Month: June 2020

Megumi wiped her bike down a dozen times over before her round began. “Nice and clean, ready to race!” she cheered to herself. A flash of pink light appeared and formed into Rosadera.

“You seem ready for this bout,” chuckled Rosadera.

“I AM ready!” assured Megumi.

“Moradelia’s already taken Arsha to the starting line,” reported Rosadera. “We’re all waiting for you.”

“Then let’s go!” declared Megumi. Pink light enveloped the ladies and the bike and the scene faded to become the first area of Green Hill Zone. Arsha was waiting next to her broom. It was covered by metal armor and had wheels to keep it near and level to the ground. Megumi whistled. “That’s really fancy looking!” she praised.

“Your bike’s not too shabby itself,” replied Arsha. The Chizaran Princesses then gathered and faced the camera, beginning their broadcast.

“I am Rojenthi, the Red Princess of Chizara, and the war-time leader.”

“I am Azuliterii, the Blue Princess of Chizara, and the technological leader.”

“I am Rosadera, the Pink Princess of Chizara, and the peace-time leader.”

“I am Verdutha, the Green Princess of Chizara, and the environmental leader.”

“And I am Moradelia, the Purple Princess of Chizara, and the history leader.”

“This is it, ladies and gentlemen!” cheered Rojenthi. “The final round of the 590,492^nd Verse Vs. Verse Rumble Royale! With this round, we’ll determine who controls First Place prize, the Master Wand!”

“Representing her new home of 8-3-Y-0-N-D-C-1-T-Y,” Azuliterii introduced, “we have Megumi Hishikawa! Representing T-H-3-T-H-R-3-3-R-3-4-L-M-5, we have Arsha Royana!”

“The final outcome shall be determined,” continued Rosadera, “by a race! The course was graciously offered by Sonic the Hedgehog of T-R-4-N-5-F-0-R-M-3-R-5-M-0-8-1-4-N-C-H-R-0-N-1-C-L-3-5!”

“Megumi and Arsha,” explained Verdutha, “must race to the end on their respective vehicles. Whoever crosses the finish line first will take home the Master Wand.”

“Arsha’s broom,” Moradelia went on, “has been modified so both racers will have an equal chance of winning and both racers may NOT interfere in one another’s progress.”

“Arsha Royana, are you ready?” called Rosadera. Arsha snapped her fingers, formed her armor, and got on her broom.

“Ready to win!” cheered Arsha.

“Megumi Hishikawa, are you ready?” asked Rosadera. Megumi fastened her Vortex Driver to her waist and inserted her i.d. tag.

“Henshin!” she announced. She spun the wheel and became Kamen Rider Royal before she hopped onto her bike and gunned her engine. “Let’s get going!”

“Moradelia, Verdutha,” called Rosadera, “if you could take your places at the finish line, we’ll get underway!” Moradelia and Verdutha vanished in green and purple light. Azuliterii, Rosadera, and Rojenthi then lined up along the starting line leaving plenty of space for Royal and Arsha to go between them. “With this round,” announced Rosadera, “we shall determine who will take home the Master Wand! Race with honor, race with pride, and, most importantly, race well!”

“On your marks!” cheered Azuliterii. Royal gunned her engine while magic sparks flew from the end of Arsha’s broom.

“Get set!” announced Rojenthi. The two ladies revved their vehicles in an attempt to psych one another out.

“GO!” called Rosadera. The two ladies then took off, the gust of wind from the sudden acceleration blowing everywhere and tossing the Chizaran Princesses’ hair out of their well-kept states. They blinked in shock once the wind died.

“…Dang, they really WERE ready!” chuckled Rojenthi as the Princesses redid their hair.

---

The racers had just crossed the first bridge when they started taunting each other. “There’s no shame in pulling out!” laughed Arsha.

“I’ve played this level a few times,” replied Royal. “I know the ins and outs of Green Hill Zone! I’m not giving up now!” As they crossed the second bridge, Royal weaved around the fish robots, Eggman’s Choppers, while Arsha simply barreled on through. “Okay, where did THOSE come from?!” protested Royal.

---

“I thought you cleared Green Hill!” Optimus snapped at Sonic.

“I did!” insisted Sonic. “I cleared it last night! There’s no way Eggman put more of them there!”

“Then you obviously missed some of them!” growled Shadow.

“Oh, bite me, Faker!” snapped Sonic.

---

While the two Hedgehogs bickered, the racers took different paths. Arsha took the middle path while Royal sped along the bottom path. After Royal had jumped her bike onto a ladybug robot, a Moto-bug, she rejoined Arsha on the middle path and they both approached the giant stone loop. They accelerated and went around the loop safely. They then left the loop and entered a tunnel that snaked downwards. The tunnel ended at a level path and both racers continued along it, forcing their vehicles to jump at certain areas. Soon the path was totally level and they were approaching the sign at the end of the level! They accelerated as Moradelia and Verdutha went to opposite sides and raised their hands. “Here they come, folks!” called Verdutha. The racers were neck and neck! Five…four…three…two…one…they crossed the finish line and spun the sign!

“She won!” cheered Richard.

“Told you she could win!” called Malnar.

“…Who are you talking about?” asked Richard.

“Arsha, like you,” replied Malnar.

“No, I was talking about Megumi,” corrected Richard. “Megumi won.”

“No, ARSHA did!” hissed Malnar.

“I think I know who won!” snarled Richard.

“Obviously not!” argued Malnar.

“Well, the Princesses can tell!” declared Richard. They turned to Verdutha. “Who won?” Verdutha and Moradelia were busy looking over the footage over and over again. “…You DO know, right?” asked Richard. The two Princesses didn’t say a word.

“Come on!” urged Malnar. “Don’t leave us in the dark!” Still nothing. Malnar and Richard rolled their eyes.

“WHO WON?!” they both shouted.

“We don’t know,” gulped Verdutha.

“The race was so close that we can’t tell,” supplied Moradelia.

“ARE YOU KIDDING?!” wailed Richard.

“Don’t worry, we have someone who can help!” assured Verdutha. She pointed up to the sky to reveal a Sky Spy that monitored the whole thing from above.

“Teletraan 1!” realized Richard. “Megumi told me he does photography in his spare time!”

“We’ll get his help and announce the winner very soon,” promised Moradelia.

---

The picture analysis took about half an hour as Teletraan took multiple pictures. He had magnified the fronts of the vehicles as they crossed the finish line. Soon, all of the Princesses came to the same conclusion. “I think we can announce the winner now,” declared Rosadera.

“She won by just a centimeter!” chuckled Rojenthi.

“Thank you, Teletraan!” bid Moradelia.

“You’re welcome, ladies!” returned Teletraan.

---

Everyone had gathered at the finish line once again. Megumi and Arsha stood by their vehicles and awaited the results. “Ladies and gentlemen,” called Rosadera. “We have our winner! The one that crossed the line first by just a centimeter, the new owner of the Master Wand, the winner of this round, the champion of the 590,492nd Verse Vs. Verse Rumble Royale…” the pause was a good 30 seconds, “…is Arsha Royana, Crown Princess of the entire Mid-realm, Captain of the CRS-2784 Endeavor, and the champion of universe T-H-3-T-H-R-3-3-R-3-4-L-M-5!” Arsha was cheered to the echo at that announcement! “Congratulations, Arsha Royana! You have earned the Master Wand! Tell me, do you intend to use it or is it too powerful for anyone to use?”

“Definitely the latter,” replied Arsha as her spouses hugged her and sang her praises. “That thing’s going into the Realmfleet Deep Vaults. No one must use it. That was the plan I had with Megumi and Optimus.”

“I recall your little disagreement with them before you all accepted our invitation,” chuckled Rosadera.

“Hey, Arsha,” called Megumi. She shook Arsha’s hand, then hugged her. “Congratulations!” bid Megumi.

“You’ve earned that thing,” agreed Optimus. “Maybe it’s better for someone who’s used magic all their life to look after it.”

“Thank you, both of you!” replied Arsha.

“The Closing Ceremony for this tournament is tomorrow morning, relative to your universe’s time-scale,” Rosadera announced to the camera. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for tuning in to the 590,492nd Verse Vs. Verse Rumble Royale! We’ll see you all in the next one!”

---

Everyone returned to Vorton, carrying Arsha on their shoulders like the champion she was. She was set down and showered with praise for a good minute. “Okay, okay, thank you all!” called Arsha, holding her hands up and signaling for them to stop. “That was an intense race!” sighed Arsha happily. “Megumi, I was so sure YOU were going to win.”

“I guess just playing the level didn’t help me win that much,” mused Megumi.

“I’m surprised Eggman still had some robots there,” muttered Optimus.

“Well, they weren’t all that strong,” replied Arsha. “Must be prototypes.”

“I know you’ve been inundated with the praise,” interjected Megumi, “but I can’t congratulate you enough. You are an excellent fighter and a wonderful friend.”

“A pity I can’t compete again,” sighed Arsha.

“We’ll still visit,” assured Megumi. “Besides, if we’re both invited again, Optimus and I will need to settle who’s the better out of the two of us.”

“Tell me if you do so I can tune in to your bouts,” answered Arsha.

“And we’ll make sure we keep all of our universes safe,” supplied Optimus. “Besides, we can’t exactly do much without our Keystone Bearers, can we?”

“Not without your NEW Keystone Bearers, no,” replied Batman in his usual raspy voice.

“…New?” repeated Megumi.

“We’ve all decided,” explained Hongo. “We’re passing our Keystones on to four Vortex Riders. We were going to tell you when the time was right.”

“The massively awkward silence tells us that now wasn’t it,” mumbled Wyldstyle.

“What?! NO!” protested Megumi. “You can’t leave us like this!”

“Our stories have already been completed,” replied Gandalf. “We’ve already discussed this with Death. If certain events do not complete themselves, our universes will collapse, even if they’re already branches of the main one.”

“So…you’re leaving us?” asked Richard. “You’re not gonna see Vorton again?”

“Probably not, not until Death takes us,” answered Batman. The Vortex Riders became misty eyed.

“I will not say ‘Do not weep,’” assured Gandalf, “for not all tears are an evil. My time is done. Sauron is defeated and I must return to the Undying Lands in the West.”

“There’s still evil in Gotham,” continued Batman. “While I have others to help me, they still need my guidance.”

“I’ve got nothing but a life full of change ahead of me,” supplied Wyldstyle. “Besides, Emmet still needs me.”

“And Kamen Rider Zero-One, while his jokes are subpar,” finished Hongo, “still fights to protect the two worlds that influenced him. I am no longer needed. My distaste for the generations of Kamen Riders after my time is gone. It’s time to settle down now that Shocker is so fractured that it can only focus on itself.”

“…Will we ever meet again?” sniffed Megumi.

“I think we will,” replied Batman. “If not soon, then whenever Death takes us to After Academy.”

“You’ve been accepted?!” yelped Richard.

“All four of us,” confirmed Gandalf.

“We’ll be going once we’ve ALL said our goodbyes,” explained Batman.

“Then we should make our last moments memorable,” declared Megumi.

The break was over and the 3V2R was back on. Optimus was waiting for his ride to Phury’s home by the Vorton Gateway. His holo-form twirled the pair of sai he was going to use. He had a mode-lock attached so he would remain in his alt-mode. “Careful, Prime,” warned Jazz. “She’s crafty.”

“Crafty or not,” growled Optimus as he put his sai away and changed his outfit to a ninja suit, “I’m not going to let her cheating go unpunished! I’ll show her! I won’t become a cheater like her!” Black mist appeared and formed Nemengra.

“Phury is waiting within her forest,” she reported.

“Then bring me to her!” declared Optimus. His holo-form and alt-mode were surrounded by black mist and they all appeared at the edge of a dense forest. A camera appeared as Nemengra checked her hair and hair ornament. She then adjusted her skirts and began her broadcast.

“I am Nemengra,” she greeted, “the black princess of Chizara and the death leader! Representing G-W-3-N-1-0, we have Phury of Appoplexia with home turf advantage! Representing T-R-4-N-5-F-0-R-M-3-R-5-M-0-8-1-4-N-C-H-R-0-N-1-C-L-3-5, we have Optimus Prime! The competitors’ shadowy skills shall determine the victor of this bout! Both combatants are using the weapon they are weakest with. Whoever lands three hits on their opponent it victorious! No other weapons may be used, no force-fields and no outside interference! Phury, are you ready?”

“Let’s get this over with,” growled an image of Phury dressed in a ninja’s outfit.

“Optimus Prime, are you ready?” asked Nemengra.

“Let’s do it!” declared Optimus.

“This round is for Third Place prize!” reminded Nemengra. “While it’s not as powerful as the Master Wand, it WILL be as magnificent! As such, fight with honor, fight with pride, and, most importantly, fight well! Begin!” The image of Phury disappeared and Optimus pulled his mask over his face as he dashed into the forest. As he jumped through the trees, he looked around for any telltale movements that would give Phury’s position away. Something then hit him on the back of the head during his jump! He landed hard on the ground and looked up to see Phury twirl a pair of tonfa!

“One for me, whelp!” she taunted.

“Gonna have to come down from there sometime, kitty!” taunted Optimus.

“You have a point!” laughed Phury as she jumped down. Optimus performed a slash, but Phury blocked it.

“Ah, poopy!” swore Optimus. Phury then went of the offensive with a series of strikes that Optimus blocked. Soon, their weapons locked with each other.

“There’s no shame in surrendering to your better!” chuckled Phury.

“There is if they’re not my better!” shouted Optimus. Phury then shoved Optimus away and untangled the weapons in the process. Her tonfa then smacked Optimus in the face!

“Two for me, none for you!” taunted Phury. “Wish to reevaluate that opinion, child?”

“I didn’t say you weren’t a better fighter,” corrected Optimus as he bent down, “I just said you weren’t my better!” He then scooped up a pile of leaves from the forest floor with his sai and flung them at Phury. She swatted at them like mosquitoes targeting a sweaty human. When everything had settled, Phury no longer saw Optimus!

“…Where?!” she demanded. “Where?!”

“It must really gall you,” chuckled Optimus’ voice from above her. The sound came from all around her, so she couldn’t determine where he was.

“…What does?” asked Phury.

“How you lost your empire,” replied Optimus.

“Well, being betrayed by your white-furred sister…!” growled Phury.

“No, no, no, that’s not what I meant,” laughed Optimus. “I mean, yeah, having a sibling betray you, that stings. I completely understand, I’ve been there. However, that’s not the galling part. All of those people underfoot, suddenly rising up against you? That’s what I’m talking about. I’m willing to bet my Spark that you always ask yourself how it could have happened. After all, you’re their ‘better’.”

“I AM their better!” snarled Phury. “Superior strength! Superior soldiers! Superior intelligence! Superior in EVERY aspect!”

“Yet, here you are,” answered Optimus, “fighting someone beneath you in a tournament, CHEATING in said tournament, and making a sad bid for power just to reclaim your throne.” Phury then felt a strike to her knees and grunted in pain. “What do you know? One for me, now!”

“I’M the cheater?!” roared Phury. “You must have switched your holo-form off as I swatted the leaves aside!”

“He didn’t,” replied Nemengra’s voice. “His holo-form is still online; you just need to find him. He DID strike you with one of his sai. He’s correct, it IS one for him.”

“He distracted me!” countered Phury as she tore her mask off. “Optimus, come out and face me with honor!”

“Oh, yes, I know all about your ‘honor’, Ms. Tony the Tiger,” taunted Optimus.

“What’s THAT supposed to mean?!” snarled Phury as she struggled to hold it together.

“See, unlike you, I did my homework and read your dossier,” explained Optimus as his tone became one of disgust. “You personally butchered all of Anur Transyl and its moon, Luna Lobo! All of those men, women, and children of both the Loboans and Transylians you killed before the Ectonurites took command of the Anur System, CHILDREN, Phury! The blood of innocents and innocence saturates your hands, you demon!”

“INNOCENTS?!” shouted Phury as she finally let her anger take hold. “INNOCENCE?! LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, OPTIMUS PRIME, YOUNGEST PRIME IN CYBERTRONIAN HISTORY! BY RIGHT OF CONQUEST, THE ENTIRE ANUR SYSTEM WAS MINE TO COMMAND! THOSE MONSTERS REFUSED TO LEAVE THE PLANETS THAT MY SOLDIERS NEED FOR RESOURCES, FOR A TACTICAL POSITION TO END THE CYBERTRONIAN THREAT! THEIR BACKWARDS LIVES WERE NOTHING COMPARED TO THE NEEDS OF MY MEN!”

“Yet, your sister, the current Queen of Appoplexia, Rayj, didn’t agree with you, did she?” growled Optimus. “She got Verdona and her granddaughter, this universe’s Omnitrix bearer, Gwen Tennyson, to liberate Appoplexia from your rule and join the Plumber Alliance.”

“RAYJ WAS ALWAYS WEAK!” screamed Phury. “ALWAYS TAKING PITY ON THOSE BENEATH US! WHEN WE WERE CUBS, SHE USED TO SNEAK FOOD OFF THE TABLE AND GIVE TO THOSE WRETCHES THAT WERE OUR SERVANTS!”

“So, what in the Pit makes YOU any better than her?!” demanded Optimus.

“I WAS THEIR QUEEN!” roared Phury, her rage reaching animalistic levels! “ALL UNDER MY COMMAND MUST LIVE AND DIE BY MY COMMAND! WHILE RAYJ WAS WASTING HER TIME WEEPING AT THE GRAVES OF THOSE INFERIORS, I WAS LEADING THE CHARGE TO KEEP THE UNIVERSE SAFE FROM CYBERTRON! I WAS KEEPING OUR EMPIRE INTACT! WITH THE CYBERTRONIAN CIVIL WAR BURNING HALF THE UNIVERSE, WE WERE ALWAYS UNDER THREAT FROM OTHER POWERS! FROM THE PANTOPHAGE AND THEIR HERESY! FROM VILGAX’S MACHINATIONS! FROM THE RESISTANCE GROUPS THAT REFUSED TO CALL US THEIR MASTERS! I WAS THE ONE ENDING THOSE THREATS! ON PETROPIA! ON ARANHASCHIMMIA! ON ALL OF THEM! I WAS DEFENDING OUR VERY WAY OF LIFE WHILE RAYJ WAS GETTING DRUNK ON THEIR FILTH!” She threw her head back and turned her shouting to the forest’s canopy. “I HOPE YOU’RE WATCHING THIS, SISTER! DO YOU REMEMBER MURRAY?! DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN I FOUGHT VILGAX HIMSELF?!” While she ranted, she felt a sai strike her backside. She was swinging her tonfa wildly as she continued, like they were swords. “MY BATTLE WITH HIM LASTED HOURS! HOURS! I DIDN’T CALL FOR HELP! I DIDN’T CRY OUT IN PAIN WHEN HE STRUCK ME! I ONLY STRUCK BACK! WHEN IT ALL ENDED, I RAN MY CLAWS INTO HIS CHEST AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN UNTIL HE STOPPED MOVING! HE BEGGED ME FOR DEATH! I REFUSED TO LET HIM DIE! BUT YOU RENDERED MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS MOOT! I DON’T EVEN HAVE SCRAPS TO COMMAND WHEN I ONCE COMMANDED AN EMPIRE! AND YOU DID IT! YOU TOOK IT ALL AWAY FROM ME! YOU BROUGHT AN ANODITE AND HER GRANDDAUGHTER TO TAKE MY THRONE! YOU RUINED EVERYTHING!”

“Yeah, how sad,” scoffed Optimus in an unsympathetic tone. He appeared suddenly in front of Phury, slammed the end of his sai’s handle into her chin, and sent her cartwheeling out of the forest near Nemengra’s position. As Phury readjusted her jaw, Nemengra made her announcement.

“This contest is over!” she cheered. “Third Place prize goes to Optimus Prime!”

“NO!” roared Phury.

“Optimus, I shall return you home,” declared Nemengra. “Phury, though you have suffered a…” she didn’t get far as Phury wrapped her fingers around Nemengra’s neck and started squeezing.

“REVOKE THAT DECISION, CHIZARAN!” demanded Phury.

“The victor…was chosen…by YOUR fight terms!” choked Nemengra.

“REVOKE IT OR I WILL TAKE YOUR HEAD!” roared Phury.

“Not…not much of…a threat…for an immortal!” gasped Nemengra. “The…the victor has…already been…been decided! Get your…fat fingers…off my neck!”

“I AM QUEEN PHURY OF APPOPLEXIA!” shouted Phury. “NONE DESERVE THE PRIZE MORE THAN…!” Nemengra touched her hair flower and it turned into black armor for her. As Optimus’ holo-form escaped the forest, Nemengra clasped her hands under Phury’s elbow and drove them upwards, bending Phury’s elbow in an unnatural way and breaking it. Phury roared in pain before she was punched square in the face, making her fly backwards into the forest and knocking the trees over with the impact. Nemengra then leapt upwards and landed on Phury, feet first. She got off and looked over Phury before snapping her fingers and restoring Phury’s bones to their unbroken state, but still leaving the pain. For once, an enraged Appoplexian was stopped by a few punches. Nemengra dismissed the armor, then glared at Phury.

“I’ll let you in on a little secret,” she said softly, “Because we can’t die, I’m the weakest Chizaran. Not the weakest of all the princesses, not the weakest of the minor princesses, the weakest of every single Chizaran. Even so, I still have more power in the loosest thread of my dress than you’ve ever commanded in your entire life! Article 1, section 1, subsection 1, paragraph 1 of the General Rules of Combat: violent actions towards the judges or competitors outside of a bout will NOT be accepted! The prescribed penalty is immediate banning from the tournament at a judge’s discretion! As of now, I intend to follow through on that! Let me tell you something, Phury, disgraced Queen of Appoplexia! You will no longer be welcomed to the Verse Vs. Verse Rumble Royale!” She snapped her fingers and Optimus and Nemengra returned to Vorton. “Congratulations, Optimus Prime, on your victory,” she bid before the mode-lock vanished in black mist and she left in the usual Chizaran manner. Megumi and Arsha had seen the whole thing.

“She’s the weakest Chizaran?!” gulped Megumi.

“Remind me not to make her mad!” muttered Arsha.

“I’m glad she’s on our side,” mumbled Optimus.

---

Blancalmarem and Nemengra began their post-round broadcast. “I am Blancalmarem, the white princess of Chizara and the life leader,” began Blancalmarem.

“I am Nemengra, the black princess of Chizara and the death leader,” finished Nemengra.

“We’d like to offer a small warning to those who wish to participate in other 3V2R’s,” continued Blancalmarem.

“We Chizarans like to consider ourselves gracious hosts,” supplied Nemengra.

“However, unlike our lives and power,” warned Blancalmarem, “our hospitality is NOT without limits.”

“So, please,” advised Nemengra, “be gracious in defeat and magnanimous in victory.”

“If not,” continued Blancalmarem, “as Nemengra and Phury can attest, the results WON’T be pleasant.”

“You’ll find out what it means to get on a Chizaran’s bad side,” finished Nemengra. “Please do everything legal in your power to stay in the tournament and we’ll all get along just fine.”

---

Phury was still lying in the crater that was created from the beatdown she had received. She was practically numb to everything. All she could do was think about how her last bid for power had slipped from her hands. She had nothing, no troops, no loyal subjects, no home, no title, nothing. She then started crying. She was nothing now. She sat up and looked at her claws, a thought crossing her mind. Desperation took hold as she wanted it all to end. She extended a claw, brought it to her neck, hesitated only for 10 seconds, then her arm was grabbed by a metal hand. “I see no logic in suicide right now,” remarked the hand’s owner.

“LET GO!” shrieked Phury as she got out of the stranger’s grasp. The stranger was the former Cyber-Leader, Gi. “There’s no logic in living now!” sobbed Phury. “I just had my power stripped of me and all of my future chances of regaining it are gone! Only death remains! I don’t care if it’s dishonorable! My life needs to end on MY terms!”

“What would you say if your chances of getting power AREN’T gone just yet?” asked Gi.

“What would YOU know of that?” dismissed Phury as she turned away.

“My organization has quietly conquered three universes,” explained Gi. “You’ve led an empire longer than I did, so there IS a place in my organization’s ruling council for you.” Phury stayed still for a while, then turned as her tears stopped flowing.

“…Go on,” she invited.

“I represent a new iteration of Shocker,” continued Gi. “Shocker Umbra. I’m sure you’ve heard of Shocker Rift?”

“You mean Vortech’s version of Shocker?” asked Phury as she wiped her eyes. “What about it?”

“My friend and I,” Gi went on, “are making a better, more stable version of that organization. We’ve got some rather tough universes, so we need someone who knows how to put down the most difficult of resistance groups. Your name was high on the list.”

“…How many is your ruling council at the moment?” purred Phury.

“Right now, it’s just me and my partner,” explained Gi.

“That’s no council,” scoffed Phury.

“No, it isn’t,” agreed Gi. “We need seven to make up our council. Your advice would be invaluable. Think about it, we have troops to do as you say with just enough initiative to make sure your goals are accomplished in an effective manner.”

“…What’s your name?” asked Phury.

“I am Cyber-Priestess Gi,” introduced Gi.

“Let me tell you something, Cyber-Priestess Gi,” declared Phury, “we need to discuss my place in this ‘Shocker Umbra’ you and your partner are making. I accept!”

“Splendid!” cheered Gi. She then took out a communicator. “Metaltron, we have our third! Requesting a rift home!”

“Coming up!” replied Metaltron on the other end. A rift opened and Phury and Gi entered it. It shut behind them, leaving that universe barren of any version of Phury of Appoplexia.

With the Chizarans helping out, the cleanup of the hangar went smoothly and swiftly. Megumi and Richard retired to their house and bed, exhausted from the food fight, and went soundly to sleep. Lisa also took a bed in a spare room and fell to sleep, dead to the world until morning. When Megumi and Richard woke up, they smelled food cooking. “Sausages?” muttered Richard. Then, they remembered. “Oh yeah, maid,” recalled Richard.

“I wonder if Kaede and Kaitlyn grew up…will grow up with her in their lives?” mused Megumi. “Man, time travel really alters the tenses, doesn’t it?”

“I’m sure Michael or the Doctor could give a lecture or two on the subject,” chuckled Richard. They got dressed and made their way to the dining room as Lisa was placing their meals at their places.

“Good morning, Sir, Madam!” she greeted. When they sat down, she sat at her own place and they ate their meals.

“Lisa, this is delicious!” praised Megumi. “Where’d you acquire the skills?”

“Before I was kidnapped,” explained Lisa, “I was serving as a maid in an old Morphus family’s house. I didn’t enjoy it. I learned the skills, but never got ANY praise whatsoever. Mr. Boomer then lured me into his work with the promises of a better life. As you know, he tricked me and locked me in my spider form.”

“That reminds me,” remarked Megumi. “Lisa, with your paycheck, I’m going to add what I paid for you when I thought you were a normal tarantula.”

“On top of the standard paycheck?” asked Lisa. “You don’t need to do that!”

“Yes, I do,” replied Megumi. “You’ve suffered enough and need the money more than I do.”

“Thank you, Ma’am,” bid Lisa. Just then, there was a knock on the door.

“Now, who could that be?” asked Richard.

“I’ll go check,” declared Lisa as she pushed back her chair. She went to the front door and opened it to reveal Octorpindar. “May I help you?” asked Lisa.

“Are Megumi and Richard home?” inquired Octorpindar, slightly hurriedly.

“They’re in the middle of breakfast,” explained Lisa.

“Who’s at the door?” called Richard.

“It’s Octorpindar,” replied Lisa.

“Let him in,” directed Megumi. Lisa turned back to Octorpindar.

“May I take your coat?” she asked.

“I’d prefer to leave it on,” replied Octorpindar as he entered the house and took off his shoes. He bounded up the steps and met with Richard and Megumi. “I have a message for you from Queen Empress Scorpainia herself!” he panted. “At your earliest convenience, you MUST come to Tarlax 14 and meet her and Dr. Emily Williams at the Royal Eye Hospital!”

“What’s Emily doing there?” asked Richard.

“Assisting in the birth,” replied Octorpindar.

“Scorpainia’s having her baby?!” yelped Megumi.

“We gotta finish up quick!” declared Richard.

“I’ll stay behind and clean up!” called Lisa.

“Thank you!” bid Megumi as they quickly finished breakfast.

---

Richard and Megumi arrived at the hospital and were directed to the waiting area outside the delivery room. Emmanuel and Lukas arrived as well as Lacey. They waited as they heard Scorpainia screaming as she was getting her baby out of the womb. In the delivery room, Scorpainia was holding Eelinape’s hand, or rather, CRUSHING it! Her tail was threaded through the bed and restrained so she wouldn’t accidentally sting the baby. “Come on!” urged Emily. “You’re doing great! One more push!”

“YOU SAID THAT FIVE PUSHES AGO!!!” roared Scorpainia.

“And look how well you’re doing!” replied Emily. “Wait, I see the head! Come on! Push!” Scorpainia was practically roaring at a frequency only dogs could hear. She then started panting from the last push.

“My…” she gasped weakly. “My…” Then, a sound that she was waiting for reached her ears. “My child!” she panted happily as the baby cried at being pushed into a brighter, colder world.

“Congratulations!” cheered Emily as she checked over the baby. “A cute baby girl!”

“A girl?!” called Eelinape.

“Wait, no, wrong equipment,” Emily corrected herself as she recorded the baby’s weight. “It’s a bouncing baby boy.”

“In your face!” chuckled Scorpainia.

“Height: 59 cm,” reported Emily. “Weight: 5.5 kg. Time of birth: 08:42 am. Temperature: 36.4 C. He’s big, but healthy.”

“You did good,” Eelinape praised Scorpainia. “I suppose it wasn’t so bad.” Emily drew in a breath at that statement.

“…Wasn’t so bad?” repeated Scorpainia in a low whisper. Eelinape started sweating. “Wasn’t so bad?! WASN’T SO BAD?!”

---

Megumi, Richard, Lacey, Lukas, and Emmanuel and the nurse recoiled in terror outside the delivery room. “A…Are you sure it’s safe to go in?!” squeaked Lukas.

“I may be wrong,” gulped the nurse as he hid behind his arms. Emily then opened the door.

“Come on in and meet the new Prince of Tarlax!” she invited. Megumi, Richard, Lacey, Lukas, and Emmanuel followed her in and found Scorpainia holding her son with Eelinape making cutesy noises. They got a good look at the baby and saw that he had two humanoid arms and a set of lobster claws as well. He had a lobster tail and long antennae under his nose. Still, the baby looked cute.

“Did you name him yet?” asked Richard as the new baby was passed to Eelinape.

“I think we’ll call him Lobstornias,” declared Scorpainia.

“Eelinape, here,” called Emmanuel as he opened a box of cigars.

“Er, I don’t smoke,” replied Eelinape as he handed his son back to Scorpainia.

“Neither do I,” assured Emmanuel. “These are chocolate cigars.”

“Now that’s different,” answered Eelinape as he accepted one and put it in his mouth.

“I’m so glad all of his Godparents could come,” sighed Scorpainia as Lacey took a turn holding Lobstornias.

“All of them?” she quizzed. “I know Lukas, Emmanuel, and I are three out of the four. Who’s the other Godmother?”

“Who else but Megumi?” asked Scorpainia.

“ME?!” yelped Megumi.

“You’ve saved Tarlax as much as Lacey did,” explained Scorpainia. “The honor of being his Godmother is yours if you’ll have it.”

“…Scorpainia, I’d be honored to be his Godmother!” cheered Megumi as she got misty eyes.

---

Once everyone was tactfully shooed out of the hospital, Richard and Megumi returned home. Lisa greeted them and showed off how clean the house was. “Okay, that’s impressive!” praised Megumi. “Having six arms must be…er…useful.”

“You were about to say ‘handy’, weren’t you?” guessed Lisa.

“Yeah, I was,” sighed Megumi.

“Glad you stopped yourself,” remarked Lisa. Just then, there was a knock on the door.

“Now who?” muttered Richard. Megumi opened the door to reveal Arsha.

“Arsha, come in!” invited Megumi. Arsha entered the house and whistled in an impressed manner.

“You’ve set yourself up real good!” she praised as she removed her shoes.

“We’ve made it so we’re comfortable,” replied Megumi.

“You look like you just came back from something,” observed Arsha.

“Scorpainia was giving birth on Tarlax,” explained Richard, “and Megumi was named a Godmother.”

“No kidding?!” cheered Arsha. “Congratulations!”

“Thank you,” replied Megumi as she, Richard, and Lisa led her to the living room. “Tell me, what brings you here?” asked Megumi.

“Just some scouting,” replied Arsha.

“I thought we were using Optimus’ universe for our bout?” quizzed Megumi.

“We are,” answered Arsha. “I just wanted to see what your universe looks like. Oh, that reminds me, Sonic’s found a good course for us. Some place called Green Hill Zone.”

“The place where it all started for Sonic fans,” chuckled Megumi. They waited for a bit for one of the Chizaran Princesses to make their announcement. “…Er, hello?” called Megumi.

“Anyone?” asked Richard. “My wife and her opponent just got the fight terms hammered out!”

“…Is someone asleep?” quizzed Arsha. Snoring answered her question.

“Oh, for the love of…!” griped Amartonadii’s voice. “Sorry! Rosadera’s asleep at the announcement console!”

“Asleep?!” yelped Lisa. “What happened?!”

“Partying, that’s what,” replied Amartonadii. “Let me just see if…all right, a race through Green Hill Zone. First one to cross the finish line is the winner. Arsha’s broom against Megumi’s motorcycle. No interference, no power-ups, all specs on both vehicles are good, okay then, it all checks out. Looks like I’m making the announcement.” She cleared her throat before giving the usual spiel. “The challenge has been set, the terms have been agreed upon, and the chance of victory is agreeable for both sides. All five of the Founding Chizaran Princesses will be judging. When this break is over, your fight begins! Prepare and make ready! Good luck!”

“Thank you!” bid Arsha and Megumi together.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” grumbled Amartonadii, “I’m going to put Rosadera to bed!” The call ended and Arsha and Megumi smiled at each other.

“I look forward to facing you once this break is over,” proclaimed Arsha.

“Just know this,” replied Megumi, “whatever the outcome, you are an excellent friend and I will miss you when this is all over.”

“Then we need to make sure we have one final bash before we say goodbye,” declared Arsha.

“We better talk to Optimus about it,” mused Megumi.

“Then let’s visit him,” offered Richard.

---

Optimus and Blackarachnia were playing a game in their base’s holo-suite. They had just defeated the boss and opened a chest to get their contents. “Aw, sweet!” cheered Optimus. “Blade of Infinite Possibility!”

“But no updog,” muttered Blackarachnia.

“You’ve been mentioning updog ever since we started this game!” laughed Optimus. “What are you even talking about?!”

“I’m talking about updog!” replied Blackarachnia.

“Wh…what’s that supposed to mean?” chuckled Optimus.

“It means updog,” answered Blackarachnia.

“…What’s updog?” quizzed Optimus. Blackarachnia then erupted into hysterical laughter. “Oh, Primus Slaggit!” groaned Optimus as he realized the joke. “Well, aren’t you proud of yourself!” Blackarachnia was rolling on the floor as she laughed.

“I have NEVER,” she wheezed, “in my life, got that joke to work!” The game was then paused as Teletraan’s avatar appeared.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he bid, “but Phury just broke the door down and is currently engaged in a fight with Jazz and Bumblebee.”

“Not in my house, she ain’t!” snarled Optimus.

“Computer, save, bookmark, and end game!” called Blackarachnia as she and Optimus dashed to the Command Center, finding Bumblebee and Jazz dodging the objects Phury was throwing. Optimus caught one and sent it flying back to her. As she leapt, Blackarachnia flung a web at her and pinned her to the wall. Phury struggled against her bonds, but tired herself out in the attempt. As she panted, Optimus got closer.

“You invade my base! You attack my friends! You…!” he ranted.

“I don’t believe this!” growled Phury. “You consider your pawns your ‘friends’?!”

“Those ‘pawns’,” hissed Optimus, “fight with the most bravery I’ve ever seen and work the hardest out of any soldier to defend this world from petty tyrants like you! You’re in MY base and you WILL show them respect!”

“In my universe, Cybertron burned half of Appoplexia with their war!” snarled Phury. “They made no attempts for reparations! They gave no respect for us, no matter the faction, so why are they due any?! The Master Wand was the best chance I had of keeping the universe safe from them!”

“Yeah, well, cheating wasn’t the way to go!” growled Optimus.

“I’ll be after Megumi for ruining me!” promised Phury. “You can count on it!”

“State your business or get out!” warned Optimus.

“I have decided on how to best you!” declared Phury. “You are part of the Cyber-Ninja Corps, correct?”

“And you were trained by the Shinobans of Shinobus,” recalled Optimus. “You’re challenging me to a ninja fight?”

“Each of us will use the weapon we are weakest with to achieve victory,” replied Phury. “Whoever lands three hits on their opponents will be victorious. No other weapons may be used, no force-fields, no robot mode, no outside interference.”

“And our battlefield?” rumbled Optimus.

“There’s a forest outside my old palace,” answered Phury. “We’ll use it.”

“Fine,” agreed Optimus. “Just know that I will be praying for severe scrutiny on this bout.”

“You will get your wish, Young Prime,” assured Moradelia’s voice. “The challenge has been set, the terms have been agreed upon, and the chance of victory is agreeable for both sides. Nemengra, the black princess of Chizara and the death leader, will be judging. When this break is over, your fight begins! Prepare and make ready! Good luck!” Purple light surrounded Phury as she vanished from her bonds. Optimus cycled air through his olfactory sensors, trying to calm himself down.

“Prime,” interjected Teletraan, “Arsha and Megumi are requesting permission to come in.”

“I could use some more friendly faces,” replied Optimus. “Let them in.” The door opened and Megumi and Arsha entered the base.

“Hello!” greeted Arsha.

“Thank you for coming,” bid Optimus. “I just got the terms of my bout settled with Phury.”

“I take it she’s STILL angry about having to settle for fighting over Third Place Prize?” muttered Megumi.

“And she insulted my friends by calling them pawns,” answered Optimus.

“Okay, one, rude!” growled Arsha. “Two, if she wanted First Place Prize, she shouldn’t have cheated!”

“Well, winner or not,” remarked Optimus, “I’m gonna show her what happens when you cheat!”

“Optimus, if I could turn your attention to something more pleasant,” offered Megumi, “Arsha and I were planning a feast before we all need to part ways.”

“One last hurrah before we all return to our lives,” mused Optimus. “I think we can work that in.”

“I just want you all to know,” called Arsha, “this has been a fun adventure. We DID have our downs, but I wouldn’t change a single bit of it.”

“Neither would I,” agreed Optimus.

“And neither would I,” supplied Megumi. “If you all want, I can get you into After Academy.” Optimus and Arsha looked at each other, then shook their heads.

“We’ll save that for AFTER we die,” explained Arsha.

“But you’re more than welcome to drop by our homes when you can,” offered Optimus.

“I’d like that,” replied Megumi. “Now, I’d better get back home.”

“I’m still getting paperwork throughout all this,” sighed Arsha. “A Realmfleet Captain’s work is never done.”

“Hey, before you ladies go,” called Teletraan, “how about a picture with you three?”

“Just a moment,” directed Optimus as he transformed and switched on his holo-form. “There, now we can all fit.” Teletraan aimed his camera eye at the three as they lined up with Optimus in the middle, Megumi on his right, and Arsha on his left. Arsha and Megumi each knelt down and placed a hand on his back as Optimus placed his hands on both their backs. Teletraan lined up his shot.

“All right, say ‘Trinity’!” called Teletraan.

“Trinity!” called Arsha, Optimus, and Megumi. Optimus and Arsha winked when they said that and Teletraan took the picture. It appeared on the screen quickly.

“Now THAT’S a cool picture!” cheered Optimus.

“Good work, Teletraan!” praised Megumi.

“Did you take photography classes?” asked Arsha.

“Oddly enough, yes,” answered Teletraan. “I got into some online photography classes at Optimus’ request.”

“I paid his tuition and he got certified,” explained Optimus. “He was worried about what would happen to him when the war’s over. He wanted to try his processors at photography and he’s been doing it on the side ever since.”

“Planning ahead, the gift of the gods,” praised Megumi.

“Amen to that!” chuckled Arsha.

Skyfall and Quake Hammer approached the makeshift office the F.N.S had constructed for Optimus during the break. If they had the ability to sweat, they would be doing so right now. “I’m gonna get stripped of the Autobrand, I just know it,” gulped Skyfall.

“Whatever happens,” assured Quake Hammer, “you have my aid and support.” They found the office and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” called Optimus’ voice. They entered the office and found him sitting at his desk. “Ah, Skyfall, Quake Hammer. I’ve been expecting you.”

“Sir, before you strip me of the Autobrand, I need to say this,” declared Skyfall. “You can’t argue with the results! I did what I felt was necessary to stop evil!”

“Lieutenant…” interjected Optimus.

“War was simply trying to protect the multiverse!” continued Skyfall. “You can’t fault her for that!”

“Lieutenant Skyfall!” snapped Optimus.

“I’m not going to stand by and…” Skyfall went on.

“I’M NOT STRIPPING YOU OF THE AUTOBRAND! PRIMUS!” shouted Optimus.

“…You’re not?” asked Skyfall.

“No!” replied Optimus. “I’m giving you a job as head of the Cybertronian Interdimensional Affairs Department.”

“When did Cybertron get such a department?” inquired Quake Hammer.

“Just a few hours ago,” answered Optimus. “In short, you’ll be the first line of defense if an extradimensional threat tries to take a stab at us. You’ll need to work closely with the F.N.S and keep us informed on a weekly basis. Now, with the job comes a promotion. All I need from you is a simple yes or no answer. Do you accept?” Skyfall’s Spark swelled with pride.

“…It’s been an honor to work directly with you, Sir,” thanked Skyfall. “I accept.”

“Then here’s your new commission letter!” declared Optimus as he handed her a pad. “Congratulations, Captain Skyfall!”

“Thank you, Sir!” bid Skyfall as they shook hands.

“Now, of course, given the current situation on Cybertron,” directed Optimus, “you’re not allowed to give Quake Hammer any information.”

“Understood, Sir,” confirmed Skyfall.

“As long as we understand each other,” replied Optimus. “Dismissed.” Skyfall saluted, then she and Quake Hammer left. Once the door shut, Quake Hammer kissed her on the lips. Skyfall didn’t offer any resistance as she kissed back.

“Congratulations, sweetie!” cheered Quake Hammer. “You’ve more than earned this!”

“I was a bit worried back there,” chuckled Skyfall. “Looks like Optimus really wanted to make it up to me.”

“Well, I’d say he did,” mused Quake Hammer. “Let us celebrate!”

---

Megumi was in her house, waking up from a much-needed nap. As she stretched, she lazily flicked the t.v. on. As usual, the first image was of Richard making his news broadcast. With the initial resistance of wearing his new dress having worn off a while ago, he looked a lot more comfortable in it. Megumi appeared to have caught him as he just began the broadcast. “Good afternoon,” he began. “Welcome to Multiverse News Network. I am Richard Saunders and we begin our segment with an update on the Convergence. All people that have ended up in different universes have been returned with no harm done. The universes have been identified as T-R-4-N-5-F-0-R-M-3-R-5-M-0-8-1-4-N-C-H-R-0-N-1-C-L-3-5 and T-H-3-T-H-R-3-3-R-3-4-L-M-5. Sheesh, there’s a mouthful.” He cleared his throat and returned to the news. “This is not the first time that T-R… Transformers: Mobian Chronicles has been involved in multiversal affairs. Indeed, a denizen of that universe, a version of Sonic the Hedgehog, has helped the Vortex Riders out on more than one occasion during the Vortech Wars. We simply had no idea there were Transformers in that universe. The Convergence has officially ended, but the 3V2R is still in effect. We’re still in a period of rest, but it WILL be back on within the next two years for our universe. In other news, a medical breakthrough has been made! The cure for the common cold has just been discovered! Here to tell us all about it is the eminent Dr. Alex Vansider!”

“Go, Dr. Vansider!” cheered Megumi. An elderly man came onto the screen.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!” called the man in a heavy German accent.

“Welcome, Doctor!” greeted Richard as they shook hands. “I understand this breakthrough is the result of thirty years of concentrated research.”

“Ja, it was,” confirmed Dr. Vansider. “I’m surprised it took me and my team that long because the answer was actually right under our noses! Can you believe that?”

“Can you tell us what to do?” asked Richard.

“Of course!” answered Dr. Vansider. “Oh, I can’t tell you how excited I am! First, the easiest step for introverts, stay away from sick people!”

“As you said, an easy step for introverts,” chuckled Richard.

“Step two,” continued Dr. Vansider, “is to wrap your head in a paper bag. Next, you pour hot coffee over yourself. Last, hold your breath for about a minute.”

“And this will cure the common cold?” asked Richard incredulously.

“Positively!” cheered Dr. Vansider. He then unleashed a loud torrent of sneezing. “Then again…” groaned the doctor as he wiped his nose.

“Well, thank you, Dr. Vansider,” bid Richard as he returned to his audience. “Remember, whenever big news breaks….you certainly won’t find it here.” Megumi had switched the t.v. off by then. She then remembered something.

“Tarantula feeding time,” she muttered to herself. As she went to get a fat cricket for her new Tarantula, she heard a noise. “…The vacuum cleaner?” she quizzed. She followed the noise to see a six-armed woman with a fuzzy spider’s rear and wearing a maid’s outfit. The woman was vacuuming the living room floor. “HEY!” shouted Megumi. The woman looked up as if there was nothing strange going on.

“Oh, hello, Madam Megumi,” she greeted. “Are you fully relaxed?”

“I was,” answered Megumi, “but then a strange woman entered my house and started doing my chores! Who are you and where did you come from?!”

“You don’t recognize me?” asked the woman. “I’m a little surprised. You DID buy me from that pet shop a while ago.”

“…No, I bought a Mexican Red-kneed Tarantula,” corrected Megumi.

“Yeah, me,” insisted the woman. Then she did something extraordinary! She shrunk and her limbs reformed themselves into spider legs while her head sunk into her torso, her eyes split into eight and bunched together while spider chelicerae sprouted from her mouth and pedipalps grew near the fangs. The woman had turned into a Mexican Red-kneed Tarantula and waved her pedipalp towards an empty cage where the spider Megumi bought once lived.

“…I bought a shape-shifter?” Megumi muttered. The spider then turned back into the woman and giggled.

“You can call me Lisa,” introduced the woman, “your new live-in maid!”

“Maid?!” yelped Megumi. “Wait a minute! What do you mean ‘maid’?!”

“Isn’t it obvious?” asked Lisa. “You’re gonna need help in keeping the house in order, especially since both you and Richard are working.”

“My house is just fine!” argued Megumi. “Besides, I haven’t had a maid my entire life. I don’t need one and, to be frank, I don’t WANT one.” Lisa’s face fell when she heard that. “Look, I’ll talk to the shop owner and explain what happened. Maybe he can get me a…”

“I’m not going back to that hell-hole!” hissed Lisa.

“Pardon?” asked Megumi.

“All my life, I spent my life in a cage!” explained Lisa. “I was denied my natural shape-shifting abilities as a Morphus Tarantula.”

“Wait a minute, he told me he never deals in your breed,” recalled Megumi.

“That’s a lie!” argued Lisa.

“So, he locks you all in your spider form?” asked Megumi.

“Uh huh,” confirmed Lisa.

“Right then,” muttered Megumi, “I think the police need to hear about this!”

---

“…but has assured us that future cases of furniture changing into monsters won’t be possible,” Richard continued on the news broadcast. Arsha and her spouses were watching. “…This just in, Mr. Harry Boomer, the owner of the Frightful Delights Exotic Pet Shop has just been arrested on charges of slave trading! It appears my wife had discovered that the Mexican Red-kneed Tarantula she bought a while ago was actually a Morphus Tarantula locked in her spider form. After Megumi reported the circumstances to the police, a task force obtained a warrant and tested all of the Tarantulas Mr. Boomer sells. It was discovered that over 65% of the Tarantulas were, in fact, Morphus Tarantulas. Native to one of Tarlax’s moons, Arachnus, the Tarlaxian government has long been against the sale of these spiders, considering it an act of slavery. Mr. Boomer’s trial is set for Monday and he is currently looking at a life sentence. That is all from Multiverse News Network. Good night.” The broadcast ended and Arsha switched the t.v. off.

“Just when you think slavery IS impossible in some part of the multiverse!” sighed Gorfanth.

“I wonder what’s going to happen to the shapeshifter?” quizzed Falnii.

“I hope she can go back to her people,” wished Malnar.

“Megumi told me about her,” remarked Arsha. “She’s asked to be Megumi’s live-in maid.”

“Why?” asked Lardeth.

“She’s not too fond of her people either,” explained Arsha. “Megumi’s thinking about it right now.”

“Well, for the spider’s sake, I hope she says yes,” sighed Foresna.

---

A few days had passed and everyone, even the Autobots, Endeavor crew, and Chizaran princesses, was gathering at Castle Nerd Skull for a celebration. The reason was known to all except Megumi. “Okay, don’t get me wrong,” Megumi whispered to Richard, “I like a party as much as anyone else, but I’d like to know the reason for it.”

“All in good time,” assured Richard.

“There she is!” called Rosadera. She and the other Princesses accosted her with hugs.

“Well now,” chuckled Megumi. “What’s the occasion?”

“Nothing special as of yet,” replied Moradelia. “Just greeting a friend.”

“I know we’re still a ways off,” mused Verdutha, “but have you and Arsha decided on your bout terms?”

“We’re thinking of a simple race,” answered Megumi. “My motorcycle against her broomstick.”

“That seems a tad unfair,” remarked Azuliterii.

“She’s modifying it so that it will remain level with my bike,” assured Megumi.

“And the race course will be?” asked Rojenthi.

“Arsha said she’d be speaking with Sonic on that one,” replied Megumi. “They’re still hammering out the options.”

“We’ll have to talk to her later, then,” mused Rosadera.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” called Richard as he and Lisa flanked a door, “it gives Lisa and I great pleasure to reveal the meaning of this party to Megumi.”

“So, you DID hire Lisa,” Arsha commented to Megumi.

“On the stipulation that we ALL share in the house work,” explained Megumi. “Hey, did you know the reason behind all this too?”

“We all do,” answered Arsha.

“Megumi Hishikawa, my lovely wife,” continued Richard, “tell me, do you know what day it is?”

“The day?” muttered Megumi. “It’s, er, Sunday, right?”

“I meant the actual day of the month,” replied Richard.

“Hold on,” called Megumi as she checked her phone. She got a good look at the date and her face lit up in surprise. “July 26?!” she yelped. “You mean this is all a…?!” Lisa and Richard opened the door as Moe, Larry, and Curly, in chef’s attire, wheeled in a large cake with 25 candles on it! Moe and Larry played a fanfare on imaginary trumpets, then all three started singing.

“We baked you a birthday cake!” began Moe.

“If you get a tummy ache,” continued Larry.

“And you moan and groan and woe,” supplied Curly.

“Don’t forget, we told you so!” finished the Stooges all together.

“Happy Birthday, Megumi Hishikawa!” cheered Richard.

“Oh, thank you!” called Megumi. “Thank you all! I…wait, you three baked this?”

“I oversaw the whole thing,” assured Lisa. “It’s a normal chocolate cake.” Megumi released a breath.

“Go on, make a wish!” urged Richard. Megumi shut her eyes as she wished. She then took in a breath and blew out the candles!

“All right!” cheered Lisa. “Now then, Birthday Girl, you pick out your slice.”

“I’ll take a corner,” declared Megumi.

“It’s always the corners or the sides with you, I’ve noticed,” mused Richard.

“They have the right balance of frosting and cake,” replied Megumi. Everyone got their slices as the dessert table was rolled out. As everyone already had the healthy stuff, it was time for the sweets, suitable for all diets. The Stooges had changed into formal suits and joined the guests. Curly managed to sneak a whole pie off the dessert table and went to a corner to eat it all. Moe saw the whole thing and grabbed Curly’s collar.

“You featherbrained imbecile!” he hissed. “You wanna get us thrown out?! Gimme that pie!” He took the pie and shoved Curly away. Curly barked in protest. “GO ON!” shouted Moe as he shoved Curly harder. Curly left and Moe looked for a decent hiding place for the pie.

“I tell you; they’ve cleaned up nicely since Curly won the 1,897^th 3V2R,” remarked Amartonadii’s voice.

“Well, I simply MUST speak with them,” answered Sira’s voice. Moe flung the pie up to the ceiling and it stuck itself there. Moe looked up in horror. “Oh, there’s one of them now,” called Sira’s voice. “Excuse me, My Lady.” Sira then approached Moe. “Young Man, do tell me about yourself!”

“Well, you see…how it…er…well, that is…” stammered Moe as he glanced at the ceiling again and noticed the pie losing its grip. “If you’ll pardon me!” He tried to leave, but Sira wouldn’t hear of it.

“If you don’t tell me all about this metamorphosis,” she pleaded, “I shall always feel that I’ve missed something!” Moe glanced upward again as the pie slowly descended.

“Lady, if you don’t leave right now,” warned Moe, “you’re not gonna miss ANYTHING!” He tried to get away again, but Sira pulled him back.

“Young man, what’s wrong?” she asked. “You act as though the Sword of Damocles is hanging over your head!” Moe looked up one last time as the pie was just hanging by a thread of its contents.

“Lady, you must be psychic!” he yelped as he got away.

“I wonder what’s wrong with that young man?” Sira pondered to herself as she looked up. The pie fell from the ceiling and landed right on her face! She wiped some of the goop off of her face and flung it away. Unbeknownst to Curly, it was flying at him! He was busy talking to Amartonadii.

“And there we were,” he recalled. “In mud, up to here.” He bent over to put his hand level to his knee. Just as he ducked down, the goop that Sira wiped off of her face hit Amartonadii. She cried out in disgust. Curly got back up and saw her wiping her face off.

“Who did this?!” she wailed.

“I’ll find out!” declared Curly as he stormed off to find the perpetrator. Meanwhile, Larry was helping himself to a whole pie. Moe then tapped him on the shoulder.

“You gonna eat that by yourself?” he snapped.

“Nah,” answered Larry. “Maybe, if I wait, I’ll get some cream.”

“What kind?” asked Moe.

“Ice,” replied Larry.

“You got it!” snarled Moe as he shoved ice cubes down Larry’s back. Larry screamed as the frigid cubes chilled his back almost instantly. He instinctively tossed the pie away in Megumi, Richard, and Lisa’s direction.

“Drink, Your Majesties?” asked Lisa. The pie then hit Lisa in the face. Richard and Megumi looked behind to see Larry dancing to get the ice cubes out.

“Oh, monkey with us, huh?!” hissed Richard. War approached Larry and Moe.

“Stop it!” she demanded. “Stop it this instant! You disgraceful vagabonds!” Moe responded by pie-ing her! “…So, you want to play rough, do you?! Well then!” she grabbed a pie and reeled back for a throw!

“Wait a minute!” begged Moe as he ducked when War threw. The pie hit Arsha’s face.

“…So, that’s the game!” she declared as she fired off a pie shot at War. Unfortunately, Prowl’s holo-form was trying to step between the two and took the shot. Optimus saw the shot!

“Oh, mutiny, eh?!” called Optimus. His holo-form took a pie and flung it at Arsha. She took the hit, then moved her hairpiece to her waist.

“All hands to battle stations!” she announced, prompting her crew to rally to her.

“Form up!” called Megumi as her friends armed themselves with pies, minus Lisa.

“Autobots, attack!” ordered Optimus as the Autobots and their Mobian and human allies readied themselves. Soon, the Great Pie War began! Pies were flying through the air at an incredible rate!

“THIS MUST CEASE!” demanded Lisa. She was then pied by Ironhide. “…Well then!” she declared as she armed herself and joined Megumi’s side. Perceptor flung a pie at Moe’s face.

“Hey, fellas!” called Moe as he took off his suspenders and put them between his feet like a slingshot. Curly loaded a pie into the slingshot and Larry surveyed the field.

“Elevation: two meters,” he relayed. “Range: two and a half meters. Ready, aim, FIRE!” Moe released his end and the pie sailed through the air. It hit Gorfanth right in the face. “That was a shot, boy!” cheered Larry. As the battle wore on, all factions were getting tired. Soon, they all exhausted themselves of ammunition and surveyed the mess the hangar had become. Megumi stared in silence for a minute, then began chuckling, then giggling, then she was laughing!

“BEST! BIRTHDAY! EVER!” she cheered. Everyone else joined in the laughter as Megumi let herself fall backwards onto the goopy mess that covered the floor.

“Happy Birthday, sweetheart,” bid Richard. He and Megumi then kissed.

A day after the battle of Chizara, Blancalmarem and Nemengra began their usual broadcast. “I am Blancalmarem, the white princess of Chizara and the life leader,” began Blancalmarem.

“I am Nemengra, the black princess of Chizara and the death leader,” finished Nemengra.

“And this time, Vortech is well and truly DEAD!” continued Blancalmarem.

“Our state of emergency is over!” cheered Nemengra.

“We will all be returning to Chizara for the, thankfully, minor amount of clean-up,” proclaimed Blancalmarem.

“However, we AREN’T finishing the 3V2R just yet,” interjected Nemengra.

“After the battle of Chizara,” explained Blancalmarem, “we’re giving everyone a year relative to your universe’s time-scale to recuperate and reconnect.”

“This was the most stressful time for the multiverse,” continued Nemengra, “and we all need to recover from it.”

“We thank you all for your patience,” bid Blancalmarem.

“We’ll see you all in a year!” finished Nemengra. The broadcast ended and Megumi and Richard switched the t.v. off.

“Well, that was nice of them,” mused Richard. “So, a Chizaran year is…?”

“…I’m not sure what a Chizaran year is to us,” remarked Megumi. “Computer, how long is a year in Universe 1-A?”

“2 years for our universe,” replied the computer.

“And for our friends?” asked Richard.

“Ten days for Arsha’s home,” answered the computer, “five years for Optimus’ home.”

“We might as well invite them here to relax,” suggested Richard.

“I’m sure they wouldn’t mind,” agreed Megumi. Just then, there was a knock on the door.

“I wonder who that is?” muttered Richard as he went to answer the door. He opened it to reveal Haruna with a package in her hands.

“Delivery for Mr. Saunders?” she chuckled.

“Oh…yeah…” mumbled Richard as he remembered the bet. He let Haruna in and opened the package to reveal a replica of Megumi’s dress in his measurements and colored green. It even came with the hairpiece.

“All right, let’s see how it looks!” chuckled Megumi. She and Richard took the dress into their room and shut the door. Richard stripped to his underpants, then Megumi helped him into the dress. First came the skirts, then the bodice, then the hairpiece. “Now, give me a twirl,” she directed. Richard did so and Megumi looked him over as he twirled. “…You know, it actually looks good on you.”

“It feels comfy,” conceded Richard. “Wait, is the bodice moving with me?”

“That’s how us girls get enough air,” replied Megumi. “Now, come on, Mom needs to see this.” She and Richard returned to the living room and Haruna smiled.

“Now that IS a good look for you,” she praised.

“You know, this actually airs out my legs better than my pants did,” remarked Richard. “Given the body differences between the two, I’m surprised it’s women that wear skirts instead of men.”

“The Scots had it right,” chuckled Haruna.

“Okaa-san, Richard,” interjected Megumi, “the Scots used it as a cloth multitool.” Haruna and Richard looked at Megumi with a look of disbelief. “…I’m not joking! Ask Liam and Death! They can confirm it!”

“Speaking of certain Anthropomorphic Personifications,” Richard recalled, “did anyone hear from War?”

“No,” sighed Megumi. “I hope she’s okay.”

“I haven’t heard anything from her either,” muttered Haruna. “It’s Founding Day tomorrow, isn’t it?”

“It is,” replied Megumi. “I hope she gets here in time.”

---

War was still onboard the Ruthless, contemplating the events leading to Vortech’s return. All she did was give the necessary orders to Skyfall, Quake Hammer, and X-PO. Speaking of, Quake Hammer had a report to give to War. He met X-PO in the halls. “Hey!” called X-PO. “Been trying to get you for a while! War gave me the order that she’s not seeing anyone. Any reports you got need to be handed to me.”

“Well, here’s one such report,” muttered Quake Hammer as he presented a data-pad to X-PO.

“…Wow, fascinating,” sighed X-PO. “30 particles of space dust per cubic meter, 27 ultraviolet radiation spikes, and a class 1 comet. Well now, we’re certainly having fun, aren’t we?”

“X-PO, why is War just taking us all over reality?” asked Quake Hammer.

“Let’s just say recent events,” replied X-PO, “left War feeling a little directionless. She feels like she needs to find ‘something’ out here and needs a crew to help her find it. So, with our experience on this ship, we’re the most likely candidates.”

“Well, I wish she told us!” snapped Quake Hammer.

---

War sat in her ready room, just staring off into space. Listlessness had taken hold of her spirit. Then…it happened! “Waaaaaar,” called a voice. War’s senses were heightened at hearing that. “Waaaaaar,” repeated the voice.

“Hello?” quizzed War.

“Waaaaaar!” the voice answered back as its source shimmered into view. It was a heavyset man in a blue shirt and unbuttoned brown jacket, brown pants, a brown tie, a silk scarf, angled glasses, a brown hat, chains, and a flintlock pistol in a holster. “Waaaaaar, it is I, Jacob…” War immediately got him into a headlock.

“WHO ARE YOU?!” she bellowed.

“Friggin’ hey, lady!” gasped the intruder. “I’m Jacob Marley!”

“A load of nonsense!” roared War. “Jacob Marley’s a Victorian Ghost and his chains were made of metal, not whatever lightweight material YOURS are made of! Besides, he’s cold to the touch!”

“There’s more than one of us, you idiot!” gagged the man. “It’s not like Santa where we visit every jerk in one day!” War then shoved the man away, then got a good look at him.

“Wait, aren’t you that Linkara guy?” she asked as the man recovered.

“That’s me,” confirmed the man, “the host of Atop the Fourth Wall, where bad comics burn. Right now, some lady in yellow-green told me to snap you out of whatever mood you’re in.” He took his chains off and let them fall to the floor.

“But you have your own show,” remarked War.

“I know,” grumbled Linkara, “but it doesn’t always produce a lot of money. I took the ‘Jacob Marley’ thing to help pay the rent.”

“Look, I have a million problems right now,” grunted War, “and holidays aren’t one of them.”

“Oh, we deal with a wide variety of people who need a good swift kick in the pants,” replied Linkara, “and your name was high on the list.”

“Well, I doubt you or your crew can help me,” remarked War.

“You’re worried about your friend, Megumi, right?” guessed Linkara.

“Okay, one, the stress is on the FIRST syllable, not the second!” snapped War. “Second, what could YOU know of her?!”

“Well, Vyce DID have some files on when he tried to stop Vortech, failing miserably in the process,” answered Linkara. “He got ticked when he heard who actually beat him when he possessed my ship.”

“…Story of my life,” snarked War.

“The thing is, you need to trust her more,” offered Linkara.

“I trust her just fine,” argued War, “I just don’t trust myself around her.”

“Then I think I know who in my crew’s gonna be Christmas Past for this one,” chuckled Linkara.

“No! I’m not suffering your ‘three spirits’!” snapped War.

“Don’t have much say about it, lady!” called Linkara. “Nimue, beam me back and send in Harvey!”

“Confirmed,” replied an emotionless woman’s voice. Linkara faded away as a lounge singer appeared. He looked a lot like Linkara.

“Harvey Finevoice, Ghost of Christmas Past, at your service, babe,” he greeted, his Brooklyn accent coming on strong.

“Why are YOU the past?” asked War.

“Dunno, depends on your story,” replied Harvey as he took a drag out of his cigarette. “What was life like before you met Megumi?”

“…That actually starts a few centuries back,” revealed War as the scene faded to a war-torn landscape with Vortonian bodies littering the ground. “Vortech was in the midst of slaughtering his people.”

“Okay, gruesome,” winced Harvey. “Where were you when Vortech was taking his red-water bath?”

“I was outside a cemetery, never actually going in closer to see one of my daughters,” explained War.

“…You and I have more in common than the kid thought,” sighed Harvey. “How old was she?”

“Too young,” mumbled War. “Her father left me after she died and I don’t blame him. Our child was gone and I was a wreck. After he had finished exterminating his people, Vortech approached me and requested me to make a sword for him. He claimed that he could bring back the dead and give a perfect life when he got a hold of the Foundation Elements. Bringing the dead back? You bet I was going to accept. He gave me the skin from his face to work with and I created the Foundation Saber with it. I hid my true intentions from my fellow Horsemen until Megumi and her friends started the Vortech Wars. I was snapped out of Vortech’s hold and joined Megumi’s side. …Things became a lot simpler with Ichi.”

“…Ichi?” asked Harvey.

“…M-Megumi, I said Megumi,” grunted War.

“War, where do you think you are right now?” quizzed Harvey.

“I’m watching my past in HD with a guy who acts like he popped out of Guys and Dolls!” snapped War.

“No, that ain’t it at all!” argued Harvey. “Well, my time is done. I think a realist will help you keep your head in the present. Nims, send Blue Boy down. I’m done here.”

“Confirmed,” replied Nimue.

“No, not putting up with this now!” growled War as she stormed onto the bridge.

“There you are!” called X-PO. “The Daedalus is alongside our starboard bow! We’re ready to…!”

“Just get us out of here!” snapped War. “I’m in no mood for Linkara’s shenanigans!”

“But…!” spluttered Quake Hammer.

“It’s not Vyce’s ship anymore!” interjected War. “It’s Linkara’s! He calls it Comicron-1 now.!

“Er, guys,” gulped Skyfall, “bright light incoming!” The light engulfed the ship and blinded everyone onboard. When everyone regained their vision, they noticed they weren’t on the Ruthless any more.

“What in the…?” spluttered X-PO.

“Just a little something the Chizarans helped us cook up,” explained a British voice. Everyone yelped to see an armless blue robot with a hover-skirt and a beak with a single red visor for his eyes. “I beg your pardon,” apologized the robot, “did I startle you?”

“No, we just like yelping in surprise all the time!” snapped War.

“I do apologize,” bid the robot.

“So, the armless Pollo is my Ghost of Christmas Present?” muttered War.

“Yeah, sure, attack me at my weak points, why don’t you?!” snarled the robot, Pollo.

“Look, I’m in no mood for all this, so take a hike!” growled War.

“Oh, I don’t know, I think we should at least see this,” mused Pollo. “Besides, I’m not the one who brought you here.”

“What are you…?” quizzed Skyfall.

“VECTOR PRIME’S RUSTY CROTCH!” shouted a voice. As everyone yelped, they realized that Optimus, Swalmu, Blackarachnia, and Richard were playing a game and Blackarachnia was about ready to toss the controller in rage. “WHAT IS ALL OF THIS?! RED PLANT! GREEN PLANT! YELLOW PLANT! BLUE PLANT! WHAT IS THIS?! I HATE THIS GAME! I HATE IT SO MUCH!” After her rant, she flopped to the couch and panted heavily. Just then, Megumi walked in.

“Is…er…is everything okay?” she asked.

“I can’t do it…” whimpered Blackarachnia.

“Yes, you can,” assured Megumi.

“Megumi, NO ONE can do it,” argued Richard. “Believe me, we all had our ragey moments.”

“It IS possible!” urged Megumi. “I believe in you!”

“….Right then,” declared Blackarachnia as she picked up the controller once more. “This is the Megumi shot!” She pressed a button on the controller…the WRONG one! “NO! I HIT END! I HIT END! NO! NO! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! FRAAAAAAAAAAACK! FRACK EVERYTHING! STUPID GAME CAN GO SUCK MY DAD’S Y-INTERFACE! YOU PIECE OF SLAGGING GARBAGE! I’LL FRACKING THROW YOU ALL INTO THE FIERY PIT!”

“Maybe I made a bad choice with this one,” mused Megumi.

“Sheesh, my girl sure knows how to pick them,” muttered War.

“…YOUR girl?” asked Pollo.

“…THE girl,” replied War.

“War, where do you think you are right now?” quizzed Pollo. War arched her eyebrow at the question before everyone was blinded by white light again and arrived at a graveyard. War looked around and saw someone in a black cowl.

“Oh, so it was YOU, huh?” snarled War. “Taking on that ridiculous black-robed skeleton look again, are we, Death? I have to say, I’m tired of all the cryptic garbage you and the Comicron-1 crew are putting me through! Either you drop the mute act or we find out if you can really handle a beating!” The figure did nothing, then unclasped the cowl to reveal a woman with a mix of Irish-American and Japanese descent. She wore a pink schoolgirl uniform with a normal amount of petticoats, significantly less than the amount After Academy uses. “…Wait, aren’t you one of Megumi’s future twins?” asked War.

“Kaitlyn Hishikawa, at your service!” greeted the woman.

“Why the pink uniform?” quizzed Quake Hammer.

“I’ve got Dual Enrollment at After Academy and Chizara University,” explained Kaitlyn.

“…The color clashes with your hair,” remarked Skyfall.

“Oh, shut up!” snapped Kaitlyn.

“What are you doing here?” inquired X-PO.

“I’m just here to help out the timeline,” replied Kaitlyn.

“How so?” asked War.

“Well, helping out a woman that’s gonna be one of my godparents seems like a good start,” mused Kaitlyn.

“Me? A godmother?” scoffed War. “Megumi’s gonna make the wrong choice.”

“Considering your future and my past, I don’t think so,” argued Kaitlyn. She pointed to one of the graves. “What’s that over there?” She indicated a gravestone.

“…Oh no, it’s someone’s gravestone!” snarked War. “This whole thing was a waste of time! First, a fat comic book nerd from Minnesota tells me I’m going on a journey to get my act together! Then, his lounge singer friend shows me the past, something that I’ve always remembered! Next was the blue tin can who showed me the present! Wow, it’s like I already LIVE in it, you twit! Now, we have you, the future! And what is the future?! …Mortals die. Of course they die! Even us immortals have a life-span! The instant the multiverse collapses and all life dies, SO DO WE! …We all die and leave when we shouldn’t. So what’s the point of showing me this?”

“War, where do you think you are right now?” quizzed Kaitlyn. War arched an eyebrow, then followed her future goddaughter’s finger to the gravestone. She got a better look at the name and went still. X-PO, Quake Hammer, and Skyfall got a look and realized what was going on.

“‘Here lies Ichika, daughter of Akira and War’,” Quake Hammer read aloud.

“I don’t want to be here!” begged War.

“But you’re always here!” answered Kaitlyn. “I didn’t bring us here, YOU did.”

“You have no goddamn idea what losing a child is like!” sobbed War. “Would Megumi say goodbye?! Would she?! Would it even be possible when there’s someone out there like the one you lost?!”

“Okaa-san ISN’T your daughter,” countered Kaitlyn. “You have to accept that. You have to say goodbye to your daughter.”

“How can you ask me that?!” argued War. “When your mother considered disbanding the F.N.S…I thought I was going to go through the feeling of losing Ichika all over again! Can you even imagine that?! …When Megumi and I fought over my methods, I was so mad! I was so mad that she left me again!”

“War, Okaa-san is NOT who you want her to be,” urged Kaitlyn. “She’s never going to be that. You have to let Ichika go.”

“When do you let this stuff go?” sniffed War. “When are you supposed to even START moving on?!”

“What better time than now?” asked Kaitlyn. “War, this is where you are right now. Where do you WANT to be? Where do you NEED to be?” No one said a word.

“…Ichika,” began X-PO, “I would have loved to have met you.”

“As would I,” agreed Skyfall.

“And I,” confirmed Quake Hammer.

“…She was a warrior of great honor,” sighed War. “…Goodbye, Ichika. Goodbye…thank you for being part of my life.” She and her crew got up, then stood in silence, their eyes shut. They opened their eyes after a minute, then noticed the scene had changed.

“The bridge?” asked X-PO.

“No, this is an actual office,” remarked Skyfall. “There aren’t any lights or force-fields to indicate holograms.”

“I don’t care if Founding Day’s tomorrow!” called a voice. “You’ve had enough extensions! You’re getting an F, end of conversation!”

“A bit harsh, don’t you think?” asked another voice.

“Well, that’s just how things…” Michael and Megumi then entered the office and goggled at the new people. “Good God Almighty!” breathed Michael.

“WAR!” cheered Megumi. “Wh…When did you get back?!”

“I…I just got here,” stammered War.

“Well, what on earth are you doing just standing around for?!” called Michael. “Tomorrow’s Founding Day! It’s a time to be joyful and merry and spend time with the family and all that rot!”

“Come on!” urged Megumi. “We’ve got a party going on at Castle Nerd Skull! Let’s go!” She and Michael ran out of the office, leaving a very bewildered Ruthless crew behind.

“…Yeah, family,” sighed War happily. Then, she remembered. “Wait a minute! My ship is still adrift in some random universe!” she shouted.

Caan stood on the Tiger’s bridge, staring at the viewscreen, watching the progress of the portal. It was already half of Chizara’s size. Another half-hour and it would be twice the size of the planet, big enough to engulf it. Caan twitched as if he was in his old Dalek state. Just then, the alarm sounded. “Report!” he barked.

“Intruder has appeared in Main Engineering, just outside the door to the backup bridge,” replied the computer.

“Can you identify it?” asked Caan.

“Outline resembles Optimus Prime,” reported the computer, “but the color of his optical sensors does not match visual records.”

“Display,” ordered Caan. The screen switched to a view of Main Engineering with Optimus walking around. His optics blazed white instead of blue. “I see what’s going on,” chuckled Caan. “Patch me through to the intruder.” The intruder then got a good look at a screen near him. “I was right, you ARE still alive.”

“Ah, yes, the clairvoyant squid,” chuckled the intruder. While it had Optimus’ image, it spoke in Vortech’s voice.

“I must admit,” chuckled Caan, “I did not expect you to pick the Cybertronian to possess.”

“Well, with Megumi and Arsha dead, my options were limited,” explained the intruder.

“It doesn’t matter,” declared Caan. “Your end is near.”

“Is it, now?” purred the intruder.

“The portal will continue to expand,” boasted Caan. “When even the satellites are engulfed, I will augment this ship to continue the portal’s growth. This universe will be consumed if it means stopping you!”

“And what’s to stop me from leaving?” asked the intruder.

“…What?” hissed Caan.

“I can enter one of the abandoned ships,” explained the intruder. “War made them with interdimensional engines. I could leave for another reality and take it over as I wish. Why not? This world is clearly doomed!” Caan realized the error of his boasting and fear gripped his heart. “Tiny tin squid with a tiny tin brain! Davros must be so proud of you!” The intruder cackled in victory. “But, I AM magnanimous in victory! I know you Daleks want life to fall at your hands, so I will let you face me for a final battle! You’d best be prepared! I await you in Main Engineering!” The call ended.

“Computer, activate Rift Blockers!” ordered Caan. “I am NOT letting him get away like this!”

“Rift Blockers online,” reported the computer. Caan then found a spare gunstick and took it with him to Main Engineering. He found the intruder and fired on him, turning him into a photonegative briefly and knocking him to the floor. He then entered the backup bridge and programmed a course into it.

“Say goodbye, demon!” hissed Caan. The Tiger flew towards the portal!

“So insignificant!” taunted the intruder as he pulled himself towards the door to the backup bridge. “So quick to assume!”

“Silence!” barked Caan as he shot the intruder again. He went back to programming something into the helm console.

“You think you have won,” grunted the intruder. “I am taking this ship over! With Optimus’ technical expertise as a part of me, I can command this vessel to go anywhere I want!”

“Optimus never encountered MY programming skills,” boasted Caan. He finished keying in a command and the thrusters on the outside of the ship exploded. The Tiger was running on inertia now. “Every time you try to repair the thrusters, I will keep overloading them and keep locking the controls! You will remain here and watch as I, Caan, finally end you!” He got a reading on the helm console. “Ah, we’re approaching the portal’s gravity well right on schedule. I will lower the Rift Blockers long enough for me to escape, but they will switch back on when I am gone. The end of this game is in MY favor! Checkmate, Lord Vortech!”

“Oh, Caan, you are so slow on the uptake!” laughed the intruder. Just then, Caan noticed the optics’ lights slowly turn blue. As the intruder spoke, the voice changed into Optimus’ voice. “We’re not playing chess, we’re playing YuGiOh!” The intruder then turned into a Transformer-sized Megumi!

“And you just activated a trap card!” the intruder laughed in Megumi’s voice.

“What the?!” spluttered Caan. The intruder raised a hand and pointed to it as it shimmered and faded to reveal a metal endoskeleton! “A mobile solid-light generator?!”

“It’s called a Holo-droid!” cheered the intruder as it reconstituted the arm. “Right now, Arsha, Optimus, and I are speaking through it!”

“WHERE IS VORTECH?!” demanded Caan. The Holo-droid turned into a Transformer-sized Arsha as she took control.

“Definitely dead this time!” she answered.

“YOU DON’T KNOW THAT!” argued Caan. The Holo-droid turned into Optimus as he spoke.

“Maybe we don’t,” conceded Optimus. “But, we’re pretty sure this time and we are NOT going to let you hurt anyone else because your inherent arrogance forbids you to accept that!” Caan dashed into the backup bridge and tried to work the helm.

“I have to…I have to turn this ship around! I have to…to find him!” he gasped as he worked. “I must…! I overloaded the thrusters! I locked the Rift Blockers! …I can’t control the ship!” He then returned to Main Engineering, dropped to his knees, and pleaded to the Holo-droid as it assumed Megumi’s shape. “SAVE ME! WE MUST RESUME THE HUNT! VORTECH WILL ONLY ANNIHILATE UNIVERSES UNLESS WE STOP HIM!”

“Indeed,” replied Megumi through the Holo-droid. “That’s why we’re getting rid of every chunk of him.” The Holo-droid opened its fists to reveal a feminine arm and a sword, both looking like they were made of Vortech’s skin, Igura’s Vortonian arm and the Foundation Saber. The Holo-droid let the objects fall to the floor. Just before the Foundation Saber hit the floor, however, a man’s hand grabbed the sword’s handle and swung the blade right into and through Caan’s neck, chopping his head off! As the head and body fell to the floor, the Holo-droid gasped as it relayed who the mystery man was. “HIRO?!” yelped Megumi.

“That was for my wife, you son of a b***h!” hissed Hiro.

“How did you…?!” spluttered Megumi.

“I activated a rift onto here as you opened one for the Holo-droid,” explained Hiro. He then keyed in a command on an Engineering Console. “I’ve activated a tractor beam disseminator,” he revealed. “This ship needs to get into the portal and nothing will stop it. With the Rift Blockers locked in place and shields up, I’m not going back.”

“Hiro, you’ve turned the Tiger into your tomb!” protested Megumi. “Let us help you! Let us save you!”

“I have nothing left now,” replied Hiro. “Caan exterminated the last remnants of Shocker Rift. My wife and unborn child are dead. All of the universes under my control are now free. Ambassador Hell would only execute me if I returned home. No, I’m dying on my own terms.” He ran out of Main Engineering. With the door being too small, the Holo-droid couldn’t pursue. All Megumi could do was uselessly call out for Hiro. Hiro arrived on the bridge and looked directly at the portal. “I have done enough in this life without you, my sweet eagle,” he declared to Igura’s spirit, wherever it was. “Don’t worry, wherever you are, either Heaven or Hell, I shall be with you again. Just hold on, your husband will be with you very soon.” He then morphed into Tora-Otoko and thrust his fists into the air. “Shocker gundan…BANZAI!” (Long live the Shocker Army!) The Tiger then entered the portal.

---

On the Virginia, Megumi stumbled backwards into the Captain’s Chair in sheer shock. “He just…he couldn’t…I wasn’t…he’s gone…” She then felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Richard’s hand and he looked at her in sympathy. She glanced up, then stood up and hugged him tightly. They stayed that way for a good few seconds, not caring that people were staring at them.

“Er, dudes,” called Soundwave from the Nemesis, “I hate to sound like a total downer, but…what about the portal?!”

“Watch,” directed Lacey. Everyone turned to their viewscreens to see the portal getting smaller! It shrank and shrank and shrank over thirty seconds before disappearing entirely. “Remember, Vortech gave up pieces of himself to make a weapon and to give Igura access to it. I guess the portal thought those pieces were enough for it to close.”

“…So, that’s it?” asked Optimus. “The end of Caan and Lord Vortech?” Megumi broke off her embrace with Richard, silently assuring him that she was all right.

“And of Shocker Rift,” she declared. “May Adachi Hiro find his wife, wherever she may be. Now, as for you two, Megatron and Dr. Borg…”

“Rosadera, could we avail upon you to send us home?” asked Megatron.

“We both need to rebuild,” explained Dr. Borg.

“Of course,” replied Rosadera.

“Before you do send us home,” interjected Megatron, “Prime, we haven’t finished our little quarrel yet!”

“You really still want to fight me after what we just went through?!” protested Optimus.

“Dr. Borg,” pleaded Arsha, “PLEASE tell me you’re dropping your plans to control the Realms!”

“I have no intention to do so,” replied Dr. Borg. “I’m just focusing my conquest on the sub-dimensions that make up our universe. Oh, Megatron, I must tell you this, I found Shockwave’s plans to dissect me and use me for her experiments!”

“Well, I can’t say as I’M pleased with you wanting to dissect us!” snarled Megatron. “So we are agreed, our alliance is terminated! Let me warn you; if I catch you in my universe…!”

“The feeling’s mutual!” growled Dr. Borg.

“Then, goodbye, FOREVER!” declared Megatron. “Chizarans, you may send us back!”

“As you wish,” chuckled Rosadera. She snapped her fingers and the Nemesis and Scorpion vanished in pink light.

“Er, you DO realize they had dimensional tech with them, yes?” quizzed Megumi.

“Oh, you mean the dimensional tech we swiped from them as they were talking?” giggled Rosadera.

“Well, with that loose end tied up,” sighed Optimus in relief, “I still have one to tie up with Skyfall. I…I owe her the biggest apology of my life.”

“There’ll be time for tying up loose ends when we all gather at After Academy,” called Death. “The student body and staff heard about our victory and they’ve set up a party in our honor! All of us are invited, including the former participants of this 3V2R and our lovely judges!”

“I’ll be glad to attend!” declared Alfalna.

“Us Martians love a good party!” cheered Elizabeth. “Count me in!”

“I shall definitely be attending!” accepted Ultragingana.

“And we would be honored to accept,” finished Rosadera. “I would love to see After Academy!”

“Before we go,” interjected War, “I’m going to retake my flagship. X-PO, do you mind being at the helm again?”

“Don’t mind at all,” replied X-PO.

“Skyfall and Quake Hammer will also assist you,” offered Optimus.

“Thank you,” mumbled War. She beamed over and found her old crewmates already at their stations. The fleet then set a course for After Academy and entered the rift.

“I have to say,” muttered Mickey, “I feel bad for Caan. I got to know him over the last few years. He was just trying to do what he thought was right.”

“What he thought was right,” argued Richard, “was conquering, killing, and being a racist cigarette butt smashed into the face of reality! Good riddance to him, I say!”

“As do I,” agreed Megumi. “Now that Hell’s existence has been confirmed, I think it’s safe to say that he’s rotting there!”

“So, for that,” declared Richard, “you’ll forgive me if I say this calls for celebration! Drinks are on me, everyone!” Everyone cheered at the idea of someone buying them drinks.

---

The party was in full swing! The heroes of the multiverse were cheered to the echo when they arrived! The Mayor of Beyond City gave a moving speech, praising the F.N.S. and their allies, both new and old. He left himself out of the speech, being a more humble politician, and draped medals around their necks. Although, he stopped when he noticed someone missing. “Er, where’s War?” he asked.

“War?” called someone from the crowd. “I saw her sitting by herself at the fountain.”

“Excuse me,” bid Megumi as she headed off to the fountain. War was just sitting on the edge of it, staring off into space and uncharacteristically slumped over. “There you are!” called Megumi. War turned her head to see Megumi, then returned to the spot on the horizon she was staring at. “War, what are you sitting here for? The Mayor’s honoring us! He’s got a medal for you! We’ve won! After all of that, we’re performing a new ceremony; a reinstatement ceremony! We’re welcoming you and Mickey back!” War didn’t respond. “…War? …War, are you okay?”

“No,” replied War. “No, I’m not okay. Your future said that Vortech was manipulating us to turn against each other while he slept inside you, Optimus, and Arsha. I’m afraid I don’t see the relevance of his manipulation. My anger at you for not siding with me, my terrible decisions, that was all me. I was the one that did what I did, Vortech be damned. I was that angry with you about keeping Megatron, Hiro, and Dr. Borg from me. …I was ready to cut you down.”

“But you didn’t,” countered Megumi. “That’s what’s important.”

“No, the fact that I was even okay with WILLING to is what’s important,” sighed War. “Megumi, I…I can’t accept reinstatement into the F.N.S. right now. I need to get away from all this for a bit. I need some time to think. I’m taking a sabbatical while Michael fills in for me.”

“Will you be home in time for Founding Day?” asked Megumi, saddened at War’s decision, but understanding why.

“We’ll see,” sighed War as she got up.

“War,” called Megumi, “for what it’s worth, I’m sorry for kicking you out like that. Before we even heard about Vorton, I swore that I would take all factors into consideration before kicking someone out. …I didn’t do that with you and I’m sorry.”

“…I’m sorry too,” mumbled War. “I always thought of myself as someone who always heeds her friends. …I didn’t and I deserved to be kicked out like that.” She then took out a communicator. “Ruthless, this is War. One to beam up.” She vanished in a teleport beam, leaving Megumi to sigh and wish her friend luck silently. She returned to the stand and explained what was going on.

“I just got the letter saying I was taking over for War for the foreseeable future,” revealed Michael. “I’ll just put the medal in her office.”

“I’m sure she’d like that,” agreed the Mayor.

“…What?” asked Megumi as she still controlled Vortex: Trinity Soul.

“After I had killed my people,” explained Vortech, “the Chizarans asked me what the reward would be for seeking Eternity…but I still haven’t found it! What is this hopelessness?! I see all of reality before me…and it is useless! Does this mean I have dragged myself through the rift…for NOTHING?! Why do I not know what my reward will be?! Am I…insignificant?! The mere question is…is…sickening! …I have been in one place for too long! I…I cannot…! I am…tiny! I am…incomplete! I cannot…process this without…without…! They can’t help me now! The Vortonians cannot give me what I seek anymore! I am…I am…I am…unimportant! No, not true! …It’s true, though. Nothing matters! Nothing I do matters! The multiverse doesn’t care if I turn it into one universe or not! It…it simply IS!” He then grabbed Vortex: Trinity Soul by the shoulders with fear and pleading in his eyes. “I need existence! I need reason! GIVE ME LIFE! GIVE ME FUNCTION! I…I CANNOT…!” He then released Vortex: Trinity Soul and stumbled to the portal generator ground controls. “…I fear!” he gasped. “I…I can’t process this! I am MORE than this…but I am tiny! …Nothing I do matters! Tell me! I beg you! Tell me how I can exist! How I can live!”

“So THAT’S what you’re afraid of,” mused Arsha as she took control of Vortex: Trinity Soul. “…Honestly, it’s the same thing I’m afraid of. One day, we expire and that’s it. Not even rank will make people really remember you. Nothing we do matters before we die. …But it does.”

“She’s right,” agreed Optimus as he took control. “There’s always something new. There’s always something to test you and make you better. Maybe…maybe you could turn human? Abandon the quest for a bit and live out…”

“NO!” roared Vortech as he slammed his fist to the ground and made an energy shockwave, knocking everyone back. “I know your experiences! I know your existence! I have been part of you for three of Megumi’s years! I have seen your ups and downs! I KNOW how life works! I have seen all of your battles! YOU ARE SMALL! I AM…!”

“Tiny,” replied Vortex: Trinity Soul as all three of her components released their hold. “You said so yourself.”

“You are but dust!” snarled Vortech. “I am the fiery core of a planet! I am the rocks that destroy a town! I am the seas that flood the lands! I am the wind that rips buildings out of the ground! Don’t even dare to THINK that your existence compares to mine!” He then swung wildly with his staff and tried to land a hit on Vortex: Trinity Soul. She didn’t permit herself to be struck down. She leapt up into the air and pressed the button on the Transcendant.

“Triple Final attack!” it announced.

“RIDER TRINITY KICK!” she declared. She flew through the air, foot first, and struck Vortech down. Vortech was gasping for breath before an explosion engulfed him. When the flames died down, Vortech was on his knees as Vortex: Trinity Soul removed the Transcendant and split into Megumi, Optimus, and Arsha.

“I am the fiery core of a planet!” whispered Vortech as he curled into a fetal position. “I am the rocks that destroy a town! I am the seas that flood the lands! I am the wind that rips buildings out of the ground! …But what is the fiery core of a planet to Eternity but a smoldering ember in a firepit long doused? What are the rocks that destroy a town but grains of sand on Eternity’s beach? What are the seas that flood the lands but a glass of water to hydrate Eternity? What is the wind that rips buildings out of the ground to Eternity but a breeze generated by a fan? There is nothing that lasts within Eternity. …I am afraid. …I…I cannot bear this confusion any longer! I am…I am alone.” Blue mist then came from Vortech’s skin. “I am…irrelevant.” By then, Vortech was no longer clutching himself tightly. “There is no reward for seizing Eternity, is there? Mortals know this and still continue to live.”

“…No, there isn’t a reward for seizing Eternity,” replied Megumi.

“I have only the same questions since I began my crusade,” sighed Vortech. “Now…now I am falling apart.” He gestured to the blue mist coming from his body. “For some reason, I feel no pain. I always thought death was painful. I guess it depends on how one dies.” Speaking of which, Death arrived with her scythe. Vortech looked up, the white lights making up his eyes fading and revealing brown eyes, HUMAN eyes. “…It’s getting dark now,” he muttered. “The game is over; the players depart from the table. I am alone. …I am afraid.”

“Don’t be afraid,” soothed Megumi as she, Arsha, and Optimus knelt by Vortech. “We’re here with you.”

“…Death, will you permit me to ask my last questions?” asked Vortech.

“Very well,” replied Death.

“Everyone, let’s assume, hypothetically, that I won,” pondered Vortech. “I would give you the perfect lives you’ve always wanted. No stigmas. No tragedies. No need to suffer.”

“And we wouldn’t be here talking about it if our lives went exactly as we wanted it,” countered Batman. “Yes, every day I wish that my parents didn’t die. But, while I always miss them, if they didn’t die, I wouldn’t be fighting crime right now. I would be a bratty rich kid with only the name Bruce Wayne as the single identifier. I wouldn’t have made the friends I did; I wouldn’t trust Commissioner Gordon; I wouldn’t constantly reach my hand out to those that needed help. I wouldn’t be Batman.”

“If my life went the way I wanted it,” supplied Gandalf, “I wouldn’t consider the Hobbits as very heroic in their unique fashion. I doubt I would even be in Middle-Earth. I would still be a scared Maiar spirit staying in the Undying Lands.”

“I doubt I’d have any drive to join a resistance group if my life went the way I wanted it to,” mused Wyldstyle. “I wouldn’t have met Emmet or fought against Lord Business.”

“I wouldn’t be the one inspiring others to fight against evil if Shocker didn’t make me what I am today,” continued Hongo. “I would just be a nobody who never really learned anything outside of a textbook and spent his days riding his motorcycle.”

“I had five people die under my command,” recalled Arsha. “I always thought it was a Captain’s duty to keep every single crew member alive. My crew told me that was an unhealthy conceit and I saw why. Without having them die, I wouldn’t come face to face with the fact that they knew the risk of death was there as they signed up. They wanted to protect the Realms and they gave their lives to do so. If they didn’t die, I don’t think I would be a good Captain.

“The fact that my brother leads the Decepticons still breaks my Spark,” recounted Optimus. “I also stumbled as Prime as I let my arrogance take hold. Still, I came out stronger and continue to do so. There’s no reason for me to need a different life than the one I’ve got now.”

“I know exactly what would have happened if Hiro acted as a father to me,” mused Megumi. “I wouldn’t be adopted by a more loving family. I wouldn’t have moved to America. I wouldn’t have made many friends. I wouldn’t have met you. I wouldn’t be a student of After Academy. I wouldn’t be married to an American. I’d be a normal Japanese woman, unknowing of her dad’s old home in the Kamen Rider universe.”

“You believe there’s a point to existence, even if that existence is imperfect,” Vortech summed up.

“I’ve always thought so,” replied Megumi.

“What if you’re wrong and there isn’t?” asked Vortech.

“Then I hope that, if I ever DO regain my mortality and die,” answered Megumi, “that I die thinking that I would do it all over again still.”

“…Braver than I am,” sighed Vortech as he shut his eyes. Death swung the scythe and Vortech simply turned into blue mist that faded away.

---

Up in space, the Vortech Clones fell to the floor and returned to a HumaGear state. They were no longer functional and all weapons-fire stopped as everyone saw Vortech die. Everyone performed sensor sweeps for any lumps of Vortech left behind. “All scans…negative,” sighed Rosadera in relief. The other ships reported the same.

“N…no,” remarked Caan.

“It’s over,” sighed War.

“No,” repeated Caan.

“Well, I don’t know about you,” growled Megatron, “but whatever deal Hiro made with me is no longer worth it. I’ll stick to conquests within my own universe.

“No!” snarled Caan.

“As shall I,” muttered Dr. Borg. “This whole adventure has cost me dearly and I intend to return home and…”

“No, no, NO!” roared Caan. “IT’S A TRICK! VORTECH’S STILL ALIVE!” He opened a rift and arrived on the Tiger’s bridge. He then keyed in a command and beamed everyone on the ship into space. Hiro was rescued, his crew wasn’t so lucky as the ship’s weapons fired on them, then targeted the satellites and fired streams of energy at them.

“Hailing frequencies opened!” called Mikhail on the Virginia.

“Caan, what are you doing?!” demanded War.

“I’ve increased power to the portal generators! There is NO escape for Vortech!” replied Caan.

“Someone get him off that ship! Destroy it if you need to!” called Hiro from the Scorpion’s sick bay. The ships fired on the Tiger, but it proved fruitless. The shields wouldn’t budge.

“He’s adapted to our weapons fire!” reported Megatron. “We can’t stop him!”

“In one hour, the portal will be large enough to swallow the planet!” called Caan. “Vortech will NOT escape this time! This sacrifice will not be made in vain! I will kill Vortech! Behold, the end of this game! The Daleks are supreme! Dalek Caan, the last of the Cult of Skaro, the last Dalek veteran of the Last Great Time War, WINS!”

“Caan! No! Please!” begged Mickey. “Don’t do this! You’re smarter than this!”

“Caan, there’s no need for us to continue the hunt!” called Eggman from the Nemesis.

“You two may act foolish,” replied Caan, “but you are the only two beings I have respect for. You recognized the danger before anyone else and took the appropriate actions to bring us to victory. I am sorry for what I must do to protect reality itself.” He closed the communications channel and stood at the now abandoned helm. “As it was before, so shall it be again. Caan, alone against evil. Let this saucer take me to the edge of infinity if it must; I will end you, Vortech!”

---

The fleet was still trying to hail Caan or destroy the ship, but nothing was working. “It’s no good!” sighed Mickey. “Nothing’s going to get through to him!”

“He’s right,” sighed Rosadera. “Azuliterii’s trying to circumvent the shields, but it’s going to take the hour needed to bring down the portal!”

“Well, we have to do something!” argued War. “We can’t just…!”

“Er, guys?” asked a voice on a broad transmission. “What’s going on?”

“Prime?!” asked Megatron.

“It’s all of us,” replied Optimus.

“Minna-san, why is the portal getting bigger?” quizzed Megumi. “Vortech’s dead! We need to shut that thing down!”

“It’s Caan!” called Mickey. “He’s completely lost his mind! He thinks Vortech tricked us again and he’s gonna use the portal to swallow Chizara!”

“Because, of COURSE, he would!” rasped Batman.

“Did he even use his clairvoyance to check?” asked Gandalf.

“I don’t think he bothered to!” replied Eggman.

“The portal would have closed itself if Vortech went into it, right?” asked Lacey.

“Right,” answered Azuliterii, “and I’m trying to find a way to shut it down, but Caan’s blocked us out. The longer we wait, the bigger the portal gets, and the less chance we have of getting out of this.”

“I think I have a plan forming,” mused Lacey, “I just need a distraction.” Optimus got an idea.

“Grimlock,” he called, “do you still have my Holo-droid?”

“That’s where the Fear-o-tron came from,” answered Grimlock. “We just heavily modified it.”

“Beam it down,” ordered Optimus. “I need to tinker with it.”

“SERIOUSLY?! RIGHT NOW?!” protested Teletraan. “KID! PRIORITIES!”

“I DO have my priorities, Teletraan,” answered Optimus. “One of those priorities is keeping my skills up! We’ll call back when we’re ready.” The call ended, leaving a lot of people to massage their temples.

“You know,” muttered Tails, “one of these days, he’ll be only halfway through whatever activity he’s got on his mind and we’ll have already saved the world without him!”

Vortex: Trinity Soul rolled out of the way of Vortech’s staff swing, combined the axes into staff mode, and slammed the ground with it, creating a large energy shockwave. Vortech simply chopped with his hand and made a gap so the energy wave passed him harmlessly. Vortex: Trinity Soul then got an idea. She opened up several rifts and summoned Batman, Hongo, Wyldstyle, Gandalf, and Lacey. “What on…?!” spluttered Gandalf.

“It took all of us to defeat Vortech before,” explained Vortex: Trinity Soul, “so I thought it would be best to summon you all here.”

“Catchphrase time, is it?” chuckled Vortech.

“…You know what, we’ll humor you for once,” declared Vortex: Trinity Soul. “I might as well show off a trick in the process.” Her eyes then turned blue-purple and she moved a bit, examining herself. She was a little stunned.

“Well now,” she chuckled in Megumi’s voice, “I didn’t know she could do that. In any event, Kamen Rider Vortex! Evil will ultimately bow to me!” Her eyes then turned electric blue and Optimus took over.

“I am Optimus Prime!” he declared. “Freedom is the right of all sentient beings!” The eyes turned pink and Arsha spoke.

“I am Arsha Royana!” she announced. “I shall defend the Realms with my very soul!” The eyes returned to their powder-blue state and Vortex: Trinity Soul spoke in her normal voice.

“Kamen Rider Vortex: Trinity Soul!” she proclaimed. “The power of three will slay you!”

“Henshin!” called Lacey as she spun the dial on her belt. “Kamen Rider Apocalypse! Your world shall end!”

“I am Gandalf the Grey! Prepare to see some fireworks!”

“I’m Wyldstyle! Time to think outside the box!”

“I’m Batman! The Dark Knight rises!”

“Rider…HENSHIN!” called Hongo. He leapt into the air and became Kamen Rider Ichigō. “I am the start of a group of warriors! I am Kamen Rider!”

“I am Lord Vortech,” chuckled Vortech. “Prepare to be knocked into another dimension!” Vortex: Trinity Soul and Gandalf fired off magic blasts at Vortech, but he absorbed them both, then redirected the combined energy into them, knocking them onto their backs. Wyldstyle used a bit of the streets to build a bat-themed suit. Batman took control of it and slammed its fists down onto Vortech, but Vortech caught them in an energy bubble before flicking his wrists and tearing the Batmech asunder with only his mind. Apocalypse and Ichigō then leapt into the air as Apocalypse spun her dial again.

“RIDER KICK!” called Ichigō.

“RIDER APOCALYPSE KICK!” shouted Apocalypse. Both kicks hit Vortech hard, but Vortech got up, grabbed them, and threw them aside.

---

Up in space, the battle fared ill. Vortech’s fleet was getting smarter. All of his ships kept dodging the laser fire of their enemies. On the Nemesis, Ravage was having a tough time. “Our weapons can’t get a clean hit on them!” he called to Megatron.

“Advise Scarship to unleash his missiles!” ordered Megatron. “Full spread! We shall do the same!”

“Understood!” confirmed Soundwave as he transmitted the message to the Metarex ship.

---

“Ultra Magnus, I think NOW would be a good time for the Overshock Sonic Battery!” advised Prowl.

“Then we shall use it!” declared Ultra Magnus.

---

“Sonic! Shadow!” Tails called. “Load yourselves into the Sonic Power Cannon! We’re gonna test out how powerful the shot will be with you two!”

“Understood, Captain!” replied Shadow.

“Hey, you called Tails ‘Captain’!” laughed Sonic. “Maybe you should serve on his ship more often!”

“Don’t get any ideas!” snapped Shadow.

---

“Everyone, prepare for the Tunnel Torpedo!” ordered Grimlock.

“All adjustments made!” called Slag.

---

“Fire Razor Laser Disc Swarm!” Hiro ordered Tactical.

“Got it!” confirmed the Combatman.

---

“Has this ship fired its wing weapons before?” asked War to Richard.

“Quite a few times during that incident with the pirates,” replied Richard.

“Then we use them now!” declared War. “Fire Wing Streams!”

---

“We’re getting a transmission from the High Sky!” called Shalvey. “The Meteor and Scorpion are on the same call as well!”

“Put them through!” ordered Oak. Malnar, Dr. Borg, and Lardeth appeared on screen.

“Oak, we need to unleash all our drone fighters on the enemy!” advised Malnar.

“I second that!” agreed Lardeth.

“Then we shall swarm the enemy!” declared Oak.

“I only have 20,” reported Dr. Borg.

“Every little bit helps,” assured Oak. “Swarm pattern Omega! Launch all drone fighters and destroy them!”

---

“Photonic cannons! Now!” ordered Eelinape.

“Photonic cannons ready and firing!” called his Tactical Officer.

---

“Unleash the Swarm!” shouted Ultragingana.

“All hunter missiles away!” replied her Tactical Officer.

---

“Anti-matter Blaster! Now!” called Elizabeth.

“My lady, the weapon hasn’t been tested yet!” protested her Chief Engineer. “The anti-matter could…!”

“BRAK TELAR SHEK!” (OBEY YOUR ORDER!) shouted Elizabeth. The Chief Engineer gulped, then engaged the weapon.

---

“All-Powerful Engineer!” called Alfalna. “Ready the Deflector Launcher!”

“Deflector Launcher ready, Great Demoness!” reported her Engineer.

“FIRE!” shouted Alfalna.

---

“We have no choice,” sighed Rosadera. “We need the Spectrum Annihilator now!”

“So soon after we made the precautions to Elizabeth and Megumi’s round,” grumbled Azuliterii as all of the Chizaran princesses placed their hands on their consoles and poured their energy into the weapon.

---

“Seekers, we need to assist!” declared Starscream. “Starscream, Turbofoxes 1 through 10!”

“Thundercracker, Turbofoxes 1 through 10!” called Thundercracker.

“Skywarp, Turbofoxes 1 through 10!” declared Skywarp.

“LET THEM FLY, BOYS!” ordered Starscream. All ships and fighters fired their weapons at the fleet and the enemy ships were caught up in a brilliant light that lasted a good few minutes.

“Did we get them?!” asked Skywarp.

“Skywarp, we can still detect their warp engine signatures,” sighed Thundercracker. “Why do you even ask?”

“I’m an optimist,” whimpered Skywarp.

“You’re an idiot!” snapped Starscream.

---

“It’s no good!” growled Richard. “We can’t disable that fleet! We need to help Megumi out somehow!”

“We’re being hailed by the Chizarans,” reported Mikhail.

“On screen,” ordered War. Rosadera appeared, looking out of breath.

“Azuliterii’s patching into the satellites at the moment,” she reported. “We need to figure out what’s going on down there.”

“Agreed,” answered War. “Can you patch it through to all ships?”

“That was the plan from the start,” replied Rosadera.

“I’ve got a visual!” called Azuliterii.

“Put it through!” called Rosadera. The fight on the Chizara’s surface appeared on all viewscreens. Right now, Vortex: Trinity Soul had brought out Megumi’s second sword-gun and a Cyber Key.

“You know,” mused Vortex: Trinity Soul, “Megumi and Optimus always wondered what happened if a Cyber Key was used instead of an i.d. tag. Might as well find out!” She flicked the Cyber Key into the air and fired a stream of energy at it from her hand. “CYBER KEY POWER!” she invoked. The Cyber Key inserted itself into the weapon’s i.d. tag slot and a stream of energy erupted and surrounded the blade. “Holy crap! That actually works!”

“Final attack!” called the sword.

“RIDER TRINITY CYBER KEY SLASH!” announced Vortex: Trinity Soul as she swung the blade downwards and fired an energy wave at Vortech. Vortech merely held up his hand, stopped the energy wave, shrank it into a small ball of light and ran it along his arms like a basketball, then fired a torrent of energy at all of the combatants. They all ended up knocked down; groaning and grunting in pain.

“So amusing,” laughed Vortech. “So entertaining. …So fantastically futile. I am so much more than you, gnats. Even when I slept, you did nothing but play my game, and thus it shall always be.” Vortex: Trinity Soul glared at Vortech, then her gaze softened. She then recovered her strength enough to sit Japanese-style. Vortech blinked as confusion started flooding his brain. “Wh…what is this?” he asked.

“It’s my surrender,” explained Vortex: Trinity Soul. “I give up. You may kill me since I don’t have Megumi’s immortality.”

“WHAT?!” yelped Apocalypse.

“NO!” shouted Ichigō.

“What are you doing?!” protested Batman.

“Now YOU abandon reason for madness?!” argued Gandalf.

“There’s still so much to live for!” pleaded Wyldstyle.

“…No,” remarked Vortech. “No, you…you can’t do that.”

“You said this was a game, correct?” asked Vortex: Trinity Soul. “Well, I’m out of moves. Game over. The only winning move is to cease playing and there’s only one way to stop.” Vortech glanced around in confusion, then he realized her plan.

“NO!” argued Vortech. “YOU CAN’T DO THAT!”

“Then kill me!” countered Vortex: Trinity Soul. “Absorb my power! Whatever! None of us like this game and we no longer wish to play!”

“I will!” warned Vortech. “I will absorb your power, kill you, destroy your universe…!” Vortex: Trinity Soul stood up and let Megumi do the talking.

“SO WHY HAVEN’T YOU?!” she demanded. Vortech didn’t reply. “…Well? Why haven’t you?!” continued Megumi. “You’re perfect and all-powerful and all-knowing and all the garbage you spouted at us last time! You were smashing every reality into one back then! Yet, you’ve been around for five years and lain dormant for three! You could have started your search up earlier and yet, you DIDN’T!”

---

“What the hell is she doing?” demanded Caan as he arrived on the Virginia’s bridge.

“No clue,” muttered War, “but I think we’re gonna find out.”

---

“You…you HAVE to fight! I order you to!” demanded Vortech. “Continue the game, Megumi Hishikawa!”

“No!” disobeyed Megumi. “I figured you out! This eternal game nonsense? That’s your fear of you actually achieving your goal of godhood!” Vortech flinched. “The Chizarans called their eternal life and power a curse to those that seek it and they were right! After exploring the limits of their power and life, everything was pointless and so dull that they wanted to be mortal again! The only reason they’re still here now is because their tournament, throughout its rounds, gives them the feeling there’s always something out there that not even THEY know about!”

---

“She is laying the truth on THICK, isn’t she?” muttered Rojenthi.

“She’s not wrong,” replied Verdutha. “That IS why we hold the 3V2R.”

---

“Five years ago, we all showed you how small perfection really is! How terrifying of a goal that really is!” continued Megumi. “Well, this isn’t Foundation Prime, but here we are, having this exact same debate! Nothing has changed! You know where Foundation Prime is, what the Foundation Elements are! You could go back at any time, but you haven’t! Why? Because what’s the point?! You’re trying to stave off the inevitable boredom and insanity by playing this game, but it’s just a temporary diversion! You want us to play this over and over and over, well I say it’s gotta end at some point! If you won’t end it, then I will! WHAT ARE WE EVEN DOING?!”

“I…I…” replied Vortech before his legs gave out and he steadied himself on the controls. “…I still have no answer…”

Megumi toured the Virginia when it was three hours out from Chizara. She felt as, even if she were immortal now, Vortech could do something to take it away and she would die. She felt it would be the last time she saw that panel, that console, that bulkhead, the whole shebang. She made her way to an observation lounge and looked out the window. As she glanced, she noticed Caan standing at the window. “…Are you all right?” she asked. Caan didn’t even flinch. He saw her arrival right down to the second.

“It’s nothing, I just…” for all his ability to see into the future, Caan was struggling to find the right words. “…I DID have a home on Skaro. In fact, that’s what Skaro means in the tongue of my Kaled ancestors, home. Every Dalek always wants to be on Skaro, even those that were created on other worlds. Then the Last Great Time War broke out and I became part of the Cult of Skaro, an order of Daleks that were tasked to come up with imaginative strategies to defeat the Time Lords. Then we were ordered to pack up an army of Daleks and hide in the Void in a Void Ship until it was reactivated and we all found ourselves fighting Cybermen from another universe at the Battle of Canary Warf, believing that Skaro and Gallifrey were gone for good. After the Doctor defeated us, we went through an emergency temporal shift and found ourselves at the construction of the Empire State Building and intended to use it and a passing solar flare to make a new breed of Daleks as our leader, Sec, ordained. Thay, Jast, and I didn’t like that, so we introduced pure Dalek DNA into corpses and reanimated them to be our army. Thay and Jast had Sec, in a form similar to mine, executed and our army turned on them, killing them before I killed the army. After the Doctor confronted me, I flew back into the Time War and retrieved Davros before a monster we called the Nightmare Child devoured him. I went insane from the experience and coaxed Davros into my scheme to destroy the Daleks after I saw what we did. Then Vortech raised me from the dead in this form and I saw that he would destroy us, but could never tell the Daleks that as they would have exterminated me on sight if they weren’t under Hiro’s control. Now they’re free and Skaro’s back, but I can’t go home anymore. I have no refuge, only allies instead of friends, and I know Thay and Jast would consider me just as bad as Sec and would rather kill me. I sometimes wonder what I’m fighting for anymore.”

“A world where we don’t have to worry about interdimensional horrors,” replied Megumi. Caan looked towards Megumi, then chuckled softly.

“Indeed,” he agreed. The ship’s intercom then beeped to life.

“Bridge to Megumi,” called Hiroki’s voice. Megumi activated a comms console.

“Go ahead,” she directed.

“A Chizaran fleet is approaching our position,” reported Hiroki. “We’ve also got some friends adding their ships into the mix; Grimlock’s ship, the Fang, Tails’ ship, the Blue Typhoon, a ship belonging to Decepticon allies, Scarship, and we also have a couple of ships from Arsha’s world, the Meteor under the command of Princess Malnar Emboramii and the High Sky under the command of Prince Lardeth Felompha, and we have some allies from the 3V2R helping as well. We’ve got the Klantay under the direct command of the Great Demoness, Alfalna, Ultragingana’s ship, the Osaka, and Elizabeth’s personal ship, the Ares.”

“More allies will help us out tremendously!” cheered Caan.

“Tell them they’re more than welcome to join us!” declared Megumi. “Make sure they’re briefed on the situation before we reach Chizara.”

---

The fleet arrived in orbit around Chizara to see Vortech’s ships holding their position. They had taken up position on the other side of Chizara and lowered their shields briefly. Megumi, Optimus, Arsha, and the portal generator ground controls were beamed down and the fleet returned to get into a stare-down with Vortech’s. Ultra Magnus was in command of the Ark, War was given command of the Virginia, and Oak took command of the Endeavor. “All ships, report,” commanded War over the subspace channels.

“Ark, standing by,” announced Ultra Magnus.

“Nemesis, standing by,” reported Megatron.

“Fang, standing by,” called Grimlock.

“Blue Typhoon, standing by,” replied Tails.

“Scarship, standing by,” boomed Scarship.

“Virginia, standing by,” answered War.

“Tiger, standing by,” called Hiro.

“Endeavor, standing by,” rumbled Oak.

“Meteor, standing by,” announced Malnar.

“High Sky, standing by,” reported Lardeth.

“Scorpion, standing by,” replied Dr. Borg.

“Klantay, standing by,” called Alfalna.

“Osaka, standing by,” declared Ultragingana.

“Ares, standing by,” proclaimed Elizabeth.

“Hammer of Tarlax, standing by,” answered Eelinape.

“Spectrum, standing by,” called Rosadera from the Chizaran Mothership.

“Hold position until Vortech attacks us,” ordered War. “We need to stay as defensive as possible for those three down on the planet’s surface.

---

“Lord Vortech,” called a Vortech Clone at the helm of the flagship, “We have multiple contacts as predicted. They’re holding position as of now.”

“Any life-signs on Chizara?” asked Lord Vortech.

“Three, My Lord,” replied the Helmsman. “On the far side of the planet relative to our position. Most likely, those heroes.”

“Well, I have no intention of letting this game end as of now,” declared Lord Vortech. “Captain Vortech, take command until my return.”

“Aye, Sir,” replied a second Vortech Clone. He sat down while the original summoned a rift to the planet’s surface. “Mr. Vortech, open a channel to the fleet.”

“Yes, Captain,” confirmed the Vortech Clone at the Communications Station. He flicked a few switches before reporting. “Channel open, Sir.”

“All ships, do NOT, I repeat, do NOT fire on the enemy unless ordered to by Lord Vortech or the enemy fires first,” ordered Captain Vortech.

---

Megumi, Optimus, and Arsha continued with their work on the ground controls and gained access to the satellites. Optimus keyed in a command and the satellites fired streams of energy, creating a portal to the unstable pocket dimension. After a few seconds, he shut off the energy streams. Megumi then called up the fleet. “Okay, we did it!” she reported. “Get us out of…!”

“I see you’ve accepted my invitation to come here!” called Vortech’s voice. The three yelped and whirled around to see Vortech.

“By the Ones, it’s creepy when you do that!” remarked Arsha as she put her hairpiece to her waist.

“I know,” purred Vortech.

“Er, before you do what you plan to do to us,” Optimus gulped, “I need something cleared up. In fact, we all do.”

“You may speak,” granted Vortech.

“You died when the rift loop Megumi and her friends trapped you in had collapsed,” reminded Arsha.

“How did a lump of you survive?” asked Megumi. “Are you just a piece of Vortech he left behind before he was trapped in the rift loop?”

“That wasn’t me that was trapped by you,” explained Vortech.

“…What?” quizzed Megumi.

“The lump of me that powered the Quad, that was me,” elaborated Vortech. “You’re right in that I did leave a piece of myself behind, but the piece was the being you fought and defeated. I had a constant mental link with it until its demise.”

“You mean we defeated only a PIECE of you?!” yelped Megumi.

“A piece with the majority of my power,” replied Vortech. “I had hoped it would win, but it was trapped in that rift loop and died when the loop collapsed! My power was diminished, made less! It was disgusting! I was rendered as powerless as you lower life-forms! All I had were my old powers over my Keystones and…”

“Wait, YOU created the Keystones?” asked Optimus.

“I made the Gateway Megumi and her friends use on a daily basis!” elaborated Vortech. “I had only created five of my planned eight before Vortoranii took over that abandoned Chizaran experiment.”

“The universe that After Academy now uses?” quizzed Megumi.

“…Ah, so you ARE immortal,” chuckled Vortech. “Still, from what I see, you’re nowhere near the level of a Chizaran.”

“And I aim to stay that way,” answered Megumi. “Godhood’s overrated.”

“I beg to differ, given my own powers,” replied Vortech.

“So, that lump of you my friends and I attacked inside the Quad? That was you?” quizzed Megumi.

“And you permanently weakened me,” growled Vortech. “That batarang sent me back to Foundation Prime and I waited for my piece to notice me during the battle, but it fell to hubris and was destroyed! I waited for two years, alone on Foundation Prime. When you returned and unknowingly stepped on me while fighting Hiro, I reactivated and split myself into three, one of my parts burying itself into your subconscious. The other two landed in Optimus and Arsha and were charged when you entered the lowest points of your respective lives. I was content to wait until all three fragments of me had completely taken over all of your bodies so I would return and recombine. Ah, but I didn’t NEED to take you over separately.”

“Yeah, the Convergence was a bit of a boost, wasn’t it?” mused Optimus.

“And what a boost it was!” cheered Vortech. “As you sought to reunite with your loved ones, all of my fragments had reconnected with each other and I played chess against you all, waiting to see if you would turn on each other or become friends. While you lean towards the latter, you still accepted the invitation for the Verse Vs. Verse Rumble Royale to keep the Master Wand out of everyone’s hands.”

“That thing is like the Infinity Gauntlet!” replied Megumi. “That’s too much power for anyone!”

“Still, I didn’t need it,” dismissed Vortech. “When all three of you tried to contact Vortoranii, I intercepted the transmission and decided to make my presence known. I will admit, finishing the game threw a wrench into my plans, but I had a backup…at least, I did until YOU, Ms. Royana, decided to pull that stunt during our Okamon match!”

“You will address me as ‘Your Highness’!” hissed Arsha.

“What’s a princess compared to me?” scoffed Vortech. “In any case, I traveled here to regain a device that would have gathered the Foundation Elements to me instantaneously, only to have searched this entire planet and remember that the Chizarans already destroyed it and its blueprints so it wouldn’t be rebuilt.”

“That’s gods for you,” chuckled Optimus.

“Listen, I’d LOVE to catch up with you,” gulped Megumi, “but I think we’ve all overstayed our welcome, so we’re just gonna go and…” Vortech fired a beam of blue light into the sky and a sphere of blue energy surrounded Chizara.

“No beam-outs for you!” snarled Vortech. “It is as it should be, you and I fighting for the sake of the multiverse. Still, I don’t want your fleet to get clever.” He turned his gaze to the sky. “Captain Vortech, destroy the enemy vessels,” he ordered.

---

“The enemy fleet’s coming at us in an attack formation!” Prowl announced to Ultra Magnus.

“Sir, we’re getting a transmission on a fleet-wide frequency!” called Blackarachnia. “We’ve all been cleared to strike back and leave no ships remaining!”

“Then we shall do so!” declared Ultra Magnus. “Ready weapons and raise shields! We’re going in!”

---

“Are all weapons ready?” Megatron asked Ravage as the cat-like Decepticon manned the Nemesis’s tactical station.

“Ready and waiting,” reported Ravage. “Starscream and his Seeker Trine also report ready.”

“Excellent!” praised Megatron. He activated the comms. “Starscream, you are go for launch! Transform and Rise Up!”

---

“I thought you’d never ask!” cheered Starscream as he, Thundercracker, and Skywarp charged out of the Nemesis’s hangar, transformed, and joined the smaller fighters in the battle. They narrowly avoided a stream of weapons-fire from an enemy vessel. The attack hit the Endeavor instead.

---

“Shields holding!” called Malak.

“Very good!” praised Oak. “Forward torpedoes, launch!” Malak keyed in a command and fired all forward torpedoes at the vessel that shot at them. The vessel was losing its shields, but it still survived the torpedo barrage. The vessel focused on the Blue Typhoon as it fired its weapons. The weapons adapted around the Blue Typhoon’s shields and hit its hull.

---

“They’re adapting around our shields!” Cosmo called to Tails on the Blue Typhoon. “Modulating frequencies!”

“Allow me to show you what this ship can really do!” declared Tails. “Engage the Particle Disseminator!”

“Particle Disseminator online and ready!” reported Tobias.

“FIRE!” ordered Tails. A small light appeared on the nosecone of the ship and grew bigger and bigger until it became a large column of horizontal laser fire that hit the enemy vessel and reduced it to nothing.

“VAPORIZED!” cheered Tobias.

“Er, not to argue,” gulped Cosmo as she pointed to the viewscreen. Another of the enemy vessels seemed to grow a bud. The bud opened and released tiny specks of metal before the specks combined and formed the ship that was destroyed.

“…Welp, we’re screwed!” remarked Tobias.

---

“Did they just…grow a replacement ship?!” yelped Skywarp as the Seekers flew through space.

“That’s going to make things difficult,” mumbled Thundercracker.

“AHEAD!” warned Starscream. Missiles were flying towards them. The Seekers broke formation and barely missed the missiles.

“YOU MISSED US!” taunted Skywarp.

“I wouldn’t bet on that!” called Thundercracker. The missiles had changed course and were right behind the Seekers!

“BREAK OFF!” ordered Starscream. They split up and flew with a missile tailing each of them!

“Fraggit all! I HATE Hunter Missiles!” snapped Skywarp.

---

“It’s your move,” Vortech declared to his three opponents. “Although, you seem underprepared for this confrontation.”

“Looks are deceiving,” replied Megumi. “I probably can’t kill you, but I bet we can make you mad!”

“With your biting wit?” snarked Vortech.

“Nope, with a new powerup!” cheered Megumi. She brought out her belt and fastened it.

“Vortex Driver!” it called. She then inserted her i.d. tag, then brought out the Transcendant and pressed the button.

“TRIPLE ASCENDANCE!” it announced. She then put its tab into the Vortex Drover and folded it over the wheel. “TRIPLE SET!” Optimus, Megumi, and Arsha then assumed a ready stance.

“Henshin!” they all proclaimed. Megumi pressed the button again and the transformation began!

“POWER OF THREE! ASCENDED TRINITY! KAMEN RIDER VORTEX: TRINITY SOUL!” cheered the Transcendant. They had combined into Kamen Rider Vortex: Trinity Soul.

“All of their power has come together to defeat you!” snarled Vortex: Trinity Soul. “The one thing you fear! Why else would you want to control such power?!”

“Lord Vortech knows no fear!” argued Vortech as he readied his staff.

“That’s a lie if I ever heard one,” snarked Kamen Rider Vortex: Trinity Soul as she summoned Optimus’ axes. The two glared at each other, then Vortex: Trinity Soul moved her axe slightly, enough for Vortech to charge wildly, his staff raised to strike!

As the Ark, Nemesis, Tiger, Virginia, Endeavor, and Scorpion pursued Vortech’s hijacked fleet, a Tarlaxian fleet joined them. The Hammer of Tarlax was currently under Eelinape’s command as Scorpainia had to stay behind to focus on the baby in her womb. Megumi was checked over by Emily in the Virginia’s Sick Bay. “All signs are good,” declared Emily. “You’re free to go.”

“Thank you,” bid Megumi. “I need to talk with everyone on the Ark.” She headed to the transporter room and beamed over to the Ark’s Conference Room to meet Rosadera, Arsha, Oak, Caan, Mickey, Eggman, Sonic, Richard, Optimus, Ultra Magnus, Megatron, Starscream, Dr. Borg, Tormo, War, and Hiro.

“You doing okay?” asked Richard.

“Bit of a headache from Vortech’s possession,” replied Megumi. She then gave a glare to Hiro and Caan. “Hiro, Caan,” she greeted, not even bothering with honorifics.

“Megumi,” growled Hiro, dropping the honorifics as well. The tension could be cut with a knife before Megumi changed the subject.

“What’s our status?” she asked.

“Still pursuing Vortech,” replied Optimus.

“He doesn’t have a host anymore,” mused Arsha. “Does that mean he’s more vulnerable?”

“Vortech never needed a host to survive,” answered Hiro.

“He can’t really make Vortexons anymore,” supplied Megumi. “I remember seeing that during the Okamon match.”

“Unfortunately,” sighed War, “he’s probably reprogrammed the HumaGear crews of my fleet to obey him. He’s still got an army.”

“Why is he going to Chizara, though?” asked Oak.

“…Funny you bring that up,” mused Arsha as she tried to think about why.

“He’s still unsuspecting of us,” interjected Caan. “We should increase speed and fire on sight before he suspects an attack! With any luck, the power systems of each ship will be disabled and Vortech will be weakened!”

“Each ship has independent power systems to prevent that from happening,” replied War. “I planned for such a method of attack.”

“Then any tactical insights would be appreciated,” declared Tormo.

“See, that’s the funny part,” remarked Megumi. “Optimus, Arsha, and I are aware of more of his thoughts now, but one of them has been confusing me.”

“What’s that?” asked Rosadera.

“Why do his thoughts turn to Chizara?” asked Megumi.

“…She’s right, that makes no sense and Vortech is blocking my ability to peer into his timeline for me to get any answers,” muttered Caan.

“What do you mean?” asked Eggman.

“Vortech’s endgame was to smash all universes and sub-dimensions into one giant universe,” explained Megumi. “That could only be possible by gathering the Foundation Elements.”

“Is there something on Chizara that would make gathering them easier?” asked Sonic.

“No, the Vortonians asked us to destroy it completely,” answered Rosadera. “He saw us reduce the device to dust, then to atoms, then to nothing.”

“I think the better question,” remarked Optimus, “is why did Vortech decide to bide his time?”

“Vortech’s been awake since the battle for the Sources on Foundation Prime,” recalled Megumi. “That was three years ago. It took Hiro that long to get more recruits for Shocker Rift, but it took Vortech way less time to gather the Foundation Elements once he found Foundation Prime. So, why is he ignoring Foundation Prime if there’s nothing for him on Chizara?”

“Perhaps he knew I was after him,” boasted Caan.

“No offense, Caan,” remarked Hiro, “…actually, ALL the offense, you fled from him along with me when he made the Quad and turned on us all. Neither of us were in a position to stop him back then. It took Megumi, Lacey, and all of their allies, including all of the Doctor’s incarnations, to stop him. But no dimension was attacked in his name! He’s just been sitting inside Optimus, Arsha, and Megumi! There’s something else in his head that not even they knew about.”

“Speculation of his motives aside,” interjected War, “attacking him now will do us no good. Doing so will only condemn us to fruitlessly pursuing him for the rest of our lives. We need a permanent solution.”

“She’s right,” declared Mickey. “I’m sick of this skullduggery! We need to end this now!”

“Then we need our smart people to come up with a miracle,” replied Optimus.

“The resources of Shockwave’s lab,” offered Megatron, “should help all of our scientists to produce a solution to this crisis. Eggman, you and I will tell Shockwave of this development.”

“I’ll join you,” offered Dr. Borg.

“I’ll have Ratchet and Perceptor assist you,” declared Optimus. “Maybe Tails can help too.”

“Lukas, Dell, and Liam will help as well,” announced Megumi.

“I’ll have Thangred, Melandra, and Marshii help you guys,” proclaimed Arsha.

“Hiro, I suggest you train for the coming battle,” suggested Megumi.

“Sure,” muttered Hiro.

“Let’s finish this, people!” declared Megumi. “Vortech’s going down again!”

---

Once all the scientifically-minded people were in Shockwave’s lab on the Nemesis, they began making numerous plans to try and defeat Vortech. “What about a Sentry nest keyed only to Vortech’s genetic signature?” asked Dell.

“That requires more metal than we have,” muttered Shockwave, “and there’s no guarantee that Vortech won’t consider your Sentries.”

“There IS the machine you and Metal Sonic used to control that city Transformer,” surmised Eggman.

“Mr. Prower here,” replied Shockwave, “had his Nutzanbolts eat it and destroy any and all information on it.”

“Besides,” supplied Tails, “Vortech could grow big, from what Megumi said, and Metroplex isn’t around to save us.”

“This is getting us nowhere!” hissed Lukas.

“Well, we don’t really have much choice,” griped Marshii.

“Lads, Lassies, let’s not fight,” suggested Liam. “Only if we work together do we…”

“Wait a cycle,” remarked Perceptor as inspiration hit him. “I believe we’re asking the wrong question here.”

“Explanations?” asked Shockwave.

“It’s not ‘How can we beat Vortech?’,” elaborated Perceptor, “it’s ‘Why did Vortech choose those three specifically?’. Megumi, I can understand, but Optimus considered him a myth and Arsha never even heard of the stories surrounding him.”

“…He’s right, why choose them?” muttered Shockwave as the wheels were turning.

“Maybe, for some irrational reason,” mused Ratchet, “he fears their power combined. I mean, Arsha’s a young woman, yet she’s got plans to unite the Realms and that requires a lot of power in some fashion. On top of that, she’s skilled in magic.”

“Optimus has that Matrix and his own magical abilities,” supplied Dell.

“And Megumi can use the abilities of anyone with that belt of hers,” recalled Marshii. “But, the question is, is that enough to make Vortech afraid of them so bad he wants that power under his control?”

“Megumi’s been the one with the greatest connection to Vortech,” offered Lukas. “Maybe she could tell us?”

“Her answers will either make or break Perceptor’s theory,” replied Shockwave. “Let’s ask her.”

“I’ll call her here,” offered Dell as he took out his cell phone and dialed Megumi’s number. He heard the ringing until he got a response.

“Moshi moshi?” asked Megumi.

“Megumi, darlin’, could you come over here for a second?” asked Dell. “We need some data to either prove or disprove a theory.”

“I’ll help in any way I can,” replied Megumi.

“That’s all I ask,” finished Dell. Megumi hung up and she was beamed over to Shockwave’s lab.

“What do you need from me?” asked Megumi.

“When Vortech had control of you,” inquired Shockwave, “did you get any reason why he chose you, Optimus, and Arsha?”

“…Now that you mention it, yes,” replied Megumi. “He did some research on Optimus and Arsha and was terrified of them seeing the multiverse. When I accidentally reactivated his memories and soul three years ago, his thoughts immediately went to them. With the power of the Matrix, Optimus and Arsha’s magical abilities, Arsha’s political and naval know-how, and my Vortex Driver, Vortech feared that such power could finish him in the long run, so he sought to control us. Is there anything else you want to know?”

“That won’t be necessary,” answered Shockwave, “but thank you.” Megumi bowed as she called for a teleport back. “Well now,” mused Shockwave, “perhaps we should make something based around combining their powers.”

“I think I have something in mind,” replied Tails, “we just need an Ascendant and Optimus and Arsha’s i.d. tags.”

“I can provide them,” offered Lukas.

“You propose that we make a new power-up to combine their powers?” guessed Shockwave.

“If things go right, yes,” answered Tails.

“We had best get started, then,” declared Shockwave.

---

War, Megumi, Arsha, and Optimus were called to Shockwave’s lab about an hour later. “I understand you have something?” Megumi asked all of the scientists.

“We do,” replied Lukas. “We had to use my Ascendant to make it, but it’s a noble sacrifice. Besides, Dell offered to make another one since he worked with them more than I did.”

“We just need you three to test it out,” explained Tails as he pointed to Megumi, Optimus, and Arsha.

“Why us?” asked Optimus.

“Because, if our equations hold,” replied Shockwave, “you three will understand what fusion truly is.”

“Wait a minute, I want to make sure I got that right,” interjected Megumi. “You guys made an Ascendant that would allow someone to fuse with two people instead of just one?”

“Not exactly,” answered Dell. “We set it so that only you can use it and only fuse with Optimus and Arsha. Vortech fears your powers combined, so we need to use that against him.”

“And you need us to test it out,” surmised Arsha.

“Correct,” confirmed Dr. Borg.

“Then let me have it,” declared Megumi.

“Presenting the Transcendant!” announced Lukas as he handed over the device. It could fit like the Ascendant could, but the wheels were the size of the one on the Vortex Driver and had Optimus’ image on the one facing her right and Arsha’s on the remaining one. Megumi inserted her i.d. tag, then pressed the button on the Transcendant’s top.

“TRIPLE ASCENDANCE!” it called. She then inserted it into the driver. “TRIPLE SET!” She then struck her ready pose as Optimus assumed his usual melee ready stance and Arsha went into a stance that looked like she was ready to dance.

“Henshin!” announced Megumi.

“Henshin!” Optimus and Arsha repeated. Megumi pressed the button again and changed first into Royal, then her suit bulked up and turned white with gold trim, making her Kamen Rider Proto-Vortex, then the bulk flew off and revealed her final form of Kamen Rider Vortex!

“I didn’t…” she muttered before Optimus and Arsha turned into mist and fused with her. Her new armor had Optimus’ face on her right shoulder pad and was armored like him, as was her left leg, while Arsha’s face turned into her left shoulder pad and her left arm and right leg were armored after her. Her helmet gained Optimus’ antennae and Arsha’s bun and hairpiece. Her cape was still white and she examined herself.

“POWER OF THREE! ASCENDED TRINITY! KAMEN RIDER VORTEX: TRINITY SOUL!” cheered the Transcendant.

“That just begs the question of who’s in charge,” muttered Eggman.

“Megumi?” asked Marshii. “Optimus? Arsha?”

“…I am all of them, yet none of them,” replied the Rider in a totally different voice than either Megumi, Arsha, or Optimus’. The voice was clearly feminine, but spoke in an otherworldly tone. “I am their combined whole, Kamen Rider Vortex: Trinity Soul.”

“…I was NOT expecting that!” gasped Eggman. “But, I was expecting not to expect something, so it doesn’t count.”

“Is there…?” gulped Ratchet.

“They all reside in me,” explained Vortex: Trinity Soul, “and they’re as unnerved about what happened as much as you are.”

“Unnerved is putting it mildly,” muttered Ratchet.

“How much do you know?” asked Shockwave.

“Everything about the lives of all of my components,” answered Vortex: Trinity Soul, “especially what’s going on. A question still lingers in my mind; why did you ask for War?”

“While War was influenced by Vortech when he possessed you,” explained Tails, “she was trying to take over the Chizaran Satellite Network to make space-based weapons to target Caan.”

“Yeah, I remember that,” sighed War as she looked away, ashamed.

“Some of the weapons you were designing are quite sophisticated,” continued Eggman, “all in a bid to destroy Caan.”

“Are you saying you think we can use the satellites to destroy Vortech?” asked Vortex: Trinity Soul.

“I think WAR was, actually,” replied Tails.

“It’s possible,” explained Marshii, “that while she was influenced by Vortech, War was creating a weapon against him. I have to say, that’s impressive.”

“The Ascendant’s program,” elaborated Lukas, “came with various mental safeguards to shield us from Vortech. If those safeguards were expanded upon, they could be used to trap Vortech.”

“Combined with dimensional technology,” supplied Dr. Borg, “we could create a small pocket dimension made from the safeguards that could contain our enemy.”

“Natural entropy of a dimension that size,” continued Dell, “will make it decay within seconds of the portal closing and Vortech won’t be able to escape. Thus, he’ll die along with it.”

“We’ll need the satellites to both project the safeguards and close the portal,” mused War. Everyone then winced.

“Therein lies a tricky bit,” remarked Tails. “Even with more help, Vortech’s fleet is still a match for ours.”

“He needs his attention drawn away from the battle in space,” elaborated Shockwave.

“And the main satellite controls need a means of control set up on the ground,” continued Dell, “as well as on board the Virginia.”

“We need someone to set up the ground controls on Chizara,” finished Marshii, “and draw Vortech’s attention away from the space battle.”

“I have an uneasy feeling,” remarked Vortex: Trinity Soul, “that someone is me.”

“Don’t tell Caan,” answered Eggman, “but I would prefer that he does it. However, while Vortech DID restore his clairvoyance with a bit of his own being, it’s not enough to close the portal.”

“Besides, we’d have a continual lock on you to bring you out of there if things go awry,” assured Tails.

“…Well, my components and I agree that it’s the best option,” declared Vortex: Trinity Soul. “When we get to Chizara, we’re putting an end to this once and for all!” She then took out the Transcendant and split into Arsha, Megumi, and Optimus.

“Minna-san, we’re only getting one shot at this,” reminded Megumi. “There can be no margin for error. We’ll tell everyone the plan in an hour.”