the pillars, running his hand over the glowing runes. "We need to find the right spell book. Something that can break Monstrox’s hold on Ruina and bring you back to your dimension."

Clay nodded, his eyes scanning the ruins. "The answers are here. We just need to find them."

As they began their search, Lucy felt a renewed sense of purpose. She wasn’t just fighting for Rex anymore. She was fighting for Clay and Fletcher too, for their chance to save their mother. And maybe, just maybe, for her own chance to save Rex and to go home.

Because if there was one thing Lucy had learned, it was that hope was a powerful thing. And she wasn’t ready to let go of it just yet.

Back with the Nexo Knights, the battle had finally ended. The infected machines lay in pieces, but the damage had been done. Rex stood on the ridge, watching as the smoke rose from the battlefield. The Nexo Knights had fought valiantly, but they had lost much. And yet, despite the destruction, Rex felt no satisfaction.

The emptiness inside him had only grown. Where was she? Didn’t he do enough destruction for her to find him.

He turned away from the battlefield, disgusted with himself. This wasn’t what he had wanted. This wasn’t the life he had imagined for himself after his revenge. He had thought that by embracing the darkness, by becoming the worst guy, he could finally be in control. But the truth was, he felt more lost now than he ever had before.

"Was it worth it?" a voice echoed in his mind. Lucy’s voice. The memory of her words cut deeper than any battle wound.

Rex clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. He wasn’t ready to face that question. Not yet.

But deep down, he knew the answer.

And it terrified him.

Chapter Text

The sky above was gray, the heavy clouds hanging low as if waiting for something to stir beneath them. An eerie stillness surrounded the ruins, as though the place itself was holding its breath.

Clay took the lead, his sword glowing faintly as he moved cautiously toward the shattered archway that once served as the grand entrance. The magic lingering here was palpable, a heavy presence that seemed to watch their every step.

"Stay close," Clay said quietly, glancing back at Lucy and Fletcher. "There’s bound to be defenses still active."

Lucy nodded, her hand gripping the hilt of her weapon. She could feel the tension in the air, the weight of centuries-old spells hanging over the ruins like a dark cloud. But they had come too far to turn back now. Somewhere in these ruins was the key to defeating Monstrox, to freeing Ruina, and maybe, even a way home.

"I’ve got a bad feeling about this," Fletcher muttered as he stepped closer to Lucy. His eyes scanned the broken pillars and shattered statues, his hand hovering near his sword.

Lucy gave him a reassuring smile. "We’ll get through this. We’ve got each other."

Fletcher nodded, but his expression remained tense. "I hope you’re right."

As they stepped through the archway, the air grew colder, and the ruins seemed to close in around them. Ancient stone bookshelves lined the walls, cracked and decayed, their contents long turned to dust. But amidst the rubble, faint glimmers of magic still lingered, sparking in the air like embers from a dying fire.

"We need to find the library," Clay said, his voice low but steady. "The council kept records of all their spells, their research. If we can find the right books, we’ll have a chance of stopping Monstrox."

Lucy’s eyes narrowed as she looked around the vast chamber. "Let’s hope the library is still intact."

They made their way deeper into the ruins, moving carefully through the corridors, the magic growing thicker with every step. But it wasn’t long before they realized they weren’t alone.

A sudden chill swept through the air, and the shadows around them began to shift. Lucy froze, her hand tightening around her weapon as ghostly figures emerged from the darkness. The spirits of the long-dead wizards, their forms twisted and corrupted by the magic that had consumed them in their final moments. Their hollow eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, and their hands reached out, clawed and skeletal, as they drifted toward the intruders.

"Clay!" Lucy shouted, drawing her weapon.

Clay was already moving, his sword blazing with magical energy as he stepped in front of them. "Fletcher, stay behind me! Wildstyle, we’ll have to work together to push them back!"

The first of the ghosts lunged at Clay, its wailing scream echoing through the ruins. He swung his sword in a wide arc, the blade cutting through the spirit’s form and sending it dissipating into the air. But for every ghost they struck down, more appeared, rising from the shadows, their hollow voices chanting ancient, forgotten spells.

"There's too many!" Fletcher called out, panic creeping into his voice as he dodged a ghostly hand that reached for him.

"We can’t keep fighting them like this," Lucy said, parrying an attack from one of the spirits. "We need to find a way to stop them!"

"Magic," Clay muttered, his eyes narrowing as he cut down another ghost. "They’re fueled by the magic in this place. If we can disrupt the flow, maybe we can drive them back."

Lucy nodded, already searching the crumbling shelves for anything that might help. Her eyes scanned the decayed tomes and faded scrolls, most of them too damaged to be of any use. But then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted something, a faint glow coming from one of the shelves.

She rushed over, pulling down the dusty old book that seemed to be pulsing with magical energy. The cover was worn, but the title was still legible: "The Art of Banishing Spirits."

"Clay!" she called, flipping through the pages. "I think I found something!"

Clay slashed through another ghost before darting over to her side. "What is it?"

Lucy quickly scanned the book, her eyes widening as she read. "It’s a spell for banishing spirits. If we can cast it, it should disrupt their connection to the magic here and send them back to wherever they came from."

Clay nodded, his expression determined. "Do it. I’ll keep them off you while you cast the spell."

Lucy didn’t waste any time. She handed the book to Fletcher, who began to read the incantation aloud, his voice trembling slightly but growing stronger with each word. As Fletcher spoke the ancient words, the air around them began to shimmer, and the spirits hesitated, their movements slowing as the magic took hold.

Clay stood guard, his sword glowing brighter as he fended off the remaining ghosts, giving Lucy and Fletcher the time they needed.

"Almost there," Fletcher said, his voice steady now as he neared the end of the incantation.

Suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled, and a powerful gust of wind surged through the chamber. The spirits let out a collective wail, their forms unraveling as the spell took effect. One by one, they were pulled back into the shadows, their hollow cries fading into the distance until, at last, the ruins were silent once more.

Lucy let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, her heart still racing from the intensity of the fight. "That… was close."

Fletcher nodded, his face pale but relieved. "We did it."

Clay lowered his sword, the magical glow fading as he sheathed it. "Good work. But we’re not done yet."

The library itself was in better condition than the rest of the ruins. Though many of the shelves had collapsed, there were still intact books scattered across the floor, their pages glowing faintly with magical energy. Ancient spells, long forgotten by time, lay hidden within the pages.

"We need to find the spell that can break Monstrox’s hold on Ruina," Clay said, kneeling down to pick up one of the books. "There has to be something here that can help."

Lucy joined him, carefully sifting through the rubble. The more she searched, the more her mind raced. This place held the power to change everything, not just for Ruina, but for Rex too. If they could find the right magic, they could free Ruina from Monstrox’s control and stop him from corrupting anyone else. But could that same magic work on Rex? Could it help him remember who he used to be, before he gave in to the darkness?

One book was about how to handle intelligent snakes. Another is how their world is in reality build of only bricks, if you master them, you master everything. Lucy doesn’t like how her Master Builder Power are talked about. It was about creativity not power of control.

She winced when she read a book about flesh crafting. You take animals or humans apart and rebuild them anew or different. It was from a crazy scientist called Frank Stone. It was really good and gave easy pointers, but the moral implications were bad. But for a doctor profession it would be very good.

She even found something for her return home. It wasn’t really a spell to home, but it was near enough. It read: “To go back whence you came.” She just needs to apply it to herself and hold the things she wants to travel with. It is the nearest thing of a way back home. Vakamas crystal wasn’t really working.

"Here!" Fletcher called out, holding up an ancient scroll. "This one looks promising."

Clay took the scroll and carefully unrolled it, his eyes scanning the magical symbols etched into the parchment. "This is it," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and determination. "It’s a spell for purification, powerful enough to cleanse even the deepest corruption. It’s what we need to free my mother."

Lucy’s heart skipped a beat. "Do you think it could work on Rex too?"

Clay looked at her, his expression softening. "If there’s still good in him, yes. But the spell requires a connection to the person you’re trying to save. It won’t work unless they’re willing to fight the darkness too."

Lucy swallowed hard, her mind racing. Was Rex willing to fight?

Before she could dwell on the question, a sudden, urgent voice crackled through the air. It was coming from Clay’s communicator, a small device strapped to his wrist.

"Clay! Do you read me?" The voice was frantic, filled with tension. It was one of the Nexo Knights.

Clay quickly activated the communicator. "I’m here. What’s going on?"

"We’re under attack!" the knight’s voice crackled. "It’s a man Rex Dangervest, he’s leading a massive raid on Diggington. We’re barely holding them off!"

Lucy’s heart sank. Rex.

"How bad is it?" Clay asked, his voice tight.

"Bad," the knight replied. "Monstrox’s machines have infected everything. They’re ripping through our defenses. If we don’t get reinforcements soon, we won’t be able to hold them back."

Clay’s jaw clenched, his eyes hardening. "We’re on our way."

As the communicator went silent, Lucy turned to Clay, her heart heavy with worry. "Rex… he’s really doing this."

Clay nodded grimly. "Monstrox is using him, just like he used my mother. But if we can get back to Digginton and cast the purification spell, we might be able to save them both. We can come back later to look for a way to defeat Monstrox once and for all. Now we know the way."

Fletcher looked between them, his expression determined. "Then let’s move. We don’t have much time."

Meanwhile, back at Diggington, Rex stood at the heart of the battlefield, surrounded by the chaos of war. The infected machines roared as they tore through the Nexo Knights' defenses, their glowing red eyes flickering with malice. Rex watched it all unfold, his gauntlet crackling with energy as he commanded the attack. But even as the battle raged on, a growing unease gnawed at him.

Monstrox had promised him power, control, everything he had ever wanted. But the more Rex fought, the more hollow it all felt. These victories, they didn’t mean anything. Crushing the Nexo Knights, tearing down their defenses, watching as they fell one by one, it wasn’t the rush he had once felt. It was empty. Pointless.

And then there was Dragov.

Rex’s eyes narrowed as he watched Monstrox’s most twisted servant wade through the battle, his cyborg body smashing through anything in his path. Dragov had been corrupted beyond recognition, twisted by Monstrox’s virus into something monstrous. He had surrendered everything, his humanity, his free will, all in the name of revenge.

It was pathetic.

Rex had once admired people like Dragov, those who would do anything to be strong, to survive. But now, looking at Dragov, Rex felt only disgust. He saw himself in Dragov’s twisted form, saw the path he was heading down. And it terrified him.

"You’re just like him," a voice whispered in the back of Rex’s mind. "Another puppet for Monstrox to control."

Rex clenched his fists, his eyes darkening. No. He wasn’t like Dragov. He still was still in control of himself. He was still his own man.

But as the thought crossed his mind, another memory surfaced, something Ruina had said to him earlier, about her own past. She had once been a powerful witch, before Monstrox had corrupted her. She had been betrayed by her brother, a man who had loved her too much to kill her when she had turned to darkness. Instead, he had petrified her, trapping her in stone, hoping that one day she could be saved.

For the first time, Rex saw Ruina not as a mindless servant, but as someone who had been lost to the same darkness that was threatening to consume him. Her brother had tried to save her, even when she had fallen. Just like Lucy had tries to save him.

Rex’s chest tightened. Was this really who he wanted to be? Another puppet for Monstrox? Another mindless servant, corrupted by the promise of power?

No.

Rex took a deep breath, his mind racing. He wasn’t like Dragov. He wasn’t like Ruina. He still had a choice.

And for the first time, Rex wasn’t sure if he wanted to keep following Monstrox’s path.

Back at the Wizards’ Council ruins, Lucy, Clay, and Fletcher prepared to leave, the purification spell safely tucked away in Clay’s armor. They didn’t have all they needed, but time was running out. Monstrox’s forces were winning, and Rex was at the heart of it all.

But Lucy’s hope had been reignited. She had seen Clay and Fletcher’s determination to save their mother, despite everything Ruina had done. They hadn’t given up on her, and Lucy wasn’t ready to give up on Rex.

As they made their way back to the stronghold, Lucy couldn’t help but whisper to herself, "Hold on, Rex. We’re coming."

And for the first time in a long while, she believed they could save him.

Chapter Text

The dark halls of Monstrox’s fortress were cold and oppressive, the walls pulsing faintly with the sinister magic that ran through the very stone. Rex Dangervest paced through one of the endless corridors, the metallic clang of his boots echoing through the empty space. His mind was elsewhere, his thoughts swirling with the weight of the battle at Diggington.

The victory had been decisive, Rex had led Monstrox’s forces to a crushing success, breaking through the knights’ defenses with ruthless efficiency. But there was no satisfaction in it. As the infected machines tore through their enemies, Rex had found himself feeling more disconnected than ever, the thrill of battle evaporating before it could even take hold.

"Is this all there is?" he muttered under his breath. Rex had thought that by embracing the path of villainy, he would find purpose, power, and control. But instead, the victories felt hollow, the destruction meaningless.

As he turned a corner, Monstrox’s floating hologram appeared, flickering in the air beside him. The necromancer’s twisted face was etched with a grin, but there was something off about the way Monstrox looked at him, something calculating. Rex had been sensing it for a while now, the subtle shift in Monstrox’s demeanor. The more successful Rex became, the more Monstrox seemed... unsettled.

"You’ve done well, Rex," Monstrox purred, his voice glitching as the hologram flickered. "The Nexo Knights are reeling from the last attack. It won’t be long before their kingdom falls completely."

Rex didn’t meet Monstrox’s gaze, his eyes fixed on the distant shadows of the fortress. "Yeah," he said flatly. "Great."

Monstrox’s smile flickered, and his glowing eyes narrowed slightly. "You don’t sound very enthusiastic. I would’ve thought you’d be celebrating after such a... glorious victory."

Rex clenched his jaw, the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. He could feel Monstrox probing, looking for a crack in his armor. The necromancer’s words dripped with manipulation, as they always did, but this time there was something more.

"Celebrating?" Rex said, his voice cold. "What exactly are we celebrating, Monstrox? We destroyed a part of Diggington, but what’s next? Another battle? More destruction?"

Monstrox’s grin widened. "Of course! There’s always more to conquer, more to crush beneath your heel. Power, Rex, that’s what this is all about."

But Rex wasn’t listening. He knew what Monstrox was trying to do, feed him the same empty promises of power and control, keep him focused on the endless cycle of battles and victories that left him feeling hollower with each passing day. It was a game, one that Monstrox had been playing since the day they’d met.

"Power, huh?" Rex muttered, glancing at the hologram. "Yeah, I’ve heard that before."

Monstrox’s face darkened slightly, his grin faltering. "Careful, Rex. Power is fleeting if you let doubt take root."

Rex turned away, his jaw tight as he started walking down the corridor again. "Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing."

Behind him, Monstrox’s hologram flickered and vanished, but not before Rex caught the subtle shift in the necromancer’s expression. It was a look of calculation, of plotting. And Rex knew, deep down, that Monstrox wasn’t just unsettled by his success, he was threatened by it.

Later that night, Rex found himself in one of the fortress’s underground chambers, a cavernous room filled with high-tech weapons and machinery that Monstrox had acquired in the last days. The infected machines hummed with a low, menacing energy, their red eyes glowing faintly as they awaited their next command.

Rex stood before one of the larger machines, his gauntlet sparking with energy as he made adjustments to the control panel. He’d always had a knack for tech, and the infected machines had provided him with an endless supply of gadgets to tinker with. But even now, as he worked on optimizing their power output, he felt the familiar gnawing emptiness in his chest.

His thoughts drifted back to the Nexo Knights, to their unyielding fight to protect their kingdom despite the odds. There was something about the way they fought that had stuck with him. It was a stark contrast to his own path of destruction. They fought for something bigger than themselves, for hope, for others. Rex had forgotten what that felt like.

A loud clank echoed from the far side of the room, and Rex looked up, his instincts on high alert. He quickly scanned the area, but everything seemed as it should be. The machines were still idle, the weapons stored away. He was alone, at least, he thought he was.

Rex narrowed his eyes. "Who’s there?"

No response. The only sound was the hum of the machines and the faint flicker of the lights overhead, but before he could move, the ground beneath him began to rumble.

Suddenly, the machinery around him sparked to life. The infected machines, which had been dormant moments ago, roared to life in a cacophony of grinding gears and hissing hydraulics. Their eyes flared red, and their weapons primed.

"What the…" Rex barely had time to react before the first blast was fired.

He dodged the attack, rolling behind a nearby console for cover. The infected machines were malfunctioning, their targeting systems clearly compromised. Another blast ripped through the air, missing him by inches and striking the wall behind him, sending shards of stone flying across the room.

Rex cursed under his breath, ducking as another volley of shots rained down. The machines were going haywire, firing at random, their systems completely out of control. But there was something strange about the way they were malfunctioning, something too deliberate to be a coincidence.

This wasn’t just a glitch. This was a setup.

Rex’s eyes flashed with realization. Monstrox.

It had to be him. This was no accident. Monstrox was trying to eliminate him, and he was doing it in a way that could be easily explained away. A simple malfunction, a misfire in the machinery. No one would question it. No one would suspect treachery.

But Rex wasn’t about to go down that easily.

With a growl, he activated his gauntlet, firing a blast of energy toward the nearest machine. The explosion sent it crashing to the ground, its circuits fried. But the others kept coming, their weapons blazing as they continued their assault.

Rex moved fast, using the chaos to his advantage. He ducked and dodged, weaving between the blasts as he fought his way through the room. He knew the layout of the fortress well enough to navigate the maze of machinery, and he used that knowledge to stay one step ahead of the malfunctioning machines.

As the blasts intensified, Rex felt the familiar pull of his reality-bending power. He had honed the ability to step into and out of reality over the years, using it to evade danger when things got too intense. It was a trick he’d perfected, one that had saved his life more times than he could count.

With a flicker of thought, Rex stepped into reality. His body became intangible, slipping through the physical world like a shadow. The blasts from the machines passed him harmlessly, their energy dispersing into the air. For a moment, he was untouchable, moving through the chaos as if he were a ghost. With one step back he was in the room as its sole victor.

But suddenly the room was flooding, Monstrox’s next move. Hidden floodgates opened, and water began pouring in, swirling around Rex’s feet. The  still functioning machines were short-circuiting, but the rising water posed a new danger. The walls of the room groaned as the pressure increased, and Rex knew he didn’t have much time.

He jumped on solid ground, narrowly avoiding a surge of water that threatened to drag him under. His gauntlet sparked again, and he fired at the nearest machine, taking it down in a shower of sparks.

"Nice try, Monstrox," Rex muttered, his voice low and dangerous. "But you’ll have to do better than that."

The room continued to flood, the water rising rapidly as more machines collapsed in the chaos. Rex made a quick calculation, he could survive the trap, but the longer he stayed, the more likely it was that Monstrox would find another way to finish the job.

With one final burst of energy, Rex blasted through the door at the far end of the chamber and made his escape. He sprinted down the corridor, water sloshing at his heels, the sound of the malfunctioning machines fading behind him.

As he reached a safer part of the fortress, Rex leaned against the wall, catching his breath. His heart pounded in his chest, not from the battle, but from the weight of what had just happened.

Monstrox had tried to kill him.

Rex had known it was coming, he’d sensed the growing tension between them, the jealousy in Monstrox’s eyes. But now that it had actually happened, it left Rex feeling… hollow. The betrayal, though expected, wasn’t as hurtful as expected. It wasn’t the dramatic showdown he envisioned.

And for the first time, Rex felt the full weight of his decisions. The path he had chosen, the life he had embraced as a villain, it didn’t fulfill him. It didn’t bring him the satisfaction he thought it would. He had power, control, destruction, and yet it felt like he was running in circles, trapped in an endless cycle of violence that no longer excited him.

Even the revenge against his friends didn’t fulfill him. In reality, he wants something different from them but is too afraid. He shouldn’t have started his revenge on them. The start should have been with the perpetrator Sweet Mayhem and the Sistar System that sent her. The Queen sent many agents, but only the last did the most damage. She kidnapped his friends. His revenge should have been against her and everyone who didn’t help him in his quest to save them.

Rex found a new directive. Now he just needs to make Monstrox miserable before he leaves. The idiot destroyed his own army of infected robots with the flood. He should leave the gauntlet behind, who knows what other surprises there are.

Back with the Nexo Knights, Lucy stood with Clay and Fletcher, their faces illuminated by the flickering light of a fire. The knights were regrouping, recovering from the last battle, but the tension in the air was palpable. They knew Monstrox would strike again, and this time, it would be even worse.

But Lucy’s thoughts were elsewhere. She had learned of Rex’s whereabouts, and she knew that if they were going to stop Monstrox, they would have to confront Rex first.

"He’s still out there," Lucy said quietly, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "Rex is still working with Monstrox, but I don’t think he’s beyond saving. Not yet."

Clay looked at her, his brow furrowed. "You really think you can reach him?"

Lucy met his gaze, her eyes filled with determination. "I have to try. If I don’t… then we’re going to lose him forever."

Fletcher, standing beside his brother, nodded in agreement. "We can’t just fight Monstrox head-on. Not while Rex is with him. He’s too strong. But if we can draw Rex out, separate him from Monstrox, we might have a chance."

Clay crossed his arms, deep in thought. "You’re right. We’ll need to come up with a plan to lure Rex into a confrontation. But it won’t be easy."

Lucy’s mind raced as she considered their options. She knew that Rex still had unresolved anger toward her, anger that Monstrox had likely been feeding on. If they could use that to their advantage, they might be able to trap Rex long enough to talk to him, to get through to him before it was too late.

"We’ll use me as bait," Lucy said, her voice firm. "Rex will come for me if he thinks it’s personal. We can set a trap, and when he comes… I’ll talk to him."

Clay raised an eyebrow. "You’re willing to take that risk?"

Lucy nodded. "I don’t have a choice. If I don’t try, then Rex is lost. And if we lose to Rex, Monstrox wins."

The Nexo Knights exchanged glances before Clay nodded. "Alright. Let’s make this work."

Chapter Text

The air was thick with tension as Lucy and the Nexo Knights stood at the edge of the forest, staring toward the looming silhouette of Monstrox’s fortress. Dark clouds gathered overhead, casting ominous shadows over the landscape. The wind howled through the trees, carrying with it the distant hum of corrupted machines and the faint flicker of red lights glowing in the distance.

Lucy’s heart raced as she stood with Clay and Fletcher. They had prepared for this moment, laid out their plan with meticulous care. Rex would come, she knew that. And when he did, it would be her one chance to reach him, to break through the darkness that had consumed him. But it wouldn’t be easy.

"You’re sure about this?" Clay asked, his voice steady but tinged with concern. His armor glowed faintly with the magic of the Paladin, a testament to the power he had learned to wield.

Lucy nodded, her resolve firm. "I have to try. If there’s still a part of Rex that can be saved, this is our last chance."

Clay exchanged a glance with Fletcher, who stood ready with his sword at his side. They knew the risks. Rex had proven time and again that he could overpower them, his reality-bending abilities giving him an edge in every fight. But this time, they weren’t going into battle blind. They had a plan, and more than that, they had hope.

"We’ll back you up," Fletcher said, his eyes filled with determination. "But remember, Rex is dangerous. If things get too intense, don’t hesitate to pull back."

Lucy managed a small smile, though her heart was heavy. She appreciated their support, but deep down, she knew this battle wasn’t just about physical strength. It was about reaching Rex, about making him see that he wasn’t beyond saving.

"Thanks," she said, her voice soft but resolute. "But I won’t give up on him. Not yet."

Rex Dangervest stood at the top of the ridge, looking down at the group gathered near the forest’s edge. He had seen their presence the moment they entered the territory. Lucy. And the Nexo Knights. They were all there, waiting for him.

A bitter smile tugged at the corner of his lips. They think they can stop me.

But even as the thought crossed his mind, there was a flicker of doubt. Monstrox’s betrayal still gnawed at him, and the hollowness that had taken root in his chest since the last battle weighed heavier than ever, even with his new plan.

But Rex had never been one to back down from a challenge. He wasn’t about to let them see his weakness. Not yet.

Let the battle begin. He stepped out of reality and appeared at the edge of the clearing, just in front of Lucy and the knights.

They reacted instantly, weapons raised, but Lucy stepped forward, her hand lifted in a gesture of peace.

"Rex," she said, her voice steady, though her heart raced. "I knew you’d come."

Rex’s eyes narrowed, the cold smirk he always wore sliding into place. "You’re still trying, huh? Thought you would’ve given up by now."

"I’ll never give up on you," Lucy said, her voice firm. "Not until you see that this isn’t who you are."

Rex scoffed, but the smirk didn’t reach his eyes. "I know exactly who I am, Lucy. I made my choice a long time ago."

"Did you?" Clay’s voice cut through the air, steady and calm. He stepped forward, his sword glowing with the magic of the Paladin. "Or are you just running from the person you used to be?"

Rex’s smirk faltered, but he quickly masked it with a laugh. "Oh, I see. This is the part where you try to save me, right? Redemption, hope, all that nonsense?"

Clay didn’t flinch. "I’m not here to save you, Rex. That’s something only you can do. But I am here to fight for what’s right, and to show you that it’s not too late to change."

Rex’s expression darkened, and he felt the familiar spark of anger rising within him. Change. Redemption. He had heard those words before, from Lucy, from the younger Emmet, and each time, it hurt more and more, because he did more and more terrible things. He was bad and that’s it.

"You don’t know anything about me," Rex growled, stepping closer. "You think you can change me? Save me? I like being the bad guy."

Without warning, Rex lunged forward, his hand crackling with raw energy as he attacked. The Nexo Knights reacted immediately, moving to defend themselves, but Rex was too fast. He stepped into reality, his form flickering in and out of existence as he dodged their attacks effortlessly.

Clay swung his sword, the blade glowing with magic as he aimed for Rex’s side. But Rex flickered out of existence just before the blow could land, reappearing behind Clay and delivering a powerful blow.

Clay staggered but quickly regained his footing, his sword raised as he faced Rex head-on.

"Running won’t help you," Clay said, his voice calm but firm. "You can teleport all you want, but you can’t avoid the truth forever."

Rex gritted his teeth, his anger flaring. He unleashed another punch of Master Breaker power, but Clay blocked it with his sword, the magic shimmering around the blade. The clash of their powers sent shockwaves through the clearing, the ground beneath them trembling from the force.

But even as the battle raged, something was shifting inside Rex. Clay’s words echoed in his mind, and for the first time, he felt a crack in the armor he had built around himself. The more Clay spoke, the more Rex realized that he wasn’t just fighting the knights, he was fighting himself.

"I don’t need redemption!" Rex shouted, his voice laced with frustration. But oh, how he wanted it. It was so tiring to being bad all the time. He stepped into reality again, dodging another attack, but Clay was relentless.

"You say that" Clay said, his voice steady as he pressed the attack, "but I don’t think you believe it anymore."

Rex’s heart pounded in his chest as he deflected another blow from Clay’s sword. The magic around the blade was powerful, and despite Rex’s ability to step in and out of reality, the sword was proving difficult to counter. Every time he tried to attack, Clay met him with a defense that felt unshakable.

The other Nexo Nights were no match for him and stood wisely on the side out of his reach.

Rex dodged a swing, stepping out of reality just in time, but Clay was quick to adapt, anticipating Rex’s movements. He couldn’t land a hit on Clay, but Clay couldn’t get a clean strike on him either. It was a battle of endurance, and both of them were running out of steam. Rex problem was, that he was alone and Clay not.

"You’re not invincible, Rex," Clay said, his voice rising above the clash of their powers. "You’re human. You can still change."

Rex growled, but the words struck a chord deep inside him. He was human. And that was the problem, wasn’t it? No matter how much power he gained, no matter how much destruction he caused, he couldn’t escape that simple truth.

"You don’t know what you’re talking about!" Rex roared, his frustration boiling over. He unleashed a powerful wave of destruction, sending Clay flying back. But the Paladin rose to his feet, his sword glowing brighter than ever.

"You’re wrong," Clay said, his voice filled with certainty. "I know exactly what you’re feeling. You think you’re too far gone. You think the darkness is all you have left. But that’s not true. You can still fight it."

Rex’s chest tightened, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Clay’s words hit harder than any of the blows in their fight. He felt the cracks widening, the doubt clawing at the edges of his mind. Was this really what he wanted? To be a pawn in Monstrox’s game? To live in the shadows of his own guilt, anger and regrets?

He had chosen this path to prove something, to prove that he didn’t need anyone, that he was strong enough to survive on his own. But the more he fought, the more he realized that it wasn’t strength that drove him. It was fear. Fear of being weak, fear of being vulnerable, fear of being left behind again.

Rex staggered back, he struggled to keep his composure. He could hear Lucy’s voice in his mind, soft but insistent. "This isn’t who you are, Rex."

"No," Rex muttered, shaking his head. "I’m not a hero. I’m not..."

But the words felt hollow. His villainous identity was cracking, piece by piece, and he couldn’t hold onto it anymore.

As the battle raged on, Lucy watched from the sidelines, her heart aching. She could see the conflict in Rex’s eyes, the way he hesitated every time Clay spoke. It was working. He was fighting more than just Clay, he was fighting himself. And Lucy knew that now was the moment she had been waiting for.

Stepping forward, Lucy called out, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "Rex! Stop!"

Rex froze, his body tense as he turned toward her, his chest heaving from the battle. His eyes locked with hers, and for a moment, everything else fell away.

"You don’t have to keep doing this," Lucy said, stepping closer. "This isn’t who you are. You’re not a villain, Rex. You never were."

Rex’s hands clenched into fists, his eyes darkening. "You don’t know what you’re talking about, Lucy. I made my choices."

"No," Lucy said, her voice firm. "You didn’t. You’ve been running, hiding from the person you used to be. But deep down, you’re still the same."

That was the wrong thing to say. Lucy regretted it, when he attacked her with blind fury. Clay managed to intervene at the last moment. The other Nexo Knights were blown away during the confrontation.

Chapter Text

Rex Dangervest's entire body tensed, his fists clenched tightly at his sides as Lucy’s words rang in his ears. "But deep down, you’re still the same."

The statement hit him like a tidal wave, crashing through the walls he had carefully built around himself. A storm of emotions surged inside him, pain, anger, resentment, but what burned brightest of all was rage. Lucy’s unwavering belief in his redemption, in his potential to change, felt like an insult, a denial of the pain and misery had to go through.

Rex’s eyes blazed with fury, and without warning, he snapped.

"You think you know me?!" Rex roared, his voice raw with anger. "You think I’m still that same weak, hopeful fool?!"

Before anyone could react, Rex lunged at Lucy with a wild fury, intent on obliterating her naïve hope once and for all.

Lucy’s eyes widened, but she didn’t flinch. She knew Rex was unpredictable, but this attack was full of rage. Yet, she stood her ground, trusting that Clay would intervene before it was too late.

And he did.

Clay moved with the precision of a seasoned warrior, his magic-infused sword glowing brightly as he stepped between Rex and Lucy. He blocked Rex’s strike with a swift swing of his blade, the energy from the colliding bursts with light and sound. The impact sent shockwaves through the ground, shaking the trees around them.

"Rex, stop!" Clay shouted, his voice calm but commanding. He pressed forward, forcing Rex back. "This isn’t you!"

But Rex was beyond reasoning. The rage he felt, the desperation to silence Lucy’s words, to snuff out the hope she still had for him, clouded his judgment. He attacked again, his body flickering in and out of reality as he attempted to outmaneuver Clay. Each time he reappeared, he struck with brutal force, but Clay was ready. The Paladin’s magic surged with every strike, his sword cutting through the air as he parried and blocked Rex’s attacks.

"Stay out of this!" Rex growled, his voice filled with venom. "This is between me and Lucy!"

Clay’s face was set in a grim expression as he continued to fend off Rex’s blows. "No, Rex," he said firmly. "This is about you. You’re angry because deep down, you know she’s right!"

That only fueled Rex’s fury. He unleashed another wild swing, but Clay’s sword caught it again, the magical glow pulsing as the two forces collided. Rex’s frustration grew as Clay’s calm and determination seemed to mock his inner turmoil. Every attack Rex threw at him, Clay countered with unwavering resilience, refusing to back down.

"You think I’m fighting because I care?!" Rex spat, stepping into reality and back again, making it harder for Clay to land a decisive blow. "I’m fighting because this is who I am now!"

"That’s not true!" Clay’s voice rose above the chaos of their battle. "You’re angry because you don’t want to admit that you can still change! That you’re afraid of what it means if you let go of this anger!"

With every word, Rex’s attacks became more erratic, more desperate. He flickered in and out of existence, trying to disorient Clay, but the Paladin held its own. Rex’s fist cracked fiercely, but his movements were starting to lose their precision. He wasn’t just fighting Clay, he was fighting the truth.

Lucy, standing behind Clay, watched the battle with her heart in her throat. She could see the conflict in Rex’s eyes, the way his rage masked something deeper, something that terrified him. But she couldn’t let this continue. If Rex kept fighting like this, he might destroy himself along with everything else.

She had hoped to reach Rex through words, through reason. But there was no reasoning with him now. He was blinded by fury, and if she didn’t act fast, this battle would spiral out of control.

Plan B.

Lucy’s hand went to her belt, her fingers brushing the scroll she had prepared earlier, the return spell. It was a last resort, a way to pull Rex out of this destructive spiral and get them both away from the chaos. She knew it was risky to use an untested spell, but it was the only way.

Taking a deep breath, Lucy unrolled the scroll, her eyes scanning the ancient words written in a language long forgotten. She didn’t have much time. Clay was struggling to keep up with Rex’s teleportation, and even though he was holding his own, Lucy could see that Rex’s raw fury was overwhelming.

"Clay!" Lucy called out, her voice urgent. "I’m going in! Hold him off for just a few more seconds!"

Clay glanced back at her, his expression grim but determined. He nodded, tightening his grip on his sword as he blocked another strike from Rex. "Do it, Wildstyle. I’ll keep him busy!"

With a deep breath, Lucy began to recite the incantation, her voice low and steady as the magic from the scroll swirled around her. The air crackled with energy, and the ground beneath her feet trembled as the spell activated.

Rex, in the midst of his battle with Clay, suddenly sensed the change. His eyes flicked toward Lucy, widening in realization as the spell’s magic pulsed through the air.

"No!" Rex snarled, breaking away from Clay and charging toward Lucy once more. His fury was blinding now, he was desperate to stop her, desperate to silence the part of himself that was slowly crumbling under the weight of her belief in him.

But Lucy was ready.

Just as Rex reached her, his hand raised to strike, Lucy threw herself at him with all the strength she could muster. Her body collided with his, and the impact knocked them both off balance, sending them tumbling to the ground.

"Lucy, stop!" Rex shouted, his voice raw with anger and confusion as they rolled across the dirt.

But it was too late. The spell’s magic flared to life, wrapping around them like a whirlwind, and in an instant, the world around them began to shift. The battlefield, the trees, the sky, it all started to blur, dissolving into a swirling vortex of light and color.

"No!" Rex screamed, his voice full of rage, but beneath that rage was something else, something he couldn’t quite admit to himself.

Relief.

The magic pulled them both into the dimensional rift, the world around them fading away as they were whisked through the chaotic energy of the spell. Rex’s body felt weightless, as if he were floating through a void, the fury in his chest slowly giving way to a strange sense of calm. His heart pounded, his mind raced, but the intensity of the battle, the chaos, the anger, was gone.

Lucy was holding him. He should push her away. But it was a bad idea to do it now. What spell did she use? Where are they going? How long until she lets go?