Month: June 2020

Okamon, a children’s card game from Arsha’s world as complex as Yu-Gi-Oh with a popular anime supplying it. The idea is that monsters have been using denizens of the Realms to fight in their war to achieve dominance in their world, Salsania. Both players have a set amount of mana and health points, 20,000 each, and five types of cards, Monster, Field, Spell, Attribute, and Attack. The Monster cards show how much health a monster has, how much defense it has, and how much mana it uses for spells. Monsters only use two Attribute cards to enhance the Attack card they’re using. Field cards can turn the tables on an opponent when invoked. Attacks are how the Monster will fight. Spells consume mana and will assist in enhancing a Monster’s chances of victory unless a Field card is used. There are five basic Monster types, Saber, Wand, Archer, Brute, and Story. Saber-type has equal health and defense, but consumes a lot of mana points to use a Spell card. Wand-types are excellent when it comes to mana consumption, roughly the same amount of health as a Saber-type, but their defense is poor. Archer-type has poor defense and consumes a lot of mana, but is excellent with health. Brute-type boast excellent defense and health, but their mana consumption is the worst of all types. Finally, Story-types are poor with defense and health, but mana consumption is the same as Wand-type. Confused yet? Don’t worry, Vortech and Arsha’s fight will demonstrate how the whole system works. Rosadera had summoned two consoles for each combatant to lay their cards down. Three spaces for Monsters, a space under the Monster space for each Monster’s Attack, a space above the upper left of each Monster space for Spells, a space above all three for the Field card, and two spaces below each Attack space for Attributes. There was also a space for discarded cards on the left of the board. Once the consoles activated, Vortech smirked at Rosadera. “No speech about what the fight’s going to be?” he asked.

“I won’t humor you like that,” hissed Rosadera. “Aren’t you the challenged? Isn’t the first move yours?”

“Don’t rush me!” snarled Vortech as the decks for both players appeared. The decks were then divided by card types. They then drew two Monsters, a Spell, a Field, three Attributes, and two Attacks. “Let’s see,” mused Vortech, “I think I’ll call Punchshield Chanter to the field in defense, set a Field face down, and end my turn.” A humanoid knight then appeared, armed with a giant shield with a boxing glove on it, and it knelt behind the shield.

“I summon Swiftjumping Nymph,” announced Arsha. A blue-skinned girl in a cutesy outfit appeared and giggled while winking. “Your Punchshield Chanter can deflect any forward punches, but I intend to utilize that to my advantage. I activate the Spell: Highjumping Victory!” Arsha’s mana went down to 19,800. “She can go over your Chanter’s shield and land a punch there! I’ll have her use the Punch Attack and enhance it with the Attributes: Impact and Diamond! With your Chanter struck down while in defense, he loses half his 2,500 health points and you lose half of that.” She placed the Spell and Attribute cards in their respective places and Swiftjumping Nymph chanted before she leapt into the air and turned her fist into a diamond.

“SHINING METEOR!” called Nymph as she flew down to Chanter at an incredible speed, fist first.

“I play the Field card, Shield Rise!” announced Vortech. “Punchshield Chanter can now raise his shield up to block Nymph’s attack and we all know the effect he has!” Chanter raised his heavy shield up and blocked the punch. “No matter what Attributes are used,” continued Vortech, “the rebound will rip through Nymph and decrease her health AND yours!” The instant Nymph’s fist made contact with the shield, she crumpled to the ground, clutching her fist, and screaming in pain. Her 3,500 health decreased to 1,750 and Arsha’s decreased to 19,125. “Anything you wish to set down, or shall I go?” Arsha saw the Field card in her hand, then smirked.

“No, I think I’ll let you go,” she answered.

“Your mistake,” chuckled Vortech. “I call Former Brute Telandro to the field and I’ll have his Attack be a kick enhanced with the Resonate and Dust Attributes. Before I attack, I’ll set this Field and end.” A hulking knight appeared. “Best play a Field card now. If not, your Nymph’s health will drop to zero and you’ll lose half of that health. ”

“No, I think Nymph’s Effect will give me the health advantage here,” chuckled Arsha. “The instant she is destroyed in battle, she activates an amplified reverb effect. While I DO lose 875 health, you lose her original amount and the Attack CAN’T be stopped when Attributes are used!” Telandro rushed at Nymph.

“SINGING DUSTER!” shouted Telandro as he executed his kick.

“STOP, YOU IMBECILE!” called Punchshield Chanter. Too late. The attack hit Nymph and she was sent flying backwards as she faded in laughter while Arsha’s health went down to 18,250 while Vortech’s health dropped to 16,500.

“Er…oops,” gulped Telandro.

“That was quite the lucky break you had there,” chuckled Vortech. “That’s all the luck you’re going to get, though. I have no intention of letting you get away with that. You best summon a good monster.”

“Oh, I intend to,” replied Arsha. “I summon Chansus the Necromantic King to the field!” A rotting corpse of a bearded man in royal clothing appeared. “I’ll then have him cast the Spell: Revenance to return Swiftjumping Nymph to the field as his undead servant!” A zombie version of Nymph then appeared and bowed to Chansus before assuming an attack position. Arsha’s mana then dropped to 19,300. “I’ll then play the Field card: Undead Unity! All undead Monsters will have their Attack strength multiplied by the amount of undead Monsters on the field! As there are two, my Monsters’ strength is doubled!” The two Monsters roared in appreciation at the power boost and prepared to attack. “I’ll have Chansus attack Chanter with a staff swing boosted by the Attributes: Cyclone and Wave, then Nymph will kick Telandro with the Attributes: Multi and Amplify! Go! Attack them now!”

“That’s a big mistake!” laughed Vortech. “I play my Field: Sanctified Purity! The Undead return to a fully living state! If I recall, because you played Undead Unity, your former zombies are now hurt!” The flesh of the zombies flowed back onto their bones and their skin returned to a living state as they charged.

“STORMING SWING!” called Chansus the former Necromantic King. He hit Chanter, but was attacked by a reverb effect, a FATAL reverb, meaning the Field card Arsha played was against him! He faded away, screaming into oblivion as Arsha’s health decreased to 14,000.

“RESONANCE CROSSBOW!” called Nymph as she kicked Telandro multiple times and then faded painfully, dropping Arsha’s health to 12,040. Vortech’s health only dropped to 15,000.

“Not good,” gulped Arsha as she set a Field card.

“My turn,” chuckled Vortech. “I call one last Monster, Olphenant.” An elephant-like knight appeared. “Now, I shall cast a Spell: Trumpeting Rally!” Vortech’s mana went down to 19,000. “With this Spell, all Saber-types have their attacks boosted! I shall then have Olphenant use his mace and augment it with the Burn and Twin Attributes, then Chanter shall use his shield with Amplify and Electric, after which, I shall have Telandro use his mighty fists with Impact and Drop! Since you have no Monsters, I can attack you directly! Tear her asunder!” Olphenant’s mace then copied itself and they set themselves on fire!”

“MORNINGSTAR METEOR!” he called. Electricity surrounded Chanter’s shield.

“SHOCK-QUAKE!” he announced. Telandro then leapt into the air and enlarged his fists.

“DYNAMITING BASH!” he shouted.

“I play the Field card: Wall of Redirection!” called Arsha.

“WAIT! STOP!” shrieked Vortech to his Monsters as he recalled the Field card’s effect.

“While I DO take direct damage,” explained Arsha, “it’s less than you wanted. I only take 3,000 instead of the 9,000 as usual. You, on the other hand, since it will destroy your monsters, will lose 6,000.” Arsha’s health dropped to 9,040 and Vortech’s dropped to 9,000 as his Monsters faded away.

“Very lucky!” hissed Vortech as he set a Field face down. “It’s your go!”

“I summon Swanelle the Dancer,” announced Arsha. An Elf with wings and a swan motif to her ballet outfit appeared. Vortech laughed.

“She’s hardly the strongest Wand-type!” he boasted. “Heck, she’s probably the biggest consumer of mana put of all the Wand-types, almost takes as much as a Saber-type!”

“Perhaps, but her effect is very potent,” counted Arsha. “If she’s summoned after the fall of two monsters, she can resurrect them in their original forms. Thus, I bring back Chansus the Necromantic King and Swiftjumping Nymph as they were before!” A fully alive Nymph and a now-rotting Chansus arrived on the field again. “I then have Swanelle cast a Spell: Wands United!” Arsha’s mana dropped to 18,020. “With three Wand-types on the board, she has boosted their Attacks threefold! Next, I have Swanelle kick with Blade and Cyclone! Then, I have Nymph use another Kick with Diamond and Amplify! Last, I have Chansus use his staff with Burn and Reach! Destroy him!”

“RAZOR PIROUETTE!” called Swanelle as she spun and gathered the most fearsome winds with her tutu before kicking the winds towards Vortech.

“DIAMOND SLAM!” shouted Nymph as her leg turned into diamond and she flew through the air with her foot extended and aimed at Vortech.

“INFERNO’S GRIP!” roared Chansus as he swung his staff and fired a stream of flames towards Vortech.

“I play the Field card: Strength Resurrected,” called Vortech. Telandro reappeared and took the brunt of the attacks. Vortech’s health dropped to only 8,700.

“What the?!” yelped Arsha. “When did…?!”

“Just now,” replied Vortech. “You really should be more careful with your mana. Do you recall the effect?”

“…Once that card is played,” gulped Arsha, “those with lower mana lose their monsters and 3,000 health!”

“And I believe that’s you,” chuckled Vortech as Swanelle, Nymph, and Chansus faded away. Arsha gulped as her health dropped to 6,040. Telandro stood grinning with Vortech as Arsha set a Field face down. “Face it,” taunted Vortech, “you cling to a lie! Diversity is weakening you! I’ve proved my point! I’ve demonstrated that the weakness of those that are inferior only leads to weakness overall! All it takes is one differently-minded person to destroy what you hold dear. Just one person! You’ve got someone trying to tear down what you perceive as perfect, am I right? I know I am. Why else would you fight Dr. Borg? Why else would Optimus fight his own brother? Why else does Megumi fight Hiro? Yet, for reasons that elude me completely, you won’t accept it! You still believe that differences are inherently good! By the gods that died with my people, you make me want to puke! What is it with you?! What makes you fight for diversity? Clinging to innocence? Wanting to make a society where differences don’t matter? Something like that, I bet! …Something like that was posed to me. I…I’m not sure how I first heard about diversity being strength. Sometimes I think it was my family who told me diversity was strength, sometimes I think it’s the propaganda of Vortoranii. If I really wanted to know, though, I suppose I could take the TARDIS! My point is this: diversity actually killed my people. When I saw how many people were still killing each other beneath Vortoranii’s radar over some differences, I decided it was time to create a new universe! I admit it! That’s what prompted my search for the Foundation Elements! That’s when I decided to be the last of the Vortonians! Why can’t you people accept the truth?! I mean, you’re a Realmfleet Captain! You’re obviously intelligent! You must see the reality of diversity! Do you know how many times your current Age of Unity nearly ended over a Fae pollination squadron going to the wrong flowers?! Do you know what triggered the end of the previous Age? An argument over whether or not taxes were the way to go! Do you know how many different ideas were spouted?! It’s all a joke! Everything that’s ever been preached about diversity, it’s just a joke that went on too long! So, why do you insist on retelling the joke?!”

“…Because I don’t see diversity as a joke as, genetically speaking, it brought me into the world,” replied Arsha. “Incidentally, I DON’T see my life as perfect, nor do I want to. I see a life that can be constantly improved upon, but you don’t see continual improvements to life as something that’s necessary. In my eyes, I don’t see a demi-god, I see a child that doesn’t want to change. I say you’re wrong, diversity IS strength. I don’t know about the rest of the multiverse, but, without it, the Realms would collapse in on themselves.”

“You honestly believe that?” scoffed Vortech. “You’re more naïve than I thought. In any case, this will be the end. Because he was brought back, I hereby have Telandro use his fist altered with Earthquake and Drain and attack you directly.”

“GROUND-BREAKING LEECH!” called Telandro as he punched the ground and created a fissure that ran towards Arsha and reduced her health to 3,040. 1,000 of her mana vanished as Vortech’s mana replenished to its full 20,000. Arsha set a Field face down.

“You haven’t a hope of defeating me or freeing Megumi and Optimus,” declared Vortech. “Face it, you’re done. Go ahead and summon a Monster, Telandro will cut it down.” Arsha looked at her hand, then grinned.

“He won’t get the chance,” giggled Arsha. “Vortech, did the Spell: Circumvent exist when you played Okamon?”

“…What?” asked Vortech.

“Did the Spell: Circumvent exist when you played Okamon?” repeated Arsha.

“No, what IS Circumvent?” asked Vortech.

“I’ll explain when the Monster I summon casts it,” replied Arsha. “Speaking of which, I summon Kuwagor, the Fiend!” A four-armed, stag beetle-looking humanoid appeared; dressed in black robes and armed with knives.

“What good is HE going to do?” scoffed Vortech. “He’s only boosted when he has Attributes added to his Attack. It’s not going to be enough to cut me down, especially with Telandro.”

“Now is where I explain the Spell: Circumvent,” declared Arsha. “When it’s cast, the Monster can go around the enemy Monsters and attack the player’s health directly.”

“It still won’t be enough,” dismissed Vortech. “Even with both Attributes added to a Kick, he’s only going to lower my health by about 6,400, not enough to defeat me.”

“Yeah, except,” countered Arsha, “it’s not just a Spell being used. You see, I still have a Field card to play: Attribute Triad!”

“…No!” breathed Vortech as horror crossed his face.

“That’s right!” cheered Arsha. “Attribute Triad allows me to use a THIRD Attribute to his attack, thus it means his attack will be 9,600, far above your health! If I recall, you DIDN’T set a Field at the end of your turn.”

“YOU CAN’T DO THIS!” pleaded Vortech.

“Watch me, boy!” challenged Arsha. “I play the Field: Attribute Triad! Oh, and thank you for suggesting a Kick for his Attack. I think I’ll supplement it with Twin, Burn, and Swift! Kuwagor, finish this duel!”

“With pleasure!” cheered Kuwagor as he split into two copies, let the feet set themselves on fire, and ran around Telandro at such a speed, both copies looked like blurs. “BURNING SPEED ROUND!” called both copies of Kuwagor as they swung their feet towards Vortech.

“Oh, come on!” squeaked Vortech.

“That’s the name of the game, don’t wear it out!” finished Arsha. The attack hit Vortech and his host, Megumi, crumpled to the floor as Telandro vanished, the health dropped to zero, and Optimus woke up.

“Oh, my processor!” groaned Optimus. He then opened his optics and examined his hand. “Oh, good, I’m in full control. …MEGUMI!” He and Arsha then dashed to Vortech’s former host, Megumi.

“Megumi, can you hear me?!” called Arsha.

“…Loud and clear,” groaned Megumi as she opened her eyes. They were no longer white like Vortech’s. They were her normal brown again. “Good game,” praised Megumi.

“I had a good Okamon teacher,” chuckled Arsha. “Believe it or not, I got the idea from Optimus’ memories with that…er…holo-droid, right?”

“You saw my YuGiOh duel with that thing?” asked Optimus. He then flashed a cocky grin. “I was amazing, wasn’t I?”

“Boast while you can,” called a voice that sent fear racing up and down Megumi’s spine. Everyone turned to see Vortech in his old body picking himself up.

“You know the fight terms!” hissed Rosadera. “You will leave at once!”

“Oh, of course,” replied Vortech, “but Arsha was ‘mum’ on where I would go to in order to satisfy leaving Vorton!” He then opened a rift and let himself fall into it while War, Skyfall, Quake Hammer, and X-PO came out of another.

“MY SHIP!” she called.

---

“Ah, an Android army, splendid,” chuckled Vortech. “Good, you shall be my minions.”

“Our mission,” countered the HumaGear crewman, “is to protect the multiverse.”

“Sorry,” dismissed Vortech, “but your mission is to obey me.” He brought out a ZetsumeRiser, cloned it, and attached them all to the HumaGear crews of all ships in War’s Fleet. They resisted for a few seconds, but it proved no good. They became more obedient to him.

“Awaiting Vortech Zetsumerise Key,” droned all the HumaGears.

“Excellent!” chuckled Vortech as he made the Zetsumerise Key based on him and handed them all to his new soldiers. “It will be an empire of me!”

“VORTECH!” called the Zetsumerise Keys as all HumaGears pressed the buttons.

“Me, me, me!” laughed Vortech as the Zetsumerise Keys were inserted into the belts and the sides were pushed.

“ZETSUMERISE!” called the belts as they changed all of the HumaGears into perfect copies of him.

“Me too,” chuckled the first of his android clones.

“Captain Vortech,” commanded Lord Vortech, “set course for Chizara. Once there, all ships will hold position until Megumi decides to challenge me.”

“Aye, aye, Fleet Admiral Vortech,” replied his first clone. All of War’s former ships then opened a rift and flew straight to Chizara.

Mirai-Megumi had returned to the future while everyone was on Vorton, doing their part to try and get Vortech out of Optimus, Arsha, and Megumi. Right now, they were trying to contact Vortoranii so they could get some advice. As they worked, a pink flash of light appeared and formed Rosadera. “What the heck’s going on?!” she yelped.

“An intruder!” called Caan as he and Eggman leveled their weapons at her.

“Hey, hey, hey!” protested Richard as he got between them.

“How did you find us?!” demanded Eggman.

“I walked!” snarked Rosadera. “Look, in all seriousness, what’s going on here?! I got word that you guys made an unstable pocket dimension and now you’re actually working with these schlubs?!”

“We have a common enemy now,” explained Megumi.

“Can she be trusted?” asked Caan.

“Can you?” quizzed Optimus.

“I don’t think any Chizaran wants Vortech to succeed in whatever game he’s playing at,” replied Arsha.

“…Uh, why mention Vortech?” asked Rosadera.

“Because Caan’s right and Vortech’s still alive,” answered Optimus.

“…And you believe a Dalek?” quizzed Rosadera.

“Initially, no,” replied Megumi, “but my future confirmed what he said about Vortech’s status.” Rosadera gulped as she detected no lies from Megumi.

“We can’t hold the 3V2R if Vortech’s still around,” declared Rosadera. “I’m suspending it until Vortech’s well and truly dead!” She made a few calls and was satisfied with her answers. “Okay, with all that out of the way, what are you doing right now?”

“Wasting our time,” grunted Caan.

“And, er, do your enemies know what’s up?” asked Rosadera.

“They’re currently patrolling our space at the moment,” explained Megumi, “to prevent Vortech’s followers from making contact.”

“And we just went off duty,” called Megatron as he, Hiro, and Dr. Borg came in.

“About the unstable pocket dimension,” explained Mickey, “we needed the leaders of each group to listen with a cooler head. We let it collapse a while ago after they agreed to hear us out.”

“Long story short, Vortech’s inside me, Arsha, and Megumi,” continued Optimus.

“The rejected sushi platter,” supplied Arsha as Caan scoffed at the insult, “thinks we can weaken him by separating him from us and Megumi thinks someone named Vortoranii can offer advice on how to do so.”

“Even if she can’t,” finished Megumi, “she’d be a powerful ally.”

“This is pointless,” grunted Caan. “She would have already…!” Caan was interrupted by the arrival of Vortoranii’s ghost.

“Wh…wha…?!” stammered Vortoranii.

“Vortoranii, relax,” advised Megumi. “We’ve summoned your image here to talk directly to you, but it’s not going to last. I know about the conversation you had with my future self and Death, but my current anger about that is unimportant. Let me sum up, Vortech’s living inside the three of us,” she indicated herself, Arsha, and Optimus. “We need any advice you can give to get him out.”

“…Oh,” remarked Vortoranii. “Is that all? I already know about Vortech.”

“…You do?” asked Rosadera.

“Of course,” replied Vortoranii. “Megumi’s carried me around since the Sources. Did you think I wouldn’t know what was going on?”

“The Sources?” muttered Megumi. “No, you and I parted company after the Vortech Wars.”

“Oh, is that what you’re all calling your battle against me?” asked Vortoranii.

“Battle against…?” quizzed Megumi before a horrible theory formed in her head.

“That’s right,” chuckled Vortoranii as her voice changed. “You didn’t contact my former Queen. Who you got was…” her form then changed into the guy they once thought dead! “LOOOOORD VORTECH!” Vortech then cleared his throat. “Too much?”

“WRONG END!” squeaked Arsha.

“What are you quaking about?” asked Caan. “It’s just his image. He can’t harm us.”

“So, all the pawns are now aware of the game,” chuckled Vortech. “So small, so scared. I must say, I do enjoy playing with you all. I don’t want this game to end. …Nothing to say? Usually your type spouts a speech about good triumphing over evil. Let me tell you right now, good is hopelessly naïve.”

“Wait a minute,” called Megumi. “Why am I afraid?!” She gave her full attention to Vortech. “I’m not afraid of you! I bested you before, I’ll do so again!” Vortech gave Megumi his full attention.

“As you can clearly see,” he remarked, “you only diminished me!”

“I did, yes,” agreed Megumi, “I shall do worse!”

“Tiny tin girl in tiny tin armor,” taunted Vortech, “thought she could be the dragon-slayer only to realize she’s the damsel in the tower waiting for a prince to rescue her! Farewell, you fools!” He faded away, leaving everyone a little scared.

“…Did he really say I’m nothing more than a damsel in distress?!” snarled Megumi.

“I told you it was a waste of time!” growled Caan.

“I don’t see you coming up with any better ideas, octopus-head!” shouted Hiro.

“To get Vortech out,” explained Eggman, “is going to take something he doesn’t want happening to happen. He knows we’re aware of him now, but he must know we won’t succumb to him.”

“Vortech’s going to fight back,” replied Megatron.

“He needs…a sign,” mused Dr. Borg.

“Something to break his spirit in some way,” supplied Arsha.

“A reminder,” continued Caan, “that there’s something he CAN’T win against.”

“…Wait a minute,” realized Megumi. “I think I have something! Excuse me!” She dashed off to her room and found the chess game. “Right where I left you!” she cheered. She gathered the board and pieces and ran back to the Gateway Room. As she set up the board, Optimus and Arsha reached the same conclusion.

“So, our mystery opponent…!” began Optimus.

“The reason why a chess game is following us…!” supplied Arsha.

“The one moving the white pieces,” confirmed Megumi, “is Vortech. He said so himself, he doesn’t want the game to end. Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m going to make it end!”

“Excuse me, ladies,” bid Optimus as he made the Black Bishop to capture an enemy Pawn at King’s Knight 5. His optics briefly went white as his hand grabbed the White King and moved it to King’s Bishop 2. His optics returned to their natural blue as he saw the looks of fear on everyone. “Did…did Vortech…possess me to make his move?” he gulped.

“He did,” confirmed Megatron.

“That confirms my theory,” muttered Megumi.

“My turn, then,” declared Arsha. She got a Pawn to capture an enemy Pawn at King’s Rook 5. Her eyes turned white and Vortech commanded her arm to make a Rook capture the Pawn she had previously moved. Her eyes went back to normal once the move was completed.

“My move,” gulped Megumi, not looking forward to the possession. She moved a Bishop to capture the Rook Vortech made Arsha move. Her eyes turned white and her arm moved the White King to King’s Knight 2. Her eyes went back to normal as Optimus moved a Rook to King’s Bishop 7. His eyes went white and Vortech used him to move his King to King’s Knight 1. As Optimus regained control of his own body, Arsha moved a Knight to Queen’s Bishop 4. Vortech took control and moved one of his Knights to Queen’s Knight 1. Megumi then moved a Rook to take a Bishop at King’s Bishop 1. Vortech took her over briefly and looked over the board, panicking at trying to find a move. Megumi regained control. “Check and, I do believe, MATE!” At that moment, Optimus, Arsha, and Megumi’s eyes switched back and forth from normal to Vortech’s white as they thrashed in pain before collapsing on the floor.

“What happened?!” called Megatron as he picked Optimus up.

“Vortech happened,” replied Caan. “He’s brought them into his mind. Right now, they’re all facing him, but he’s got control of Megumi’s mind and can manipulate her as he sees fit. He’s working on Optimus’ mind right now, but Arsha has an advantage over his attempts, having been trained since she was a baby to block out mental attacks.”

“Let’s get a view of the fight, then!” declared Rosadera as she snapped her fingers and made a mirror. Inside the mirror, Megumi was chained, Optimus was fighting chains, and Arsha couldn’t be chained as Vortech stood against them.

“Get out of our heads!” demanded Megumi as Arsha transferred her hairpiece to her waist.

“Stop rummaging around in our minds!” snarled Optimus.

“I invite you to stop me!” challenged Vortech. He then saw images of Malnar, Lardeth, Richard, Blackarachnia, Falnii, Gorfanth, and Foresna. “Ah, your thoughts drift to your lovers. How perfectly heroic! How would they feel if you attacked them?”

“You’re not using us like that!” snarled Arsha as she fired a magic blast from her hands.

“Fascinating,” chuckled Vortech as he deflected the blast with his staff, “trained since birth to stop mental attacks. Highly effective.” Arsha fired another blast. “Relax! Relax!” advised Vortech as he absorbed the shot. “If you’ll calm down a moment, you’ll find this a pleasant experience. You’re becoming one with perfection.”

“I SAID OUT!” shouted Arsha as she threw a massive fireball. Vortech blocked it with an ice wall. “What is this place, a mental arena? Some kind of colosseum?”

“This is fantastic!” cheered Vortech. “I’m already powerful, but I’m dealing with Kitsune level magic, especially from a Blender! I mean, I’m going to have rewire the brain so it’s only my will in there, but what power! What magnificence! With Optimus’ power, I’ll be above even the Chizarans! …Oh, look! Cybertronians! There’s information on the Transformers! Oh, this is just dreamy!”

“I’m allowing you access to Cybertronian biology,” declared Optimus. “Specifically, what we run on.” Images of various forms of Energon then flashed by.

“Oh, look at that!” giggled Vortech. “The raw, crystal form of Energon! So harmful, yet so necessary!”

“I could lower my Energon radiation tolerance right now,” replied Optimus. “Go way below safety levels and let stray Energon particles bombard my body with radiation, then I could refuse to transform. After stasis lock, who knows what will happen to my psyche. But, the option is available.”

“What’s he doing?!” hissed Megatron as he saw everything in the mirror.

“Challenging Vortech, it seems,” chuckled Rosadera.

“…Stalemate, then,” grunted Vortech in the mental arena. “Someone needs to control these bodies! With Arsha around, it just makes us too evenly matched!”

“What’s that?” quizzed Megumi. “No, don’t answer. I’m just talking. You said ‘stalemate’.”

“I currently control Megumi’s mind,” explained Vortech as he manipulated the chains around Megumi to drag her across the floor, “you’re still in command of your own, Ms. Royana, we each control 46.3155 percent of Optimus’ head. 7.369 percent is still in the balance. Whoever gets that gets everyone’s minds.”

“Why is MY brain in the balance?!” protested Optimus.

“So, how shall we determine the victor?” mused Vortech.

“Do you play Okamon?” asked Arsha.

“I was quite the avid Okamon player in my day,” replied Vortech. “You’re proposing to play an Okamon match to end this stalemate?”

“Winner takes all,” answered Arsha. “No one can access that portion of Optimus’ mind without winning the game.”

“…What say we take this to the real world, since a Chizaran is here?” suggested Vortech. “For this match, I’ll use Megumi’s body. Not that she has a lot of choice in the matter.” He snapped his fingers and the view in the mirror vanished as Arsha and Megumi’s bodies got up. As they opened their eyes and Arsha transferred her hairpiece to her waist again, Megumi’s eyes were revealed to be white as she chuckled evilly. Vortech had taken full control of Megumi’s body! “You can’t win!” he laughed in Megumi’s voice.

“I invite you to stop me!” challenged Arsha.

“You understand,” remarked Vortech, “when I win, I get your bodies and memories and powers!”

“When I win,” answered Arsha, “you get out of our heads! You leave Vorton! Nobody gets hurt! You understand, nobody gets hurt! Now, declare your deck-type.”

“I shall be using a Saber-type deck,” replied Vortech.

“Then I will use a Wand-type deck,” declared Arsha.

“Rosadera, are you familiar with what’s going on?” asked Vortech.

“An Okamon match for your victims’ freedom,” summed up Rosadera.

“Exactly,” chuckled Vortech. “I think we’ll fight right here in the Gateway Room. So? What do you think of the match?” Rosadera sighed, then decided to humor him.

“The challenge has been set, the terms have been agreed upon, and the chance of victory is agreeable for both sides,” she declared. “I, Rosadera, the pink Princess of Chizara and the peace leader, will be judging. In two hours’ time, your fight begins! Prepare and make ready! Good luck!”

“I don’t need it,” chuckled Vortech.

---

Blancalmarem and Nemengra began their broadcast with Amavorte and Rojenthi. “Ladies and gentlemen, I wish we could begin this broadcast under happier circumstances,” began Blancalmarem.

“Regretfully, troubling news from Vorton have reached us,” continued Nemengra.

“Rojenthi and Amavorte,” Blancalmarem went on, “received an emergency transmission from Rosadera on Vorton.”

“What they are about to tell us,” finished Nemengra, “will only spell doom if we don’t prepare. Amavorte, Rojenthi, you’re up.”

“Ladies and gentlemen,” sighed Amavorte, “this is neither a drill, nor a joke. The greatest scourge of the multiverse, Lord Vortech, the last of the Vortonians, is NOT dead. I repeat, Vortech is NOT dead.”

“He’s been hiding out in the minds of Optimus, Arsha, and Megumi,” supplied Rojenthi. “They’re trying to get him out, but, if they do, he’ll certainly target us.”

“Evacuation to Universe 1-B will commence the instant this broadcast is finished,” explained Amavorte. “Take only what you need. All non-essentials MUST be left behind, no exceptions.”

“Once evacuated,” continued Rojenthi, “all fighters will report to the training camp. I know this is unpleasant to hear, but a draft has been instituted. Preparations for soldiers will be our only chance of returning to our lives, because, from this moment on, it is my solemn duty to inform you all, Chizara and her people are at war with Vortech.” She nodded to the camera people and the broadcast ended.

“I better get started with evacuations,” sighed Amavorte.

“Naratelto’s probably emptying her womb right now,” guessed Blancalmarem, “giving birth to make sure she doesn’t go into battle in a pregnant state. I’m gonna help her.”

“I’ll evacuate our families,” offered Nemengra.

“I’ll get my family to Universe 1-B and await you there,” declared Rojenthi. The garden cleared itself of people, leaving only the wind as its companion.

The Endeavor, Ark, Virginia, Nemesis, Scorpion, and a Shocker Rift saucer named the Tiger flew through the rift on course for the universe Caan and his allies were in. The captains of each ship were in a conference over the subspace channels. “So, are we clear on the plan?” asked Megumi.

“The Ark and Nemesis,” replied Optimus, “will begin surface bombardment, making sure our targets are unharmed, yet surrounded.”

“The six of us,” continued Megatron, “will then beam down and apprehend them, holding each one in our brigs.”

“I will have Caan,” supplied Hiro, “Optimus will hold Dr. Eggman, and you will interrogate Mickey.”

“If War comes,” Dr. Borg went on, “the Scorpion and the Tiger will try to hold off her fleet while the Virginia and Endeavor will assist in both bombarding and holding off War’s fleet.

“When we get to Vorton, we hold our targets until we get answers,” finished Arsha.

“Excellent,” declared Megumi. “We’ve only got one shot to get answers. If we screw up now, we’ll never get them.”

“Megumi!” called Richard from the bridge. “War’s fleet beat us to it!”

“What?!” yelped Megumi.

“Well, looks like we’re ALL holding off War!” grumbled Arsha.

“We need extra protection!” declared Megumi. “Everyone, pick someone else to assist us! We’re going in hot!” The call ended and Megumi entered the bridge. “Richard, with me!” she ordered. “Hiroki, you’re in charge until we get back!” Richard and Megumi then entered the transporter room and fastened their belts.

“Vortex Driver!” the two belts called. They then took out their Ascendants and i.d. tags and inserted both.

“Ascendance! All set!” announced their Ascendants.

“Henshin!” proclaimed Richard and Megumi.

“Full Ascendance!” called the Ascendants. They turned into their Ascendant Rider forms and beamed onto the surface of the universe. They met Hiro as Tora-Otoko with a Shocker Rift Drone Dalek, Megatron with Starscream, Optimus with Ironhide, Arsha in her armor with Bashoon, and Dr. Borg with Jansha. They found Caan as Kamen Rider Dal, Mickey as Kamen Rider Lux, and Dr. Eggman fighting off Kamen Rider Adaptus and a Dalek-based Kamen Rider, Metaltron as Kamen Rider Ex. Just then, War in her Rider Form, Skyfall, and Quake Hammer shimmered into view.

“There they are!” called War.

“NO, YOU DON’T!” shouted Royal as she clashed with War.

“Stay out of this, mortal!” demanded War as she blocked Royal’s sword swing.

“Shows what you know!” taunted Royal. “After Academy’s universe made everyone immortal, even bringing the dead back to life!”

“LIAR!” shouted War. Guard assisted Royal as Optimus and Megatron clashed with Quake Hammer and Skyfall.

“You side with the enemy!” accused Optimus. “You hide the fact that you’ve married a Decepticon from me! You attack innocent people! You’re no Autobot, you cruel Pit-spawn!”

“I’m being cruel to be kind!” argued Skyfall. “Like a child scares me!”

“A child that’s stripping you of the Autobrand for this, traitor!” countered Optimus. Megatron concentrated on Quake Hammer.

“You know, I told the D.J.D. that you died defending me!” Megatron snarled at Quake Hammer. “Maybe I should tell them I was mistaken and have you put back on the List!”

“Believe it or not,” growled Quake Hammer, “I don’t think the D.J.D. will listen to you, considering your Autobot origins!”

“I have abandoned that faction a long time ago!” roared Megatron.

“That’s no excuse for the D.J.D!” countered Quake Hammer. Tora-Otoko, the Dalek, Dr. Borg, Arsha, and Bashoon focused on Dal, Lux, and Eggman while Ex and Adaptus tried to get around the group of four. Dr. Borg and Bashoon tried to knock Adaptus off their backs while Ex attacked Arsha, Tora-Otoko, and the Dalek.

“EXTERMINATE!” called the Dalek as it fired. The blaster bolt was deflected by Ex’s new armor.

“Nice try,” taunted Ex.

“EXTERMINATE!” shrieked the Dalek as it fired again and again. “EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE! WHY WON’T YOU JUST DIE ALREADY?!”

“I can’t,” purred Ex as she punched through the Dalek’s casing. She then retracted her fist to reveal the remains of the Dalek’s internal flesh.

“COME HERE!” roared Tora-Otoko as he swung the Rift Breaker at Ex. Ex dodged the attack, but left herself open to Arsha’s punch.

“Why you!” snarled Ex as she performed a roundhouse kick. Arsha caught Ex’s foot and flipped her to the ground. Tora-Otoko inserted his old i.d. tag into the Rift Breaker.

“Final Attack!” it announced.

“TORA RIFT SLICE!” shouted Tora-Otoko as he swung it sideways, creating an energy wave that hit Ex and cancelled her transformation, changing her back into Metaltron. Tora-Otoko arched an eyebrow. “You’re…blue?” he muttered.

“What, got something against a new breed of Dalek?” asked Metaltron.

“Eggman!” called Lux. “Any time now!”

“Got them!” cheered Eggman.

“NOW!” shouted Dal. Eggman pressed a button and everything gained a bluish tint. Metaltron and Adaptus looked around in stark confusion.

“WHERE’D THEY GO?!” demanded Metaltron as she passed through Optimus’ leg while everyone tried to steady themselves.

“Never mind them,” urged Adaptus as she turned back into the former Cyber-Planner Gi. She now wore a silver dress. “We have other recruits to find,” reminded Gi.

“Yes, yes, we do,” remembered Metaltron. “Come on, we need to leave.” She summoned a Rift and they vanished into it.

“Er…couldn’t they…?” asked Quake Hammer.

“It’s a temporary pocket dimension,” explained Lux as he turned back into Mickey. “Eggman was supposed to leave them out while we talked.”

“Sweet Primus!” groaned Optimus. “Who calibrated that?! Feels like my internal mechanics took a weekend in Six Lasers Over Cybertron!”

“Clearly, the problem is your weak constitution,” remarked Dal as he changed back into Caan.

“Oh, yeah, forgot about you!” hissed War as she drew her sword.

“WHOA! WAIT! NO!” yelped Mickey as he got between War and Caan.

“Mickey, you’ve got five seconds,” warned Royal, “to explain what’s going on here and why you’re working with Caan and Eggman!”

“You’re owed no such explanation!” snarled Caan. “You should have kept your nose out of our business!”

“And let you conquer Foundation Prime?!” roared War. “Not a chance!”

“What use would I have for Foundation Prime?!” snapped Caan.

“Everyone, calm down!” urged Mickey. “We’re all in this together!”

“Calm down?!” protested Guard. “You’re working with Eggman and a former Dalek! You saw how dangerous one was during the incident with the Sources! Mickey, we’ve been against them from the start, you’ve been working with them since you joined us three years ago! Maybe before that! I say Caan’s wrong! We’re ALL owed an explanation!”

“…Wait, you mean you really don’t know?” asked Mickey.

“Of course, they don’t!” snapped Caan. “Anyone can tell you that and they don’t need my clairvoyance.”

“But I thought they would have, at least, suspected!” argued Mickey.

“Suspected what?” asked Optimus.

“Guys, I went to Megumi’s future!” revealed Mickey. “I know what’s going on!”

“My…future?” asked Royal.

“Ask and she shall appear,” called a voice. Mirai-Megumi appeared, wearing her perception filter. “Now, before I get into the big reveal,” she began, “Megumi, did Death tell you about my conversation with her and Rosadera?”

“Yeah, why?” asked Royal.

“Good,” declared Mirai-Megumi as she took off the perception filter. “Now I don’t have to have this stupid thing and can reveal why I hired Caan to assist in this matter.”

“…Okay, when do I go senile enough to want to hire a former Dalek?!” hissed Royal.

“It’s not senility,” argued Mirai-Megumi, “it’s ensuring time stays on track and we only need to worry about a different version of Shocker.”

“What?” asked Guard.

“Minna, Caan’s right!” revealed Mirai-Megumi. “Vortech is still alive!”

“…That…That…THAT’S ABSURD!” argued War.

“I warned you, Megumi,” hissed Caan. “I told you I saw you, Optimus, and Arsha fighting Vortech before you were robbed of the Sources by Hiro. You should have heeded my advice and prepared for his second coming!”

“You left his service with me!” argued Tora-Otoko. “You only heard the news that Vortech was imprisoned in a rift loop and died when it collapsed!”

“Would someone tell me what’s going on?!” demanded Dr. Borg.

“About five years ago,” explained Royal, “my friends and I, the original Vortex Riders, got Batman, Hongo, Wyldstyle, and Gandalf on a crazy journey that spanned the entire multiverse to defeat the last of the Vortonians, Lord Vortech. He was going to smash every reality into one another to make a perfect, singular universe. We stopped him by trapping him in a rift loop and it collapsed, thus it KILLED him!”

“Vortech’s alive and well in this time!” corrected Mirai-Megumi. “He’s just hiding within someone. Three someones, in fact. Want to know who they are?” She then pointed to Royal, Optimus, and Arsha.

“…He’s…inside us?” asked Optimus.

“Snoozing right in your heads,” confirmed Mirai-Megumi.

“Er, guys,” gulped Eggman, “can we continue this in normal reality? The pocket dimension’s about to collapse!”

“I’ll tell you what,” offered Royal as she cancelled her transformation, “we’ll order our ships to stop shooting at each other to hear your explanations. If we’re satisfied, we’ll let you off the hook. If not, we’re throwing you in prison. Sound fair?”

“Fine,” agreed Mickey.

“…Very well,” grunted War as she cancelled her transformation.

“She speaks for us,” declared Megatron as Tora-Otoko turned back into Hiro.

---

All ships stopped shooting at each other and listened to Mirai-Megumi, Mickey, Caan, and Eggman explain why they did what they did. “But…but…that’s not…” muttered Hiroki.

“I went to the future,” replied Mickey. “Vortech’s still alive!”

“It’s just…a little hard to take in!” remarked Hiro. “How long has he been inside their heads?”

“He was split across different points in time as well,” explained Mirai-Megumi. “During the fight on Foundation Prime over the Sources, unbeknownst to me, I had backed my foot into a small lump of Vortech. It activated his memories and soul and he was split into three fragments. One of them buried itself into me, the second went into Optimus during Sira’s lecture about how the soul knows when someone is turning bad, even if the mind is clouded.”

“That was after I had lost my magic briefly,” muttered Optimus. “I was falling into delusions of power.”

“The third was when Arsha first met Dr. Borg as she explained her plan to use a virus to take over the Realms,” continued Mirai-Megumi.

“I still owe you for ruining that plan,” Dr. Borg threatened Arsha.

“Doctor, shut up,” hissed Megatron.

“Right now,” finished Mirai-Megumi, “Vortech’s just lying in wait, manipulating us all to turn against each other.” War’s face fell when she heard that.

“Wait, then where does the Ascendant come into play?” asked Optimus.

“That was something 200-year-old me did,” explained Mirai-Megumi. “Yes, she’s also locked looking like she’s 21. In any case, she told Sludgiona what was going on before the Vortech Wars and told her to make the prototype Vortex Drivers, then make new ones.”

“Did she tell Sludgiona to make the Chronicle Drivers?” asked Dell.

“No, that was all her doing,” replied Mirai-Megumi. “The Lukas of my time programmed the virus that destroyed them.”

“The virus Mickey installed in them?” asked Jandro.

“The same,” confirmed Mirai-Megumi.

“That still leaves me confused,” muttered Optimus. “Why did it need my Spark? Why couldn’t you just say that the Ascendant needed it?”

“Because that would have made the timeline messier than it already is,” replied Mirai-Megumi. “Truthfully, it needed a good source of energy, I just forgot that it need something on the level of your Spark.”

“Then why was the Ascendant made at all?” asked Arsha.

“Because it’s not just a power-up,” replied Mickey. “It’s not a fancy gadget! It’s armor! Mental armor!”

“Of course!” cheered Lukas. “Wunderbar!”

“Huh?” asked Richard.

“Vortech is a being of pure energy,” explained Lukas. “To fight someone like him, you need to fight in a manner similar to his existence, with greater energy, and a Transformer’s Spark, especially one bonded to the Matrix, is the very thing needed to hold him back!”

“It’s one of a myriad of ways we fight someone like Vortech,” explained Mirai-Megumi. “People like him are classified as Industria Bestias, Beasts of Energy. We have ways of defeating them or blocking them.”

“The Ascendant isn’t just for making new forms,” continued Caan. “It’s a shield, a method of keeping Vortech from taking over your minds and bodies. With Megumi in possession of an Ascendant, Vortech can’t use you lot, not even Optimus and Arsha. However, he’s still inside your bodies and we need him OUT to defeat him.”

“Then we gotta reconvene and plan on Vorton,” declared Megumi. “For now, all charges against Mickey and Eggman need to be dropped. War, I need you to…War?” War wasn’t on the screen. Instead, it was Quake Hammer. “Where’s War?”

“In her ready room,” replied Quake Hammer. “She heard everything, but I think hearing that she was manipulated into betraying you all by Vortech left her shaken.”

“…Permission to come aboard?” asked Megumi, guessing why she was shaken.

“Granted,” answered Quake Hammer. “We’ll beam you over.” Megumi was transported via teleport beam to the bridge of War’s ship and was shown where her ready room was. She knocked on the door.

“Come,” mumbled War’s voice. Megumi stepped in to see War huddled in a corner, pulling her knees to her chest, and looking sorry for herself.

“War?” asked Megumi. “Are you okay?”

“More or less,” muttered War. “Are you okay?”

“I’ve been worse,” assured Megumi. “…Er, about Mickey…”

“I’m not pursuing him, not anymore,” replied War in uncharacteristic softness.

“…What are you thinking about?” quizzed Megumi.

“Everything,” answered War. “…Specifically, what I did against you and what I was planning to do to you. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” replied Megumi. “You were manipulated by Vortech.”

“Was I?” mumbled War. Megumi winced, guessing what War was going through.

“…Look, we can save the pity party for later,” declared Megumi. “We need to get Vortech out of me, Optimus, and Arsha.”

“True,” sighed War as she stood up. “What do you need from me?”

“Right now, we’re all going to Vorton to make Vortech aware that we’re on to him,” explained Megumi. “You up for another fight against him?”

“…Yes!” declared War.

“I’ll see you on Vorton, then,” finished Megumi. “Virginia, this is Megumi. One to return.” She vanished as War took her place on her bridge.

“Lay in a course for Vorton!” she ordered Skyfall. All ships then sped off for Vorton.

Phury was being fanned in her throne room and being fed fruit as she lounged on her chair. “Angarr,” she called, “where’s Amavorte? She’s supposed to bring me to my opponent.”

“I don’t know, my Queen,” answered Angarr.

“…Well, I suppose that’s the default for you males,” sighed Phury.

“I find that males and females both function better when both are treated as equals,” called Amavorte’s voice. She was right behind the Appoplexian fanning Phury.

“Do you NEED to do that?!” snapped Phury.

“Chizarans prefer to be unexpected in some capacity,” replied Amavorte. “Your opponent is ready.”

“As am I,” purred Phury. Yellow-green light enveloped the two ladies and they appeared in After Academy’s gym. Megumi had exchanged her usual outfit for workout clothes.

“I hope you’re ready to answer for your men’s crimes,” growled Megumi.

“You’re the one who has committed a crime against one of my men,” hissed Phury, “thus insulting me.” The two ladies took their places on opposite corners of the ring and Megumi turned into Tora-Onna. Amavorte took to the center of the ring as a camera appeared.

“I am Amavorte,” she announced, “the yellow-green princess of Chizara and the earth leader. Representing her new home of 8-3-Y-0-N-D-C-1-T-Y and a permanent student of the multiverse’s leading educational institute, After Academy, we have Megumi Hishikawa with home-turf advantage! Representing G-W-3-N-1-0, we have Queen Phury of Appoplexia! This bout is a test of physical strength. Both of them will fight in this ring until one of the opponents is thrown out of the ring. No weapons may be used and Megumi must stay in her currently fuzzy state as Tora-Onna. Tora-Onna, are you ready?”

“Let me at her!” growled Tora-Onna.

“Queen Phury, are you ready?” asked Amavorte.

“Always. That’s a female Appoplexian’s default,” purred Phury. Amavorte then swung her hand down.

“Hajime!” (Begin!) she announced as she teleported out of the ring. The yellow-green flash distracted Tora-Onna just enough to allow Phury to slam her fist into Tora-Onna’s face. Tora-Onna was rendered dizzy by the punch and couldn’t regain her vision fast enough. Phury kept punching her opponent at every available open spot before flooring her. Phury stomped over to Tora-Onna, ready to pick her up and throw her out of the ring, when Tora-Onna caught Phury’s foot as it was coming down and pushed it up, causing Phury to fall and hit the floor hard. Tora-Onna then flung her opponent headfirst into the pole holding the ropes, making Phury just as dizzy as Tora-Onna was. Unfortunately, Phury recovered quickly and grabbed Tora-Onna’s hand and flung her over the ropes! Tora-Onna hit the floor hard.

---

“MEGUMI!” called Richard.

---

“NO!” shouted Arsha.

---

“That can’t be legal!” protested Optimus.

---

“YOU defeated Vortech?” scoffed Phury as Tora-Onna picked herself up and turned back into Megumi. “You must have relied on your minions too much.”

“They’re not my minions!” hissed Megumi. “They’re my friends! My power!”

“And your weakness, if the rumors about you going against War are any indication,” purred Phury. “Amavorte, I don’t believe there was a round limit.”

“No, that wasn’t agreed upon,” sighed Amavorte. “It’s understood that you only needed one round. This contest is over. The winner is…!”

“STOP!” shouted a voice. Angarr stormed in, madder than ever. “PHURY, I OUGHT TO SHRED YOUR CLOTHES, YOU SAND-COVERED CHEATER!”

“I beg your pardon!” snarled Phury. “What did you call me?!”

“YOU HEARD ME!” roared Angarr. “LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, QUEEN PHURY, DISGRACED LEADER OF APPOPLEXIA…!”

“I WILL NOT!” shouted Phury. “GET OUT OF MY SIGHT BEFORE I…!”

“HOLD ON!” called Amavorte. “General Angarr, why did you call Phury a cheater?”

“BECAUSE I FOUND A PILE OF NIP OUTSIDE HER DOOR!” explained Angarr.

“…And, ‘nip’ is…?” quizzed Megumi.

“Catnip,” elaborated Amavorte. “The Appoplexian equivalent of the human drug called ‘speed’. General Angarr, what more proof do you have that Phury took nip?”

“HER DOCTOR TOLD ME SO!” answered Angarr. “LET ME AT HER! I’LL MAKE SURE SHE’S COVERED IN SAND FOREVER!”

“I will not stand here and be insulted by a male!” snarled Phury. “I’ve taken no drugs! Megumi must have planted some to try and hide the fact that she took some!”

“I most certainly did not!” argued Megumi. “Have the best doctors check me over! They’ll find no drugs in me!”

“The only way to settle this,” declared Amavorte, “is to have your doctors check you over and send us the results while your respective police forces search your living spaces.”

“I am Queen of Appoplexia and will not be subjected to this brand of barbarism!” roared Phury.

“Since the Chizarans are god-like,” requested Megumi, “ and in the interest of fairness, I must ask that you have YOUR doctors check us over and YOUR police search our living quarters.”

“…I shall have to obtain the warrants for both,” replied Amavorte, “but I believe that you’re speaking as a woman with nothing to hide. That doesn’t mean you are exempt, but I believe your words.”

“Megumi,” stammered Phury, “I think it best for both of us if I go with you. I formally request asylum.”

“I will certainly grant you asylum,” answered Megumi, “when you have been absolved of this crime.” She headed to the locker room to change back into her dress.

---

“The nerve of her!” snarled Richard. “Accusing you of drug-usage! I ought to smack her! I’ll declaw her, that’s what I’ll do!”

“The best way to disgrace an Appoplexian, from what I’ve read,” mused Megumi, “is to destroy their clothes. Appoplexians consider their sense of shame to be the most highly advanced in the universe.”

“…You shouldn’t be condoning what I say in anger,” Richard remarked.

“I’m a grown woman and an immortal,” argued Megumi. “I’ll condone whatever I damn please.” The two then heard a knock on the door. “That must be the Chizaran Police.” Richard headed to the door and found men and women in yellow-green police outfits. One of the officers handed Richard a search warrant with Legowltor’s signature on it.

“You guys must place this case very high on your priority list if you’ve got Legowltor to authorize this,” mused Richard. “Please, come in.” He stood aside and allowed the Chizaran officers into the house. Every nook and cranny was checked and rechecked ten times over with Megumi and Richard watching them closely in case someone decided to plant evidence. There was another knock on the door. “Now who could that be?” asked Richard.

“Hopefully, Amartonadii with Megumi’s drug test results,” replied an officer. Another officer opened the door and it was Amartonadii as predicted. “Well?” asked the first officer.

“Not even a milligram of any drug of any kind,” reported Amartonadii.

“We haven’t found anything that would implicate her either,” answered a third officer.

“We’re done here,” called the first officer. “Clean this place up.” The Chizaran officers and Amartonadii snapped their fingers and the house looked as it did before the officers searched the place. “Thank you for your cooperation,” bid the first officer as everyone left in both yellow and yellow-green lights.

“Goddamn, having your house searched is tense, even when the officers are good and you’re innocent!” shuddered Richard.

“I’m feeling a little stressed myself,” gulped Megumi.

“I’ll make us some tea and strawberries,” offered Richard.

“I’ll make whipped cream to go with it,” sighed Megumi as their lives were coming back into order.

---

The investigation had ended and Amavorte had called both Phury and Megumi to the ring in After Academy’s gym. She paced in front of the pair of them. “I suppose you know the warrants authorized us to check other records as well,” she began. Both Megumi and Phury nodded. Phury had a smug look on her face for some odd reason. “Both of your records say that neither of you purchased any form of drugs. Megumi, I believe your records are accurate.”

“As are mine,” chuckled Phury.

“Normally, I WOULD believe that,” hissed Amavorte. “I would say your records were accurate…if they didn’t have evidence of Galvan levels of TAMPERING!” Phury gasped when she realized she was found out! “PHURY OF APPOPLEXIA, ANGARR WAS RIGHT! YOU HAVE CHEATED!”

“Wait, my princess!” begged Phury. “I can explain…!”

“No, you can’t!” shouted Amavorte. “As far as I’m concerned, no explanation will save you! Article 2 of the General Rules of Combat: no chemical enhancements are accepted unless it is determined that they need such enhancements to survive! You were determined not to need them! How dare you attempt to deceive us!”

“That wand is mine! I will not allow failure to stain me again!” argued Phury, dropping her façade of civility.

“Well, this was a poor way to win!” snarled Amavorte. “Megumi will be the one going to the final round while YOU will fight Optimus over Third Place Prize! If you DO win, the prize will be delivered to you in a year’s time, relative to your universe’s time-scale!”

“YOU CAN’T DENY ME THE MASTER WAND!” roared Phury.

“CAN AND WILL!” Amavorte roared back. “Quite frankly, I cannot begin to describe my disgust at you! Break another rule and you will not be welcomed back to the Verse Vs. Verse Rumble Royale!” She snapped her fingers and they all went back to their respective homes. Megumi met with Arsha and Optimus in the Gateway Room.

“Well, that sours the experience,” muttered Arsha.

“Why would she go that far?” quizzed Optimus.

“Maybe she’s sick of her losses,” guessed Megumi. “In any case, sorry for saddling you with a cheater, Prime.”

“I’ll teach her to cheat!” promised Optimus. Just then, R9 rushed past everyone.

“Whoa!” yelped Arsha. “Hey! R9! Where’s the fire?!”

“Dudes! What are you doing standing around for?!” called R9. Kit-10 then came up to them. “Kit-10, did you confirm it? I don’t want this to be like the retirement home on Tarlax! I think one of the old ladies from it is stalking me!”

“It’s confirmed!” reported Kit-10. “I’ve also received corroboration from Discornia about strange dimensional rifts!”

“Then we need the Brigadier with us to coordinate things!”

“Er, are we having a major processor-trip here?” asked Optimus. “What am I missing?”

“Prime, we need the Autobots’ help on this!” continued R9. “I’ll call in that favor Megatron and his allies owe us after saving their lives!” He contacted Megatron.

“Ah, R9-D7, correct?” greeted Megatron. “What can I do for you?”

“Dude, we’re calling in that favor!” announced R9.

“Let me hear it from Optimus!” snapped Megatron.

“Would someone explain to us what’s going on?!” called Megumi.

“We found them!” replied Kit-10.

“Who?!” quizzed Arsha.

“Mickey! Caan! Eggman!” elaborated Kit-10. “We’ve found them! They’re fighting Metaltron and that Cyberman version of Usagi!”

“…Well, Megatron,” mused Optimus, “looks like R9’s right. We ARE calling in that favor.”

“All I need to help you out,” declared Megatron, “are the Nemesis, the Scorpion, and the remainder of the Shocker Rift fleet.”

“We’ll get you there,” offered Megumi, “then bring you and your ships over to Caan’s location. R9, give the coordinates to the Brigadier. Megatron, rally your men. We’ll meet you there.”

“See you then,” replied Megatron. The call ended and Megumi made a general broadcast.

“Everyone, prepare for battle!” she called. “Caan has been located! Repeat, Caan has been located! Assemble in the Gateway Room for a plan of attack!”

“All Autobots, this is Optimus!” declared Prime. “We’re getting in on this fight too! Assemble in the Gateway Room!”

“Endeavor, this is the Captain!” announced Arsha. “Assemble in the Gateway Room! We’re participating in this fight as well!”

---

“War!” called Skyfall. “We’ve got him! Caan’s been located!”

“Excellent!” cheered War. She made a broadcast to all ships. “We move out! Caan will not escape us and Mickey will answer for his betrayal!” Quake Hammer thumped his console in rhythm and started singing.

“Qoy qeylIs puqloD. (Hear! Sons of Kahless.)

Qoy puqbe’pu’. (Hear! Daughters too.)

yoHbogh matlhbogh je SuvwI’ (The blood of battle washes clean)” By then, Skyfall and War had joined in.

“Say’moHchu’ may’ ‘Iw. (The Warrior brave and true.)

maSuv manong ‘ej maHoHchu’. (We fight, we love, and then we kill.)

nI’be’ yInmaj ‘ach wovqu’. (Our lives burn short and bright,)

batlh maHeghbej ‘ej yo’ qIjDaq vavpu’ma’ DImuv. (Then we die with honor and join our fathers)

pa’ reH maSuvtaHqu’. (In the Black Fleet where we battle forever,)

mamevQo’. maSuvtaH. Ma’ov. (battling on through the Eternal fight.)”

Arsha and Optimus were waiting for Blancalmarem to pick them up by the Gateway. “I must say,” mused Arsha, “I’m a little surprised she’s judging us.”

“Yeah, I thought she was an announcer with Nemengra,” agreed Optimus. “When did announcers…?” his question was interrupted as white light flashed and formed Blancalmarem.

“Commander Topaz has prepared the firing range,” she announced. “We’ll just go there now and…”

“Madam, a question,” interjected Arsha.

“Yes?” asked Blancalmarem.

“Have you always judged a round?” inquired Arsha.

“Why, yes, all of us princesses do,” replied Blancalmarem. “Nemengra and I may be the main commenters, but we don’t have a monopoly on that.”

“Who’s taking your place?” asked Optimus.

“At the moment, Elizabeth is,” answered Blancalmarem. “Any further questions?”

“No, we’re good,” replied Arsha.

“Then, away we go,” declared Blancalmarem. The three then vanished in white light and reappeared at the firing range. Commander Topaz rubbed her eyes as she recovered from the flash.

“I don’t think I’m EVER going to get used to that,” she muttered.

“Us contestants haven’t gotten used to it either,” supplied Optimus. The camera appeared and Blancalmarem smoothed out her dress before beginning.

“I am Blancalmarem,” she began, “the white princess of Chizara and the life leader! 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 with home-turf advantage! Representing T-H-3-T-H-R-3-3-R-3-4-L-M-5, we have Arsha Royana! This bout will be a test of acuity in magic. Optimus and Arsha will each fire a magic blast from their wands, trying to get close enough to the center of the target. They will each have ten shots and whoever gets the closest shot to the center is the winner. No other weapons may be used and neither will interfere in the other’s attempts. Optimus Prime, are you ready?”

“Bring it!” cheered Optimus.

“Arsha Royana, are you ready?” asked Blancalmarem.

“Let’s start the match!” answered Arsha.

“Then I shall determine who fires their first shot,” declared Blancalmarem. “Optimus, since you have home-turf advantage, call it.” She pulled out a coin.

“Tails,” called Optimus. Blancalmarem flicked the coin into the air, then caught it, slapped it to the back of her hand, then got a peek.

“Good call,” praised Blancalmarem. “You may fire when ready, Optimus.” Optimus twirled his wand before slicing the air from side to side and firing a magic blast. It hit the target on one of the interior rings. He holstered his wand and indicated it was Arsha’s turn. Arsha smirked, then pointed her wand down before flicking it upwards towards the target and fired a magic blast. When it hit the target, slightly nearer to the center than Optimus’, she holstered hers and nodded to Optimus.

---

“Oh no,” groaned Oak. “They’re baiting each other!”

“Happens in your universe too?” sighed Jazz.

“What’s going on?” asked Richard.

“They’re trying to show off how flashy they can flick their wands,” explained Jazz. “A Mage’s rap battle, if you will.”

“Ah,” realized Richard.

---

“By the Allspark, I thought he grew out of that,” groaned Blackarachnia.

“He doesn’t change much, does he?” chuckled Ultra Magnus.

“Sometimes his attitude,” mused Blackarachnia, “reminds me of when we first met.”

“It was at a party on Cybertron, ten years before he received the Matrix,” recalled Ultra Magnus. “He was boasting about his family’s preference to be warriors.”

“I got so sick of it and threw a full Energon cube at his head,” giggled Blackarachnia.

“You then told him that he was a disgrace to the Pax family name,” continued Ultra Magnus, “and mopped the floor with him.”

“Dad was spark-showering mad at that,” revealed Blackarachnia. “I seem to recall your mother telling him he was going to Yoketron’s estate as punishment. Yet, he talks about Yoketron fondly. Why?”

“He met Jazz there,” replied Ultra Magnus. His attention was then grabbed by Optimus’ next shot. His wind-up looked like he was fencing with his wand. His shot was slightly farther from his first.

---

“Folks, I promise you,” Blancalmarem assured to the camera, “their posing has no merit in this bout. All I’m judging is their accuracy.” Arsha pirouetted three times before tilting her body so it was parallel to the ground and she lightly flicked her wand, making a magic blast hit the target. It was perpendicular to her previous shot.

“Oh yeah?” remarked Optimus. He then got into a one-handed handstand and pointed his wand between his legs, firing another blast.

“Getting fancy, are we?” chuckled Arsha. She then leapt into the air and expanded her skirts, letting the sudden updraft keep her afloat and parachuting down gently as she fired another magic blast.

“Showoff!” hissed Optimus.

---

“Like he has any room to talk!” snapped Brendan as he and Jandro set up aluminum-backed mirrors to replace the silver-backed ones so they could see themselves.

“That boy is quite the cocky one, from what I’ve read in my copy of his dossier,” recalled Jandro.

“I swear, I never displayed this level of OW!” Brendan accidentally cut his lips with his new fangs.

“It was tough for me, too,” assured Jandro.

“I need to ask before I say something stupid,” muttered Brendan, “were you born a Vampire?”

“Nope, I was turned,” answered Jandro.

“Then you DO know what I’m going through,” sighed Brendan. “Okay, that’s a bit of a relief.”

“Brendan, sweet-blood,” chuckled Jandro, “even Vampires that have been that way since their birth have the occasional mishap.” Just then, there was a knock on the door.

“Coming!” called Brendan. He opened the door to reveal a sparkling, pale human.

“I’ve got two deliveries,” explained the sparkler. “One for a Mr. Jandro Dormu from After Academy’s Uniform Department.”

“That’s me,” called Jandro as he took the package.

“And the other is for a Mr. Brendan Patterson from Fabric of Reality,” continued the sparkler.

“My new dress!” cheered Brendan as he accepted his package.

“Hey, if you ever feel tired of him,” purred the sparkler, “maybe you can hang with a real Vampire?” Both Jandro and Brendan bared their fangs.

“Back off, you pale imitation!” snarled Brendan. “You sparkle-fairies are NOT Vampires!”

“I dare you to take Brendan from me!” growled Jandro.

“Why don’t you go take a bath in holy water?!” challenged the sparkler. Brendan then grabbed the sparkler’s shoulder and punched him straight in the mouth.

“Insult my boyfriend again! I dare you!” he taunted as the sparkler spat out his chipped fangs.

“MY TEETH!” he cried. “YOU RED-EYED…!” The door was then slammed in his face.

“Stupid imitation Vampire!” muttered Brendan.

“How that ridiculous Twilight garbage has ANY following among VaOUCH!” yelped Jandro as he cut his lips with his fangs. “…See what I meant earlier?” chuckled Jandro.

“Let’s not focus on the knock-off Vampires, my rose,” advised Brendan. “I believe the match is still going on.” Optimus and Arsha had both taken seven shots each while the altercation went on.

---

“If you’re quite done on deciding!” hissed Blancalmarem.

“Don’t rush a magic blast fling pose!” retorted Optimus. He then did a bit of break-dancing before firing his eighth shot.

“Nice try,” laughed Arsha. She leapt into the air, did ten backflips, then punched the back of her wand, making it shoot her eighth one.

---

“Kids,” muttered Rachet as he, Emily, Marshii, and Henry tidied the infirmary.

“You were that young once,” remarked Henry.

“True,” conceded Ratchet. “…Okay, where’s the laser scalpel?!”

“What’s it look like?” asked Marshii.

“Long silver tube,” described Ratchet. “Red light at the end that generates the laser I need.”

“That one?” asked Emily as she pointed to the tube.

“Ah, there it is,” sighed Ratchet happily. “Thank you.”

“Not a problem, Doc,” replied Emily.

“Don’t call me ‘Doc’!” snapped Ratchet.

“Hey, Ratchet, about the microscope I lent you…” began Marshii.

“Ah, yes, the microscope,” recalled Ratchet. “Just finished my analysis of Emily’s blood. I’ll give it to you once we’re…” He was interrupted by something breaking. Everyone turned to see Henry looking guilty at a mess he made of a couple of pieces of equipment, specifically, Marshii’s microscope and the machine Ratchet used to operate it!

“So…I guess the red button SHOULDN’T have been pressed,” gulped Henry.

“I NEEDED THAT!” shouted Ratchet and Marshii.

---

Optimus traced various shapes with his wand before firing his ninth shot. Arsha made her wand cartwheel across her arms five times over before she caught it and fired her ninth one. “Right, this is the last one!” declared Optimus. He tossed his wand into the air, got into a push-up position, transformed from vehicle to robot mode five times over, got up and did ten jumping jacks, then proceeded to do an entire kata before he kicked the end of his wand and fired his last shot.

“Okay, that’s good, I’ll give you that,” mused Arsha. “But, this is where it ends.” She then tossed her wand into the air, shut her eyes to concentrate, moved her tails in a graceful manner, danced as if she were gliding instead of stepping, twirled, then, as it came level with her, flicked the end of her wand and fired her final shot. She stopped her dance, opened her eyes, caught her wand, and curtsied. Optimus clapped his hands, impressed at what he saw.

“That topped mine,” conceded Optimus. “Good job.”

“Yes, the wind-ups were amazing,” remarked Blancalmarem, “but that wasn’t what the contest was about, was it?” Optimus and Arsha arched their eyebrows in confusion, then widened their eyes as they blushed in embarrassment.

“Scrap, that’s right!” groaned Optimus.

“Target shooting,” winced Arsha. “Oops.”

“You two seriously forgot?!” protested Blancalmarem. She then sighed. “Some people are so easily distracted.” She ran outlines along the targets and shot-marks, Optimus’ in red and Arsha’s in pink, lined the outlines up and measured each shot. “This contest is over,” she announced. “The winner, with her fifth shot, is Arsha Royana! You two will be returned to Vorton shortly. Optimus, though you have suffered a defeat, know that it only brings as much dishonor as you feel necessary. Would you care for an interview with Nemengra and I?”

“…You know what, sure,” replied Optimus.

“Then I shall bring you to our garden once Arsha is dropped off,” declared Blancalmarem. White light surrounded them and took Arsha to Vorton while Optimus went with Blancalmarem. Arsha was congratulated on all sides.

“That was nicely done!” cheered Megumi.

“Well, looks like my boy needs to work on his magic shooting,” mused Ironhide. “First off, I gotta remind him that you can’t get distracted with anything fancy, especially in battle!”

“And it seems YOU need that reminder as well, Captain,” rumbled Oak. Arsha just giggled nervously and rubbed the back of her neck as an embarrassed grin crossed her blushing face again.

---

The interview broadcast began as usual. “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.

“I had the honor of judging the bout between Optimus Prime and Arsha Royana today,” continued Blancalmarem.

“The bout was centered around magic target shooting and Arsha claimed victory,” explained Nemengra.

“Now, if they just remembered that, the bout would have gone a lot quicker!” grumbled Blancalmarem.

“Yes, the competitors soon switched their focus to whoever could wind up their shots better,” recalled Nemengra.

“Optimus has accepted being interviewed, so, maybe, we can get some answers from him,” mused Blancalmarem.

“Here’s is the interview in full,” announced Nemengra as the screen behind them displayed the interview.

“It says in your dossier,” revealed Blancalmarem, “that you’re the first adolescent to be named Prime. What were your thoughts after that?”

“Oh, the usual,” replied Optimus. “Underestimating how hard leadership is, failing a lot, listening to grumbles of unhappy bots.”

“Yet you stay on,” mused Nemengra. “Why?”

“Because, at the end of the day,” answered Optimus, “I still feel pride for my job of serving Cybertron in my current capacity.”

“You view your job as a public service?” summed up Blancalmarem.

“Every job in the field of politics, even voting,” affirmed Optimus, “is a public service. To try to make a career out of it, in my opinion, cheapens the sacrifice you’re making. That’s why I instituted term limits to all politicians on Cybertron.”

“And people feel as if they’re being heard?” quizzed Nemengra.

“It’s one of a few solutions to restore honor to politics that I have in mind,” replied Optimus. “Another is to do away with our electoral college system that we adopted from 21^st century Americans and go for a pure democracy in electing our representatives.”

“Well, sounds ambitious,” mused Blancalmarem.

“The people’s voice needs to be heard,” declared Optimus.

“That is, indeed, a noble goal,” agreed Nemengra. “Now, concerning the bout…” Optimus sunk into his seat as he blushed.

“It’s about the show Arsha and I put on during our wind-ups, isn’t it?” guessed Optimus.

“Well, that,” answered Blancalmarem, “and I’m still trying to figure out how you two forgot the fight terms since you BOTH agreed to them!”

“Mages, sometimes, love to show off,” explained Optimus. “More often than not, that gets in the way for us. It looks like it’s a ‘multiversal constant’, as the Vortex Riders put it.”

“So, you succumb to childishness frequently?” guessed Nemengra.

“Yes,” mumbled Optimus.

“Well, I think we’ve said enough,” declared Blancalmarem. “Thank you for your time, we’ll send you home.”

“Do you need to?” gulped Optimus.

“You’re gonna have to hear the lectures eventually,” answered Nemengra. “‘Til all are one.” The screen went dark and Blancalmarem and Nemengra returned to their audience.

“I’m sure Optimus is getting an audioful,” sighed Blancalmarem.

“After the break, Amavorte will be judging the round between Megumi Hishikawa and Queen Phury of Appoplexia!” cheered Nemengra.

Brendan sat in the apartment he lived in. He was thinking over how the student body was immortal and those that were dead like he was are dead no longer, meaning the halo on his forehead was now a tattoo. His family and friends had gone to Heaven or Hell a long time ago, so he had no one to talk to. He heard a knock on the door and went to open it. Jandro was at the entrance with a grin on his face. “Guess who’s in House Lacey?” he asked as he held up a purple ascot.

“You’ve been accepted?!” cheered Brendan. “Congratulations! Let me make something to celebrate!” He dashed to the kitchen, only stopping when he heard Jandro clear his throat. Brendan saw that Jandro was pointing to the doorway. “…Oh, yeah!” remembered Brendan. “Please, come in.” Jandro entered the apartment and sat at the table near the kitchen. “You know, I’m surprised you still wanted to be an After Academy student,” mused Brendan as he got out a teapot. “You and I both heard what this universe was originally and what Vortoranii did.”

“I know,” replied Jandro as he readjusted his stole, “but I wanted to continue learning and After Academy offers a whole eternity of learning. Immortality’s nothing without learning something new every chance you get and this school offers HEAPS of chances. Besides, I wanted to put a Vampire’s obsession with counting into another area besides money. Counting code lines is something most Vampires don’t do back home. Vampire programmers are very rare, unlike our bankers.”

“Obsession with counting?” asked Brendan.

“Yes, we’re always compelled to count things for some odd reason,” explained Jandro. “Many scientists and mages of various fields have theories, but none have found the answer. In any case, we have since used it to our advantage in various number-related fields.”

“Are there other downsides?” inquired Brendan.

“Well, long ago, we used to burn to ashes when we stepped into the sun,” recalled Jandro. “When the First Age of Unity started, we gained the ability to walk in the sun again, but now we get a wicked sunburn. We can’t see ourselves in silver-backed mirrors, just our clothes. We need blood to survive, thankfully, the animal blood we get from butchers is a lot more healthy than human blood. We have to be careful that our fangs don’t cut our lips.”

“What about turning others into Vampires?” quizzed Brendan as he served the tea and cakes. “Can Vampires in your world do that?”

“Yes, but the biter needs permission from the other person to change them,” answered Jandro. “…Brendan, where is this going?”

“I want to be a Vampire like you,” explained Brendan. Jandro nearly choked on his tea.

“WHY?!” he asked when he recovered.

“Because, if we’re going to be living together for eternity,” replied Brendan, “I want us to be equals.”

“But…but this is…I mean, you DID pay attention to what I’m weak to, right?” spluttered Jandro.

“I still want to be a Vampire,” insisted Brendan. “I know I can’t be a member of the Grelnak Clan, but I don’t want you to be alone.” Jandro smiled.

“I think we can make the Grelnak Clan greater than it was,” he declared. “Just bare your neck and allow me to do the rest.” Brendan let himself be wrapped in Jandro’s arms as he exposed his neck. Jandro inched closer to his neck and lightly touched the skin with his fangs before he sunk them into the neck. Brendan gasped in slight pain, then let the fangs pump in genetic altering liquid. It felt warm and teased its way through his body. Soon, he felt Jandro’s fangs stop pumping the “Vampire Venom”, as it’s called in Jandro’s home, and slowly exit the neck. The fang wounds in the neck closed quickly and he felt his canines grow longer and sharper. He then drifted into a sleep right in Jandro’s arms. Jandro led Brendan to the couch and laid him so his head rested in Jandro’s lap, “When you wake,” he whispered, “I will belong to you and you will belong to me. We shall make a new Grelnak Clan. Sleep well, my love.”

---

“Your husband’s wearing a dress?!” giggled Scorpainia as she and Megumi ate at one of the cafés on Vorton.

“I don’t know why you’re laughing,” muttered Megumi. “He’s putting aside a man’s fragile ego to prove dresses don’t make a man any less of one.”

“I’m just surprised he agreed to that bet!” laughed Scorpainia.

“It’s really nothing new,” remarked Megumi. “I now have three men that wear dresses. I mean, I don’t see how it could bruise Richard’s ego that…Scorpainia?”

“Sorry,” apologized Scorpainia. “It’s just that I wasn’t expecting to see Agus’ girlfriend here on Vorton.”

“What?!” yelped Megumi as she looked where Scorpainia was looking. Walking by the café was Agus Atmadja and a female Mobian Komodo Dragon holding his arm and laughing with him as she regaled him with a story.

“I think the best course of action is to say hello,” mused Scorpainia.

“Good idea,” agreed Megumi. They both left the café and approached the two Mobians. “Excuse me!” called Megumi. Agus and the new Komodo Dragon turned.

“Ah, my ladies!” greeted Agus. “Apa kabar?” (How are you?)

“A little confused,” replied Scorpainia. “I don’t recall you having a girlfriend.”

“Ah, this jewel holding my arm?” asked Agus. “You met her once or twice.”

“We did?” quizzed Megumi. She examined the new lady hard. She didn’t recall seeing her before. The long, curly black hair looked familiar, though. As did the black flower in said hair with a tiny skull in the center, and the black lipstick, and the black eyes, and the dress…Megumi then put two and two together. “…LACEY?!” she yelped.

“Hello!” replied the new Komodo Dragon in Lacey’s voice.

“Bu…but whe…I mean…WHAT?!” spluttered Megumi.

“How long have you been dating him?!” inquired Scorpainia.

“Since the preliminary round,” replied Lacey as she shifted back into her human form.

“But he’s…!” protested Megumi.

“I’m a Horseman of the Apocalypse,” interrupted Lacey, correctly guessing Megumi’s statement. “I can date whoever I damn please without breaking social taboos.”

“Shape-shifting DOES tend to help in that regard,” supplied Agus. “I just wish I could learn that so I can walk with her as a human.”

“Stick with me and you will,” promised Lacey. She then turned back to Megumi. “Besides, Amelia’s is on her third date with Wilson and Sophie’s been asked out by Henry. Being heralds of us Horsemen, they’re shape-shifters too, so they’re pursuing their heart’s desire.”

“Wait, Sophie?” asked Megumi. “I thought she had a boyfriend already.”

“What happened to Bobby?” quizzed Scorpainia.

“…She asked me not to tell anyone,” answered Lacey as she winced. “She’d prefer to tell you herself.”

“Tell them what?” asked Sophie’s voice. Sophie was currently a snub-nosed monkey like Henry and was letting his tail wrap around her waist. She was small for a Mobian-sized life-form.

“Sophie, what happened to the guy you were dating?” asked Megumi.

“Er, Bobby?” stumbled Sophie. “Well, he…he dumped me.”

“What?! Why?! When?!” yelped Scorpainia.

“Because of my duties as a Herald,” sighed Sophie.

“That’s just cruel,” muttered Megumi. Just then, her attention was grabbed by shouting.

“RAGE-RUM! NOW!” roared a hulking man’s voice.

“I told you before, kitty,” hissed Joshua’s voice, “we don’t carry it.”

“That’s not a good sound,” gulped Megumi. “Excuse me.” She dashed off in the direction of the voices and found Joshua getting yelled at by an Appoplexian.

“LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, JOSHUA WILLIAMS, SNIPER OF THE FEUDAL NERD SOCIETY! WHEN GENERAL ANGARR OF THE 39TH APPOPLEXIAN CONQUEST ARMY DEMANDS RAGE-RUM, YOU GIVE IT TO GENERAL ANGARR OF THE 39TH APPOPLEXIAN CONQUEST ARMY!” roared the Appoplexian. Joshua remained stone-faced.

“You are Angarr, son of Ire,” called Megumi. Angarr growled before turning to her.

“YEAH, I’M IRE’S SON! WHAT’S YOUR POINT?!” roared Angarr.

“I am Megumi, daughter of Haruna,” Megumi introduced herself. She turned into Tora-Onna and slashed at Angarr’s face with her claws unsheathed. Angarr yelped in pain and noticed blood trickling down his face.

“You…you slashed my face!” whispered Angarr. He then roared in the Appoplexian’s usual anger and punched Tora-Onna. “LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, MEGUMI HISHIKAWA, QUEEN OF THE FEUDAL NERD SOCIETY AND DEFEATER OF VORTECH! YOU CAN HURT ME! YOU CAN HURT THE THINGS I STAND FOR! YOU CAN EVEN HURT MY FEELINGS, IF I HAD ANY! BUT NO ONE, AND I MEAN NO ONE, HURTS THE FACE!” Tora-Onna grabbed the next punch and tossed him over her shoulder. “Ooh, karate!” cheered Angarr. He then picked himself up. “I’m gonna call you Karate-cub, Karate-cub!”

“Your mistake, Wide-Load,” taunted Tora-Onna.

“GENERAL ANGARR OF THE 39TH APPOPLEXIAN CONQUEST ARMY IS JUST BIG-BONED!” roared Angarr. He swung wildly, leaving Tora-Onna various opportunities to get a hit in. She grabbed an arm on the backswing, put her fingers around the claw on the back of his hand, and tore it out! The pain caused him to open his mouth, but he didn’t scream until Tora-Onna released him. He then roared in pain as he clutched the area where the claw once belonged. His soldiers readied their own claws, but Tora-Onna flashed hers and roared, daring them to approach her. None of them were feeling that brave, so they tended to their general.

“Let me tell you something, soldiers of Queen Phury,” snarled Tora-Onna, “if Angarr wants his claw back, Phury’s going to have to pick it up herself. Here, the number of my room here on Vorton.” She let a piece of paper fall to the floor and, with a pivot on the heel, she turned and left them, turning back into Megumi.

---

Megumi had just finished touching up her make-up the next day when she heard a knock on the door. Correction, a pounding on the door. “Come in,” she bid. Phury then stormed in.

“You took one of my general’s claws!” she snarled. “Hand it over or I’m taking it by force!”

“Now that you’re here,” replied Megumi as she retrieved the claw, “I have no more need of it.” She then placed it in Phury’s outstretched hand.

“…You rob Angarr of his honor just to get my attention?!” hissed Phury.

“You can’t take away what someone doesn’t have,” answered Megumi.

“You’re saying Angarr is without honor?” quizzed Phury.

“I’m saying Angarr is a coward and a liar,” clarified Megumi.

“What of his Queen?!” demanded Phury.

“That remains to be seen,” dismissed Megumi.

“…Tell me, what did I do to earn this disrespect?” growled Phury.

“The deeds outlined in your dossier speak for themselves!” shouted Megumi as she threw Phury’s dossier down to emphasize her point. “Enslaving the Teslavorr Nebula! Detaining and searching Galvan ships in neutral space without warning OR provocation! And you! Executing your daughter when she refused to kill your universe’s Omnitrix bearer, Gwen Tennyson!”

“Whatever I did,” snarled Phury, “was to protect my people from the threat of the Cybertronian Civil War!”

“You must think me a fool to make your lies so transparent!” accused Megumi.

“I don’t wish to quarrel with you!” warned Phury.

“Well, we don’t have that choice, do we?” asked Megumi. “I trust you’re amenable to fighting in the ring? My mutant-cyborg form against an Appoplexian?”

“As a matter of fact, yes!” declared Phury. “Where will this fight be held?”

“There’s a fighting ring in After Academy’s gym,” answered Megumi. “First one to send their opponent out of the ring is the winner.”

“Very well,” agreed Phury. “It will make it easier for you to run to your husband’s arms and weep when I win.”

“The challenge has been set, the terms have been agreed upon, and the chance of victory is agreeable for both sides,” declared Rojenthi’s voice. “Amavorte, the yellow-green princess of Chizara and the earth leader, will be judging. In two days’ time, your fight begins! Prepare and make ready! Good luck!”

“I will see you when the time comes!” growled Phury. “But, know this, the Master Wand will ensure the safety of my universe! Interfere, and you doom an entire universe to burn in the Cybertronians’ fires of war!” She vanished in yellow-green light.

“We’ll see,” hissed Megumi.

---

Richard approached Optimus and Arsha as Megumi spoke with Phury. “How’s it going?” he asked.

“Awful,” sighed Optimus. “We can’t figure out a fight where we both have a reasonable chance to win.”

“Optimus, while he may be a full-fledged wizard in his universe,” supplied Arsha, “is still new to the magic game. I’m unfamiliar with any of the children’s card games he plays. We’re stuck.”

“Wait, Prime, you play children’s card games?” quizzed Richard.

“I’m a three time Yu-Gi-Oh champion, thanks to Blackarachnia coaching me,” replied Optimus, “but that’s not the point! We need help!”

“…Target shooting, maybe?” asked Richard.

“…MAGIC target shooting!” cheered Arsha.

“Huh?” asked Richard.

“Even wand users need to brush up on their target shooting when firing spells,” explained Arsha. “Prime and I both practice on a daily basis, I say we have a magic target shooting competition…no, my record will leave him in the dust.”

“Excuse me, MY record will leave you in the dust!” argued Optimus.

“Oh yeah?!” laughed Arsha. “So you want to go through with a magic target shooting contest?”

“Yeah, let’s do it!” declared Optimus.

“All right, where shall we hold this bout?” quizzed Arsha.

“There’s a shooting range at G.U.N HQ that both organics and Autobots use,” revealed Optimus. “We’ll use that. How shall we decide who the victor is?”

“We each fire ten shots, one after another,” answered Arsha. “Whoever fires the shot closest to the center is the winner!”

“Perfect!” affirmed Optimus.

“The challenge has been set, the terms have been agreed upon, and the chance of victory is agreeable for both sides,” declared Azuliterii’s voice. “Blancalmarem, the white princess of Chizara and the life leader, will be judging. In two days’ time, your fight begins! Prepare and make ready! Good luck!”

“Let’s do it!” cheered Arsha.

The Starwalker successfully dropped Megatron’s alliance off to the fallback universe near Vorton and was returned to After Academy’s new shipyards. Megumi, Haruna, and Richard were in Haruna’s new clothes shop at After Academy. Haruna measured Richard and did some calculations for the dress he was going to wear. “And that’s all!” cheered Haruna. “You’ll have your dress after the 3V2R is over.”

“Thanks,” muttered Richard.

“I assure you, it will look flattering on you,” insisted Haruna. Just then, Megumi’s phone rang.

“Er, is there a private place I could take this?” she asked.

“My supply room,” replied Haruna as she pointed to a door.

“Arigato,” thanked Megumi. She entered the supply room to see all sorts of fabrics, threads, yarn, and other various clothing supplies. “Dang, she’s got a supply!” breathed Megumi before she recalled her still-ringing phone. She answered it. “Moshi moshi,” she greeted.

“Surrender Megatron, Dr. Borg, and Hiro to me at once!” demanded War’s voice.

“We’ve checked them out,” replied Megumi. “They’re NOT under Caan’s influence. You were wrong and this is NOT a good way to get back into the F.N.S!”

“I’m not interested in rejoining your group!” snarled War. “Whether or not Caan has them under his sway makes no difference now! All that matters is that the multiverse will be safer without them! Now, surrender them or I will have no choice but to take them by force!”

“And risk war with me?” warned Megumi.

“If a war starts between us,” hissed War, “the blame will be placed on your head!”

“I doubt history will agree,” answered Megumi.

“History is written by the victors!” declared War. “I know you hear that speech every time you enter one of Death’s classes each semester!” She then hung up. Megumi sighed as she looked to the sky in frustration. She left the supply room and Richard followed her out.

“Everything all right, sweetie?” he asked.

“War’s still sore about what happened,” sighed Megumi.

“Did you tell her we confirmed they weren’t working with Caan?” inquired Richard.

“She didn’t care,” replied Megumi. “She’s only interested in ridding the multiverse of them.”

“That’s really not her place,” muttered Richard. Their conversation was interrupted by the sounds of fighting. “Who in the…?” asked Richard.

“Over there!” called Megumi. The source of the noises came from Batman, Ichigō, Gandalf, and Wyldstyle fighting Hiro as Tora-Otoko (Tiger Man)! Megumi fastened her Vortex Driver to her waist and inserted her i.d. tag.

“Henshin!” she called, attracting Tora-Otoko’s attention. Tora-Otoko then grabbed her head once her transformation into Royal was complete and ran to the fountain at the entrance. Once there, he shoved Royal back and slammed a metal disc to the ground, creating an energy dome that kept them in and everyone else out. The fountain was inside the dome as well. “What is this?!” demanded Royal. “I recall saving your…!”

“No more!” roared Tora-Otoko. “I’ve had it with you! Always smiling when life is just a tragedy! Always winning despite the odds being stacked against you! Always having friends while my empire crumbles! Always changing while my belt was lost to War! Always standing with your husband while I have no one! No wife! No children! No true allies! No empire! No real future! No belt! Well, I’m going to get satisfaction one way or another, and if killing you is the only way I’ll ever get it, so be it! No more friends interrupting! No more backing out! No more pretense of mercy! The only way that dome vanishes is if one of us is finished! Megumi Hishikawa, Kamen Rider Royal, my greatest failure, you will die at my hands!” He extended his claws and slashed at Royal. Royal retreated towards the dome.

“I’m not fighting you, Tora-Otoko!” she proclaimed. “End this now!”

“NO!” roared Tora-Otoko. “NOT UNTIL YOU’RE DEAD!” Royal ran along the edge of the dome, trying to find a way out, but couldn’t find it. She turned…then felt a knife penetrate her left side. Her air was forced out of her as her eyes registered Tora-Otoko. He then backed up, leaving his knife in her side. Outside the dome. Richard and the Keystone Bearers were pounding on the dome’s exterior. Royal couldn’t hear them, only concentrating on the pain in her side as she slumped down to her knees, her hands around the knife as it rested in her side. The pain then dulled, reduced to only a mild throb. She then regained her breath and her normal breathing. Tora-Otoko was wondering why Royal wasn’t dead yet. She then…stood up! She took the knife out and the wound healed itself as the undersuit re-stitched itself. “…Bakana!” (Impossible!) breathed Tora-Otoko.

“That’s the word,” remarked Royal. She tossed the knife aside. “All right then, if you really leave me no choice, we’ll play your game!” She then charged at Tora-Otoko and they traded blows at a tremendous speed! Soon, Royal overcame Tora-Otoko’s attempts to block and delivered two solid punches to his ribs. She then thrust her palm into his chin, grabbed his head, and tossed him over her shoulder. She then spun the wheel.

“Final attack!” called the Vortex Driver as she leapt into the air.

“RIDER ROYAL KICK!” she shouted as she flew towards Tora-Otoko and kicked him right in the chest. She then landed behind him as he exploded. The fire and smoke then died down to reveal Tora-Otoko turning back into Hiro. The dome then died down and Richard and the Keystone Bearers ran to give Hiro more of a beating, stopping only when Royal held her hand up. She cancelled her transformation and knelt by Hiro, turning him over so his face was facing up. His eyes opened and he saw that the dome was gone.

“…Goddammit,” he swore, “it faded the instant I turned human again. …Well, what are you waiting for, Megumi? I invaded Vorton on numerous occasions, I enslaved my allies, I attacked your friends, I stabbed you, why not just stab me in my head and get your standing ovation?”

“Because I’m doing this by the book,” replied Megumi, “and I never wanted to kill you. Don’t you understand? I don’t want you to die! I want our relationship to be better, but we’re running out of options now. You know it, I know it, maybe it all hinges on today. Maybe this is our last chance to sort this mess out, otherwise we’re going to kill each other. I don’t want it to end like that. I believe it doesn’t need to end like that. I don’t know what caused you to join the original Shocker, but, who knows, I could have been there myself. Maybe I can help you. You don’t need to be alone. I can help you get your life back together. What do you say?” Both enemies stared at each other. For once, there was no hatred, no anger, just one stare born of a desire to help versus a stare of hopelessness.

“…No,” sighed Hiro. “I’m sorry, but, no. It’s too late for that. It’s too late for me. I’m too old and have lived too long with my hatred.” He laughed weakly. “You know, now I think I get the Joker’s joke after all.” A rift opened. “Ah, that must be my ride.” Dr. Borg then stormed out.

“Hiro, you are needed back at base!” demanded Dr. Borg. “Return at once!”

“Yes, My Lady,” sighed Hiro. They both entered the rift and it closed behind them.

“…Why mention one of the Joker’s jokes?” asked Megumi.

“He’s referring to a joke the Joker told me once,” explained Batman. “The only one that made me laugh.”

“How did it go, if you don’t mind my asking?” quizzed Megumi.

“There were two insane asylum inmates,” began Batman. “One night, they planned an escape and succeed by climbing onto the rooftops. All that’s left is one narrow gap between the buildings. One of the inmates leaps across the gap, but the second is too afraid of falling, so he doesn’t jump. The first one then calls ‘I’ve got an idea; I’ve brought a flashlight! I’ll shine it across the gap and you can walk along the beam and join me!’ But the second one says ‘What do you think I am, crazy? You’d turn it off when I was halfway across!’”

“…And, in this instance, Hiro viewed me as the inmate with the flashlight,” muttered Megumi.

“Just as the Joker viewed me,” replied Batman.

“…I’m sorry, but while I DO get the joke,” sighed Megumi, “I don’t find it funny.”

“I can’t say I’m laughing either,” mumbled Richard.

“Right now,” continued Megumi, “I want to know about how I survived that stab. I could feel the blade piercing my lung.”

“Emily and I found an answer,” declared Batman.

“Have you, now?” asked Ichigō as he reverted back into Hongo.

“The whole of the F.N.S has the healing factor,” explained Batman. “It’s because there’s something in this universe’s water. Frequent exposure to it only extends your life-span. Daily exposure over a long period of time, two years, for example, renders you unable to die of age or injury, even when you’re thrown into space.”

“…We’re…immortal?” gulped Megumi.

“Somehow, that just makes me sad,” muttered Richard.

“Wait, does that mean we’re immortal too?” asked Wyldstyle.

“No, we haven’t been in contact with the water as long as they have,” answered Batman.

“Can you determine how powerful of immortals we are?” asked Megumi.

“You’re not Chizaran levels, thank goodness,” answered Batman. Megumi released a breath. “You don’t have god-like powers, you’re just people that can’t die.”

“Wait, that doesn’t make sense,” muttered Richard. “Amelia and Brendan died before they came to After Academy and they use the same water we do.”

“They’re back to life,” replied Batman. “How do you think Emily can conduct a normal check-up on them?”

“I thought that was just part of the physical laws of this universe,” muttered Richard.

“As did the Horsemen and I,” supplied Batman.

“Wait, the Horsemen didn’t know about the water supply?!” yelped Megumi.

“No,” answered Batman. “Death had discovered that the life-timers of the students were purposefully mislabeled as mortal. She found the source of the mislabeling to be from Vortoranii.”

“…You mean…Queen Vortoranii? The Vortonian ghost that lived in Megumi’s old Vortex Driver and its iterations?” asked Gandalf.

“The same,” confirmed Batman.

“Why would she do that?!” snapped Richard.

“I want answers from her!” snarled Megumi.

“You’ll have to get in line,” answered Batman. “Death’s finding her now.”

“…How did the Chizarans cope before the 3V2R?” sighed Megumi.

---

“So that’s what’s going on now,” muttered Rosadera as she met Mirai-Megumi. “What made you think about your current immortality?”

“Richard,” answered Mirai-Megumi as she removed the perception filter and dispelled the illusion that she was an older woman. “When Mickey was discovered to be working with Caan, Richard chased him to Chima. He was then shot by Caan as he came to pick Mickey up. The second time, he was stabbed in the back and rushed to the Virginia’s sick bay so Emily could heal him. She discovered that the stab wound closed itself and the clothes repaired themselves. By now, my past should have fought Hiro and have been stabbed only to survive it and have her wound close itself as well as her Rider form’s undersuit. Batman should be telling her the results of his investigation and I’ll get the message by then. I can’t die and neither can the F.N.S. and our families. All this time, Vortoranii knew I would turn immortal when I started using After Academy’s water supply on a daily basis.”

“Well, getting her soul is easy for me,” remarked Rosadera. “Perhaps we can get answers from her.” She snapped her fingers and Vortoranii’s ghost appeared. She looked startled.

“What in the…?!” she spluttered. She then saw Rosadera. “My Goddess,” greeted Vortoranii with a smile. “We haven’t spoken in a long time.”

“No, we haven’t,” replied Rosadera. “Tell me, did you know about the immortality-laden water After Academy and Beyond City use?”

“…Yes,” answered Vortoranii.

“Batman’s giving my past,” explained Mirai-Megumi, “the results of his investigation into that and Death’s looking for you.”

“Correction: Death found her!” hissed Death’s voice. Death approached, looking incredibly angry. “I found your journal!” she snarled. “I distinctly told you that no student may claim immortality! The student body, as a rule, don’t WANT that kind of power since 67% died before they were accepted! What’s the idea?! Planning to make an immortal army?!”

“No!” answered Vortoranii. “I just…” she sighed in defeat. “I just wanted someone that wasn’t a Vortonian to have that power. It was a way to keep Vortech from taking it.”

“What do you mean?” asked Mirai-Megumi.

“Vortech was going to use that universe as a source of power,” explained Vortoranii. “If even one non-Vortonian touched it, it would have scuttled his plans. I knew you and your sister Horsemen were capable guardians and I wanted others to learn from you as a means to give asylum to those that were worthy enough to continue learning instead of moving on to Heaven. Some good people feared that Heaven is too much of a utopia, and we know such a place stifles individuality. The instant he heard about the school’s founding, he went insane and killed us all, thus prompting the search for the Foundation Elements.”

“Then you have deceived me and got away with it!” hissed Death. “You have already reached your version of Heaven, but know this, you share the blame of the Vortonian genocide!” She shoved Vortoranii into a portal leading to a paradise and closed it the instant Vortoranii went through. She breathed heavily before steadying herself.

“It wasn’t pleasant for me when I first heard about her motives from you,” sighed Mirai-Megumi. Rosadera had an uneasy look on her face. “Something wrong?”

“Looking at you now,” sighed Rosadera, “knowing what happened to you, I’m afraid you’ve turned out wrong.”

“Thanks,” grunted Mirai-Megumi.

“I can’t help it, I’m a Chizaran,” continued Rosadera. “It’s instinct for me to be immortal. You, you’re supposed to be ephemeral, a fixed point in time and space. Even the Doctor would say your current state is wrong.”

“So, what, you immortals are prejudiced?” mused Megumi.

“Perhaps,” muttered Death. “I never thought about it like that.”

“Shame on you,” joked Megumi.

“One of our earlier experiments with our power was a universe that granted immortality to its denizens,” recalled Rosadera.

“We must have found it,” guessed Death. “Maybe you could help undo it!”

“It was a botched experiment,” replied Rosadera. “That kind of immortality rendered the universe unchanging, no room to grow, no room for life. It could only expand through artificial means. I suppose we’ll have to figure out how to make it grow by itself so it can’t be overpopulated.”

“Then it all comes down to one question,” resolved Death. “Megumi, do you want your mortality back? Do you want the ability to die again?” Mirai-Megumi seemed distracted as she stroked her hair.

“…Maybe I should wear a flower in my hair more often,” she mused.

“Megumi,” urged Death.

“…I don’t know,” sighed Mirai-Megumi. “I thought I did, briefly. But, fighting in the 3V2R, seeing other universes begin and end, seeing life change and grow,” she grinned as she finished, “it tends to make you greedy for life.”

“You discovered the Chizaran secret to happiness at a faster rate than we did,” chuckled Rosadera.

“Thank you for the offer, Death, but I must decline,” declared Megumi. Death grinned.

“That’s good to know,” she praised. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must tell present-day you what I’ve learned.” She then vanished in black smoke.

“I better return as well,” mused Mirai-Megumi. “When the Semifinals are done, more explanations will be made.”

“I’m going to hold you to that,” declared Rosadera. A time portal then opened for Mirai-Megumi and she went through it. It closed behind her and Rosadera sighed, her head reeling with all the new information.

The ship Megumi and her alliance had obtained was twice the size of the Ark and was designed for life-forms of all sizes to work on it. It had a cloaking device on it and was christened the Starwalker. After a round of rock-paper-scissors, Optimus won the right to be the Captain of the vessel. Megumi and Arsha were both First Officers as Death manned Tactical. Tanisha ran the helm and Shalvey was the Communications Officer. Ratchet was the CMO, as usual, and Jandro was Chief Engineer while Bashoon and Sonic were on Security Detail. The Starwalker had entered the outer fringes of Mobius’ solar system. “Activate the Cloak,” ordered Optimus.

“Cloaking device is functioning within normal parameters,” reported Tanisha.

“Set a course for the rendezvous point, all available speed,” directed Optimus.

“Course laid in,” replied Tanisha.

“Engage,” ordered Optimus. “Death, keep an eye out for War’s ships.”

“Aye, Sir,” answered Death. Arsha, Shalvey, and Bashoon looked around the vessel, feeling uneasy.

“Captain,” Bashoon whispered to Arsha, “I speak for Shalvey and Jandro when I say that cloaking devices aren’t exactly legal additions to a ship in our world.”

“You’re right,” Arsha whispered back, “but we’re not in our world. Besides, there are plenty of enemy ships between us and Megatron’s alliance and we need to make that rendezvous in one piece.”

“Well, I won’t tell Realmfleet and the Goblin Imperium if you don’t,” chuckled Bashoon. Arsha winked and grinned. They had just passed Jupiter when a reading came through on Tactical.

“I’m detecting some debris,” reported Death. “200 meters off the starboard bow.

“Tanisha, drop us to one-quarter impulse,” directed Optimus.

“Dropping to one-quarter impulse,” reported Tanisha.

“The debris appears to match that of Shocker Rift saucers,” answered Death.

“On screen,” ordered Optimus. The debris of Shocker Rift Saucers then appeared on the screen.

“Are there any survivors?” asked Ratchet.

“It’s possible,” replied Tanisha, “but it’s impossible to tell unless we decloak and use our sensors.”

“I advise against that,” urged Death. “It’s possible that War left some of her fleet to cloak and lie in wait.”

“That’s not honorable,” scoffed Arsha.

“When she’s on a campaign,” muttered Death, “nothing is more honorable to War than victory.”

“…Tanisha, keep us at one-quarter impulse,” directed Optimus, “until we clear the wreckage, then take us to warp for the rendezvous point.”

“Optimus, if there ARE survivors…!” argued Ratchet.

“I’m sorry, Ratchet, we can’t run that risk,” replied Optimus, the callousness of his necessary order stinging his Spark. “We HAVE to reach Megatron.”

---

The journey lasted for four hours as Optimus checked Main Engineering. After the hours had passed, Optimus chided himself for lurking in the shadows and, most likely, putting Jandro on edge. He returned to the bridge. “What’s our status?” he asked.

“We’re approaching the rendezvous,” reported Tanisha.

“Optimus, there’s weapons fire ahead of us!” warned Death. “Three of War’s ships are attacking the Dominus! It’s severely damaged!”

“I’m getting a transmission on all frequencies,” called Shalvey. “Audio only. It’s a distress call.”

“Put it through,” ordered Optimus. The call was garbled, but explained the Dominus’ status well enough for all to understand.

“Th…i…egatr…on board the…inus!…ip is un…vy fi…! …e ha…wea…nd…lds are…I don’t…!” The voice belonged to Megatron.

“We’re in visual range,” called Death.

“On screen,” directed Optimus. The Dominus was being fired upon at all sides by three of War’s ships.

“Orders?” asked Death.

“…Ready weapons,” decided Optimus, “drop the cloak, and raise shields. We’re going in.” The Starwalker then shimmered into view.

---

“War!” called Quake Hammer. “A vessel just decloaked off our port aft!”

“Can you identify it?” asked War.

“All I have is a message from the vessel ordering us to break off our attack,” replied Quake Hammer.

“Tell it to stick its nose elsewhere,” ordered War. “Skyfall, continue with the assault.”

“Aye, Ma’am,” replied Skyfall.

“They’re not disengaging,” reported Quake Hammer.

“Fire warning shot,” directed War. Quake Hammer obeyed. “Any luck?”

“We’re getting an audio message,” answered Quake Hammer.

“Put it through,” sighed War, annoyance creeping into her skull.

“The crew of the Dominus is under our protection!” called Optimus’ voice. “Withdraw or your vessels will be destroyed!”

“What are you doing defending them?!” demanded War. “They’re the enemy!”

“You’re pursuing a wild theory,” answered Optimus. “Withdraw at…” War ended communications.

“Fire on that ship!” she barked.

---

“I find it unlikely War’s going to…” Death was interrupted as weapons fire rocked the ship.

“I see your point,” replied Optimus. “Let’s show her what she’s up against! Attack pattern Omega! Target the ships’ engines!” The ship turned towards one of War’s ships and fired on its rear.

“The Dominus is hailing us,” reported Shalvey.

“On screen,” ordered Optimus. Megatron’s face appeared.

“Welcome to the party,” he greeted. “I trust things are going well?”

“Better than your end, evidently,” remarked Optimus. “Prepare for emergency beam-out.”

“Can your ship even take that much of a pounding?” asked Megatron.

“We’re gonna have to learn together,” replied Optimus.

“I suppose we have no choice,” sighed Megatron. “I’ll meet you on the ship. Megatron out.” The call ended.

“Prime, restricting our fire to their engines has proven ineffective!” called Death.

“They ARE drone ships, Prime,” suggested Arsha.

“If that’s the case,” declared Optimus, “destroy them.”

“Got it,” confirmed Death as she keyed in commands.

“Ratchet, prepare to receive casualties,” directed Optimus over the comms. “Have Sonic and Bashoon standing by. I want our guests to undergo mental checks.”

“Understood,” replied Ratchet.

“Mental checks?” asked Megumi.

“Just in case War was right,” explained Optimus. The ship rocked as War’s vessel fired.

“Prime, it’s going to take two minutes to evacuate the Dominus,” estimated Tanisha. “Even with our thicker hull armor, I don’t think we’ll last that long when our shields are down.”

“Speaking of,” muttered War, “shields at 30%.”

“Death, modulate a tractor beam to deflect some of War’s weapons fire,” directed Optimus.

“Taking a cue from Star Trek, are we?” muttered Death as she obeyed. To her surprise, it worked. “Well, how about that?” chuckled Death.

“Thank you, Worf,” bid Optimus to the heavens.

“Transports are underway,” reported Jandro over the comms.

“What’s our status?” asked Optimus.

“Prime, this is Megatron,” came another voice. “Hiro’s still on the Dominus! We need, at least, another minute!”

“Looks like we’re going to find out how much of a pounding this ship can take,” muttered Optimus grimly.

“War’s ships have almost closed to point blank range!” called Death. Her ships fired and made the Starwalker lurch violently.

“We’ve lost our armor!” reported Tanisha.

“Prime, we’ve got plasma leaks on decks two and five!” Jandro relayed.

“Optimus, we’re all aboard,” answered Megatron, “but War’s beamed over one of her allies!”

“I’ll get them off the ship!” declared Megumi as she brought out her i.d. tag and fastened the Vortex Driver.

“Vortex Driver!” it called. Megumi then took out her Ascendant and pressed the button.

“Ascendancy!” it announced. She then inserted the i.d. tag, then the Ascendant. She folded the Ascendant over the wheel. “All set!”

“Henshin!” she proclaimed. She pressed the button and the wheels spun, forming her armor first, then coloring it silver with gold trim.

“Full Ascendance!” called the Ascendant. When she completed the transformation to Kamen Rider Royal: Ascendant Base, she charged to Megatron’s position and met Gai Amatsu.

“I’ve read about you!” she hissed as she pulled out another i.d. tag.

“And I’ve heard about you,” chuckled Gai as he pulled out a silver buckle and set it to his waist. It formed a waist strap and fastened itself to him.

“Thousandriver!” it announced. He then pulled out a Zetsumerise Key and inserted it into the left of the buckle. “Zetsumetsu Evolution,” droned the buckle. He pulled out a Progrise key and pressed the button.

“Break Horn!” The key opened by itself.

“Henshin,” announced Gai. He then inserted the opened Progrise key into the right of the buckle.

“Perfectrise! When the five horns cross, the golden soldier, Thouser, is born. Presented by ZAIA.” A mechanical Caucasus beetle crossed its three horns with that of a mechanical version of an Arsinoitherium, a common ancestor of elephants that look like rhinos with two horns. The two mechanical animals then fused into a golden suit and armor with the horns becoming a crown for the purple-eyed helmet. With the transformation finished, Gai was now in his Rider form.

“Kamen Rider Thouser. My power is on a totally different level,” introduced Gai, Kamen Rider Thouser.

“We’ll see!” hissed Royal. “Kamen Rider Royal! Evil will ultimately bow to me!” The two Riders drew their weapons as Sonic and Bashoon led everyone else away from the fight.

---

“Royal’s engaged with War’s ally,” reported Death.

“Raise shields!” ordered Optimus. “Activate the cloak!”

“I’m not getting any response from the cloaking device!” replied Tanisha. “It’s not working!”

“Well, that’s going to make the trip more interesting!” muttered Optimus. “Set a course for the fallback universe in a way that we can shake War! Maximum speed!”

---

“They’re getting away!” hissed War.

“Gai’s on that ship,” replied Skyfall.

“Well, he’d better deliver them to me!” snarled War. “All ships, pursuit course!”

---

“They’re following this ship, if things are going according to War’s scenario,” laughed Thouser. Royal tried to get a hit on him, but was being blocked at every opportunity.

“Well, since I got it,” mused Royal. She then set an i.d. tag into the Ascendant and selected a form.

“Ascendance: Zero One MetalCluster Hopper!” called the Ascendant. The voice of the Zero One Driver then played the jingle as a silver version of Zero One appeared before turning into silver mist and becoming armor for Royal.

“Secret material: Hiden Metal! MetalCluster Hopper! It’s high quality!” Thouser laughed when the transformation finished.

“Fool!” he proclaimed. “You’ll be overwhelmed by Satellite Ark’s truth! You know humans are a malicious bunch! You’ll act according to its will!”

“You sure?” asked Royal. Thouser gasped in surprise, giving Royal the opening she needed to drive her knee into his chest. As he was winded, Royal shoved him into a pod and programmed coordinates into it. She left the pod as it shut the door and left the ship. She then headed to a comm on the wall and signaled for the bridge. The call connected. “Thouser’s gone,” she reported.

“Good to hear,” replied Optimus. “By the way, everyone’s undergone mental checks. Caan hasn’t been anywhere near their minds.”

“Good to know,” sighed Royal as she took out the Ascendant and her i.d. tag, reverting back to Megumi. “I’ll be up there straightaway. How’s the cloak working?”

“We lost it,” answered Optimus. “Jandro’s fixing it right now. Once it’s done, we’re cloaking and shaking War off our tail.

“Good to hear,” replied Megumi as she made her way to the bridge. When she entered it, Megatron and Sonic arrived as well.

“Optimus, kindly tell the blue rat,” growled Megatron, “that he doesn’t need to watch my every move! It’s making me uncomfortable!”

“Did you get that?” asked Megumi.

“Richard will have undeniable proof that you won,” replied Optimus.

“…And what does your husband have to do with this?” asked Megatron, irritated that he was missing a joke.

“Richard bet me,” explained Megumi, “that you would thank us for the rescue before you complained. He lost and he’s going to be wearing a green version of my dress for a year now, complete with hairpiece.” Megatron’s attention was then grabbed by Death’s presence.

“Much as I wish to laugh at your husband for losing his dignity like that,” he muttered, assuring her he DID pay attention, “are you aware that you have one of the Horsemen on your bridge?”

“She’s not the Horseman you should be worried about,” replied Optimus. “Switch to aft view. Maximum magnification.” War’s ships appeared in pursuit.

“…Not that I wish to tell you how to fly this ship,” mused Megatron, “I’d suggest engaging your cloak at once.”

“We lost it during the rescue,” explained Tanisha.

“Bridge, this is Jandro!” called the vampire’s voice over the comms. “Try the cloak now!” Tanisha did so and smiled at the results.

“The cloak’s working again!” she happily reported.

---

“They’re cloaking!” called Skyfall.

“Track them!” ordered War. Skyfall keyed in commands, but nothing happened.

“Cheap, stupid, so-called upgrades!” she snarled. “I can’t track them! Primitive garbage from that five-horned idiot!”

“Speak of the devil,” remarked Quake Hammer. “He’s calling us. His pod’s made it to his home, right outside the ZAIA Enterprise Japan HQ building.”

“Put him through!” growled War. Gai appeared on screen.

“War, I require a pick-up,” he requested.

“You failed to bring me a single member of the Dominus’ crew!” roared War. “Your ‘upgrades’ couldn’t track a ship while cloaked! Your arrogance cost us victory! Stay there and rot! Your technology and company has failed me! With the HumaGear army at my disposal, I can do so much more! I WILL! I won’t make any more deals with you, you primitive, 0% meat-sack!”

“Now, you see here!” snapped Gai before War severed communications.

“We can head to Vorton and…!” suggested Skyfall.

“I can’t say that’s a good idea,” interjected Quake Hammer. “We’ve lost too much fuel and our weapons and shields are recharging.” War drew in a breath, held it, then released it when she decided.

“Order all ships to break off pursuit and return home,” she muttered. “We’ve lost.”

Megumi, Richard, Scorpainia, Eelinape, Arsha and her spouses, Optimus, and Blackarachnia had gathered in the Conference Room again after various attempts to talk to War. “After Academy’s staff has also tried to get through to War,” reported Megumi. “So far, they’ve had no response. Until they do, we’ve been asked not to get involved.”

“The Autobot High Council,” supplied Optimus, “has requested that we not interfere as War is taking care of the Decepticons’ current leader.”

“And the Realmfleet Council,” finished Arsha, “is saying the same as they believe War is best suited for dealing with Dr. Borg.”

“Unfortunately,” sighed Scorpainia, “the Imperial Tarlaxian Council has made the same decision as going against War would be blasphemous, even though they’re condemning her actions.”

“So, that’s it?!” protested Gorfanth. “We’re not warning the Decepticon Moon Base?!”

“War’s still a member of After Academy’s faculty,” answered Richard. “If we warn the Moon Base, we’d risk causing a splinter within the school.”

“Besides,” supplied Blackarachnia, “what if War’s right? What if Caan really HAS gotten his hands on our main enemies?”

“If Caan wanted their cooperation,” agreed Scorpainia, “that IS how he would do it.”

“Does Caan really need Megatron? Hiro? Dr. Borg?” asked Optimus.

“The issue here is NOT whether or not Caan has tricked our enemies,” interjected Eelinape. “War has told many Tarlaxians that she feels there has been too much peace, that there must be a war in order to survive. Fear of Caan has given her an excuse to do what she does best, to fight and conquer.”

“If she’s so eager for a fight,” quizzed Arsha, “who’s to say she’ll stop with Hiro and his allies?”

“Next target could be anyone,” muttered Foresna, “even the Realms.”

“If I were still a Realmfleet Captain,” mused Malnar, “I’d have my ship help fortifying Vorton.” Everyone turned to her for clarification. “Think about it, what good will it do War to conquer Optimus’ home if she can’t control the Gateway?”

“She’s right,” agreed Richard. “If she’s going back to basics, no one is safe.”

“Then we need to make sure,” declared Megumi, “that possibility is impossible for both sides.”

“How?” asked Falnii softly. “From what I see, we have two choices, both of them bad. If we stand by and allow War to do as she pleases, we risk becoming her next target. But, if we disobey our respective governments, we may risk starting a war with her.”

“Meaning we need a third option,” muttered Lardeth. He then got an idea. “Optimus, Soundwave is the Decepticon Communications Officer, yes?”

---

Speaking of Soundwave, he was on monitor duty again. In his mind, it was the perfect job. All activities were beamed directly into his brain. He knew that information was power and monitor duty was rich in information. He flicked to a punishment chamber and heard the cries and screams of those suffering physical punishment. He felt anguish was the best way to extract information. “What did I say back in the day?” he asked himself. “Ah, yes, ‘Cries and screams are music to my ears’.” He chuckled darkly until he got a sensor blip. He focused his attention on it and identified the source as a breach in Vorton’s security! He immediately called Hiro, Dr. Borg, and Megatron. “DUUUUUDES!” he cheered. “I just got into Vorton’s systems!”

“On our way!” called Megatron. They arrived quickly and gathered around Soundwave.

“Can you patch into their cameras?!” asked Dr. Borg, giddy with excitement.

“Just a second…” replied Soundwave. “Almost…GOT IT!”

“All together,” Scorpainia’s voice began, “we’re talking about well over 600 ships in just the first wave.”

“That’s no small fleet,” remarked Optimus’ voice.

“A fleet, eh?” chuckled Hiro. He was promptly shushed by Megatron.

“Between ground forces and warships, War’s committed over half her fighting forces to this invasion,” continued Eelinape’s voice.

“Who’s he?” asked Dr. Borg.

“Quiet!” hissed Megatron.

“How long before she reaches her target?” asked Megumi’s voice.

“According to our estimates,” replied Scorpainia, “War should invade the Decepticon Moon Base within the hour and attempt to hunt Caan in that time. With Quake Hammer, Skyfall, X-PO, and Gai Amatsu helping her forces…”

“War’s invading us!” gulped Dr. Borg.

“And is accompanied by traitors, it seems,” mused Megatron as he started regretting not letting the D.J.D. kill Quake Hammer.

“Disengage! Now!” Hiro urged Soundwave.

“What? Why?!” asked Soundwave.

“Because not even Vortech was willing to fight her directly!” answered Hiro. “That means this isn’t a good time to eavesdrop!” Soundwave stopped immediately. “Why would War hunt for Caan here?”

“Perhaps she thinks we’ve been roped into his business,” guessed Dr. Borg.

“Absurd!” hissed Megatron.

“Is it?” mused Hiro.

“Hiro, we need to talk to Megumi,” suggested Megatron. “We need her to stop War. I have enough problems on my plate right now!”

“Having trouble finding this ‘Galvatron’ character?” asked Hiro.

“…How do you know about that?” hissed Megatron.

“I’m afraid, since Igura’s death,” explained Hiro, “internal security ISN’T what it used to be.”

“Yes,” muttered Megatron. “…Shame about your wife. I suppose you’ll need to find her replacement. Her scientific mind set the standard rather high.”

“We can stand here all day,” hissed Hiro, “attacking one another’s weak points and reminding ourselves how much we hate one another, but neither of us have the time! If Scorpainia’s right, War and her fleet will arrive in less than an hour. I suggest we prepare for her!”

---

“Anything unusual as of yet?” asked War.

“Nothing,” reported Quake Hammer.

“Nothing unusual here either,” supplied Skyfall from her work station.

“Excuse me,” called a voice. A Japanese man in a white suit came in. “Your upgrades are complete,” reported the man. “With them, your fleet will be at 1,000%, all according to my…OUR scenario.”

“Sure,” scoffed War. “And I’m going to bet future upgrades will be a bajillion percent, perhaps a tajillion!”

“…Those…aren’t real percentages,” remarked the man.

“I’m not the only one making up percentages!” snarled War. “I would advise you to stick to mathematically defined parameters in future! Claiming to be above 100% leads to arrogance and that WILL cost us the campaign!” Just then, an alarm sounded. War took out a pair of glasses with a device near the right ear hook. She then typed something on the computer.

“What is it?” asked Skyfall.

“An intruder alarm back at my house,” explained War. “One I had personally set up. Meaning…” Azuliterii, Rojenthi, and Amavorte appeared on the screen, sneaking around the house. “Of course!” groaned War. She turned to the Cybertronians. “Man your stations, I need your help.”

---

“I feel like a burglar,” muttered Amavorte as Azuliterii continued her work.

“Just keep any defenses at bay,” urged Azuliterii as she continued programming something into War’s computer.

“Come on,” chuckled Rojenthi, “this is War we’re talking about. Her tactical brilliance rivals mine, but her technical expertise is, at best, 0.0001% of yours. I doubt any security measures…” an alarm interrupted her boast and the sound of footsteps in a rapid march drummed in their ears. Multiple soldiers then entered the room and leveled weapons at the three. “…Then again,” muttered Rojenthi. She then touched her hair flower and it changed and grew into a suit of red armor. Amavorte touched both of hers and gained yellow-green armor. They drew swords in their respective colors and attacked the soldiers while Azuliterii continued her programming.

“Come on!” she hissed. “Just need to…NO!” War’s face appeared.

“You didn’t say the magic word,” taunted War’s voice as electricity tore through Azuliterii from the keyboard.

---

“Excellent move!” War praised Quake Hammer.

“Well, I DID get a computer science degree,” replied Quake Hammer. “Might as well put it to use.” Gai flinched at the idea of a machine getting a degree. War saw him flinch.

“Now, now,” she chided, “let’s not think racist thoughts here. Now that the intruders have been stopped, we must oust them.”

---

While War was dealing with the home invasion, the Advancement Ceremony was being broadcast with Blancalmarem, Nemengra, Julia, Ultragingana, and Elizabeth commenting on it. “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 we have Julia Caesar, Ultragingana, and Elizabeth helping us this time,” continued Blancalmarem, “as the Advancement Ceremony for the Quarterfinals takes place!”

“Look at them, the winners of the Quarterfinals!” cheered Nemengra.

“I must say, the betting boards didn’t think Optimus would last this far,” mused Julia.

“He obviously balances his luck with his skill,” replied Elizabeth as she twitched.

“…Something wrong?” asked Ultragingana as she noticed the Martian’s discomfort.

“No…yes,” answered Elizabeth. “It’s just…I’ve never commented on anything in a sports capacity. It’s rather…strange.”

“You’ll get used to it,” assured Blancalmarem.

“Here come the floats, dropping off the winners!” called Nemengra.

“They’re receiving their torches, ready to light the Closing Torch!” cheered Julia. Queen Phury, Optimus Prime, Arsha Royana, and Megumi Hishikawa then lit the torch.

“WHOA!” yelped Elizabeth. “That’s huge!”

“Isn’t it?!” giggled Blancalmarem.

“Here comes Rosadera, ready to give her speech!” announced Nemengra.

“Before I continue any further,” called Rosadera, “I need to address the three month period between this round and the previous one. I understand it’s unnatural and not exactly traditional, but it was necessary. All of our competitors have lives outside the 3V2R and sometimes it can hit them like a freight train.”

“A runaway, in my case,” muttered Megumi under her breath.

“Because of that, those competitors needed time to get things settled,” continued Rosadera. “Thankfully, it looks like three months was all that was needed for the competitors in this tournament. With that said, according to tradition, we have the matchups for the Semifinals all set!”

“Already?” quizzed Optimus.

“Already!” confirmed Rosadera. “Optimus, your opponent is Arsha.”

“Ah, bring the two magic users together, huh?” chuckled Arsha.

“Then that means my opponent is…” gulped Megumi as her eyes ran up and down Phury’s form.

“Me,” confirmed Phury. “I was hoping to fight you in the Finals, but I guess I can get you out of the way first. Besides, you defeated Vortech and I want to see how.”

“Then may the best fighter win,” wished Megumi as she held her hand out for a handshake. Phury looked at the hand, then took it, then squeezed as they shook.

“I intend to,” hissed Phury. She released Megumi’s hand and strode off, leaving Megumi to put her hand in her mouth to soothe the pain. Optimus, Arsha, and Megumi returned to Vorton and Megumi excused herself to make her way to the Infirmary. When she arrived, she found Emily treating Rojenthi, Amavorte, and Azuliterii.

“WHOA!” she yelped. “Are they okay?!”

“They survived War’s home security system,” replied Emily, “albeit, a little banged up.”

“We were trying to install a spy program into her systems,” explained Rojenthi. “Long story short, we failed and practically came to Emily in pieces.”

“War’s gotten smarter these days,” muttered Megumi.

“I DID hear a form of good news from Prowl,” continued Amavorte. “War took the Decepticon Moon Base, but she encountered greater resistance than she expected. Our enemies fought as if someone warned them.” She gave a knowing grin.

“Maybe War will think twice,” sighed Rojenthi happily.

“I don’t think so,” countered Megumi. “Now that her campaign has begun, War will settle for nothing less than victory. We need to help them somehow.” Optimus, Richard, and Arsha came in.

“We all got word from our governments,” reported Richard. “The decision to not get involved has been revoked. We’re helping them from a greater threat.”

“Soundwave evacuated everyone to Robotropolis,” continued Optimus. “There’s a universe adjacent to us so they can be safe and we can watch them. I have a safe site plotted to get everyone out of our home universe.”

“We’re also authorized to render military aid as well,” supplied Arsha.

“Then we need to contact Robotropolis,” declared Megumi.

---

“Madame, I’m a little busy at the moment,” Megatron muttered to Megumi over the comms the next day, “so, whatever you have to say, please make it brief.”

“Megatron?” quizzed Megumi. “I was trying to reach the boss of your alliance.”

 “And you have succeeded,” replied Megatron. “You are speaking to the current head of my alliance with Hiro and Dr. Borg.”

“Does this mean Hiro’s not in charge of Shocker Rift?” asked Megumi.

“It means,” elaborated Megatron, “that Hiro has other things on his mind and had to hand over command to me under duress.”

“In other words,” translated Megumi, “you took over the instant the termination implants were disabled.”

“I won’t ask how you knew about the implants, since Optimus must have told you,” rumbled Megatron, “and simply say that taking command of the alliance seemed like a good idea at the time.”

“Megatron, you’ve got to get everyone out of that universe before War reaches Robotropolis!” urged Megumi.

“I’m open to suggestions,” invited Megatron.

“The Autobots have a site for a multiversal ship to get you out of there,” answered Megumi. “Tell me, are the mines around Robotropolis disabled?”

“No, we haven’t even found them,” replied Megatron.

“Then use this code,” directed Megumi as she beamed a code over to Megatron’s computer, “to disable their replication abilities and render their explosive payloads inert. Once that’s done, try to get evacuation ships prepared and meet us at these coordinates.” She transmitted the coordinates. “The multiversal ship will then get you all to a safe universe near Vorton so we can both keep an eye on each other.”

“That is a VERY generous offer,” praised Megatron. “I must say, I’m touched. By saving us, your enemies, you are ensuring…”

“Forget the speech, Megatron,” dismissed Megumi, “just meet us at the rendezvous point.”

“And if War tries to stop us?” asked Megatron.

“Then I’ll try to reason with her,” declared Megumi. “I doubt she’d kill me.”

“I’m not so sure I share your optimism, Hishikawa-san,” mused Megatron. “Then again, I don’t have much choice, do I? We’ll meet you there.” The call ended and Megumi sighed, hoping War WILL see reason.

“So, wait, Elizabeth’s a Martian?” quizzed Richard as he, POmega, and Megumi waited for her ride to Elizabeth’s battlefield.

“Yep,” replied Megumi. “Apparently Martians look like us, just with various shades of rusty skin tones and living underground.”

“But a multiversal constant of Mars,” interjected POmega, “is that Mars’ gravity is 38% of Earth’s. How is she still doing maid duties as well as a human?”

“Apparently, Martians have a secret training program that simulates gravity and the final test is surviving one of Jupiter’s weeks ON Jupiter,” explained Megumi.

“That’s a gas giant, though!” protested Richard. “No solid ground at all!”

“Well, there IS a Martian base hovering within Jupiter’s clouds,” recalled Megumi. “Enough gravity control for keeping the base intact, but Martians still feel the effects of Jupiter’s gravity. Once they pass that, they’re considered adults.”

“What’s the idea, though?” quizzed POmega.

“It’s to prove they’re the strongest in, at least, the solar system,” explained a voice. Everyone whirled around in surprise to see Greterey standing behind them. “They know they can’t be the strongest in the universe, but they want to be able to defend their solar system.”

“Do you guys HAVE to surprise us like that?!” snapped Richard.

“No,” replied Greterey, “we just want to keep our contestants on their toes. Speaking of which, Megumi, your opponent is ready.”

“Let’s go, then!” declared Megumi. She and Greterey vanished in toner-grey light.

“Calling all inhabitants of Vorton,” POmega called over the comms, “Megumi’s bout is beginning.”

---

Megumi and Greterey arrived on a rather opulent stage. Elizabeth and her employer had just finished with all sound checks. “Ah, there you are!” cheered Elizabeth. “We’re ready to host our bout. Please, take your place on stage.” She gestures towards one of the microphones on the stage. Megumi stood behind one and grinned, planning out her method of attack. Elizabeth and her employer spoke with each other before kissing and parting so Elizabeth could take her place. A camera appeared and Greterey spoke.

“I am Greterey,” she announced, “the toner-grey princess of Chizara and the family leader! Representing her new home of 8-3-Y-0-N-D-C-1-T-Y and a permanent student of the multiverse’s leading educational institute, After Academy, we have Megumi Hishikawa! Representing M-4-R-T-1-4-N-M-4-1-D, we have Eli-zalem-barulee-thantii, Elizabeth, with home turf advantage! This fight will be determined by the Oldest Game.”

---

When Death heard that on her office computer, she spat out her drink. “WHAT?!” she shouted.

“For those of you unfamiliar with the Oldest Game, the rules are simple,” continued Greterey. Death heard enough. She grabbed her scythe and made a portal to Elizabeth’s home universe.

---

“One of the challengers will set the meter and offer itself as a certain creature or object and the opponent must counter with a creature or object that can destroy the previous one,” continued Greterey. “Then the first one must assume another shape to destroy the previous and so on and so forth. Both will continue until one loses nerve, suffers a lack of imagination, is unable to shift into a defensive shape, or hesitates. Usually, there are…” Greterey was interrupted by a scythe flying near her and embedding itself in the wall behind her. She ran her eyes along the scythe’s shaft as it wobbled from the impact. The ladies on stage turned to the audience seats to see Death in her classic appearance, a skeleton in black robes and a hood.

“The bout must change!” demanded Death.

“Death, what are you doing?!” hissed Megumi.

“Megumi, I know you know about what happens to the loser of the Oldest Game,” whispered Death. “You wrote a 10-page paper on the subject! I recall giving you a 97! The only reason it wasn’t a full 100 was because of some grammar issues! You know as well as I do what happens to the loser! Give us a summary of what happens!” Megumi sighed before she began.

“Under normal circumstances…” she started.

“Ah!” interjected Death as she raised a finger as if to indicate that the phrase Megumi chose wasn’t the correct one.

“…Under normal circumstances,” insisted Megumi, “the loser would suffer divine wrath.”

“But, these AREN’T normal circumstances,” supplied Elizabeth. “If things were different, I would invoke this game in my last round.”

“Why?!” protested Death. “You can’t make your opponent suffer like that! The Chizarans shouldn’t allow it!”

“Article 5, subsection 7 of invoking fight terms,” replied Megumi.

“…What?” asked Death.

“Article 5, subsection 7 of the invocation of fight terms for only the 590,492nd 3V2R,” began Greterey as she pulled the scythe out of the wall and repaired the damage, “if the competitor wishes to invoke the Oldest Game, they must first secure permission from the five Chizaran Princesses. Once permission is granted, the Chizaran Princesses will ensure that all proper precautions are taken so the loser does not suffer divine wrath. Once precautions are in place, the Chizaran Princesses must then inform all other princesses that an invocation of the Oldest Game is to be expected. Once it is invoked, it cannot be used again for the next 7,000 3V2R’s. Since Megumi was the one who challenged Elizabeth to the Oldest Game, if she wins, Elizabeth must plan out new fight terms for her opponent. I assure you, the only thing the loser of these ladies will suffer is as much dishonor as she feels defeat is necessary. Now, if you don’t mind,” she then threw the scythe to Death who caught it by the blade, “we have a bout to begin.”

“Megumi, when this round is over,” hissed Death, “you and I will have a nice, long talk about taking unnecessary risks!” She vanished in black smoke. Greterey released a sigh.

“With all that addressed,” she declared, “Megumi Hishikawa, are you ready?”

“Ready and waiting,” replied Megumi.

“Elizabeth, are you ready?” asked Greterey.

“Klatun paka tal!” (Readiness becomes me!) answered Elizabeth.

“Then it’s time to determine who sets the meter!” proclaimed Greterey as she pulled out a coin of white and black. “Megumi, as you set the terms, you will call.”

“Black,” called Megumi. The coin was tossed and Greterey checked it once it was on her hand.

“…Hard luck,” she answered. “Elizabeth, you may start!”

“I am a rat,” began Elizabeth, “food consuming, disease spreading.”

“I am a cat,” countered Megumi, “rat killing, claw laden.”

“I am a car,” offered Elizabeth, “metal constructed, cat crushing.”

“I am a drunk driver,” deflected Megumi, “brain-addled, car totaling.”

“I am a drunk’s alcohol,” countered Elizabeth, “liver destroying, home wrecking.”

“I am a rehab nurse,” replied Megumi, “human restoring, all life caring.”

“I am a snake,” answered Elizabeth, “nurse biting, poison toothed.”

“I am a honey badger,” invoked Megumi, “poison resistant, snake shredding.”

---

“She just wanted to do a ‘Honey Badger Don’t Care’ joke!” protested Optimus as he and the Autobots watched from the base.

“It seemed to buy her time,” remarked Strongarm.

---

“I am a hunter,” offered Elizabeth, “pelt taking, gun firing.”

“I am a scorpion,” countered Megumi, “poison-tailed, hunter stinging.”

“I am a tarantula,” supplied Elizabeth, “eight-legged, scorpion dissolving.”

“I am a tarantula hawk wasp,” deflected Megumi, “tarantula stinging, tarantula flesh eating egg laying.”

“I am a roadrunner,” countered Elizabeth, “wasp consuming, fleet footed.” Megumi saw how her opponent played, drawing on her Martian culture to overpower what Megumi could conjure as long as she stayed on the offensive.

“I am a desert,” she played, “arid land, water scarce.”

“I am an ocean,” countered Elizabeth, “land eroding, over time desert destroying.”

“I am a solar system,” deflected Megumi, “planet dancing, sun orbiting.”

“I am a galaxy,” declared Elizabeth, “chaos ridden, war laden.”

“I am life,” invoked Megumi, “challenge overcoming, all things striving.”

“I am…I am…er, I am…I am the loser here,” muttered Elizabeth. “That was good.”

“This contest is over!” called Greterey. “The winner is Megumi Hishikawa! Megumi, you will be returned home. Elizabeth, though you have suffered a defeat, know that it only brings as much dishonor as you feel necessary. Would you care for an interview with Blancalmarem and Nemengra?”

“I think I would,” replied Elizabeth.

“Then I will take you to them once Megumi is returned,” declared Greterey. She then brought the combatants to their destinations in a flash of toner-grey light. Megumi was back on Vorton and congratulated on all sides. While that was going on, Megumi noticed Death with her arms folded.

“Er, excuse me,” Megumi bid the group as she made her way through the group. Death led Megumi away from the group and into a conference room.

“…I never took you to have Deadpool levels of recklessness,” muttered Death.

“I hardly think taking precautions with the Chizarans count as any form of recklessness,” argued Megumi.

“The last time the Oldest Game was invoked,” hissed Death, “my brother, Morpheus, had to challenge a demon from Hell to get his helmet back. If he lost, he would have been Hell’s plaything!”

“And the Chizarans prevented such an outcome!” urged Megumi.

“You can’t rely on them for everything!” shouted Death. “We couldn’t when Vortech was hunting the Foundation Elements. That’s one of their limits to their power.”

“…What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Megumi.

“Even immortals on the levels of gods,” explained Death, “have limits. Why do you think the 3V2R rarely lets the Oldest Game be played in a bout?” Megumi had no answer. “Because,” explained Death, “they need to combine themselves into an all-powerful woman and their combined form is taxing on their energy. What on Earth would have possessed you to even consider such a game?”

“Let’s just say,” replied Megumi, “it came to me in a dream.” Death thought about what Megumi said, then came to only one conclusion.

“…I am going to KILL the Sandman for that!” she snarled. Just then, the comms came on.

“Death, I apologize for interrupting what you’re saying to Megumi,” called Richard’s voice, “but Scorpainia’s intelligence network just reported news that she felt we ALL need to hear. War’s planning something against Optimus’ home. Scorpainia wants to give the details in person.”

“Invasion!” Megumi and Death guessed aloud.

“We’re on our way!” Megumi replied to Richard. “Call everyone! Tell them to meet in the Gateway Room!”

“Just for the record,” remarked Death, “since I know Morpheus duped you, I can at least raise your common sense grade to a C.”

“I deserve it,” replied Megumi as they headed to the Gateway Room. As everyone gathered, Scorpainia, her husband, King Emperor Eelinape, and Discornia were already there. “King Emperor Eelinape!” greeted Megumi as she bowed. “I wasn’t expecting you, my friend!”

“I wish the circumstances of my visit were more pleasant,” sighed Eelinape. “I see your Autobot friends are among us.”

“What’s going on?” asked Optimus.

“Our intelligence network,” explained Scorpainia, “reports that War’s fleet is gaining aid from ZAIA Enterprise. She’s enlisted the Japan Branch’s CEO, Gai Amatsu, and is using his technology.”

“Er, ZAIA Enterprise is…?” quizzed Megumi.

“A technology conglomerate from my home,” replied Hongo.

“Hiden Intelligence’s rival,” supplied Hiroki. “Gai Amatsu’s a Kamen Rider called Thouser and is currently trying for a Take-Over Bid for Hiden Intelligence.”

“So what does a Kamen Rider have to do with War?” asked Megumi.

“War believes,” explained Eelinape, “that Caan has recruited Hiro, Megatron, and Dr. Borg to his cause and has located their hideout at the Decepticons’ Moon Base.”

“She intends to install a universal overseer to try and find Caan,” supplied Scorpainia.

“Wait a minute, she’s planning to take over my home?!” realized Optimus. “All to confirm some conspiracy theory?!”

“There’s more news,” continued Scorpainia. “The Autobot, Skyfall, and the Decepticon, Quake Hammer, are aiding her.”

“…She’s no Autobot!” hissed Optimus, angry at Skyfall’s treason.

“Rusty, get me War!” ordered Megumi. “Tell her I demand to talk to her immediately!”

---

Blancalmarem and Nemengra started their broadcast once again. “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.

“In the previous bout, audiences were honored,” continued Blancalmarem, “to see a Martian warrior compete for the first time!”

“In this particular universe,” supplied Nemengra, “the Martians had called themselves the Zocanans and their planet Eksorna.”

“When they heard about the origins of what the humans of Earth called them,” Blancalmarem went on, “they decided to adopt the Martian name and became a valuable ally to the humans in the Earth/Venus war.”

“This particular Martian, going under the human name of Elizabeth,” continued Nemengra, “works as a maid for Mr. Noah Prometheus, the President and CEO of Solardyne Tech, the solar system’s biggest tech company.”

“Mr. Prometheus and Elizabeth have long been infatuated with each other,” revealed Blancalmarem, “and allowed their relationship to enter into public knowledge.”

“While we, personally, question the decision,” remarked Nemengra, “the public seems okay with it, bar the few family members of both Elizabeth and Mr. Prometheus against such a union.”

“Elizabeth has been ranked as a Black Warrior, THE highest rank a Martian can achieve,” continued Blancalmarem.

“So, our interview was centered around why she chose being a maid as her occupation,” finished Nemengra as the screen displayed the interview.

“Let’s get the obvious question out of the way,” began Blancalmarem.

“Why is a warrior working as a maid?” guessed Elizabeth. “Mr. Prometheus saved me from Venusian assassins. I owed him a life debt that could only be repaid if I saved him in the process. I studied what maids did and took to my duties well.”

“When did you feel romantic attraction to him?” quizzed Nemengra.

“I was taken by his good looks when I first met him,” replied Elizabeth. “He then saved me from a Martian criminal and so we dated and after a while…” she then started blushing.

“…No way!” realized Blancalmarem as a grin crossed her face.

“The wedding’s in two months,” confirmed Elizabeth.

“Congratulations!” cheered Nemengra. Then a thought struck her. “Wait, won’t that mean you won’t be Mr. Prometheus’ maid anymore?”

“I’m keeping the outfit,” replied Elizabeth. “Besides, it annoys my aunt.”

“Prefers keeping with tradition,” guessed Blancalmarem.

“To the point of stagnation,” answered Elizabeth.

“Yikes,” winced Nemengra.

“Well, thank you for your time,” bid Blancalmarem. “You obviously have things to plan.”

“May the red sands bless you, Eli-zalem-barulee-thantii of the Third Great Martian House of Stogem,” finished Nemengra.

“May the Spectrum embrace you, my friends,” returned Elizabeth. The screen went black and Blancalmarem and Nemengra returned to their audience.

“I wonder how many people their union will tick off?” mused Blancalmarem.

“All the traditionalists of both worlds, perhaps,” guessed Nemengra.

“We’ll return with Queen Phury and Mr. Drendar’s bout in a minute,” continued Blancalmarem.

“But first, a word from our sponsor, Trooga Soda!” finished Nemengra.

“Trooga Soda!” called the announcer. “Enjoy a nice meal with the nectar of the gods!”