Game X-overs 1. Exp 1 - The Game Master

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. The Wii, Zapper, and Power Glove were produced by Nintendo. World of Warcraft was produced by Blizzard.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Explorers of Videoland 1: The Game Master**

Welcome to Videoland, a vast series of universes where the worlds of video games come to life. From the grim, dystopian worlds of a first person shooter to the strange and whimsical worlds of a role playing game, all existed as separate sub-worlds and universes within the greater Videoland. Linking these worlds together was the series of interdimensional gateways known the warps. Thanks to the warps, travelling to a new world was as simple as walking through a doorway.

However, there existed a world which linked all the others. In ancient times, Charles Power discovered this hub world, which was the heart of Videoland. He had built his home over this massive array of warps and used them to carry out trade between worlds. He amassed such wealth that he ascended to nobility. However, it wouldn't be long before he learned of dangers from these myriad worlds. Fearing the day his warp hub would be used as a tool for evil, he had the warps sealed, isolating Videoland's worlds from each other.

For countless years, the seal stood, guarded by the Power family for generations. Eventually, King Charles XXI came to power as the king of Videoland's hub world. His rule was marked by benevolence and wisdom, but age caught up to him like all humans. Fortunately, he had two heirs who could take his throne when the time came. They were Princess Lana Power, and Charles XXI's chosen successor, Prince Lyle Power. However, though his reign was far from over, it would also be marked by great turmoil...

A young man with unkempt blond hair gazed upon a gigantic viewing screen in the heart of his family's palace. He wore rectangular glasses and a white prince's uniform. He was Lyle Power. His screen represented the warps as a network of tube like structures connecting the various worlds together. Most were highlighted in pink, representing the influence of the seal. However, several storm clouds were situated at various points in the network which arced lightning chaotically across the warp.

The bespectacled young man frowned. Before him was a group of console operators, the technicians who maintained the equipment which sustained and monitored the seal. "Your majesty," addressed one of the operators. "The seal is destabilizing further. Another storm had formed in the network by the Mushroom Kingdom. If this continues, the seal could collapse and the warp would open again."

"I know," replied Lyle, letting out an exasperated sigh. "Continue monitoring."

Lyle left the warp monitoring room. He had seen these "warp storms" increase in number and severity as he grew up. All this was because the universe of video games was always expanding. New video games were being created constantly, which brought new worlds into existence. With each new world came new sets of warps, all of which had to be covered. The seal could stretch like an elastic band, but even it had limits in how far it could be taken before snapping. The warp storms was the seal fraying right before everyone's eyes.

Lyle had travelled to the throne room to report his latest observations to his father, Charles XXI. Charles was a wizened old man dressed in a puffy blue noble's shirt, an orange tunic with matching pants, and the golden crown of Videoland on his head. Charles listened to his son's report with great concern. "I see, so the situation grows worse," remarked Charles.

The wizened man stroked his beard deep in thought. Beside the king was Lana Power, his daughter. She was a lovely brunette in a midriff-revealing two-piece ensemble. Her top was pink, and she wore a pink belt over a white skirt which tapered to her right. On her head was a golden tiara adorned with a green jewel. "Father, we mustn't give up hope. Remember the legend!"

"Aye, when the seal fades, a hero shall come from beyond the warp. He shall be known as the 'Game Master' and bear an emblem of his home land. Though not hailing from Videoland, his knowledge of it will be great nonetheless. With the power of 'motion control,' he will help move Videoland past one of its darkest times," replied Charles, repeating the legend as his own parents had taught him.

"Yes, you taught that to us, father," said Lana. "I believe the Game Master will come soon. We need to stay strong until then."

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The annual California Swimming Championships were underway. The contestants were young men from high schools across the state. All were dressed in Speedos, swim caps, and goggles, waiting for the next race to begin. At the centre of the five was Kevin Keene, aged sixteen, representing Northridge High in the red Speedo. The swimmers took positions at the starting line by the foot of the pool. When the referee blew the whistle, all of them dove into the water and sped forward.

The racers were neck and neck at first, until Kevin and a rival two lanes over to the right pulled ahead of the pack. It was between Kevin and that swimmer as they raced down the last stretch of the pool. Kevin put in everything he had, shooting ahead of his rival by a head. He touched the other end of the pool, just seconds before his rival did the same. "Alright Kevin! WOOOO! Way to go!" the crowd erupted, cheering their champion from the bleachers. When Kevin was told his position in the race, he raised his arms in elation.

The swimmers returned to their locker rooms to change out of their soaking wet suits. Minutes later, the swimming association announced the winners, with Kevin Keene scoring first place. He had been awarded with a large gold, cup-like trophy and donned his school's Letterman jacket, a white-sleeved red jacket emblazoned with a black letter "N." When he got home, he put his new trophy on a shelf, right next to the others he had won from other swimming competitions. He admired his new prize on the shelf.

Several days passed and summer vacation began for Kevin and the rest of Northridge High. The young man looked at himself in the mirror as he combed his brown hair. "You handsome devil you!" he remarked as he applied the finishing touches on his hair.

Kevin noticed a beagle with a brown spot over his eye brushing up against him. "Woof!" barked the dog.

"Hey Duke, you seem eager to go to Disneyland today," remarked Kevin.

"Woof woof!" barked Duke, Kevin bent down to hug him, and Duke licked his face.

"Whoa, easy there boy!" said Kevin. "We're not going 'til this afternoon."

Kevin went down and ate breakfast for the day and returned to this room to finish packing. His suitcase was full of clothing and hygiene-related items such as a toothbrush and floss. He looked at his clock, which said he had two hours to spare until lunch. Kevin turned on his Wii console and activated its Virtual Console software. He selected "Punch Out," an old arcade boxing game from Nintendo. Kevin steamrolled all opponents until he reached King Hippo, an obese boxer who wore a crown.

After the boxers moved closer to battle, Kevin opened by throwing a jab to the face. King Hippo easily blocked. Kevin tried a body shot, but was easily blocked. King Hippo launched his counter punch, but got sidestepped. He opened his mouth in preparation to punch, when Kevin promptly popped him there. It knocked King Hippo's shorts down, revealing a bandaged navel. Kevin unloaded the body shots, each hit knocking Hippo's pants down even as he kept trying to pull them back up.

A knocking came from the door to Kevin's room. "Kevin?" asked a female voice.

"Come in mom," replied Kevin. He unloaded more body shots until King Hippo finally got his shorts back up.

A bespectacled blonde in her forties opened the door. Though her hair was greying from age, Kevin's mother was still a very attractive woman with a pleasant demeanour. Her name was Sonia Keene. "Kevin we're going to Disneyland after lunch. Did you pack your things?" she asked.

"Yep, just finished a few minutes ago," replied Kevin.

"Good, lunch will be in about half an hour," said Sonia. "Don't be late."

"I won't," said Kevin. He had managed to deck Hippo's open mouth again. Hippo dropped his shorts, allowing Kevin to unload more body shots until he had felled Hippo.

Before Sonia left, she noticed an unusual mark on the wall behind Kevin. On closer examination, it appeared to be a crack in the paint, one of many. "Hmm, we'll have to repaint soon," Sonia said to herself.

Suddenly, the image of a swirling, vortex-like mass of clouds appeared on the screen. "Whoa!" Kevin remarked, as electricity leaped out of his TV, latching onto him. He stumbled back, flailing his limbs to maintain balance and knocking over his chair as he stumbled back.

Sonia grabbed Kevin's hand. "Kevin hold on!" she cried, trying to pull Kevin over to her while holding onto his window sill.

Kevin could see and feel his mother straining against the force of the lightning's pull. Her grip weakening rapidly as the pull eroded her strength. However, it was the window sill which gave out first. A piece of it tore off with a barely audible crunch. Kevin was dragged into the TV set, taking his mother along with him. They hurtled through what appeared to be a tunnel filled with storm clouds arcing lightning. Despite the danger, they miraculously passed through safely. They hit something at the other end and blacked out.

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"Ow," remarked Kevin as light filtered into his eyes. When his blurred vision finally cleared, he was greeted with the sight of a beautiful brunette in a tiara. She was seated on a stool near the bed. "Where am I? Who are you?" asked Kevin bolted upright.

"Relax, I'm not an enemy," replied the brunette. "I'm Princess Lana Power. You're in my palace in Videoland. When the warp dumped you here, you hit your head on the ground and blacked out. We have been taking care of you while you recovered."

"Yeah," replied Sonia. "I got pulled in with you. You broke my fall when we landed here."

"What is this place?" asked Kevin, unsure if what he heard was correct.

"My palace in Videoland," replied Lana.

"Videoland?" asked Kevin.

"She told me the same thing," replied Sonia. When Kevin regained more of his lucidity, he noticed that Sonia was not wearing her usual clothes. She was now dressed in a hooded white robe. This ensemble made her seem radiant and saintly. "Oh, my clothes? I found myself wearing this when I got here. I don't know how I got them."

"You look like a priestess from an RPG," Kevin remarked as he sat up.

"I do, don't I?" asked Sonia rhetorically.

"Kevin, please don't push yourself. You're still recovering," said Lana.

Kevin noticed a set of guns and a glove and across the room. The first was more like a grey pistol and was in a holster, lying on a desk. It looked very much like the Zapper light gun peripheral for the old Nintendo Entertainment System. The second weapon was much larger, looking more like a bazooka. He recognized it as a Super Scope, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System's equivalent of the Zapper. The last item, the glove, was an article of grey clothing which had a control pad with buttons on it. In fact, it was a Nintendo Power Glove.

"You had them when we landed in the palace," informed Sonia.

"I had them?" asked Kevin.

"Your weapons are standard firearms used by my family and the palace guards. The Power Glove is the symbol of my family, but it looks like you have the real thing," said Lana. "When you came through the warp, both of you must have gained special weapons and powers. Now I know you must be the Game Master."

A female servant knocked on the door to the guest room. "Your Majesty, the King wishes to see you," informed the maid.

"Okay, I'm coming," replied Lana. "Kevin, please get more rest. I'll be back later."

Lana got up to leave with her maid. "Hey wait!" said Kevin, trying to reach for her, which resulted in a bizarre effect taking place. Lana had zoomed back to Kevin's side, as though a tape had been rewound to an earlier segment. "Whoa!"

"What?" asked Lana. "Why am I back here again?"

"What just happened?" asked Sonia.

"I... I don't know," he replied. "I tried to reach for you and you came back to me."

"This must be one of the special powers you gained when you passed through the warp," said Lana. "Please rest. I need to see my father."

"Your Majesty, please hurry, the King is waiting," said the maid.

"Coming," replied Lana. "We'll talk later."

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"So, you believe our guest is the Game Master of legend?" asked Charles.

"Yes," replied Lana. "His jacket is a Letterman jacket, which represents his high school. That can't be a coincidence."

"Hmm, let's give him a chance to prove himself. Lyle just gave me the latest report. He is certain that in a week, the Mushroom Kingdom warp will open completely, with more coming in the days ahead. Why don't you take our guests and explore this world? Learn about it, and report back what you find. If you can, recruit suitable allies who could help us," said Charles.

"I understand. I should provide some basic training before we go," said Lana.

Lana returned to the guest room to check up on Kevin and Sonia. "Hello your Majesty," said Sonia.

"Just call me Lana. There's no need to be so formal," said Lana. "I just came back from meeting my father."

"What did he say?" asked Kevin, sitting up.

"He ordered us to explore the other worlds of Videoland and learn as much about them as we can," replied Lana.

"He did? All I do is serve coffee and my son is still in school," said Sonia. "We're not cut out for that."

"Our palace was built near a great warp zone which connects all of the other worlds of Videoland. The seal on the warps is beginning to collapse. Soon, our palace will be exposed to dangers beyond the warps. We fear that an evil force might use our warp zone to terrorize the rest of Videoland. We don't know what form this evil might take, but we need to be ready. Please help us," requested Lana.

"I'm just a normal kid. Plus, my dad and our friends must be worried sick about us. My mom and I should get home as soon as possible," said Kevin.

"I don't think you can," said Lana. "The seal on the warps is growing unstable, which is creating storms. You were lucky to survive your trip here. You might not be so lucky the second time. Even if you did, the warps are still opening. Your home would be at risk if our palace were to fall. Please help us, for the sake of everyone."

Kevin sighed in resignation. "Alright, I guess I can't refuse if you put it that way."

"Are you really going to do this?" asked Sonia.

"What choice do we have?" Kevin asked in response. "If we don't do anything, it might not matter even if we could go home."

"Okay, I'll help," said Sonia.

"Still, I'm not this big hero. I'm just a kid. What can I possibly do?" asked Kevin.

"You're the Game Master. Your knowledge of the game worlds will guide us to success," replied Lana.

"Sure, I've played a lot of video games, but I haven't played every game in existence," said Kevin. "Even with my mom's knowledge, there are still many games we haven't seen."

"Even if you don't, you still know more than we do, much more," said Lana. "You also have motion control, the power move things with a gesture. With some training, you should be ready."

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Over a week, Kevin and Sonia spent time in one of Power Palace's state of the art training facilities. It was a simple black room with stripes of yellow paint to mark off sections of the room like a grid. In the cabin overlooking the room, Lana worked the controls for this room, a sort of holographic projector. To Kevin, this room was much like a "holodeck" from the TV series Star Trek. It also reminded him of the "Danger Room" from the X-men comics and movies, which he thought was cool.

"I'm going to spawn targets to practice your aim," announced Lana.

A structure similar to a firing range stall appeared around Kevin. He readied his Zapper and fired at the moving, human-shaped target. Instead of bullets, his gun fired beams of blue energy. They perforated the paper target much like a bullet did. "How was that?" asked Kevin.

Lana looked over the display screen, which showed the state of the target. Of his ten shots, Kevin had landed seven of them directly on the heart. The other three hit the face. "Pretty good," she replied. "Have you ever fired a gun before?"

"No, this is my first time. The only guns I've ever fired were part of an arcade machine," replied Kevin.

"What kind of video games do you like?" asked Lana. "There must be all kinds."

"I like a little of everything. I like games by Nintendo, multiplayer shooters..." replied Kevin. "I also play a few RPGs, but not as much as my mom. She is a big fan of them."

"I see, I guess that's why she ended up in those robes. She can use magic," said Lana.

"No kidding," remarked Kevin as he looked towards Sonia's area. "Look at her go!"

Sonia's hands became aglow with golden light as she prepared a holy spell. A blast of holy magic descended on the paper target, much like a hammer slamming onto its head. The target crumpled under the force of her attack. "I'm like a priestess from World of Warcraft. That was a Smite spell," she replied.

The holy magic scattered and some of it touched Kevin, who felt a surge of wholesome, rejuvenating power fill him. "So that means you're a healer?" asked Kevin.

"Yes, I'm triggering a Discipline Priest's 'Atonement.' Whenever I damage with certain spells, I can splash holy magic onto nearby friends to heal them."

"So, you can support and dish out the pain... Cool!" remarked Kevin.

Kevin continued shooting at targets. He was amazed at how great his accuracy was. It wasn't a case of being skilled, since he had never fired a real gun in his life. It was more like a "force" was guiding his hand to where he should aim. Was it the Power Glove's doing? If so, it was a useful tool. In the heat of a battle, it was very easy to become agitated and become inaccurate. This effect could counter it, allowing him to maintain accuracy.

For a change of pace, Lana created a dusty, dry wilderness with several target dummies far in the distance. "Let's try some long distance sniping this time," said Lana.

The targets were too far away for the Zapper to hit accurately, even with the Power Glove's help. This was where the Super Scope came in. Kevin holstered his Zapper and materialized the Super Scope. The bazooka-like weapon had a scope for spotting distant targets. He lined the crosshairs on the dummy and pulled the trigger. A bolt of energy pierced the target and felled it. Kevin continued to snipe dummies until he had picked each of them off.

"Okay, that's good. You're going to be the sharpshooter for our team," said Lana. "Your next training will be in a live situation."

When the next session came, Lana created a modern city and then three terrorists for Kevin to fight. These men were dressed in camouflage and ski masks while armed with submachine guns. As Kevin traversed the town, he soon came upon the group, who fired at him from cover behind a car. He fled into an alley and became pinned around a corner by their fire. He took a step back and noticed a balcony above. He climbed up to it and onto the roof, where he approached the edge quietly.

The terrorists were still firing at the alley, still believing he was there. Two of them left cover to investigate the alley and attempt to flank him. As they approached the alley from the rear, Kevin lagged them back onto the street. As they stood there confused, Kevin shot them. The third tried to return fire, but Kevin gestured to motion control the bullets into veering off course. Kevin scored a retaliatory head shot on the terrorist.

"Nice Kevin, very nice," remarked Lana, despawning the city.

Kevin found himself standing in the training room with Sonia. "Yeah, well done," said Sonia.

"You guys could still use more training, but I think you can manage now. We'll be going tomorrow, so get a good night's sleep," said Lana.

**END OF CHAPTER**


	2. Exp 2 - Our Princess is in another Cell

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. Super Mario Brothers was produced by Nintendo.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Explorers of Videoland 2: Our Princess is in Another Cell**

When the big day came, Lana led Kevin, Sonia, and a group of guards travelled down to the basement beneath Power Palace. After passing the foyer containing the stairs up, they encountered a honeycomb-like network of metallic, hexagonal rooms connected to each other by corridors. Each room represented a small hub with arches marked by unique icons representing the world. Due to the Power family's seal, most of the warps were not present. This location was the warp zone hub House Power had guarded for generations.

Lana led her group to one specific arch, which was active. It had an ovular, energy doorway beneath its identifying arch. On the arch was a plate with a carving of a mushroom with a cap and spots. "The seal had weakened enough to allow this warp to open. It leads to the Mushroom Kingdom," informed Lana.

"Whoa, Super Mario Brothers. I can't wait to meet Mario, Luigi, and Peach. I'm a big fan of those games," admitted Kevin.

"It's kind of weird, seeing the characters from our video games in person," remarked Sonia. "I guess they're like celebrities to us."

"Let's go," said Lana.

Lana's group stepped through the warp and fell into a network of tubes. They turned up, down, and sideways, making the trip a veritable roller coaster. When they reached the end of this exhilarating trip, they emerged at the top of a green water pipe in the middle of a forest. It was a quiet wooded region filled with rounded tree tops and bright red fruit. A yellow, caterpillar-like creature with a flower growing out of its head walked by. The creature seemed very cute and unassuming, not likely something which would try to harm Lana's group.

Lana's guards trained guns at it. "Hey, that's a Wiggler," informed Kevin. "He's harmless, but make sure not to step on him. That makes him really angry."

While the guards remained behind to guard the warp, Lana's group travelled some ways out of the forest and came upon a lush verdant plain. The sun was shining brightly and a light breeze picked up and caused Lana's hair to flutter. Several minutes later, the party came upon a second group of people. They were seated at a series of benches and tables with food items and utensils arrayed on the tables. They appeared to be having a picnic. Most of the people were quite diminutive and wore clothing which gave them the appearance of mushrooms.

The person at the head of the group was a young woman with frizzy blond hair. She wore a gold crown and an elegant pink dress, suggesting she was royalty. "That's Princess Peach!" remarked Kevin.

"Oh, hello everybody!" greeted Peach. "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?"

"Hello Princess Peach. I'm Princess Lana Power of Videoland. It's great to meet you," replied Lana. "These are my friends, Kevin and Sonia Keene."

"Power?" asked Peach, she then noticed the Power Glove emblem on Lana's bracers. "Oh, I know you! It's been so long time since your family came to visit. Why, the last time you came was when my great, great, great, great, great, great... Well, it was a long time ago. Is the warp open now? Oh forgive my manners! I'm Princess Peach Toadstool. I'm happy to make your acquaintance. Please, sit down and be our guest. We have a lot to catch up on."

"Thanks," replied Lana.

"How about some tea?" asked Peach, holding up a tea pot. Lana placed her cup below, which Peach filled to the brim. Kevin and Sonia sampled some of Peach's sandwiches, which were quite delicious and well made. "It's been so long since House Power has even spoken to us. How have you been?"

"We've been doing well," replied Lana. "I'm sorry we couldn't visit. My ancestor, Charles Power I, had to seal the warp zones because he feared a threat coming from the warps. It's been a long time since then and the seal is starting to weaken."

"Oh that's too bad. At least now, we can visit each other and be friends again," said Peach.

"Yeah, that's a good thing," said Lana. "I'm concerned that as the warps begin to open, our palace would be placed in danger. That puts your kingdom in danger too."

"Uh Princess Peach," began Kevin.

"Please, just call me Peach," said Peach.

"Okay, I was wondering where Mario and Luigi were?" asked Kevin.

"Oh, they got called out on an emergency. They're exorcising a haunted mansion," replied Peach.

Kevin nodded in understanding and continued his meal. Lana and Peach continued their discussion to make up for lost time. The Powers and the Toadstools seemed to know each other from way back when, before the warps were sealed. Most of their conversation was simple fluff such as talking about the weather and humorous stories about their families. The two princesses seemed like best of friends who knew each other forever, even though they had only met a few minutes ago.

A member of Peach's retinue looked up and noticed an object which looked like a white, half-sphere with clown-like face. The object was actually a flying vehicle, which was moved by a single small, yellow propeller on its under side. Seated in this "clown car" was a large creature which looked like a turtle with a spiky shell and facial features of both an ox and a dragon. The driver carried a massive burlap sack in his hands, more than large enough to scoop up a picnic table and all its occupants.

"RUN! It's Bowser!" cried the servant.

Kevin looked at the sky. When he realized it was him, he threw down his sandwich and reached for his Zapper. It was too late, for Bowser was already swooping down upon Peach's table. This motion had generated a burst of air which knocked him down and the Zapper out of his hand. He ran the bag across the length of the table, scooping it up with Peach, Lana, and some of Peach's servants into the sack. When Kevin recovered, he retrieved his Zapper and aimed for Bowser's back.

The sack with his captives was slung over his back and they were struggling from within to break out. If he fired now, Kevin might accidentally hit a servant or possibly one of the princesses. He put away his weapon and got off the ground. "Is everyone alright?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine, but the picnic is a mess and he got Lana and Peach," replied Sonia.

"What do we do? Mario and his brother are still at the mansion," said one of Peach's retainers, Toad. "None of us can stand up to Bowser."

"We can," replied Kevin. "I've beaten Bowser plenty of times in Super Mario Bros. Now that I have a weapon and my mom's help, it will be even easier."

"Lana and Peach are counting on us. We have to help them," said Sonia.

"You're going to rescue the princess for us?" asked Toad.

"Yeah," replied Kevin. "Bowser has taken our princess too. Since we're going to save Lana, we might as well go for 100% completion while we're there."

"Thank you, thank you so much!" replied Toad. "Please bring the princess back safely. Good luck."

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Kevin and Sonia made their way west to the volcanic lands beyond the Mushroom Kingdom. These dark, barren lands was the domain of Bowser, King of the Koopas. As a rival to the Mushroom Kingdom, the turtle-like Koopas often made raids and invasions into Peach's kingdom. In particular, Bowser was enamoured with Princess Peach, often kidnapping her and trying to get her to marry him and rule together as husband and wife. However, the Mario brothers usually came on the scene and thwarted Bowser, rescuing Peach from captivity.

This wasn't the first time Bowser had done so. Bowser had kidnapped Peach on so many occasions that the Mushroom Kingdom had become used to it. The Mario brothers would swoop in and rescue her shortly afterwards and send Bowser home empty-handed. Ironically, both sides had developed an odd friendship and rivalry with each other as a result of this. This rivalry played out when they competed in sports such as go-kart racing. In fact, these competitions were some of the few times Bowser ever got clear victories over the Mario Brothers.

"This place is hot," remarked Sonia, wandering through the volcanic lands of the Koopas.

"You want to rest?" asked Kevin.

"Yeah, let me sit on this rock," said Sonia. After sitting and resting for a few moments, Sonia spoke again. "This is like a dream. I'd never expected to become the heroine that I play as in my video games."

"It's dangerous, but exciting," said Kevin, sitting on a second rock nearby. "I've always wanted to go on adventures like this."

"You're young. I'm too old for these things. I prefer a nice quiet life," replied Sonia.

"At least we won't be bored," said Kevin. After a few moments of silence and rest, Kevin got up. "Let's go."

The two soon came upon an area where the path split into two. One path led into a tunnel which passed through the mountain up ahead. It was lit by lanterns and appeared to be very cramped. It was likely an exhausted mine which had been converted into a tunnel for traffic. The other led up above the tunnel, going around the mountain and rejoining the other road at the end. There was no other way around the mountain, as there were pools of lava surrounding the base of the mountain.

Kevin and Sonia noticed a Koopa in a green shell and helmet wandering the top path. This Koopa, armed with a hammer, was appropriately called a Hammer Brother. "There's a guard patrolling up there," informed Sonia.

"Yeah, and more in the tunnel," said Kevin, spotting a Koopa-like shadow cast by the lantern light.

"Which way should we go?" asked Sonia.

"I think the top way would be best. I can pick off that Hammer Brother from here," said Kevin.

He peered through the lens of the Super Scope, putting the Hammer Brother right in the crosshairs. When he fired, the Koopa's slumped forward and lost his footing. He tumbled into the lava pool below. With the road clear, it was a smooth, uneventful trip straight to Bowser's Castle. From their distance, they could see that the castle had a facade much like Bowser's face. It had a dark, almost Gothic appearance, much of it taking after Bowser's own spiky appearance.

A pair of guards were patrolling by the front door, both of which were Hammer Brothers. The front door was too risky to enter, so Kevin and Sonia snuck past them to the castle's rear. There, they found a dumpster area for disposing of the castle's waste. The area reeked of spoiled food, packed in bags and dumped in the metal containers. A single door was there, likely leading into the kitchen and its mess hall. The door was ajar and the duo heard footsteps approaching the area.

Kevin and Sonia moved out of sight. A single Koopa worker entered the area and tossed more trash into the dumpster. Kevin suddenly burst out of hiding and pistol-whipped the Koopa in the back of the head. The Koopa fell unconscious facefirst into the ground. Kevin dragged him behind the dumpster, hiding him from prying eyes. "He won't stay out long. We have to hurry," said Kevin.

The duo passed through the kitchen, which was very quiet as only a few chefs worked at this hour. They entered the dining room, seeing a few Koopas seated at the tables for snacks. They kept their heads low, sneaking through the room without being seen. They eventually reached the central hall, which had a green-shelled Koopa patrolling. Sonia cast a "Mind Vision" spell on the Koopa, which allowed her to see through his eyes as he made his rounds. The Koopa passed through several stone archways and a storage closet, but none of them were of any pertinence.

After moving to the very end of the hall, she could see a stone staircase down to the lower floors of the castle. However, this was the end of the Koopa's patrol route and he was turning around to go back to his original position down the hall. "Get ready," whispered Sonia.

Kevin took a firm grip of his weapon as he waited for the Koopa to return. Once the Koopa did so and turned to go the other way, Kevin moved. He pistol-whipped the Koopa in the back of the head, knocking him unconscious. Making sure no one spotted him, Kevin dragged the guard into the storage closet and closed the door on him. He and Sonia descended the stairs to the underground dungeon of the castle.

This area was made of cobblestone and mortar and lit by torches. It was darker and less elegant, being far more utilitarian in its design. As this was where all prisoners were kept, the security in this area was tighter. Near the first archway, Kevin peeked around the corner and saw a guard patrolling down the cell corridor. There were unknown people in the cells, and it wasn't where he and Sonia wanted to be. Kevin and Sonia slipped past the archway to the next one and saw Lana and the other prisoners in the neighbouring corridor.

A Hammer Brother was in the corridor's pathway, talking to a second Koopa. This unique Koopa had wild blue hair parted in two down the middle. His back was turned to the duo as he spoke with the Hammer Brother. "Lieutenant, how's the situation with the prisoners?" asked the blue-haired Koopa.

As they spoke, Lana was in the nearby cell, eating a dinner she had received earlier. She noticed Kevin and Sonia in the corner of her eye and nearby blurted out his name, blowing their cover. Fortunately, she had caught herself just in the nick of time, coughing to clear her throat. Kevin put a finger up to his mouth, signalling her to keep quiet. As Lt. Hammer Bro. spoke with the Koopa, Kevin slinked back into his hiding place and eavesdropped.

"That's Ludwig von Koopa," he whispered to Sonia. "He's one of Bowser's Koopalings. It might be tough to get past him."

"I've got that covered," said Sonia.

"The girl here says she is a member of the Power royal family," said Lt. Hammer Bro. At that moment, Sonia had landed a 'Dominate Mind' spell on him. "They..."

Lt. Hammer Bro went stiff and his eyes glazed over as his mind fell under Sonia's control. "They what?" asked Ludwig. "Speak up!"

Lt. Hammer Bro suddenly clubbed Ludwig over the head with his hammer! Ludwig collapsed, knocked unconscious. Sonia turned Lt. Hammer Bro around, leaving his back vulnerable. Kevin quickly ran out and pistol-whipped him in the back of the head. Kevin snatched the key from his waist and locked both unconscious Koopas in the nearby empty cell. He rushed to Lana's cell and quickly opened the lock. Lana ran up to Kevin and hugged him. "Thank you Kevin, I knew you'd come for me."

Kevin smiled. "I'm just glad you're safe. Where's Princess Peach? Do you know where she is?"

"Our princess is in another cell," said one of Peach's servants from the neighbouring cell. "Bowser has a special room where he keeps Peach whenever he kidnaps her. You can reach it from his throne room in the north wing."

"Thanks," replied Sonia.

"Kevin, let me get these people out. You go and save Peach," said Lana.

"Will you be okay on your own like that?" asked Sonia.

"I'll be fine, just worry about Peach," said Lana. "She's the important thing right now."

"Okay, be careful. We'll get Peach out as soon as we can," said Kevin.

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Kevin and Sonia crossed the stone hallway leading to Bowser's throne room. It was adorned by a red carpet and a row of statues flanked the carpet. They were depictions of former kings of the Koopas, Bowser's venerable ancestors. There were also portraits of them behind each statue. The family resemblance to Bowser was quite strong and very evident. In a side alcove by the far door, there was a portrait of one of Bowser's ancestors. He was posing with a man who wore a mushroom-like cap and crown and a second man who looked much like King Charles.

"Bowser's ancestor knew Lana's," remarked Sonia.

"Yeah, and the other guy must be a former king of the Mushroom Kingdom," said Kevin. "They must have known each other a long time ago, before the warps closed. It looks like the Koopa and Mushroom Kingdom feud started after that. Let's keep going, we have to rescue Peach."

"Okay," said Sonia.

Kevin opened the massive steel double doors which led to the throne room. He rushed in with his weapon trained on Bowser with Sonia following right behind. "Hold it right there!" said Kevin.

"Who are you?" Bowser asked as he stood up from the throne.

"We're friends of Princess Lana, who you took hostage when you grabbed Peach. We got her out, but now we want you to release Peach," said Kevin.

"Ha ha ha, do you think you can take on me with that little pea shooter? Bring it on!" replied Bowser, who advanced on the duo.

Kevin fired his Zapper. To his surprise, Bowser found that Kevin's shots stung quite a bit when they hit him. They stung enough that Bowser had to cover himself in face of this onslaught. When Kevin stopped to recharge, Bowser spit several fireballs at him. Kevin dove away and continued running from cover behind a pillar. Sonia unleashed a Smite spell upon the Koopa king, staggering him with the hammer-like blast. She then cast Holy Fire, erupting golden flame around Bowser. Bowser withstood these attacks and breathed fire.

Sonia cast Power Word: Shield, creating a bubble of golden light to blunt the flames. As they washed over harmlessly, Kevin peeked out and fired. Bowser reared back in pain, ceasing his breath. He turned to Kevin and immediately charged. Kevin quickly dove away, narrowly avoiding Bowser as he punched through the pillar, reducing it to rubble. Kevin ran to the middle of the throne room and continued shooting. Bowser leapt high above, but Kevin dove away just before Bowser crashed down.

Bowser had cracked the ground and through the cracks, Kevin could see a glowing redness. This gave him a very sneaky idea. "Where are you, you little pest?" asked Bowser looking around for Kevin.

Kevin peeked out and fired, alerting Bowser to his location behind a pillar. Bowser charged in as before, only to have Kevin dive away and end up smashing the pillar to rubble. Kevin moved to the cracked floor in the middle of the room and fired at Bowser. They annoyed the Koopa king rather than cause any lasting harm. As before, Bowser jumped high over Kevin and descended. Kevin lagged him back into the air before diving to safety.

Bowser followed through with his momentum and smashed the ground. The floor, already cracked from his previous descent, gave out beneath him. "AAAAAAAH!" screamed Bowser as he plummeted into molten hot lava below.

"Will he be okay?" asked Sonia, seeing Bowser submerged in his fiery doom below.

"I'm sure he will. He always comes back to kidnap the princess in the next game," replied Kevin.

At that moment, a pair of Italian men entered the room. Both wore blue overalls, but one wore a red shirt and matching cap, while the other green. The one in red was also a bit more rotund, compared to his more slender green counterpart. Kevin instantly knew who they were. They were the Mario Brothers, Mario and Luigi. Mario was the man in red while Luigi was the one in the green. They looked around, trying to figure out what was going on.

"What's a-happening here?" asked Luigi.

Lana came out from behind the Mario Brothers and hugged Kevin. "Oh Kevin, I'm glad you're okay," said Lana.

"My son and I took care of Bowser before you arrived," Sonia replied to Luigi. "He tricked Bowser into falling into the lava below."

"Where's a-Peach?" asked Mario.

"Peach should be in Bowser's room," replied Sonia.

"Thank you a-very much," said Mario, before rushing into that room to get Peach. He came out moments later with the princess, who had been unharmed during her captivity. "Let's get you home."

At that moment, they heard a stirring from the lava below. From the opening, they could see Bowser swimming out of the thick lava to the nearest shore. "Bowser's out of the lava," remarked Luigi.

"Take Peach back to the Mushroom Kingdom," said Kevin. "We'll take care of him."

"Okie dokey," replied Luigi. "You a-be careful now."

Mario and Luigi led Peach out of the castle and back to safety in the Mushroom Kingdom. Kevin, Sonia, and Lana made their way to the lower floor, to the lava-filled room below. Bowser was lying on the edge of the lava pool, panting from having to swim out of such a thick, molten liquid. One of Bowser's Magikoopas, a bespectacled Koopa sorcerer dressed in a blue robe, came by to check on his master.

Kevin noticed him coming and trained his Zapper on him. "Whoa, I'm not here to fight," said the Magikoopa. "I just want to check up on my master."

"Who, who are you guys?" asked Bowser, mustering the strength to speak between breaths. "I was expecting the Mario Brothers, but not you. What do you want with me and Princess Peach?"

"Like I said, we're friends of Lana. You took her prisoner when you nabbed Peach," replied Kevin. "We decided to help the Mushroom Kingdom, so we went after you."

"That's me," said Lana. "I'm Princess Lana of House Power. I did NOT appreciate you kidnapping me along with her."

"Power?" asked Bowser. "Why does that sound so familiar? Wait... Power? As in Charles Power?"

"Yeah, he was my great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather, well, something like that," replied Lana. "My father is King Charles XXI."

Bowser was shocked. "Charles I was a friend of Bowser I."

"Yeah, we saw that painting in your gallery," said Sonia. "It looked like the Koopa King, Charles I, and the old Mushroom King were once friends."

"We were," said Bowser. "After the Powers sealed the warp, the Koopas and the Mushroom Kingdom drifted apart. Even I don't know why. It was so long ago. Why? Why did Charles I seal the warps?"

"Charles I feared the evils growing in other worlds. He sealed the warps so they couldn't reach the palace," replied Lana. "The seal is weakening, so it's only a matter of time before we are vulnerable again."

"I see," said Bowser. "The Koopas owe so much to you. I may be a bad guy, but my dad still taught me to return kindness to your friends. Let me join you."

"Wait, you want to come with us?" asked Kevin.

"Did you hear what I said?" asked Bowser. "I said I wanted to join you. I may not look like it, but I take care of my Koopas. Besides, only I get to take over the Mushroom Kingdom! I'm coming along to make sure everyone else knows that."

"O-kay..." remarked Kevin.

"We should give him a chance. I'm sure my father would like to reopen relations with the Koopas and the Mushroom Kingdom," said Lana.

"I'm fine with that too, as long he doesn't go around causing problems," said Sonia.

"Well, you've talked me into it," said Kevin. "Welcome to the team."

**END OF CHAPTER**


	3. Exp 3 - Demon of Darkness

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. The Shin Megami Tensei, Persona, and Devil Survivor series were produced by Atlus. This story uses reference material from all.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Explorers of Videoland 03: Demon of Darkness**

With their adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom over, Lana, Kevin, and Sonia returned to Power Palace. The three had come back with a new ally in the form of the King of the Koopas himself, Bowser, who they introduced to King Charles. "So this is Bowser Koopa IV?" asked Charles.

"Yes father," replied Lana. "We were friends and allies with them before our ancestors sealed the warps."

"Oh yes, I know. It's been so long since our families met each other. We have a lot of catching up to do, but that will happen in time," said Charles. "For now, let's discuss the matter of the warps."

"I spoke with Peach. The Mushroom Kingdom and the Koopa Troopa are building a guard post near the warp in Peaceful Woods," said Bowser.

"Thank you," said Charles.

"I was wondering how many of these warps are open now?" asked Bowser.

"Two," replied Charles. "After my daughter went to explore the Mushroom Kingdom, the seal fell off of the warp to the Amala Universe."

"What's that place like?" asked Kevin. "I don't think I've heard of that game."

"Neither have I," said Sonia.

"We don't have much information, but from what Lyle has told me, this warp leads to a demonic world. This one sounds very dangerous, so be careful," said Charles. "I've sent my men ahead to prepare a camp for you at the other end. Use that location as a base of operations."

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The Explorers travelled down the vast hallways of the warp zone, the hub which connected all of the worlds together. The group came upon a door with the engraving of a spade with numerous tendril-like roots. The spade was within a circle and looked like a magical sigil, a fitting symbol of a demonic world. When the Explorers travelled through the warp, they found themselves among a group of Power Palace guards.

When they spotted Lana, the commander and his men saluted. "Greetings Princess. Please be careful as you explore the area."

The Amala Universe was the most bizarre and surreal world yet. The sky had a burning, blood red hue to it. The world itself seemed filled with a strange sensation of supernatural power. To this world, "laws of physics" were probably a misnomer. The vegetation of this strange place was much like that back in Kevin and Sonia's home world, but more dense. They recognized the trees as pine trees, which could mean they were in the wilderness in the northern hemisphere.

The area around the warp was a set of standing stones erected in concentric circles like Stonehenge from England. The warp was at the centre of the Stonehenge replica. Lana's guard had already explored the general area and had reported being attacked by animated trees. They had destroyed them without much difficulty. Also, they had located a small mountain range to the west, but have yet to cross over to see what was on the other side. Lana's team was to go beyond the mountain and explore.

The Explorers made their way westward through the untouched primeval forest. "This place gives me the creeps," admitted Sonia.

"I don't blame you," said Lana. "This is a demonic world so expect there to be many monsters living here. You heard how my soldiers said those trees attacked them."

"If that happened to me, I don't think I'd ever look at a tree the same way again," said Sonia.

As they approached the mountain, Kevin spotted a dirt path leading upwards. "We cross the mountain that way. Let's go."

Kevin's road went up on a slight incline, gradually travelling higher and higher off the ground. After an hour of travel, they were high enough that a fall would spell certain doom. It was quite tiring to ascend the mountain on foot, but this was much easier and safer than climbing over it. They eventually came upon a large, rounded mountainside platform. Some sparse grass was growing through the dirt, in and around the rocks on the ground. The Explorers decided to rest here before finishing the remaining half of their journey.

There was a dark cave in the mountain near this rest stop. A set of fires lit up from within and started to enlarge as they approached the outside. Kevin spotted them coming, revealing themselves to be creatures made of pure flame. These fire elementals had torsos like that of a muscular man, but their bottom halves were more like trails of flame. The creatures scowled at the group, clearly intending to cause them harm.

"Uh oh, we got company!" said Kevin, drawing his Zapper.

Kevin fired at the leading fire elemental, who collapsed to the ground, snuffed out, and vanishing into nothingness. Another followed and was shot by Lana. Despite both of them shooting down the fire elementals, more replaced the fallen. Kevin and Lana noticed that more of these creatures were coming the path back and the path ahead. The elementals had trapped them in the middle, with no way to escape but down the cliff.

"Lana, focus fire on the ones from the path ahead. There are fewer coming from there," said Kevin, shooting in that direction.

"Okay," she replied, turning her Zapper in the same direction as Kevin.

Two of the fire elementals pounced on Bowser, trying to burn him and knock him to the ground. He was much too strong for them, even with their combined might. He threw off the one on his back and grabbed the other one trying to pull his right leg. Bowser quickly hurled him into the mountain, with enough force to shake the rock. "Who do you think you're messing with pal?" asked Bowser to taunt the fire elementals. "Come and get me!"

In support of Bowser, Sonia blasted the ones taking up the rear with numerous Smites. "The back way is clear," she cried.

"Okay, we've almost got the front clear too," said Kevin. "Keep it up!"

The fire elementals exhaled flame at Bowser, who covered up to withstand the blaze. Bowser forced his way through and grabbed one. He hurled that creature into the mountain with great force. Fatally wounded, the fire elemental fizzled out, leaving nothing behind but hot air. However, the impact had cracked the mountain. It shuddered and a loud crashing noise came from above. Kevin heard it and looked up to see what the commotion was about. He saw numerous rocks tumbling from high above.

"AVALANCHE!" he cried.

Kevin quickly rushed ahead, taking refuge in the path to the other side of the mountain. Unfortunately, all of his friends had gone the opposite way. The rock slide crushed all of the fire elementals in its wake, leaving none alive. It also buried the cave entrance, preventing any new fire elementals from exiting. The rock slide also completely covered the rest stop and was so thick that neither side could see the other. Although the fire elementals had been dealt with, Kevin had a new problem. He had been separated from the others.

"Kevin, are you okay?" asked Sonia.

"Yeah mom, I'm fine," replied Kevin. He tried to climb over the rocks, but they rolled out from other him. The pile started to shake. He dropped back down to safer ground. "I can't risk climbing over. I'll start another avalanche."

"What do we do?" asked Lana. "We can't get to you either."

"I'm going on ahead. Work your way around the mountain another way and meet me at the other side," said Kevin.

"Okay, but be careful. We'll be there as soon as we can," said Lana.

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Elsewhere in the demon world was a town which had built up around a single tower in the middle of a grassy plain. This gold-plated tower was the Tower of Babel. It had been damaged by divine lightning in ages past, which had sheered off the top. Below, was a JSDF base and a town which grew up and around the tower. Near the tower was a dark, cathedral-like building for the ruler of the demon world.

At the top floor of this mansion was a young, blue-haired Japanese man in his late teens. His eyes were pure blue and he was dressed in a black cloak which gave him the appearance of a dark warlock. He also wore a set of headphones over his ears. Its wires curved up such that they almost seemed like horns on his head. He was Saemon Ichihara, also known as Abel, the current King of Bel. As the King of Bel, he was the avatar and new form of the demon Bel, and by extension, was the ruler of this demonic realm.

With him were two of his demonic servants. The first was an alluring naked female demon. She had long, fiery red hair and perfect, silky smooth skin. She also had a pair of red, leathery wings. She wrapped her arms around Abel's shoulders and looked over his left shoulder at a handheld electronic device in his hands. "Abel darling, what is it?" asked the succubus, Scarlet.

The device was much like a handheld video game player. It was beeping, indicating that a new message had arrived, which Abel read. "I just got a message from Fushimi. He said that a dimensional portal had become active in New Stonehenge. Someone had used it to cross over."

Abel's other demonic servant, a mass of glimmering white orbs, looked over his right shoulder. He was Yog-Sothoth. "The Yog wants to know, who are they?"

"He thinks they might be scouts," replied Abel. "Their group is too small to mount an invasion and they haven't done anything hostile. Fushimi had sent a small detachment to monitor them." Another message came from Fushimi, which Abel read. "One of their scouting parties got into a fight with Flaemis demons and accidentally caused a rock slide which blocked a mountain road. They're trying to cross the mountain on foot."

"Are we going to check them out?" asked Scarlet.

"Yeah, let's go," replied Abel.

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After several minutes of travel, Lana's group had returned to the bottom of the mountain. Now that the path was blocked, they had no other choice but to go the long way around the mountain. Worse still, Kevin had been separated by the avalanche. The Explorers found a new dirt path which curved to the north side of the mountain. It was fairly narrow and rugged. It seemed like they had to step over a rock every inch of the way.

Despite the slower pace, they somehow made it around, to a wooded area to the west of the mountain. Hopefully, they could meet up with Kevin here, once he reached the end of his path. As they travelled through these dense woods, Sonia couldn't help but feel unnerved by this location. The redness of the sky blanketed the forest, making still seem dark even during broad daylight. The shadows seemed to move on their own, as thought they were alive.

"Let's find my boy and get out of here," said Sonia.

"Scared?" asked Bowser.

"Who wouldn't be?" asked Sonia rhetorically. "Since we got here, we were ambushed by fire elementals and nearly buried by an avalanche, no thanks to a certain someone."

"Are you insinuating something?" asked Bowser.

"Enough you two," said Lana. "If you have the energy to fight, you can spend it looking for Kevin."

Sonia looked around at the trees. One of them, a tree with a set of violet leaves like autumn, appeared to be in a different location than when she last saw it. It appeared to be slightly closer. Before, it was at least a foot behind a pine tree. Now, this same tree was slightly ahead of the pine tree, as though it had moved up and planted itself in its new location. "Is it just me, or did that tree with the purple leaves move closer?" asked Sonia.

"It's just your imagination. The redness makes things look strange, that's all," said Bowser. "It's nothing to..." At that moment, a something clubbed Bowser in the back of the head. He turned to look for what hit him. "Who did that?"

Sonia looked at the source of the attack, that same tree with the violet leaves. Only now, the tree was right behind them. She noticed a set of yellow eyes open on the tree. "That thing's alive!" said Sonia.

The tree demon swung at Bowser, who suddenly caught its branch. "Ha ha! Not this time! You're firewood now!" he cried, breathing flame which seared the tree demon black.

The tree demon recoiled in agony and fled from the Explorers. Lana noticed more rustling in the forest and stood on guard, with gun in hand. More of these tree demons were closing on their position. They were all around her and the others, surrounding and boxing them in. "Uh guys, we've got company," said Lana.

All of the tree demons opened their eyes, revealing their supernatural nature in entirety to the Explorers. "They've got us surrounded. Looks like we have no choice but to fight," said Sonia.

"I'll burn you all to firewood, just like the first one," cried Bowser. "Go ahead, make my day!"

Before either side could make their move, a violet vortex opened in the very fabric of space to the east. A tendril lashed out and wound around one of the tree demons, trapping it in place. Another portal opened with another tendril lashing out and snatching a different tree. In the west, a succubus appeared out of thin air and drained violet energy from a third tree demon. Exhausted, that tree demon collapsed in a heap on the ground. To the north, black rain drops fell upon the demons, encrusting them in ice on contact.

The leader of their rescuers, Abel, appeared beside them in a flicker of blue light. "Who are you?" asked Bowser.

"I'd ask you the same thing," replied Abel. "These woods are dangerous. They are filled with Jubokko, who attack anyone who intrudes in their territory." Lana introduced herself and her companions to Abel. "So you're the princess of the land beyond that portal, and you say a friend of yours got lost?"

"Yes, his name is Kevin Keene. We got separated by an avalanche while travelling on the mountain road. We were trying to find him before we got ambushed by the Jubokko," replied Lana.

"Then we'd better find him as soon as possible," said Abel. "There are far more dangerous things in these woods than the Jubokko."

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Kevin continued on his way across the mountain path. There was no other way to go except forward now, thanks to the rock slide on the way back. Kevin had been separated by the avalanche and was continuing on alone to the meeting place at the other end. The mountainous dirt road was winding and long. He passed through a small tunnel, which exited onto more road. When he reached the mountain's base, he encountered more forest than the eye could see.

The redness of the sky made the world seem darker than it really was. The shadows seemed to move on their own, but that appeared to be merely a trick of the light. Kevin found a nice, nearby rock and sat on it to rest. Now, it was simply a waiting game for when his friends would come to pick him up. A few minutes passed and still there was no sign of them. He continued to wait, as it would take longer for them to circle around the mountain than simply going straight through like he did.

As he relaxed, something was watching him, hiding in the bushes deeper in the forest. This spy was a creature with red skin and long fingernails which were like claws. This evil witch of a demon had long, unkempt black hair and a crone-like disposition. She was largely consisted of her torso, from which a yellow ribbon dangled downward. This ribbon was flanked by a pair of gold ropes which ended in anchors and was beaded with black orbs.

The evil witch approached Kevin, alarming him greatly. "He he he, hey pretty boy," remarked the evil witch. "Come to mama, dearie!"

"No way, I never go anywhere with strange old ladies," remarked Kevin, pointing his weapon. "Stay back or I'll shoot!"

"Is that any way to treat your elder? Naughty boys must be punished!" said the demoness, advancing.

Kevin immediately fired at her, but his shots rebounded off of a once invisible barrier of golden light. They ended up hitting himself instead. He stumbled back, pushed away by his own shots. Fortunately, his personal force field, a blue aura, had protected him from harm. "This isn't good!" said Kevin. He immediately lagged the creature back a few paces as he turned the other way and ran.

The witch was right behind him as he ran deeper into the forest. As he raced through the forest, he leapt over bushes and rocks along his path. The witch, being largely a floating torso, had no legs and thus had no worry of tripping. Despite her ability to float, Kevin was still faster than her. When he was far enough, he hid himself behind a tree to catch his breath. He felt a slight draft as the witch flew by in search of him.

Kevin let out a bated breath, relieved that he hadn't spotted yet. When the witch was far enough away, Kevin left his hiding place and ran the other way. Unfortunately, in his haste to leave the area, he had snapped a twig underfoot. "What was that?" asked the evil witch. She went to the source, where she spotted Kevin in the distance. "There you are! You're not getting away!"

Kevin continued running through the forest trying to flee the witch. He tried to motion control pebbles and branches into her way, but her barrier knocked them away. He looked over his shoulder to see the witch. However, this lapse of attention caused him to miss a small dip in the ground. Kevin stumbled over it and fell facefirst into the dirt. As he tried to turn get up, the witch had reached him. "Uh, can't we talk about this?"

"No need. I'm going to make you mine. Come to mama!" said the witch as she slowly crept up to him. She opened her mouth and wisps of misty violet energy started to bleed out of Kevin's body. He felt weaker, as though his very life was being drained away.

Suddenly, electricity surged around the witch, triggering violent spasms throughout her body. Kevin scurried away a safe distance and got up. Her flesh started to burn and she eventually vanished in a poof of inky black mist. His saviour, a young man in headphones and a black cloak, looked over him. "Are you okay?" asked the sorcerer-like man.

"I am now," replied Kevin.

"Kevin!" cried a female voice, which he recognized as Lana's. Lana embraced her Game Master, glad to see that he was unharmed. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, your friend here saved me from the wicked witch," replied Kevin.

"We got here just in the nick of time. I'm Saemon Ichihara, but you can call me Abel like the demons do. That demon was a Rangda. They prefer to eat children, but won't mind snacking on the soul of adults," replied Abel.

"Yeah, I almost became her meal," said Kevin, as Sonia cast magic to seal up the scratches he had sustained from the fall.

"Abel, I'd like you to meet my father," said Lana. "Since you represent this world, we'd like to open relations with this world."

"Of course," replied Abel. "I'll have to take Fushimi along with me. I'm curious about Power Palace myself."

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Some time later, Abel and a second man, a Japanese soldier with a long face and spiky black hair, walked down the opulent hallways of Power Palace. The two men, Abel and Colonel Fushimi, marvelled at the beautiful construction of the palace of the Power family. Brass, arch-like structures supported the roof above, in a combination of practicality and elegance. Abel's cathedral of shadows was not nearly as opulent as Lana's palace was, but it had its unique charms and the presence of his friends.

Abel and Fushimi followed Lana to the throne room where Charles held court. They bowed in the presence of the king. "Ah, so you are Abel and Colonel Fushimi," said Charles. "I'm pleased to meet you. I'm King Charles XXI of Videoland. I wish to open a dialogue between our two nations and if possible, discuss potential alliances. Please tell me more about yourself and your world."

Abel told the king about the demonic Realm of Bel. The world he came from was once much like Kevin's. Recently, it had developed technology which could control demons for a variety of ordinary uses. This system came into being as a result of his ascendance as King of Bel, the ruler of the demons, and some technical expertise by his cousin, Naoya, and his friend, Atsuro. Since then, the Japanese government wished to explore and colonize the demon world. Abel was helping with this effort through his power as King of Bel, the avatar of demon lord Bel.

"That's quite a history," replied Charles upon hearing.

"Yes your Majesty," said Fushimi. "I was involved with the events which led to Ichihara becoming the King of Bel. My unit has been dubbed the Counter Demon Force, or CDF, and assigned to security in the new colony."

"I see, let me explain where we come from and why we wish to seek an alliance," said Charles. He told them about the history of the Power family, whose palace sat at on a warp zone which connected a myriad of worlds together. He also explained his concern about hostile forces arising in search of Power Palace as an invasion staging ground. "That is why I wish to form an alliance. If my palace were to ever be captured, many other worlds would be vulnerable to attack, including yours."

"I understand," said Abel. "In that case, I'm willing to assist you in fortifying your palace. I'm also curious about these new worlds. I'd like to travel with your daughter and the Game Master to learn about them. The name of 'Bel' means 'lord' or 'master' in the ancient Akkadian language. More specifically, I'm a master of magic and the supernatural. As the King of Bel, I can be of great assistance with my magic and my demonic servants."

"I don't doubt that you'll be a great asset. Let's consider this alliance unofficially established. I'm sure my daughter and their friends would love to have you travel with them," said Charles. "My daughter will show you to your new quarters. You can stay there between missions if you'd like."

Lana led their new ally, Abel, down the halls of Power Palace. Like Bowser before him, Abel had his own quarters to stay in between expeditions into the other worlds of Videoland. He entered the living area Lana had showed him, which was a set of guest quarters for visiting officials from other nations. "This is the place," informed Lana. "Take a look. I hope you enjoy your accommodations."

The entrance of the quarters led into a white living room with brown carpeting, a large television set, a wooden coffee table, and a brown couch. The upper floor had three bed rooms and a large bathroom which was more like a spa than a bathroom. The room had a white hot tub with therapeutic jets for relaxing the muscles. There were also stalls nearby for showering and for toilets. His entire quarters was equivalent to a small, luxury two-storey house.

"This will more than do," replied Abel. "If we get hungry, where can we go for food?"

"The dining room is at the north side of the palace, on the ground floor," replied Lana. "Just talk to the chef and he'll fix you up."

"I will, thanks Lana," said Abel. "When are we having our next meeting with the king?"

"I think tomorrow. Lyle has told me that one of the warps will become open then," replied Lana.

"I see, I'll be there for the briefing," said Abel.

**END OF CHAPTER**


	4. Exp 4 - Tales of the New World

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. The Tales series was produced by Namco Bandai. This story uses reference material from both.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Explorers of Videoland 4: Tales of the New World**

The next day came without incident and the Explorers met with their patron, King Charles, to discuss their next move. "The seal is continuing to break down. Lyle has just reported that a new warp had just opened a few minutes ago. I've sent some of my men ahead to investigate. The warp is on a small island just off the tip of a peninsula. We have set up a ferry system from the island to the shore," said Charles.

"Were there any towns nearby?" asked Lana.

"None within our search radius," replied Charles. "That is where you come in. I want you to perform a search further afield."

"Of course," replied Lana.

Kevin's team made their way to the opened warp, which had an archway marked with an icon of two worlds side by side. "That picture... It's the worlds of Sylvarant and Tethe'alla," remarked Sonia, who stopped to stare at it.

"You recognize this game?" asked Kevin.

"Yes, it's Tales of Symphonia for the Gamecube, or the sequel, Dawn of the New World for the Wii," replied Sonia.

"Hmm, I haven't played them yet," said Kevin. "What kind of a place are they?"

"Sylvarant and Tethe'alla are the split halves of Aselia. In the ending, they were merged back together. I'm not sure what time it is there right now. I'll know once I have a look around," replied Sonia.

"Sonia, since you're more familiar with this place, we'll follow your lead," said Abel.

"Of course. Let's go," said Sonia.

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The Explorers emerged in the world of Aselia at the centre of three standing stones arranged in a circle. These strange stones had black bands painted around their lower section, as well as an emblem which resembled the letters "C" and "S" joined together at the ends and surrounding a dot. The stones were standing in the middle of a shallow, crater-like hole. The dirt was very hard and only the hardy grasses could grow from the ground here. The air had a light, salty smell, which was coupled by the splashing of water from the nearby ocean.

A soldier approached Lana with information. "Greetings your Highness, our camp is to the south. We're a bit higher than sea level, so you'll need to climb down ropes to board our boats."

"Okay, thank you," said Lana.

After a brief boat ride, the Explorers set foot on the sandy beaches near the tents which made up House Power's camp. Abel sent out his demons, Yog-Sothoth and Scarlet, to scan the land from the sky. They travelled further than Charles' guards did, following the shoreline in opposite directions. Scarlet eventually spotted a city to the southwest of their location, while Yog-Sothoth only found forests and a mountain range to the southeast in the allotted time.

When Sonia heard their reports, she immediately knew where they were. "Since we had just passed through the Otherworldly Gate, and there is a city to the southwest, that means we must be near Altamira. It is a resort town owned by the Lezareno Company."

"Resort town? I suppose we could relax a little bit while we're there," said Lana.

"Wait," said Kevin.

"What?" asked Lana.

"Is it a good idea to bring Bowser and the demons into town?" asked Kevin.

"Yeah, Bowser might be mistaken for a wandering monster," said Sonia. "The same for Abel's demons, but most men wouldn't mind checking out your succubus."

"I'll send them away. I can call them back later if needed," replied Abel. "I can't do that for Bowser. He isn't a contracted demon."

"So what if people are scared of me?" asked Bowser. "They should be very afraid of the Koopa King!"

"Yeah, but scaring people makes it tough for us to talk to them," said Lana. "I don't want to go around starting fights with everyone."

"Bah," said Bowser. "I never get to have any fun!"

"Don't worry, I'll get you something nice from Altamira's restaurants," said Lana.

"Really? How about meat? I love meat!" said Bowser.

"I'm sure we can arrange that," said Lana.

"Alright! I'll set up camp on the beach outside town," said Bowser.

"Well, that was pretty easy," said Kevin.

The Explorers made their way to the tourist trap of Altamira. After moving close enough to see the city from the beach, Bowser had split from the group and sat by some rocks to relax. The Explorers continued onward. Their first stop was the hotel near the entrance. The hotel was a surprisingly modern building, with a skyscraper-like design of mortar, metal, and glass. It was still far smaller than one, being only about ten stories high at most. The interior had artificial ponds and waterfalls created from rocks to give a pleasant, natural appearance.

Altamira was a beautiful city with everything a vacationing Aselian could want in a resort town. The city was surrounded by beautiful beaches with cabanas and palm trees. Numerous people frolicked in swimsuits, shorts, and T-shirts. Deeper in the city was a large amusement park with a Ferris wheel and other rides for children. There was also a casino deeper in the city, just across from a series of stands for theatre and busker acts.

Lana spoke with reception and arranged rooms for them to stay while they conducted business. After finishing her preparations, she turned to the others. "I'm going to get Bowser dinner. I don't want him to feel left out," said Lana.

"Okay, we'll split up and explore the city," said Sonia.

Lana travelled to the upper floors of the hotel via an elevator at the back. She walked into an area with a variety of shops and restaurants along the walls. She bought some souvenir photos of the city's attractions and a variety of dishes from the local restaurants. She left the hotel and made her way to the beach, where Bowser sat on a rock waiting for someone from the team to come back. He had already set up a large tent as a shelter for when he wanted to retire for the night.

By the time Lana had arrived at the beach, the sun was starting to set. Lana set up a makeshift table out of a tray and a rock, where she served Bowser his meal. Together, they ate a delicious meal of roast chicken, vegetables, and rice. "Mmm, this is delicious!" remarked Bowser as he chomped on his meal.

Lana swallowed her current morsel of chicken and rice before trying to speak. "Mmm, it's pretty good, but it can't beat our cook."

After their meal, Lana set up some communications equipment to speak with the others. On the monitor appeared Kevin, Sonia, and Abel. According to Sonia, the current time was between the two Tales of Symphonia games. After Aselia's reunification, Tethe'alla made up the western part of Aselia while Sylvarant made the east. There was a lot of distrust and animosity between the two sides. In particular, the Sylvaranti had suffered great discrimination and mistreatment from the more modernized Tethe'allans.

As a result, disgruntled Sylvaranti formed the Vanguard as a united front against Tethe'allan dominance. The two sides harassed each other constantly. The Vanguard engaged in acts of defiance such as boycotts, demonstrations, and even riots. In turn, the Church of Martel, which was dominated by and represented the Tethe'allans, would often respond with crackdowns and other shows of force. The situation was worsening as the months went by. Eventually, it would come to a head in sequel, Dawn of the New World.

"Whoa, what kind of powder keg did we wind up in?" asked Kevin.

"Yeah, this is a difficult and dangerous time," said Sonia.

"I don't want to get involved with their bickering. It would do us no good," said Abel.

"I agree," said Lana. "The last thing I want is for House Power to get bogged down by a feud."

"We should approach a moderate," said Abel. "Is there anyone who fits?"

"How about Regal Bryant? He's the Duke of Altamira and also the President of the Lezareno company, which owns much of the city," said Sonia. "Since this city is close to the Otherworldly Gate, it is under his jurisdiction."

"Okay, let me handle that part," said Lana. "In the meantime, keep gathering information on Aselia."

"Bowser, I'm going to deliver your meal tomorrow while Lana works out the details," said Sonia.

"Okay, I like stuff with meat so get me lots of it," said Bowser, giddy like a little boy.

"Sure, I know what you like," said Sonia.

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The next day, a motley duo, a swordsman in red and a ninja girl in violet, approached the city of Altamira on foot. The swordsman was a young man with spiky brown hair who was in his late teens. As a warrior who used a two-sword style, he carried a pair of swords sheathed at his side. His female friend was an attractive Japanese woman. Her violet tunic was opened at the chest so as to accentuate her buxom body. These two travellers, Lloyd Irving and Sheena Fujibayashi, had arrived to make a delivery for a friend.

They travelled through the city and boarded a tram to the front door of a large office building. This building was the headquarters of the Lezareno Company, owned by the noble Bryant family of Tethe'alla. The receptionist led Lloyd and Sheena to the elevator, which brought them up to the floor with Regal's office. "Hi Regal, we've got a delivery for you," said Lloyd upon meeting their friend, Regal.

Regal, a tall, muscular man with a chiseled look, was reading a document near a filing cabinet. The handsome man had long blue hair and was in his mid-thirties. He was dressed in a blue noble's jacket and white slacks. Regal looked up and turned around. "Ah, you've brought me new Exspheres?" he asked.

"Yep," replied Sheena. "We want to put them in Toize Valley Mine."

"Sure, I'll keep them in my safe for now," said Regal. He took the bag of Exspheres from Lloyd and bent down to operate the dial on a safe. After putting the bag inside, he locked the safe with a soft click sound. "Thank you very much. While you're here, why don't you stay at the hotel and enjoy the sights? I'll give you a free room for the night."

"That's great! Thanks Regal!" said Sheena.

As sunset came, Lezareno Headquarters started to empty as its workers left home for the night. Darkness set over Altamira and its night life started up. Even in the dark hours, the festivities continued. A luau started at the beach, with music, dancing, and pork being roasted over a fire. The bars and restaurants were filled to the brim with people drinking and chatting the night away. The casino was packed tight with tourists playing the slot machines and poker and blackjack at the tables.

In the midst of these festivities, a pair of repairmen approached Lezareno Headquarters. They were men in blue jumpsuits who carried toolboxes with them into the building. They were stopped by the security guard at the door. The guard took and examined their IDs as the men signed a ledger. Everything had checked out, so the guard let them in. The men went up the elevator to Regal's office, closing the door behind them.

They put Regal's safe on its back, such that the door was situated on top and its contents on the bottom. They donned welding masks and lit a mana-based blow torch they had carried within their toolboxes. Holding the safe at an angle, the flame turned the hinges into a molten metal goo that dripped onto the ground. They threw away the door and quickly pocketed the bag of Expheres and some folded documents. As they left, a wandering guard passed by the area and saw the men leaving Regal's office.

He looked inside and noticed the opened safe. "Hey you, stop!" cried the guard.

The repair men, or thieves, made a run for it. The guard called for back up on his radio while giving chase. The thieves turned a corner and descended a stairwell. After bursting into the front lobby, they hopped into the tram and took it across the water. The tram-driving thief stopped by the amusement park, where his partner bolted out. The guards, men in plated armour, were in the tram just behind his. The remaining thief took the tram back to the beach entrance.

As he reached the area before the hotel, he saw more guards approaching down the street which led to the beach. He went the only other way he could go, into the hotel. The thief burst into the lobby and dashed into the opening elevator. He quickly hit a random button, which took him to the floor with the restaurants and shops. The area was packed with patrons and people eating dinner at the tables. The thief ran into the crowd, as guards exited the elevator.

The guards looked around. "He's over there!" cried one of the guards, pointing in the thief's direction.

The thief quickly looked for a way out and saw a bespectacled blonde woman in a hooded white robe. This woman was in her forties and was in line at a takeout restaurant, waiting to order a meal. He quickly grabbed the woman from behind and put a knife near her throat. The guards approached, keeping other people at bay. "Don't come any closer or the lady gets it!" cried the fugitive in desperation. "I swear I'll do it!"

The guards, unable to act due to his hostage, kept their distance as the thief slowly circled the room with his back to a wall. "Mom!" cried Kevin as he fought his way through the crowd. The guards held him back, the same thing they did to Lloyd and Sheena as they approached.

"Kevin!" cried Sonia.

"Shut up and keep moving!" said the crook, dragging Sonia to the elevator. When it opened, the crook took it to the ground floor and slowly fled the building with Sonia in tow. He eventually left the hotel and moved to the nearest dock on the beach, where several of his buddies were waiting in a boat. The crook boarded with Sonia in tow and sped away.

Back at the street, Kevin could only watch helplessly as the crook sped away with his mother. "Arrggh," Kevin growled in rage.

Lloyd and Sheena approached Kevin. "Were you hurt?" asked Sheena.

"No, I'm fine," replied Kevin. "I'd feel better if my mom was here."

At that moment, Regal entered the scene with a retinue of guards. His clothing was very dishevelled. He seemed to have just gotten out of bed. He approached Kevin, Lloyd, and Sheena to ask them about the hostage situation. Each of them told Regal everything that had happened. Lana entered the scene, seeing the mass of people and guards gathered around the hotel. "Kevin!" said Lana, running up and hugging him.

"Lana, am I glad to see you. A knife-wielding maniac just took my mom hostage and ran away in a boat," said Kevin.

"Oh no!" remarked Lana. "I was going to meet Duke Bryant tomorrow... With her kidnapped, what do we do now?"

"Excuse me, did you say you were meeting Duke Bryant tomorrow?" asked Regal who had overhead Lana's words to Kevin.

"Yeah, I was supposed to meet him tomorrow. This kidnapping couldn't have come at a worse time," replied Lana.

"You're in luck. I happen to be Duke Bryant. Please call me Regal," said the man, extending his hand to shake Lana's. "You're Princess Lana Power, correct?"

"Yes," replied Lana.

"...And the kidnapped woman was part of your escort, right?" asked Regal.

"Yes," replied Lana. "Her name is Sonia Keene. She, along with Kevin here, are some of my escorts."

"Although I'd rather conduct diplomacy under better circumstances, this situation leaves me no choice," said Regal. "From what my men have told me, the kidnapper appears to be a member of the Vanguard. He and an accomplice had broken into my safe and stole valuables and confidential documents."

Lloyd backed out and turned to Sheena. "Valuables?" asked Lloyd.

"He means the Exspheres we gave to Regal," replied Sheena.

"Oh, that's just swell!" said Lloyd.

"My documents include a map of the Toize Valley Mine, where we dispose of Exspheres. I'm certain the Vanguard intends to steal Exspheres from my mine. If we can catch them in the act, we can interrogate them for information as to Sonia's whereabouts."

"Okay, that sounds like a plan," replied Lana.

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During the rest of the night and early the next day, the alliance of the Explorers and Regal's friends made preparations to travel to the mine. They purchased medicine, rations, and camping equipment from the stores in the hotel. Along the way, they dropped by Bowser's camp to retrieve him. "Is that a monster?" asked Lloyd upon seeing the massive Koopa King.

"I have a name," said Bowser. "It's Bowser, King of the Koopas. Don't you forget it!"

Abel created the blue, spade-like sigil of Bel on the ground. His demonic servant, Yog-Sothoth, arose from the sigil at his side. "Finally, the Yog has come back to Aselia!" said Yog-Sothoth.

"What's that?" asked Sheena. "A monster?"

"A demon," replied Abel. "He will fly us to the mine."

"So you're a summoner, like me," remarked Sheena.

Yog-Sothoth pulled the entire team into one of the numerous orbs which made up his body. He proceeded to fly the group over the land, to the southeast under Regal's directions. As they travelled to the mine in Yog, the team started to talk to pass the time. "So Lana, tell me about yourself. You're a princess, right?" asked Lloyd.

"Yeah," replied Lana. "I'm Princess Lana of House Power. My father rules over Videoland's main warp zone from our palace above. Each of my friends comes from a different world."

"Yep," said Kevin. "In my world, people like you, Regal, and Bowser are characters from video games. Each world beyond a warp is a game world."

"We're just characters in a game to you?" asked Lloyd.

"Yeah, a game called 'Tales of Symphonia.' I haven't played it yet, but my mom is a big fan of that game," replied Kevin.

"That's... weird..." said Sheena. "Are Lana and Abel game characters too?"

"I'm pretty sure they are," replied Kevin. "I don't know which games Lana and Abel are from, but Bowser is from the 'Super Mario Brothers' games. He's usually the villain though."

"I'm only helping because the Koopas are friends of the Powers," said Bowser.

"He doesn't seem that bad to me," said Abel. "Bowser has helped Lana so much in her journeys."

After a few more minutes of travel, Yog released his passengers at the forested entrance of a mine. The mine itself led deep into the heart of the Toize Mountain range. It was here that inhibitor ore had been mined for use as mounts for Exspheres. It was fitting that this would be the place where the Exspheres would be sealed away. The machinery once used in the mine was still present, from winches to an elevator down to the pit below. The Vanguard had not arrived yet, so Regal's team took up hidden positions in and around the mine to wait for them.

After an hour of hiding, Scarlet spotted half a dozen people moving through the forest towards the mine entrance below. Since she had an invisibility spell around her, they did not notice her. "Abel darling, we've got some goons coming into the mine," she told Abel telepathically.

"Places people, get ready to spring the trap," said Abel.

After the men entered, they made their way to the elevator and descended into the pit area. There, they found a set of railway tracks with a mine cart that led to a sealed wall. According to their map, there was an Exsphere motherlode hidden right behind that wall. They needed some way to blow open the wall, but fortunately, they had brought a special gold ring for just this purpose. It was a Sorcerer's Ring, which shot fire, but could be altered to cast different spells. They were normally used for navigation.

Before they could do anything more, Sheena, Lloyd, and Regal blocked their rear. "Not so fast," said Lloyd, drawing his weapons.

"The Lezareno Company does not take kindly to theft of its property," said Regal.

The Vanguard turned around and saw the three. They also noticed Kevin and Lana at the edges above at their flanks. They had guns trained on them. Bowser was standing in front of the elevator at the bottom. He was so large that he completely blocked the width of the entrance. Abel was waiting by the top of the elevator with Yog-Sothoth, Scarlet, and the cat-like samurai, Mao. Seeing no way to escape, the Vanguard raised their hands to surrender. Regal's party quickly bound the Vanguard in ropes.

"Where have you taken Sonia?" Lloyd asked one of the prisoners.

"Bite me!" said the man in response.

"I have a way with men. Let me talk to them," said Scarlet. "So, tell me darling, where can I find your base? Where do you keep your prisoners?" Her eyes started to glow a soft pink colour as she gazed deeply into one of the man's eyes.

The Vanguard's eyes glazed over, as he fell into a deep trance. He was wide awake, yet not aware at the same time. "We have a camp in the north part of the Toize mountain range. Our prisoners are kept in cages by the base of the mountain," he replied monotonously.

"Wonderful, I think I'll pay a visit," said Scarlet.

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Regal's party led the Vanguard prisoners outside, where they sat them by the mine entrance. "My men are coming to take the Vanguard into custody. I'm remaining behind to meet them," said Regal.

"Okay," replied Sheena. "Lloyd and I are going on ahead to rescue Sonia with the others."

Lana's party continued on northward, following the Toize Mountains in Yog. A half hour later, they soon spotted several wooden structures in a cleared area by the base of the mountains southeast of the Otherworldly Gate. From their shape and appearance, they were log cabins built from cut trees from the local forest. Yog descended a distance west from the camp, allowing them a stealthy approach by foot. Sheena and Scarlet split up to case the camp, making note of patrol routes as well as points of interest.

Sonia was at the southern part of the camp, locked in one of the cages as the Vanguard had divulged. The north side of the camp had a pair of lookout towers, each staffed by a single guard. On the ground, some men had entered a large rectangular cabin. Judging from its elongated shape, it was likely a barracks. In the window of another cabin, they could see a man looking over documents, possibly orders from higher in the chain of command.

Kevin detailed a plan to reach his mother and the group set it in motion. Lana, Lloyd, and Sheena sneaked their way around to the other side of the camp. Along the way, they took cover behind foliage to avoid being spotted by patrols and lookouts. They hid behind a set of bushes where they spotted Sonia ahead. "We're in position," Lana said over the radio.

"Okay," said Kevin. "Let's make some noise!"

Kevin took position behind a tall bush and noted the positions of each tower's lookout. He readied the Super Scope, moved the crosshairs over the closest one, and shot him in the chest. The guard stumbled back and flipped over the edge. Kevin quickly realigned his crosshairs on another guard and shot him down. A nearby guard below saw the dead lookouts tumble to the ground and immediately ran to a bell. Kevin picked him off, but another guard had rushed for the bell and sounded the alarm.

"You guys cost me a dinner!" cried Bowser as he stormed into the camp.

He spit multiple balls of flame. They struck the outermost buildings and set them on fire. Several men scrambled outside to escape. As they ran out, Kevin shot the second who exited. The man crashed to the ground in a heap, terrifying the others into scrambling for cover. Yog approached the camp and lashed a tentacle at one of the men. He wound it around the man's body and hurled him into another. Yog then fired three clusters of orbs, an Aforgomon attack, at the Vanguard.

One cluster hit a female mage and formed into a humanoid shape. Despite trying to escape, Aforgomon grabbed her and turned her front side to Kevin. Kevin shot her through the heart and his energy beam pierced through and destroyed Aforgomon. The remaining Vanguard scrambled for cover, trying to avoid Kevin's sight. Mages from within and around the cabins started firing randomly to the west. They were aware of Kevin's general direction, but had not seen him directly.

An Eruption spell burst from the ground some distance away, spewing fire into the air. Kevin dove to the ground and attempted to crawl away, staying behind bushes to avoid being spotted. Vanguard soldiers ran in from the east, trying to locate and flank Kevin while he was still pinned down by magical explosions. Abel teleported within sight of the soldiers, who immediately turned to attack him. Abel waved and caused a swirling blizzard to wash over the Vanguard. The ice pellets pounded the soldiers and felled them.

Lana's team snuck in from the east, as all of the Vanguard diverted their attention to stopping the others' attack. Lloyd chopped the padlock off Sonia's cage and yanked the door open. "Are you okay, Sonia?" asked Lana.

"Yeah I'm fine, where's Kevin?" she asked.

"He's with Abel and Bowser. They're creating a distraction," replied Lana.

"Hey, are you Lloyd Irving and Sheena Fujibayashi?" asked Sonia.

"Yeah," replied Sheena.

"Ooh, nice to see you two together like that," remarked Sonia with a chuckle.

Sheena turned beet red. "It's not like that!" she said.

"We'll talk later. We have to get away before they realize you've escaped," said Lana. "We're meeting them to the northeast."

Both of Lana and Kevin's groups retreated in that direction, to the deeper woods away from the Vanguard base. The two groups eventually reunited when they were a safe distance away. Kevin gave a hug to his mother and held it for several seconds. Neither of them said anything more, for words were not necessary. They returned to Altamira, reuniting with Regal at his office. Regal handed Sheena a letter from the King of Tethe'alla, which she read away from the others.

In the meantime, Regal spoke with his other guests. "I'm glad that you two were able to reunite," said Regal.

"Yeah, it was thanks to you," said Kevin. "I owe you so much."

"It was nothing," said Regal. "Lana, I hope you won't think ill of our world after this. If you're still willing, the King of Tethe'alla and I would be glad to open relations between our nations. We are willing to expand our relations into an alliance down the line."

"Of course, you can't be blamed for the actions of the Vanguard," said Lana. "I hope this is the start of a beautiful friendship."

"I also have an announcement," said Sheena. "I'd like to travel with you if it's possible."

"Travel? With us?" asked Abel.

"Yes, its by order of the King of Tethe'alla and acting Chief Tiga of my village. They want me to gather information about the worlds of Videoland," replied Sheena.

"We don't mind," said Lana. "I'm sure my father would appreciate you being on the team."

"Are you okay with this too, Lloyd?" asked Sheena.

"Of course, do what you need to do. I'll just ask Colette or Zelos to join me," said Lloyd. "Good luck."

**END OF CHAPTER**


	5. Exp 5 - Lana's Little Friends

Disclaimer:  
Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. Pikmin was produced by Nintendo.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Explorers of Videoland 5: Lana's Little Friends**

Lana led their newest ally, Sheena Fujibayashi, through the halls of Power Palace, which was vastly larger than the palace of Meltokio. She had seen dozens of servants along the way, each of them cleaning or dusting something. There were suits of ornamental armour on display ranging from medieval style to a modern style worn by mannequins. Some halls had paintings of vistas of mountains. Others had statues of philosophers and also artistic nudes.

"Here's your room, Sheena," informed Lana, as they approached a wooden door.

Upon entry, Sheena glanced over every inch of her quarters. Her quarters was as large, perhaps larger, than the entire Igaguri Dojo back in Mizuho. It had multiple rooms, one for sleeping, another for bathing, and a den for recreation among others. "Wow, is this all for me?" asked Sheena.

"Yep, we treat all our guests like royalty in Power Palace," replied Lana. "If you want food, you can get it at the dining room in the north side at the ground floor."

"Is there anywhere I can go to practise my skills?" asked Sheena.

"The 50th floor has all of the palace's training and recreational facilities," replied Lana. "We have special machines that can generate holographic opponents and environments for training and recreation."

"Really? That's great!" said Sheena. "I can't wait to try them out."

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A day passed by without event, other than Bowser's Koopas coming in to reinforce Power Palace. They were a squad of a dozen Hammer Brothers, Koopas with green shells, matching helmets, and hammers. A second twelve Koopa squad of Boomerang Brothers, blue versions of the Hammer Brothers armed with boomerangs, filed in through the warp. At the very rear came a third twelve Koopa squad of red Fire Brothers. The Hammer Brother commander presented a set of forms to the commander of a group of palace guards.

The guard commander flipped through the papers to look them over. "Everything seems in order. His Majesty King Bowser has his quarters on the 60th floor. You may use the elevator to reach them."

In the meantime, Lana made her way to the palace throne room to hear a briefing by her father and Lyle. Abel, Sheena, Kevin, and Sonia were already there, waiting for the meeting to start. Conspicuously absent was Bowser. "Where's Bowser?" Lana asked.

"He had to bow out to receive our Koopa reinforcements," said Lyle.

"Fill him in as you head out to the warp. We're starting the briefing," said Charles. "Lyle had informed me that a new warp had opened the night before. This warp leads to the Pikmin Planet. It was once inhabited by giants, but they had gone extinct. Now, it is inhabited by insects and plant-like creatures called 'Pikmin.'"

"Oh! I love Pikmin. They're so adorable!" said Sonia.

"They're really loyal and friendly too. When Olimar needed help with his ship, the Pikmin came to the rescue," said Kevin.

"Do you believe they could help us?" asked Lana.

"Of course," replied Kevin. "If we can get some Pikmin Onions, we can take them with us to other places. I don't know if they'll make good fighters, but they can haul equipment for us."

"That would still be useful, so go ahead and get some Onions," said Charles. "Don't forget to explore that world."

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The Explorers emerged from the warp in a cavern somewhere on the Pikmin Planet. The Royal Guard were already on the scene, patrolling the camp diligently for intruders. A network of lights ran along the walls of the cave and illuminated the cement walls and dusty dirt ground of the environment. The cavern had a single entrance which led to the wilderness on its west side. The north side led deeper into the cavern and was mostly unexplored territory.

Outside, the Royal Guard had used chain-link fences to enclose a small compound in front of the cave entrance. The fence had barbed wire running along its top and had manned guard towers at the corners opposite the cave entrance. A prominent tent was at the centre, which housed the captain of the Royal Guard. In addition to the Royal Guard, there were some of Bowser's Koopas among the guards, as well as various demons from the Realm of Bel.

Lana's group entered the guard captain's tent and were greeted by a rugged man with greying black hair. "Greetings, your Majesty," said the guard captain.

"Hello Michael," said Lana. "We're going to start our scouting mission now."

"Of course. Good luck, and stay safe," said Michael.

The Explorers left the camp. As they reached a distance away, Kevin looked back at where they had come from. The cave and the stony structure which housed it was actually part of a large building of unknown purpose. The cave entrance was actually a mouse hole, when compared to the rest of the building. Due to their small size compared to the building, they were like rats infesting the nooks and crannies of the premises.

The wilderness seemed to be the garden or lawn of the building. Blades of grass extended upwards from the dirt, high into the air like a forest. Even the flowers were gigantic, like towers in the midst of the forest of grass. The group travelled this strange environment for about an hour until they came across an insect-like creature wandering through the grass. This creature had a red body with white spots similar to a lady bug. It's face was round and took up much of its body. It had eye stalks like a snail and a mouth large enough to swallow a person whole.

The creature waddled forward, unaware of the Explorers. Its taloned feet seemed so small, yet were somehow able to keep the creature upright. "What is that thing?" asked Lana.

"It's a Red Bulborb," replied Sonia. "They are one of the chief predators of Pikmin."

The Bulborb suddenly sniffed the air and turned around. It began to waddle towards the team. "I don't think it's coming to greet us," remarked Sheena.

"It must think we're lunch!" said Kevin, reaching for his Zapper.

"Lunch? He looks like barbecue to me," said Bowser, breathing a jet of fire upon it.

The Bulborb caught on fire and flailed around in agony. Kevin fired a shot which pierced through the Bulborb's chest fatally. The Bulborb collapsed to the ground, with the flames still burning its carcass. Abel conjured rain above, putting out the fire to prevent their spread. "That was pretty easy," remarked Lana.

"They may be big, but they're wimps," said Kevin.

Sheena heard what sounded like diminutive screaming coming from further ahead in the grass forest. "Did you hear that?"

Kevin listened and heard the very same sound. "Yeah, let's take a look."

The Explorers raced forward until they came into a clearing within a rock formation. At the centre was a circular dirt area with a strange red structure at its centre. This structure was a dome-like bulb which stood on a tripod and had a daisy-like propeller on its top. The tripod legs were built like staircases to allow access to the centre. This object was a Pikmin Onion, essentially a home and transport for Pikmin. More specifically, it was a Red Onion, which housed Red Pikmin and their seeds.

These Red Pikmin were plant-like creatures who resembled toddlers. They had a pointed nose and a plant stem with a green leaf growing from their heads. A Bulborb chased a group of these creatures in circles. One of the Pikmin in the rear slipped and fell onto its face, becoming separated from the pack. The straggler rolled to his back just in time to see the Bulborb bear down on him, ready to eat him.

"I'll save you!" cried Lana, who drew her Zapper and shot the Bulborb.

The Bulborb froze as the energy beam pierced its side. The straggler got to its feet and ran to the others in the group. Lana fired again, scoring a shot to the head. The Bulborb collapsed in a heap. All of the Pikmin immediately rushed up to Lana and stood before her. Their faces beamed with joy. "I think they like you," remarked Abel.

"Lana, why don't you try whistling," said Kevin. Lana put her fingers into her mouth and blew into them. The Pikmin immediately perked up and rushed to her front, as though standing at attention and waiting for her orders. "Good, send them at the body of the Bulborb."

"Okay Pikmin, move the body of that Bulborb," said Lana, pointing to it.

The Pikmin immediately crowded around the dead Bulborb. Like ants, they carried the carcass to the space beneath their nest and dropped it. A spotlight shined from the bottom of the nest, sucking the body inside like a tractor beam. Through some unknown method, the Onion processed the body and spit out some Pikmin seeds which bored into the ground nearby. The seeds sprouted almost instantly, giving birth to a new generation of Pikmin.

"Go ahead. Pluck them out," said Kevin.

Lana pulled at the stem of the nearest one and out popped a Red Pikmin, which joined the others. "I see," said Lana. "If I can bring it food, the nest can pump out new Pikmin for my army."

"Now you're getting the hang of it," said Kevin. "They are other types of Pikmin too, like Yellows and Blues. The Reds are immune to fire and are good fighters. The Blues can swim. The Yellows are immune to electricity and can be thrown further."

"Okay little guys, back to your nest," said Lana. "We're going back to base."

The Pikmin dutifully marched into their Onion single-file. The daisy propeller started spinning and the Onion retracted its tripod legs and lifted off. It followed the Explorers back to their camp and slowly descended onto an empty spot within the compound and extended its tripod legs. The Pikmin quickly rushed out and stood next to Lana. "Okay, now that we've got the Red Pikmin, we should find the Blue and Yellow ones too," said Kevin.

"Where can we find them?" asked Lana.

"Blue ones usually hang out in places near water," said Kevin.

"Water?" asked Abel. "I sense a small pond just to the south of the camp."

"It's worth a look," said Lana.

The Explorers followed Abel's directions south to the pond. They had passed through large stretches of the grassy forest and soon came upon that pond, which would be a mere rain puddle back home. As Kevin suggested, there was a second Pikmin Onion near the water, this one blue in colour. The Blue Pikmin were trying to fight off a series of predators who emerged from the water to devour them. Kevin and Sonia recognized the predators as Water Dumples.

These grub-like creatures resembled blue, eyeless catfish which used their rear tentacles to propel themselves through water like squids or octopi. One of the Blue Pikmin fled to dry land, but it provided no refuge. Water Dumples were amphibious and it simply crawled onto land to continue pursuit. The two sides exchanged blows, with a group of Blues mobbing and punching one. Another Dumple tackled a Blue and swallowed it.

Lana focused on one of the Blues being chased by another Dumple. She sicced her Reds upon the pursuer. They descended like an angry mob with some leaping onto the Dumple's back. They pummelled the Dumple into the ground. Lana saw another Dumple and fired a shot through its body, killing it instantly. Bowser leapt high into the air and slammed the ground between three Water Dumples. A shockwave erupted from his feet, bowling over the three.

Abel summoned his demons and ran at one of the Dumples, who had just eaten a Blue. Abel sprayed ice, encrusting it within a crystalline shell. Scarlet suddenly appeared from behind and jetted fire through its body fatally. Abel sprayed more ice, which spread into a cloud over a cluster of Dumples. All of them were encrusted in shells of ice. Yog opened violet portals beneath each Dumple, which unleashed a pillar of golden light. Each of the Dumples were banished from this plane of existence.

The Dumple ranks dwindled until only one remained. The Blue Pikmin mobbed this final Dumple and pummelled it to the ground. Lana whistled at the Blues, who immediately perked up and came to her side. "I love these guys, they're so cute and loyal!" said Lana.

After having the Blue Pikmin harvest the Dumple carcasses, she sent the Blues back into their Onion. The Onion took off and followed the team back as they returned to camp. The Blue Onion set down a distance from the Red Onion and released its Pikmin to Lana's command. "The only ones we haven't found yet are the Yellows," said Sonia. "Where might they be?"

"Yellow Pikmin can use their ears to glide through the air. They like being in higher places because of that," replied Kevin.

"So, we look for them in the grass tops?" asked Lana.

"Yeah, and hilltops too," replied Kevin.

"Okay, I'm heading out to look for them," said Sheena.

"I'll send my demons out for aerial recon too," said Abel, who summoned Yog and Scarlet to his side. The demons ascended to the sky and flew different directions.

After a few minutes of scouting, Sheena found a group of Yellow Pikmin standing by the edge of a cliff to the east of the camp. They were looking down at a pit in the ground. Their Onion was at the bottom, partially buried beneath a pile of dirt. It appeared that the ground had given out beneath their Onion, resulting in the Yellows' current predicament. Sheena contacted the others through radio. Within minutes, her teammates were on the scene to respond to her call.

Lana approached the Yellows near the cliff with her Reds and Blues in tow. The Yellows chirped words at Lana's Pikmin, apparently telling them what had happened. In turn, her Pikmin chirped assurances to the Yellows that they would help if they joined them. Lana whistled the Yellows, who joined the ranks of Lana's growing Pikmin army. Now that the Yellows were on the team, there was only the matter of freeing their Onion and taking it back to base.

Abel teleported to the Onion's front and took in the entire scene. "It's not too much dirt. It shouldn't take too long to dig it out," said Abel.

Sheena dropped down to the pit and approached the Onion. "I'll have Gnome take care of it," she said.

Sheena held an ofuda before her as she chanted a spell. A small hole opened in the ground and out popped a mole-like creature who had a red bow on the back of his head. Gnome carried a shovel in his hand. "Okay Sheena, what do you need me to do?" asked Gnome.

"Could you free that Pikmin Onion from the landslide?" asked Sheena.

"Of course, no sweat!" said Gnome, who waved his shovel at the dirt. The dirt sank into the ground, as though swallowed by the very ground. When freed, the Onion fired its thruster and turned upright onto its tripod legs. "All done! See ya later!" said Gnome, before sinking into his hole and closing it behind him.

Lana sent the Yellow Pikmin back into their Onion. The Yellow Onion retracted its legs and fired its thrusters and propeller. It followed the group back to their camp, where it landed some distance from the other two Onions. As soon as Lana entered the camp, she was greeted by Michael. "Your Majesty, we have some bad news. One of our scouting teams had failed to report in after exploring deeper into the hole."

"Where were they last heard?" asked Lana.

"They reported entering a shower drain on the first floor of the building," said Michael.

"This couldn't happen at a worse time," said Kevin. "The sun's starting to set. Numerous predators will come out looking for dinner and our camp is tonight's special."

"We can't abandon our men either," said Lana. "We have to save them."

"Leave that to us," said Kevin. "Mom, please stay back and support Lana. The rest of us will handle the rescue."

"Okay, but don't take too long," said Lana.

"We won't. Those men will be home in no time," said Kevin.

The deeper portion of the mouse hole was filled with cobwebs and dust covering the ground. Above, water flowed through pipes to other parts of the house. There were also wires further above which channelled electricity throughout the building. Being this deep in the mouse hole, there was no outside light for the team. Only the light from Abel's magic and the rest of the team's flashlights enabled them to see in the dark. They found another mouse hole and entered an area with a floor covered by blue tiles.

Above was the bottom of a sink and still higher and further in was an inactive light fixture on the roof. Ahead was the opening of a shower stall, which had a white curtain folded up near the right. The shower was quite dry, having not seen use for months. At the centre of the stall's cement floor was a single drain for the water. The circular grating had a bar missing from it, with molten metal at the ends. Judging from its appearance, the bar had been melted off.

"They must have went down here," said Kevin. "Let's hurry."

Kevin's team navigated a veritable maze of pipes leading through the building to the municipal drainage system. Though the pipes were long and stretched for what seemed like miles, they were fortunate to have Yog available to ferry them for the bulk of the trip. They soon came to an area where the pipes had rusted open into underground soil. The area was cavernous and quite humid from the water which had leaked into a small puddle.

Sheena noticed a humanoid creature seated on the ground, propped against the wall. This creature was green skinned, had red hair, and a pointed nose with warts on it. "That might be one of our scouts!" said Sheena, pointing out that creature.

"Yes, that's one of my trolls," said Abel. "Yog, take us down there!"

Yog released the team near the troll, who on closer inspection, appeared to be bruised and bloodied. "Lord Abel," said the troll.

"Don't strain yourself. Just tell me, what happened? Who did this to you?" asked Abel.

"It was the ghost," replied the troll. "None of our attacks worked."

"What did it look like?" asked Kevin. The troll described a ghost-like creature made of water which travelled on a pair of rollers like it was riding on an ATV. "Sounds like a Waterwraith."

"A Waterwraith?" asked Sheena.

"Yes, it's a ghost made of water which haunts drainage pipes. It's main body is phased out of the physical world, so most attacks can't hit it," said Kevin.

"So how do we take it out if we can't hit it?" asked Bowser.

"A sudden shock of some kind can frighten it into becoming physical," replied Kevin.

"Like if I slammed the ground hard?" asked Bowser.

"Yep," replied Kevin. "You can also freeze it for awhile, but you still need to scare it before you can hurt it. I think Abel and Sheena might have abilities which can still hit it even when it's not physical."

"Yes, my talismans can bind spirits and cause them to become solid," replied Sheena.

"My demons and I can strike targets phased out of the physical plane," said Abel. "I also have spells that can force it into the physical realm."

"Good... I think we might get by with just freezing it, but it's always good to have a back up," said Kevin.

Abel applied a basic healing spell upon the troll, sealing the most grievous wounds in an aura of white light. "Yog, we're taking the troll for safety," said Abel.

Yog drew in the wounded troll and the rest of the team and continued ahead through the pipe system. It wasn't long before they heard moaning growls travelling through the pipes. A roaring sound, like an intense flame, echoed from further ahead. A fireball sped across an opening. The moaning growls intensified as the Waterwraith passed by in pursuit of its attacker. Yog immediately turned the corner ahead, putting himself straight on the tail of the Waterwraith.

The watery ghost was in pursuit of a red Koopa, a Fire Brother. He was one of Bowser's soldiers who specialized in hurling fireballs at enemies like Mario. His attacks were having no effect on the Waterwraith, not even to stall it. The Koopa had no alternative but to run and pray that he could elude the ghost. Abel teleported outside of the orb and blasted the ghost with ice. A freezing cloud erupted from contact, chilling the nearby air while encasing the Waterwraith in solid ice.

Yog shot out one of his orbs, sucking in the beleaguered Koopa. Abel teleported back into the orb. "Are you okay?" asked Abel.

"Yeah," said the Fire Brother, he looked at his guests and saw Bowser. "King Koopa?"

"That's me. Where are the others?" asked Bowser.

"They should be back the other way," replied the Fire Brother.

Yog retreated the other direction, leaving the Waterwraith frozen solid in the pipe. He continued down the pipes until he found another area which had rusted open and allowed access to an underground cavern. A quartet of House Power scouts were resting by the opening, staying out of sight of anyone who would pass by the pipe. Two of the scouts were Hammer Brothers while another was a pixie and the last was a human soldier from the Royal Guard.

Yog deposited Kevin at the entrance. "Hey!" cried Kevin as he approached the group. "We're here to get you out. Let's go!"

"It's the Game Master!" said the Royal Guardsman.

"We're saved!" said the pixie.

"Hurry! I don't know how long until that thing comes looking for us," said Kevin.

The scouts quickly entered Yog's orbs. When questioned, the scouts divulged that they had been attacked by the Waterwraith. The troll tried to attack it, but his attacks did no harm and he got run over. Fortunately, his regeneration allowed him to survive. The Waterwraith searched for the others, but the Fire Brother went out and acted as a distraction to lure it away to the give the others time to escape. The remaining members took refuge in the cavern to plan their next move when Kevin and the others showed up to rescue them.

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Back at the compound, the Royal Guard looked anxiously at the horizon. The sun had set and darkness began to cover the Pikmin Planet. Within the wilderness and burrows, Pikmin predators such as Bulborbs began to emerge from hiding. Drawn to the scent of Pikmin and the Royal Guard, they began to advance on the camp in mass numbers. The watchtowers sounded the alarm when the first Bulborbs were spotted in the horizon.

As the klaxon blared, Royal Guardsmen, demons, and Koopas scrambled for their posts. The watchtowers pelted the Bulborbs with gunfire. Their shots mowed down the first line, but half a dozen new Bulborbs replaced them. As the predators started to come in range, demons and Koopas also began to attack them. A Hammer Brother hurled his weapon at the face of a Bulborb, stunning it momentarily. A hail of shots descended on the Bulborb and felled it. The Water Dumples behind it simply crawled over its body to continue their advance.

A trio of Legions advanced to meet the enemy head on. These demons resembled cancerous blobs of flesh with numerous grotesque faces and tendrils. They breathed Purple Smoke upon the Water Dumples. The puff of gas stopped many of them dead in their tracks. All of sudden, one of them pounced upon an incoming Bulborb. It started to bite the larger creature, who shook it off. The Bulborb turned to the Dumple and lunged to bite it. However, another pounced on the Bulborb, followed by a third.

Numerous such fights started to break out randomly among the enemy. Several other predators ran by, ignoring the infighting in the race for a Pikmin dinner. A Bulborb rammed into the fence, knocking it down. As it entered the compound, a Fire Brother spit fire at it. The Bulborb started to burn and flailed around in the throes of agony. A Hammer Brother hurled his hammer into its face. The Royal Guardsmen fired at the stunned Bulborb, felling it after a few well-placed shots.

The rush of predators started to decline. Countless numbers of them were strewn on the ground, killed in the frenzy to reach Lana's camp. That was when the biggest threat started to approach. A quintet of massive, spider-like creatures began to advance on the camp. These creature were far larger and consisted of a central orb with four legs growing out of it. "What are they?" asked Lana when she spotted one in the distance.

"Beady Long Legs!" said Sonia.

The watchtowers fired at the Beady Long Legs, but the creature ignored the shots to advance. As the frontmost one approached the watchtower, the Royal Guardsman within jumped out. The Beady Long Legs simply walked into the tower, knocking it over through sheer momentum. It continued forward, knocking down another portion of the chain-like fence with its steps. Lana fired at the Beady Long Legs, but her shots only served to stagger the creature momentarily.

Sonia slammed the spider with Smite spells, but like Lana's shots, they only slowed the creature momentarily. "Our attacks aren't stopping it," said Lana.

"No, we to hit it faster. Throw Yellow Pikmin onto its body," said Sonia.

"That thing's too high. There's no way they'll reach it," said Lana.

The Beady Long Legs tried to stomp them with its legs, but the two women fled in opposite directions. When the Beady Long Legs tired, Sonia pelted the spider with Smites. Lana moved closer to her, firing her pistol as cover. "I'm going to cast Dominate Mind. Get ready!" said Sonia.

Sonia prepared this dark spell by gathering the shadows in her hands. Upon finishing, Sonia's consciousness entered the Beady Long Legs. She was in full control of its movements and caused it to kneel down and leave itself vulnerable. Lana immediately hurled all of the Pikmin in her entourage. Though small and weak, the Pikmin were numerous and pummelled the spider to no end. Though the spider's pain ejected Sonia, the Beady Long Legs had accumulated so much damage that it keeled over dead.

"Awesome!" said Lana.

A second Beady Long Legs entered the compound, as though to replace its fallen brother. It tried to stomp the two women, but they scrambled to safety. A third Beady Long Legs approached the base, stepping over the debris left by the first. It joined the second in trying stomp Sonia, keeping them preoccupied and unable to fight back. Despite also taking fire from the base defence, the two spiders ignored those attacks and to pursue the two women.

The second spider stomped near Lana, crushing a dozen of her Pikmin in the process. Its footstep shook the ground, causing her to stumble and fall on her back. The spider raised its foot over Lana, preparing to crush her. Just then, a stream of ice pellets flew at the Bead Long Legs. An icy cloud burst from the impact site, freezing the Beady Long Legs solid. A flicker of white light surrounded Lana, after which she found she found herself staring up at Kevin and Yog.

Kevin fired a shot which pierced a hole all the way through the spider's body. The Beady Long Legs crumbled into a pile ice shards on the ground. "Kevin!" said Lana, seeing Kevin dematerialize his Super Scope.

"Lana, are you okay?" he asked, extending a hand.

"Yeah," replied Lana, taking Kevin's hand to receive help standing. "You came just in the nick of time."

Metres away, Sonia was fleeing from her spider when suddenly, the Beady Long Legs stopped in its tracks. She looked down at its legs and saw Bowser, grappling with the spider's rear left leg. The spider stumbled forward, trying to drag the Koopa King along with it. Sonia quickly conjured a number of shadowy tendrils from the ground. These Void Tendrils wrapped around the spider's legs, holding it in place.

Bowser saw the Void Tendrils and immediately hopped up to the Beady Long Legs' main body. He pummelled the orb repeatedly, causing his victim to buck around in an attempt to throw him off. Bowser landed an especially devastating blow, causing the Beady Long Legs to topple. Bowser hopped off and spewed a roaring gout of flame. The Beady Long Legs became engulfed in flame, thrashing about in agony. Bowser kept spewing fire until the creature was reduced to ash.

"Thank you Bowser. You're a lifesaver!" said Sonia.

"Anything for a buddy," said Bowser.

Abel reappeared just outside of the base, where Sheena descended just beside him. "I'm setting up them up," said Abel.

"Okay, ready when you are," replied Sheena.

Abel conjured a massive downpour of Black Rain upon the Beady Long Legs. The toxic, foul black droplets corroded minute holes into their bodies. They started wobble from nausea and weakness. In addition, the rain's chilling touch formed an ice coating to pin one of them in place. Scarlet suddenly appeared behind and toppled it with a blast of fire. Sheena hopped onto the body and planted five ofuda on it. She fled a safe distance and through a single gesture, caused them to explode violently.

Yog descended behind the last Beady Long Legs and fired a Hades Blast out of a spatial rift. The violet beam caused the spider to stumble backwards. Abel teleported nearby and froze a patch of ice beneath its foot. The spider stepped on it and slipped. Abel teleported closer to its orb and froze it to the ground with a blast of ice. Sheena descended upon it and planted five ofuda upon it. Sheena quickly fled and gestured to the ofuda, which exploded with violent force.

The members of the Explorers regrouped back at the camp, where Lana met with Michael, the chief of the Royal Guard. "Michael, it's time to retreat from this location."

"I understand your Majesty," replied Michael. "What will you do about the Pikmin?"

"I'm bringing them home with me," said Lana. "They'll be safer there."

**END OF CHAPTER**


	6. Chaos 1 - Jewels of Chaos

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. Sonic the Hedgehog was produced by Sega. This story uses reference material from both.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Chaos Control 1: Jewels of Chaos**

Bowser made his way down the massive halls of Power Palace in search of his friend's room. Sonia had invited him over for dinner as an apology for what had happened in Aselia. It was her turn to bring him his dinner, but the Vanguard had kidnapped her, which prevented her from delivering the meal. He salivated at the thought of the meal that Sonia had promised to prepare. He began to imagine a whole table of covered by plates of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, and vegetables.

Bowser approached Sonia's door and knocked. The door opened and revealed Sonia on the other side. "You're early! Come on in," said Sonia.

"Thanks for having me over. What are we having tonight?" asked Bowser.

"My specialty, roast beef seasoned with pepper," replied Sonia.

"Mmm! Smells delicious," said Bowser, sniffing the air.

"It will be ready in a few minutes," said Sonia. "Let's sit down and chat while the roast is baking."

"So, where's Kevin?" asked Bowser, after pulling up a chair.

"He's training with Lana and Sheena," replied Sonia. "He said he'll be having dinner at the mess hall, so it's just us tonight."

"I don't mind. That means more roast for me!" said Bowser, giddy like a little boy. "I've been fighting on his side for so long, I realized that I don't know too much about him. Can you tell me more about him?"

"Kevin's a good boy, but he can be a bit lazy about cleaning his room."

Bowser chuckled. "Tell me about it... My nephew, Ludwig, is always composing music. Whenever he gets writer's block, he crumples paper and throws them all over his room. I yell at him to clean up his mess, but he never does. Speaking of messes, you haven't seen the ones Bowser Jr. makes. He always spills his soup everywhere when I or my underlings try to feed him."

"I think he just wants his mommy to feed him. Babies are like that," said Sonia.

"His mommy, yeah..." said Bowser.

"Did I say something wrong?" asked Sonia.

"No, Junior doesn't have a mom. She passed away shortly after he was born," replied Bowser.

"I'm surprised. I'd never expect you to be so emotional," remarked Sonia.

"Hey, even a guy like me has feelings!" said Bowser.

"Oh, I meant no disrespect. I feel for your loss," said Sonia. "It must be hard trying to raise a child alone."

"Yeah," replied Bowser. "I have my servants, but I prefer a hands-on approach. I want to be sure I raise Junior to be like dear old dad."

"Honestly, I don't think kidnapping Princess Peach and scaring the Mushroom Kingdom is setting a good example for him," admitted Sonia.

"That's where you're wrong," said Bowser. "I don't attack the Mushroom Kingdom to scare people. I only do it cuz I want Peach to marry me. She's wonderful, she's sweet. She would be the perfect mother for him."

"Have you tried telling her your feelings in person?" asked Sonia.

"Yeah, but she only thinks of me as a friend," replied Bowser. "Other times..."

Suddenly, a ding came from the kitchen. "Oh, that's my roast. Hold on a moment."

Sonia put on some oven mitts and retrieved the roast from the oven. After placing it and its side dishes on the table, she used a knife to slice off a quarter of the roast for herself, while serving the rest to Bowser. The two helped themselves to mashed potatoes and other vegetables and began their meal. As they ate, they washed down the food with milk. It was a fairly basic, standard meal, but very filling and covered every major food group. When they were done, Bowser had wolfed down the entire roast, while Sonia could only manage a few slices.

"Mmm, mmm... That was delicious. Thanks for dinner," said Bowser.

"You're welcome. Let's do this again another time," said Sonia.

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"Today, the warp to Mobius had just become unsealed," said Charles. "The seal had been ripped open due to space-time disruptions coming from the Mobius side."

"Space-time distortions?"' asked Abel.

"Yes," replied Charles. "We're not sure what the source is, but every few hours, we detect such disruptions coming from Mobius. We're concerned that they might bring down our seal prematurely. Although the seal will fall eventually, there's still some time, so we'll make use of it."

"Could the Chaos Emeralds be the cause?" asked Kevin.

"Maybe," replied Sonia. "If Dr. Eggman's experimenting on them again, we'd better stop him, even if Sonic gets involved regardless."

"Could these Emeralds be why our seal is coming down?" asked Lana. "Could what Eggman is doing with these Emeralds gradually weaken the seal?"

"Possibly," replied Charles. "It may have contributed to the problem, but the seal would break eventually. There are just too many worlds coming into existence. By stopping Eggman, you're mostly buying us time to prepare for when the seal is gone completely."

"I understand. Time isn't something we have much of," said Lana. "We'll explore Mobius and if Eggman is causing this, we'll stop him."

As routine, the Explorers travelled down to the warp zone hub and approached a warp marked by the infinity symbol, or more appropriately, a Mobius strip. On the other side, they were assaulted by a foul stench. "Ugggh, what's that smell?" asked Sheena, pinching her nose shut to keep out the scent.

"Oh man, where did we end up?" asked Kevin, looking around for clues while keeping his own nose pinched like Sheena.

Kevin looked around and found himself outside of an earthen mound at the outskirts of a city. Some distance away, he saw a building which was sealed off by a chain-link fence with barbed wire on its top. The building appeared to be an office, but was near a set of water silos and open air vats. Several pipes ran between these buildings, vats, and silos, carrying water from place to place. Judging from the layout and setup of the compound, it appeared to be a sewage treatment facility. The foul scent was from untreated water on by the site.

The Explorers left the area immediately. They followed the street into a vast metropolis, a city not unlike those from Kevin and Sonia's world. The roads were paved with asphalt and marked by lines indicating lanes for cars. The buildings were structures of brick and mortar and some were large enough to be skyscrapers. People and even anthropomorphic animals commuted through the city via cars, buses, and other motor vehicles.

"Ah, this feels like back home," remarked Sonia.

"Yeah, it's almost like we never left," said Kevin. "I wonder how dad and the others are doing. They must be worried sick about us."

"Cheer up Kevin. With your help, I'm sure Power Palace will be ready soon. Thank you, all of you, for what you've done so far," said Lana.

"You're welcome, your Highness," said Abel.

"I'm no hero, but the Powers and Koopas have always been friends," said Bowser. "Think of it as a favour to a friend."

"You know, I'm kind of having fun, going to all these places, seeing new people... It's so exciting!" admitted Kevin.

The group approached a library, a brick and mortar building which combined modern architecture with an old-style, Gothic aesthetic. It had gargoyles carved into its corners, depicting the creatures holding up the brown, shingled roof of the building. "Let me check in there," said Sonia. "The computer might have some information."

This library was the South Sector branch of the Central City Library. Sonia borrowed one of its computers and typed in commands into its Internet browser. The world was known as Mobius, which everyone already knew. The surprising thing was that its maps depicted a world similar in geography to the Earth. The continents were roughly the same shape and in similar locations. The major differences were new lakes and bays that were not present in her home world.

"Kevin, could you tell us more about Dr. Eggman?" asked Lana.

"Yeah, he's Sonic's main nemesis," replied Kevin. "He wants to take over the world with his army of robots. He often tries to steal the Chaos Emeralds to power his latest invention. He'll learn about Power Palace eventually, so we need to be ready for him."

"You told us about the Chaos Emeralds back at the palace," said Abel. "Is there anything more you can tell us about them?"

"They are jewels which control chaos, time, and space," replied Kevin.

"Is that so? Messing with such things is very dangerous," remarked Abel.

"You're preaching to the choir," said Kevin. "It's a good thing Sonic always gets the better of him in the end."

"...But he keeps trying," said Sheena.

"Yep," replied Kevin. "That's Eggman for you. If nothing else, he's very persistent."

"If Dr. Eggman is so persistent, we should make friends with Sonic to fight him," said Sheena.

"That's a good idea," replied Lana. "Where can we find Sonic?"

"I'm not sure, but his friend, Knuckles the echidna, guards the Master Emerald on Angel Island," replied Kevin. "He might know."

An explosion rang out from elsewhere in the city. Several sirens started blaring as Central City police raced to investigate the source. The Explorers decided to follow the police to see what was happening. Several rotund, orange robots with large blue smiles were on the scene. They carried out sacks filled with cash and gold from a bank. One of the robots came out with a large green jewel, which it held aloft to show to its master.

The rotund, mustachioed man descended in a pod-like vehicle with thrusters and examined the jewel. "Ah yes, this is the Chaos Emerald. This is the last one," remarked the man, the mad scientist known as Dr. Eggman. "Egg Pawns, we've got what we came for. Time to move out!"

Eggman flew back to his ship, which hovered overhead. His Egg Pawns rocketed up behind him, carrying their booty back home for their master. When the police arrived, they opened fire on the mother ship, but were unable to do any damage due to its powerful armour. The mother ship returned fire, blasting cars to pieces and the combat robots to scrap. More police arrived to reinforce their side, but they were cut down by a volley of energy shots. When the helicopters came, they were shot down by the mother ship's guns as well.

The ship sped away just before the Explorers arrived on the scene. Kevin had managed to get a glimpse of Dr. Eggman's ship before he got away. "That was Dr. Eggman!" he informed his friends.

"He robbed a bank?" asked Sheena.

"Not just any bank," replied Kevin. "That was the Reserve Bank of Central City."

"So he's back to his old tricks, hmm?" asked Sonia.

"Sure looks like it," replied Kevin.

At that moment, a familiar blue hedgehog entered the scene at breakneck speed. The small blue hedgehog was an anthropomorphic creature with spiky hair and wore a pair of red running shoes and white gloves. He had a cocky, devil-may-care demeanour about him. He was approached by a police officer, who talked with him about the robbery. "That must be Sonic," said Lana.

"Yep, that's him," said Sonia.

A second anthropomorphic animal, a two-tailed fox, came up beside Sonic. This one seemed much younger than the hedgehog and rode in a blue, biped robot which had wings and an engine in the torso like an airplane. This vehicle was the Cyclone, a monoplane which could transform into its current robot form. "There's Tails too. Now's our chance to ask them," said Kevin.

Lana approached Sonic after he finished hearing the officer's report about the bank robbery. "Hey Sonic!" she called. "Sonic!"

"You looking for me?" asked Sonic.

"Hey! Watch your tone around the princess," said Bowser.

"Ooh, I'm scared," said Sonic.

"Grrr..." growled Bowser.

"Calm down," said Lana. "I'm Lana, Princess of Videoland."

"Princess?" asked Sonic. Lana proceeded to give a more thorough introduction of herself and her friends to Sonic. She also mentioned the existence of the warp zone in Power Palace and the effects of Eggman's experiments on the seal. "So Eggman is causing the Emeralds to damage your seal?"

"Yeah," replied Lana. "It just opened up a few hours ago, which allowed us to enter your world."

"You're a major star where I'm from," said Kevin. "There are so many video games about you. I've played a few of them myself."

"Hey Tails, I'm world famous, yep, yep," said Sonic, putting his arms around his head to bask in the glory and fame.

"Am I in those video games too?" asked Tails.

"Oh, of course," replied Kevin. "So is Amy, Knuckles, and the rest of the gang."

"So, you want my help against Dr. Eggman, is that right?" asked Sonic.

"Yeah," replied Lana. "You have experience dealing with him."

"Okay," replied Sonic. "I'm about to go stop another of his evil plans right now. He just stole a Chaos Emerald from the Reserve Bank over there. He'll go to for the Master Emerald next. It's the only one left."

"That means Knuckles is in danger!" said Kevin.

"Let us help," said Lana.

"Okay, but don't get in my way," said Sonic. "Hope you guys can keep up!"

"I'm getting several Chaos Emerald readings to the south, heading towards Angel Island," said Tails. "We can use the Cyclone to follow Eggman."

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Meanwhile, Knuckles hid behind a tree in a large forest on Angel Island. Numerous bullets soared through the air, shredding the bark and leaves of the trees. The bullets originated from a pink anthropomorphic echidna standing just a few feet ahead of him. Her torso and hands were open, which revealed several gun barrels and also the fact that she was really a robot. Before this reveal, Knuckles had mistaken her for Tikal, an echidna from ages past, when the echidna were great in number and power.

Knuckles noticed something above in the corner of his eye. "The Egg Carrier? So Eggman was behind this? I should have known... I ought to punch his face in for preying on my friendship with Tikal!" said Knuckles.

The bullets kept flying from the robotic Tikal impostor. She was spraying the forest randomly to ensure that she had killed Knuckles. Suddenly, a blue blur rammed the fake Tikal like a cannonball from behind. Tikal fell facefirst into the ground where she shattered to pieces. "Knuckles! Are you there? Come out!"

"Sonic, over here!" called Knuckles in return, emerging from hiding and waving to draw his attention.

"Are you okay man?" asked Sonic.

"I am, now that you're here. Eggman is coming for the Master Emerald. I have to get back!" said Knuckles.

"Yeah, we know. Tails and some new friends of mine are trying to hold him off while I looked for you," said Sonic. "We should head back too."

"Okay, you first," said Knuckles.

The duo ran back to the dais which held the Master Emerald. A whole platoon of robots was at the dais' base. A few of them were trying to ascend the stairs and reach the massive green emerald in the holder at the top. Tails was on the rear of an airborne robot, firing at it. Abel had sprayed a blast of ice and snow at one of the Egg Pawns. The robot froze instantly. Scarlet suddenly appeared and shot a fireball at it. The robot exploded to several frozen shards.

Sonic and Knuckles took Bowser's side after he crushed an Egg Pawn's head with his bare hand. Knuckles glanced at the Emerald and saw Eggman approaching in his pod ship. He extended a mechanical arm to the Master Emerald and picked it up. "He's got the Emerald!" cried Knuckles.

Sonic, Knuckles, and Bowser scrambled up the dais to stop Eggman. Sonic took the lead and launched himself into a homing attack. He struck Eggman's pod and received an electric shock for his trouble. Sonic fell to the ground and managed to right himself and land on his feet just as Knuckles arrived. "Too slow Sonic! I'm out of here!" said Eggman, rising into the sky and flying back to the Egg Carrier.

Suddenly, Kevin fired at the mechanical arm which held the Master Emerald. The arm snapped and the Master Emerald plummeted back to ground. "Curse you Sonic, and your stupid friends!"

Eggman vanished into the Egg Carrier, which then sped away. "After him! We can't let him get away!" said Knuckles.

Tails made a return flight with the Cyclone, which allowed Sonic and Knuckles to hop on. Abel summoned Yog, who sucked in his team and followed Tails. The combined group soared through the air in pursuit of Dr. Eggman and the Chaos Emeralds. They soon reached the ocean, a vast body of water which extended for miles around. Up ahead was Eggman's mother ship, a metallic armoured space ship with red fins and yellow insignias representing Dr. Eggman's face.

As soon as they approached, the Egg Carrier started to scramble aerial robots to intercept. Numerous jet-propelled robots charged at the team, firing beams and missiles at them. Tails banked the Cyclone around, weaving through the volleys of shells and missiles. Yog simply ploughed through enemy fire, deflecting the shots with a golden barrier. Tails returned fire with the Cyclone's machine guns while Yog opened portals around him to fire retaliatory Hades Blasts.

The sky filled with the explosions of robots and missiles fired from each side. Despite Eggman's fearsome defences, the two slipped through and landed on the surface of the Egg Carrier. They marched up to the nearest set of double doors, which led deeper into the Egg Carrier. The doors were closed and had nothing obvious, like a handle, to open them. However, there was a control panel next to the right, but it would not respond to Sonic pressing the buttons.

"Tails, can you jury-rig this panel?" asked Sonic.

"I have a better idea. Step aside," said Bowser. Rather than open the door, Bowser took several steps back from the door after his friends moved out of the way.

He charged at top speed, slamming into the door like a speeding truck. The metal double doors burst open as his momentum tore a hole right through them. "...Or we can do that," said Sonic.

Their abrupt entry into the ship triggered the blaring of an alarm klaxon. Red lights started to flicker rapidly to accompany the blaring. The Explorers continued deeper into the Egg Carrier, guided by the Emerald radar in Tails' Cyclone walker. As they entered Eggman's recreation room, several robots emerged from the opposite door. Abel arced electricity at the ones in the front. The Egg Pawns' circuitry overloaded from this attack, leaving charred and smouldering scrap metal behind.

The remains of the Egg Pawns blocked the door, making it difficult for their allies to leave the hallway and surround the team. Kevin, Lana, and Tails pelted the hallway with numerous shots, mowing dozens more down. However, they were so numerous that eventually, a few managed to breach the room, despite massive losses. As they breached the room, Kevin flipped over Eggman's ping pong table and hid behind it as cover. Sonia cast Power Word: Shield to form a bubble of golden light to block their shots.

Sonic spun into a ball and launched himself into a homing attack. He smashed an Egg Pawn to pieces, bouncing off of it and then a wall to smash another Egg Pawn. He uncurled and landed on his feet. Bowser spewed searing flame at the doorway, which melted a trio of Egg Pawns. As the last wave approached the door, Scarlet appeared out of thin air and extracted energy from the rearmost robot. The Egg Pawn shorted out and collapsed.

Abel teleported behind the enemy ranks, near where Scarlet was. He arced lightning, shorting out their circuitry fatally. The Explorers continued deeper into the Egg Carrier. Eventually, they came upon a room guarded by a pair of Egg Pawns. Sonic quickly dispatched them by rushing them in a homing attack. Tails opened the double door's control panel and rewired it, causing the doors to slide open. The Explorers rushed inside.

Inside, they found Dr. Eggman seated within his pod-like ship, with his back to the team. He was facing a central device, a computer connected to seven pedestals by wires. Each pedestal had a slot which contained a differently coloured jewel. The computer apparently was a control device for extracting and regulating the power of the seven jewels, which glowed as they released energy. These jewels were the seven Chaos Emeralds. Dr. Eggman turned around to confront his intruders.

"Sonic, you're always meddling in my plans," said Eggman. "Everywhere I look, you always seem to have new friends coming to aid you."

"What can I say? I'm a popular guy!" said Sonic. "I'll be taking the emeralds back, Eggman."

"Not this time, Sonic," said Eggman, who proceeded to fire at them.

Sonia formed a large, magical dome of golden light, a product of the spell Power Word: Barrier. Rather than continue firing, Eggman fired up the jets to his pod. "He's gonna ram us!" cried Lana.

"No he won't!" said Kevin.

As Eggman sped forward, Kevin suddenly caused him to lag, which snapped him back to his position before the regulating computer. The lag turned Eggman around and started to move him back along the path he had taken to enter the room and travel to the regulating computer. When the lag stopped, Eggman's forward motion continued unhindered. He ploughed into the computer, tearing plastic and circuitry out it.

"Oh no!" said Eggman as his pod smashed his computer to pieces.

The environment started to distort as the Emeralds began producing abnormally large amounts of energy. "What's going on?" asked Sonia.

"This is... Chaos Control!" replied Tails.

A black vortex appeared above each of the seven Emeralds, dragging them out of their holders toward the centre. The suction was strong enough that even the team felt the pull. Sheena and Sonia quickly raised barriers to shield the group, preventing the suction from drawing them in. Kevin began to lag the teal Emerald in an attempt to prevent it from being sucked in. Abel surrounded it with the green aura of "Zan," or force-based magic, telekinetically dragging it back to them.

The other Emeralds were dragged into the vortexes and vanished. The vortexes persisted despite having sucked in the emeralds, expanding and continuing to draw in other loose objects. "We have to get out of here!" said Sonia.

"Eggman! Where is he?" asked Tails, but seeing him nowhere around. "He's gone!"

"He must have fled," said Abel. "We should do the same before we get pulled in."

The Explorers fled back through the door, away from the dimensional instability. They ran through the creaking corridors of the Egg Carrier. The vortexes were growing in size and beginning to tear holes into the Egg Carrier. Once on the outer deck, they scrambled for their getaway vehicles. As they took off, a large chunk of the deck tore off and was sucked into the vortexes. Random fires started to break out, followed by a massive explosion of the ship's power core.

The Egg Carrier started to lose altitude as its power gave out and crashed into the ocean. The vortexes died down and vanished after the Egg Carrier's destruction. The Explorers, already a mile away at this time, looked back at the wreckage in the ocean. "At least we were able to save one," remarked Abel, gazing down at the teal Chaos Emerald. He gave it to Sonic.

"Yeah, but where did the others go?" asked Lana.

"If they're not on Mobius, they must be elsewhere," replied Abel. "Could something like Chaos Control open warps on their own?"

"It's possible," replied Lana. "I'm more concerned about the damage to the seal."

"The seal isn't our main problem. I'm more worried about where the Emeralds will end up," said Kevin. "Eggman's bad enough, but I'm scared to think of who might get their hands on an Emerald if they're sent to other game worlds."

"Don't worry," said Sonic. "We're getting them back. We won't let the wrong people get ahold of them. I'm joining you guys so you'd better get used to me."

"I'll have to drop out here," said Knuckles. "I need to go back and guard the Master Emerald. If I go along, no one would be there to stop Eggman should he try again."

"Okay, I understand," said Lana.

"Yeah, don't worry bro," said Sonic. "Lana's team will more than make up for your absence."

Yog flew the team back to Angel Island, where they released Knuckles. He waved to his new friends as they flew back to the outskirts of Central City. The Explorers returned to the sewage treatment plant, where they had initially entered Mobius. "Ugh, pee-yew! You came from here?" asked Sonic, pinching his nose closed from the stench of the foul, polluted waters of the plant.

"The warp back home is here," said Sheena. "Just tough it out until you get through."

**END OF CHAPTER**


	7. Chaos 2 - The Battle of Kakariko

Disclaimer:  
Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. Legend of Zelda was produced by Nintendo. This story uses reference material from all.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Chaos Control 2: The Battle of Kakariko**

Night had fallen on a vast desert which stretched outward for miles and miles in all directions. The winds picked up lightly, blowing grains of sand across the dusty dunes. The desert was mostly vacant, save for the occasional cactus or hardly shrub. An ancient temple rested in the midst of the sandy wastes, built in ages past by a priestly order. The temple had since fallen into ruin, with broken columns being slowly worn away and buried by the elements.

A lone youth, an elven man named Link, approached this forgotten place. Link was clad in a green tunic and a matching long, toque-like cap. He was clad in chain mail beneath his tunic and had a sword and shield strapped to his back. As he hid behind a standing pillar, he could hear the muttering of some guards by the entrance to the stone ruins. The guards were a pair of red-headed Arabian women in loose, matching violet garb. Both were armed with scimitars.

These women were Gerudo, a race of Amazonian women who inhabited these deserts. They were adept mounted raiders who robbed nearby towns for commodities such as food. Since men were very rare among their kind, they often kidnapped men to father their children. Recently, they had begun heavy expansion eastward. They had conquered the Moblin tribes and incorporated them into their army. While not as agile or intelligent as the Gerudo, the bulldog-like Moblins had brute strength and stamina to spare. They became the muscle for the Gerudo.

Eventually, they reached Hylian villages near the border, intensifying raids against them. All of this was thanks to the Gerudo's new king, a man named Ganondorf, or Ganon for short. Not only was he an accomplished warrior, Ganon was a powerful sorcerer as well. He had a reputation for being a ruthless, tyrannical king. During one of his raids, Ganon's forces had captured Princess Zelda of the Hylian royalty. She was being held hostage in the ruins as a hostage against Hylian retaliation. Link was here to rescue her.

When he was certain that the guards were not paying attention, Link hurled a magical blue boomerang at them. The boomerang arced around in the air, striking one of the women in the back of the head. When the second turned to check on the first, the boomerang bounced off and caught her between the eyes. Having knocked out both women, Link quickly moved the women out of sight, around a corner of the temple. He opened the stone door and was greeted by a large, vacant stone room lit by torches.

Above, he could see several bat-like creatures, Keese, resting on the roof. He hurled the boomerang at them. It bounced from Keese to Keese, taking all of them out with a single attack. Link continued deeper into the ruined temple, entering the main room. It had a mezzanine with stone guard rails which went around the perimeter above, overlooking the centre below. There was a single steel cage dangling from a rope above. Following the rope led Link's gaze to a pulley system above and further on to a winch which raised and lowered the cage.

Within the cage was a single blonde elf woman in her late teens. She wore a tiara adorned with a red jewel and a violet dress with the emblem of a trio of gold triangles which formed a larger triangle. This woman was Princess Zelda and she had spotted Link's head as he peeked out to scan the room. "Hey!" blurted Zelda.

"Shhh!" said Link, putting a finger to his mouth while lowering his voice to a whisper. "I'm going to get you out."

"The guards have just left. Hurry!" whispered Zelda.

Link looked around and found a staircase leading upstairs to the left of the entryway. Once on the mezzanine, Zelda's cage appeared to be slightly lower than his thigh. Link turned the corner and approached the winch. In his haste, he got careless and had entered the sight of a Moblin who was behind a doorway across from his location. The Moblin growled out a warning to his friends. Link heard the cry and saw several Moblins rushing over.

Link took cover behind the stone guard rail once the Moblins started lobbing arrows in his direction. The arrows zinged through the air overhead hitting the wall behind and above him. Some of the them were on fire. The flaming arrows landed around Link's area, meant to smoke him out and expose him to the Moblins' fire. The Moblins, who were not very bright, had accidentally hit the rope during their volley. The rope started to burn unnoticed in the heat of battle.

Link hurled his boomerang over, bouncing the weapon from head to head of each of his foes. When he caught his boomerang, he noticed the fire on the cage's rope, just as it burnt its way through. "EEEEE!" screamed Zelda, as the cage crashed to the ground with a loud clang.

It toppled over and she was thrown down, landing in a heap where the top of the cage would be. Link dispatched the last of the Moblins with a boomerang toss before going down to check on Zelda. "Zelda! Are you okay?" he asked.

"Ow!" she blurted. "Could you not be so rough?"

"Well, excuse me, Princess!" Link retorted. "Those Moblins nearly took off my head. I can't help it if they were so stupid that they shot the rope to your cage."

Zelda sighed. "The key should be on one of those Moblins. See if you can find it!"

Link searched the bodies of the felled Moblins, finding the key attached to one of their belts. After popping the cage door open, he lifted Zelda out of the door and lowered her onto the ground. After descending himself, he received a brief hug from the Princess, who was happy to finally be out of that cage. Link rushed Zelda out of the temple ruins before any more guards arrived to investigate. Once a safe distance away, Link whistled, calling his mount, Epona, to his side. On horseback, the two sped away from the area.

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In the heart of the easternmost woods of Hyrule, far from the Gerudo Desert, there was another long abandoned temple. Built in ages past, this stone structure had since fallen into ruin. The pillars which lined its facade had crumbled from the decades of exposure to the elements. Ivy had grown up and along the most intact stone walls, creating a concealing layer of green foliage over the structure. The entire building was adorned by the emblem of the Triforce, the very symbol of the Hylian royalty.

Inside, in the deepest chamber, was a single stone dais with Triforce emblems adorning it. At each of its corners was a brazier, kept permanently lit by magic. A staircase ran down the centre of the dais, to the floor below, leading to the only entrance door to the room. A blue vortex swirled into existence, filling the room with its light. Lana had appeared on top of the dais, along with her closest allies. They fanned out and looked around the room, but there was nothing else other than them.

"So this is Hyrule?" asked Sheena.

"Yep," replied Kevin. "We must be in one of its dungeons. Normally when I play Zelda, I'm breaking into a dungeon, not out of one."

"So, this is a new experience for the both of us," said Sonia.

"We should try to reach Hyrule Castle," said Lana.

"Oh, so that means we'll be meeting Princess Zelda?" asked Kevin.

"Yep, the Powers had some relations to the Hylians long ago," replied Lana. "Now that the seal is weakening, I think it's time for a reunion."

The Explorers entered the neighbouring room. It was a large, spacious chamber with braziers flanking the door to provide a source of light. The chamber was dominated by a large pit which opened into a floor below. The exit was across the room, on a platform similar to the one the Explorers were currently standing on. The only way across was to jump over a trio of smaller platforms, which were the tops of three stone pillars. The pillars seemed a bit too far to leap across.

Kevin looked up and noticed several bat-like creatures, called Keese, perched upside down from the roof. "They'll be a pain. I'd better get rid of them," said Kevin, before firing his gun. The Keese screeched in agony as they dropped like flies and vanished in puffs of black smoke.

"Now, how do we get across?" asked Sheena. "I can jump pretty far, but even I can't make a jump that's that far."

"Easy, I'll make a platform for you," said Abel, who moved to the edge. He sprayed ice and snow out of his hands which began to coalesce into a mass of solid ice which bridged the edge to the next platform. "Watch your step, it's slippery," he said.

"You should enter the ice sculpture contest at Flanoir," remarked Sheena.

"I'm not that artistic," replied Abel.

The Explorers continued across, using the bridges Abel constructed from ice and snow. After passing the door, they found themselves in what appeared to be a vacant room save for a pair of horned statues. Kevin cautiously approached the statues. He then poked each statue, as though trying to prod them into reacting to his presence. When he was certain they were not going to do anything, he relaxed and looked around the room. There was a crack on the far wall from which air flowed through.

Kevin tapped the wall and listened to the sound it made. "You want that opened, Kevin?" asked Bowser. "I'll be happy to oblige."

Bowser picked up one of the statues. Kevin, realizing what he intended to do, quickly got out of the way. Bowser hurled the statue headfirst into the cracked wall. The statue smashed its way through with a loud, echoing boom. It strewed rubble all over the ground. "So you thought of using the statue instead of charging in this time," said Sonic.

"That's using your head, right?" asked Bowser. "Why use your head when you can use another's?"

The next room had two more doors at the sides and a third directly across the room. This third door was the largest of the three and had the Triforce emblem emblazoned on its centre. Rays of moonlight trickled in through the crack, an obvious sign that this door led outside. The room itself was filled with horned statues in a four by four formation, totalling sixteen statues in all. Remembering his Zelda games, Kevin hugged the wall as he moved around the statues to the entrance. Fortunately, none of the statues he had passed came to life.

Outside, night had fallen onto the land of Hyrule. The moon was shining brightly in the sky as crickets chirped and owls hooted in the distance. "The Chaos Emerald is far to the northwest," said Tails.

"There's a camp just ahead, by that river," said Lana. "I'm going to ask for some directions."

Lana approached the camp, which was occupied by a group of blue-skinned, fish-like people seated near seven tents. They appeared to be a trade caravan, judging from all of the boxes near their camp. The boxes were loaded onto a series of wooden, raft-like devices which had handles on the side. The traders moved their cargo by pushing the handles while swimming alongside the rafts. Lana recognized these traders as Zora, an aquatic race which was friendly with the elven Hylians of Hyrule.

"Hello, can you tell me where we are right now?" asked Lana.

"Sure, we're by the Zora River in the Lost Woods, near the Lost Woods temple," replied one of the male Zora.

"Okay, can any of you give me directions to Hyrule Castle?" asked Lana.

"The castle is to the northwest, at the centre of Hyrule Field," replied one of the male Zora. "You can't miss it."

"Thanks," said Lana.

"Yeah, I think it would be a good idea to camp for the night. These woods and the fields are filled with dangerous monsters at night," informed the Zora.

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Rather than stay, the Explorers travelled northwestward within the orbs of Yog-Sothoth. The journey was a rapid one, with no obstacles in the sky to impede their motion forward. Hyrule Castle loomed in the distance, towering above the land and the town at its base. It was a white castle typical of high fantasy, lit only by the light of torches from the town and from the parapets. Yog descended a few metres from the front gate of the castle town and allowed his passengers to disembark.

The gate to the castle town had been barred shut for the night. Numerous guards patrolled the bulwark which protected the entrance. Others were stationed in the towers, acting as lookouts. As the Explorers approached the barred gate, a horseman approached the same location. The green-clad rider was an elven teenager and was likely a warrior judging from the gear he possessed. He had a female passenger seated behind him. Since she was dressed so elegantly, she appeared to be a noble, possibly a member of the royal family.

"Halt, who goes there?" asked the guard above.

"I'm Princess Lana of House Power," replied Lana. "I wish to visit the King of Hyrule to open relations between our two nations."

"I am Link," replied the horseman. "I'm here to return Princess Zelda to his Majesty."

"Hold on," said the guard above, who turned to another nearby. The second guard went back, apparently to consult with some people before returning. "Both of you may enter."

The gate arose open with the sound of squeaking metal as guards inside the town spun the mechanism. A half dozen men were waiting on the other side, ready to escort both groups to the palace. When they reached the interior, the guards told them to wait for the king's arrival. Hyrule Castle was the product of master craftsman, having a smooth, arched roof. The interior had been painted a saintly white to match its exterior. There were pedestals with busts and paintings of former royals. The Triforce emblem featured prominently in the paintings and stone reliefs.

The guards led the groups to the throne room. Seated on the throne was the king, a portly elven man with greyed hair and pointed ears. He was dressed in robes of red and had the Triforce emblem on his golden belt buckle. "You are in the presence of his Majesty, King Daphnes LIII. Please bow to his Majesty as a sign of respect."

Link and the Explorers bowed complied. "Welcome friends, to the land of Hyrule... Zelda! You're home safe!"

"Yes father, Link rescued me from captivity," said Zelda.

"Thank you. I'm glad my daughter was able to return home safely," said the King. Daphnes turned his attention toward Lana. "So, you say you are a member of the Power family?"

"Yes, I am Lana Power of House Power. My retinue and I arrived from a portal in the Lost Woods Temple," replied Lana.

"Yes, I recognize your crown from the pictures left by my ancestors. Forgive me, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Daphnes Hyrule LIII, king of the land of Hyrule. It's great to meet you Princess Lana. I take it that the seal placed on the portal by your ancestors has collapsed?"

"Not completely, but the seal is weakening. Due to this, I was able to enter Hyrule with my retinue," replied Lana. "I fear that the seal could collapse at any moment and the worlds will be exposed to each other once again."

"I see, this could not have come at a worse time," said Daphnes. "My nation is under siege by the Gerudo of the western deserts. Ever since Ganon took control, they have grown in power. They have conquered the Moblin tribes and began deploying them in their attacks. They grow bolder every day. They have started to encroach on Eldin to the north and Lanayru to the southwest. Even with the help of the Goron and the Zora, we've only managed to stall them. As you might suspect, they've gone as far as to take my Zelda as a hostage."

"Yeah, until Link came," said Zelda. "He's the hero from the legends. He'll help Hyrule return to peace. Father, I'm can't sit around while people need me. I want to help Link restore peace to our kingdom."

Daphnes sighed. "I don't like it, but the legends leaning towards this. Please be careful on your journey."

Daphnes hugged his beloved daughter. "I will, father," said Zelda.

"Your Majesty," said Lana. "We're here in search of a Chaos Emerald. It's a jewel with great power. It was originally from the world of two of my friends, Sonic and Tails."

"I see, you must mean that jewel we discovered in Kakariko Village," said Daphnes. "Some villagers chanced upon it when it fell from the sky. However, the Gerudo have begun probing raids into the area. We expect a major attack to come soon. If you can help us defend Kakariko, I'll return the Emerald to you."

"Very well," said Lana.

"Thank you. Link, Zelda, please go with these people to help in the defence of Kakariko Village. When you get there, speak to Impa for the situation."

"Of course, your Majesty," replied Link.

"Thank you. Please spend the night at our guest rooms," said Daphnes.

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Dawn broke out in radiant, golden glory across the land of Hyrule. The birds chirped joyfully as a mother fed her chicks an earthworm caught from the ground. The dew glistened like gossamer on the trees in the light. The people of Hyrule town started to stir, awakening to perform the chores needed to live for the day. The Explorers and their newfound friends awoke with the rising sun and gathered before the gate to Hyrule Town. Zelda hugged her father and joined the others.

Abel summoned Yog-Sothoth. "What is that thing?" asked Link, puzzled by Yog's bizarre appearance.

"A demon named Yog-Sothoth," replied Abel. "He will be our ride."

"You can summon demons?" asked Zelda.

"Yes, in fact, I'm a demon myself," replied Abel.

"We've got a lot to talk about," remarked Link.

"Yeah," said Zelda. "Bye bye, father, we'll see you when we're done at Kakariko."

Yog pulled all of his team into his orbs and took to the sky. As they flew through the air, Link and Zelda looked down below, marvelling at how different Hyrule looked from the sky. This was how the birds viewed their beautiful land and it was even more lovely from above. As the trip continued, they spoke with the members of the Explorers and introduced themselves. Link and Zelda were quite amazed at how different each of them were. They all came from different, strange worlds so unlike Hyrule.

Kevin and Sonia's world was the strangest of them all. From their descriptions, it was a vast city, dwarfing anything that existed in Hyrule. The technology from their home, such as cars and computers, seemed so alien yet wondrous. Link and Zelda also found it odd and amusing to learn that they were fictional characters from a video game in their world. The stories behind these games and the events they depicted were exactly as described in the legends and stories of their ancestors.

"So, have you found the Master Sword yet?" asked Kevin.

Zelda raised her eyebrows in shock, despite hearing clear evidence that Kevin would know of it. "Not yet," replied Link. "Are you saying I'll need it later?"

"Yeah, you'll need it's power if you want to take down Ganon," replied Kevin. "You'll have to pass some tests before you can use it. The other Links had to do the same thing."

"Where might I find the sword?" asked Link.

"I'm not sure. Its location changes every game, but it's usually in a forest or a temple," replied Kevin.

"I can't tell you that yet," replied Zelda. "Like Kevin said, you have to pass some tests before I can reveal that information."

A myriad of thoughts ran through Zelda's mind. These people, Princess Lana and her personal guard, seemed very strong and had access to powerful weapons and magic. Kevin and Sonia were the most knowledgeable about Hyrule, rivalling that of Hyrule's scholars and royal family. That knowledge made their very dangerous individuals. Both Kevin and Lana had access to powerful weapons unseen in Hyrule. Sonia wasn't really a fighter, but her support capabilities were unmatched.

Bowser had superhuman levels of strength and resilience and he could breathe fire. Even if dozens of Ganon's best warriors were pitted against him, they would lose. Sonic was so fast, he could strike before any foe could think of reacting, while Tails operated a destructive war machine. Abel was likely the most powerful member of Lana's team as an individual. His magic may well surpass Ganon's own and he had powerful demons at his beck and call. Sheena was a top-notch scout with many tricks to elude and confound her foes. Fortunately, these warriors were on her side, giving her hope that they might turn the tide on Ganon's conquest.

Within the hour, Yog had descended near the town of Kakariko. It was near the foot of the Eldin Mountains, which dominated the border with Hyrule Field and Eldin Province. Thick black smoke smouldered from blast craters while numerous fortifications dotted the land. Many bodies of both Hylian and Gerudo forces were strewn about along with dropped weapons. The citizens had long since been evacuated further up Death Mountain. Only Hylian, Goron, and Zora soldiers were present.

The team met with a tall, muscular woman with brown skin and grey hair. She was their contact, Impa, who was organizing the local defence. According to her, the current situation was dire. The Gerudo were pushing eastward very hard and would reach Kakariko by nightfall. The forces of Hyrule were gathered to make a last stand at the village. Due to Kakariko's location, occupying it would give the Gerudo a beachhead to for deep raids into Eldin province and Hyrule Field. This would enable them to strike at both Hylian and Goron centres of power, especially Hyrule Castle.

The Gerudo had committed nearly half of their standing forces to capturing Kakariko. They knew how valuable it was and so had gambled much on this attack. By attacking Eldin, they could disrupt mining in Hyrule, denying vital resources to their foes. By attacking Hyrule Field, they have effectively cut off the centre of Hyrule, which complicated logistics and supply routes for the Hylian Alliance. Despite these advantages, a loss here would devastate the Gerudo forces and utterly crush their eastward momentum.

As night fell on the area, the sun was replaced by the moon and the stars cast their light upon the land. Sheena rushed across the rocky trail which led towards the village. She scaled the gate by simply running up its side and landed on the ground behind. She entered the village proper and singled out Impa. "The Gerudo are moving up the trail. They've set up archers by the first fallen gate while Moblins lead the charge against the final gate."

"Okay, please go to the front and help your friends block the advance," said Impa.

Meanwhile, the Gerudo archers pelted the last gate which kept the Gerudo out of Kakariko proper. Arrows zinged through the air while cannons boomed, launching metal balls at the gate. The Hylians returned with volleys of their own, firing from the mountainside and parapets. Kevin and Zelda peered out from behind a mountainside rock. He saw masses of Gerudo stationed in the rear, lobbing arrows at the bulwark across from them.

Kevin lined the crosshairs on a Gerudo archer and fired. The woman dropped immediately after the shot pierced her chest. The others thought the Hylians had taken out one of their members and kept firing at the gate under their commander's orders. Kevin noticed the commander, a Gerudo who was in plate armour, unlike the more lightly armoured archers. He sniped the woman, piercing her through the back. Zelda followed with an arrow, putting it through the skull of a random Gerudo archer.

After sniping three Gerudo, some of the archers began to suspect another shooter lurking in a different location. One of them stopped lobbing arrows to search the scenery and noticed the glint from Kevin's scope. She pointed out Kevin's location to the others, who started to hurl arrows in the direction of Kevin and Zelda. The two snipers ducked behind a rock to avoid being hit. Kevin braced against the rock and blindly fired into the crowd, hoping to hit anything he could. More arrows came his way, allowing Zelda to stand and let loose an arrow into a Gerudo's torso.

Without guidance, the Gerudo archers divided their shots between Kevin's team and the Hylian archers. When both sides exhausted their arrows, the Moblins had rushed forward, carrying battering rams to the boarded gate. They slammed the log-like weapons into the door until it burst open with wooden splinters and debris flying everywhere. The Moblins poured into the village like water flowing out of a burst dam. They ran into Tails on the other side, with Link behind him in a formation of Hylian soldiers.

Tails promptly sprayed shots into the Moblin crowd. The first to enter were also the first to be mowed down by the dozen. However, the Moblins kept coming, far more quickly than his shots could fell them. The latter ones took better precautions by entering with shields raised, a lesson learned from the deaths of their predecessors. Eventually, the Moblins came so close that Tails fired his thruster and retreated further into the village. The Moblins and Hylians closed and weapons clanged as Moblin exchanged blows with Hylians.

Each side pushed against each other, but it was clear that the Hylians giving more ground. As the Hylians got pushed further into the village, they were getting dangerously close to the houses at the fringes. Abel emerged at the top of such a house and caused rain to fall on top of the Moblins. Instead of water, it was a cursed black toxin which descended on the Moblins. They felt the droplets' cold, stinging touch sap away their very strength and will to fight.

Some of the Moblins started to become encased in chunks of ice which immobilized them. "Charge!" cried Link to the soldiers. He slammed his shield into the nearest frozen Moblin. He had cracked the statue and knocked it over, causing it to shatter once it hit the ground.

Meanwhile, behind Gerudo lines was a red-headed Gerudo man in dark plate armour. The sinister, bearded man was Ganondorf himself, the leader of the Gerudo invasion forces. "Lord Ganon," addressed an incoming messenger. "The Moblin horde is being slaughtered. A black rain fell on them and began to sap their strength. We're getting reports that this rain is also freezing some of them."

Ganon was surprised. His intelligence never mentioned such a power among any of the Hylians. "A trap... Order a retreat. We'll regroup and rethink our strategy," ordered Ganon.

When the Moblins heard Ganon's orders, they started to turn around, covering their rear as they fled back through the gate. Suddenly, Sonic pounced on one of the Moblins, bowling him over like a cannonball. He bounced off and nailed another in the back of the head, knocking him unconscious. Yog suddenly descended from above, right in the path of another group. He lashed them with tendrils. Despite his attacks, the braver ones attempted to rush him. Their strikes exposed a distortion in the air which turned their blows back onto them.

Scarlet suddenly appeared behind another Moblin and sprayed flame into his back. The Moblins scattered to avoid her flames. Others were ignited and flailed about trying to put them out. Scarlet began draining violet wisps of energy from the Moblins. One by one, Moblins fell from exhaustion. By now, the Hylians had finished off the frozen victims. The morale of the Moblins had broken completely and they were in full retreat.

As he approached, Link had drawn the attention of a spear-wielding Moblin. Link sidestepped the initial thrust and closed. He used the Moblin's shield to vault over to the soldier's back. When Link landed, he cut down the Moblin from the back. Scarlet descended into the midst of the Hylian forces and radiated healing magic around her body. Link and many Hylians felt renewed under the white light and their wounds start to recover.

Behind Gerudo lines, the anxiety was evident on Ganon's face. His attack on Kakariko was faltering and about to collapse completely. However, little did he know that the Hylian forces had discovered his whereabouts. Sheena and Bowser spied on him from above, unseen behind a boulder. Sheena nodded to Bowser and leapt into the fray. She hurled several ofuda at Ganon's entourage, felling three Gerudo guards before they could react. Bowser hurled the boulder down, stunning the entire group.

When Ganon recovered, he saw Sheena and prepared a blast of dark energy in his hand. A spinning spiked shell slammed into his chest, dismounting him abruptly. Ganon landed on the ground roughly, smearing dust and dirt all over his body. Bowser proceeded to breathe fire upon Ganon, forcing the dark king of the Gerudo to cover himself. The flames were intense and seared his body, but Ganon held on, hoping to weather it through dark magic until Bowser ran out of breath.

When Bowser finally did, Ganon hurled a sphere of dark energy. Bowser suddenly leapt over and slammed down on the ground hard. The ground shook with immense force, such that it was impossible to maintain footing. The Gerudo soldiers, still recovering from Sheena's first strike, were knocked back onto the ground. Ganon himself stumbled about before losing his own footing and falling down. Bowser picked Ganon off the ground and slammed him into the nearest rock. It cracked and crumbled under the sheer force.

As Bowser went for another slam, Ganon fired dark energy into Bowser's eyes, momentarily blinding him. Bowser staggered back, leaving himself open for Ganon's second dark energy sphere. It hurled Bowser to a rock, causing it crack under the force of impact. Ganon spotted Sheena hurling an ofuda at his lieutenant, Nabooru, a distance away. Nabooru dodged the first, but got plastered by the second. It caught her in the chest, knocking the wind out of her.

Ganon sent a dark sphere into Sheena's back. It hurled Sheena to the cliff, where she slid off and tumbled downward. Bowser recovered just in time to see this. "GRRR!" he growled, charging full steam ahead.

Ganon turned around just in time to receive a vicious, bone-crunching spear tackle to the gut. Ganon had the wind knocked out of him and even vomited blood. Bowser carried him forward and slammed him into the nearest rocky wall. When he released Ganon, the dark king slumped out of the cracked indentation. Bowser landed a massive uppercut to the chin, smashing Ganon back into the indentation, deepening it further. The rock had been pulverized and debris scattered everywhere.

Bowser stepped back and prepared to charge in, but Ganon quickly hurled dark energy. Bowser took the hit and stumbled back. Ganon charged up a more powerful sphere and sent it at Bowser. Bowser went hurtling back, past the edge of a cliff. Ganon attempted to leave the indentation, but a sharp pain jolted his body. He gasped in agony and clutched the source, his bleeding ribs. Bowser's previous blows had broken them. His strength was drained and he was in no condition to fight any longer. If anyone else tried for his life at this moment, he was done for.

Nabooru got off the ground nearby, shaking her head out of her daze. Her jaw dropped in shock when she realized the terrible condition of her king. "This is a full retreat. We're returning to the desert to regroup," said Ganon.

"Of course my lord," replied Nabooru. She stumbled away to tell her lieutenants the king's orders.

The Hylians cheered at the finale of a hard fought battle. They had won a decisive victory. Morale surged through their ranks, after seeing that Ganon and the Gerudo were far from invincible as once thought. The cost, however, was great. Many lives were lost in this brutal battle. Sheena and Bowser have not been accounted for, nor have they checked in at the town hall. The Explorers went out in search of them at their last known location, the former back lines of the Gerudo invasion force.

Abel teleported to the top of a rock and scanned about the land. He could not see anything and neither could his demons from their vantage point in the sky at the moment. Scarlet scanned around again and found a green object at the bottom of a cliff. On closer inspection, it was a reptilian creature sprawled on the ground. She came in closer for a better look. "Abel darling, I found Bowser!" said Scarlet.

At around the same time, Kevin found another person sprawled facefirst on the ground. It was Sheena! She was not moving. There was a large, black blast mark on her back. "Mom, come here. I found Sheena. She's in bad shape!" reported Kevin over the radio.

A branch was underneath her and Kevin wondered where it came from. He looked up and noticed the remaining section of the broken branch. It looked like Sheena had been blasted off the cliff, likely by Ganon. She had fallen down and crashed through the branch, which broke her fall, but snapped and allowed her to fall the rest of the way. It was later on that Kevin came on the scene and found her. Sonia quickly rushed up to Sheena and listened for a pulse.

"She'll live, but she's hurt badly. What happened to her?" Sonia asked as she channelled a Penance spell, which sent bolts of golden, healing light at Sheena.

Sheena's wound started to glow as it sealed. "Ganon happened, I'd say," replied Kevin. "He probably got her from behind when she was distracted by one of his goons. He must have knocked her off the mountain."

"Yeah, she'll recover, but she might not be able to fight for a few days while she recovers," said Sonia.

**END OF CHAPTER**


	8. Chaos 3 - Streets of Chaos

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. Streets of Rage was created by Sega. This story uses reference material from both.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Chaos Control 3: Streets of Chaos**

Kevin made his way to the Power Palace throne room, where he found some of his friends waiting. Tails was pacing around while Sonic was reclined against a pillar as they waited. Lana was having a small chat with her father, who was on the throne. Kevin couldn't make out what they were saying from seeing the sides of their heads. The last person to arrive, Abel, had teleported into the centre of the room.

"Let's begin," announced Charles. "Another warp had opened to a place called 'the City' on an alternate Earth. Tails had detected hundreds of Emerald signals within the new world."

"Hundreds? How is that possible? There are only seven emeralds and we have two of them," said Sonic.

"The Emerald's owner might be relaying its energy across the City to power multiple things," said Tails. "I'd need to analyze the receivers before I could zero in on the Emerald's true location."

"Then let's get to it," said Sonic.

"Be careful," said Charles. "You're entering a highly populated area. Also, I have seen reports of the Syndicate crime ring running rampant throughout the City. There have been numerous muggings and some murders so be careful as you walk on the streets, especially during dark. Our forces have secured the warp's location, an abandoned primary school. Feel free to use it as a base of operations."

"Of course. Let's go team," said Kevin.

The Explorers passed through a warp which depicted a fist clad in a leather fingerless glove with bare knuckles. They emerged in an earthen alcove on the other side which had been dug open into the adjacent stockroom. This hole led into the basement which housed the boilers and machinery for the derelict school. Although abandoned, the Explorers noted a green-shelled Koopa Troopa patrolling the school's upper hallways as they ascended the stairs. Other House Power soldiers were present in some of the classrooms, using them for operations in the City.

The Explorers found the monitoring room on the third floor. Michael was inside and waved Lana in to hear his report. "Your Majesty, I suggest you visit the arcade in the Pirate Land amusement park. It is close by and has a concentration of Emerald signals. Pirate Land is by the ocean to the south."

"Okay, thank you Michael. We'll check it out," said Lana.

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They explorers landed in a secluded back street alley near Pirate Land. Pirate Land was originally a wharf before its conversion into an amusement park. Most of the buildings once used for the wharf's operations had been converted into attractions in the park. True to its name, its workers were dressed in bicorn hats, eye patches, and Royal Navy jackets. Many of the buildings had been converted to have a wooden facade, to resemble the old, seaside towns frequented by sailors during the Age of Exploration.

Pirate Land was doing brisk business with a significant, but not stifling, crowd enjoying the local attractions. The arcade was near the back of the amusement park, close to its docks. It was once a warehouse but had since been converted into its present form. The arcade was a lit by lamps which bathed the arcade in a fiery glow, much like old-fashioned oil lamps. Several people were playing the video game machines and having a good time.

The Explorers looked around, but saw nothing that would suggest the signal of a Chaos Emerald. However, some of the arcade's clientele made Lana feel quite uneasy. These people didn't look like normal families and their kids. Instead, these people looked like street punks who had mohawks. Others looked like common, modern-day street thugs in jeans and fingerless gloves. One of the thugs in the rear looked over at Lana and approached her.

"Hey babe, how about we ditch this place and spend the night at my place?" the thug asked Lana.

"I'm busy," said Lana.

"That wasn't a request," said the thug, grabbing Lana's arm.

"Let her go!" said Kevin, breaking the thug's grip.

"Ow, you asshole!" said the thug, decking Kevin across the face.

Kevin stumbled backwards. The thug tried to advance, but Abel held him back by collar. He dragged the thug away to separate him from Kevin. By now, the other thugs had started to converge on the Explorers. The more innocent clientele kept their distance, not wanting to get caught in the fight about to break out. One of them drew a knife and charged at Bowser. Bowser raised his arm to block. The knife hit his scales and snapped the blade. The puzzled thug looked at his weapon, shocked that all that remained was the handle.

Bowser roared in anger and punched the thug across the room, sending him crashing behind a counter ahead. "So much for keeping a low profile," said Lana.

"I had no choice. They were going to hurt you," said Kevin.

"Suit yourself, I was getting bored!" said Sonic, who proceeded to run behind a street punk so fast as to confound him. Sonic leapt up and homing attacked the back of the punk's head. One of the thugs hit Sonic from behind with a running punch. He went facefirst into the ground.

Bowser's thug got up from behind the counter. A portion of the skin on his face had been torn off, revealing a mechanical metal skull within. This unusual sight caught Abel's attention. "A robot," said Abel. He blasted the fake thug with ice, confining him within a crystalline shell. "They must be what set off Michael and Tails' scanners."

Bowser took a kick to his back, yet did not even flinching. He casually turned to the thug and threw a single punch which smashed him through the nearest wall. He then heard the sound of sirens getting louder. "It's the cops!" said Bowser.

Kevin spotted a staircase upwards in the back of the room. "Get to the stairs! We can escape there," Kevin cried, helping Sonic to his feet.

Bowser waded into a mass of thugs, throwing haymakers left and right. Thugs and punks went flying in every direction, crashing into machines and even each other before falling unconscious in a heap on the ground. Lana, Tails, and Sonic followed behind Bowser on the path he had opened through the horde of thugs. "Best way to clear a crowd, punch'em all out," said Bowser.

"Yeah, if you don't mind them being sent to the hospital a few minutes later," said Sonic.

Abel took up the rear of the group. He spotted a security camera above the door and sent a surge of electricity through it. After burning out the arcade's entire security system, he blocked the front door with a wall of ice. The Explorers ascended stairs and ran across a bridge to the upper deck of a pirate ship. Sonia could see the lights of the police sirens flickering across the amusement park grounds. Police officers were attempting to wade through the crowd to enter the arcade.

Abel summoned Yog, who drew them in and flew out of the scene. After soaring far enough into the ocean, Yog set a course for the derelict school. "That was a close one," said Kevin.

"Those weren't thugs we were fighting," said Abel. "They were robots."

"We were attacked by robots?" asked Lana.

"Yeah," replied Tails. "The Emerald must be relaying energy to power them, which explains why I was receiving so many signals from the Emerald."

"Who built them?" asked Lana.

"Probably the Syndicate," replied Kevin. "They have done things like this in the past. Is there any other way to locate the Emerald?"

"I can triangulate the source, if you can get me some of the robots' power receiver cores," replied Tails.

"So, we have to beat up more robots? I'm game," said Bowser.

"Don't forget, the police will be looking for us now, never mind the Syndicate," said Sheena.

"We should lay low for now," said Abel. "Let the heat die down before we make our next move."

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Meanwhile, a group of vigilantes travelled down the streets of the City. This motley group of characters approached a nightclub where several unsavoury individuals, thugs and mohawked street punks, loitered around outside and in the nearby alley. When the group approached, one of the thugs perked up. He roused the others, who got up, and a few drew weapons from their pockets. Each of the vigilantes sensed a fight coming and entered combat stances in preparation.

The first, a muscular blond man in a headband and jeans, focused on a mohawked punk. The punk tried to punch him, but the blond vigilante sidestepped. The blond vigilante countered with a hook to the jaw. Staggering his foe, the blond then threw a massive uppercut that was aflame with yellow ki. The thug was thrown to the ground in a heap. Another mohawked punk tried to charge him, but ran into a kick to the face. The man grabbed the punk and kneed him three times in the gut. He vaulted over and slammed the punk into the ground.

The second was a brunette in a red leather top and skirt, the only woman among them. A shirtless, muscular black thug in jeans focused on her and approached. He tried to punch her, only to be blocked. She threw a quick distracting jab, then closed in a clinch, where she proceeded to knee him in the gut repeatedly. She fell back and booted him overhead in a judo throw. A thug in jeans and a blue vest tried to close, but she thrust a bolt of ki at him, knocking him down.

The third vigilante, a muscular giant dressed like a pro-wrestler, took a punch to the face from a second street punk. Unfazed, the wrestler counter-chopped, dazing his attacker. The wrestler grabbed the punk and rained the body shots repeatedly. After softening up the punk enough, the wrestler leapt up with the punk in tow. He dropped the punk groin-first into his knee. The punk collapsed, cupping his groin helplessly.

The fourth member was a young black boy who wore roller skates and a backwards red baseball cap. The boy dashed towards one of the mohawked punks and slid under his legs. He leapt onto the punk and proceeded to rain punches to the back of the head. When the punk collapsed, the boy leapt off and skated towards a different thug and landed a flying kick to the thug's back. The thug fell facefirst into the pavement unconscious.

After the vigilantes were done, there were unconscious thugs randomly strewn about the street. "That should be it for this place," said the woman, who was known as Blaze Fielding.

"That was great!" said the blond man, who was Axel Stone. "Nothing like a good fight to get the blood pumping!"

"We aren't here just to beat up gangbangers," said Blaze. "We want information on the Syndicate. If Mr. X is building more robots, we need confirmation."

The kid, who was known as Sammy "Skate" Hunter, examined one of the thugs sprawled on the ground. A few of them had suffered cuts and scrapes from the fighting. He noted a cut on the stomach of the large black thug who Blaze had kneed earlier. The scrapes had no blood at all, unusual for a human being. Instead, there was a faint glint coming from within. Out of curiosity, Skate parted the skin, revealing a metal skeleton within. He widened the tear, which exposed more metal and even part of a wire.

"This guy's a robot," said Skate, holding the folds of skin open for the others to see.

The others examined the fallen thugs in a similar fashion. They found similar traits in other thugs. At that moment, Blaze's cell phone rang. "Hello?" she asked, answering the phone.

"Hello Blaze, it's me," said the caller.

"Oh hi O'Connor, what do you have for me?" she asked.

"I just got word of a fight at the arcade at Pirate Land," replied O'Connor. "Some Syndicate goons were involved."

"What does this have to do with our investigation?" asked Blaze.

"A few of the thugs turned out to be robots," replied O'Connor.

"We just beat up some thugs before you called me. They were robots too," said Blaze.

"I see," said O'Connor. "Anyway, the force found some strange things about the arcade fight. The force had to smash a block of ice which blocked the doorway and one of the thugs was found frozen in another block of ice. The force is still baffled at how that happened."

"Did the security cameras pick up anything?" asked Blaze.

"Only fragments... An electrical surge destroyed most of the footage," replied O'Connor.

"How convenient... Was any of it salvageable?" asked Blaze.

"Yeah, it showed some guy dressed in a dragon mascot costume fighting off the gangbangers," replied O'Connor.

"Okay, thanks for the tip. We're going to continue our investigation," said Blaze.

"Sure, I'll send some pictures of the crime scene over to your phone," said O'Connor. "Bye bye."

A few moments later, Blaze and Axel's phones received a message. They opened the attachment, which contained several photos and a small video. The video was heavily garbled by static, but in one intact scene, they could see the person in the dragon costume. The photos showed the arcade after the fight had taken place. Everything had been smashed from garbage cans to game machines. Debris and garbage were strewn everywhere, along with thugs, many of whom were sprawled on the ground. Surprisingly, none of them were bleeding.

"They really did a number on them," said Axel. "They seem pretty tough. I'd like to go a few rounds with one of them."

"I don't think that's a good idea," said Blaze. "Call it woman's intuition, but I have a feeling we'd get in over our heads. We should play this one safe."

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A week had passed since the brawl at the arcade. The Explorers gathered in a vacant classroom to discuss their next move. "The heat should have died a bit since the arcade," said Abel.

"Good, we can start the next part," said Tails. "We need to find robotic power receiver cores so I can triangulate the Emerald's signal."

"I doubt they'll give us one without a fight," said Kevin.

"No," said Tails. "I'd need at least three readings from different locations in the City. That way, I can get a good idea of its location."

"There are gangsters everywhere. They'll be easy to find," said Lana.

"Hmm... We should still hit gangsters in a secluded area," said Kevin, looking at the map of the City, which showed hundreds of Emerald signals. "How about Moon Beach?"

"That's a plan. We'll head out tonight," said Lana.

Yog brought the team to a secluded area behind some rocks at Moon Beach in the south side of the City. There were palm trees were scattered across the beach. Chain-link fences separated the boardwalk, bicycle trail, and the sand from a grassy area and the street. A few billboards had been erected along the grassy area, pointed towards the street, which had advertisements for soft drinks and fast food. The ocean flowed in and out, breaking the night's silence with the soft sound of splashing water.

Tails' group approached a closed ice cream parlour and pressed themselves up against the wall. Abel peered out from around a corner. He saw several thugs in denim and mohawked street punks ahead. These unsavoury individuals were seated at benches and tables in front of a burger joint. Since the beach was closed at night, there was nobody else around but them. Abel moved behind the corner and looked towards the beach. He saw Kevin climbing to the top of a lifeguard's shelter with Lana was close by.

"Okay guys, we're in place," said Kevin over the radio. "Let's do it!"

"None of them are human, so don't hold back," said Tails.

Kevin scored a head shot on one of the thugs, who then crumpled to the ground. The others got up to check on their felled buddy. Kevin sniped a street punk, who fell, but a second thug noticed the lens reflection coming from Kevin's scope. "He's at the lifeguard hut!" cried the thug.

Sonic dashed in and launched a homing attack to the back of the thug's head. The thug was hit so suddenly that he and the others could only feel the rushing wind left in his wake. Sonic fled the area, leaving the others confused while trying to locate him. Black water rained upon the thugs, corroding their skin and sapping their strength. Even as they writhed in pain, each chilling drop caused ice to form around their bodies, eventually imprisoning one.

Bowser made a beeline for a group of three thugs. The thugs saw the massive Koopa king barrelling at them and attempted to dive away. Bowser followed the slowest and grabbed him. He then threw him at a table, which smashed it. Another sneaked in and stabbed him in the side, only to snap the knife. Bowser turned and punched him hard in the face. The thug's skin burst open as circuitry and metal collapsed within.

A distance away, a muscular black man with a crew cut was jogging down another section of the boardwalk. He heard the noises and shuffling from the battle up ahead. He hid behind a nearby palm tree and watched. He eventually reached for a cell phone. "Blaze, are you there? Pick up!" he whispered, trying to get his friend to answer.

"Hello?" asked Blaze.

"Yo, it's Adam. You won't believe what I'm seeing here. You know that dragon mascot from the photo? Well he's here, tearing shit up with his buddies."

"Where?" asked Blaze.

"Moon Beach, by the boardwalk near the burger joint," replied Adam.

"I'm just a few blocks from your location. I'll be there in a few seconds," said Blaze.

One of the thugs charged with his knife drawn. Abel merely raised his hand in a stopping gesture. The knife became lodged in a wall of violet light. The thug attempt to force the knife through, but the barrier absorbed all effort he put into it. Abel thrust wind at the thug. The thug got blown into the sand, but got up and charged. In turn, Abel arced lightning from his fingertips. The thug convulsed as his internal circuitry shorted out. Small fires seared through his skin and he collapsed.

After the battle, all that remained of the thugs was battered metal and sparking wires. Tails began to scan each of the robots with his Chaos Emerald radar. He eventually opened a decapitated robot's chest cavity and examined the contents. Inside, he found more circuitry and wires which connected to a singular receiver chip which glowed with a green light. Tails looked over the scanner, which detected Chaos power coming from the chip. The scanner drew a line over a map of the City, which crossed the beach and headed into the ocean.

Nearby, Adam continued to watch the Explorers examine the fallen robots. "Adam," whispered a woman.

Adam looked behind, seeing his friend Blaze quietly approach his tree. "Good to see ya baby."

"So, these are the ones who beat up those Syndicate gangbangers... What are they doing?" asked Blaze.

"It looks like they're examining the robots," said Adam.

Kevin and Lana came from the beach and waved to the others. Abel summoned Yog-Sothoth, who waited at the front of the seating area. Lana pressed a button on a wristwatch-like device. Several Pikmin of various colours appeared beside her, awaiting her next order. She pointed to the ruined robots. One by one, the Pikmin carted the robots into Yog, like a team of ants carrying food back to their nest. After that, Yog ferried the Explorers out of the area.

"Follow them!" said Blaze.

Blaze and Adam scrambled for her car. She started the engine as Adam barely took the front passenger seat. They pulled out of Moon Beach's parking lot and followed Yog as he flew by overhead. The trip took the vigilantes through several intersections and turns. Eventually, Yog started to approach the poorest, most decaying area of the City. Yog descended on the roof of a derelict school. Blaze stopped the car a block away, where Adam watched the group disembark and enter a roof access door from a pair of binoculars.

"So that abandoned school is their hideout," remarked Adam.

"I'll have Axel come by tomorrow and watch them," said Blaze. "We'll find out what they're up to."

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The next day passed by uneventfully. Despite the vigilantes watching the school in shifts for the whole day, nobody ever left or entered the school. It wasn't until nightfall that anything happened at all. Adam eventually arrived for his shift, relieving Blaze who had taken over the post during the afternoon. About an hour in, he saw the group assembling on the roof. Abel had summoned Yog and the group boarded him to fly off to somewhere unknown.

Adam grabbed his cell phone and punched in Blaze's number. "Yo Blaze, I just saw them leave the school."

"Follow them," replied Blaze. "Axel, Skate, Max, and I are going to try to sneak in and see what's inside."

"Okay, good luck," said Adam.

Adam started the car and followed Yog as best as he could through the city. Yog flew quite far from their original starting location, all the way downtown. They stopped at a randomly chosen building where they got out. Tails scanned and recorded a reading from the robot's power receiver. After reporting on the radio, they flew away in Yog and Adam followed them as they made two more stops, each further west than the previous. Adam was puzzled by what they were doing, but kept on their trail nonetheless.

Meanwhile, Blaze arrived by car with her friends to their lookout point. They made their way to the school, being as inconspicuous as possible on their approach. They reached the gym, a smaller annex connected to the school building. Using a nearby fire escape ladder, they climbed onto the gym's roof and approached a second story window. Peeking through the boarded window, they saw nothing of importance and pried it open.

They climbed inside, which was a second floor classroom for the middle grades. The sound of footsteps and a door closing resounded from the ceiling as someone walked out of a room. Blaze pressed against the wall nearest to the door and peeked out. Seeing nothing in the hallway, she darted to the other side of the door and saw nothing from there either. The group moved to the stairwell, where Skate stood lookout on the stairs down.

Above, they could see the head of a turtle-like creature patrolling the hallway. It was the only thing guarding the hallway, meaning that everyone else in the school was in a class room. When the turtle passed by the stairwell again, Blaze ran up and chopped it in the back of the head. The turtle fell to the ground unconscious. Max took the turtle back to their class room to hide his unconscious body.

They moved closer to the nearest room and peeked through the door's crack. Inside, she saw a trio of unknown men in khaki. They appeared to be soldiers, but none of their uniforms conformed to that of a known country. They were operating communication equipment while one, likely the commander, observed from behind. In fact, they could hear this commander talking with what seemed like one of the people who left.

"Michael, are you receiving the data from the first point?" asked Tails

"Clean and clear," replied Michael. "It looks like the lines meet on an island to the south."

"Okay, we're going to take two more readings before we come back," said Tails. "Over and out."

After a few minutes, Michael got up from his chair. "I'll grab some coffee for you guys. I'll be back in a while," said Michael.

"Thank you sir," said one of the operators.

Blaze's vigilantes hid as Michael exited the door. Once he turned his back, Axel punched him in the back of the head. Max caught Michael before he hit the ground to prevent any noise from alerting the other guards. He took Michael's body back to the second floor classroom, where he tied Michael to a chair next to the turtle. When Max came back, the vigilantes entered the room quietly. The operators were too engrossed in their work to notice.

Max quickly grabbed one of the men in a rear naked choke while Axel punched out the other. Max's victim fell limp and was gently lowered to the ground. They looked at the men's equipment screens. One of them prominently showed a series of lines which intersected on an island to the south of the City in the ocean. Blaze immediately recalled this location. It was the Syndicate's base during the time they had kidnapped Adam. It became abandoned after Mr. X's death.

Another line appeared on the screen, which intersected the others on Syndicate Island. "Michael, did you get that data?" asked Tails through an unconscious soldier's headphones.

Axel grabbed the headphones and put them on. "This is Corporal Stone here. Michael just stepped out. We have received the data clean and clear."

"Good, we're going to take the final reading," said Tails.

Axel terminated the feed and removed the headphones. "Now what?" he asked.

"We're going to Syndicate Island," said Blaze.

"What could they be after?" asked Max. "Are they feds working a case against the Syndicate?"

"I don't think so," replied Blaze. "They're also too organized to be rival gang either."

"We'd better get out of here," said Skate. "They'll be back soon and I don't want to be here when that happens."

The vigilantes quietly sneaked out of the communications room and the school altogether. When they reached their vehicle, they drove away a few kilometres before seeing Adam pass by in his car. Both he and Blaze spotted each other and pulled over to talk. "How did it go?" asked Adam.

"Pretty good. It looks like they're going to hit Syndicate Island next," said Blaze.

"Really? The same place they stashed me?" asked Adam.

"Yeah," replied Blaze. "These other guys don't like the Syndicate very much. They don't look like a rival gang either. I saw soldiers in the school and a turtle patrolling their halls."

"A turtle?" asked Adam.

"Yeah, it walked on two legs," replied Blaze.

"First a dragon mascot, then people blasting gangbangers with superpowers, and now a turtle that walks on two legs... This just gets crazier and crazier," said Adam.

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Kevin untied Michael and the guard Koopa's ropes as Sonia applied a Renew spell upon each of them. The golden light soothed their wounds and helped them to regain lucidity. "Are you okay?" asked Lana.

"Yeah, I'm fine your Highness," replied Michael, who was still groggy.

"Who did this to you?" asked Bowser.

"Don't know... They got me from behind," said the green-shelled Koopa Troopa, who was also recovering from his grogginess.

"Lana," said Tails over the radio. "Our equipment operators got hit too. They didn't see who it did it."

"Okay," replied Lana.

"Whoever it is knows what we're up to," said Kevin.

"We can't worry about that now. We have to get that Emerald before it causes anymore damage," said Lana.

The next day the forces of the Power Bloc began to trickle into the school. Koopas from Bowser's lands and demons such as trolls from the Realm of Bel came through the warp and waited in the empty classrooms for further instructions. Squad by squad, the small army boarded buses with tinted windows in the school's underground parking lot. They were driven to a formerly unused wharf purchased by the Power Bloc, where they could board boats and be transported to Syndicate Island.

As the army mobilized, Lana's group was already in flight towards the island. Yog touched down on the sandy shore of the island. A few minutes of traveling the beach, several Muay Thay boxers approached. Bowser and Sonic advanced ahead of the group to meet them. Sonic moved around to the right flank and spin dashed into one of the boxers. The boxer barely got his knee up in time to block Sonic's attack.

Bowser came at the pack head on and raised his fists for battle. One of the boxers threw a jab, but was blocked. Bowser retorted with one of his own. Despite being blocked, Bowser had knocked the boxer onto his back. Two others jumped in and scored a leg kick and a punch respectively, but their blows had no effect. Bowser turned to one and punched him away. He turned to the other and breathed fire. The boxer's skin burned away, which was followed by his metallic interior melting like butter.

Yog opened a glowing white portal beneath a boxer, which spewed energy and disintegrated him. Yog slid the portal under another boxer, who avoided by diving away. Yog reached out through a rift in dimensions and wound his tendril around the boxer's leg. He dragged the boxer into the portal. Nearby, Sonic got hit by a punch. The boxer threw a leg kick, but Sonic fled and caused a miss. Scarlet suddenly appeared behind the boxer and extracted a stream of violet energy from him. The boxer weakened and eventually collapsed from this Drain spell.

Flush with power, she cast a Dia spell upon Sonic. The bruise on Sonic's cheek vanished and the pain receded instantly. "Thanks girl," said Sonic.

One of the boxers spotted Abel and charged ahead. Abel noticed and blasted him with ice. He had encrusted the boxer's chest, expanding the ice along the body until the boxer was encased completely. Another tried to rush Abel, who froze an ice patch under his path. The Muay Thai boxer slipped on the ice and fell. Abel expanded the ice to surround the boxer and trap him. Two more boxers approached, but Abel conjured a downpour of corrosive black water. The boxers were staggered and one became trapped in a block of corrosive black ice.

With the Muay Thai boxers incapacitated, the Power forces' boats arrived on the beach without interference. Several Koopas, demons, and soldiers disembarked from the boats. They took key positions around the beach, preparing it for the arrival of more allies. More boats arrived, carrying a second wave of soldiers. When the third and final wave arrived, the Explorers pushed deeper into the nearby jungle.

"The Emerald is in the factory up ahead," said Tails.

The Explorers advanced on a wide building with a series of smoke stacks on its roof. Further ahead was a larger building which resembled a skyscraper in appearance. Bowser smashed his way through the main metal doors. He smashed a second metal door in the foyer ahead and entered the factory floor. A series of conveyor belts ran down the length of the room. At the side was a massive rack filled with skinless skeletal robots, new gang members for the Syndicate.

Several thugs ran onto the factory floor. They included blonde women armed with whips and a towering, muscular gangster who looked like the pro-wrestler named the Ultimate Warrior. Kevin fired at several of the mohawked street punks in the group. His shots penetrated three, yet it only staggered their advance momentarily. He fired again and scored a head shot on one of them. The punk fell to the ground sparking with electricity.

Sonic flashed his butt at a whip girl and mockingly slapped it. The blonde lashed him, but had missed. She looked around in puzzlement since Sonic was nowhere to be found. She then got nailed from behind with a kick. She quickly rose and lashed him again, but missed a second time. Instead, she had lashed another of her sisters behind Sonic accidentally. It electrocuted her and she collapsed into a smoking, sparking heap. Sonic ran towards her, leapt up, and flattened her with a homing attack to the back of the head.

The wrestler, Abadede, had caught Bowser in a head lock. Bowser tried to wrench his head free, but Abadede's grip was too tight. However, he managed to locate Abadede's hip and grabbed it to lift him up. The wrestler released his hold, having lost his footing. Bowser tossed him away, but he quickly got up. He ran at Bowser with a clothesline, knocking him flat. Bowser slowly righted himself, but Abadede was upon him with a right hook. Bowser suddenly caught his fist and crushed it. He breathed fire, which melted the wrestler into grey goo.

Lana felled another thug with a well-placed head shot. Suddenly, something hit her from behind! She had been knocked down and when she recovered, she saw a spiky-haired thug in a jumpsuit hovering above with a jet pack. The jet pack thug evaded her counter fire and swooped in, knocking her onto her back. Scarlet suddenly appeared behind and blasted him with flame. His jet pack was damaged beyond repair and the thug crashed in a heap. As he got up, Lana shot him fatally.

The Explorers proceeded to the factory basement, where they found a large computer wired to an electronic holder. The green Chaos Emerald was set in the holder, protected by a faint blue energy barrier. The device seemed to be drawing power from the Emerald, judging by its emanations of green light. Tails typed commands into the control terminal. The machine shut down and the protective barrier vanished.

Sonic claimed the Emerald. "We got the Emerald. It's time to leave," said Sonic.

"Okay, I'm ordering our forces to retreat," said Lana.

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The vigilantes found themselves approaching the elevator in the lobby of Mr. X's skyscraper. The Explorers' attack had provided a convenient diversion, which drew Mr. X's forces away from him. "We're going to fight Mr. X again," remarked Max.

"Just like old times, big guy, like old times," said Axel.

The elevator stopped at the penthouse office. It was a posh, well-kept room with golden wallpaper and wooden furniture. A bulky man with long black hair was sprawled on the ground. The man was dressed in a green suit and apparently had collapsed from his chair. Beside him on the ground was a toned, but less bulky man with long black hair in a black martial arts uniform. This man was Shiva, who was the personal bodyguard to Mr. X himself.

"What happened here?" asked Axel.

Blaze examined the bodies of these two foes and saw nothing unusual about their appearances. When she tried to feel for a pulse, she couldn't detect one. In fact, she felt something like a cable running down his neck. "Shiva and Mr. X might be robots too," said Blaze.

Axel felt Shiva's chest and found his ribcage. Axel could not feel any individual rib bones or the spaces between. Shiva's ribs felt more like part of a fully enclosed chest compartment. Nearby, Blaze pulled out a pocket knife and cut open Mr. X's chest to find a metallic power compartment beneath the skin. "So they were robots after all!" said Max.

"...And now they're inoperative," said Skate.

"Was it the work of those guys?" asked Blaze.

**END OF CHAPTER**


	9. Chaos 4 - Castle of Chaos

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. Castlevania was produced by Konami. This story uses reference material from all.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Chaos Control 4**: **Castle of Chaos**

Tails walked down the halls of Power Palace and came to the door of one of the guests, which he knocked. "Sheena, it's me," said Tails.

"Hold on," said Sheena, who opened the door from within and let Tails into her quarters.

"How are you?" asked Tails.

"I'm feeling better already," said Sheena. "All I needed was some rest and relaxation."

"It's good that you're feeling better. We missed you," said Tails.

"I'm flattered, but I'm all better now. I'm joining you on the next mission. I can't let you have all the fun!" said Sheena. Tails told Sheena about everything that had happened while retrieving the last Emerald. "Robot gang members and raiding a secret base? Aw, I wish I was there!"

"It's nothing we couldn't handle. Me and Sonic are used to fighting robots. Dr. Eggman sends them at us all the time," said Tails.

"You and Sonic really get along well. How long have you known him?" asked Sheena.

"A long time," replied Tails. "It's been so long, I can't think of time when we weren't friends. After I met Sonic, we met the rest of the gang soon after, Amy, Knuckles, Cream, Cheese... That was us, stopping all of Dr. Eggman's plots to take over the world."

"...And here you are now, trying to save other worlds from the Emeralds," said Sheena.

"Yeah, the people from the other worlds are so different. You, Lana, Kevin and the others treat us like friends," said Tails. "Even though you are kind people, I'm sure there are bad a lot of people from your homes too, who would love to abuse the Emeralds' power like Eggman."

"Yeah, no kidding," said Sheena. A beeper rang from deeper in Sheena's room, along with a similar one from Tails' communicator. "The king wants us... Looks like action."

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Tails and Sheena made their way to the throne room to hear Charles' report. "Thank you for coming. Lyle has told me he has found more Emeralds in some newly opened warps. Please hear him out."

"Thanks papa," replied Lyle. "Three new warps became open just recently. They lead to the Hakuba Shrine, the ruins of Midgar, and the Shadaloo Islands. All three locations give off Chaos Emerald signals. I've sent men ahead of you to set up bases of operation for you. Please use them well."

"Midgar? That's the main city of Final Fantasy 7," said Sonia.

"Yeah, and the Hakuba Shrine is from Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow. The Shadaloo Islands are from Street Fighter," continued Kevin.

"Three places, one Emerald each," said Sheena.

"So, we could split up and get all of them quicker," said Sonic.

"I don't think that's a good idea," said Abel. "Only Kevin and Sonia are aware of what dangers await us there. It would be safer to travel as a group."

"I agree. Why don't we tackle Hakuba Shrine first?" suggested Kevin.

The Explorers passed through the warp marked with the emblem of a vampire bat. They found themselves in the midst of a small earthen cave. Upon exiting, they found themselves in a natural area within a city. All of the signs were written in Japanese, suggesting they were somewhere in Japan. The cave itself was a recess in a hill which had a set of stairs leading to the top which were framed by a torii. The sign associated with the torii indicated that it was the stairs to Hakuba Shrine.

At the top, another torii opened into Hakuba Shrine's grounds. The shrine buildings were older, made of wood, and built in natural surroundings. It was quite different from the surrounding city, which was made of concrete and steel and had numerous cars driving along asphalt roads. A dark, floating castle blotted out sunlight to the shrine grounds, casting a pall of darkness over the area. A feeling of dread surrounded this structure. This castle was European in architecture and was very out of place in its current location.

It was also the location of the Emerald, as it was causing Tails' radar to beep intensely and constantly. "That looks like Castlevania," said Kevin.

"Castlevania?" asked Sheena.

"Yeah, the home of Count Dracula, a vampire. It is a haunted castle filled with all sorts of monsters and demons," replied Kevin.

"So, it's a very dangerous place," said Abel.

"Yeah," replied Kevin. "Dracula keeps threatening the world, but his mortal enemies, the Belmont family, always show up to stop him. Eventually, they found a way to seal the castle, which stopped him from returning. Even then, there are nutcases who are hellbent on bringing him back."

"The Emerald is at the Pinnacle of Castlevania," informed Tails.

The Explorers boarded Yog, who ferried them to the location of the Chaos Emerald. The Pinnacle was the very peak of the castle, a small fort suspended in the air by dark magic. As they approached it, the environment started to darken even more than it already was, making it permanently night within Castlevania's limits. A haze of dark miasma surrounded the Pinnacle, acting as a barrier to deny entry to intruders. The only place that was safe to land was a small entry platform at the top of a massive flight of stone stairs.

On this platform was a set of five unlit brass braziers on top of stone pedestals. The pedestals each had a carving which depicted parts of the human body or an item. From left to right, they were carvings of a rib bone, a heart, an eyeball, a ring, and a fang. "Are we supposed to burn an offering here?" asked Lana.

"Yeah, Dracula's body parts," replied Kevin. "Looks like we're going to complete Simon's Quest. We have to find all of Dracula's body parts, bring them here, and burn them in these braziers."

"Where are they?" asked Bowser.

"They must be somewhere in this castle," replied Kevin. "I really think we need to split up this time. It would take far too long to explore the castle as a single group."

Yog ferried the Explorers to the garden below, where the Explorers split into pairs and went their separate ways. Kevin and Sonia descended a staircase down to the catacombs of the castle, where the remains of the dead were buried. Bowser and Lana noticed a guest house at the corner of the garden and decided to investigate it. Sonic and Tails chose the coliseum, a Roman-styled structure where athletic and gladiatorial battles were held. Lastly, Abel and Sheena headed for the cathedral, a large Gothic religious structure.

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Kevin and Sonia finished descending stairs to the underground catacombs of Castlevania. Dracula's castle had always had a reputation for being a creepy, unnerving place, but nowhere was it more true than here. It was a cavernous tomb only kept lit by flames on wall-mounted candles and torches. There numerous slots for placing the remains of the deceased. After centuries of decay, all had been reduced to mere bones. The dead was so numerous that many bones were left in piles on the ground.

The caverns were also flooded with dark, putrid water. It appeared quite deep in some areas, where any manner of beast could be lurking in the depths below. Some of the only footing available over the water was the bone piles scattered randomly in the catacombs. Sonia tried to step over a puddle, onto a skull on the neighbouring bone pile. Her foot dislodged the skull, nearly taking her foot down with it, if not for a cluster of femurs below. Kevin quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her across.

"Are you okay?" Kevin asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," replied Sonia. "I want to get this over with as soon as possible."

"No kidding," said Kevin. "I don't want to know where that water's been or what's hiding in it."

The two entered the room ahead, into a chamber whose floor was completely buried by what appeared to be featureless human bodies. They were so numerous that they literally paved the ground. Suddenly, many of the bodies rose into the air and piled onto each other, piecing together a sphere. The door closed behind the duo, trapping them in the room with this bizarre creature, which Kevin recognized as Legion. It started to hover towards them, as though to pin them against the wall and crush them.

The two quickly split up, but Legion focused on following Kevin. He fired several shots, but they only peeled off bodies rather than do any meaningful damage. The loosened bodies fell to the ground, then suddenly stood up. In effect, they became zombies which shambled along the ground towards Kevin and Sonia. Sonia cast a few Smite spells at Legion, which peeled off more bodies. She then ignited Legion with golden Holy Fire which burned through bodies.

Sonia's attack exposed what appeared to be a fleshy, orb-like core. A long, clawed tendril emerged from the opening, trying to feel around. Fortunately, Sonia was too far for it to reach her. That space between them only grew as Legion pursued Kevin across the room. Kevin fired his Zapper. The shot tore another section of Legion's shell, revealing a second tendril. This one was much closer, and Kevin narrowly got away as it randomly felt around for him.

The zombies started to grow in number and were closing in on Sonia at the other side. She blasted them with Smites and Holy Fire, until all of them were flattened or incinerated. She returned to Legion, Smiting off another portion of its shell. Again, she dislodged bodies, which came to life and shambled along like a pack of zombies. Fortunately, there were very slow, and Sonia easily destroyed them with holy spells before they got too close. Now, Legion was completely exposed on its rear, where Sonia followed as it chased her son.

Kevin ascended a hill of bodies and fired his Zapper. The core recoiled in pain upon being hit. Kevin fired at the last section as well, stripping Legion of the last remaining part of its shell. The bodies fell to the ground and came to life. Kevin ran following the wall and got around Legion, who continued to give chase. Kevin unloaded ammunition into the core, until he punctured it fatally. Legion burst into flame and burned until nothing remained but ash.

"Are you okay?" Sonia asked, applying a Renew spell on Kevin.

"Yeah, I'm fine. He wasn't too hard. I've beaten him several times," replied Kevin. The duo went to the next room over and found one of Dracula's rib bones stored in a glass case. They quickly claimed the case and made their way back to the Pinnacle.

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The guest house was a large mansion surrounded by the ramparts of the castle and the flora of the garden. Despite being so large, Castlevania's sheer size dwarfed even this building completely. Bowser and Lana opened the front door of the guest house. It was a beautiful, luxurious abode with beige plaster walls and was surprisingly well maintained compared to the rest of the castle. There were paintings of various nobles along the walls and the hallway was lit by a series of candles and chandeliers.

A maid rounded the nearest corner and approached the two. "Oh!" said the maid, putting her hand to her mouth. Apparently, she was not expecting guests. She did a quick bow, then suddenly assumed a fighting stance. She somersaulted up and dropped her foot down into an axe kick to Bowser's head.

He snatched the maid's leg and held her upside down. "Is flashing me your panties a special kind of greeting here or what?" Bowser asked, not flinching one bit from being hit. He then tossed her out of the nearest window. "Didn't like it here anyway. The service was awful."

The duo continued onward and eventually reached a bedroom. This bedroom was for the main resident of the guest house, a woman in a belled out pink dress who wore matching ornaments like bat wings in her hair. She was a very attractive brunette with shoulder-length hair. The top of her dress was low cut, revealing an ample bosom for all to see. She had a glint of fangs within her mouth and a seductive expression on her face.

"Well hello, I'm Lady Carmilla. What brings you to my lord's castle?" she asked. She noticed Lana looking over at a case on her drawer, which contained Dracula's ring. "Ah, my lord's ring has caught your attention. He entrusted it to me for safe keeping. I know you want it, but you can not have it!"

Carmilla disintegrated her clothes and grew to gigantic proportions. A gigantic skull emerged from the ground and she crawled onto it. Carmilla rushed the duo, and while Lana managed to dive out of the way, Bowser was too slow. He got slammed through the door, smashing it to pieces as he was ejected into the previous hallway. Lana fired on Carmilla, staggering her with several well-placed shots to the back. Carmilla turned around and exhaled several wisps of blue flame.

Lana dove to safety and returned fire, staggering Carmilla only briefly. The skull hovered above Lana and cried out tears of blood. Lana ran out of the way. The blood dripped to the ground and a hiss came from it as it splattering about. It was an acid which corroded the ground. Lana fired a trio of shots from her pistol, staggering Carmilla again. Lana aimed higher and put a hole through her head. As she slumped back in pain, Bowser stormed into the room and spit fireballs. Hit, she burst into flames which charred her to ash.

Carmilla reappeared in her humanoid form where the bizarre creature once was, wounded and slumped on her knees. Her dress was ripped and she could not stand on her power. "My lord, I have failed you!" she cried before bursting into flame and crumbling into ash. With Carmilla out of the way, Lana claimed Dracula's ring and began the journey back with Bowser.

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Sonic and Tails found themselves in the bleachers of a Roman coliseum. They were filled with a motley group of spectators who cheered a fight occurring at the centre. Unlike normal crowds, most of the spectators were not even human. Many were skeletal warriors and beasts of legend who patrolled the halls and grounds of Castlevania. These gladiatorial battles were some of the few opportunities they had to relax without worrying about castle security.

At the centre, a bleached white skeletal dragon connected a devastating headbutt which knocked down his darker opponent. The crowd broke out in a chorus of cheers. "Fresh blood packs! Get your fresh blood packs here! Only 10 gold pieces each!" cried a skeletal vendor, who carried his merchandise on a small tray strapped to his shoulders as he traveled down the bleachers.

The darker of the bone dragons whipped its tail, decapitating its opponent. The lighter bone dragon crumpled into a pile of bones and the crowd broke out in a burst of raucous cheering. "I'm getting a strong energy signal behind the gate where that dark bone dragon came out," said Tails.

Some skeletal workers loaded the bones of the loser onto a cart and hauled them away. The victor retreated through his entry gate. "The crowd's too thick, we'll have to wait until the next match," said Sonic, trying to work through the crowd with Tails.

The announcer called in the next contestants. A Minotaur came out of the northern gate, the same one Tails had identified as the where one of Dracula's body parts was being kept. The gigantic, bull-human hybrid was fierce and strong, towering over an ordinary human. Tails looked back and noticed a commotion that was happening at the top of the bleachers. Several animated suits of armour with axes were assembled up top. They were security guards.

One of them pointed at Tails' direction, while another pointed to somebody across the coliseum. The guards split up, with some of them weaving through the crowd in an attempt to reach Sonic and Tails while the rest went for the other intruder. "Sonic, we've got trouble. Security is after us," said Tails.

"Keep moving, we'll lose them in the crowd," said Sonic.

The duo continued through the crowd, weaving around to elude the axe armours on pursuit. Sonic and Tails reached the lowest railing, the location closest to the fighters' ring. The Minotaur scored a decisive blow to the head of his counterpart. The opponent bled profusely and crumpled to the ground. The Minotaur basked in the raucous cheering of his fans. "That folks is a wrap. Bullhorn seizes the victory with an axe to the head."

At that moment, Sonic and Tails jumped the railing, escaping their pursuers by entering the fighting ring. "Hey you! Fans aren't allowed here!" said Bullhorn, approaching them menacingly.

At the same time, the other intruder had jumped the fence, in a similar attempt to evade pursuers. The intruder was a man in his mid-fifties with brown hair and a goatee. He was dressed in a long brown leather overcoat, which made him seem like a character from a Western. He was armed with a whip. Security had reached the railing and climbed over in order to continue pursuit. After a brief run to the centre of the arena, the man turned around to face his pursuers and uncoiled his whip.

Behind the cowboy, Bullhorn threw a chop, which Sonic sidestepped quickly. "Ha ha! Too slow!" said Sonic.

Sonic leapt into the air, rolled into a ball, and launched himself at Bullhorn's face. Bullhorn recoiled in pain. When he recovered, he was enraged and hurled his axe. Sonic darted to the right. It missed, but returned to Bullhorn's hand. Bullhorn raised it high and slammed the ground, sending a shockwave which roiled the earth as it went forward. Sonic leapt over it. Nearby, Tails bopped an axe armour with a homing attack of his own. He heard a metallic clanging and searched for the source.

He spotted a portcullis descending slowly on the entrance to the coliseum fighting area. "Sonic, they're trying to close the gate! Hurry!" cried Tails, who then made a break for it.

Sonic dodged Bullhorn's swing and bopped him in the head. He bounced off and flew towards Tails, continuing on foot once on the ground. Both of them slipped past the portcullis just moments before it slammed shut behind them. Locked out, Bullhorn could only slam against the portcullis futilely. They moved in deeper, exploring the hallways and found a storeroom. Inside was a vampire's fang, Dracula's fang, safely stored in a glass case on a shelf. They claimed the valuable artefact and quickly left.

On their way out, their path took them to the top of the bleachers, where the other intruder continued his battle. "He's going to get mobbed! Shouldn't we help him?" asked Tails, seeing security surround the cowboy.

The man lashed the axe armours who had him surrounded. With each stroke, his whip became surrounded by a holy aura, making it appear as a morning star. When hit, each axe armour crumbled into a pile of metal. Bullhorn attempted to blindside him, but the man sensed Bullhorn coming and dodged the axe. The cowboy lashed Bullhorn's leg, winding the whip around and yanking him to the ground.

"He'll be fine, let's take this back to the others," said Sonic.

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Abel and Sheena entered the front door of the Gothic cathedral at the other end of the garden. The foyer was a massive room filled with Christian memorabilia such as crucifixes with Jesus to paintings of saints like John the Baptist. There was a desk for the cathedral's reception, but nobody was present to run it. Despite the supposed holiness of the cathedral, it had an eerie, supernatural aura about it which was similar to the rest of Castlevania.

The two went into the next room, which was the main congregation area. It was filled with columns and pews with Bibles. A red carpet ran along the ground, leading to a small dais at the front of the room. On that dais was a podium from which a preacher could address his worshippers. Next to the main podium, off to the left, was an organ for playing hymns. In front of the podium were six caskets arranged in a line. Each was open and contained the skeletal remains of a human.

A single woman with straight blonde hair was there, looking over the bodies in the coffins. Abel and Sheena hid behind one of the pews to watch her. The woman was in her mid-twenties and wore heeled boots and a red qipao-like dress over black clothing. The woman also had a sceptre strapped to her belt. "Who is that?" whispered Sheena.

"I don't know," replied Abel. "She doesn't appear to be part of Castlevania's security."

Three of the skeletons floated up into the air upright. Flesh and clothing formed on the bones, making them appear like real human beings. The leftmost one was a black-haired man dressed like a noble, who was armed with a whip. The rightmost person was a roguish man who was armed with a dagger and wore a red bandanna on his head. The central one was the only woman. This woman was dressed in a blue, hooded sorceress' robe. She looked very similar in appearance to the blonde, enough to be a distant relative.

The noble cracked his whip at the blonde, who evaded and cast a gout of flame. The noble burst into flame, recoiling in agony. The rogue threw his dagger, surprising the blonde as it sliced through her sleeve as she tried to evade it. She hurled three ball lightning in return. Coursing electricity into the rogue, he collapsed, writhing in agony. The sorceress hurled a gout of flame, an attack similar to the blonde's. Despite evading, the flame burned off cloth from the blonde's left biceps.

"We have to help her!" said Sheena.

"No!" said Abel. "We don't know if she's an enemy."

The blonde hurled icicles at the sorceress, piercing her body. Once the sorceress collapsed, the remaining three coffins opened. Their skeletons rose into the air and took on the form of three new humans. The first was similar in appearance to the noble, only he had brown hair. The second was a beautiful blonde, teenaged girl in green. The last was a woman in her twenties, but raven-haired and had runes tattooed onto her bare shoulders and back.

"I can't watch any longer. I'm going in!" said Sheena.

Sheena ran up to take the side of the blonde. "Argggh, fine!" said Abel, following her in.

Sheena took the blonde's side, pulling out ofuda to use as weapons. "Who are you?" asked the blonde upon seeing both her and Abel approach.

"Tell you later," said Sheena, maintaining her focus.

The runic woman fired a laser beam, which Abel blocked with a violet barrier. Abel hurled ice in response, throwing her back. She was coated in small crusts of ice, enough to weigh her down. The noble lashed his whip at Abel. It caught him in the cheek and stung enough to make him to recoil in pain. Suddenly, Yog appeared behind the noble, firing a sphere into his back. The noble landed facefirst into the ground. Yog bound his legs with a tendril and whipped him through the nearest column, which shattered as he crashed through.

Abel hurled ice at the teenaged girl. After she was coated with ice, Scarlet appeared behind and blasted her with fire. The girl crashed facefirst through the front pews. The pews split in half and scattered splinters everywhere. The runic woman fired a laser at Sheena, who dodged. Simultaneously, Sheena plastered an ofuda onto her foe's face. The runic woman tugged at the ofuda, trying to peel it off with no success. The laser pierced Sheena through the heart, but as she fell back, she poofed into smoke which cleared to reveal a log.

The runic woman removed the ofuda with one strong tug. Sheena was nowhere to be seen and only the log was present. The runic woman was surprised by a gout of flame from the blonde and charred fatally. The noble lashed his whip, which snagged the blonde's sceptre. As he yanked the whip and she tried to hold on, the two began a tug-of-war. Sheena suddenly descended from the rafters, with a flying kick to the back of the noble's head. The noble released his hold, which allowed the blonde to blast him with flame.

The blonde turned to Abel and Sheena. "Whoever you are, thanks for your help," said the blonde. "I'm Yoko Belnades. I'm here to investigate this castle."

"I'm Sheena Fujibayashi and my friend is Abel. We're also here to investigate this castle," said Sheena.

Sheena explained to Yoko about the Chaos Emerald and its power to warp time and space. "So you think this Emerald is the reason why Castlevania has returned?" asked Yoko.

"Yeah," replied Sheena. "We think it's in the Pinnacle, but there is a barrier blocking our way. We sent our friends out to search for Dracula's other body parts so we can remove it."

"I guess that makes you a friend," said Yoko. Sheena nodded.

"Yoko, do you know what these things were that attacked us?" asked Abel looking over the bodies of Yoko's attackers.

"They are zombies who take on the form of someone who once lived. They take on the form of a person's ancestors to break their resolve," replied Yoko. "The one with the whip was Trevor Belmont and the woman was Sypha Belnades. She was one of my ancestors and Trevor's wife. The last was Grant Danasty, a close friend of Sypha and Trevor."

"I can see the resemblance," said Sheena.

"What about the other three?" asked Abel.

"The one with the whip was Richter Belmont, who was further down the Belmont family line. The blonde girl was Maria Renard, who was his sister-in-law. If I remember correctly, the last was Shanoa, a member of Ecclesia, a secret group who fought Dracula."

"Let's keep moving, we still need to see if one of Dracula's body parts is being stored here," said Sheena.

Sheena, Abel, and their new ally, Yoko, cased the cathedral. They eventually found a side room meant for administration at the mezzanine of the cathedral. On the desk was a single heart stored in a glass case. The heart seemed to be in good condition, despite being separated from its owner for so long. Sheena claimed the entire case with the heart in it, preferring not to touch the fleshy organ directly. The trio made their way back to the Pinnacle, where the others were already gathered.

Sheena introduced Yoko to the others, while Bowser burned each body part they were presented. "So you're Yoko Belnades," remarked Lana.

"Yeah," replied Yoko. "It looks like you've burnt all of Dracula's relics, except for his eye."

A white bat landed at the Pinnacle's entrance and transformed into a young, white-haired young man in a white coat. "Soma, did you find anything?" asked Yoko.

"Yeah, I found Dracula's eye. It was over in the lab," replied Soma. "It seems you've made some new friends."

"They're other people who are investigating Castlevania," replied Yoko.

Soma placed the eye in the brazier and Bowser did the honours in burning it. The dark barrier around the Pinnacle vanished once Dracula's evil power was removed. The combined group stormed the throne room. Yet, the Count was not present, seated on his throne, sipping a glass of blood as expected. Instead, the violet Chaos Emerald was seated on the cushion, radiating power which maintained the presence of Castlevania in the mundane world.

Sonic ran up and claimed the Emerald. "That makes four. At this rate, we'll be done in no time," said Sonic.

Once he had removed the Emerald, the castle started to shake and rubble fell from the roof. "Without the Emerald, the castle will return to the solar eclipse. We have to get out!" cried Yoko.

The group ran out to the location of the braziers. Abel called Yog in, and he pulled them into his orbs and flew them away from the crumbling Castlevania. Like water swirling down the drain, Castlevania got sucked into the darkness, sealed within the solar eclipse once again. As Yog flew away, Yoko noticed some of his friends below, having safely escaped the castle. A bald, tanned army man in camouflage waved at Yoko upon seeing her in the air.

Yog-Sothoth descended and allowed his passengers to disembark. Along with the army man, Hammer, was the cowboy from the coliseum and a mysterious male government agent in a black suit. Yoko introduced the agent as Genya Arikado, a man who worked for a paranormal investigation unit of the Japanese government. The cowboy was Julius Belmont. "I'm glad you made it out safely, Yoko," said Julius.

"What was the cause of Castlevania's reappearance?" asked Arikado.

"This," replied Sonic, showing the Emerald to Arikado and Julius and explaining its space-time altering nature. "It got sent here by accident from my world. I have to take it home."

"Didn't you say there were other Emeralds out there?" asked Julius.

"Yeah, but they are in other worlds. Once we're done here, we have to leave to find the rest," said Lana. The Explorers boarded Yog. As he ferried them away, they waved goodbye to the new acquaintances they had made while searching for the Chaos Emerald.

**END OF CHAPTER**


	10. Chaos 5 - Enter the Street Fighter

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. Street Fighter was produced by Capcom. This story uses reference material from both.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Chaos Control 5: Enter the Street Fighter**

After exiting a cave, the Explorers found themselves an area filled with dense, tropical vegetation. The flora was so thick that Bowser had to cut a path through with his claws. After several minutes of hacking through the jungle, they came upon a dirt road. This dirt road, in turn, led to a small Thai port town, where Lana purchased a map from a local trader. Her map indicated that this simple coastal town was on an island in the Gulf of Thailand and known as Shadaloo Port.

"Ah, Shadaloo Port," said Kevin.

"Kevin, what can you tell me about this world?" asked Lana.

"This is the world of the Street Fighter games," replied Kevin. "It's a one-on-one martial arts fighting game. You control a character and punch and kick the other guy until you knock him out. One of the big characters is M. Bison. He's this evil dictator who runs a large international crime ring called the Shadaloo."

"So they own this town and the islands they were built on," said Abel.

"Yep, that's it in a nutshell," replied Kevin.

"These people seem very well off. I'd expect Bison would be more abusive and exploitive towards his people," remarked Lana.

"Nah, he doesn't do that, but just because he's a good boss doesn't mean he's not a bad man," said Sonia.

Bowser noticed some posters depicting two men in karate uniforms preparing to fight each other. The poster was an advertisement for a weeklong martial arts tournament that was going to be held on the main island. They were giving out US $500,000 and a gold trophy to whoever placed first in this single-elimination tournament. They were also giving lesser prizes totalling another US $500,000. This "Street Fighter" tournament would be held in a week's time and Shadaloo was urging everyone to come and watch.

"There's a martial arts tournament coming next week," said Bowser.

"Yeah, Shadaloo sponsors a lot of martial arts tournaments," said Kevin.

"My radar is telling me that the Emerald is on the main island to the south. That's where they're holding the tournament," said Tails.

"With the tournament going on, that would be a great time to sneak onto the island as spectators," said Kevin.

"Okay if that's our plan, I'll buy the tickets," said Lana.

As the week before the Street Fighter tournament went on, the Explorers made preparations to attend. Kevin had created a poster of Ken Masters giving his trademark win pose of making a "V" shape with his fingers. Ken himself was a muscular man with long blond hair who wore a red karate uniform, a black belt, and leather martial arts gloves. Like his uniform suggested, he was a master of a Shotokan karate variant. His signature move was the rising flaming uppercut known as the "Shoryuken" or "Dragon Punch."

"How do you like it?" asked Kevin, showing Sheena the poster he had made.

"That looks pretty good," said Sheena, looking over the poster. "Bow to your Masters! Go Ken!"

Nearly a week passed and the Explorers returned to Shadaloo Port to board their ferry. Since the Shadaloo would not permit weapons, especially firearms, on their island, the Explorers left their weapons back at the palace. Tails also had to leave behind the Cyclone mecha for the same reason. All they could do was watch the fights and coordinate the mission from afar. As a result, they had to rely on stealth and the special abilities of their friends to complete the mission.

The port authority had guards pat down every member of the team for anything that might be a firearm or weapon. They found nothing of the sort and thus allowed them onto the ferry. The trip was largely uneventful. Shadaloo City was a modern port city, no different from any other except for being Thai and somewhat smaller. The group disembarked and made their way to the Fighters' Hotel. This hotel was the designated lodgings for most of the fighters and also held the main competition area.

The main building was twenty stories tall and had all of the amenities a person could want. There was a dining room at the north end which served a variety of dishes from around the world. The dining room also had a large TV set for watching currently held fights. The floors above the first held the bedrooms where guests, particularly competitors, could stay between bouts. Each room was tended to regularly by the hotel's maids and had TV sets for watching the latest matches.

Outside of the hotel was a vacant lot where workers were matting a fighting arena for tomorrow. Bleachers surrounding the arena were being cleaned by other workers for the coming spectators. A protective shield of clear plastic had been constructed around the battle area, to prevent stray projectiles and ki projections from harming the audience. At the head of the fighting area, a worker tested the audio equipment which would be used by M. Bison as he presided over the fights.

As the day went on, more and more contestants arrived on the island by the ferry. The first set of guests included a Chinese martial artist who wore a blue qipao which was cut short to allow greater mobility. She had muscular legs and a Chinese "ox-horns" hairstyle. This woman was Chun Li, who was in truth, an Interpol officer posing undercover as a competitor. Despite being a relatively small competitor, she was feared for her immense speed and powerful, rapid kicks.

The man next to her was a blond, muscular man dressed in camouflage pants, boots, and a pair of dog tags. His attire made him look much like a US soldier. He was once a Major in the US Air Force and had a tattoo of the US flag on his biceps. His most unusual and striking feature was his flat-top hair cut. His name was Guile and he was feared for whipping out spinning, bola-like ki blasts known as the "Sonic Boom."

"So Chun Li, are you ready?" asked Guile.

"Yeah, we'll get him this time. We'll get Bison this time," replied Chun Li.

The next ferry departed for Shadaloo City about a half hour later. Among this set of guests was Ken Masters, in jeans and casual clothes rather than his iconic red karate uniform. Ken had brought his wife, Eliza, and his newborn son, Mel, with him to watch the tournament. Ken noticed a familiar Japanese man who wore a tattered white karate uniform. He had a red head band and short, unkempt black hair. This man was Ryu, Ken's training partner from Japan and lifelong rival. Ken and Ryu knew each other so intimately that they were like brothers.

"Hey Ryu, amigo! It's me!" said Ken.

"Hello," said Ryu. "It's been a long time. Are you competing in the tournament?"

"Oh yeah, I brought the whole family here to see me take the gold," said Ken.

"You seem confident... I hope you have been keeping up with your training," said Ryu.

"Of course! I'm in the best shape I've ever been," replied Ken. "You know, you could stand to cut back a bit on the training. There's more to life than simply training and fighting."

"The fight is everything," replied Ryu. "I want to achieve the purest form of my art."

The ferries continued to arrive at Shadaloo City, one by one, bringing over a motley crew of fighters from around the globe. All of them were here for the gold, a chance to take the grand prize and be deemed the strongest in the world. The opening ceremonies began with a monotonous speech by the host of the Street Fighter tournament, Master Bison himself. Bison was surprisingly muscular and large for a dictator and drug smuggler. He looked like a Nazi Schutzstaffel officer in his red uniform, hat, and cape.

As Bison droned on, Sheena couldn't help but feel the malice and hatred radiating out of this man. "That guy gives me the creeps," remarked Sheena.

"Yes, I can feel it too," said Abel. "The demons of my world can sense and feed on human emotions. He is a very selfish, ruthless man who would stop at nothing to get what he wants."

"That's not all he's putting out. He is also radiating energy similar to that of a Chaos Emerald," informed Tails.

"A Chaos Emerald?" asked Lana.

"Yeah, it's like something is streaming the energy directly into his body," replied Tails. "Whatever it is, it's probably nearby."

"Sheena, follow him," said Lana. "With luck, maybe he'll lead us to where he's keeping the Emerald."

"Okay," she replied. She continued watching Bison's speech until he left the stage. Sheena followed Bison as he and his entourage boarded a limo and drove away.

The opening ceremonies continued with a troupe of Thai dancers, who performed a graceful cultural dance for the audience. A few more acts came on, including acrobats, jugglers, and singers. About two hours later, the elimination rounds for the Street Fighter tournament began. The first competitors were Ken Masters and an Indian fighter known as Dhalsim. Dhalsim seemed quite a bit too scrawny and undernourished to be a professional athlete. He had stripes of red paint on his bald head and wore a garland of skulls.

"Go Ken! WOOOOO!" cheered Kevin, as well as Ken's numerous other fans.

Ken and Dhalsim took positions across from each other, entering into a fighting stance. When the announcer called for the fight to start, Dhalsim stretched his arms to inhuman lengths for dual punches. Ken blocked the punches, then sidestepped a kick extended at his face. Ken immediately hurled a blue, fireball-like mass of ki called the Hadoken. Dhalsim spit a fireball in response, negating both attacks. Dhalsim floated into the air while assuming the lotus position and vanished.

Dhalsim reappeared, coming down feet first at an angle like a spinning drill. He had bored into Ken's back, knocking him forward. Ken recovered and threw a kick back to Dhalsim's face, staggering him. Ken suddenly floated up, spinning his leg around like a tornado. Dhalsim got battered about, before regaining enough composure to block the final hits. Ken threw another Hadoken, which Dhalsim blocked. Dhalsim suddenly vanished and tried to drill into Ken's back again.

Ken moved aside, causing Dhalsim to overshoot. Ken suddenly launched into his Shoryuken, a leaping, flaming uppercut which caught Dhalsim across the chest and face. The sheer force took Dhalsim into the air and set him ablaze. Dhalsim crashed to the ground unconscious which snuffed out the flames. "Ken wins!" said the announcer.

The crowd burst into a chorus of raucous cheering, especially Ken's fans. Ken made a 'V' gesture with his fingers. "Alright!" said Ken.

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Sheena darted from tree to tree, trying to keep pace with Bison's limo as it sped down a jungle road. The limo eventually stopped at a security checkpoint in a clearing. The checkpoint consisted of a metal gate which was operated by about four uniformed guards who were armed with tasers. One of them operated the controls at the booth while another two remained on watch constantly. The last one spoke with the lead car of Bison's convoy and waved them through.

Sheena sank behind the branches of a tree to avoid being spotted. The road continued further ahead, to what appeared to be the centre of a larger compound. This whole area was surrounded by a chain-link fence which had razor wire coiled on top. There were also security cameras and lookout towers at key points in the area. Sheena could make out some buildings deeper inside which appeared to be part of a factory complex.

"Kevin, do you copy?" asked Sheena into a radio.

"Yeah, go ahead," replied Kevin.

"I just saw Bison enter the grounds of a factory. It's south of Shadaloo City, in the valley behind a checkpoint."

"That must be where the Emerald is," said Kevin. "We'll talk more later."

Later that night, the Explorers met at Lana's hotel room. "So how will we get the Emerald?" asked Lana. "We can't just barge in there. Bison will lock down the island and use the spectators as hostages. We'll be trapped."

"If we knew the Emerald's exact location, we could simply go in and take it," said Tails. He started to ponder how to resolve the situation and got an idea. "I have an idea. If we could hack into their security camera network, I could use the feed to determine the layout of Bison's base and find the Emerald at the same time."

"Really?" asked Sonia. "How?"

"If you can plant bugs on the camera or its wires, I can use the connection to upload a root kit into their servers, which would grant me access to every camera on site," replied Tails.

"Okay, so it's up to us to get those bugs installed," said Abel.

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After two days, the elimination rounds came to a close. The tournament went on a one day break after two full days of intense, non-stop action. During this time, Shadaloo announced the match-ups for the quarterfinals the following day. After the previous two days of eliminations, only eight fighters remained and Shadaloo's computers sorted them into their match-ups. They were Balrog vs. Blanka, Guile vs. Vega, Chun Li vs. Sagat, and Ryu vs. Ken.

On the night of the one day break, everyone met with Tails to discuss the operation. During the previous day, Tails had successfully hacked into a GPS satellite. He got pictures of the exterior layout of Bison's compound and cross-referenced these visual GPS pictures with a map of the electronic devices in the area. This combined map showed exactly how the compound was wired and the layout of its cameras. With these, they could plan out a method of planting the bugs, which would reveal the interior.

Tails put his finger on the east side of the combined maps. "There's a blind spot in the east jungle near the camp. The foliage is so thick, the cameras can't see very far into the jungle. You can sneak up and plant the bugs there," said Tails.

"We'll get right on it," said Abel. "Sheena, let's go."

Abel and Sheena travelled to the area Tails had mentioned in his message. The foliage was so extremely dense, that it was impossible to see more than a few feet ahead. After enough time had passed, they found the chain-link fence which sectioned off Bison's factory compound. Fortunately, few guards wandered this area. Most of them were patrolling the interior, where most of the activity of the factory complex was concentrated.

Abel pointed at a black, bulb-like structure at the top of a fence's pole, which was in fact, a camouflaged camera. Small amounts of electricity started to arc out of the camera, causing it to short out. At the monitoring station, the television screens went into static for the entire east side. "Hey, what the hell?" asked the guard, trying to fiddle with the controls to restore the image. He reached for a radio. "Hey John, send an electrician over to the east side. We..." Suddenly, the feed restored itself. "Never mind..."

Back at the jungle, Sheena returned to Abel's side. "Are the bugs in place?" asked Abel.

"Yep, Tails should be getting a picture," replied Sheena.

Back at the hotel, Tails started to receive input from his bugs. His computer became filled with numerous images of Bison's valley base compound. In one set of cameras, Tails saw the base's mess hall and kitchen, where the soldiers were gathering for their nightly meal. Another set had images of the base's perimeter, showing the movements of guards all around Bison's compound as they made patrols. All of these images were quite innocuous, but the next set wasn't.

The next was the interior of a factory-like area. Numerous workers in filtered face masks, scrubs, and caps were examining and working on white, powdery substances. On the floor below, there was a prison with barred cells which held numerous captives. A group of orderlies wrestled with one of the prisoners, trying to pin him flat on the ground. Despite the prisoner's resistance, he was overpowered. A nurse came over and injected him with an unknown substance. The prisoner fell limp almost immediately as though euphoria had taken hold of him.

"Okay guys, we've got a good picture here. You can come home," said Tails over the radio.

"What are they doing over there?" asked Lana, watching the scene with the orderlies.

"That looks like a drug operation," replied Sonia, watching the workers examine the white powder. "It looks like they test the drugs on the prisoners."

"What monsters!" said Lana.

Tails looked over the rest of the video feeds and found a laboratory area deep within Bison's base. It was the third basement of the base and the most heavily guarded floor of all. The patrols were near constant and access to the floor was very strictly controlled by security. In one room, Tails spotted an unknown machine with a rounded top which opened up into a slot at its top. In this slot was a large, blue jewel which glowed with a matching light. The machine seemed to be extracting energy from the jewel.

"Found it!" said Tails. "That machine is harvesting energy from the Chaos Emerald. It must be transferring the power to Bison to make him stronger. That must be what my radar detected when I first saw him."

"Hey, look over there. That's Chun Li!" said Kevin, pointing to a woman in a red qipao who had entered the soldiers' lounge. "I saw her fight in the elimination matches earlier. She must be here to bust Bison."

Chun Li was talking to the guards and seemed quite friendly for someone who was supposed to be their enemy. "She's posing as a prostitute," said Sonia.

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"Hey baby," called a lecherous guard. "Why don't you come here and play with me for awhile?"

"Oh, quit it!" Chun Li replied, tittering girlishly.

"Keep your hands off," said another, who sat Chun Li on his lap. "Why don't you spend the night with me, sugar? I'll show you a real man."

"Ooh, I wanna see," replied Chun Li, who got up and followed her guard back to his quarters.

She had passed a gym, complete with a swimming pool, on her way to her client's bedroom. Despite being a ruthless dictator, Bison took many lengths to ensure the health and happiness of his troops. It seemed that he spared little expense to ensure his troops' loyalty and dedication. The soldier led Chun Li down the hallways to the dorm upstairs. While not luxury, the guards' rooms were quite well kept and maintained.

As soon as the Chun Li closed the bedroom door behind her, she popped the guard in the chin, knocking him unconscious. She robbed the man of any pertinent ID cards and quietly closed the door behind her as she left. She sneaked downstairs and through a hallway to the compound's central security room. She peeked through the door and noticed two men inside. They were the guards currently on duty watching the monitors.

"Hey boys, what'cha doin'," said Chun Li, as she went inside.

"Ooh, hi there pretty lady," said one of the men. "You really shouldn't be in here."

"Shouldn't I?" asked Chun Li. "You two seem a little tense. I happen to know a few tricks to relieve that stress."

"Well..."

"Hey, get your own! I saw her first!" said the other soldier.

"Now now boys, you shouldn't fight over little old me. Otherwise, I'll do this!" Chun Li kicked both men in the head so quickly, they didn't even see her foot come in. She quickly grabbed a chair and smashed the monitoring computer.

Back at the hotel, the images on Tails' computer turned to static. "No!" said Tails.

"Way to go, moron!" said Kevin, but his words went unheard by Chun Li in Bison's base.

Chun Li snuck out of the barracks and into the neighbouring building, a factory which housed Bison's drug testing facilities. Most of the employees had gone home for the night, leaving only the odd guard patrolling the grounds. A flashlight moved towards her, which she avoided by ducking behind a desk. When the coast was clear, Chun Li got up and began to take pictures of the location. She snapped photos of the machinery and of a red oil drum filled with a white, flour-like substance.

A guard spotted the flash of her camera. "Hey!" he cried.

Chun Li glanced at him and quickly launched into a flying kick. She had connected with his chin and flattened him. Chun Li quickly attempted to flee the scene, but two more men entered the factory floor. One stayed in front while the other attempted to flank from behind. The one behind charged, but Chun Li staggered him with an elbow to the face. The front one charged, but she kicked him in the face. She punched out the previous guard and heard footsteps approach the area.

A few guards came from the lower floors of the factory, while others from the barracks came in through the factory entrance. The guards circled her, looking for the perfect chance to strike. One of the ones behind took that chance, but received an elbow. The others rushed in. She kicked one in the knee and finished him with a roundhouse, swivelling her leg to hit another guard. That guard flipped over a desk, scattering everything to the ground. She punched out a third and a fourth, and floored a fifth with a kick to the chest.

The fifth had been hurled back and crashed into the oil drum. He had knocked it down, causing it to land on the floor with a clang. All of its contents spilt over the ground. More guards burst in from the front door, forcing Chun Li to flee deeper inside. She reached the cell area, where Bison's test subjects were kept. Chun Li turned around and her leg became as a blur as she hurled a flurry of Lightning Kicks. Within seconds, her pursuers were pummelled to the ground.

More guards rushed the prison, one of them firing a taser at Chun Li. She dodged and ran deeper into the cell block. She rounded a corner and found a dead end. The guards closed from behind, but she flattened them with a volley of Lightning Kicks. A barred cell wall descended, blocking her way forward. "Game over," remarked Bison, as he approached Chun Li's cell.

"You!" said Chun Li, grasping the bars. "You bastard! I still haven't forgotten what you did to my father. I won't stop until I have my revenge."

"Your father?" asked Bison.

"Yes, my father," replied Chun Li. "...Or did you forget how you had him shot as you fled our village like a coward?"

"I'm sorry. I don't remember," said Bison

"You don't remember?" asked Chun Li.

"No," replied Bison. "For you, the day Bison graced your village was the most important day of your life. But for me, it was Tuesday."

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"Tiger Uppercut!" cried the towering kickboxer, as he performed his own variant of the Shoryuken.

Chun Li was thrown into the air and crashed harshly on the ground. "Sagat wins!" said the announcer.

Chun Li was black and blue from the beating she had received from Sagat. He was easily the tallest competitor, towering over Chun Li at over seven feet in height. The muscular Thai man had a large scar running up his chest to his bad right eye, which was covered by an eye patch. It was the result of a particularly powerful Shoryuken delivered by his nemesis, Ryu. The bald Sagat looked like a stereotypical villain.

Bison looked upon his stooge's handiwork, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. Numerous soldiers escorted the medics who took Chun Li away. "Kevin, can you hear me?" asked Tails over the radio.

"Sure, what's up?" asked Kevin, who had just watched the fight from the bleachers.

"I've just regained the feed from the base," replied Tails.

"Okay, but we've got a problem," replied Kevin.

"What is it?" asked Tails.

"Chun Li just got captured," replied Lana nearby. "Bison had Sagat rough her up during her match with him. She's hurt pretty bad."

"Ouch," said Tails. "Sheena has also overheard some juicy information about Chun Li. It seems that she's working with Guile."

"The army guy?" asked Lana.

"Yep, they're here to bust Bison," replied Tails. "They were trying to get evidence of Bison's drug trafficking, but Chun Li's capture threw a wrench into that. Bison is demanding that Guile meet him for a fight on the day of the consolation battles, before the finals take place."

"That would be the perfect time to go after the Emerald. Bison would be too distracted with them to notice us coming," said Kevin.

Thus, the Explorers made plans to break into Bison's base on the day before the finals. Tails gave Sonic a perfect map of Bison's compound, up to and including the patrol routes of every single guard. Tails also began to compile footage from Bison's security cameras as damning evidence of his criminal activities. The quarterfinals finished and the semifinals began the next day. Only four fighters remained with Blanka vs. Guile and Ken vs. Sagat.

In Guile's match, Guile had plastered the green, bestial Blanka with a Sonic Boom to the face. Blanka crashed to the ground in a heap and Guile combed his hair as a gesture of victory. In Ken's match, he blocked one of Sagat's Tiger Uppercuts. Ken retaliated with a flaming Shoryuken, setting the Muay Thai fighter ablaze. Sagat plummeted to the ground and the landing snuffed the flames. Ken made his signature "V" gesture to celebrate his victory. The crowd broke out into cheers.

As the tournament held an interlude, the sun started to set on Shadaloo Island. Tails spotted Chun Li being escorted into a van just outside the base in the security cameras. Bison boarded his limo and an entire convoy of soldiers in jeeps left the base. Tails scanned the rest of the cameras and as predicted, only a few guards remained behind. This was the perfect time to strike. Lana and Kevin left for the docks to secure a boat for their team's escape. Abel, Sheena, Sonia, and Sonic hid in the foliage near the base awaiting Tails' signal.

Back at the hotel, Tails pushed a button on his computer. All of the monitors in Bison's security room went into static, as did Tails'. After few more presses, he had restored the camera feed to his computer alone. "Okay guys, head in," said Tails.

"I'm headed for the Emerald. Be back in a second," said Sonic, running into a metal door near a mountain.

Abel, Sheena, and Sonia approached the door to Bison's drug factory. Sheena quickly hurled several gas bombs through the window. When the nearest workers and guards inhaled the gas, their vision blurred and they fell unconscious. When the gas cleared, the trio entered the drug factory, to find every guard and worker either sprawled on the ground or asleep at their workstation. They went to the prison cell area, where Sonia unlocked the cells from the central console in the neighbouring room.

The cell block became flooded with red lights as a warning klaxon blared. The prisoners cheered as they fled their cells. Abel teleported the group back to the nearby jungle, where Sonic zipped next to them. He was holding a blue jewel in his hands. "Okay I got the Emerald. Time to get out," said Sonic into his radio.

Tails began typing frantically on his computer. A bar appeared on his computer screen, filling up as an upload of a file progressed. It contained copies of Bison's security footage, which detailed everything that happened within the drug factory. When the bar filled, he, Kevin, and Lana took their belongings and checked out of the hotel. Within the hour, everyone had reunited on the ferry in the harbour of Shadaloo City.

"All aboard!" cried one of the sailors, moments before the ferry pulled out of the harbour.

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Meanwhile, Bison kicked Guile squarely in the chest. Guile fell to his knees, gasping for air. Bison launched himself forward like a corkscrew, enflamed with ki. Guile burst into blue flame when Bison's Psycho Crusher made contact. When Guile hit the ground, the landing snuffed the flames. Guile was beaten, bloodied, and burned. The dictator proved to be a formidable foe. "Get up!" said Bison. "I want to savour every moment."

Guile was on his last legs, after taking so many severe hits. Their battlefield, a beach, had been riddled with footprints and indentations by their fierce fighting. A nearby wooden lifeguard tower had been smashed. All that remained were sharp wooden stakes where the legs used to be. The area was surrounded by Bison's men, including his right hand man, Sagat, and assassin, Vega. Chun Li was also here, held captive in chains by the masked Vega and forced to watch her friend get pummelled.

All of a sudden, Bison felt the flow of power stop. "What?" he asked incredulously.

Guile sprang to life and planted a somersaulting kick, the Flash Kick, right to Bison's face. Bison got tossed into the air and landed harshly on the sand. At that moment, Sagat received a radio call. "A riot?" asked Sagat. "Okay, we'll be there shortly. Bison, there's been a jailbreak at the base."

"Go!" growled Bison. Bison's three top cronies and many of his underlings hopped into nearby jeeps to return to base.

Guile kicked Bison in the chest, knocking him back. He hurled a Sonic Boom, knocking Bison onto the sand. Bison got up and launched into a Psycho Crusher, speeding ahead like a flaming torpedo. Guile waited until Bison was in range, then performed a Flash Kick. Bison got kicked out of the move and into the air. He flipped almost a complete circle and flopped onto the wrecked lifeguard tower. One of its stakes became covered in his blood, having pierced through his heart.

"Bison's dead!" cried one of the soldiers.

The sound of rotor blades swishing through the air approached the area. Guile looked up and saw several helicopters approaching the area. "Looks like the cavalry has come," said Guile.

**END OF CHAPTER**


	11. Chaos 6 - Eternal Flame Ruby

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. Grand Theft Auto IV was produced by Rockstar Games. This story uses reference material from both.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Chaos Control 6: Eternal Flame Ruby**

Sheena descended the elevator to Power Palace's training and recreation area. With some free time on her hands, she hoped to get in a few hours of training to keep her skills sharp. As she passed through one of the training chambers, she looked into the window and saw Abel inside. Abel's demons were at his side, taking fire from soldiers in the windows of an office building. He fired retaliatory ice pellets which froze the soldiers. Yog-Sothoth launched orbs which shattered each one.

Abel stopped to rest for a moment and Sheena decided to enter. "Hey!" said Sheena.

"Oh hi Sheena, how are you?" said Abel.

"I'm fine. You look like you've been training hard," said Sheena.

"Yeah," he replied, panting all the while.

"Mind if I join?" she asked.

"Not at all," replied Abel.

Abel called in the training room's keyboard, where he programmed in a new training area. A bolt of lightning struck in the distance and a great flash rushed outward. A massive, mushroom-like plume of flame and smoke arose in the distance. Cars, trees, and debris were hurled in the air like mere toys. The buildings had been charred black with windows shattered. There were charred skeletons everywhere on the ground. Other than the crackling flames and blowing wind, an eerie silence had fallen over the city.

"This is horrifying! Are we really going to train here?" asked Sheena.

"Yes," replied Abel.

"What is this place?" asked Sheena.

"This was a city destroyed by the wrath of God. Furious at not being worshipped, He punished the non-believers with destruction," replied Abel.

"Some God!" said Sheena.

"The demons are coming. Get ready!" said Abel.

A group of green blob-like monsters with massive, agape mouths approached. These creatures had a frog-like posture, but moved by crawling along the ground with clawed hands. "What are those things?" asked Sheena.

"Abaddon," replied Abel. "They're demons resistant to elemental attacks, but weak to physical attacks."

The frontmost Abaddon spewed a swarm of locusts at Sheena. She quickly leapt away and hurled ofuda at them. The cards glowed white as they passed through, dispersing the swarm. Abel tore open fissures into a black void upon two of the Abaddon. They were instantly disintegrated. Mao descended upon another and impaled it through the head fatally. Sheena vaulted over another's swipe, landing behind, and slammed ofuda into its back. Sheena detected movement from behind and quickly darted forward to avoid a swipe to the back.

The Abaddon lunged again, but Sheena somersaulted over and turned to her attacker. She weaved around more lunges as she closed in and slapped it in the face with ofuda. Once it was down, Sheena leapt on top and slammed numerous ofuda into the prone creature's face. It burst into a blob of darkness which vanished. Scarlet suddenly appeared behind another and began draining energy from it. The Abaddon collapsed from exhaustion and crumbled away in an inky black blob.

Abel opened another fissure, which disintegrated the last enemy. The post-apocalyptic city vanished, leaving behind the yellow-striped, black walls of the training room. Sheena came over to talk to him. "Man, that was rough. Is this the kind of training you do all the time?" she asked.

"Yeah, I come from a very dangerous place," replied Abel. "You should train with me. It'll keep your skills sharp."

"Sure," said Sheena.

"I noticed that you fight using ofuda. That's a pretty unusual fighting style," said Abel.

"It's the Igaguri style. We can infuse seals with magic and use them as weapons," said Sheena. "I can also call the elemental Summon Spirits from Aselia, but I focus more on the Igaguri techniques."

"No kidding! I'm a summoner myself, but I call demons. Where I'm from, we'd consider your Summon Spirits to be elemental demons," said Abel. "You've already met my buddies, Mao, Yog-Sothoth and Scarlet."

Yog extended a tentacle through a portal and waved at Sheena. "Hello," said Yog.

"Hi Sheena," said Mao.

"Hello darling!" said Scarlet with a sultry voice as she waved at Sheena while nuzzling Abel affectionately. Sheena merely rolled her eyes at Scarlet. "Is something wrong with me showing my man how much I love him? If we loved each other, I'd do the same for you."

Scarlet came over and clasped Sheena's arm. "N... Now hold on a minute!" said Sheena. "I don't bend that way! I already have someone special!"

"Oh? That's a pity... Girl on girl can be so hot. Your loss," said Scarlet, returning to Abel's side.

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"Papa, another part of the seal just broke. It caused the gate to Liberty City to open," replied Lyle. "Other warps started to open at the same time. They'll probably be fully open by the time you leave for Liberty City."

"It must be the Chaos Emeralds," said Lana. "They're accelerating the collapse of the seal."

"Please hurry and retrieve the Chaos Emerald," said Charles.

"Right away, father," said Lana. "Kevin, what can you tell us about Liberty City?"

"It's from the game 'Grand Theft Auto 4,'" replied Kevin. "You play as Niko Bellic and do things like stealing cars and shooting cops."

"So violent!" remarked Sheena.

"Oh yeah," said Kevin. "Liberty City has a lot of crime, so we need to be careful. Other than that, it's like the world my mom and I came from."

"If anyone tried to rob me, I'd pound him into the dirt," said Bowser.

"Yeah, and the only thing left would the guy's head sticking out of the ground," asked Sonic.

"Hey, a person's head makes for a comfortable chair," said Bowser.

"People will get suspicious if you go around the way you are. There aren't any talking animals in Liberty City," said Kevin.

"Don't worry. We'll just tell people that you're wearing costumes," said Sonia.

"Yeah, and many people will believe a short blue hedgehog with scrawny legs is a kid in a costume," said Sonic.

"Sure they will," replied Sonia. "Just act as normal as possible. Don't do anything out of the ordinary and people will just brush it off."

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In the eastern part of the United States was the seaside city of Liberty City. It was the equivalent of New York City from Kevin's home world, but with notable differences which set the two apart. At the south of the city, on an island, the green Statue of Happiness towered above the skyline. This copy of the Statue of Liberty depicted Lady Liberty with a big smile on her face, holding a coffee cup in the air with one hand and a stone tablet in the other. She faced northward towards the West River, as though gazing over the sprawling city.

At the heart of the city was Middle Park, Liberty City's counterpart to New York's Central Park. A black metal sign demarcated its east entrance. Middle Park was filled with trees and grass which were broken by stone stairs and walkways. At the centre was a pond whose north half was much larger than its south. Both halves were connected by a bottleneck which flowed between the two and underneath a stone bridge. To the east of the southern half was a large stone building known as the Libertonian Museum.

The Libertonian's front was on its east side, a large set of stairs which funnelled visitors into a central doorway. There were drapes all across the building's facade, advertising the latest exhibits on display within its walls. The most prominent one was at the centre. It was a red drape which depicted a face-like carving on a golden sarcophagus. It was advertising the new Egyptian exhibits which were on display for the next month.

As the day went on, the sun started to set and the nightlife began to stir. A glimmering red object descended from the heavens towards the eastern part of the park. Nearby was the museum's curator, a middle-aged man in horn-rimmed glasses with balding grey hair and a goatee. He was reclining on a tree when he had noticed the object punch a small hole ahead. He took a closer look, discovering the object to be an unusually large, diamond-shaped, glowing red jewel. It felt warm to the touch and seemed to radiate an otherworldly power to it.

The curator claimed the gem and returned to his museum. He had a team of researchers examine the jewel, who looked at its facets through lenses and wired it to scanning computers. "What can you tell me?" the curator asked.

"This jewel is like nothing I've ever seen. It has an unknown composition and seems to be emitting minute amounts of heat, but I can't isolate the mechanism responsible," reported the researcher, a man in glasses and a surgeon's mask. "I don't detect any dangerous forms of radiation from it, so it should be safe to put on display."

The curator followed his researcher's advice and began to advertise its presence on his museum's drapes. Many people flocked to see this mysterious, glowing red jewel, a fortuitous discovery by the Libertonian curator. Dubbed the "Eternal Flame Ruby," despite not being a true ruby, nobody knew its origins or what it was doing in Middle Park. By putting it on display, the Libertonian hoped to learn more, by eliciting people to come forward with information. In the meantime, they could earn a small profit by displaying it.

However, the jewel began to gain the interest of some highly unsavoury characters in Liberty City. One night, a man in black sneaked about on the roof of the Libertonian. He found a suitable skylight, which he cut open with a special tool. He lowered himself inside with a rope, finding himself in the Egyptian wing of the Libertonian. All around him were exhibits of mummies, sarcophaguses, and royal treasures of the pharaohs.

In a distant hallway, he could see a small, disc-like spotlight moving along the ground. The thief moved through the museum, careful not to get caught in the sight of security. The thief travelled through a few hallways before reaching the pedestal holding the Eternal Flame Ruby. The thief quickly and carefully replaced the jewel with a metal weight. He made his way through several more hallways, dodging patrols until he exited a ground-level door. He made a beeline for his getaway car and drove back to a laundromat.

At the laundromat, the Italian owner directed the thief to the backroom. An aging Italian-American man in his forties was seated at the table, near a spare washing machine. The jewel thief recognized this suited man as Arthur Zapulla, consigliere to Don Pavano. "Hey Mario, did you get the jewel?" asked Zapulla.

"Yeah, right here, Mr. Zapulla," replied the jewel thief, Mario Venturella. He pulled out the Ruby and handed it to Zapulla.

"Good work, the don will be pleased with your work. Take this briefcase as your pay. We'll wire the rest to your account," said Zapulla.

After Venturella took the briefcase, the two went their separate ways. A few days later, Zapulla returned to the laundromat, where he met with a group of tough-looking men. He showed the leader of his goons the jewel, which had been secured in a cubic metal case. "So this is our delivery?" asked the head goon.

"Yes, take this gem to the LC24 building. The Jews will meet you there to purchase it," replied Zapulla.

The leader of the goons took the jewel and returned to his car. They drove down the night streets of Liberty City to a tall grey skyscraper known as the LC24 building. It stood out for being the tallest building in an area with mostly low-rises. This building housed the offices of the company which published the LC24 newspaper, which was distributed all across Liberty City. The goons entered the lobby of the building and were directed by the receptionist to a wing of the building under renovation.

The room had cylindrical concrete columns, plastic wrap covering the floor, and cans of white paint left over from work earlier in the day. A group of Jewish men were present, waiting for the Mafiosi to arrive with their part of the deal. The distrust and suspicion was thick in the air. The two sides slowly revealed their items simultaneously to avoid misunderstandings from the other. At that moment, tires screeched from outside! A black car smashed its way through the nearby window!

The driver was a Serbian man in track pants who wore a brown hide jacket over a windbreaker. He exited his car with gun blazing. The Jews and Italians retreated, firing their weapons as a diversion. The Serbian felled two Jews, followed by a Mafioso who tried to retrieve the jewel case. The attacker, Niko Bellic, scored a head shot on another Jew and a shot to the belly of a Mafioso. After both men went down, Niko snatched the cases and bolted for his car. He backed out of the building and sped away with tires screeching.

Just seconds behind him, the Jews and the Mafiosi had boarded vehicles to chase him. They sped down Liberty City's streets, shooting at each other every metre they traversed. Niko rounded a right and nearly rammed into a parked car . As he travelled down the road, a mafia car attempted to take his left flank. Niko saw them coming with a Mafioso leaning out the window to fire. He shot the Mafioso, who slinked back into his vehicle.

Sirens started blaring in the distance, moving closer to the location of the cars. "Oh shit, the cops!" Niko thought.

Niko continued down the street and rounded a right around a bank. The mafia car remained on his tail, unwilling to let him escape, not even with the Liberty City Police Department in pursuit. A minute had passed and a series of squad cars appeared in the rear view mirrors of the mafia car. Up ahead, the LCPD had set up a road block with the lengths of their vehicles. Niko didn't bother to slow down. Instead, he sped up and ploughed right through a small gap between cars, hitting their ends and causing them to spin around.

The LCPD fired at Niko, who merely sped away without flinching. The mafia car, too slow and off-centre to make it through, immediately screeched into a U-turn and fled the other way. Some of the LCPD began to board their vehicles while others fired in retaliation. The mafia turned right at the previous intersection as the LCPD began pursuit. Elsewhere, Niko had lost the police momentarily and searched for the nearest garage.

He found one labelled "Pay 'n' Spray" and drove in. The mechanics finished in but a few hours, a job for which he tipped the men well. Now, his vehicle was in mint condition and sported a fresh coat of red paint. With the new paint job and improved condition of his vehicle, the LCPD would not suspect a thing. He continued on his way back to his employer, who was waiting for him back at a dry cleaner.

The proprietor led him to the upstairs room, which contained an Italian man in his mid-thirties with greying hair. He was Roy Zito, an under boss for the Gambetti crime family. Niko presented the Eternal Flame Ruby to his employer. "Good work Niko! Here's your pay," said Zito, handing a briefcase over to Niko, which contained $100,000 in unmarked bills.

A few days later, after the heat had died down, Zito had called Niko back for a new mission late at night. "You called for me?" asked Niko.

"Yeah Niko, you're just the man I wanted to see. My boy Vito's making a deal with Yusuf Amir for the jewel," said Zito. "He don't want no funny stuff happening, so I'm sendin' you in to watch his back. Capiche?"

"Sure, so where's he making the deal?" asked Niko.

"You can find him by the Liberty State Pavilion Towers. He'll show you the rest of the way," replied Zito.

Niko returned to his car and travelled all the way to Meadows Park, to the very site Zito mentioned. On the ground below, the towers were massive structures with a ladder that led up to a circular observation deck high above the ground. A plain Italian man in his mid-thirties in a grey suit approached Niko. "Ah, so you're my back-up?" asked the man.

"Yeah, I'm Niko," replied Niko. "You must be Vito. Roy Zito sent me."

"Good, the deal will be at the Monoglobe," said Zito. "Let's not keep the buyer waiting."

The duo travelled southward to a large, metallic, globe-like structure which depicted the world. This structure was at the centre of a fountain and known as the Monoglobe. It had a grid-like appearance and was surrounded by rings. Nearby were spotlights which illuminated it, along with inactive water spouts. The duo waited until the other half of the deal arrived. The buyer was a chubby, bearded, Middle-Eastern man. He wore track pants and a black windbreaker with yellow stripes running diagonally across the front. His escort was a Latino man in a suit.

"Wassup my niggas!" greeted the Middle-Eastern buyer, Yusuf Amir.

Niko remembered seeing that Latino man before, but couldn't recall where. "Do you have the money?" asked Niko.

"Right here, smell the sweet scent of a cool three million," replied Yusuf, who opened his briefcase on the ground. "All unmarked bills... No one will ever know where they came from."

"Let's see the jewel," said the Hispanic man. Vito opened the case for Yusuf's side to see. The Eternal Flame Ruby was as beautiful as ever and radiated its warm, crimson glow. "We'll slowly put these on the ground and take it from there."

Both Vito and Yusuf put their items on the ground. As they prepared to complete the trade, several motorcycles converged on their area. The men on these vehicles were clad in black leather jackets marked with a skull-like insignia and the words "Angels of Death" on the back. Both traders quickly darted for cover, leaving the jewel and the payment unguarded on the ground. The bikers opened fire on the four. One of them rode up and reached for the jewel case. Niko planted a bullet cleanly into his ribs, knocking him off of his bike.

"Don't let them get the cash!" said Vito, who began firing a submachine gun from behind a tree.

Niko fired at the Angels of Death from behind his tree. From their vantage point, they could see Yusuf just across the fountain, shooting at the bikers with the Hispanic man. Bullets filled the space between the three factions, soaring back and forth in a deadly exchange. The gunshots were so loud that a random male pedestrian heard them from his sidewalk. He looked over and saw the men shooting at each other in the distance.

He reached for a cell phone and dialled 9-1-1. "There's a shootout in Meadows Park, send someone! Hurry!" said the pedestrian.

Similar calls began to flood the dispatch centre for the LCPD. Within seconds, numerous officers were boarding cars and taking to the streets. Their sirens blared across Liberty City's streets. At the same time, the Explorers were also converging on the location of the firefight. They approached the fountain from above and north, in contrast to the south below, where the bulk of the shooting took place.

Yog hovered above, where the Explorers could see the muzzle flashes of the guns as they spewed bullets. Tails looked at his radar device, which beeped rapidly. "The Emerald is below and ahead of us," he reported.

Using magic, Abel displayed the two cases on the ground. One was a briefcase and the other a taller and more cubic case. "It must be in the square one," said Abel.

"Whatever, just grab them both, we'll sort it out later," said Bowser.

"No, this isn't a good time," said Lana. "We'll wait until it calms down, then grab it from the winner."

Several sirens and flashing red lights approached the scene. The LCPD had arrived to investigate the shoot out, surrounding the entire area near the fountain. The LCPD had cut off the north with an array of cars. Other LCPD vehicles came from the south blocking off that avenue of escape. The Angels of Death started to fire at the officers, prompting them to return fire in kind. One of the Angels drove by the jewel and snatched it up.

"Hey, that's my jewel!" cried Yusuf.

"I'm going for the money," said Yusuf's body guard. "At least we can try the deal once the heat dies down."

"Do it, Luis my man," said Yusuf.

Luis fired several shots, managing to down one of the Angels from his bike. He ran out and snatched the money briefcase from the ground. Despite Angels trying to shoot him, he managed to return to his hiding spot lucky to not have been hit. The two fled the scene, making a beeline for their car. At the same time, Niko started to shoot at the Angel who had stolen the jewel. As the biker sped away, Niko scored a shot to the back. The biker tumbled off and dropped the case.

Niko grabbed it and boarded the abandoned motorcycle. "Come on!" Niko called to Vito.

"Coming!" said Vito.

Vito fired at the Angels of Death bikers as he ran to Niko's motorcycle. However, a LCPD officer saw Vito and fired. Vito was hit in the back of the head and collapsed to the ground. "Oh shit!" said Niko, who immediately started the bike and sped away. Niko burst out of the park, an event that did not go unnoticed by the LCPD. Several officers boarded their squad cars and started to chase Niko out of the park.

Niko sped down Liberty City's streets with the police in hot pursuit behind him. Niko took backward glances and fired at the leading car, hitting its hood. He rounded a right and accelerated down a road past a subway station. Niko glanced back and saw at least two more cars had joined the chase. He looked ahead and saw a narrow alley. When he reached it, he made a hard right into it and then a left out onto the street. Unable to pursue him through the alley, the police had to take the long away around, and lost him.

After driving some distance, Niko found a sports car, a Banshee, driving along the road. It had stopped at the nearby light, waiting for it to turn green. Niko pulled over to the driver's side and got off to yank the door open. "Hey, what the hell you doing?" asked the female driver.

"Guess what? You're getting jacked!" replied Niko, slamming the driver's head against the wheel. Niko undid the woman's seat belt and rudely hurled her onto the street. He boarded the vehicle with the jewel and sped away.

Some time later, Niko had entered a quiet, motionless part of Liberty City. As he drove ahead casually, Bowser landed on the road ahead. Niko slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting Bowser, but was too close. Instead of being run down, Bowser held the car in place. Niko tried to back away, but Bowser held on and then lifted the car above his head. Niko quickly threw open the door and undid his seat belt to escape.

Immediately after he landed, he tried to bolt for an alley, but a blue blur struck his legs and tossed him into the air. Niko landed sprawled on the ground, shocked by how suddenly he was hit. He scrambled to his feet. Sonic grabbed and hurled him into a pile of trash. In the meantime, Bowser had placed the car on the ground. Tails ran in and opened the case, where he saw the red Chaos Emerald. He quickly pocketed it and ran back to join Kevin and the others.

"We got it!" said Tails to Sonic.

"Okay, let's go," said Sonic. The Explorers regrouped on the street ahead and fled the scene in Yog, leaving Niko sprawled over the trash.

**END OF CHAPTER**


	12. Chaos 7 - World Regenesis

Disclaimer:  
Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. Final Fantasy was produced by Square Enix. This story uses reference material from both.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Chaos Control 7: World Regenesis**

With controller in hand and headphones in ears, Kevin played a heated game of "War Zone" with Abel over a computer network. Kevin was right at home playing such a game. The first person shooter genre was very popular in the United States. On the other hand, Abel was not as familiar with the game play. He gravitated towards slower, more strategically-oriented games like role-playing games.

For the upcoming round, Kevin and Abel had been assigned to the red team. When the round began, the khaki-clad soldiers of the red team moved out of a truck and through a snowy town. They fanned out, taking multiple paths through alleys. A few seconds into the round, Kevin noticed an enemy soldier in green mottled camouflage in an opposite alley. He instinctively moved the crosshairs over the enemy and fired. Bullets soared out of his assault rifle, which ended up felling the soldier and registering a kill message.

Abel spotted a second enemy lurking on the ice-coated roofs above. He aimed high and fired. His shots hit twice, but his foe quickly dove prone and returned fire. His soldier started registering damage. The second hit was a head shot and the third felled his character. "Damn!" he cursed.

Kevin eventually got gunned down by another enemy player and respawned just after Abel. The two travelled through the alleys of the town, until they came across a bar ahead. There was an enemy soldier on the roof and another peering out of the second floor window. Abel fired at the one in the window first, scoring a fatal head shot. The one on the roof saw Abel and returned fire, felling him. Kevin shot back and took down the soldier on the roof.

"Damn, I'm really suck," said Abel, lamenting his poor performance in the first person shooter.

"Cheer up, at least you got that guy in the window," said Kevin.

"Kevin, can you hear me?" asked Lana over the palace intercom system.

"Go ahead," replied Kevin.

"Kevin, my father wishes to speak to us. We have to explore another warp," said Lana.

"Okay, I'll be there in a few minutes," said Kevin.

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A lone man approached an office door labelled "President Reeve Tuesti." This distinguished, black-haired man, sat in his seat and glanced over a series of papers. They were authorization forms for various projects around Edge City. As Reeve read the forms and signed them, he reflected on what brought him to this point. The new city slowly spread eastward from the ruins of old Midgar. Refugees had fled the old city, which had been destroyed when a meteor crashed into its centre, an event appropriately called the "Meteorfall."

When the Meteor was first spotted, Reeve had the city evacuated, to preserve the lives of those endangered by its collision. The Lifestream of the Planet rose from the ground to destroy the Meteor, but not without causing damage of its own to the city. Despite the immense damage, most people survived the disaster, thanks to Reeve's leadership. Under his guidance, the World Regenesis Organization came into being to rebuild after the disaster. However, Meteorfall had left a deep impression amongst the survivors and the rest of the world.

Before the Meteorfall, there existed a corporation known as Shinra. They sold Mako power, which was essentially the Lifestream of the Planet refined into a liquid and used as a power source. Mako became the dominant power source of the world, but since it used the Lifestream, it was essentially sapping the Planet of its life. Mako use was especially prevalent around old Midgar, resulting in the barren and dead wasteland around it. Since it was the Lifestream that saved the world, the people could not use Mako in good conscience.

This led to an energy crisis on the Planet. Even under the hardship of an energy crisis, use of Mako was out of the question. So, they turned to alternative fuels, such as coal, which had been used heavily before the advent of Mako. Due to such reliance on Mako, the Planet had neglected the old coal-gathering infrastructure, allowing it to decay. Nowhere was this more apparent than in the decay of North Corel, the coal-mining centre of the Planet.

The phone rang and Reeve answered. He recognized the person at the other end as Barret Wallace, a former coal miner and member of the AVALANCHE resistance group. "How's it at Corel?" asked Reeve, having been thinking about North Corel just recently.

"All crap! Those crazy foo's really let the place go," replied Barret. "I was just walkin' along when the damn rails gave out under my feet. Nearly fell into the chasm... The trains were even worse. The wheel came off when I kicked one."

"So, it's that bad?" asked Reeve.

"Hell yeah," replied Barret.

Reeve sighed. "I'll allot more money and manpower for repairs. Thanks for the report. Call me back later."

At the other end of the call was a large black man in rugged clothing whose right hand had been replaced by a minigun. Barret looked across at the city around Corel Mountain. North Corel was mostly a tent city comprised of impoverished miners. They were out at the mountain, toiling away at the decayed and neglected train tracks. There was so much work that progress was slow. Edge City was expanding and needed their coal to build homes for old Midgar's refugees.

Just then, a meteor-like object soared across the sky. Barret watched as it landed in the sandy wilderness outside of North Corel. Barret commandeered a jeep and drove out to investigate. At the impact crater, he found a single diamond the size of a volleyball at its centre. The jewel radiated a power and warmth about it. However, he sensed great significance around this object. He put it in his pocket and drove back.

A few days later, Reeve came over to North Corel to inspect the progress of the repairs and also to examine Barret's jewel. A scientist had come with Reeve to conduct some brief tests on the jewel and ascertain the validity of Barret's hunch. The scientist, a bespectacled intellectual man in his forties, examined the jewel's facets with an eyepiece. The jewel was absolutely flawless. No fissures or blemishes were visible on the surface or within.

The scientist held a handheld electromagnetic emissions detector to it. Despite appearing as a diamond, this strange jewel caused the device to beep. The meter's needle tilted towards the high end. "Doctor, is this jewel a new form of Materia?" asked Reeve.

"No way, it fell outta the sky!" replied Barret. "Materia normally comes out of the ground, being Lifestream and all."

"Your friend is right," replied the scientist. "This jewel is not Materia. We have never seen anything like it on the Planet. This jewel appears capable of generating energy. This has many practical applications."

"Energy you say?" asked Reeve.

"Yes, but we'd have to conduct test back at the lab. If we could find more jewels like this one, our energy problems would be over," replied the scientist.

"Okay, I'll have the jewel taken back to Junon. I'll get a special friend to deliver this one," said Reeve.

Reeve punched in a number on his cell phone. "Strife Delivery Service. You name it, we deliver it," came the female voice on the other end.

"Hello Tifa, it's me," said Reeve.

"Oh hey, what can I do for you?" asked Tifa.

"Listen, I need Cloud to pick up a package from my men at Junon. Have him deliver the package to the Edge City lab. It's very important."

"Okay, no problem. I think I hear him pulling up now. I'll let him know," replied Tifa.

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Within two days, a motorcycle had been dispatched and was on its way to Junon. The black-clad biker was a young man in his twenties who carried a massive sword on his back. He was slender and had a head of spiky blond hair. The biker stepped on the accelerator as he spotted a city rising up in the horizon. The city was near the ocean and was unusual in that it had a massive cannon-like structure pointed out to sea. The biker recognized this place as the seaside town of Junon, once a major Shinra naval base.

Junon had since been taken over by the World Regenesis Organization, or WRO, headed by his friend, Reeve Tuesti. As the biker, Cloud Strife, approached the city he noted how much had changed since the fall of the Shinra Corporation. Before, the water near Junon had been blackened by pollution from the military machinery based in the area. Now, the water seemed much more cleaner, looking more like true water than oily sludge.

Several tanker ships milled about the ocean, directing machines to siphon sludge out of the ocean. Even the air around the city seemed cleaner than when he last entered the city. The smog seemed to have been reduced, thanks to a filtration machine on the roof of an apartment. Cloud sped through the streets and came upon his destination, an office building once owned by Shinra. The logo of the corporation had since been painted over. Now, the WRO had taken over the building.

The female receptionist within handed a package to Cloud, having him sign the release form. He tied the package to a basket at the front of his motorcycle and drove away. After a day's journey, he had reached a motel where he stayed the night. The next morning, he resumed his journey to Edge City. An hour after lunch, Yog-Sothoth passed by overhead, following the road in the opposite direction. The Explorers were inside.

Tails noticed a blip moving extremely rapidly toward his location on the Emerald radar. "The Emerald is just up ahead," said Tails. "It looks like its coming right at us and very fast." Tails looked down to see a motorcycle speed by below. When he looked at his radar, he saw the blip pass the centre and continue moving. "Turn around and follow that bike!"

"Okay," Yog replied.

Yog quickly turned to pursue Cloud, who was already far ahead. "Where's he going?" asked Sheena.

"It has to be Edge City. The road goes back that way," replied Kevin.

Abel could see Cloud in the distance, but his form was shrinking as he moved further and further into the horizon. "He's too fast. Yog can't keep up," said Abel.

"Let me out, I'll catch him," said Sonic.

Yog descended to allow Sonic onto the road. Sonic ran ahead, accelerating to near sonic speeds. He was like a blue blur travelling the road, clearing miles of the Midgar Wasteland in but seconds. He could see the bike ahead and pulled up by the rider. "Hey," said Sonic.

Cloud heard his voice and looked over to his left. "What?" he asked, wondering if his eyes deceived him, or if he was going crazy, when he saw that blue hedgehog next to him.

"Hey, let me take that package. It's too dangerous," said Sonic.

"No, I have a job to do," said Cloud. "Leave me alone!"

Sonic sighed. "Well, I asked nicely, no more Mr. Niceguy!"

Sonic leapt onto the motorcycle. "Hey, get off!" Cloud cried behind him, trying to maintain his heading on the road.

Sonic stepped onto Cloud's back, in an attempt to climb over and get to the package at the front of his motorcycle. Cloud threw an elbow back, striking Sonic in the belly. Sonic managed to grab Cloud's shoulder to avoid falling off. Sonic dug his foot into Cloud's back in an attempt to climb over again. Cloud threw three elbows back, scoring hits to Sonic's belly. Nevertheless, Sonic took the blows and continue to hold on.

As Sonic crested his shoulder, Cloud made a mental note of the road. He closed his eyes and held his open hand in front of Sonic's face. A magical light flashed in his palm, which Sonic had looked at directly. Blinding Sonic, Cloud quickly elbowed and caused Sonic to lose his grip and fall off the motorcycle. Cloud sped ahead as Sonic wandered about in a daze, unable to see where he was going. A few minutes later, the Explorers found Sonic wandering the road up ahead.

Sonic's eyes were covered and closed in a futile attempt to shut out the brightness. On occasion, he would stretch out his arms to feel his way around the environment. "There's Sonic, but something's wrong," said Tails. "Sonia, can you check him out?"

"Okay," she replied, leaving the vehicle to take Sonic's side. She placed her hands on him to steady his body. "Sonic, can you hear me?"

"Yeah, but I can't see anything. It's too bright!" he replied.

"Hold still, I'll cure you," said Sonia.

Sonic stopped moving. Sonia cast a Purify spell upon Sonic, surrounding him in sparkles of white light. The intense brightness vanished and Sonic could finally see once again. "Sonic, are you okay?" asked Tails.

"Yeah buddy, I'm fine," replied the hedgehog.

"What happened to you?" asked Tails.

"He was hit by a Blind spell," replied Sonia.

"Yeah, I got knocked off the bike," replied Sonic. "He's probably long gone by now."

"No problem, we've got the Chaos Emerald radar here. We'll find that Emerald no matter where they hide it," said Tails.

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Cloud continued on to the Edge City lab, disembarking in the parking lot outside. One of the scientists had come out to greet him and received the package from him. The scientist looked over the content's of Cloud's package. "This seems in order. Thank you," informed the scientist.

"Be careful," said Cloud. "Someone tried to rob me on the way here. You should increase security."

"Okay, thank you, I'll let my security team know," said the scientist.

As the hours went by, the scientists examined the jewel in any way they could. They attached probes to the jewel and ran a current through it to test its response. The jewel produced greater wattage at the other end, indicating that it could produce energy on its own, as Reeve's scientist had suggested. They brought a magnifying glass to the jewel, looking at the appearance of it in closer detail. The facets of jewel were perfect, with not a single flaw present. This jewel was obviously not a piece of Materia as first suspected.

They were surprised to receive such quick and consistent results from their early tests. Even as they ramped up the current, their equipment registered greater and greater amounts of energy from the jewel. The increases were so consistent that the scientists saw fit for preliminary field tests as a power source. They hooked up the jewel to an array of light bulbs via a wire. When the scientists ran a small current through the jewel, it created enough power to light the entire array.

The scientists continued to run larger and larger currents through the jewel. At one point, the jewel had registered as producing enough energy to power a single sector of Midgar before it was crushed by the Meteorfall. After disconnecting the jewel, one of the scientists called Reeve with the good news. "That's great!" replied Reeve. "We need to put it to real use. The East Edge Coal Plant is expanding. I want you to set up in the new building tomorrow and begin testing the diamond."

"Of course sir," replied the scientist.

"Listen, I'm beefing up security for this test," said Reeve.

"It was the robbery against our courier, wasn't it?" asked the scientist.

"Yeah," replied Reeve. "I have a feeling they might try again. I'll bring in some ex-Turks to stand guard and call in a few favours from some old friends. I'm going to oversee these tests so nobody tries anything funny."

"Of course sir. Is there anything else you need?" asked the scientist.

"That's all. I'll see you tomorrow," replied Reeve, before hanging up the phone.

The next day, the scientists approached the East Edge Coal Plant. The power station had a structure similar to most coal power plants. There was a windowed brick building at the centre of the compound. Its top had a massive smoke stack which belched waste from the furnace within the building. A set of pipes led eastward towards the plant's cooling tower, which expelled the heat used by the plant to run its steam turbines.

The scientists set up equipment in a newly constructed building north of the main building. The jewel was placed into a metallic machine which drew power from a large wire coming from the turbine. As they conducted tests, several men and women patrolled the area. Some had earpieces and sunglasses and fit the stereotype of the men in black. They were the Turks, the investigative arm of the defunct Shinra Corporation. The rest were WRO soldiers in combat gear.

The Explorers hid in a building a distance way. Sheena watched the power plant through a set of binoculars. "The security's really tight. There's no way we can get in without being seen," informed Sheena.

"Tails, do you see anything on the cameras?" asked Lana.

"Same thing," he replied. Tails looked examined the locations of all of the Turks and WRO soldiers. "It looks like the north building has the heaviest security. That must be where they're keeping the Emerald."

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When night fell on the East Edge Coal Plant, the Explorers took positions around the plant to enact their strategy. At the west side, hiding in the rooftop of an electronics store, were Tails, Sonic, and Sheena. Sheena glanced at the plant, watching the positions of the guards. Tails typed in some commands to the dashboard of his blue robotic walker. Images from the various camera feeds around the plant came up, showing the positions of Turks, WRO soldiers, and scientists.

At the east, in the dark wilderness of the Midgar Wasteland, Kevin's team waited behind a billboard. Lana glanced at the coal plant compound through binoculars. "Are you guys ready?" asked Tails.

"Yeah, Kevin's climbing onto the billboard. He'll take the first shot once you disable their cameras," replied Lana. "Bowser, Abel, and Sonia are ready to go too."

"Okay, shutting down their security... Now!" said Tails.

At the coal plant, all of the monitors at the security room suddenly lost feed to the cameras, becoming filled with static. As the Turks scrambled to resolve the issue, Kevin put the crosshairs over one patrolling the grounds. An energy bolt burst through his chest, splattering traces of blood on his suit as he collapsed. The other guards began to scramble to for cover, but Kevin managed to fell a second before the rest could find cover. The guards scanned for Kevin, while cowering behind cover to avoid receiving the same fate.

At that moment, a blizzard filled the air and deposited a film of snow on the ground. Even if it blocked Kevin's vision, it also kept the guards from seeing his friends approach the coal plant. Bowser descended near the chain link fence and melted a hole through it with flaming breath. The nearest guards shot at him, but he was unfazed. He grabbed one of the Turks and hurled him at the cooling tower. The man flattened against the wall and tumbled down.

Abel teleported near a WRO guard and shot ice into his back. The man was encased and rendered immobile. He exploded clouds of ice in the midst of more WRO guards, which froze them to uselessness. Other guards spotted Abel and fired. Upon approaching, each bullet was surrounded in violet, fiery aura and halted midflight. After a second, each bullet fell to the ground. Yog-Sothoth suddenly appeared and pelted the WRO with orbs.

Some Turks turned to shoot him, but found their shots rebounding back. Blood spurted from their open wounds as they collapsed one by one. A WRO soldier hurled a grenade at Yog's rear. The explosion knocked Yog forward, but he was unfazed. The fragments rebounded, riddling the soldier with metallic shards. Scarlet suddenly appeared behind the soldier and extracted a stream of violet energy from him. The soldier collapsed from exhaustion. She flew up to Yog and applied healing magic, which made him glow white.

As the blizzard wound down, Lana and Kevin regained visibility of the plant grounds. She spotted a group of Turks led by a motley trio leave the building. The first of the trio was a blonde woman with short hair. The second and the tallest was a bald black man wearing sunglasses. The third and last was a man with spiky red hair tied in a pony tail. This man had a dishevelled uniform and wore goggles on his forehead. He was the only one that was armed, carrying a baton. They approached Bowser, Abel, and Sonia.

"Looks like they sent Elena, Rude, and Reno to stop our friends," said Kevin, looking down the scope.

"Tails, you're up. They've sent out the big boys," said Lana over the radio.

"Okay, we're heading out," replied Tails.

Sonic, Tails, and Sheena descended from the roof. They made a dash for the north building and stopped before a chain link fence. Sheena hurled an ofuda at it, which burst into flame, melting open an entry hole. The ofuda fell to the ground, where Sheena reclaimed it. When they reached the entry door, Tails gunned it down and marched in. Several guards rushed to investigate and soon reached for guns. Sonic dashed in and bounced into each like a ball, throwing their ranks into disarray and felling them out one by one.

Sheena hurled ofuda at those missed by Sonic, knocking them out. The scientists cowered as the group burst into the testing area. Tails approached the main console, where he typed in some commands. The testing machinery shut down and he claimed the Emerald. "Okay, we have the Emerald," said Tails.

Meanwhile, the elite Turks fanned out to face each member of Bowser's group. Sonia bludgeoned Reno with Smite spells, staggering him momentarily. She immediately ignited his shoulder with golden Holy Fire. Reno lurched forward as the flame seared his flesh. He tossed his jacket to the ground and charged. He prodded Sonia, staggering her momentarily. Reno tried again, but Sonia quickly put up Power Word: Shield. His baton struck the golden bubble, doing no damage.

Reno cast a Fire spell on her. The flames burst into being around her, but were blunted by Power Word: Shield. Sonia cast Smite again, but Reno dodged. She cast Holy Fire, which scorched Reno. The flames radiated a healing warmth, causing her to recover from Reno's previous attack. Reno charged in to attack, but she darted away. She summoned a Void Tendril behind Reno. It snatched his leg and held on. She cast Smite, knocking him out with a single blast of holy magic to the head.

Rude threw a two punch combo, scoring both hits to Bowser's chin. He followed with a side kick, only to cause no harm. Instead, Rude had hurt his own leg. Bowser caught his leg and elbowed his knee. Rude gasped in pain. Bowser yanked him to the ground and spun him in a circle. Bowser released Rude at the cooling tower. Rude sailed into and crashed into the wall and tumbled to the ground in a heap.

"Watch out, they have reinforcements coming!" said Lana over the radio.

She had spotted a limo pulling up to the plant. Barret came out of the limo along with a small cat-like creature named Cait Sith. Cait Sith was mounted on the head of a rotund, white stuffed animal known as a moogle. A motorcycle pulled up beside the limo, carrying Cloud and an attractive, buxom brunette. Kevin recognized her as Tifa Lockhart. Kevin moved the crosshairs over Cloud and fired. Cloud suddenly drew his sword and parried the shot.

"Take cover!" he cried. Kevin fired more, but Cloud parried every shot.

Barret spotted Kevin's muzzle flash and fired in the general direction. His shots hit Kevin, but were blunted by his personal force field. Staggered, Kevin lost his footing and fell off the billboard. Luckily, he landed on his feet. Barret turned his fire against Lana, pinning her down behind the wide supporting struts. She peeked out and fired, but missed Barret. He ducked behind Reeve's limo to wait out her ammunition. When she needed to cool her gun, he then peeked out to return fire.

Abel watched as Mao tossed Elena's limp body away. "We're coming, hold out as long as you can," said Abel over the radio. "Bowser, let's go!" Bowser nodded and followed the King of Bel back to assist their friends. Cloud noticed them coming back and ran forward to intercept with Cait Sith.

Tifa reached the billboard under Barret's cover fire. Kevin noticed her and lagged her back, placing her back within an alley she had previously crossed. Tifa cast a Haste spell and rushed Kevin. He got socked in the jaw and knocked to the ground. Tifa pounced on him and started to pummel his face, despite his attempts to cover it. Kevin motion controlled her into the air. Tifa righted herself. Upon landing safely, she darted forward to attack the rising Kevin.

He motion controlled her leg, pulling it, and causing her to flop onto her back. He then tore a support strut from the billboard and dropped it on Tifa. Despite straining to lift it, Tifa was only strong enough to budge it slightly. "Phew! That was close," muttered Kevin.

"Lana, we have the Emerald. We've heading back to the safe house," said Tails over the radio.

"Okay, we're coming. We're following after we shake these reinforcements," replied Lana.

Cloud pounced on Abel, bringing the sword to his head. The sword passed through, like it was cutting through air. Cloud quickly leapt back and hurled lightning. Abel caught the electricity with his hand, dispersing it into the environment. When Cloud became exhausted, Abel immediately sprayed ice. Cloud parried, but Abel kept increasing the intensity, until a full-blown blizzard came into being. The raging whiteness blanketed the area and Cloud could barely see even his own sword.

He trudged through the fierce snow and wind, trying to find Barret. The former miner was cowering behind the limo to avoid the snow. When the blizzard finally calmed down, Abel and the others were nowhere to be seen. "Where's Tifa?" asked Cloud.

"Last I saw, the crazy foo' wandered off and got trapped under the bar," said Barret.

Cloud approached the billboard, hearing a muffled, high-pitched voice coming from under the snow. He dug out the snow, finding Tifa underneath, still trapped beneath the strut. Cloud tried to lift the strut, but it wouldn't budge. Barret came to his aid and finally moved it enough to allow Tifa to wiggle out and stand. "Are you okay?" asked Cloud, dropping the strut with Barret.

"Yeah, I'm okay," said Tifa, dusting off her clothes.

Reeve approached, but his cell phone started to ring. "Hello?" asked Reeve, answering the call.

"Sir, I have bad news," said the man at the other end, a scientist from the north building. "The Emerald has been stolen."

**END OF CHAPTER**


	13. Demon 1 - Burning Crusade

Disclaimer:  
Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. World of Warcraft is produced by Blizzard. This story uses reference material from both.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Demon War 1: Burning Crusade**

With the Chaos Emeralds recovered, they would not pose a threat to the others worlds. Sonic and Tails' mission was over. They gathered with their new allies in front of the gate to Mobius. "Thanks guys! We couldn't have done it without you," said Tails.

"Yeah, it was fun while it lasted," said Sonic. "I'll give one thing to you, big guy, you may have a hard head, but you can hit hard to match."

"You're an annoying little rat, but you're fast, and you watch my back," said Bowser. Sonic and Bowser clasped hands. The rest of the Explorers shook hands as they said farewells to Sonic and Tails. The two turned around and entered the warp.

"Lana, how is the seal?" asked Abel.

"Lyle said that a dozen gates had opened since we were gone," replied Lana.

"A dozen? Wow, that's a lot!" replied Kevin.

"Yeah, I know. It won't be long now... The number of worlds keep rising and stretch the seal thinner every time," said Lana. "Soon, we're going to run into something that will threaten all of Videoland soon. I hope we're ready when the time comes."

"So, where are we going next?" asked Sonia.

Lana listed all of the worlds as Lyle had told her. A few were unknown, likely from obscure, niche games. However, a few were quite familiar to Sonia, with one standing out in particular, Outland. She explained Outland's nature to the others. Outland was once called Draenor and was from the MMORPG World of Warcraft, a game Sonia absolutely loved. Outland used to be a whole planet, but had been smashed to pieces from numerous portals being opened during a war between humans and the orcish race.

In particular, Outland had been used as a staging area for the demons of the Burning Legion to invade other planets, most notably Azeroth. The orcish Horde and the human-led Alliance, two political factions from Azeroth, maintained bases as part of their military efforts against each other and the Legion. Outland was home to many strange creatures, many of which were hostile. Most of the land was charred and barren from the devastation caused by the catastrophes, wars, and the Burning Legion.

"I think we should go to Outland," said Sonia. "I know it's probably the most dangerous place, but at least I know what we're up against there."

"Hmm, to go to a dangerous place with known dangers or to gamble on somewhere with unknown dangers?" asked Abel, pondering the team's next move.

"Well, I think we should take my mom's suggestion," said Kevin. "We know what we're up against, so we know how to win."

"Outland it is then," said Lana.

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The Explorers passed through the warp to Outland, finding themselves in the heart of a dark cave. The Royal Guard had set up a network of lights powered by a portable generator to light the cavern. Once they had found a path outside, they were greeted by the sight of a vast wasteland. It was a large expanse of reddish rock and soil packed so hard as to resemble more rock. Not a single plant grew for miles around. The cave itself was at the base of a massive mountain.

"It looks like we're in Hellfire Peninsula," said Sonia. "This mountain is the Throne of Kil'jaeden... Wow, we're that close to a Legion base?"

"That's not good," said Abel. "They're going to find this portal eventually."

"I'm going to beef up the guard. Let's get the information and get out as soon as possible," said Lana. "Abel, can you collapse this portal once we go back?"

"Of course," replied Abel. "I suggest that you seal the cave too, as a second precaution."

"I'll take care of that," said Sheena.

"Okay, let's hurry," said Lana.

"The closest town is Thrallmar to the south, but that is a Horde town. They're not fond of humans very much," informed Sonia. "I'd suggest Honour Hold instead, which is an Alliance town directly south of Thrallmar."

The Explorers boarded Yog-Sothoth. As they flew forward, they passed by a pair of Orcish settlements, both of which had a martial, foreboding appearance. The buildings and towers were crude structures of mortar, wood, and stone, with animal bones acting as support columns. The first of them, Thrallmar, was small and utilitarian. It consisted largely of watch towers and buildings to house a small detachment of soldiers and their command staff.

The second town, the larger of the two, was further west and even more fortified than Thrallmar. It was known as Hellfire Citadel. It was constructed with much more metal compared to Thrallmar. Instead of bony spikes, Hellfire Citadel had numerous metallic ones lining its sides. Hellfire Citadel's red-skinned fel orc inhabitants had a matching bloodthirstiness and ruthlessness. The fel orcs were orcs fully corrupted by the Legion and hated both Alliance and Horde alike.

When they were a distance from Honour Hold, Yog released them and vanished. Unlike the Orcish towns, Honour Hold's buildings did not use animal bones in their construction. The buildings were less crude and had a design more like that of medieval castles. The town's entrance was at the sloped end of a hill, protected by stone ramparts under constant patrol by soldiers. The rear of the town had the barracks and a tower near a steep cliff which was impossible to climb.

"There should be some books in the mage tower. We can get all the information we need there," said Sonia.

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Meanwhile, the Royal Guard had increased security around the warp cave. Patrols started to move about in the area outside, keeping a watch on the nearby area. Since this location was at the base of the Throne of Kil'jaeden, demon and Orcish patrols were sure to be frequent. So far, they were fortunate enough to not encounter any demons or Orcs. Lana's men, dressed in khaki uniforms, body armour, and carrying energy submachine guns, milled about the cave.

One of the more distant patrols caught sight of a similar squad of Burning Legion demons. The Legion squad was led by a six-armed, purple-skinned female demon known as a Shivarra. The female demon was taller than the average human and held a sword in each hand. She was dressed in rather revealing brown armour with golden details and a matching, mitre-like headdress. She was accompanied by several succubi and infernals, demons which resembled giant, animate rock-men wreathed in green fire.

"Demons!" cried the Royal Guard squad leader.

Their guns blazed as they unloaded ammunition into the squad of demons. The Shivarra cast holy spells which encased her squad in bubbles of golden light. Despite taking clean hits, the bubbles absorbed the damage. The demons closed distance and started to lunge at the Royal Guard. One of the succubi lashed a soldier with her whip. The soldier shielded his face with his arm, but the whip suddenly wound around his forearm. She tugged and yanked the soldier to the ground.

Three soldiers fired at an infernal, breaking through the Shivarra's bubble. Although exposed, the infernal was made of rock and suffered only scratches on its surface. Its fires flared up, causing clothing and skin to burn. Despite the heat, the soldiers continued to fire. The Infernal threw a mighty haymaker, hurling a soldier back. The others continued their fire, covering for an ally who reached for a grenade. He hurled it at the demon's face and blew it off.

At the cave, the support staff received radio messages from the squad. "I repeat, send backup to quadrant Alpha. Send backup!" requested a soldier over the radio.

"Roger, Alpha squad, we are sending Zeta squad to assist, please hold out as long as possible," replied the radio operator.

Another radio operator sent a message to Lana. "Princess Lana do you copy?" asked the operator.

"Yes, I'm here, what's the matter?" asked Lana.

"Your Highness, one of our recon squads has encountered a Burning Legion patrol. They have requested backup. We..."

There was nothing but static after that. "Come in! Please respond! Come in!" cried Lana into the radio, but it was no use. "Gather our stuff, there's trouble at the cave."

Lana's friends quickly gathered all of the notes they had copied from the Honour Hold library. They boarded Yog and scrambled to the cave as quickly as they could. After a half-hour long trip, they caught sight of a veritable army of demons amassed at the base of the Throne of Kil'jaeden. They clashed with a mass of green-skinned humanoid warriors, the orcs. Swords and axes flailed about and bolts of elemental magic soared back and forth. Explosions rocked the land constantly.

There massive war had reached as far as the warp cave. There were fights all around the entrance, but on occasionally, shots would fly out of the cave entrance. The shots started to die down and demons started to enter to fight within. There was nowhere safe to land, let alone reach the cave. "How did this happen?" asked Lana.

"The Horde must have ran into the demons after they took out your guards," replied Kevin. "One thing led to another and now a war has broken out."

"This is bad! How will we get back to my palace at this rate?" asked Lana.

"There's one option," replied Abel. "I will transport us back to my world. We can use the warp there to return to the palace."

"Okay, let's hurry," said Lana.

Abel glowed with fiery violet light. A massive violet rift opened below and pulled them in. The environment shifted from the redness of the Hellfire Peninsula wasteland to a set of standing stones under a blood red sky with numerous stars. The stones were in the middle of a grassy plain in a less rugged world. Yog flew the team to the west and deposited them on the roof of a dark temple-like mansion in the outskirts of a small town.

Abel received a message on his comp. It was from his friend, Atsuro. "A message?" asked Kevin.

"Yes," replied Abel. "My friends are fighting demons coming from the warp to the palace."

"So they've come this far..." said Sheena.

"Yeah," replied Abel. "We're heading north to support them."

Yog continued north to New Stonehenge, over vast forests and mountains. At the site, Atsuro Kihara, a Japanese teen in a white cap and blue hoodie, punched a Legion succubus in the jaw. The demon hurtled several feet back before crashing into a tree and falling limp. Another wound her whip around his arm. She tried to yank him down, but Atsuro dug into the ground. He pulled down facefirst into the ground. He dragged her in and threw her at a neighbouring tree.

Nearby, was an attractive Japanese girl. She was a brunette with a pink headband in her hair and a matching backless shirt. She was also dressed in a blue miniskirt. This girl stared down a hostile infernal. The Infernal raced forward to punch her, but she darted away. The girl, Yuzu Tanikawa, hurled several blades of green air. The blades lopped off several chunks of rock until she had severed the demon's arm completely. The demon turned to punch with its remaining arm, but she evaded and hurled more blades, decapitating the demon.

"Excuse me, I'm heading in," said Abel.

He teleported out of Yog, behind an unaware succubus. With a single chop, he knocked the demon unconscious. A Shivarra spotted him, just in time to catch the succubus after she got thrown at her. Abel sprayed ice upon the duo, freezing them together in an ice sculpture. He telekinetically lifted the sculpture and slammed it hard into the ground. The succubus and the Shivarra shattered into pieces. After Atsuro had punched out another succubus, he noticed his friend.

"Saemon! Over here!" cried Atsuro.

"Hey Atsubro, long time no see," said Abel, giving his friend a high five.

"Hey!" said Yuzu as she ran over. She gave Abel a hug. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, Yuzu!" said Scarlet, appearing behind Yuzu and embracing her.

Yuzu felt Scarlet's naked body grind up against her back. "Ah!" said Yuzu.

"Scarlet!" said Abel.

"My Abel darling always comes first," said Scarlet, who moved next to Abel and clasped arms. Abel merely sighed.

"Saemon, what happened?" asked Atsuro. "Who are these demons? I've never seen them before."

"They're called the Burning Legion. They came from the Outland warp in Power Palace. While we were gathering information, they had attacked the palace," replied Abel.

"So, you're going to try to reclaim the palace?" asked Atsuro.

"That's too risky now. There's a big war back in Outland by the warp and more demons are pouring through. We're just going to try to rescue as many people we can from the palace."

"Okay," said Atsuro. "We're going to help you. We'll guard the warp until you get back."

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The Explorers and Abel's allies emerged in the midst of the warp hub within Power Palace. The Explorers pressed on while Abel's allies remained behind to secure the area. In the main lobby, the Explorers came face to face with a troop of demons. The troop leader was a red-skinned humanoid creature who stood on goat legs. He was an Eredar and wore a black cloak, a brown loin cloth, and red shoulder pads, shin guards, and bracers.

The Eredar was accompanied by a large group of creatures which resembled demonic dogs. The creatures had a head consisting of a bony maw with no eyes. Instead, it seemed to sense its surroundings via a pair of long tendrils on its back which flanked smaller, dreadlock-like hair. A pair of horns grew just before its sensory tendrils. Sonia recognized these creatures as fel hounds, creatures which acted much like hunting dogs for the Legion.

The Eredar sicced his pets on the team. "Watch out for the dogs," said Sonia, blasting one of them with Smite. "They're fel hounds. They eat magical energy."

One of the fel hounds pounced on Abel. He covered himself, causing the fel hound to bite into his arm. The fel hound's jaws sank into his body, as though passing through molasses. Rather than cause harm, it gave him a burst of energy. Yog-Sothoth suddenly appeared and launched a cluster of orbs. This Aforgomon attack reduced the felhound to pulp. Scarlet suddenly appeared and sprayed flame upon the fel hounds in the rear. All of them burst into flame, flailing about in terror.

Others tried to latch onto Abel, but their bites only strengthened him instead of causing harm. Abel caught one and tossed it at a wall. It splattered a small amount of green blood on impact and collapsed into a heap. Another tried to pounce on him and he caught it out of the air. His touch froze the demon dog solid. He hurled it at a wall, which shattered it to pieces. Scarlet extracted wisps of violet energy from another felhound biting Abel. It yelped in pain and released him. She rushed ahead and kicked the creature away from Abel.

Meanwhile, Kevin fired at the Eredar warlock. The warlock stopped his spell and quickly threw his cloak around his body as a defence. Kevin saw a felhound coming from the corner of his eye and turned his gun to it. His shots pierced through the flesh, releasing a spurt of green blood. The dog landed short of its prey, dead on the ground inches before the Game Master. The Eredar hurled a projectile of dark energy, a Shadow Bolt. Kevin had been knocked to the ground, fortunate that his energy shield blunted most of the force.

Lana fired at the Eredar. He tried to defend with his cloak, but one of her shots slipped through and hit his body. The Eredar stumbled back, opening himself to more hits in the process. They pierced his skin and caused green blood to spurt out. Lana fired again, scoring a head shot. The Eredar collapsed to the ground and dissolved into nothingness, leaving behind only his clothing. Judging from his death, it was likely that he had been banished to his home plane.

Bowser caved in the face of the final felhound with a haymaker. "Ha ha ha! This is fun!" he remarked.

"Save some for the main course, big guy. We've got more to come," said Kevin.

The Explorers moved deeper into Power Palace. The scanned the rooms and every nook and cranny in search of survivors. Everywhere they went, they found the corpses of guards and servants. Many of the walls had been splattered with blood. The furniture had been smashed and blackened by scorch marks. When they made a turn to the guest quarters, Kevin peeked around a corner and saw an infernal travelling down the hall.

As it moved closer to the corner, he could feel the heat radiating from its flaming body. The infernal turned around just a few feet from rounding the corner and walked back the other way. Kevin rushed out and fired into its back. The infernal shuddered with each shot. With a final head shot, Kevin felled the mighty demon. The hall appeared to be safe after its demise. Kevin entered the nearest side room and investigated the interior.

"Is anyone here?" Kevin called into the room.

Kevin noticed motion from the right side of his eye. He trained his gun at the door of a closet. "Don't shoot!" cried a woman, who emerged from the closet with hands raised.

The woman was a brunette dressed in a maid's uniform. "Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?" asked Kevin.

"No, I'm fine. When I heard them coming, I hid in the closet," the maid replied. "Who are they?"

"They're demons from Outland, a world beyond the warp. They invade planets for magical energy," replied Kevin. "Come with us. We'll get you to safety."

"Am I the only survivor?" asked the maid.

"I don't know. We still haven't searched the whole palace yet," said Kevin.

Kevin led the maid back to the rest of his team. Abel teleported back to his allies with the maid in tow and returned almost immediately afterwards. When the Explorers reached the throne room, they found an Eredar warlock gloating over a wounded soldier. In fact, there was a squad of a dozen soldiers in the room. All were suffering from combat wounds and covered in blood. The Eredar kicked the guardsman and began laughing at him mockingly.

Yog-Sothoth suddenly appeared behind the warlock and fire an orb cluster. The Eredar lurched forward, knocked off his feet, facefirst into the ground. The other demons were too stunned to react. Yog picked him up and whipped him into the nearest wall. The warlock vanished on death, leaving behind only armour. "The Yog just laid the smack down on that jabroni!" taunted Yog-Sothoth. The Legion imps hurled countless fire bolts at Yog, who simply distorted the space around him as a defence.

Sheena descended behind a felguard and slammed his back with ofuda. He felguard collapsed without alerting any nearby allies. Sheena rushed a succubus and nailed her in the back as well. An axe-wielding felguard noticed Sheena and charged. Sheena darted away just in time to avoid being chopped. He tried again, but Sheena sidestepped. Sheena hurled two ofuda at the demon's chest. They adhered to the demon and with a gesture, Sheena detonated them.

The imps spotted Bowser advancing into the fray. They tossed numerous fire bolts in an attempt to halt his motion. Bowser was unfazed, but turned his attention to the imps. The imps hurled more fire bolts fruitlessly. Bowser closed distance and breathed fire upon them. The imps scattered with some being ignited. Bowser caught one of the non-burning ones and tossed it away. It punched an indentation into a side wall upon hitting it.

Unnoticed in the confusion, Sonia approached the bloodied soldiers. She began to cast a Prayer of Healing spell upon the men. Golden light radiated outward from her body. Several of the soldiers' wounds started to close. She followed by casting a Circle of Healing spell, which enchanted each man with sparkles of golden healing magic. The rest of their wounds started to heal until they were completely gone.

"Thank you, lady," said the commanding officer.

By now, the demons had noticed that the wounded guards had recovered and were starting to retreat. A felguard charged at a soldier in the rear, but Abel froze its legs together. The felguard's own momentum toppled him and caused him to hit the ground facefirst. Yog hurled orb clusters at more felguards who came over to assist. One slipped through, but Mao descended upon him and smacked him with the paddle.

Bowser punched away a succubus. He spotted the guards retreating into the hall with the Legion trying to pursue them through the door. He grabbed another succubus and hurled her into a pillar. He punched two felguard on his way to the door. Sheena smacked a fel hound with ofuda on her way to join Bowser. Kevin and Lana flanked the door and waited for the two of them to pass before shooting two fel hounds attempting to give chase.

Once they were out, Sheena detonated some ofuda she had planted around the door. Fierce explosions battered the door, leaving a pile of rubble blocking the entryway. The Explorers escorted the guards down to the warp hub. "Where is my father and Lyle?" asked Lana.

"When the demons attacked, some of us rushed the king and the prince to the warp zone. The others stayed behind to buy time for them to get away," said the commanding officer.

Abel approached his friends, Atsuro and Yuzu. "We're done here. Time to leave!"

The Explorers, surviving guards, and Abel's allies retreated to the Realm of Bel through the warp. After a quick head count, everyone had been accounted for. Abel detonated several Megido spells upon the warp. It collapsed instantly, becoming inert and useless. "They won't be able to follow us now," said Abel.

"This is bad. My palace is gone and I don't know where Lyle or my father are. The palace is trashed and we don't have access to our warp zone anymore," said Lana.

"Don't worry, we'll get through this somehow," said Kevin. "There must be some way we can go searching for the king."

"Lana, is your palace the only place with a warp zone?" asked Abel.

"No... Actually, there are other warp zones scattered around Videoland," replied Lana. "They're smaller and are more restricted in where they lead."

"How are they restricted?" asked Kevin.

"These ones only lead to worlds which have a relation to the host world in some way," replied Lana. "For example, an RPG connects to a warp hub for RPGs."

"I see," said Kevin. "Are there warps for games from the same company?"

"Yeah," replied Lana. "The problem is, I don't know where they are. We would need some way to locate the warps."

"Hmm... Atsubro, do you think you can rig some comps to scan for warps like the one in New Stonehenge?" asked Abel.

"I think so," replied Atsuro. "I'll need some time to attune them to the warp's signature."

"Okay, take your time," said Abel.

"Great," replied Lana. "Also, can you attune them to track the jewel in my tiara? My father and Lyle both have one just like it."

"I can, but I'll need to borrow it while I make the adjustments," said Atsuro.

"Okay," said Lana, handing over her tiara.

"While my friend finishes our scanners, let's stay in Babel Town and rest," said Abel.

The next day, Atsuro handed a series of rectangular, handheld devices to each member of the team. "Cool, they look like DSes," remarked Kevin upon opening the device. "So these things can scan for warps?"

"Yep. When they detect a warp, they will beep and display the location on the bottom screen," replied Atsuro. "If you are near the prince or the king, they will sound an alarm too."

"Thanks," said Lana.

"You're welcome," said Atsuro. "I also took the liberty of modifying Fushimi's equipment to scan for warps. We found one on Fairy Island. It seems to lead to RPG worlds. If you need to, you can have Queen Titania show you around."

"Okay, thanks Atsubro," said Abel.

**END OF CHAPTER**


	14. Demon 2 - Gatecrashing

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. This story uses reference material from both.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Demon War 2: Gatecrashing**

The Explorers met a blonde fairy at the entrance to an underground cavern. She had curled hair and had a pink flower in her hair. She wore a green dress with yellow details and an open front which revealed her cleavage. The dress' back had a similar opening in the back for her wings, which resembled those of an insect's. She was Titania, queen of the fairies, and a prominent follower of the King of Bel.

Titania led them into a mausoleum-like chamber of polished granite. There was a warp at the opposite end of the room. Upon passing through it, they entered a second chamber also made of polished granite. It had the shape of a large hexagon, like the cell of a honeycomb. The other walls had warps on them and one had a hallway leading deeper into another cell of the honeycomb warp hub. The Explorers travelled from room to room, looking at each warp.

"So, which one?" asked Bowser.

"Which world is most in danger right now?" asked Lana.

"Of the ones we know, that would be Aselia," replied Sonia. "The Burning Legion pillages worlds for magic. They'd want to drain your Mana Tree."

"Which would destroy it and all of Aselia," continued Sheena. "Aselia needs mana to continue existing."

"Yes," replied Sonia. "So Aselia is our first stop."

The Explorers eventually located a warp marked with the symbol of two planets aligned diagonally and in contact with each other. The Explorers walked through this warp and found themselves in an underground granite chamber. There was a stairwell which led deeper in the underground structure and above to the surface. Scarlet flew down below to explore and found another chamber with a warp. This warp was marked by the word "Namco," which suggested it was a warp leading to games made by Bandai Namco.

The staircase up lead to an entryway blocked by fallen dirt. Sheena could feel a draft coming through the cracks. She planted ofuda into the cracks and detonated them. The blast blew away the dirt, exposing a passage into the outside. When they exited, the Explorers were greeted by the sight of the standing stones of the Otherworldly Gate. "What luck! This is the Otherworldly Gate!" said Sheena.

However, several imps started to pelt them with fire bolts. "Watch out!" said Kevin.

Kevin and Lana ran to the nearest standing stone for cover. The imps continued to shoot, keeping them pinned behind the rock. Kevin peeked out and scored a shot upon an imp. Lana followed and killed another. Sheena hurled ofuda into their midst. The ofuda exploded and blew them to pieces. "Let's get out of here!" said Sheena.

Yog-Sothoth took in the Explorers and flew them out of the area. They set a course for Altamira and noticed several blast marks in the land along the way. They still smouldered and appeared to be the result of fire magic lobbed by the Legion. When they approached the resort town, they found numerous soldiers milling about the area. The beach and surrounding lands were covered by a tent city for Tethe'allan soldiers. Yog deposited the group at the top of Lezareno headquarters.

Regal, who was visiting the grave on the roof, noticed the group approaching. "Thank goodness! I was wondering when you'd show up," said the president of Lezareno.

"Then you know why we're here," replied Sheena.

"Yes, the demons," informed Regal.

Regal briefed the group about how these demons had set up two camps. One was in the mountains east of Sybak and the other was south of the Otherworldly Gate. The one near the Otherworldly Gate was Invasion Point: Aselia. Since the Otherworldly Gate was the central warp hub for Aselia, Invasion Point: Aselia was the Legion's beachhead into Aselia. The second was Invasion Point: Sybak and this was the most pressing concern for the Tethe'allans.

This base was dangerously close to Sybak, the heart of Tethe'allan research into magitechnology. It was also close to Mizuho, the heart of Tethe'allan intelligence. Most importantly, it was close to the Mana Tree. The Legion had launched numerous raids, focused on reaching the tree. Much of the surrounding forest had been burnt to ash by the extensive fire magic employed by the demons. Sybak had also suffered much damage due to the Legion raids.

Sonia told Regal about how Lana's palace had been overrun by the Burning Legion. They were from the Twisting Nether, a chaotic sub dimension of the universe of Azeroth. They laid waste to every planet in their path as they searched for sources of magic to sate their voracious appetite. After pillaging a world, they left it in ruins, recruiting certain inhabitants into the fold to repeat the process once again on another unsuspecting world. After they took Power Palace, they discovered Aselia and intend to do the same to it.

"So, these monsters wish to rob our world of its mana?" asked Regal.

"Yes," replied Sonia.

"Without mana, Aselia will die," said Regal.

"The Legion doesn't care," replied Sonia. "It wants mana and will get it however it can."

"I see. We had little success in repelling them. Their reinforcements are endless and they have a foothold in Sybak. We can't commit a large push against Invasion Point: Aselia with it still standing."

"So, you would like our help in removing it?" asked Lana.

"Yeah, we'd appreciate the help," replied Regal. "My friends are already at Sybak and the Mana Tree, trying to fight the Legion. We're going to meet them."

"So you're coming with us?" asked Lana.

"Yeah and I'm bringing along a friend," replied Regal, who pressed a button on his intercom system. "George, has Presea come?"

"Of course, she just passed through the door a minute ago," replied George over the intercom.

"Please send her up immediately."

A young, blue-eyed girl in her early teens entered Regal's office. She had spiky pink hair and wore a simple black dress and belt pouch. She carried an axe. "Regal, are we heading out?" asked the girl.

"Yeah, we're going to pull off the plan," replied Regal. "These people are going to help us."

Regal introduced each member of the Explorers to Presea. "Pleased to meet you, I'm Presea Combatir."

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Yog soared across the skies of Aselia, passing over vast plains and forests. As they travelled westward, they entered the airspace above Mizuho's forests. A small plume of smoke billowed upward from within the sea of trees. "Take us down, I want to have a look," said Sheena.

Yog deposited his allies near the base of the plume of smoke. It came from a charred, ashen spot on the ground dotted by small embers. The air still had a thick, smoky scent. Nearby, some of the tree bark still smouldered. A few weapons of unknown origin were scattered about in the charred area. "This looks like the work of the Legion," announced Sonia.

Sheena looked around and noticed a man dressed in night blue garb. The man was a ninja and hailed from Mizuho. The man had several burns and was bleeding lightly from several cuts on his body. "Orochi!" said Sheena, seeing her friend doubled over, propped up by a tree.

"Hold still, I'll heal you," said Sonia. She cast a Renew spell upon him. Orochi's wounds started to fade under a golden, holy light.

Orochi gradually felt the pain recede and his strength return. "Thank you, stranger," said Orochi.

"What happened? Where are the others?" asked Sheena.

"I lured them away to give the others time to regroup," said Orochi.

"I'm going to search for them. Return to the village and report back to the Chief," said Sheena.

Sonia refreshed her Renew spell for Orochi before he left. Sheena's team boarded Yog and scanned over the forest. They heard an explosion coming from further ahead in the sea of trees. Sonia pointed at a plume of flame which had erupted to the south. Yog immediately set course for that location. Sheena's team noticed that a heated battle between Mizuho ninja and Legion demons. Shuriken sailed through the air. In response, bolts of dark energy came from the other direction.

A female ninja, clad in green, hurled shuriken at an Eredar warlock. The warlock rolled up his cape. The shuriken deflected off of the fabric, as though it was a solid wall. The warlock hurled a Shadow Bolt at the ninja, who somersaulted to safety. The ninja landed on a tree branch and conjured five giant snails. They slowly advanced on the warlock, who backed away to create more space.

The warlock cast an immolate spell, which ignited one of the snails. It collapsed and writhed in agony on the ground. The other four continued their advance, but the warlock's servant, a felguard, charged at a second. The felguard swung at the snail, who retreated into its shell. The sword deflected off and the snail popped out and turned to confront the felguard. The warlock hurled a volley of Shadow Bolts which felled the remaining snails. One of the bolts struck the ninja's branch, taking out her footing from beneath her.

Suddenly, an ofuda attached to the warlock's cloak. The ofuda lit up in golden light, which burned its victim. The warlock writhed in agony, trying to reach for the paper talisman. Sheena ran at the warlock and hurled more ofuda. Like punches to the body, they staggered the demon. The warlock finally found the ofuda and peeled it off. He hurled a Shadow Bolt, which Sheena leapt over. Still somersaulting midair, she hurled more ofuda.

One attached to the warlock's biceps and started to glow violet. The warlock felt his energy being drained. Exhausted, the warlock collapsed and vanished, leaving only his clothing behind. Sheena ran to check up on the fallen kunoichi. "Tsunade, are you okay?" asked Sheena, who extended a hand.

"I'm fine, thanks to you," said Tsunade, who took Sheena's hand and pulled herself up. "Didn't you go to explore the new worlds?"

"I did, but I came back after I heard there was trouble here," replied Sheena. "We found Orochi a few minutes earlier. We healed him and sent him back to the village. What I really need is to get to Sybak."

"It's a mess over there. Please be careful," said Tsunade.

Sheena's team boarded Yog and continued to Sybak. As they travelled over the Sybak plain, they caught a glimpse of the city ahead. Sybak was known for its scholars and researchers in Tethe'alla. Now, it was a headquarters for Tethe'alla's defenders against the Legion. The walls had been blasted open and scorch marks and craters dotted the city streets. Guards patrolled the city streets constantly and martial law had been established within the city limits.

Yog deposited the team nearby, allowing them to continue to the gate on foot. "Halt! State your business here," said the guard.

"I am Regal Bryant. I've come to assist in the war effort. These people are my security team," said Regal.

"My apologies, Duke Bryant. Please come in," said the guard.

The guards opened the steel gate, which swung open with a loud creak. On closer inspection, the situation was even worse than at first glance. Most of the people had fled the city and only the most obstinate or hardy ones remained. The Sybak university was swarming with Tethe'allan knights and soldiers. Numerous bloodied and bandaged soldiers were sprawled on mats all over campus. They were tended to by robed nurses and healers who scrambled from patient to patient.

Sheena and company approached the brick building. It and the nearby gardens and walkways were enclosed by a grey cement wall. The interior lobby was dominated by an exhibit of bones from a dragon-like creature. The group found a half-elf woman with shoulder-length, light blue hair among the healers tending to the wounded. She wore an orange coat which gave her a scholarly appearance. The woman channelled healing magic through a staff to the broken left leg of a patient.

"Thank you ma'am," said the soldier.

"You're welcome. Try to stay off that leg for the next week," said the half-elf.

"Raine, it's good to see you," said Sheena.

"Ah, Sheena, you must be here to meet Zelos?" asked Raine

"Yeah, unfortunately," replied Sheena.

"You can find him inside the university on the top floor, second room down the hallway," said Raine.

Sheena continued on to where Raine described while the others waited behind. The upper floor hallway was filled with certificates and photos of past faculty members. She entered and came face to face with the leader of the Tethe'allan forces. The leader was a "pretty boy" with almost effeminate appearance about him. He was a young man in his early twenties who had shoulder-length red hair. The man wore a pink tailcoat and a pair of white trousers. He a sword sheathed at his side.

This man was Zelos Wilder, the Chosen of Tethe'alla. He was an incorrigible flirt and womanizer who hit on every woman that he encountered. When Zelos saw Sheena, his eyes lit up in elation. "Hey jubblies! You can't keep away from me, now can you?"

"Ugggh, if I had the choice, I'd stay far away," replied Sheena. "We're going now, so meet the others in the lobby."

Sheena brought Zelos to the lobby, where the others awaited his arrival. "Ah, and who is this lovely, yet mature lady?" asked Zelos.

Sonia chuckled. "I'm Sonia Keene."

"Sonia eh? I'm Zelos Wilder. I'll call you my lovely, mature honey," said Zelos. He then turned his attention to Lana. "How rude of me to forget you... What's your name, honey?"

"I'm Lana Power, Princess of Videoland," replied Lana.

"Ooh, a princess!" said Zelos. "How about I show you two around town later?"

"That would be nice, but I shouldn't. I wouldn't want my husband to get the wrong idea," replied Sonia.

"Okay..." said Zelos. Sheena burst out in laughter at his expense.

"Steeee-rike," said Kevin.

"How about you, my princess honey?" asked Zelos.

"I can't stay. I need to return to the palace and report back to father," replied Lana.

"Steeee-rike," said Kevin.

"So, what's the situation right now?" asked Regal.

Zelos sighed. "The demons have been pounding Sybak non-stop attacks for the last week. Lloyd and Colette are still defending the tree, while Genis, Raine, and I handled things here."

"We should fetch them before the big raid," said Kevin. "With Yog, it won't take long to fly there."

"Of course," said Zelos. "After we get Raine, let's stop by the square and pick up the little brat."

Zelos left with Regal's group to the main lobby. They singled out Raine from the healers. "Raine, let's go. We're raiding Invasion Point: Sybak," Regal called to his friend.

"So it's time," said Raine.

The group continued onward to the square, where they spotted a young boy much like Raine in appearance. This young boy, Genis Sage, was dressed in a simple blue ensemble which made him look like a student. Genis had just purchased some goods from a local store when they arrived. "Genis, let's go. We're going to pick up Lloyd and Colette," said Regal.

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In but minutes, Yog had transported the group over a massive forest. Like Mizuho's forest, the Mana Tree's forest had suffered numerous losses from fire. Those sections still smouldered from the last embers of demonic fire magic. Yog deposited the group at a clearing where a single sapling, the young Mana Tree, grew. This clearing had a otherworldly, yet serene aura about it. The air was pure and invigorating. Lloyd came into the clearing along with a female friend.

The girl had long blonde hair and wore a white jacket with blue fringes which had an almost religious aesthetic to it. Around her neck was a large red jewel set into a golden necklace. She had a soft, gentle disposition about her. She seemed quite sweet and innocent. Her name was Colette Brunel, the Chosen of Sylvarant who journeyed far and wide to heal the former world of Sylvarant. She came to be known as the Chosen of Regeneration, for unifying the worlds and restoring mana to it.

"Hey, it's you guys!" said Lloyd, upon seeing Sheena and other familiar faces come out of the orb.

"Lloyd, we're here to pick you up," said Sheena.

"Wow, the whole gang is here," said Lloyd, seeing Zelos, Raine, and Genis in the orb. "So, this is it..."

"Yep," said Zelos. "It's payback time!"

Yog flew the combined group towards Invasion Point: Sybak in the Sybak mountains. "So, they are the friends you told me about?" asked Colette.

"Yep," replied Lloyd. "Sonia was kidnapped by the Vanguard and I helped Lana and friends rescue her."

"I'm Colette Brunel, pleased to meet you," said Colette.

"Oh, I know you! I'm Sonia Keene and these are my friends," said Sonia. She introduced each member of the group to Colette.

Sonia repeated what she told Regal about the Burning Legion's origins. She also told the Chosen's companions about House Power and the warp zone located in their palace. "So, these demons are attracted to mana and want to harvest it?" asked Genis.

"Yes, they are basically magic addicts," replied Sonia.

"Sonia, can you tell us more about the Legion?" asked Raine. "I want to know what we're up against."

"Fel magic is what you should be careful of," said Sonia.

The blood of demons strengthened whoever or whatever used it. It was the fuel for fel magic, which was practiced by warlocks and provided spells of demon summoning and darkness. It also provided fire spells and caused them to manifest as ghastly green flames. Fel magic addicted those who came into contact with it, whether by being a warlock or drinking demon blood. In turn, they continued to use it further and were altered by their experience.

"You said that fel magic was addicting," informed Raine. "Can you explain in further detail?"

"Yeah, after using fel magic for the first time, the rush of power is intense, so intense, that you have to have more. You get addicted very quickly and start to seek it out. These people often start or join secret societies and cults dedicated to demons. A few societies tolerate warlocks for access to fel magic, but they're always at risk of being betrayed to the Burning Legion."

"You also said they were altered as well," informed Sheena.

"Yeah, physically they might grow claws, horns, and wings... They look more and more like demons," replied Sonia. "Mentally, even a kind, humble person becomes arrogant, selfish, and cruel. In extreme cases, they give in to bloodlust and become psychotically violent. This happened to the orcs."

"We're here, get ready," said Abel.

Yog deposited the group at the top of an icy cliff overlooking the base. The air was cold, being so high up. The demons would not come here, since they preferred hotter climates. The cliff was far away and remote enough from Invasion Point: Sybak that none of the demons bothered to patrol the area. The team scanned the area from a distance, while Scarlet used stealth for a closer look. She returned to the group after doing an aerial pass over the base below.

"Abel darling, I'm back!" chirped Scarlet, becoming visible to her master.

Zelos took one good look at the naked succubus and was instantly smitten. "Well, hello honey! You're quite an exhibitionist, aren't you?"

Scarlet ignored Zelos as she embraced Abel. "She's taken," said Abel.

Scarlet kissed Abel as Zelos looked on neglected. Sheena burst out in laughter. "Steee-rike three, you're out!" said Kevin.

"Man, it just isn't your day today!" said Sheena between laughs.

"Way to rub it in..." said Zelos, sighing in resignation.

"Say, why aren't you wearing any clothes?" asked Colette. "Are you hot?"

"Well, kinda... I can use fire magic so I'd burn any clothing I wear," replied Scarlet. "Besides, being naked is the natural state. I'm proud of my body."

"Oh, you're a nudist?" asked Colette. "Don't you get cold not wearing anything like that?"

"Not at all. I'm resistant to the elements," replied Scarlet.

"Wow, is she talking with a succubus about nudism?" asked Sheena.

"That's Colette for you," said Genis.

"Ahem, Scarlet what did you see?" asked Abel.

Scarlet described a base under heavy patrol by felguards, fel hounds, and succubi. Numerous Mo'arg toiled at various defence systems and machines around the base's perimeter. The team's target was at the heart of the base. This trio of gates were the pillar of the Legion's strategy, allowing them to bring in limitless reinforcements. There was no way to approach and plant bombs without being spotted. The demons would surround the bombers.

"We need a distraction," said Abel. "I'll do that. I'd love to tear the place apart. Who's going to bomb the portals?"

"I'll do that," said Sheena. "Colette will fly me in while you have them distracted."

"Okay, the rest will follow me," said Abel. "Let's do some damage!"

Abel teleported into the side of the Legion base. Yog materialized in the sky and crushed three flak cannons with successive orb strikes. When the third was crushed, the resulting shockwave hurled the Mo'arg into the air. A group of imps emerged from deeper within the base and started hurling fire bolts. Yog formed a barrier of white light. The fire bolts poofed upon the barrier, leaving him unharmed.

More imps rushed over to shoot Yog. Abel appeared in their left flank. He cast a torrent of ice and snow upon them. Each imp froze in a shell of ice, immobile and vulnerable. Scarlet suddenly appeared on their other flank. Beckoning with her hand, wisps of energy seeped out of the imps. She absorbed the energy and became flush with power. Mao suddenly descended from above and sliced a different imp in half.

As the Chosen's companions rushed in, Genis began a Cyclone spell. Zelos and Lloyd locked blades with a felguard each, drawing the battle line for each side. Presea charged and met a felguard who was doing the same. They both swung and their axes collided with a loud clang. Presea tried another swing, but was parried by her foe's blade. She backed away and slammed the ground with her axe. Dirt and several stones pelted and staggered the felguard. With a chop to the head, Presea felled the demon.

Genis finished his spell, which created a massive funnel of whirling wind. Two succubi, two fel hounds, and a felguard got scooped into the air and battered about. When the funnel died down, they were dropped to the ground harshly. Only a fel hound survived. It got up and immediately rushed Genis. When it pounced, Genis narrowly ducked in time to avoid being bitten. When it landed, Bowser rushed forward and put his momentum into kicking the fel hound. It landed on its side, unconscious on the ground a few metres away.

"Thanks, I owe you one," said Genis.

After Bowser reached the battle line, a felguard charged at him. As it came in, Bowser spit fire into its face. The felguard doubled back, clutching his face in agony. Bowser darted in and punched him hard in the face. The felguard went hurtling several feet and crushed a fel hound underneath as he landed. Further back, a succubi ran over to join the battle. A beam of blue light pierced through her body, causing her to collapse. A similar beam pierced the head of an imp.

Suddenly, half a dozen explosions ripped through the rear of the Invasion Point: Sybak. Abel looked over that direction. "Sheena got the gates!" Abel cried to the others.

"Alright, that's my honey!" said Zelos. A succubus ran towards Zelos. He spotted her and immediately swiped the ground with his sword. A flame of energy, a Demon Fang, raced down the ground and nailed the succubus' legs. With her staggered, Zelos took the time to cast a Lightning spell. The lightning arced at her from above. She convulsed in brief agony before collapsing.

An infernal lumbered towards Abel with a threatening gait. Abel cracked open a rift into the void. It cut down the middle of the infernal and imploded and disintegrated it. The rift resealed as quickly as it appeared. Abel teleported beside a wrecked fel cannon. He opened four more Reality Fractures into the midst of the horde of demons. Many were caught in the implosions and slain instantly. Those few survivors continued to fight the Chosen's companions and the Explorers.

Lloyd cut down a succubus and raised his blades to parry a fire bolt. He hurled a Demon Fang, which cut down the attacking imp. Nearby, Regal kicked a felguard to the ground. "That was the last of them," said Regal.

Lloyd looked around the base, seeing only demon corpses and the wreckage of the base's defences and dimensional gates. "We're done. Time for Altamira."

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On the plain near the Otherworldly Gate, two great armies charged at each other. Bolts of flame sailed across the sky and landed within the ranks of knights. Undaunted, the knights continued their advance. From behind and to the right, robed Tethe'allan mages conjured raging, ice-filled tornados upon the ranks of the Legion. The Ice Tornado scooped up a succubus and a felguard and the ice battered its victims. The knights locked weapons with the felguard line, each pushing against the other to gain ground.

Meanwhile, Yog passed through the waters in the depths of Aselia's oceans. The bottom of the ocean was like a vast desert, yet completely covered by briny water. Coral stretched for miles ahead like a forest of cacti beneath the surface. The fish were like birds flying overhead. Soon, a mountainous landmass appeared ahead. Once near its base, Yog immediately rose. As he crested the surface, water washed off his orbs.

When Yog hovered above the Otherworldly Gate, Abel immediately teleported outside. Yog began launching orbs and crushing fel cannons. As the Legion turned to face Yog, Abel channelled a stream of violet, magical energy upon the open warp. The warp diminished in size until it had closed completely. The Legion spotted him and several nearby imps started to hurl fire bolts at him. Abel teleported to their flanks, out of the line of fire.

Bowser leapt out of Yog's orb. He landed in the space between the imps and triggered an earth-shaking thud which floored them. As they started to get up, Bowser grabbed the nearest one. He hurled the midget at another, knocking both into a heap on the ground. A succubus lashed Bowser with her whip and wound it around his neck. Despite pulling in an attempt to strangle him, Bowser proved too strong and resistant.

Genis expelled a jet of water at the succubus. The Aqua Laser spell caused her to release her whip. She was pushed back and landed a distance away in the ocean. Bowser removed the whip from around his neck. "Thanks, little squirt," said Bowser.

An blast of fire emerged from the passageway to the other warps. A succubus hurtled out of the entrance, followed by a blast of flame. She landed in a heap on the ground, motionless and covered in scorch marks. Abel's friend, a bespectacled blue-haired girl, emerged from the hole. "Saemon! Over here!" cried the girl.

Abel looked over and saw Midori Komaki, an ally and fellow survivor from the Tokyo Lockdown. Abel approached. "Glad you could make it."

"Magical Dolly to the rescue, as always!" said Midori. "Yuzu and Atsuro are still cleaning out the demons below."

"Okay, we're going for their base now," said Abel.

Abel waved Kevin and Lana over. The Explorers and the Chosen's companions boarded Yog, who transported them southward. Even from the sky, they could see scattered brief explosions in the distance. Yog sank into the water to avoid detection and approach the Legion base stealthily. He followed the long Altamira Peninsula until he reached the main landmass. Yog resurfaced and launched orbs at the fel cannons.

Abel teleported out and touched down on the charred earth in the middle of the base. He made another teleport, reappearing a distance away from the Legion's portals. He opened several Reality Fractures upon the portals. The portals imploded having fissures opened upon them and disintegrated. However, Legion imps hurled numerous fire bolts at him. He blocked with a violet barrier and teleported away before he was overwhelmed.

Nearby, Lloyd charged at a succubus. The sexy demoness noticed him and cracked the whip at his head. Lloyd parried and batted the tip away. He immediately propelled Demon Fangs at her. The succubus flew upward, easily evading. She then projected a hypnotic gaze upon him, causing her eyes to glow a soft pink. Lloyd began to feel groggy and tried to avert his eyes. The succubus lashed the whip, but he narrowly darted to the right.

A felguard charged at Kevin, who narrowly avoided a swing. Kevin hopped back and fired several shots. The felguard parried the first three, but the fourth slipped through and struck his knee. He doubled over, allowing a fifth to hit his shoulder, and a sixth to hit his stomach. The seventh pierced his head, felling him. "They don't stop coming," said Kevin.

Lana fired at an infernal. "Abel got the gates already. That's all we needed to do," said Lana.

"Okay everyone, fall back," cried Kevin.

"Already?" asked Lloyd. "We're beating them!"

"We should do what our commander says," said Raine. "Well Regal?"

"We fall back," said Regal. "Without reinforcements, Tethe'alla's army is going to win."

"Okay, let's go," said Sheena.

**END OF CHAPTER**


	15. Demon 3 - Ganon's Deal

Disclaimer:  
Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. This story uses reference material from both.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Demon War 3: Ganon's Deal**

The Explorers and the Companions of the Chosen met on the roof of the Lezareno Headquarters. "We did it," said Lloyd.

"Well done, everyone," said Regal. "Thanks to our success at the Invasion Points, we have damaged the Legion severely. The Tethe'allan army swooped in and cleaned house. Thank you, Lana and everyone else. We couldn't have done it without you."

"You're welcome, Regal," said Lana.

"I'm worried about the Otherworldly Gate," said Kevin. "When we opened that RPG warp zone, we basically gave the Legion a new path to other worlds."

"Yeah, but that's why we're going to form an army. With an army of allies, we can guard our warp. One day, we can retake the palace," said Lana.

"Where will we be heading next?" asked Sheena.

"I want to check on the Koopa Lands, if we can get there," said Bowser.

"If we can find a warp there in the RPG hub, we're good," said Lana.

"It's so limiting not having the Power Palace warp zone," said Kevin.

"Yeah, I know... Still, we'll fight through it," said Lana. "We have to stop this from happening again. We're going to find my father and Lyle."

"I doubt they will attack worlds without magic, at least not so soon," said Sonia. "They'll be wasting their time. They need to consolidate to take magic-rich worlds."

"That means RPG games," said Kevin.

"Yeah," said Sonia.

"So, this means you're going again?" asked Regal.

"Yes," replied Lana.

"I see," said Regal. "We'll beef up our defences here so this doesn't happen again."

The Explorers flew to the Otherworldly Gate and travelled below, to the RPG warp underground. They scoured the warp hub for a warp, any warp which suggested that it would lead to the Mushroom Kingdom. After a lengthy search, they found a warp that was marked by the carving of a mushroom. Kevin and Sonia recognized it as the mushroom power-up from the Super Mario Brothers games. They had found the correct warp.

After passing through it and a small chamber on the other side, they found themselves in a volcanic land. This ashen, desolate land was charred and barren, devoid of any vegetation. It was also hot, despite its darkness and sunlessness. In the distance was an active volcano. Lava flowed down its side and pooled in a pit on the ground. In another direction, Bowser could see a spiked stone castle bearing the likeness of his face.

An explosion resounded through the air. "Move it!" cried Bowser, running towards a plume of smoke.

The rest of the group followed Bowser to the source of the smoky plume. After they crested a hill, they got a view of a large ashen plain. On one side was the Koopas, a small squad with a Hammer Brother, a Fire Brother, a Boomerang Brother, a Magikoopa, and assorted rank and file Koopas. On the other was the Burning Legion, with an infernal, an Eredar warlock, and assorted rank and file demons like felguard and succubi.

The Hammer Brother clubbed a felguard's head with his hammer. He threw the hammer as the head of succubus, knocking her down. In turn, a felhound pounced on him. He got knocked down and had the felhound gnaw at his arm. Nearby, the Boomerang Brother hurled his weapon. It flew in an arc and caught a succubus in the side of the head. The demoness crashed into the ground. The Eredar warlock fired a Shadow Bolt. Pain burst from point of contact and caused the Boomerang Brother to double over.

"I'm going in!" said Bowser.

He leapt into the midst of the demons and triggered a small tremor in their ranks. The earthbound demons were sprawled on the ground everywhere. "King Koopa!" said the Hammer Brother.

"I'm back, ready to bust some demon heads!" said Bowser. He grabbed a nearby felguard by the head and hurled him at an airborne succubus, ejecting both demons were ejected from the area.

A team of imps turned their fire to Bowser. Despite several direct hits, they did not faze the brutish King of the Koopas. Suddenly, a beam of light pierced one of the imps through the chest. It collapsed in a heap on the ground. A second pierced the head of a nearby imp, who collapsed dead. Thrown into disarray, the imps could not stop Bowser when he dashed towards them and kicked one high into the air. They scattered and fired at him, but he ignored their meagre attacks and breathed fire on them.

The imps caught on fire and ran about in terror. Within seconds, they burned out and fell into charred piles of ash. "King Koopa, you must return to the castle immediately," said the Hammer Brother. "We need your help for our offensive against the demons."

"Lead the way," said Bowser.

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"It's King Koopa! King Bowser is here," cried the Hammer Brother guard on the rampart of Bowser's castle. "Open the gate. Let him in!"

The portcullis clanged as the mechanism pulled it open. As before, Bowser's castle and home was a dark, yet warm abode lit by magical torches on the walls. The front lobby was a granite chamber with numerous columns with more torches running down its length. Carved into these columns were ferocious likenesses of Bowser. At the other end of the lobby was a doorway to the rest of the castle.

The chief Magikoopa and Bowser's advisor, Kamek, approached him. Kamek was flanked by pink-headed Koopa with sunglasses. "Uncle!" said the pink-headed Koopa, who was known as Roy.

"Your majesty, we're so glad you're back," said Kamek.

"It's great to be home. What's been happening?" asked Bowser.

"We're being invaded by demons!" said Kamek.

"They're everywhere, the Koopa Lands, the Mushroom Kingdom..." said Roy. "Our troops are getting attacked almost daily."

"Well, you're lucky I came back. I just stomped a few of them on my way here," said Bowser.

"We're safe, but the Mushroom Kingdom is still under attack," said Roy.

"Get my ship ready," said Bowser. "I want them kicked out of the Mushroom Kingdom pronto. No one takes over the Mushroom Kingdom but me!"

"Yes sir," replied Kamek. "Morton Koopa Jr. is leading the fleet at our border. Meet with him and coordinate the attack."

Bowser and friends boarded a wooden, ocean-faring vessel which resembled those used by European colonists. Bowser's personal airship had long rotary stalks for its masts, which ended in propellers. His ship's rear also had a second set of propellers for forward motion. Due this design, his airship was capable of both aquatic and aerial travel. Several Koopas were busy at work, mopping the deck and loading the ship with crates of supplies.

When the last crate was hauled in, the roof of the hangar opened to the dark sky of the Koopa lands. The Koopas went under deck and the airship's propellers spun rapidly, causing the vehicle to lift off. It flew forward over several kilometres of ashen, volcanic terrain and joined up with a squadron of Koopa airships by the border of a verdant land. Bowser's ship pulled up beside the flagship and extended a bridge.

The captain of the flagship crossed the bridge and met Bowser and the Explorers. The captain was one of the Koopalings, like Roy. The Koopalings, young relatives of Bowser, acted as his main lieutenants alongside Kamek. He had a spiked shell and an ox-like face as Bowser did. However, his scales were brown in colour and his face white. He had a black star emblem tattooed over his left eye and a magic wand strapped to his waist. This was Morton Koopa Jr.

"Hi Uncle Bowser, nice of you to show up," said Morton.

"It's great to be back, but I'm itching to stir up some trouble, mwa ha ha ha!" replied Bowser. "Why not bring some friends along for the ride?"

"Oh yeah, now you're talking," said Kevin. "What's it like over there?"

"We've been launching raids regularly, but they're sure persistent," replied Morton. "They have a few anti-air batteries, but nothing we can't handle."

"We must collapse the warp and destroy their gates," said Lana. "Otherwise they'll keep coming."

"Let's do it!" said Bowser. "Set a course for Peaceful Woods."

As the Koopa fleet approached its destination, they saw how the verdant plain gave way to charred black wasteland. Numerous trees of the forest had been burned by the Legion clearing trees for their base. Several grimacing fel cannons were stationed around the base to protect it from aerial incursion. At the heart of the base were several pads surrounded by green power generators. These were the gates which allowed demons to enter the world. Numerous demons from felguard to succubi patrolled the area.

The Koopa fleet bombarded the base with cannonballs. Plumes of flame burst up from the ground with each explosion. A torrent of fire bolts came back from the base, fired by the Legion's fel cannons. The sky became filled with numerous explosions and shrapnel scattered everywhere. Succubi flew up in an attempt to board the airships and engage the crew. They weaved around Bullet Bills, despite these bullet-like creatures homing in on them. One of them struck a succubus, knocking her out of the sky.

A few passed the gauntlet and one approached a Hammer Brother on deck. The Hammer Brother lobbed hammers at her. The succubus weaved around and entered close quarters. Kevin and Lana came on deck and Kevin fired twice at the nearest succubus. He missed his first shot, but the second pierced through her heart. The demon stumbled backwards. A nearby Hammer Brother noticed and threw his hammer into her head.

Lana peered over the guard rail and fired at another succubus. The beam punctured her wing and caused her to drop out of the air. Behind Lana, another succubus wound her whip around Sheena's arm. When she yanked her whip, Sheena burst into a puff of smoke, leaving behind a log. The succubus was confused and suddenly got struck from behind. Sheena dashed forward and slammed ofuda into the succubus' back.

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The Explorers stepped onto the soil of the Legion's base. The ground was riddled with blast holes and charred black by fire. The fel cannons were smashed to pieces and their smoke filled the air with its acrid smell. Bodies of demons, Koopa, and Bullet Bills littered the ground, but Koopa medics were moving their fallen brethren away from the former battlefield. After walking through several minutes, they located a green pipe jutting from the ground.

Abel set off explosions of almighty energy at the pipe's entrance. "It's done," said Abel.

"At least the Koopa Lands are safe," replied Lana. "What about the Mushroom Kingdom?"

"My scouts report that the Legion have laid siege to Toadstool City," said Bowser. "No one does that but me!"

"That's our next stop," said Kevin. "How are they doing?"

"Peach and the Mario Brothers are holed up the castle for a last stand," replied Bowser.

"We'd better hurry," said Lana.

Bowser's fleet travelled north, to the once verdant Mushroom Kingdom. After countless encounters with the Legion, it had been transformed into a warped reflection of the Koopa Lands. The soil was charred black and those fires which still burned had the sickly green colour of fel. Further ahead, smoke arose from a large settlement. The houses were shaped like mushrooms and several still burned. Others had been flattened and only rubble and ashes remained.

There was the sound of weapons clanging everywhere from soldiers fighting invading demons. "Look!" said Sonia, who watched the battle through a viewing screen.

"Take us to the castle," said Bowser to the helm.

Bowser's ship split from the fleet in a beeline for Peach's castle. In the front garden, Mario and Luigi were faced with Legion invaders. A squad of imps fired at Mario, who leapt over their fire bolts. While midair, he hurled fireballs of his own. They bounced along the ground and singed his attackers. A felguard dashed at Luigi. Luigi was a tad quicker and slammed a mallet into the demon's head. He hurled green fireballs which seared the fel guard.

As soon as these demons fell, they were replaced by two succubi and two felhounds coming through the wrecked gate of the garden. Mario sidestepped the lash of a whip. In turn, he bounced fireballs at the succubus. They seared her legs and brought her down. A felhound pounced on Luigi, but he shot it out of the air with fireballs. Another tried to pounce on him, but Mario shot it out of the air. As the brothers regrouped, the demons had them surrounded with their backs to the castle's front gate.

An energy beam burned through the temple of a succubus. She crumpled into a heap on the ground. As the demons turned to search for the shooter, Kevin shot another one through the heart and a third through the forehead. Bowser landed behind the group and shook the ground. The quicker succubi took to the air, but the earthbound demons were knocked down and sprawled on the ground. Bowser approached and kicked a downed felguard to unconsciousness.

Lana quickly ran to the edge of a parapet and fired at the demons. "It's a Lana!" said Mario, looking up to see her.

"Are you two okay?" asked Lana to the Mario brothers below.

"Yeah, now that you're a here," replied Luigi.

"Look, the sky!" said Mario.

A group of succubi had flown over the heads of Mario, Luigi, and Lana on a path for the upper battlements of the castle. Lana reached for her radio. "Abel, some demons are trying to slip through by air!"

"On it," said Abel.

Abel teleported up to the battlements along with his demons. As the succubi approached a bedroom window, Abel sprayed ice in their direction. The point succubus immediately recoiled to avoid being hit. The succubi stopped and turned to Abel. Yog suddenly materialized and teleported a few of the succubi away. Before they could regain composure, Yog pummelled them with a barrage of orbs. The succubi crashed into a heap on the battlements.

Another lashed at Abel, but the tip formed a short-lived violet ripple as it entered his body. Abel then conjured a rain of foul black water upon her and the other succubi. The succubi felt the rain sear their skin and sap their strength, forcing them to land on the battlements. A few began to freeze over and become immobile. Scarlet suddenly appeared behind the nearest and blasted her with fire. The rival succubus became consumed by the flames.

"The demons had been stopped," reported Abel into his radio, while watching Mao club a frozen succubus in the head.

"Good work," replied Lana. "We're almost done down here."

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After the demons had been defeated, Peach, Lana, and the Mario Brothers had gathered in the throne room of the castle. "Thank you Lana," said Peach. "We'd be goners if you hadn't came when you did."

"I'm glad you're okay," said Lana. "We need to stick together against the Legion."

"Now that the Mushroom Kingdom is safe, what's next?" asked Peach.

"My scouts had reported seeing some of the demons lurking in the south, in the Dry Dry Desert," replied Kamek.

"The Dry Dry Desert? Why would they go there?" asked Kevin.

"Maybe they have another base there," replied Sheena.

"The demons seem to be congregated within Dry Dry Rock, the mountainous rock formation in the heart of the desert," said Kamek.

"Whatever they're up to, we're going there to stop it," said Lana.

Bowser took his fleet southward. True to its name, Dry Dry Desert was a barren land of sandy dunes and rock. The sun shined brightly in the sky, ravaging the surface below like a gigantic furnace. There was no vegetation for kilometres around, save for an occasional cactus or small shrub. They soon came upon a massive formation of sun-baked, sand-coloured rock with a roughly rectangular shape. It was the same one described by Kamek as Dry Dry Rock.

The fleet landed next to Dry Dry Rock near a massive, obvious opening on the side. The Koopa Troop took positions around the area, setting up secure perimeter for their landing zone. In nearby tents, Koopa Troop soldiers listened intently as commanders briefed them on their mission to enter and scout the cavern. After several sorties into the cave, the Koopa Troop returned with reports on being attacked by Legion demons.

Morton's latest report revealed the cavern as vast and maze-like in its structure. It had areas both above ground level and below. While resistance was moderate in the upper floors, it was quite severe in the lower ones. The Legion fought almost desperately, hellbent on not allowing the Koopa Troop to see what was on the lower levels. "What could be down there that they don't want us to see?" asked Bowser.

Lana thought for a brief moment. "Maybe a warp zone," replied Lana.

"That would make sense. We won't know until we see for ourselves," said Sheena.

The Explorers delved deep into the caverns, passing several friendly Koopa patrols. The Koopa pointed the direction they needed to travel to enter the deeper tunnels. Eventually, they reached the front where the Koopas held a line against the Burning Legion. It was a large rocky, circular chamber with barricades posted by the entrance to a tunnel further in. Numerous Koopa Troop members guarded the area while exploratory troops amassed for expeditions deeper in.

They stood at attention as Bowser and Morton passed by the area. "At ease," said Roy.

Roy and the Explorers continued onward. The tunnels appeared more and more charred the deeper they delved. When the group rounded a corner, a felguard and his underlings did the same at the other end of a wide tunnel. Kevin drew his gun and quickly pelted the felguard with gun fire. A second felguard rushed him at top speed, while a third with a claymore made a beeline for Roy. Kevin was knocked down, but his blue force field absorbed the damage.

Roy spit a fireball at his felguard, forcing the demon to parry it. The felguard rushed in and swung for Roy's head, but he ducked just in time and rammed the demon with his shoulder. Roy spit another fireball at the demon, burning a hole through his chest. The demon collapsed in a heap. Nearby, Kevin got up and shot his foe through the chest as he was charging in for the kill. Landing a fatal shot to the head, Kevin felled his opponent.

The Explorers and Roy continued onward through the dark tunnels of Dry Dry Rock. Only the light of torches pierced its endless darkness. They were fortunate to not have run into any Legion patrols before Kevin came upon a tunnel entrance. A bluish glow originated from the other end, piquing Kevin's curiosity. He hugged the wall as he approached and looked around the corner. The tunnel led into a hexagonal chamber made of granite. A glowing blue vortex was at the far wall at the centre of an arch.

It was a warp zone and flanking a warp were two felguards. They appeared to be quite bored and inattentive, judging from their lazy expressions and faces. "Guard duty is boring," said the first felguard.

"Yeah, I know. I wanna chop up Koopas. Anything is better than standing around here looking like idiots," said the second.

"You said it," said the second. "So, how's the negotiation going with that mortal?"

By now, the others had gathered around Kevin. "Negotiation?" asked Lana.

"Shhhh..." replied Sheena, putting fingers to her mouth.

"Lord Jaraxxus has already plundered the Spirit Temple," replied the first. "The Gerudo are learning fel magic as we speak."

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The hooves of horses rumbled across the desert, carrying an army of female warriors to war. At the head of the army was its sole man, king Ganondorf of the Gerudo. Just kilometres ahead was a base of the Burning Legion, surrounded by fel cannons and guarded by the mightiest demonic warriors. Scouts in metallic towers saw the massive army descending upon the base and sounded an alarm.

Felguards and felhounds scrambled for the entrance of the base, rushing out to meet these raiders in battle. As the Gerudo closed, the fel cannons started to fire. Bolts of green flame pelted the Gerudo and explosions littered the battlefield. One of the bolts knocked a Gerudo raider off of her horse. Their archers flooded the sky with arrows, which came down in a deadly rain of blades, piercing felhounds behind lines.

The Gerudo and felguard lines closed distance. Weapons clanged against one another in a chaotic outbreak of violence and mayhem. The Gerudo were gaining ground from sheer momentum, speed, and surprise behind their attack. The Legion frontline soon collapsed and the Gerudo flooded in and began to pillage the base for supplies. Ganon himself entered the base and pushed deeper to find the commander, the largest Eredar among the defenders.

"You face Jaraxxus, Eredar lord of the Burning Legion!" said the Eredar.

"I am Ganondorf, King of the Gerudo. I will not tolerate your attacks against my people any longer," said Ganon, who drew a sword and pointed it at Jaraxxus. "Your death will serve as a warning to anyone who dares to cross the Gerudo."

"Flesh from bone!" cried Jaraxxus, upon setting Ganon on fire.

Ganon winced in pain as the flames flared up around him. He hurled a bolt of dark magic which burst on striking the demon's chest. Jaraxxus was downed but as he arose, Ganon ran in and swung for his head. Jaraxxus parried with his staff. Ganon threw a thrust but was parried again. Jaraxxus swung for Ganon's temple, but Ganon parried and backpedaled. Jaraxxus followed and tried chop down onto Ganon's head, only to be sidestepped.

Ganon threw a thrust, but Jaraxxus parried. The two warriors gazes were locked upon each other, just like their weapons. "You are powerful," remarked Jaraxxus.

"You're a formidable opponent yourself," admitted Ganon.

"We don't need to fight," said Jaraxxus. "I can tell by the look in your eye that you are one who craves power above all else."

"What is your point?" asked Ganon.

"We could use a man like you in the Legion," continued Jaraxxus.

"Why would I want to join you?" asked Ganon.

"We can offer you great power, magic more powerful than anything you've ever seen," replied Jaraxxus.

Ganon pushed Jaraxxus away, but did not follow up his advantage. "Magic you say? I'm intrigued..."

Jaraxxus smiled. "Oh yes, plus, you'll have the armies of the Legion at your disposal."

"I doubt you'll do this for free," said Ganon.

"There is a price to be paid, a quid pro quo," replied Jaraxxus. "There is a certain temple to the northwest that we'd like access to."

"You must mean the Spirit Temple," said Ganon. "It is a burial ground for our priestesses. Entry is strictly forbidden to outsiders."

"As their king, surely you could order them to allow us in? Grant us this boon and you'll not regret it. No more wandering the deserts, barely scraping by to survive another day. Your people would fear nothing again. Don't squander this opportunity," said Jaraxxus.

"Very well. I'll make the arrangements," said Ganon.

"Excellent! I knew you'd listen to reason," said Jaraxxus.

Several days later, the Legion and Gerudo approached the site of the Spirit Temple. This ancient place of worship was a structure constructed in the interior of a mountainous rock. The front had an Egyptian style with stairs leading up to a doorway with an etching of a bird above and flanked by pillars. A relief of the Goddess of the Sands dominated the entire facade above the entrance. She was a Gerudo woman in a two-piece ensemble and a veil-like headdress with palms open.

"Lord Ganon, are you sure you want to go through with this?" asked Ganon's advisor, Nabooru. "Opening the Spirit Temple is a great taboo. The spirits and the Sand Goddess will curse us for this!"

"I'm certain. We need all the power we can get. We must be prepared to make sacrifices to achieve victory," said Ganon.

"I hope we don't come to regret this," said Nabooru.

"No more dawdling," said Jaraxxus. "Unseal the temple immediately."

Ganon approached the sealed doorway of the Spirit Temple. He placed his hand on the stone doors, which glowed a sandy yellow. After a small rumbling, the doors swung open. Jaraxxus' demons swarmed inside. A few minutes later, they returned bearing items which ranged from statues to weapons like daggers. Jaraxxus took one of the daggers and examined it. He could feel pulses of magic radiating from this weapon.

"Impressive," remarked Jaraxxus as he examined the dagger.

"I have kept my end of the bargain," said Ganon. "Now, keep yours."

"Of course," replied Jaraxxus. "My gift is at my camp. Please come."

The Legion base had suffered extensive damage since the Gerudo launched their raid. There were pot holes everywhere and most of the metallic equipment had been charred black. At the centre of the base were several demons who were lined up in chains, like prisoners. Before them were several metal troughs which had been soiled by dried splotches of a green liquid. A felguard remained on standby near the prisoners with a rack of weapons. Several Legion demons were in attendance, watching the event.

"These commanders had proven grossly incompetent in their dealings with our enemies," announced Jaraxxus. "The punishment for that is death. Begin!"

The felguard grabbed a knife while others lowered a succubus so that her neck was before a trough. Her eyes widened in terror as she struggled with the chains in vain. The felguard approached and pulled her hair back, which cocked her head back and exposed her neck. In one swift stroke, the felguard slashed her throat. Her blood gush outward. The felguard moved her neck above a trough, which caught her blood.

Nabooru had to avert her eyes as the executions continued with the other demonic commanders. When the execution was finished, the bodies were removed. A Shivarra wheeled a bookcase loaded with numerous occult texts. "These books detail the practice of warlock magic. Take them and this demon blood as fulfillment of my end of the bargain," said Jaraxxus.

The Gerudo claimed the books and troughs of demon blood. Days passed as the Gerudo pored over the material carefully. One would-be warlock tentatively cast a spell to bind an imp. She became aglow in violet light as a small pathway between worlds opened. From the Twisting Nether came a single imp, a small mischievous demon wreathed in green fire. The Gerudo warlocks gathered around and marvelled at their sister's accomplishment.

Another Gerudo sister brought forth a voidwalker. This being was a creation of the chaos in the Twisting Nether. It wore golden bracers and resembled a bulky humanoid torso made of churning, darkly blue mist. Eventually, the Gerudo warlocks gained enough skill and power to summon fel hounds and succubi as servants. The most advanced sisters eventually summoned felguards. Other sisters set fire to a dummy by casting immolate spells on it.

One of the most skilled sisters called down a blazing green meteor. It crashed to the ground with a boom and from the crater arose an infernal, bound to the Gerudo's control. Her sisters looked on in amazement at how powerful a demon she was able to bind. Ganon watched the Gerudo train and smirked. He and the Gerudo were making rapid progress in learning the warlock arts. The time was coming when he would unleash this newfound power on Hyrule and claim it for his people.

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"So, the Gerudo are learning fel magic?" asked Lana.

"I've told you how dangerous that is," replied Sonia.

"Yeah... Now I'm really worried about Zelda and Hyrule," said Lana.

"Whatever... Let's clobber them and take the warp," said Bowser.

"I've got this one," said Kevin.

He moved out of cover and fired at the guards. His first shot pierced through the demon's head. The felguard toppled over, sprawled all over the ground. The second glanced at his fallen ally and then over to Kevin and started to run. Kevin fired again, piercing the second's head with his beam. The second collapsed instantly. The Explorers entered the warp hub and examined the room.

The warp had the word "Nintendo" written on the plate above.

"Nintendo?" asked Kevin. "That means we can go to Hyrule if we want."

"We should investigate. Zelda and Link might be in danger," said Lana.

"I'm calling my troops to guard this warp," said Bowser.

**END OF CHAPTER**


	16. Demon 4 - Battle of Mido

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. This story uses reference material from them.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Demon War 4:**** The Battle of Mido**

The hooves of Gerudo horses thundered across the sandy dunes of the desert. The eyes of the Gerudo were bloodshot, reddened with the rage and fury of the demons. In the distance was Kasuto Village, a small town on the border of Hyrule and the desert. More hooves thundered from the opposite direction, from a group of mounted Hylian knights. When the two sides met, weapons clanged against each other in a dance of violence and bloodshed. Arrows screeched through the air, descending on each side in a rain of death.

In the rear, Gerudo warlocks began spells of fel magic. Green flame rained down upon the Hylian Alliance. A large green meteor followed the flames, impacting the ground and hurling numerous Zora and Gorons to the ground. From the crater arose an infernal, aglow in sickly green fire. The infernal fixated onto a nearby knight. With a single punch, it had sent the man into the air. A Zora soldier rushed in to attack and got backhanded. Another Zora released a sphere of water at it, blasting it to pieces.

One of the Gerudo was struck in the shoulder by an arrow. She tumbled off of her mount, but got off the ground mere moments later. Despite the pain, she rushed a nearby Hylian knight. She threw a frenzied series of sweeping slashes at the knight. He parried each blow and waited until the Gerudo overextended into a thrust. He sidestepped and darted in for a thrust. Despite being impaled, the Gerudo gave a demented smile and slashed the knight across the throat. The knight collapsed, leaving his sword stuck in her body.

Despite bleeding profusely, the Gerudo ran to attack a Zora. He blocked a chop to the head and weaved around to stab her in the stomach with a dagger. Despite her wounds, the Gerudo charged again for another attack. The Zora weaved around and darted in to stab her again, this time in the heart. The Zora pulled out and threw a flurry of slashes across her throat and body. The Gerudo finally dropped to the ground dead.

All of the other Gerudo had similar, demented expressions of joy on their faces. They relished and revelled in the bloodshed and violence greatly. The Hylian line started to rupture as the Gerudo pummelled their way through the knights at its centre. It finally gave out and the Gerudo separated the Hylian army into two smaller masses. The Gerudo army surrounded both and began to pelt them with focused attacks.

Minutes later, numerous corpses littered the ground, most of which were from the Hylian Alliance. Those who survived were routed. The Gerudo army flooded into Kasuto Village. One of the raiders smashed through the door of a house. She hastily grabbed whatever seemed valuable and stuffed it into a large sack. Others started her hurl torches into the buildings, starting fires which destroyed the buildings.

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The Explorers gathered in the throne room of Hyrule Castle. "Greetings, your Majesty," said Lana. The Explorers bowed before the king, who was present with Zelda and Link.

"Lana Power, am I ever glad to see you!" said Daphnes.

"Yes! When we lost contact with your family, we grew concerned," said Zelda.

"Demons are swarming the Lost Woods temple," said Link.

"Yes, they are occupying my palace and using its warps to invade other worlds," replied Lana. "My father and brother have gone missing."

"I see," said Daphnes, stroking his chin in contemplation.

"How goes the war against the Gerudo?" asked Lana.

"Not well, I'm afraid," replied Daphnes. "Just before you've arrived, I've received word that they had sacked the border town of Kasuto. The Hylian Alliance has been pushed back to Hyrule Field. The demons and the Gerudo are within reach of our heartland. Since joining the demons, the Gerudo have changed. They seem far more violent and aggressive than they ever were. Those same demons have occupied the Lost Woods Temple are raiding us constantly."

"Your Majesty, we just learned that Ganon has made a deal with the demons," said Lana.

"We thought so too," said Daphnes. Sonia proceeded to tell the king about fel magic and its corruptive nature, and the story of the orcs. Daphnes nodded in understanding. "Yes, this is just as our reports had noted."

"King Daphnes, we're willing to provide assistance," said Lana.

"Of course. We Koopas control a warp to your world. We're coming for payback!" said Bowser.

"Thank you, Princess Lana and King Bowser as well," said Daphnes.

"Your Majesty!" said a guard who burst into the throne room. "We've captured a Gerudo spy lurking around the castle. We are bringing her in for questioning."

"Bring her to the throne room. Let us speak to this woman," said Daphnes.

The guards escorted in a Gerudo woman who wore a grey cloak so as to conceal her features. The guards removed her hood so they could identify the woman. Link's expression widened in shock. "You're Nabooru, Ganon's lieutenant!" said Link.

"Yes," she replied.

"Why are you here?" asked Zelda.

"Some of my sisters and I don't agree with the choices our king has made as of late," replied Nabooru. "King Ganon had made a deal with the demons. He has opened the Spirit Temple to allow them to loot it. Our Spirit Temple is the house of the Sand Goddess and the resting place of our priestesses. This is a grave blasphemy and the Goddess will punish us severely."

"I think I know where this is going..." said Sonia. "Nabooru, did the Legion give you demon blood in return?"

"Yes," replied Nabooru. "After my sisters drank the blood, they became vicious and aggressive. When we raided villages, we only did so to ensure our survival. Now, we take pleasure in mass murder and butcher the innocent. This is not our way. I can't bear to see this, so I fled here to find help."

"I see," said Sonia. "That's just the start of the Gerudo's problems. Once we drive out the Legion, they will go into fel withdrawal."

Nabooru gulped. "Withdrawal?"

"Yes," replied Sonia. "That means they will become apathetic and lethargic. It will spread like a disease and nothing you do can cure them."

"I'll gladly take what punishment the Goddess may give us if it means the bloodshed will stop," said Nabooru.

"We've talked enough. Guards, please escort her to the dungeon, but make sure she is treated well," said Daphnes.

The guards escorted Nabooru away from the throne room. "There may be hope yet, with Lana's warriors on our side and Nabooru's defection," said Daphnes.

"Father, I believe Link is worthy of receiving the Master Sword," said Zelda.

"Yes, now is the time. Link, you can find the Master Sword in a grove on the northern side of the Lost Woods," said Daphnes.

"Your Majesty, let us give Link a ride to the woods. We are going to launch a raid to disable the warp in the Lost Temple," said Lana.

"Of course. We'll leave this mission in your hands, Princess Lana," said Daphnes.

"We will split up once we land in the forest. Take advantage of our attack as a distraction," said Abel.

"Thank you, Abel and you too, Lana," said Link.

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Yog ferried the Explorers and their new friends to the southeast, where the Lost Woods lay. A large portion of the inner forest had been burned down, charring the ground black with ash. The Lost Forest temple stood exposed in the north part of the burned area, it too having been blackened by ash and flame. It had been fortified with fel cannons and regular patrols by felguards. For an unknown reason, the Legion avoided the north and northeast.

Yog set the team down in this unburnt, still forested area, hidden from Legion defences by the trees. "This place makes me feel uneasy," said Abel.

"Why wasn't this part of the forest burnt?" asked Link.

"It must be the holy aura of the Master Sword. The demons must have an aversion to it," said Zelda. "Lana and everyone, thanks for your help."

"Okay, good luck you two," said Lana.

"Good luck to you too, Lana," said Link, before he and Zelda disappeared deeper into the forest.

The Explorers travelled southward, staying in the shadow of large rocks and hills. When they found the Lost Temple, they also found the Legion's base. The security outside only consisted of a shivarra, a giant, six-armed demon woman with violet skin. She walked along a road which passed through a pair of fel cannons and led to the temple's entrance. There were no other demons. They were likely holed inside to guard the warp.

Kevin climbed to the top of a hill overlooking the front of the temple. Kevin put the cross hairs on the shivarra and fired. The beam pierced into her head and caused her to lurch forward. After scoring two shots to her body, the shivarra collapsed facefirst into the ground. The fel cannons became active and scanned around for him. Kevin sank behind the hill, avoiding detection. When they looked away, Kevin peered out and fired at the left one.

The beam pierced through its chassis and a green fire erupted from within. The second traced the shot back to Kevin's hill and pelted it with a barrage of fire bolts. Kevin ducked behind the hill in refuge from the explosions which peppered the hillside. When the barrage subsided, Kevin peeked out and shot the second fel cannon. He then pulled out a radio. "Okay, front's clear. We can move in," he announced.

The double doors at the entrance opened with a creak when Bowser pulled them. The team entered the entrance lobby, with Kevin bringing up the rear. Rubble and suits of medieval armor littered the floor. They were the Armos statues that once stood in the room. It was apparent that the Legion had activated the Armos and was forced to destroy them. The team flanked the open doorway to the next room, which contained the pit they had to cross earlier.

Kevin peeked into the next room. The pits and small platforms now had a series of metal bridges connecting each of them together. However, an infernal walked across the length of the room on patrol. Its fel flames lit the room with a sickly green light. It was not possible to sneak past this infernal due to its wide girth and hot, flaming body. However, there was still the question of what was at the bottom of the pit.

Abel summoned Scarlet. "Did you need me, Abel darling?" she asked psychically.

"Take a look at the bottom of the pit," said Abel.

"Okay, anything for you, darling!" said Scarlet.

Scarlet turned invisible, entered the room, and descended the pit. At the bottom, she saw three succubi conversing with each other about odds and ends. If alarmed these succubi could fly up to the bridge. Two felguard entered from the door at the far side of the room and exited through another door in the near side. They and demons in other rooms would scramble for the bridge. Scarlet returned to her master and reported what she had seen.

"After we take out the Infernal, I could snipe the succubi from the bridge," said Kevin.

"That's risky. We might get trapped on the bridge if the other demons rush up to get us," said Abel.

"So what, I say bring them on. They're nothing we can't handle," said Bowser.

"Even though it's risky, we need that portal collapsed as soon as possible," said Sheena.

"We'll do it Kevin's way," said Lana.

The moment the infernal turned its back, Abel emitted a massive stream of ice and snow. The infernal lurched forward and became immobilized in an icy shell. Kevin and Lana unloaded several rounds into the infernal. The demon cracked and fissured, then shattered into rubble. Fortunately, no one below heard the infernal die. They checked the room across, which contained the warp, and found no one inside.

Abel channelled a stream of violet magic at the warp and gradually closed it. A felguard approached the room to investigate. Lana quickly shot it, but it got out a war cry before falling. The demons below heard him, and started to fly up. Kevin quickly peeked over the edge of the bridge and shot them. All three collapsed to the ground in a heap, but were discovered by a patrolling felguard. Clopping hooves started to echo from elsewhere, moving towards the room.

As a felguard passed the door, Scarlet appeared behind and blast a hole into him with fire. The felguard fell facefirst into the ground. Three more felguards ran into the room. The first charged at Bowser. Bowser stood his ground and caught the swing of an axe. He wrenched the axe away, then threw a punch. He had stunned the felguard, then grabbed him and hurled him off the bridge. The felguard screamed all the way down, then fell suddenly silent.

Sheena pounced on the second felguard from above the door frame. She had kicked the felguard into the ground facefirst. As the demon got up, she plastered an ofuda onto his back. It paralysed the demon and opened him to a fatal strike. "I've done it," said Abel.

"Fight our way to the lobby!" cried Kevin.

Bowser trampled over the last felguard and burst into the entrance lobby. A felhound entered from the left door and immediately charged at Bowser. He caught the demon and slammed him against the wall. The wall burst to pieces and scattered rubble all over the ground. The felhound slumped out of the indentation dead. Kevin approached the door and fired out at incoming imps. They scattered and retaliated with a volley of fire bolts.

Lana flanked the door on the other side and shot down one of the imps. "Get the other door. Don't let them flank us!" she called to the others.

"No problem," said Bowser. He grabbed one of the wrecked Armos statues and hurled it at the upper part of the door frame. Rubble collapsed from the top, sealing the door shut.

Abel teleported out of the front door and found several imps. They fired at him, but he quickly teleported onto the roof, where he conjured a corrosive rain. The toxic black drops hissed on the imps' skin. They started to weaken and a few began to freeze. Yog appeared and open portals beneath the imps. White light emanated from them and disintegrated the imps. A team of felhounds ran down the road, but Scarlet suddenly appeared and blasted them with fire.

Soon after, a shivarra ran down the road. Before she could do anything, a bolt of golden light pierced through her heart from behind. Some of the nearby felguard tried to locate the shooter to no avail. Another bolt pierced a felguard fatally. The remaining felguard dashed in the general direction of the shot, a hill to the south. As they closed, Link dropped down and impaled one through the back. He swung for a second and cut him across the chest.

Zelda, now more visible behind the hill, sent an arrow of light into the final felguard. Seeing no other foes, Link and Zelda approached Abel. "Am I glad to see you," said Abel. "We have to get out of here. We have a whole temple full of demons after us."

After the last person, Sheena, exited the temple, Bowser hurled a massive boulder at its entrance. The boulder smashed into the ground with a loud boom. It became buried under rubble and completely obstructed the entrance. "There, that should keep them off of us for awhile," said Bowser.

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As Yog flew the team away, Link showed the others his new weapon. Kevin looked at Link's weapon, a broadsword with a wing-like blue hilt and the emblem of the Triforce. "Is that the Master Sword?" asked Kevin.

"Yep," replied Link. "I feel its power."

"With that, we're now ready to face Ganon," said Zelda.

The Explorers, Link, and Zelda returned to Hyrule Castle, where they held an audience with Daphnes. Link presented the sword to Daphnes, who unsheathed it and looked over the blade. He then resheathed it and returned it to Link. "Good, now what about that Legion base?" asked Daphnes.

"The Legion won't be giving you any more trouble," replied Lana. "We sealed the warp and caved in the temple's entrance, so they won't be bothering you for awhile."

"Good! Now we can commit our full attention to the Gerudo," said Daphnes.

"Yes," replied Lana. "Our forces are crossing the warp into Lake Hylia. We're prepared to join your offensive against the Legion."

"Wonderful!" said Daphnes. "Link and Zelda, Ganon is about to attack Mido Harbour on the border. The Zora have discovered a golden opportunity for you to slip through and attack Ganon directly. The Gerudo will pass by a river on their march to Mido. The river is a part of a network of underground rivers. The Zora can escort through the network right to the Gerudo's rear."

"What about your army, your majesty?" asked Link. "Shouldn't we help them against the Gerudo army?"

"That won't be necessary. Lana's troops will more than fill the gaps in our forces," replied Daphnes. "Lana, are you going to attack the Legion's base in the desert?"

"Yes," said Lana. "We're slipping in under the cover of night. We're going for the leader."

"Very well," said Daphnes. "My spies have told me that the Legion base is directly east of Gerudo Mesa. You can't miss it."

"Thank you," said Lana.

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Yog soared over the land of Hyrule, ferrying his master and his friends across the verdant land. As they moved westward, lush green land gave way to the barren, sandy wastes of the Gerudo Desert. At the heart of this land was a brown rocky mesa. On top of it was a series of artificial structures made of metal with a green tint. The central structure resembled a small palace. There were several fel cannons at key points around the base.

Lana noted several fel cannons on the Legion palace. "Security's tight. We'd better think of a plan," she muttered.

Scarlet appeared next to her master. "What did you find?"

"Lots of ammunition... The Legion stores it in a small extension east of the palace," said Scarlet.

"An ammo dump huh? If that thing goes, it will make the mother of all explosions," remarked Kevin.

"Yeah, and that's why we're going to blow it up," said Abel. "Scarlet, do you think you can arrange for an unfortunate 'accident' over there?"

"Sure darling, anything for you!" said Scarlet.

"Okay guys, get ready," said Abel. "We've got some big fireworks coming."

Scarlet returned to the base under the cover of invisibility magic. She tailed a Mo'arg as he entered the ammunition dump to retrieve some ammo. The dump was filled with numerous shelves which contained spherical rocks which were tinged green. She flattened against the roof to avoid the technician, who retrieved a fel cannonball from a shelf. He marked a form by the door and left the building. A few moments later, Scarlet descended from the roof.

Scarlet took the clipboard which contained the signed forms. She used the paper to make a fuse leading to the fel cannonballs. She lit the fuse and then left the building. Moments later, the ammunition dump exploded in a massive plume of green fire. Every demon nearby dropped what they were doing to look. Yog materialized and smashed the fel cannons on the roof of the palace with orbs, then deposited his passengers on the roof.

Bowser smashed into the doors leading to the throne room. Inside, a large red Eredar sat upon his throne. When he spotted the Explorers, he quickly got up. "So, you're the gnats who've been a thorn in my side," said the Eredar. "You face Jaraxxus, Eredar lord of the Burning Legion!"

"You demons robbed me of my home," said Lana. "I'm here to pay you back for that!"

Jaraxxus immediately cast a fel fireball at the group. The group scattered while Bowser blocked the spell. He immediately charged forward to punch Jaraxxus. Jaraxxus parried with his staff and swung for Bowser's head. Getting hit, Bowser stumbled back. Jaraxxus tried for another swing, but Bowser caught his weapon. Jaraxxus hurled another fel fireball which caught Bowser in the face and knocked him down.

Abel emitted a stream of ice, chilling Jaraxxus and causing him to flinch. He covered his face, then willed open a violet portal to the Twisting Nether. "Come forth sister, your master calls!" cried Jaraxxus.

A Mistress of Pain, an elite shivarra, emerged from the portal. She grabbed Abel and leapt into the air, turning upside down for a death plunge to the ground. Abel went headfirst into the ground, but was unharmed. Instead of being sprawled out, he quickly got up, having absorbed the force of the impact to renew himself. Abel opened a reality fissure on top of her. The Mistress of Pain was shattered to pieces and disintegrated.

"Inferno!" cried Jaraxxus. The ground rumbled as a small fel volcano arose near him. It spewed a trio of boulders which unfolded into infernals.

Kevin fired at one, causing it to stumble back momentarily. It tried to advance again, but he scored a shot to the head. The infernal crumbled into rubble. Lana fired at the second, causing it to stumble back. Lana kept shooting until she had flayed every chuck of rock from its chest. The infernal crumbled under its own weight. Sheena hurled an ofuda which exploded just moments before being burned. The infernals's rubble scattered everywhere.

Jaraxxus punched Bowser with his free hand, knocking the Koopa king away. Scarlet appeared behind the demon and began extracting wisps of energy from him. Jaraxxus became stunned momentarily. Bowser recovered and ran over. He went low with an uppercut to the genitals. Jaraxxus doubled over, cupping his groin. Bowser tackled Jaraxxus, causing him to drop his staff. Bowser continued towards the wall and slammed Jaraxxus against it with enough force to cause a dent.

Bowser pummelled Jaraxxus with body shots. Jaraxxus got his left hand up and blast Bowser in the face with fel lightning. Bowser stumbled back and Jaraxxus struck him with a right hook. Abel conjured a corrosive rain upon him. Jaraxxus doubled over as his skin was burnt. Yog blitzed him with orbs and put him on the ground. Before Jaraxxus could recover, Bowser had landed on him. Jaraxxus gasped in crushing agony and poofed into sulphur and brimstone.

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The frenzied Gerudo charged a line of Zora fighting for the Hylian Alliance. Swords and steel clanged together as the two sides clashed with each other. Behind Gerudo lines, Ganon was seated on a stool in a tent. After having taken the power of Fel, Ganon's skin had become cracked, as though lava was trying to erupt. His skin was an ashen grey in colour and his eyes burned with unholy fire. He looked over a strategic map of the area.

"The battle goes well, my king," said a Gerudo advisor.

"Good! Send in the infernals," said Ganon.

The advisor left Ganon's tent, when suddenly, a series of death screams pierced the air. He went outside and noticed several of his guards sprawled on the ground with arrows sticking out of their bodies. Nearby, Link disarmed a Gerudo and impaled her through the abdomen. Another tried to swing at him, but got sidestepped. Link darted in for a slash down her shoulder. Staggered momentarily, Link ran her through, felling her.

Ganon formed a mass of dark energy and hurled it at Zelda. She quickly called upon Nayru's Love to protect her in a shell of blue light. She fired a light arrow in retaliation, which Ganon blocked with a dark barrier. Ganon hurled several more dark blasts, but Zelda blocked them with Nayru's Love. Link charged at Ganon, who parried his initial slash and shoved him back. Link quickly rebounded with a chop to the head, which Ganon parried.

Ganon pushed Link back, then thrust at Link's torso. Link blocked with his shield. Ganon swung at Link's head, but was blocked by the shield again. Link swung at Ganon and nicked him across the arm. Ganon backed away and cast a fel magic spell. A shadow formed over Link, coming from a flaming green meteor descending upon him. He dove away just before the infernal punched a crater in the ground. It stood up and swung at Link. He blocked with his shield, but the sheer force took him off his feet.

Zelda let loose a light arrow, which punctured the infernal's head. After it collapsed into a pile of rubble, Zelda spotted Ganon speeding away on his horse. "After him! He's getting away!" cried Zelda.

Link played Epona's song on an ocarina, calling his horse, Epona, to his side. The two hopped on and pursued Ganon into the grass-covered Hyrule Field. Zelda let loose a light arrow, which streamed past just shy of its target. Ganon blindly fired a bolt of dark magic behind him. Link moved Epona to the right, causing the shot to miss. As the chase entered bumpy terrain, Zelda released another arrow. This one pierced Ganon's shoulder. He doubled over and landed onto the ground roughly.

He rolled down a small incline onto his front. He quickly got up just in time to see Link and Zelda dismounting. He immediately cast a powerful spell, which made him become covered by a lava-like glow. He grew to immense proportions and became a biped, boar-like creature with cloven hooves. His new, demonic appearance was surrounded by darkness and armed with a golden trident. He eyes glowed with unholy green fire and with rage and malice.

Link and Zelda took a step back, as Ganon roared. Ganon fired a dark blast at Zelda, who surrounded herself in Nayru's Love. The blast was still hurled her onto the ground. Link dashed in, but got backhanded away. Despite blocking with his shield, Link got toppled over. Ganon advanced on Link and fired a dark blast. Link quickly rolled away and got up. Ganon thrust at Link, who responded by dodging right. Link darted in and slashed Ganon's leg.

Ganon limped about in pain. Zelda stuck a light arrow into his abdomen, making him double over. Link pulled out a hook shot, a device like a grappling gun. He fired the hook at Ganon's tusk, retracting the chain which pulled Link over. Link climbed onto Ganon's head and proceeded to stab it repeatedly. Ganon howled out in agony, flailing about. Eventually, he managed to dislodge Link and then pulled out the arrow.

Zelda shot another light arrow into Ganon's torso. Ganon groaned in agony and stumbled back. He regained composure, then ignited a fire around Zelda. Link darted in and slashed Ganon's leg, knocking him onto one knee. Link hopped onto Ganon's back and made a downward thrust. Ganon shook his body, but when that failed to dislodge Link, he then reached for the Hylian hero. Link dropped off of Ganon's back and Zelda sent another arrow into Ganon's chest.

Ganon fell onto his back. Link quickly hopped on and plunged the Master Sword into Ganon's heart. Ganon screamed in agony. He bled out rapidly and fell dead. Link retrieved the Master Sword and went over to Zelda. He uncorked a bottle of red liquid and gave it to Zelda. Her burns started to heal and she felt her vigour return. "Thanks Link," said Zelda, who wiped her mouth clean of the medicine.

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"Welcome back, one and all," said Daphnes.

"Father, Ganon is dead," replied Zelda.

"We've also defeated Jaraxxus, the Legion's leader," said Lana.

"This is wonderful news. My generals have reported that the Gerudo army has collapsed. We've taken the survivors prisoner," said Daphnes. "With Nabooru in my prison, all that's left is to decide what to do with them."

"You won't harm them, will you father?" asked Zelda.

"No," replied Daphnes.

"I see," said Zelda. "Link and I talked it over and we'd like to join Lana and help her face this new threat."

"Yes, the moment we defeated Ganon, the prophecy was completed," said Link. "It mentioned nothing about this new evil which threatens Hyrule and worlds beyond. Zelda and I wish to join the battle against the new evil."

"I see," said Daphnes. "I won't stand in your way. Good luck to both of you."

"Hey, nice to have you on board," said Kevin.

"Yeah, welcome to the team," said Bowser, slapping Link on the back, nearly knocking him over.

**END OF CHAPTER**


	17. Demon 5 - Erick Pendragon, Mercenary

Disclaimer:  
Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. Last Story was produced by Mistwalker. This story uses reference material from them.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Demon War 5: Erick Pendragon, Mercenary**

With their newest allies, Link and Zelda, in tow, the Explorers made their way back to the Realm of Bel. Along the way, they passed through the Mushroom Kingdom. They gazed upon the charred black remains of the once Peaceful Woods. "Did the Legion do this too?" asked Zelda.

"Yeah," replied Sonia.

"They destroy everything they come into contact with," said Link.

Abel's comp started to beep. He had received a message from Atsuro. "What does it say?" asked Lana, looking over his shoulder.

"Our forces checked out some of the warps and got a signal from one of the royal jewels," replied Abel.

"Which one? Where?" asked Lana.

"We don't know who, but their comp labelled the warp as Lazulis Island," replied Abel.

"Lazulis Island?" asked Kevin. "From Last Story?"

"Yeah, it is," replied Sonia.

Kevin explained that Lazulis was an island just off the shore of a mountainous continent which contained a nameless human empire. The land was dying, but Lazulis seemed unaffected. This caused Lazulis to become a major imperial centre, granting the ruling Arganan family great wealth and influence. Living there was the mercenary Zael, whose ascent started when he had received a job from Count Arganan. It was a routine job to clear out underground caverns of lizard-like humanoids called Reptids.

During this mission, he had gained the power known as "Gathering" and got branded with the "Mark of the Outsider." The Outsider was an extraterrestrial entity which seeded worlds with life, but was draining life from the land. It had been split in halves with one owned by the Arganan family and the other by the Gurak, a race of ashen-skinned humanoids. The Gurak waged war for Arganan's half, but the humans won. The Outsider was reunited and returned to space.

The Explorers travelled to the RPG warp and passed through the warp to Lazulis. When they emerged from the warp zone, they passed through a cave and found themselves outside in the warm noon sun. The air had a salty smell and seagulls squawked in the distance. One of them dove at the ocean and snatched a fish from the surface. The Explorers were on a grassy island and just a short distance away was a second, larger island.

"These are the Vono Islands," said Kevin.

"The comp says there is a family jewel to the northeast," said Lana. "Let's hurry!"

Yog appeared and pulled in the Explorers. He sped northeast, where they found a pair of islands just off the coast of a larger continent. One of the islands was grassy and contained a sprawling medieval city. The other was connected to the first, barren and rockier. These were Lazulis Island and the Fortress Island of the Gurak, which had rammed into each other during the final stages of the war. The comp showed that the royal jewel was in Lazulis City, but suddenly disappeared.

"No! What just happened?" asked Lana.

"He might still be in the city. Let's ask around," said Sonia.

Yog deposited his passengers just outside of Lazulis City. At the front gate, the group split up and questioned the townsfolk before reuniting an hour later. "Some people have seen my brother around the Flame and Lizard tavern in the south part of town," Lana informed the group upon returning.

"I know where that is. Follow me," said Kevin.

Kevin led the group all the way to the south, where the streets narrowed. Eventually, they found the tavern in an area surrounded by local houses. Inside, the Flame and Lizard had braziers lighting the room. Countless strings of garlic dangled from the beams above. There were numerous tables, chairs, and a bar in the back. Many people were in the tavern, dancing and drinking the to their heart's content. There was also a group of thuggish, suspicious people in the back.

They scanned Lana's group, but when Bowser stepped into the tavern, he growled at them threateningly. They averted their eyes. Lana approached the bartender and showed him a group picture of the Power family. "Have you seen any of the men in this picture?" asked Lana.

The bartender looked over photo carefully. "Only him," replied the bartender, pointing to Lyle. "That's Erick Pendragon. His mercenaries operate out of my tavern. I heard that he got a big job from the castle last night and went to complete it earlier today."

"I see, do you know any more details about his job?" asked Lana.

"He mentioned that it involved Reptids," replied the bartender. "I've heard rumours that they've gained the ability to summon demons, the same ones terrorizing the eastern highlands."

"Demons?" asked Lana.

"Yes, even the Lazulis knights have had run-ins with them," replied the bartender. "I assume Erick is investigating the rumours."

"Okay, thanks for your time," said Lana, giving the bartender a gold coin as a tip for his information.

As Lana's crew exited the building, Abel approached her. "That mercenary crew with Lyle... Could it be the royal guard?" Abel suggested to her.

"Yeah, I was thinking that too," said Lana. "At least we know he's safe."

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Kevin led the team to a well at the eastern side of town. One by one, the Explorers went down, except Bowser, who was too large to fit into the well. Yog responded by teleporting him into the underground cavern. "Okay, that works," quipped Bowser.

As they delved deeper, they eventually found what looked like man-made walls in underground chambers. The design of the walls suggested that these rooms were once the interior of a temple. The chambers were lit by torches which never burned out. It was likely magic was involved in maintaining the flame. As they moved through a narrower passageway, a flash of green light came from around a corner. An explosion echoed from further ahead.

The team raced ahead and found themselves on a balcony overlooking an inactive fountain. The area below looked like the remains of a promenade, which was littered by fallen rock and smashed benches and flower pots. Sheena noted a group of men to the left, taking cover in buildings and behind fallen rocks and rubble. The men were being fired upon by a group of imps, who were perched on top of a fallen column to the right.

"The Legion! They've pinned down some men to our left," Sheena informed the others.

Lana looked over at the human group who fired back at the imps. One of them was a blond-haired man in glasses. "Lyle's there!" said Lana.

A large demon with brown skin, cloven hooves, and massive bat-like wings marched down the promenade. The demon had large winds, a scowling goateed face, and a pair of horns on his head. He was clad in light armour for greater agility and carried a large sword as a weapon. "A doomguard!" said Sonia. "We'd better help them!"

"Wait till he passes, then we attack," said Kevin.

The doomguard eventually did so under the balcony, without noticing the Explorers. The doomguard paused to conjure a rain of fire upon Lyle's group. His men scattered. Lana and Kevin popped out and fired. The demon had been staggered and allowed Sheena to strike with ofuda. Link latched the hookshot to the doomguard's horn and yanked himself over. With a stab to the head, Link felled the demon.

The imps noticed how the Explorers felled the doomguard. They diverted some fire towards the balcony. Kevin and Lana ducked to avoid fire while Sheena ran around the corner below. Abel spotted a ruined house across the promenade through a gap in the parapet. He teleported into an open window. He faced the imps and conjured a corrosive rain upon them. Two of them became encased in icy shells. Some of the imps fired at Abel, but Scarlet suddenly appeared in their path and absorbed their fire.

Bowser dropped from the balcony and spotted a felguard entering the fray. He charged forward, snatching the demon by the neck. Bowser hurled the demon into a ruined wall, smashing it to rubble. The imps turned their fire onto Bowser. Even taking numerous fire bolts, Bowser was unfazed, since they only tickled him. Yog suddenly appeared and opened three glowing white vortexes beneath the imps. Each portal emitted a flash of light, which banished an imp.

Lana dropped from the balcony and ran to Lyle's side. "Lana, am I ever glad to see you!" said Lyle.

"You're not hurt, are you?" asked Lana.

"No," replied Lyle.

Abel glanced at the entry tunnel used by the Legion to enter the promenade. A group of reptilian humanoids used that same entry to enter the chamber. One of their warlocks cast a shadow bolt spell from further in the hole, safely behind their battle line. Abel teleported behind this creature and sprayed it with ice. The creature froze solid. A second, nearby warlock noticed him and cast an immolate spell. Abel raised a violet barrier, then open reality fractures around the warlock, which killed him.

Sveta closed with a Reptid warrior and darted right, around his first thrust. She then darted in and hurled punches to his chest. As he stumbled back, Sveta kicked him in the knee, which staggered him further. Sveta blasted him with lightning. A second Reptid swung at her, but she darted back from the attack. She hurled more lightning, which the Reptid parried. Bowser spit a fireball at this Reptid. It surprised him and blasted him into the ground.

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As the Explorers escorted Lyle and his men to the surface, Lyle told his sister about his experiences. After fleeing the Legion with his royal guard, he ended up in Lazulis Island. He made his way to the city, where he had adopted the persona of Erick Pendragon and his band of mercenaries. As part of their cover, they took jobs from the local nobles. The Legion had followed them, but by specializing in demon extermination, they could fight the Legion while earning their keep.

"Good plan," said Abel.

"We got many, many jobs," said Lyle. "Even Sir Therius of the knights had employed us. In fact, he was our employer for this current job."

"Look over there!" said Zelda, pointing to the horizon.

Numerous fires blazed red in and around the city. Just as many plumes of smoke billowed into the air. Link noticed some kind of creature with bat wings flying in the city's airspace. "Succubus!" he informed the others.

"The Legion," said Sonia.

Lyle noticed that some of the fires were centred on Arganan Castle. "They're targeting the castle. We have to hurry!" said Lyle.

Yog brought the team to a balcony and deposited them. The Explorers ran through the palace and found Lazulis knights battling Legion succubi in nearly every room and hallway. Sheena hurled an ofuda at one of them. Surprised by the attack, the succubus had been felled instantly. Lyle shot another. Once the area had become secure, Sonia and Scarlet went to work healing the knights of their wounds.

"Are you okay?" Lyle asked the knight.

"Yeah," he replied.

"Where's Sir Therius?" asked Lyle.

"He's up ahead, in the courtyard fighting the demons," replied the knight. "We'll stay here and secure this location. Make sure Sir Therius is okay."

The Explorers pushed deeper into the castle, to the central courtyard. Several knights locked weapons with Legion demons, which included an infernal. Among the enemy were a few Reptids, apparently helping the invasion. Lyle identified a silver-haired knight in plate armour in the midst of the melee. This knight was Sir Therius, the leader of the Lazulis knights. With him were two allies who looked quite different from his knights.

The first was a young man who had spiky brown hair. He was clad in a tailed black coat with armour worn over it. He employed an unusual power which cast ribbons of light around his left hand. Upon its use, the demons became drawn to him. Their female companion was in her twenties, a silver-haired woman in a blue noblewoman's dress. The woman hovered a few feet above the ground as she prepared a light-based spell.

Once unleashed, it sped towards a felguard. Her spell exploded with a brilliant flash which flattened the demon and left a circle of light on the ground. Therius' male ally charged into the circle, creating a brief whirlwind which scattered the magic. Therius' entire party became covered in globes of golden light. Some demons stormed in from a passageway in the opposite side. The imps fired at the group, but the barriers nullified their attacks.

Kevin took cover behind a nearby pillar and fired. His first volley struck the chest and head of a succubus. Bowser leapt into the fray, landing hard in the midst of a pack of felhounds. The shockwave toppled them. Bowser grabbed the nearest one by the tail and used it to whip a second. He then hurled the felhound into a third, knocking both to the ground. The nearby knights, though grateful for his help, still elected to keep their distance from him.

Abel suddenly appeared beside a Reptid. He sprayed ice, encasing it in a glistening shell. He hurled more ice at a felguard, freezing it in place from the waist down. Yog blitzed the demons with orbs and felled them. Scarlet suddenly appeared hovering behind another felguard. She extracted wisps of violet energy from it. The felguard collapsed dead and vanished, leaving only its armour behind.

As the battle for the area wound down, Lyle approached Therius. "Erick? Am I glad to see you," said Therius.

"Yes, my friends came to help as well," said Lyle.

Therius looked over Lana's motley allies from Bowser and Sheena, to Abel and his demonic servants. "You have some unusual friends, but we'll take all the help we can get." Therius' two companions approached to talk to him. "Ah Zael, this is the mercenary I was telling you about. This is Erick Pendragon."

"Nice to meet you," said Lyle.

"Erick, this is Zael, once one of my most finest knights, and now my lord. His lady is Lady Calista herself of House Arganan," said Therius to Lyle.

"Please to meet you, Sir Zael, and my Lady," said Lyle, bowing to Calista.

"Ah, it's nice to meet you Erick. I've heard so much about you," said Zael. "Are these others new members of your team?"

"Sort of," replied Lana. "I'm, uh, Erick's sister, Lana."

"Forgive me for not being honest, but my real name is Lyle, of the House of Power," said Lyle. "Lana is my sister, Princess Lana."

Therius and Zael looked over Lana and Lyle. "Prince and Princess Power?" asked Zael.

"Yes, our family rules over a region which contains portals to other worlds," replied Lana.

"You and these people are from another world?" asked Zael.

"Yes, there are many different worlds," said Lana. "These demons have driven us from our home. We're trying to help others fight back and take back our home."

"I see... They first showed up in the eastern highlands," said Zael. "Our knights are trying to hold them back, but they seem endless."

"They are using my warp to reach your world," said Lana.

"I can shut off their warp if I can get to it," said Abel.

"Yes, but let's not forget about the city. We have yet to secure the castle either," said Therius.

"We just came from the upper floors and the rear of the castle. We helped the guards regain control, so they're okay," said Lyle.

"There are also Reptids invading. They must be getting into the castle from the underground tunnels, most likely from the dungeon," said Zael.

"I will join, Zael, Lady Calista, and the rest of his mercenaries to clear out the tunnels," said Therius.

"Okay, we'll fly to the highlands and shut down the warp," said Lana.

"My team will stay in the city and help out where we can," said Lyle.

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It was like old times for Zael, Calista, and Therius. The trio had reunited with Zael's mercenary company to undertake a mission in the castle depths. The mercenary team entered the castle dungeon. Numerous bodies of fallen demons and guards littered the area. One of the cells in particular had a large hole opened in the far corner. The hole appeared to be the result of an explosion, likely from a Reptid spell. The cells bars showed similar damage.

"I remember this place," said the red-headed woman with tattoos, who was named Syrenne. "This was where they kept us locked up during that kangaroo court."

"I remember too," said Yurick, a young man with an eye patch over his right eye. "Horace found an underground tunnel which led us to a crypt. We fought the undead and ran into a dead end."

"Ah good times, good times," said Lowell, a charming blond-haired man.

Zael's band entered the tunnel and traversed its myriad chambers. Soon, they heard voices ahead. The neighbouring room was filled with Reptid guards. They were huddled together, talking with each other, not paying attention to their environment. Zael hid near the door frame and scanned the room, but saw nothing else. He nodded to the rest of the team, who took positions around the room in preparation for an ambush. He then fired a crossbow bolt into the back of a Reptid's head.

It hit the Reptid's helmet and disgruntled the entire group, which was five members strong. Zael dove behind a coffin, but they noticed him and started to give chase. After they burst into the room, Zael's sorcerers hurled spells at them. Two were slain instantly, unable to withstand such an intense bombardment. The remaining three were thrown about and scattered. Syrenne rushed to one and threw a flurry of slashes with twin swords. Overwhelmed, the Reptid let one slip through its guard and got cut down.

Zael suddenly darted out and cut down the second. Therius knocked the third to the ground and delivered a stab through the heart. "The way down should be in the small passage," said Zael.

He found a narrow passage which had a treasure chest at the opposite end. A long pit separated the chest from the entrance. This pit was the same one his friend, Horace the archaeologist, had fallen into. In doing so, he had discovered the underground crypt where the undead slept. However, there was now a rope ladder leading below, which was likely placed by the Reptids. After climbing down and exploring the crypt proper, they heard voices in a room up ahead.

The room had some stone pews scattered about, suggesting that it was a congregation area for a chapel. There was a group of Reptids present gathered around strange darkly violet rune on the floor. Five of the Reptids chanted strange, but ominous words while the other five stood guard. A demon, a doomguard, appeared at the centre of the centre of the circle. These Reptids were warlocks and a security attachment, who were summoning demons to assist the Legion's raid.

"This must be the source of the demons," said an Asian woman with a cluster of three white flowers in her hair. Her name was Mirania.

Zael snuck behind one of the pews without being seen. He then shot one of the warlocks in head. When the warlock fell, the Reptids and doomguard perked up. They noticed Zael shooting at them and charged. Therius and Syrenne ran out to meet them. Calista, Yurick, Lowell, and Mirania began casting spells. The doomguard met Therius and exchanged strikes. Every blow they made got parried by the other.

Zael's sorcerers unleashed their spells, bombarding the enemy with explosions. Two of the warlocks and two of the Reptid guards were flattened instantly. Syrenne cut down another with a flurry of blades. Zael charged into a light circle created by the explosion of Calista's spell. It spread the magic and shielded his entire team within globes of golden light. He then activating the Gathering power, which released bands of bluish energy from his hand. The bands slowed the enemy and frustrated them to no end.

They immediately turned their hatred onto Zael and pursued him into the next room. His mages immediately released another volley of spells, felling the last of the Reptid. Only the doomguard remained. It pursued Zael around the room and back into the other. Just before it entered, Zael dashed onto an ice patch left on the ground by Lowell. Zael created a whirlwind which spread the ice along the ground. The doomguard put his hoof down, which slipped and caused him to fall. Zael ascended a wall, then dove down and impaled the demon through the heart.

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Yog deposited the Explorers at entrance of a cave at the base of a plateau. Lana's comp indicated that a warp was near the area, deep in the heart of the rocky plateau itself. They navigated a vast network of tunnels which eventually gave way to brick walls like those of a castle. "That's strange. Why does it look like it's manmade?" asked Sheena.

"Lazulis Island is actually a moving fortress," replied Kevin. "It was powered by the human half of the Outsider."

Sveta used the track Psynergy to visualize the scents in the cavern. She led the team through the caves, following the scent trail to a large chamber. A row of pillars led to the centre of the wall, which contained the warp. The surrounding arch had a Power Glove on its identifying plate, indicating that it led to Power Palace. A squad of demons was present, all listening to a briefing by a dreadlord. It consisted of two shivarra, four imps, four felguard, and two succubi. With the dreadlord, the demons numbered thirteen.

"I'm going to collapse the warp. Get ready to cover me," said Abel.

Abel teleported to as close as he could, then set off a megido spell upon the warp. The explosion shook the warp with a loud boom, causing it to close with a brief flicker. The demons noticed him and reached for weapons. Abel immediately called a corrosive rain upon them. Stunned by the burns, a shivarra got blasted in the back by Scarlet's flames. The shivarra lurched forward in shock, but quickly recovered. She blasted Scarlet with shadow energy, a "mind blast" spell, which dissipated on contact with no effect.

Scarlet expanded her wings and ascended. She fired another jet of flame, which the shivarra parried. The second shivarra emitted a beam of blue energy, a mind flay spell. Scarlet dodged by banking left. She then magically charmed the second. The second's eyes became glazed over and she immediately swung at the first with her swords. Her swings cut two large gashes into the first's body. The first collapsed from mortal wounds.

Yog blitzed the dreadlord and two felguards with orbs. The dreadlord went down, as did one of the felguard. The second was struck in the abdomen and doubled over. Mao charged forward and clubbed the felguard's head. The demon sprawled onto the ground. The other felguard and dreadlord bounced back to their feet. The dreadlord came in and swiped at Mao, who parried with his paddle. Mao darted back and forced the demon back by arcing lightning.

Bowser descended into the midst of the demons and shook the ground. The succubi were a tad quicker and ascended to avoid being toppled. Bowser suddenly grabbed the demoness by the leg and yanked her down. He then slapped her against the ground. Bowser whipped her at a second succubus, knocking both into a heap on the ground. The second succubus pushed off the first and got up. She lashed Bowser with her whip, but he did not flinch. He spit a fireball which blasted her into the wall. She slumped down and fell dead.

The bodies of the demons lay strewn about the room. After leaving the cavern, Sheena detonated some ofuda she had planted. The cave entrance was wracked by explosions which boomed loudly. The roof collapsed, blasting out a huge cloud of dust. When it cleared, the entranced was blocked. "Good work," said Lana.

"It's time we head back," said Sonia.

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The Explorers reunited with Therius, Zael, and Lyle in the entrance lobby of Arganan Castle. There were numerous bodies of Reptids and demons strewn on the ground. There were also several wound knights propped on the walls. Many were being bandaged by medics. The castle had suffered from many burns. Much of its decorations had been smashed during the fighting and lay in pieces on the ground.

"So, this mean you'll be leaving, Erick?" asked Zael. "We could use a man like you here."

"Eventually," replied Lyle. "For now, I'm going to stay to finish the clean up."

"Of course," said Lana. "We still need to gather more troops for the invasion of Power Palace."

"Once things calm down here, I can spare a few knights and mages for your army," said Zael.

"Thank you, Lord Zael," said Lana.

"Godspeed," said Therius.

The Explorers flew back to the warp zone in Yog-Sothoth. Upon returning to the Realm of Bel, they set foot on Fairy Island, where they received a message from Atsuro. The message stated that the CDogs had found the location of King Charles. He was behind a warp which depicted two robots fighting each other. The world was known as Pleroma and its warp was in the RPG warp zone on Fairy Island.

"I hope father is okay," said Lana.

"Yeah, let's hurry," said Sheena.

**END OF CHAPTER**


	18. Demon 6 - Battle of Gaur

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. Xenoblade Chronicles was produced by Monolith Soft. This story uses reference material from them.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Demon War 6: Battle of Gaur**

The Explorers emerged from the warp in a rocky cave. The air within was moist and cool. A sound of rushing water and splashing came from further on ahead. As Lana travelled forward, she came face to face with a torrent of water falling from above. Behind it, she could make out what appeared to be a small pond. She could also make out the outlines of large, fish-like creatures swimming beneath the surface.

"Great, a waterfall," said Lana.

"I'll redirect the water," said Abel.

He gestured to the waterfall, which parted as though beckoning Lana to come through. However, Lana did not move an inch. With the waterfall parted, the pond was much more clearer now, as were the shapes which lurked beneath the surface. The pond was too large and deep to walk over. Abel created an ice raft large enough to carry the group. As they sailed down the pond, a large fish surfaced behind them in pursuit. From its appearance, it looked like a hybrid of a coelacanth and a piranha.

"Sardi!" said Kevin upon spotting it. He drew his blaster and shot the fish between the eyes.

As soon as the first sank into the water, two more rose to the surface in pursuit. "More of them!" said Lana.

"Keep going, we'll cover the rear," said Kevin.

He shot another just behind its head, before its dorsal fin. Abel's icy raft hit shore and everyone quickly disembarked. Kevin turned and fired at the sardi, who could not swim onto land. Bowser spit fireballs at the water. The shoreline became peppered by explosions and water splashed everywhere. The corpses of sardi surfaced all along the shore. Since the other sardi could not enter land, they decided to retreat into the water.

The group moved away from the shore and into the nearby jungle. When they were safely away from the pond and the sardi, Lana looked at her comp. "Father is quite far from here," said Lana.

"We were just at Clear Waterfall in Makna Forest," said Kevin. "It's a location in Xenoblade."

"Are there any settlements nearby?" asked Abel.

"As a matter of fact, yes. The Frontier Village is near us. It's the village of the Nopon," replied Sonia.

The Explorers pressed through the hot and humid jungles of Makna Forest. Every step they went, they had to cut through the dense foliage which blocked their way. The sheer heat of the jungle made them sweat profusely and only served to weigh down the team. Despite such a harsh environment, they made good progress, and came upon an area with wooden bridges running overhead. These bridges were obviously artificial and indicated that they were closing in on the Nopon's Frontier Village.

After travelling further to the west, they came upon the base of the largest tree in the jungle. A network of roots ran up to the trunk of the tree, acting as crude ramps to an entryway to the tree's interior. Numerous furry, egg-shaped creatures went about their business at the front plaza. They had stubby limbs, but long, prehensile ears. They were members of the Nopon race. Despite their cute appearance, they were actually a race of wandering traders who lived close to nature.

The arrival of strangers piqued Nopon curiosity. They gathered around to look at the Explorers. "Hom Hom here!" cried a yellow male Nopon.

A pink female Nopon looked up at Bowser, who glared at her in return. "Scary monster!" she cried, as she backed away and joined the others.

"Who are you calling a scary monster?" Bowser asked menacingly.

The female Nopon cowered from him. "Hey! Don't scare the Nopon!" said Sonia.

"Can you take me to your leader?" asked Lana. "We'd like to meet him."

"Chief Dunga meeting Heropon Riki and Bird Lady now," replied the yellow Nopon.

"Oh? What's the matter?" asked Lana.

"Some bad monsters have been scaring the Hom Homs in Colony 6," replied the yellow Nopon.

"Bad monsters? What kind of bad monsters?" asked Lana.

"Scary ones. They have claws and wings and like to burn things," replied the Nopon. "Hom Homs fight them. Heropon Riki and Bird Lady want to help Hom Homs. Heropon Riki and Bird Lady beat up scary monsters!"

"I see, thank you very much," said Lana.

"That sounds like the Burning Legion," said Sonia. "Maybe we should give Heropon Riki and the Bird Lady a hand?"

"Maybe we should," said Kevin.

"We'd like to see the Chief and Heropon Riki. We might be able to help against the monsters," said Lana.

"Chief Dunga still seeing Heropon Riki. Go to middle of village. Chief meet Heropon there," said the Nopon.

The Explorers entered Frontier Village and saw the hollowed out interior of the giant tree. The great tree of Makna Forest literally contained an entire Nopon village within it. Their houses were created out of wood, some of which were built in nooks of the tree's wood. Many were on top of catwalks and mushrooms growing from the bark. The Frontier Village kept itself lit with lanterns filled with bioluminescent moss.

At the centre was a circular boardwalk built over a pond which gave off a blue bioluminescent glow. At the central boardwalk were two Nopon and a woman discussing unknown matters. The first Nopon was dressed in an ornate robe with floral pattern sleeves. He had a purple beard and a tuft of hair which grew upward as to resemble a headdress. The second Nopon was an orange colour and had an x-shaped scar on his chest. The purple one appeared to be Chief Dunga and the other was likely Riki.

The sole woman had soft grey hair which was rolled into two curls. She also had small white wings on her head, adorned by a violet headdress. The woman wore an ornate violet and blue corset which belled out into a mini skirt. She also wore a short, shawl-like cloak. She was clad in heeled boots and wore stockings that reached just above her knees. She was a very beautiful, refined young woman with a noble air about her and a petite build.

"Heropon Riki, you must go with Melia to the Eks Water Hole. Fight the..." said Chief Dunga. Dunga noticed the Explorers approaching the boardwalk. "Ah, we have guests in the village. What brings the Hom Homs to our village?"

Melia, who was likely the 'Bird Lady,' examined Bowser and felt somewhat unnerved by its presence. "What is that thing?" she asked offhandedly.

"Grr..." Bowser growled, glaring menacingly at Melia.

"His name is Bowser," said Lana. "We come from another world, here to pursue the Burning Legion."

"You're from another world?" asked Melia. "Do you expect me to believe that?"

"Believe it or not, it's true. We've been fighting the Legion everywhere we went," replied Sonia.

"Chief Dunga, we want to support your battle against the demons," said Lana.

"Are you really going to trust them?" asked Melia.

"If the Hom Homs wish to fight, let them prove themselves," replied Dunga. "If Hom Homs want to fight fire monsters, go to Eks Water Hole."

"What Chief Dunga is saying is that demons have been sighted there," said Melia. "They have ambushed numerous supply convoys leaving from Eryth Sea and Frontier Village. We were setting a trap for them."

"Sounds like a plan," said Kevin.

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After the meeting, the Nopon began to prepare a caravan as bait. The core of the caravan consisted of several wagons being towed by green, reptilian quadrupeds. The wagons had large crates loaded onto them, all with hollow interiors filled with stools. The interiors were also lined with bioluminescent moss to provide light for the warriors inside. Several Nopon merchants were loading dummy supplies and merchandise as the Explorers approached.

Melia, Riki, Abel, Kevin, and Lana entered one of the crates and sat down. The rest of the Explorers and Nopon warriors filed into the other crates. The Nopon merchants shut the crates and the convoy started to move. The interior was quite cramped compared to the open air of the outdoors, though had a some room for movement. A few minutes into the journey, Kevin looked out of a peephole at Makna Forest.

"Lana," said Abel.

"Hmm?" asked Lana.

"I talked to Col. Fushimi about our plans to retake Power Palace. He needed at least one more intact warp for the invasion. I spared the one in Aselia, but I'm going to do the same for the one here in Pleroma as the second," said Abel.

"Okay, so that means we will invade from Aselia and Pleroma then?" asked Lana.

"Yes," said Abel.

"Hom Homs plan something big," remarked Riki.

"Yeah, we're thinking about how we're going to take back my palace," replied Lana.

"Your palace?" asked Melia.

"Yes, my family, House Power, rules an area where all warps meet," said Lana. "The Legion invaded and used the warps to get to your world."

"So where did the Legion come from before that?" asked Melia.

"The Twisting Nether, in the world of Azeroth," replied Kevin. "They don't really have a world of their own. They go from place to place to loot magic."

"We're gathering troops to reclaim my palace," said Lana. "We want to ask the leaders of your world for support. I'm also here to find my fa..."

The wagon stopped suddenly. One of the Nopon merchants approached Kevin's peephole. "We're here. Fire monsters will come soon," said the Nopon driver.

"Okay," replied Kevin.

The merchants' pack animals gathered by the shore and began to drink. Almost ten minutes later, several shapes started to approach the caravan by air. Kevin recognized some of them as belonging to demons such as succubi and dreadlords. The Nopon escorts drew weapons and prepared to battle the Legion raiders. The Explorers and the Nopon ambush burst out of the boxes and joined the fray.

Lana immediately summoned several Red Pikmin to her side and sicced them on a succubus. They mobbed the demoness, relentlessly pounding every inch of her body until putting her onto the ground. Lana spotted a shadow and looked up to see a dreadlord landing nearby. She shot him in the back and forced him onto his knees. As he tried to turn to see who had hit him, Lana shot him through the head. He vanished in a swarm of bats, leaving behind his armour.

Abel conjured a black, corrosive rain. The rain pitter-pattered over a squadron of airborne succubi and their dreadlord leader. It eroded their strength and caused a stinging to radiate from the wounds. The stinging gradually spread, a symptom of poisoning. They were forced to the ground, where the dreadlord unleashed a wave of dark energy, a carrion swarm. Abel covered up and it washed over him harmlessly. He sprayed ice and froze the dreadlord in a shell of ice.

Yog suddenly appeared and blitzed the Legion succubi with orbs. They were flattened, but three rose up quickly. Yog opened portals beneath them which emitted white light. Two were disintegrated, but the third darted away. Scarlet appeared behind her and blasted her with a jet of flame. The Legion succubus crumpled to the ground with a hole charred through her torso. More of the Legion's succubi started to rise from the ground, but Mao pounced into their midst and clubbed back to the ground.

Nearby, another dreadlord called a meteor onto the Eks Water Hole. From the crater emerged a massive infernal, who locked gazes with Sheena. It advanced, heating the air as it lumbered forward. Sheena waited for it to lean into a punch, then leapt away. She hurled ofuda at its torso, sticking two onto it. They suddenly exploded, knocking the demon onto its back. Despite such a powerful attack, the infernal got up.

As it advanced on Sheena, Bowser descended nearby in a hard stomp. The ground shuddered under his immense weight. The infernal stumbled, trying to maintain its balance. Sheena exploited this weakness to pin ofuda onto its legs. The ofuda exploded violently and blew off the infernal's legs. The demon collapsed onto its hips, unable to walk no matter how much it struggled to do so. Bowser dropped onto it and crushed it beneath his weight.

He looked around and saw only rubble remaining of the infernal. "Heh heh heh heh heh!" chuckled Bowser.

Dozens of demons lay strewn around the Eks Water Hole. Blast holes were everywhere and so were wounded Nopon warriors covered in ash and charcoal. The Eks were nowhere in sight, having long since fled the outbreak of violence. Sonia approached a downed blue Nopon in metallic armour. She applied a renew spell to a cut on his forehead, which caused him to briefly glow with golden light. The cut gradually sealed and completely vanished after several seconds.

"Riki's sidekicks do good," said Riki, as he approached Lana.

"That was easier than I thought. Thanks to you, they won't be bothering us again," said Melia. "I'm sure Chief Dunga will be pleased to hear of our success."

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"Hear ye, hear ye!" Dunga announced to the assembly of Nopon in Frontier Village. "The Hom Homs have driven the fire monsters from Makna Forest. I will allow them to escort the Heropon to Colony 6. They will fight the fire monsters with Heropon Riki and Melia. Let's wish them all good luck."

"Yay!" cheered the assembled Nopon citizens.

"Hom Homs beat up fire monsters!" cried a Nopon boy.

"Crush'em, kill'em!" cried a second Nopon boy.

"Let's go," said Melia. "The people of Colony 6 need this shipment as soon as possible."

Outside, the Nopon workers had loaded the last crates and boxes into a wagon in one of Yog-Sothoth's orbs. The Explorers boarded the demon with Melia and Riki and waved to the Nopon assembled at the entrance of Frontier Village. Yog lifted off and flew southward to Colony 6. During the journey, Kevin peeked over Lana's shoulder at her comp. There was a blip which represented Charles' royal jewel. It was in the same direction as Colony 6.

"We're going to meet your father soon," said Kevin.

"Yeah, I hope he's okay," said Lana.

Yog descended on a grassy field just north of Colony 6 proper. The supply caravan and the Explorers disembarked and finished the rest of the trip on foot. When the caravan reached the entrance, several Colony 6 soldiers claimed the supplies. They began to distributed them among their forces and the civilians of the colony. "Riki and I are going to meet our friends. You have time to spare, so feel free to visit the colony," said Melia.

"Okay, we will," said Lana.

As Melia and Riki went deeper towards the main building, Lana's group followed the blip on her comp. The comp led them to a humble abode in the northern part of town. Inside was Charles himself, who was drinking soup by the window. He looked outside and did a double take upon seeing Lana. "Lana my dear!" said Charles, getting up from his seat. "Come in!"

Charles rushed over and opened the front door. Father and daughter embraced after a long separation and banishment from home. "Father, are you okay? You haven't been hurt have you?" asked Lana.

"No, I'm fine. When the demons attacked, my men made sure I got out safely. We fled to this world, where we took refuge in this town. The people here have been gracious enough to host us until we can find a way home. In return, we've been helping their militia against the Legion, but the demons are never-ending," replied Charles.

"As long as you're okay, I'm relieved," said Lana. "We're helping too."

"Yes your Majesty. We're planning an invasion of your palace, but we need another warp as an access point," said Abel. "We were hoping to claim the one here. Do you know where it is?"

"Aye, the warp is in the Daksha Shrine in the north mountains," said Charles. "Have you heard word of Lyle?"

"We found him, but he is staying behind to help Lazulis and rally its people," said Lana.

"Ah, that's my boy!" said Charles.

"Your Majesty, what is the situation in Colony 6?" asked Zelda.

Charles explained that the Legion had taken over the area near the Daksha Shrine in the Gaur Plain. The Colony 6 militia was fighting the Legion with the support of Colony 9 and the Mechon. The combined army was able to contain the Legion to the area around the shrine. However, the Legion's numbers were virtually endless, which prevented Colony 6 and allies from making further inroads.

"Maybe a small group like ours could sneak in and shut the portal while they are distracted," said Kevin.

"Aye, I'll propose this to Otharon at our next meeting. We can find him at the town hall. Let me finish my lunch first," said Charles.

"Thank you father," said Lana.

"You all must be hungry. I'll have the one of my servants prepare a meal for you," said Charles.

After taking up Charles' offer, the team ate a delicious meal of fish and chips complemented by soup and salad. After a brief rest, Charles brought Lana to the town hall. The building's sides were made of wooden planks which had been painted blue. The building had a metal front door and a flight of metal stairs leading up to it. When they entered, they found five individuals in conversation in a side room. Two were Riki and Melia.

One was a bald, bespectacled black man with a white beard. "The man with glasses is Otharon," Charles informed Lana.

The other two individuals were both handsome men, younger than Otharon, and unknown to Lana. The taller of the two had black hair and a goatee. He was dressed in noble attire reminiscent of a swashbuckler. His right arm was limp and appeared to be paralysed. The other man was the younger of the two and had blond hair. This man was dressed in a red jacket and shorts. Otharon noticed that Charles and his daughter were watching them.

"Riki's new sidekicks come to join the fun!" said Riki.

"Hello Charles, we were just talking about you," said Otharon.

"Aye, pleased to see you," said Charles.

"Let me introduce you to my friends," said Otharon. He identified the swashbuckler as Dunban and the second man as Shulk, and also introduced Melia and Riki to Charles.

"Pleased to meet you all," said Charles. "This lovely girl is my daughter, Lana."

"Pleased to meet you, my fair lady," said Dunban.

"Lana and her group were the ones who helped us expel the Legion raiders and deliver the supplies," said Melia.

"They were the people I saw in my visions," said Shulk.

"We have a plan to stop the demons from getting reinforcements," said Lana. "We were hoping you could provide a distraction so we could sneak into Daksha Shrine."

"In one of my visions, Lana and her allies were storming Daksha Shrine," said Shulk. "They defeated many demons during their attack."

"That will be difficult," said Otharon. "Daksha Shrine is in the mountains with only a single road in. The only other ways in are through the air or through a ledge at the south."

"The ledge is too high. We'd never get in through that way," said Dunban. "Both ways are under constant watch by flying demons."

"Being too high is not a problem. We have our own demon who can fly us there," said Lana.

"That glowy ball thingy?" asked Riki.

"His name is Yog-Sothoth, but yes, he can get us up there," replied Abel.

"Okay, all we need now is a distraction," said Shulk. He looked over a map of the Gaur Plains. He pointed to a location marked as Viliera Hill. "What if we created a diversion around here?"

"Viliera Hill?" asked Otharon, approaching the map. "Hmm, that might work... If we sneak a company through the Kisk Cave, we could get the jump on the demons."

"We got the same problem as the ledge, it's too high. We'd need to fly up there," said Dunban.

"Yog can fly troops up there too," said Lana. "They'd have to stay there until they get the signal."

"Do you think you can get the entire company in there in one night?" asked Otharon.

"Yes," replied Abel.

"Good," said Otharon. "With the company attacking the hill, we can pincer the enemy with our main force on the Maguel Highlands. Then Shulk can accompany Charles' soldiers into the shrine through the ledge."

"Okay, let's do it," said Dunban.

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As the sun sank down the horizon, the darkness of night started to blanket the Gaur Plain. Abel had summoned Yog-Sothoth to the square before the town hall to take in the first group of soldiers. Bit by bit, they loaded their equipment into Yog's orb and then boarded themselves. Yog flew them across the night sky, staying hidden among the southern mountains which enclosed Raguel Lake. He located a rocky cliff which led to the cave and unloaded the soldiers.

After three more trips, Yog had delivered the entire company to Kisk Cave. A week passed and the Colony 6 army began to mobilize against the Daksha Shrine. As night fell on the seventh day, the company of soldiers emerged from the opposite end on the Gaur Plain, almost directly south of Viliera Hill. The soldiers advanced across the grasslands and into a small forested area. Scanning the base using the trees as cover, they could see several metallic structures over at Viliera Hill.

Several were fel cannons, static defence guns meant to fire at intruders. Several demons ranging from succubi and imps to infernals were patrolling the hill. The soldiers took firing positions in cover among trees and foliage. When the company leader gave the word, several rifles blazed. One of the fel cannons exploded violently, taking a Mo'arg technician with it. Several imps rushed to the edge of the cliff and hurled fire bolts back at the shooters in the forest.

Elsewhere on the Maguel Highlands, several Colony 6 tanks raced down the grass. These vehicles were like squat mecha, but with treads for legs and guns for arms. Above several robotic units from the mechanical Mechon race soared forward to meet the enemy. As soon as they sighted the first demon, bullets and energy beams filled the sky. From the other direction came several bolts and balls of flame. One of the fireballs hit the airborne Mechon and exploded. The Mechon fragmented into pieces which littered the battlefield.

Below, an Homs tank raced forward, its chain gun arms blazing with the expulsion of dozens of bullets. The bullets struck an infernal, who didn't flinch as it took each and every shot. The infernal lumbered forward and punched the tank. The tank rolled back, but the driver braked his vehicle and kept up the fire. The infernal lumbered ahead and punched the tank again, causing it to topple over. It lifted the vehicle overhead and hurled it at another coming in with guns blazing. The two tanks crashed into a pile of scrap and twisted metal.

Beneath the waters of southern Raguel Lake was Yog-Sothoth. Inside his orbs were his master Abel, his allies, and the group led by Shulk. "I'm itching for a good scrap right about now. When can we go?" asked a tall muscular man with spiky brown hair. He was Shulk's friend, Reyn.

"You'll get your chance," said a woman with brown skin, black hair, and beauty mark below and to the right of her chin. She was Sharla, a medic from Colony 6.

A few minutes later, Shulk's radio started to buzz. "Shulk, it's time to move," said the caller, Otharon.

"That's our signal. Let's go!" said Shulk.

Yog swam northward through the deep waters of Raguel Lake until he was beneath the Daksha Shrine ledge. As he breached the surface, water flowed down his orbs. When he was level with the ledge, Yog fired orbs at succubi who were about to take off. They were blown into the hole and left the ledge clear for his passengers to be unloaded. Lana's assault team rushed into the cave and up a set of ramps to the portal.

The shrine was nothing more than a set of weathered columns and daises. The main path had a series of ramps which led up to the highest dais, where a shimmering blue vortex was located. A pair of infernals were flanking the front of the dais. When they saw Shulk approach, they immediately lumbered towards him menacingly. Abel appeared near the warp from teleportation. He created the Seal of Bel around the warp.

The infernal tried to punch Shulk, but he dove out of the way. It charged at him for another try, but Shulk hopped to the right. He darted into his foe's exposed flank and swung his sword in a sweeping sideways arc. His weapon sliced into the demon's stony body. It stumbled forward and then turned to face him. Sharla scored a shot to its temple with her sniper rifle. The infernal stumbled sideways before it could regain balance. It tried to punch Shulk again, but he leapt rightward to safety.

Riki turned left and saw a felguard armed with an axe running into the fray. The felguard suddenly sped up and swung at Riki. He dove away, just in time to evade the axe. The demon threw an overhead chop, which missed. He saw Riki to his left, who exhaled a toxic violet gas. The felguard tried to back away, but was a moment too slow and inhaled some of the Lurgy. The felguard felt nauseous, but threw a chop which Riki parried with his biter, an axe-like weapon with a dragon's head for a blade.

Melia saw the next felguard run in and readied her sceptre. The felguard threw an overhead chop, which she parried. The felguard attempted to overpower her, but Melia held firm. He then kicked Melia back with his hoof. It ran in, but Melia darted away from his swing. She immediately summoned an earth spirit, a small ethereal being which resembled a rock. In its presence, Melia could feel a sense of protection and safety.

The felguard rushed in for another swing, but Melia parried. The felguard noticed Link approaching from the right and kicked Melia away to guard against him. Link swung for the demon's body, but the felguard parried. As the demon backpedaled, Link pressed forward with several slashes to keep him on the defensive. "Clear the way!" said Melia.

Link sidestepped and Melia discharged the spirit. It sped forth and pierced a wound into the demon's left biceps and injected a toxin into this wound. The felguard immediately felt its nauseating, debilitating effects take hold. Link immediately charged in and with a decapitating slice. The felguard barely got his weapon up in time to parry. Link threw another slash to the shoulder which got parried. Link suddenly went low, cutting the demon's legs. The demon doubled over and Link finished him with a stab to the heart.

When Link pulled out the Master Sword, the demon collapsed. "Are you okay?" he asked Melia.

"I'm good. Thanks for the help," Melia replied.

Several demons ran up the pathway to the shrine. Sharla scored a well-placed head shot on one of the succubi. Nearby, Zelda let loose a light arrow, piercing the chest of a felguard. Kevin moved the crosshairs over another succubus and pulled the trigger. His energy beam tore through her wing. The succubus lost altitude and went into a fatal free fall. "Shulk," addressed Otharon through his radio. "We've crushed the demon army on Maguel Highlands. Some of the Mechon are coming to reinforce your position."

"Okay, we're going to press forward," replied Shulk. "Hey everyone, I've got good news. We've pushing to the Legion base. Let's move it!"

Abel quickly summoned Baphomet to his side. "Maintain this seal while I'm gone," said Abel.

"Yes my master," said Baphomet.

Shulk's team raced down the path to pincer the Legion base from the north. As they entered the valley, they were fired upon by fel cannons. Shulk narrowly darted away from a fire bolt. He parried a second and then a third. Scarlet suddenly appeared behind that fel cannon and blasted it with a jet of flame. The fel cannon burst into flame as it was rendered into scrap metal. Abel opened a reality fracture upon a group of demons. The imps, succubi, and felguards were shattered to pieces instantly.

The distant imps recovered and began hurling fire bolts. Abel raised a violet barrier in defence, then extend his hand. All of a sudden, the imps' started to seep energy. One succubus' eyes glowed pink, an attempt to place Abel under hypnosis, but it failed. Abel gestured at the succubus, which sent electricity coursing through her body. She found herself unable to move. Scarlet suddenly appeared and burned a hole through her.

Yog crushed another fel cannon with an orb. He then formed a green singularity which tore another cannon from its stand and floated it in the air. He hurled the cannon at a third, smashing the two into a large mass of twisted metal. He then opened a spatial rift and fired a Hades Blast through it. The beam bowled over an infernal and nearby imps and succubi, despite their attempts to scatter to safety.

Sheena hurled ofuda at the remaining fel cannons. Once attached, she made a simple gesture which triggered a chain of explosions. The last remnants of the static defences were demolished. Once cleared, Shulk, Reyn, and Dunban rushed in and met with a trio of felguards. Dunban sidestepped his opponent's chop and closed in from the vulnerable left. His katana cut a massive, fatal gash diagonally through the felguard.

Shulk cut down his felguard and looked around. Several succubi had turned around and were flying away from the area. "Look, the demons are retreating to the Gaur Plain!" cried Shulk.

"They'll be cut down by our forces. We did it Shulk," said Dunban.

Riki started hopping around in joy. "Whee! Fire monsters scared. Riki happy!"

**END OF CHAPTER**


	19. Demon 7 - Game Over

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. This story uses reference material from them.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Demon War 7: Game Over**

At the Legion's base at the foot of the Throne of Kil'jaeden, the demons scrambled into battle. Kevin fired at a distant felguard, scoring a fatal head shot. Bowser grabbed another felguard and hurled him at a fel hound coming in to pounce on him. Sheena planted an ofuda on a succubus' back. The succubus tried to reach for and peel it off, only to have Sheena detonate it. Link parried another felguard's chop. He then pushed away the weapon and cut down the demon.

An explosion resounded from the distance. An avalanche had piled over the entrance to the warp cave, denying all access to it. Abel appeared beside Lana. "It's done," said Abel.

"Good, now they can't use that warp," said Lana. An explosion rocked the heart of the Legion base. "Now, Sheena got their portals... Good!"

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At the Daksha Shrine, Baphomet gestured towards the Seal of Bel. The glowing violet magic sigil vanished instantly. The massed army of the Powers storm the warp and leading the charge was a squad of Amalan demons and their masters. They found themselves in the centre of a hexagonal room with numerous other warps. The clopping of hooves approached the area. Leading the charge were felguards.

The demon tamers, CDogs or Counter-Demon Operations Group soldiers, fired upon the felguard with submachine guns. One by one, the felguards collapsed. Behind the first wave were more felguard, accompanied by succubi and fel hounds. An Amalan demon appeared, a man of sandy stone who held a kris dagger and rode a large golden disc like the sun. This demon, Tonatiuh, was an Aztec sun god.

Tonatiuh jetted flame, which caused the felguard to recoil and cover up. When the flames subsided, another charged in on the attack. Tonatiuh parried the axe and knocked it away. He suddenly shifted right, then darted in and stabbed the felguard in the ribs. He spotted a succubus, who had lashed a small, pudgy snow man who wore a jester's cap. This allied demon, Jack Frost, recoiled in pain. As the succubus readied her whip, Tonatiuh summoned ofuda of holy, golden light. They disintegrated the succubus in a bright flash.

Back at the first warp came Atsuro, Yuzu, and Midori Komaki. Completing their ranks were Morton Jr. and Roy. They watched as Atsuro entered a few commands into his comp. A glowing violet magic sigil, the Seal of Bel, appeared on the ground. All of the warps in the cell became sealed. "Okay, this one is done. Let's move to the next," said Atsuro.

When the group entered the next cell, Yuzu entered commands on her comp. A group of felguard came through one of the warps. Her allies immediately summoned demons. Three demons appeared by Midori's side. The first was Black Frost, the dark version of Jack Frost. The second was a muscular giant with dark turquoise skin and numerous arms and faces who wore a gold chain and padlock around his neck. He was Hector, a Hecatonchires demon. The last was Cait Sith, who resembled the Puss in Boots.

Cait Sith bowled over the leading felguard with a tornado. The other demons moved around their ally to reach Black Frost. Black Frost breathed ice upon the point felguard and froze him into immobility. Hector snatched the frozen felguard and tossed him into a second. Three demons came to replace them, but Hector launched into a flurry of punches. The demons were pummelled by numerous haymakers until all fell.

The Seal of Bel appeared on the ground, sealing the warps from the Legion. "We're done here. Let's move," said Yuzu.

Yuzu's squad moved to the next cell, where Midori began to seal the cell's warps with her comp. A fel hound ran into the cell and pounced. Morton noticed it and clubbed it in the head with his hammer. Roy stepped forward and fired a bazooka into the entry hall. A Bullet Bill, a bullet-like creature with eyes and arms, sped forward. It left dozens of demons in its wake as it travelled ahead. After Midori sealed the warps, the group continued onward.

They came upon a cell with stairs to the ground floor. Kamek was already present with a squad of his own. His team included Mario, Luigi, and Peach from the Mushroom Kingdom. It also included Sheena's friends during the Journey of Regeneration, such as Regal, Lloyd, and Colette. Also with them were Sonic and Tails, who came to bolster the invasion force's ranks. Kamek's squad was occupying the area.

"How are the seals coming?" asked Kamek.

"Great! We made a small path on the way here," said Yuzu.

"Good work. We're advancing to the ground floor," said Kamek.

"Okay, leave this area to us, Kamek," said Morton.

"Good luck," said Yuzu.

Kamek's squad ascended the stairs and found themselves on the first floor of the palace. This area was the lobby, which received visitors to Power Palace from the warps. Just ahead was a receptionist's desk. Further ahead of the desk was a wall with an elevator shaft. Near the elevator was a flight of stairs leading to the floor above. A horde of Legion demons ran down these stairs and fanned into the lobby. Kamek's squad scattered to engage them.

Lloyd met a felguard and swung for his neck. The demon parried. Lloyd swung with his other sword and got parried again. The demon shoved Lloyd back. The demon threw a quick counter slash, but Lloyd hopped back. Lloyd then hurled a Demon Fang. A shockwave, like the technique's namesake, sped forward. The felguard got struck in the left shin and became staggered. Lloyd hurled two more to keep his foe off balance. He somersaulted with swords extended, the Tempest technique, and fatally sliced the demon's head.

Regal kicked a felguard with such power as to smash him through the desk. The felguard remained sprawled in the rubble. He looked around and saw several demon bodies on the ground. He then saw Kamek fire magical geometric shapes of varying colours. His succubus opponent darted away and ascended. She coiled a whip around Kamek's wand. She tried to pull it out of his hands, but Kamek held firmly. Regal leapt at the succubus and kicked her. The succubus fell from the sky and plopped onto the ground.

Kamek's group remained to keep the lobby secure. Atsuro's team emerged from the stairs to join Kamek's group. He entered some commands into his comp. A Seal of Bel promptly appeared on the ground. A portal between worlds opened within the seal and from it emerged the Explorers. "Saemon!" cried Yuzu, who ran over and embraced him.

"Hey! I'm glad your safe," Abel replied, holding Yuzu close to him.

When Abel and Yuzu broke their embrace, Scarlet appeared behind her and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. "Yuzu darling, I missed you so much!" Scarlet blurted, as she kissed Yuzu on the cheek.

"Ah!" squeaked Yuzu, who froze up.

"We're both glad," said Abel, who put his arm around Scarlet. The succubus immediately latched onto her master.

"Will you be going for the leader?" asked Atsuro.

"Not yet," replied Abel. "We're going to seize some of the Legion's portals on the central floors first."

"Okay," said Atsuro.

"We're staying put until our army advances deeper into the palace," said Abel.

Gradually, the fighting in the lower floors quieted down. The Explorers' friends ascended the stairs to the ground floor of the palace. The Explorers split up to greet the newcomers. Sheena took Lloyd in an embrace. "Hey, I'm glad you could make it," said Sheena.

"I wouldn't miss it for anything in the world," said Lloyd. The two broke their embrace to continue their conversation. "So this is the big one..."

"Yeah, this isn't just for Aselia now. It's for the sake of many worlds," said Sheena.

"Heh, saving one world was hard enough," said Lloyd, let out a chuckle.

"After having seen so many new places and people, I see what is at stake, what we might lose," said Sheena.

"Indeed," said Regal. "I wish I could have gone with you. The divide between Tethe'alla and Sylvarant is causing too much trouble."

"We'll get both worlds to understand each other, a little bit every day," said Colette. "I know one day, Sylvarant and Tethe'alla can live in peace."

"Good luck, Sheena," said Genis.

Elsewhere, Bowser heard a gentle feminine voice call to him. "Yoohoo, Bowser! Over here!"

"Peach!" said Bowser, who kneeled down and took the smaller princess in a hug.

"I had to come. Mario, Luigi, and Toad were against it, but I made them bring me here," said Peach. Bowser looked behind her shoulder and saw those very individuals standing near the ruined reception desk. "I couldn't let you go without some encouragement."

"Aw shucks," said Bowser. "Thanks so much. It means a lot to me."

"When this is over, would you like to go karting, like we always do?" asked Peach.

"Karting? Sure! Anything for you," said Bowser.

As Abel, Sheena, and Bowser met with their friends, Lana, Kevin, and Sonia remained behind. "Hey!" cried a familiar voice. Kevin looked around and saw Sonic and Tails by a smashed potted plant. The three gathered together and Kevin high fived both Sonic and Tails. "Didja miss me?" Sonic asked.

"Yeah, how's it been?" asked Kevin.

"Ooh yeah, it was a blast! After we came back with the Emeralds, Dr. Eggman tried to swipe them from me," replied Sonic. "With a little help from Amy and Knuckles, we sent him packing like we always do."

"Thank you for helping us find the Emeralds. Now, it's our turn to help you," said Tails. "Knuckles and Amy stayed back to protect the Emeralds while we help you. Even though he didn't say it, I'm sure Knuckles is very grateful for your help."

"Man, he's so stubborn, but that's our Knucklehead," said Sonic. Lana and friends chuckled.

"Good luck guys. We'll take care of things here. Get those demons for us," said Tails.

The invasion force poured out of the warps from Pleroma and Aselia. The new soldiers and fighters gathered on the first floor and the gardens outside of the palace. Several of the squads ascended to the upper floors to face the Legion. The sound of explosions and gun shots echoed from above as Power family troops and Legion demons fired at each other. Lana's group moved to the outdoor gardens to prepare for their next mission.

"Our next job is to cut off the Legion's reinforcements. They are coming in from several portals on the 50th floor. We are to destroy these portals. If possible, we should seize a few for Fushimi, but not at the expense of our primary objective," said Lana.

"That's the recreation area. We'd need Yog to fly us up there," said Sheena.

"Yeah, but we should come from the floor above. That way, we will cut off their escape to the upper floor," said Kevin.

Abel summoned Yog to his side. The demon pulled the group into an orb before ascending. Scarlet appeared beside her master and hid Yog within a concealing field of dark magic. The ground and everything on it seemed to shrink as they went higher and higher. Upon reaching the 51st floor, Yog stopped just short of a glass window. Behind the window was a small martial arts gym with exercise equipment, punching bags, mats, and a boxing ring for people to practise martial arts.

Bowser breathed fire upon the glass, which melted into a glowing hot puddle of goo which dripped off the sides. Abel cooled the smouldering glass with ice. Yog-Sothoth squished himself into a snake and flew in. The group stealthily moved into the hallways towards the central elevator of the palace. The Legion guard was non-existent on this floor, likely due to their attention being focused on the Power troops invading from below.

Lana opened a panel near the elevator and entered commands into the touch pad. "There! Now there's no way the elevator will go past the 50th floor."

"That leaves the stairs," said Kevin. "Bowser, why don't you hang back and keep them from escaping?"

"I'd much rather go in and bust heads," replied Bowser.

"Oh, you'll get to do that," said Kevin. "They'll start running once we rough them up enough."

"Oh, fine," replied Bowser.

"Don't fall asleep or you'll miss the action," said Kevin.

Bowser stopped at the top of the sole flight of stairs leading down to the 50th floor. The others went down and disappeared out of view around a corner. A few minutes later, several explosions boomed out from the training room down the hall. Metal weapons clanged against each other. A few seconds later, a succubus ran down the hall and up the stairs, right into Bowser. He simply breathed flame and incinerated her into ash.

Another ran up the stairs and lashed Bowser with her whip. Bowser blocked and the whip coiled around his right arm. The succubus tried to tug and pulled him down. However, he was much stronger and yanked her up to him. As she came in, Bowser punched her down the stairs into a heap at the bottom. A felguard tried to rush him, but Bowser caught his axe. He punched the demon down to the foot of the stairs. As he got up, Zelda stuck an arrow in his ribs fatally.

"Come join us. We cleared the demons," Zelda called up the stairs.

Bowser came down the stairs and entered the training room. It was a black room with yellow sensors making a grid-like pattern across the room. Above was a windowed cabin with a computer console for an operator. At each corner of the room was a Legion portal. Abel formed the Seal of Bel on the ground. The violet seal expanded outward such that the entire floor was covered. It also sealed the four Legion portals, ensuring they could be captured intact.

The Explorers went from room to room, destroying every other remaining portal they could find on the floor. After they finished, the sound of battle ascended with each passing minute. After nearly an hour, the sounds had stopped. While invisible, Scarlet watched the stairs leading downward and saw Kamek coming up, escorted by his entourage. "Abel darling, Kamek is here!" Scarlet told him telepathically.

"Why don't you greet them?" Abel asked Bowser.

"Certainly," said Bowser, who travelled to the stairs as Abel suggested. "Your Successfulness, our army has taken the lower floors. More troops are securing the lower floors. If all goes well, we could take the palace by the end of the week," said Kamek.

"Good!" said Bowser. "We've got the demon portals."

"Well done," said Regal.

Lana heard a beep coming from her communicator. A new message came in from Michael, who had new orders for the Explorers. In three days time, they were to head to the top floor and engage the leader of the Legion in the throne room. Unlike before, approaching by air was not possible, as flying demons constantly circled the roof. If they attempted to fly up from the outside, they'd be seen and the leader alerted.

"So we can't fly in," said Abel.

"Isn't there another way in?" asked Kevin.

"I know one," said Lana. "We can try the secret passageway which lead into our quarters."

"Okay, how do we get to it?" asked Kevin.

"The entrance is in the warp hub," replied Lana.

Lana led the rest of her group down to the honeycomb-like network of warps beneath her palace. They entered one of the cells furthest from the stairs up to the ground floor. Lana moved to the wall opposite the entrance and felt around for something. She found a stone that jutted outward slightly more than the others. When she pressed it in, the wall started to open and revealed a flight of stairs up the palace.

"Okay, this is it. Let's go," said Lana.

Yog appeared and pulled the entire group into his orb. He flew them up the stairwell, much faster than if they had simply climbed up on foot. When they reached the top, Lana opened the wall like before. The Explorers found themselves in a room filled with stuffed animal heads, suits of armour, and school diplomas. This room was a storage area for items belonging to former members of the Power family.

Lana moved to the door and peeked through the cracks. She could not see anything moving outside, so she opened the door to allow Scarlet and Sheena to exit and scout the area. "There's a felguard outside," said Sheena, who watched him walk below from the rafters. "He's simply circling the living quarters. I can get the drop on him when he makes his next pass."

"Okay, go for it," said Lana.

Sheena waited for her target to return from his patrol around the hallways. When the felguard passed underneath, Sheena dropped down and kicked him in the back of the head. The felguard fell forward unconscious and sprawled across the ground. "I got him!" said Sheena triumphantly.

"We're coming," said Lana.

The other Explorers joined Sheena and continued onward to the nearest stairs. The king and queen's bedroom was on the 95th floor of the palace, while their target, the throne room, was on the 90th. They descended several flights of stairs until reaching that floor. Again, Sheena and Scarlet went out ahead to scout for guards and patrols. Sheena approached the first corner on her scouting mission and heard hooves clopping against the ground as they moved away.

Sheena leapt onto the rafters above. She travelled from beam to beam, seeing numerous felguard patrols moving across the hallways. There were so many that their fields of vision overlapped and covered every inch of hallway. It was not possible to approach them without being spotted.

"Sheena darling," said Scarlet as she appeared on top of a nearby rafter. "I found the throne room door. It's west of here, guarded by a pair of dreadlords."

"Mhmm, did you hear that guys?" Sheena asked through the radio.

"Yeah," replied Lana. "What do you make of the security?"

"Very tight," replied Sheena. "We won't be able to sneak through with a group our size."

"So, we're going in the old fashioned way... We're busting in!" said Bowser.

The rest of the Explorers ran into the hallways in a beeline for the throne room. Kevin met gazes with one of the felguards and fired. The beams burned two holes into the demon's torso. Green blood seeped out and the demon fell to the ground. Lana fired at another coming to assist. Her first shot burned through the demon's shoulder, staggering him enough to stop him in his tracks. Her second shot burned through his abdomen and felled the demon.

As the group passed an intersection, Abel saw a trio of imps round the corner ahead. He opened a reality fracture upon them. The imps were imploded and disintegrated. The fourth and fifth immediately returned fire. Scarlet appeared in the path of the shots and absorbed their full power. Her eyes glowed with a pink light. The fifth imp gained a vacant expression and fired at the fourth, killing him. When a succubus came to help, the imp fired at her, burning a hole into her stomach.

Link saw two felguards coming from the left hallway. He split from the Explorers to meet them. The point felguard charged in and locked weapons with him in a tug-of-war. The second moved in to flank, but Link noticed him and kicked his first opponent away. He turned left and parried an axe coming for his head. Link continued the tug-of-war with his new opponent, until he twirled the Master Sword and knocked the axe out of the felguard's hands. Link lunged forward in a fatal thrust.

The Explorers gained ground rapidly despite being outnumbered by the demons. The dreadlords spotted them coming down the hall and blocked the hallway with their bodies. However, they had left their backs exposed to Sheena, who had dropped down behind them. She pinned an ofuda onto each of their backs. The dreadlords tried to reach for them, but were too late to avoid Sheena detonating them. The first was killed instantly, but the second only got knocked onto his knees.

He quickly got up and turned to Sheena. Scarlet suddenly appeared behind him and blasted him with flame. The dreadlord lurched forward, pushed ahead unexpectedly by the fire's momentum. The flames quickly spread throughout his body and burnt the demon into ashes. Ahead, Bowser battered the felguard away, breaking a hole in their line. He grabbed another one nearby and hurled him into a third like a rag doll.

Kevin followed in Bowser's wake. He saw one of the felguard trying to rise, but kicked him down. With two point blank head shots, Kevin finished off the demon. Abel, Sonia, and Lana followed with Zelda and Link bringing up the rear. Zelda let loose an arrow at the last felguard. It pierced the bloodied demon through the heart and he collapsed dead. Bowser reached the door and charged through it at top speed.

The Explorers came face to face with a tall, red-skinned eredar warlock with sparse armour covering his shoulders and loins. "Kil'jaeden," muttered Sonia.

"That's only an avatar. The demon's true self is in another dimension," said Abel.

"Here stands mortals who have defied me at every turn," said Kil'jaeden. "You have been a thorn in my side for far too long. You may have defeated my servants, but that was merely a setback. With the power of the new worlds, I will surpass even Sargeras!"

Kil'jaeden immediately summoned a pair of eredar warriors to his side. One ran to Abel and swung with a staff. The weapon passed through his body harmlessly, leaving only a streak of violet light in its wake. Abel teleported away, confounding the Hand of the Deceiver and closing with Kil'jaeden in one fell swoop. Abel then conjured a corrosive rain upon the Deceiver himself. Kil'jaeden felt his strength erode and the sting of poison seeping into his wounds.

Kil'jaeden hurled shadow bolts. Abel took the full brunt of the attack unharmed. Kil'jaeden hurled another volley. Abel took it without flinching and set off a small explosion of almighty energy. Kil'jaeden took only a minor scrape, which he ignored and started to cast a fire spell. Abel gestured at the casting Kil'jaeden. His spell started to leak mana as a wispy blue trail from his arms. Undaunted, Kil'jaeden finished his spell and triggered a massive explosion around Abel. Abel raised a barrier to withstand the flames.

Link sidestepped as the Hand lunged for him. Zelda let loose an arrow, which embedded in the demon's torso. Despite a clean hit, the eredar seemed unfazed and merely pulled out the arrow. Link ran in, but the eredar noticed and parried his slash. The eredar swung for Link's temple, but overshot. Link ducked under and darted in for a stab through the stomach. When Link retreated, Zelda put an arrow into the Hand's right ribs. Sheena pinned an ofuda onto his back, which exploded and killed him.

The other Hand of the Deceiver advanced on Kevin, who fired as he backpedaled. The eredar merely blocked the shots and kept his advance. The eredar hurled shadow bolts in retaliation. Despite Kevin trying to evade them, he got hit and his personal force field blunted the damage. Lana fired at the Hand, whose own barrier blunted her shots. Bowser charged in and punched the demon to the ground. Lana's Pikmin swarmed the Hand and pummelling him to unconsciousness.

Abel encrusted Kil'jaeden with a crystalline, icy shell. Kil'jaeden shattered the ice with a quick shake. He immediately summoned an entity which resembled Bowser, only translucent with glowing, sinister yellow eyes. The reflection of Bowser ran in with a dashing punch to Abel's face. The fist passed through harmlessly. Kil'jaeden hurled a fireball at Abel's chest. It blew him through the wall into the neighbouring hallway.

The Bowser clone met gazes with his real counterpart and the two approached each other. "A copycat? You're nothing compared to the real deal!" Bowser said to the reflection, who said nothing in response.

The reflection punched Bowser in the face. The blow let out a thunderous sound from the sheer power placed in it. Bowser stumbled back, but lunged forward with a blow of his own. The two kept trading punches until both were winded. Sonia turned to Bowser and cast a Renew spell upon him, followed by sending him bolts of healing holy magic from a Penance spell. The Bowser reflection spit fireballs at Sonia. She quickly put up a Power Word: Shield to blunt the damage.

The real Bowser blindsided his evil twin with a vicious punch to the jaw. Following an uppercut, the reflection got knocked into the air. Bowser quickly grabbed its tail and began swinging it in a circle like an Olympic hammer thrower. He released the reflection at Kil'jaeden, who was in the process of casting shadow bolts. The reflection bowled over its master, interrupting his spell. Kil'jaeden threw off the reflection and got up. He hurled several shadow bolts, each going to one of the remaining Explorers.

Link parried his, while Zelda shot her's out of the air with an arrow. Kevin, Lana, and Sonia were caught by theirs. Sonia's Power Word: Shield blunted hers, but Kevin and Lana were knocked down. Bowser also got hit, but was only staggered. Sheena's pierced through her chest, but then she suddenly disappeared in a puff of smoke. The smoke cleared and revealed a log dressed like her, which had taken the shadow bolt in her stead.

Link pounced on Kil'jaeden, coming down with a stab to the head. Kil'jaeden blocked with his bracer, focusing power into it to blunt the Master Sword's holy power. He then expelled magical force, throwing Link back. Link righted himself and landed on his feet. Kil'jaeden hurled a blast of flame, which Link blocked with his shield. Bowser ran in, but Kil'jaeden knocked him away with an exertion of magical force.

Zelda coated her arrow with ice and unleashed the projectile before Kil'jaeden's feet. The ice froze the ground, creeping forward and encasing his legs. Kil'jaeden nearly tripped when he tried to move. Kevin and Lana fired at him, only to be blocked by a magical barrier. They received retaliatory shadow bolts and were knocked down, but unharmed thanks to their personal force fields. Kil'jaeden raised his arms to the air. A ball of flame formed and began to grow.

"Oh great, that's an Armageddon spell! That thing will destroy everything in the room," said Sonia.

"Won't he get blown up too?" asked Link.

"I'm sure he has protection. We have to stop him before he lets loose that spell," replied Sonia.

Link dashed in and leapt up. He descended with a thrust, hitting the previously invisible barrier. Link got pushed back and landed on his feet. Zelda, Kevin, and Lana all pelted Kil'jaeden with energy bolts and arrows, yet their attacks could not penetrate the barrier. Bowser charged forward and hit the shield with a haymaker. The shield flickered momentarily. Kil'jaeden gritted his teeth and restored it with an exertion of will. He then produced a magical force which pushed away Bowser.

"The fireball's almost full size!" said Sonia.

At that moment, a fracture in reality opened downward, slicing through Kil'jaeden's left arm. "GAAAAH!" screamed Kil'jaeden, as his arm was imploded and disintegrated. Another descended upon his remaining arm, destroying it just like the first. "GAAAAAAAAH!" Kil'jaeden screamed again, much more loudly than before.

Abel suddenly appeared next to Lana. "Abel!" said Lana. "I thought Kil'jaeden got you?"

"No, Scarlet healed me while you had him distracted," replied Abel.

At that moment, Sheena had returned to the room, after having been taken outside by her substitution technique. "I'm back too," said Sheena.

"Welcome back!" said Sonia.

"Let's finish this!" said Link, dashing in for the attack.

He leapt up and plunged the Master Sword into Kil'jaeden's forehead. After he retreated, Sheena threw several ofuda onto Kil'jaeden. With a gesture, they all exploded, blasting the Deceiver into oblivion. As the two stood back in relief, Kevin noticed that the fireball starting to fall. Moments before it hit the ground, he held his hand towards it. The fireball rose up, where he kept it suspended with his power.

"We've got to do something about this fireball," said Kevin. "I can't keep it up forever."

"Scarlet, absorb the fire," said Abel. His succubus flew up and placed her hands within the mass of flame. Tendrils of fire began to snake up her arms as they entered her body. The fireball gradually shrank until she had absorbed it all. "Well done," Abel said to Scarlet, taking her into his arms and kissing her.

Word spread about the demise of Kil'jaeden's avatar. A loud, raucous cheering erupted throughout the palace itself. A few days passed. The invasion force had occupied the palace. Their workers started to clear the rubble and repair the damage the palace had sustained. The Explorers began to gather in a nearby conference room to discuss this turn of events. As Kevin passed through the throne room, he could see the toll their battle against Kil'jaeden had taken upon it.

There were burn and blast marks all over the walls and floor from explosions that had rocked the room. Charles' throne had been smashed to pieces. Several pillars had chunks of rubble blasted out of them. A worker was diligently replacing a section of pillar that had been shattered during the fight. Another was applying a fresh coat of white paint to a newly repaired section of wall. Progress appeared to be gradual, but consistent.

"Great work, all of you," said Charles. "Thanks to everyone's efforts, we have reclaimed our palace. However, I have bad news. According to Lyle, our seal has collapsed completely. All of the worlds are exposed to each other now."

"We'll see more bigotry and conflict between the people of these worlds," said Sheena. "It was tough getting Tethe'alla and Sylvarant to get along and we were just two worlds."

"These issues could boil over and start wars," said Sonia.

"Uhuh," said Charles, nodding in agreement. "As guardians of the warps, we must keep them from being misused. We can't be everywhere, so we need to expand our alliances."

**END OF CHAPTER**


	20. Open 1 - Dark Dawn

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. Golden Sun was created by Camelot. This story uses reference material from all.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Open World 1: Dark Dawn**

A month had passed since House Power and its allies retook Power Palace. They had taken a much needed vacation after a gruelling war against the Burning Legion, demonic invaders from another universe. In Power Palace, the air was filled with the sound of power tools whirring. A worker diligently filled an indentation with cement. Bit by bit, he flattened the cement until it the crack was completely filled and level with the wall.

During the war against the Legion, every warp in Videoland had become unsealed. Now, anyone and anything could pass through, and the danger was far greater than ever. Power Palace's warp hub made it a prime staging area for invading all of Videoland. The Legion took full advantage of this during their occupation. Yet, the Legion was not the sole threat in Videoland. Fortunately, the Power Bloc alliance was growing in membership. Its newfound vigour would deter any future attempts at occupation.

The first three people to return from vacation were Princess Lana and King Charles of House Power, followed by Sonia Keene, and her son, Kevin Keene. These three were the founding members of the Explorers, a team formed to explore Videoland, learn of its peoples and worlds, and build alliances. The next to arrive in the meeting room was Bowser, King of the Koopas, and ruler of the Koopa Lands. The last person to join them was Abel, the King of Bel, who was a governor of a demonic realm.

Lana hugged everyone upon seeing them return from vacation. "It's great to be back," said Bowser.

"Yeah, I had a good time with Scarlet, Yuzu, and the rest of my friends," said Abel. "It's time to get back to work."

"We're glad you're back," said Lana.

"Where's Sheena?" asked Sonia. "Isn't she coming to the meeting?"

"She couldn't make it. She said some things had come up, having to do with the Vanguard," replied Lana. "We can manage even if she is away for now."

"What is our next move?" asked Abel.

"Glad you asked," said Charles. "As you know, the warps beneath my palace are all open. That means my palace is exposed. However, our warps aren't the only ones."

"Yeah, we used some of them during our battles with the Legion," replied Lana.

"Mmhmm," said Charles. "Our seal also protected these warps, but they became open also when the seal fell. These open warps will be a problem for the other worlds..."

"Are we going to destroy them?" asked Bowser.

"I talked it over with my father and Lyle. We decided against that," said Lana. "We're not sure what would happen. Even then, they could be repaired without our knowledge. Sealing the warps will just put us back where we started. We decided to continue forming alliances. It is the best course of action we have."

"At least we get to visit new worlds and see new things," said Kevin. "Where to next?"

Before Charles could answer, a guard burst into the meeting room. "Your Majesty!" cried the guard. "Your Majesty, there has been an attack in the warp hub!"

"Who's the enemy? How did they get in?" asked Charles.

"They came out of a warp with a sun marking," replied the guard. "They look like ghosts."

"Father, we're going to investigate," said Lana.

"Okay, be careful," said Charles.

The reformed Explorers made haste to the warp hub. As soon as they rounded a corner, they saw a guard fleeing from the same direction. Behind him were a trio of animate skeletons. All three undead creatures seemed almost made out of darkness due to their black, sinister appearances. Only the glow of their burning red eyes broke through their darkness. Kevin drew his Zapper and plugged each with a single shot.

When the skeletons collapsed, Kevin disappeared his gun. "Those were dark soldiers. They're monsters which wander during the Grave Eclipse in Golden Sun: Dark Dawn," said Kevin.

"Yeah, we're being invaded by Eclipse monsters," said Sonia.

Lana put away her radio. "I just told father we'll go through the warp to take care of this."

Deeper in the warp zone, Bowser had advanced to meet the Eclipse monsters. Two dark soldiers charged at him, only to be dropped with a fireball each. Bowser closed in on the warp which enabled the monsters entry into Power Palace. He spit more fireballs into the warp, keeping those on the other side at bay. As soon as Bowser stepped through, a horde of dark soldiers swarmed him. He spewed fire out of his mouth and charred all the monsters.

"The warp is clear, let's go!" said Bowser.

The other side of the warp led to an underground cavern, which the Explorers passed through. Yog continuously shined light upon the caverns. When the light touched on the dark soldiers, it destroyed every one of them. Once they reached the entrance, Abel put up a circular magic emblem with the spade-like Seal of Bel. The seal locked out the Eclipse monsters and stopped them from spawning in the area. Members of the Royal Guard seized the cavern and began to set up a beachhead.

"Kevin, what more can you tell us about these creatures and this world?" asked Lana.

Kevin explained that these monsters were from the world of Weyard of the Golden Sun games. In Weyard, the supernatural power of Alchemy had returned recently. Alchemy was combining the elements of earth, fire, water, and air and using them to create reality. Without Alchemy, Weyward would die a slow death. While having it present meant civilization would boom, it also meant abuse, leading to wars and destruction.

The ancients of Weyard wanted more power and so built the Eclipse Tower where Morgal now existed. Also known as the Luna Tower, it was meant to harness solar energy. It worked too well, creating the phenomenon known as the "Grave Eclipse." This phenomenon blanketed large tracts of land in supernatural darkness. During the Grave Eclipse, all sorts of dangerous monsters and demons who feared sunlight were allowed to roam free.

"We also have to worry about the Tuaparang. They have been manipulating Morgal's king into reactivating the tower and causing the Eclipse," said Kevin.

"So, not only are we up against the Eclipse monsters, we also have to deal with a hostile country?" asked Abel.

"Yep," replied Kevin.

"Great..." muttered Abel. "What can they do?"

"They have people called 'Adepts,' who could use a power called 'Psynergy' which lets you control one of the four elements. Venus Adepts control earth, Mars controls fire, Mercury controls water, and Jupiter controls air," said Kevin.

"So they can use psychic powers to control the elements?" asked Abel.

"Yes, but the Tuaparang can control a new, fifth element, darkness. Let's just call them Dark Adepts," said Kevin.

"So elemental and dark-based attacks... We should be able to manage that," said Abel.

Yog carried the Explorers up into the air, revealing that the cave had been on a Y-shaped island. The Seal of Bel had surrounded the entire island, turning it into a sanctuary from the Grave Eclipse. Yog flew southward to the source of the Grave Eclipse, Belinsk, a city on the mainland. A dark tower stood in the centre of the city and appeared crowned by the eclipsed sun. The Grave Eclipse spread outward from this tower, the Eclipse Tower, locking the land in eternal darkness.

The tower had a metallic, mechanical design. Its walls had a circuitry-like pattern in which light and dark energy flowed. Yog deposited the Explorers by a shrine-like building on the pinnacle of the tower. Several people were already inside, most of them soldiers. "Look!" said Lana, pointing to a person sprawled on the ground.

He was a grey-furred werewolf dressed in Tibetan garb. He was bleeding profusely from a very deep cut across his chest. "That's Volechek, the king of Morgal!" said Kevin.

The Explorers took defensive positions around Volechek. Sonia rushed to his side and applied a Resurrection spell to him. Volechek regained consciousness and some of his wounds started to heal. She then cast the Renew spell to continue healing him. "He's okay now. He's lucky we got here just in time," she said.

Volechek's wound had come from the bloody katana of a pale man with spiky green hair. He was dressed in metal armour and a violet cape with a crimson interior. His female counterpart was an attractive woman with a sinister smirk on her face. She had pink hair and horns which made her appear like a succubus. "That man is Blados, a commander of Tuaparang's army. The woman near him is Chalis," said Kevin.

"Who are you?" asked Blados.

"We are members of the Power Bloc. We are here to shut off the Eclipse Tower and end the Grave Eclipse," replied Lana.

"There's no way to shut it off. You're wasting your time," said Chalis.

"Surrender Volechek to us and we'll leave peacefully," said Blados.

"Don't listen to him," said Sonia.

"No, we won't be doing that," said Lana to Blados.

"Then we will take him by force," said Blados, entering a combat stance. "Men, get them!"

The Tua soldiers advanced on the Explorers. Kevin and Lana fired at them while retreating for cover. The Tua soldiers parried the shots as they continued their advance. Others approached Bowser, who spit fireballs at them. They dove out of the way. The fireballs continued towards a wall and exploded. They closed on him and hacked away. He blocked and the swords merely deflected off of his scaly arms. He grabbed the nearest soldier and hurled him into his peers.

Abel conjured a rain of corrosive black water. The Tua soldiers writhed in agony. Each drop hissed on their skin. An icy shell started to form around two of them. Despite being weakened and in agony, the men tried to rush Abel. Abel blasted the foremost one with ice, freezing him solid. Another got smacked in the face by Yog's orb. Mao appeared before one and smacked him in the head. Scarlet suddenly appeared and drained another soldier to unconsciousness.

Blados swung for Bowser, who blocked the blade. It deflected off his hard scales, unable to penetrate them. Bowser spit a fireball, forcing Blados to leap away to safety. He charged Blados, throwing a punch just as Blados landed. Blados ducked and swung across Bowser's chest. Bowser stumbled back and Blados advanced. Bowser quickly retreated into his shell. Blados stopped short of a spike. Before he could evade, Bowser spun and shot forward, bowling him over.

Chalis descended upon Kevin in an attempt to rake him with hand claws. He sidestepped narrowly avoiding her. He then projected a wave of force which pushed her away. Kevin fired two shots at her, but she merely deflected them. She then tossed a bottle of perfume to the ground. It shattered and released a gas. Kevin's force field filtered the unknown substance, allowing him to escape to clearer air. Kevin then used Motion Control to push the gas towards Chalis.

She inadvertently inhaled and started to see three images of Kevin. They all started to shoot her. She tried to deflect every shot, but one slipped through her defence. She doubled over and was hit again, which caused her to collapse. The bodies of the Tuaparang now lay strewn all over the room. The Explorers gathered around Volechek, who sat up to address them. "Thank you friends. I might not have survived if it weren't for your intervention," said Volechek, rising to his feet.

Lana began with an introduction of herself, her teammates, and the Power Bloc. "We're here because the monsters freed by the Grave Eclipse attacked my palace," said Lana.

"I see, so even places beyond Weyard aren't safe from the Grave Eclipse," said Volechek. "You say your group is an alliance to defend warps?"

"Yes," replied Lana. "We are nearly a dozen members strong. If Morgal is interested in becoming a member, we'd welcome it."

"I see. I'll think about it. Thank you for the offer," said Volechek.

"Is there any way to stop the tower?" asked Lana.

"Shut down the Alchemy Dynamo in the basement," replied Volechek.

The Explorers and Volechek used Yog to land at the front door of the tower. They entered and descended a flight of stairs to the basement, where they navigated a set of ruins with astronomical equipment. At the very heart, they found a device resembling a blue screen flanked by a pair of violet cylinders with green cubes on top. The cubes arced electricity to the cylinders. This device was the Alchemy Dynamo, which regulated the power of Alchemy within the Eclipse Tower.

Volechek fiddled with the device, but was unable to deactivate it. "I can't turn it off!" said Volechek

"Is there any other way?" asked Lana.

"In the game, Matthew's party shut off the tower by firing the Apollo Lens at the tower," said Sonia. "It triggered some kind of failsafe which shut down the tower."

"Great... It has to be the hard way," said Kevin.

"How do we do that?" asked Lana.

"We need three orbs, which act as keys to activate the Apollo Lens," said Kevin. "There's a blue one, a red one, and a yellow one."

"Is that so? I gave my sister the Blue Orb. Now I'm glad I did," said Volechek. "I'm sure my sister will realize that. Let's leave that matter to them. For now, I want to restore order to my city."

"Okay," said Lana. "We'll help you."

"We can set up seals that will prevent the monsters from spawning. We have one established around our warp as a base of operations. If we overlap enough seals, we can lock the creatures out of the city," said Abel.

"Might I suggest we retake my castle first? It's at the centre of town and easily fortified," said Volechek.

"Okay, good idea," replied Kevin.

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Belinsk Castle was a large structure made of bricks and mortar. It was brick red in colour and had several lookout towers with tops which resembled green tear drops. Like the rest of Belinsk, it had a Russian design to it. To Kevin and Sonia, Belinsk Castle resembled a cross between the Moscow Kremlin and a mosque. Like many other buildings under the Grave Eclipse, there were soldiers locked in battle with Eclipse monsters on the castle's parapets.

As Yog hovered above Belinsk Castle, Volechek turned to the others. "Drop us off here. I'm going to help my men," said Volechek.

"Okay," said Abel. "We should get to the throne room. That's the best place to set up the seal."

"Let's move out," said Lana.

Yog deposited the group on the battlements. Bowser charged at a group of Eclipse monsters clashing with castle defenders. He threw several punches which knocked monsters off the walls. He then spit fireballs. Each hit ignited the monsters, reducing them into ash. A group of smaller monsters which resembled large, spiky insects, scuttled under his fireballs. They lunged at Bowser and bit into his arms and legs. He yanked them off one by one and tossed them aside.

Volechek approached another group of Eclipse monsters fighting his men. The monsters consisted of two types. The first type was a hungry, goblin-like creature. These ones were known as Dark Devourers. The other type was the same insects which had attacked Bowser. They were known as Dark Scuttlers. Some of the Devourers noticed Volechek and his allies behind them and rushed to attack. Two pounced at Volechek, who cut them down with a scimitar.

Yog fired orbs and crushed half a dozen monsters. Mao leapt over the gathered melee and descended upon a Dark Scuttler. With one strike of his paddle, he flattened the monster. Mao then arced lightning at a second Scuttler, frying it to death. By now, the horde of monsters had dwindled noticeably. Volechek's men became emboldened after seeing the enemy fall, and even more so once they realized that Volechek was fighting beside them.

Volechek impaled a Devourer and kicked it off of the battlements. "Your Majesty! You live!" said a soldier.

"Stories of my demise were greatly exaggerated," replied Volechek. "I've found new allies to reclaim my land from the beasts. Rally the troops. We must make a push for the throne room."

"Yes, your Majesty!" said the beastman soldier, who rejoined the masses of soldiers.

The Morgalan soldiers pushed into the castle. Along the way, they fought scores of fierce Eclipse monsters. The Explorers followed the men as they blazed a path down a tower and through a second floor hallway. As they ran by, they saw numerous beastman soldiers fighting newly spawned Eclipse monsters in the adjoining rooms. Volechek's group stormed into the throne room, where they saw more beastmen locked in battle with Eclipse monsters.

"I'm helping my men," said Volechek, before slashing an unwary Devourer in the back. "Abel, do what you must!"

Abel released Mao onto the throne of the queen. The cat shogun immediately formed the glowing violet Seal of Bel. It expanded until it encompassed the entire castle and the surrounding area. Despite preventing new monsters from spawning, the ones present remained. However, they writhed in agony, as the Seal of Bel worked to drive them from its boundaries. One of the Scuttlers, despite the pain, tried to pounce at Mao. Abel shot ice at it, freezing it into a statue. It hit the ground and shattered.

Scarlet appeared behind a Scuttler and blasted it with fire. The creature ignited and collapsed. She then found a Devourer and drained energy from it. The creature crumbled after being sucked dry. With the stolen energy, Scarlet moved to a beastman and applied healing magic to his wounds. "Thank you, demoness," said the soldier.

One by one, the Eclipse monsters fell to the blades of the beastman and the power of the Explorers. After securing the castle, the Power Bloc began to land troops onto the castle's battlements, using it as a way station and central hub. Their demons created new Seals of Bel all over town, eventually combining them into one massive Seal of Bel which covered the entire town and the nearby regions. With it present, no more Eclipse monsters could spawn within Belinsk.

After the massive combined Seal of Bel came into being, Volechek sat on the throne and addressed the Explorers. "Thank you, Princess Lana. We could not have done this without your help," said Volechek. "I will take you up on your offer. After the Grave Eclipse, Morgal's most important issues are aggression by our neighbours, Bilibin and Sana."

"Of course, we can discuss this with my father, King Charles, and my brother, Prince Lyle. They will introduce you to the other members of the Power Bloc," said Lana.

"I'm also worried about my sister, Sveta," said Volechek. "She went with the descendants of the Warriors of Vale to find a way to stop the Grave Eclipse."

"We can search for them with Yog," said Abel.

"I have an idea of where they might go," said Kevin.

"You do? In that case, please go help them. Now that we've secured the city, things should calm down in Belinsk," said Volechek. He took a quill and parchment from a compartment in his throne and wrote a message for Sveta. He handed the message to Lana. "Show this to my sister. She should trust you then."

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Yog flew to the city of Tonfon, the capital of Sana, which resembled a Chinese port town. After questioning the locals, they were told that the new Warriors of Vale had left for the city of Yamata on Nihan Island to the east. When the Explorers went to Yamata and asked the locals, they were told that the Warriors had just left and were headed back to the mainland. The Explorers flew away in Yog, scanning the ocean as they flew back to Tonfon.

They eventually spotted a ship preparing to dock at Tonfon's wharf. The majority of the people disembarking from this ship were teenagers. Among them was a female beastman with long, purple-grey hair tied into braids. She had pawed feet, clawed hands, long ears, and wore a red dress. She appeared quite meek despite her feral appearance and traits. Yog descended to release his passengers.

"It's that cloud of balls again," said a teen with spiky red hair, whose name was Tyrell. He pointed at Yog and the Explorers.

"Yeah, I saw it go into Eclipse Tower after my brother," said Sveta. "Look! There are people coming out of it!"

"At least they know how to make an entrance," said Tyrell as the Explorers approached.

"What do they want?" asked a bespectacled, blue-haired boy named Rief.

"Is there a Sveta Czarmaral among you?" asked Lana.

"Yes, I'm her," replied Sveta.

"Your brother asked us to deliver a message to you," said Lana, who presented the letter to Sveta. "He sent us to help you end the Grave Eclipse."

"My brother lives?" asked Sveta.

"Yes," replied Lana. "We went into the tower to try to shut it down. We found your brother inside, severely wounded by the Tuaparang. We defeated them and joined your brother in restoring order to Belinsk."

"I see, thank you," said Sveta.

"We're going to take you to Apollo Sanctum. Do you have everything you need?" asked Kevin.

"Yeah, we have the orbs and the Umbra Gear," said Sveta.

"Okay, make your final preparations tonight. We leave for the Apollo Sanctum bright and early tomorrow," said Kevin.

During their last, preparatory night at Tonfon, the Explorers and Sveta's group ate a hearty dinner at the local inn. The two groups introduced themselves to each other. Sveta's group consisted entirely of Adepts, save Kraden, their eldest member. A few of them were descendants of the old Warriors of Vale, who had returned Alchemy to Weyard. In contrast, the Explorers were people from many different and wildly varying backgrounds and worlds.

"Where I'm from, you're characters in a game I used to play," said Kevin.

"We are?" asked Rief.

"Yeah," replied Sonia. "It's called Golden Sun: Dark Dawn."

"So that means you know what happened to us on our journey," said Karis, an attractive green-haired girl. "That also means you know what will happen to us when we get to Apollo Sanctum!"

"Yeah, but we changed history when we rescued your brother," said Kevin. "He was supposed to have been killed by the Tuaparang. They would have turned him into a monster and sicced him on you in the Apollo Sanctum."

"...But that won't happen now, because you saved my brother," said Sveta. "Again, thank you."

"In changing the future, won't that invalidate your knowledge?" asked Karis.

"Maybe," replied Kevin. "Apollo Sanctum is the last leg of the game. Events may change, but the layout and puzzles should stay the same regardless."

"While my area of expertise is Alchemy, as a scholar, I'm fascinated by the existence of these other worlds," said Kraden the scholar. "Could you tell me a bit more about where you came from?"

The Explorers took turns telling Kraden about the places they hailed from. "Wow, that's amazing!" said Amiti, the blue-haired prince of the land of Ayuthay.

"A castle at the centre of all worlds... A world with talking turtles and mushroom people... A world where people control demons... A sprawling city of glass and concrete..." said Kraden.

"That's just where we came from," said Kevin. "We have visited other stranger places."

Kevin told Kraden about some of these strange new worlds. "A world where people once lived on the bodies of two giants... A world that had been shattered and its pieces sent adrift in space... Fascinating!" said Kraden. "I really want to visit these worlds one day."

"Of course," said Lana. "Volechek is intending to join the Power Bloc. Once he does, it will open free passage from Morgal to Videoland." She looked at the clock. "We should get rest. We have much to do tomorrow."

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Yog flew the massed group to the Apollo Sanctum, home of the Apollo Lens, a weapon which fired concentrated light. As they approached the Sanctum's door, they noticed four grooves on the ground. Behind these grooves was a wall with a picture of a flame within a circle. "We have to roll rings to make silhouettes to match the image in the circle," said Kevin.

The combined group split up and eventually, they moved all of the rings into the grooves before the wall. As they matched each picture with a silhouette, the wall would sink into the ground, revealing a new wall with a new image relating to another of the elements. The final image was that of a young lady and its wall opened to reveal an entrance to the Apollo Sanctum. The interior was filled with golden light, almost enough to blind a normal human being.

In the midst of the light, the group could make out the circular entry area which had pillars supporting a stone ring. Ahead was a flight of stairs over a gap which had an array of female statues flanking it. The group attempted to climb the stairs, but the light only got more intense the further they advanced, until they reached a threshold. "The light here is too strong. We'll need protection to survive it," said Kraden.

"Yog can carry us through. He can repel the light," said Abel.

"Yeah, but once we're there, someone will need to get out to work the machinery," said Kevin.

"We have the Umbra gear for that person to wear. Time for Sveta to step into the limelight, er, so to speak," said Kraden.

"Sounds like Sveta is the girl for the job, but why is the gear just for beastmen?" asked Tyrell.

"The Apollo Lens is the product of cooperation between the ancient Jenei and the Morgal beastmen," replied Kraden.

"Ah, the beastmen did the labour, so they were wearing the equipment," said Karis. Kraden nodded affirmatively.

"The room up ahead is like a triangle. There are slots at each point where you can place the Orbs," said Kevin.

"Yog will fly us to each of the slots. Stay inside until you are ready to place the Orb," said Abel.

"Okay, here goes nothing," said Sveta.

Sveta put on the Umbra gear, a uniform which consisted of a black, fully covering cloak with gloves, goggles, and cowl. Everyone boarded Yog's orb. He flew close to the ground and eventually reached a blue, pedestal-like structure with a slot that waited to be filled. Sveta placed the Blue Orb within the slot, which caused a circuit of blue light to run across the pedestal. Yog went clockwise around the room to each other pedestal, where Sveta placed the Red Orb and Yellow Orb respectively.

After the group lit all of the circuitry, the light ran down similar patterns on the ground and flowed to a small dais marked with a sun pattern. A sword was set in the centre of the dais. Sveta left Yog's orb to provide a barrier with the Umbra gear. A brown-haired teen, Matthew, claimed the golden sword, which was known as the Sol Blade. As soon as he did so, the three pedestals channelled energy into the stone bust of Apollo at the centre of the chamber.

The pedestals sank into the ground and from the blue and yellow ones came two closed relay dishes. A cannon emerged from where the red one once stood. Yog took the group to the front of the Apollo statue, where Matthew put the Sol Blade into a slot on the door, which was marked by a picture of the sun. Inside the circular room, there were raised towers at the side. The centre had large rotating dials for operating the Apollo Lens. Each corresponded to one of the three pedestals.

Matthew and Sveta separated from the rest of the group and used Psynergy to knock in the three cylinders. This caused handles to rise from the dials. After turning the blue and yellow dials' handles, it caused the relays outside to open. When the red handle was turned, it turned the Apollo Lens cannon to face northward. Apollo's head sank and became replaced by a headless version with a glowing blue platform for operating the Apollo Lens.

When they left the room, they encountered a blue-haired man with a broken mask covering his right eye. "Ah good. Have you finished the preparations?" asked the man.

"Arcanus? Or should I call you Alex?" asked Kevin.

"Hello... Alex," said Kraden.

"Alex? The Mercury Clan's traitor? My mother's betrayer? That Alex?" asked Rief, a blue-haired in glasses and scholarly robes.

"What makes you think I'm that Alex?" asked Arcanus.

"We've travelled together for some time. I haven't forgotten," replied Kraden.

"You flatter me, Kraden," said Arcanus. "It seems you've made some new allies and some of them seem to know me."

"I played enough Golden Sun games to know who you are," replied Kevin. "You can't fool me."

"So why are you here?" asked Karis, a green-haired girl.

"The High Empyror of Tuaparang wants me to ensure Matthew activated the Apollo Lens according to plan. Matthew, you should know that the Tuaparang are scions of the Umbra Clan, also called Dark Adepts," said Alex.

"Dark Adepts?" asked Tyrell.

"Yes," replied Alex. "Apparently, the loyalty of Blados, Chalis, and their men were in question. They had powers unlike normal Psynergy, dark Psynergy. Had they lived, they would have come here for the Apollo Lens. Why? Perhaps we can discover this from its trajectory. It appears to be pointed at either Tuaparang or the Sol Sanctum."

"So there's an Umbra Clan now?" asked Tyrell.

"There's no time to discuss this now. We have to stop the Grave Eclipse," said Kraden.

"Go ahead. You'll get no interference from me," said Alex, before leaving the area.

The group went to the control platform on the bust of Apollo. When Matthew climbed up, the sheer power of the light knocked him off and left him sprawled him on the ground. "What happened to Matthew?" asked Tyrell.

"It's the light. It must be extremely powerful. Even if we send Sveta up there, she might not be able to handle it," said Kraden.

"Let Yog shield you in his orb," said Abel.

Sveta entered Yog-Sothoth's orb, which Yog raised onto the control platform. Sveta gestured to the cannon ahead, causing it to charge up and fire. The beam of light struck the Eclipse Tower causing it to glow bright yellow. It immediately shut off and ended the Grave Eclipse. The sun's rays were finally able to stream past, filling Weyard with its golden light. All across the land, Eclipse creatures writhed in agony and burnt into ash and vanished.

After powering down and shutting off the Apollo Lens, the group returned to Belinsk, where they went their separate ways. Sveta remained with the Explorers and gathered in the castle's throne room to discuss the outcome. "On behalf of Morgal and all of Weyard, thank you Lana and friends, for helping to stop the Grave Eclipse," said Volechek.

"You're welcome," said Lana.

"Your father and brother have arranged to meet me about Morgal's entry into the Power Bloc. I will return with you to Power Palace. I also want my sister to accompany you on your adventures," said Volechek.

"Brother?" asked Sveta.

"It would be prudent for us to learn of the worlds beyond the warp," said Volechek. "Your assistance to Lana's warriors is to show Morgal's commitment to the warp defence. You will represent us and all of Weyard in Lana's retinue."

"Of course," replied Sveta. "I will help them in any way I can."

"Thank you," said Volechek. "Lana, please escort us to Power Palace."

**END OF CHAPTER**


	21. Open 2 - Spirituality

Disclaimer:  
Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. This story uses reference material from it.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Open World 2: Spirituality**

Upon reaching Power Palace, Lana escorted the Morgalan delegates to the throne room. "Welcome, King Volechek of Morgal," said Charles. "I am Charles Power XXI and this is my son, Prince Lyle."

Lyle bowed. "Pleased to meet you, King Volechek," he said.

"I apologize for the state of my palace. The occupation by the Burning Legion caused much damage to my home. We will begin talks in the meeting room," said Charles, who directed the Morgal delegation into the neighbouring room at the side.

"So, you're taking over while father discusses the treaty?" asked Lana.

"Yep," replied Lyle. "Dad told me that you should continue exploring while the talks take place."

"Of course," said Lana. Her communicator started to beep, indicating that a message had arrived. "It's a message from Zelda! Come to think of it, I was wondering how they were..." Lana read the message. "She needs our help for some matter."

"Okay, go and help her," said Lyle. "I'll hold down the fort here."

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The Explorers soon found themselves being escorted to the Hyrule Castle dungeon by King Daphnes, Link, and Zelda. "I'm glad you're here," said Nabooru.

"What's the matter?" asked Lana.

"Maybe I should explain this," said Zelda. "Link and I went to visit the Gerudo Desert and some of the prison camps during our vacation. Many of the Gerudo became like drunk, homeless hobos since the war ended. It was like they had lost the will to live."

"Everyone, the king, our doctors, thinks they came down with some strange new disease," said Link. "They are scared it might spread to the rest of Hyrule."

"You don't have to worry," said Sonia. "It's not a disease. It's fel withdrawal."

"You mentioned this before, haven't you?" asked Nabooru.

"Yeah, just like the orcs, the Gerudo are about to suffer the same fate," said Sonia.

Sonia told the story about the orcs of Azeroth. They were a shamanistic people who once lived on the world of Draenor. The demons of the Burning Legion discovered and corrupted them with fel. The orcs became a rampaging, bloodthirsty Horde, much like the Gerudo during the war. Despite such power, the orcs lost to the humans and their allies. The humans locked them in prison camps, where they were devastated by symptoms similar to the Gerudo.

Fel acted as an addictive drug to its imbibers. It increased the imbiber's strength and speed immensely while filling them with a terrifying bloodlust. However, it needed to be consumed constantly in order to maintain that level of power. Like any drug, it would cause withdrawal if it was denied. When the Hylian Alliance and the Explorers defeated the Gerudo, they effectively cut off the supply to the Gerudo.

"How do we cure it?" asked Nabooru. "Isn't there something you know that can help us?"

"There is no medicine that can cure fel withdrawal," said Sonia. "The only cure is a spiritual one. To help the Gerudo, you must do what Thrall did for the orcs."

When the orcs were corrupted, they had abandoned their original shamanistic heritage for demon worship. However, one orcish clan, the Frostwolf Clan, refused to imbibe fel. They were ostracized and eventually banished from the Horde. The Frostwolves retained their shamanistic ways and eventually went on to tutor an orc named Thrall in them. In turn, Thrall would go on to become the first in a new line of shaman. He then began to liberate the orcs from the prison camps.

"So you're saying they need a hero, someone who would lead them in a new direction," said Nabooru.

"Yeah," said Sonia. "What the Gerudo need is to return to their original spiritual beliefs. They must distance themselves from fel bloodlust and stop relying on demons. To do that, someone will have to represent this new way. Of all people, you are the best one for that."

"I see," said Nabooru.

"I will not allow you start the war again," said Daphnes.

"Starting a war would be a step back, a relapse," said Sonia.

"I understand," said Nabooru. "Before the demons, we used to worship the Sand Goddess."

There were different deities in Hyrule, each with command over a certain facet of nature. Each race had their own preferred deity. The races of the Hylian Alliance worshipped Hylia, Din, Nayru, and Farore. In particular, the Hylians focused on Hylia, the Gorons focused on Din, and the Zora focused on Nayru. The Gerudo didn't worship any of these four. Instead, they had their own counterpart in the Sand Goddess, who ruled over the desert, sand, and spirit.

"You'll have to represent the Sand Goddess and renew faith in her and the power of spirit," said Sonia.

"That would mean the Gerudo's new leader will also be the next Sage of Spirit," said Zelda.

"Just like Ocarina of Time... Man, that game rocked!" said Kevin. "That means you'll need the Spirit Medallion."

"Yes," said Nabooru. "To get it, I would have to brave a trial in the Spirit Temple deep within our lands. However, I know the Legion is still occupying the temple. I doubt I could remove them on my own."

"If you are willing to try, we'd be willing to assist," offered Zelda.

"Of course, I will take the test," said Nabooru. "The Gerudo use special pathways to reach the temple. It's in the deepest desert, where there are frequent sandstorms. Take me to the West Oasis Town."

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Yog descended just outside a town in the western section of the Gerudo Desert. Further west, the deep desert was wracked by constant sandstorms which made travel impossible. The homes in West Oasis were simple, cubic abodes made from stone which almost blended in with the sand. The Explorers saw several Gerudo lying on the ground by a house. They were moaning in such agony and despondency, that it was difficult not to feel pity for them.

Link and Zelda brought the group to a open-walled building with horses feeding outside. A Gerudo woman in chaps approached the group. "Hello, I am going to visit the Spirit Temple," said Nabooru.

"You don't want to go there. The demons have holed up there with our sisters who still walk with the demons," said the Gerudo horse handler.

"We need to go. I intend to undergo the trials to become the Sage of Spirit," said Nabooru. "As the Sage, I can help my sisters."

"Ah, you're a braver sister than I," said the horse handler. "I can see why King Ganon chose you to be his second in command."

The horse handler gave Nabooru a hand-drawn map of the local region. According to the map, the passageway was a cave which ran beneath the southern mountains horizontally. The cave bypassed the entire western desert, along with the constant fierce sandstorms there. Just north of the other entrance was Spirit Temple. Yog followed the map over the desert and found the cave's eastern entrance. The entrance was marked a rock which jutted out and looked like a Gerudo's long nose.

After searching the area, they found a cave hidden behind some rocks and entered. The cave was dark, so Abel created a light in the air above them. The light revealed that the cave was a lengthy, naturally formed rock tunnel. Although cramped at the entrance, it grew wider a bit further in. Being large enough to fit Yog, he flew them the rest of the way. They exited the other end without incident.

In the distance ahead, they saw a massive rock which had been carved into the likeness of a Gerudo woman. She wore a mesh headdress and a matching top adorned by stars. Her eyes seemed to glimmer in the light of the desert sun. Below, where the woman's hips and legs would be, was the entrance to a tomb marked by a star. This whole rock formation was the Spirit Temple itself and the carving acted as a representation of the Sand Goddess.

The Spirit Temple doors were open and flanked by a pair of felguards standing guard. An infernal, a pair of succubi, and a half dozen imps patrolled the area around the base of the rock formation. "How do we do this?" asked Lana. "There are probably more waiting inside."

"We'll create a distraction so Link, Zelda, and Nabooru can sneak in," replied Kevin. "Let me take a look."

Kevin materialized his Super Scope and scanned the area through his scope. He noticed an opening in the form of the Sand Goddess' mouth. He zoomed in and saw what looked like torches lining the length of hall. Kevin dematerialized his Super Scope. "Did you see anything?" asked Zelda.

"Yeah, I think you can get in from the mouth. If you can hookshot onto her hand, you can hookshot into the mouth from there," replied Kevin.

"Okay, I'll get in position with the ladies," said Link. "Draw them away and I'll get us inside."

Link, Zelda, and Nabooru made their way to the east side of the area. The trio hid behind ruined columns and watched the path of the patrol. The infernal's group moved back to the west which was a relief to Link's group. If they had continued further east, they might have discovered them. At this location, they were just a few paces from under the Sand Goddess' left hand. The only remaining obstacle was the two felguards, who would spot them if they tried to hookshot up at this moment.

Kevin put the crosshairs on the eastern felguard by the door. He fired a single shot, which pierced the demon's heart fatally. The other felguard went to check on his buddy. Kevin shot this one too and moved to the east with Lana, behind another set of ruined columns. At this moment, Link and company moved under the Goddess' hand. Link latched the hookshot to the hand and let Zelda climb onto the palm. He repeated the process with Nabooru.

Once in the mouth, they spotted more demons below, coming out to investigate the deaths of the guards. They entered, leaving the demons to their friends. The interior of the Spirit Temple was much like that of an Egyptian pyramid and tomb. The walls consisted of several stone blocks cemented together. The air was cooler compared to the exterior, but more staler. They followed the torch-lit hallway to a ladder which they ascended into the Sand Goddess' eye level.

There, the diamond eyes of the Sand Goddess focused two beams of light into the room. However, a pair of stone cubes obstructed the light's path to a pair of adjustable mirrors at the opposite side of the room. In front of the mirrors were also two ramps leading downward. When she stood next to the mirrors, Zelda could see a set of wall-mounted mirrors further down the ramps. Behind the adjustable mirrors was a flight of stairs which led downward.

From experience, Link knew that this was some kind of mechanism for opening a door or activating a device further below. Link tried to move the blocks himself, but found them too heavy to budge for a single man. "I'll need help with this," said Link.

When the women helped him, he was able to move the blocks out of the path of the light. Now that the light could reach the mirrors, they noticed that the mirrors were not aligned properly. They were simply reflecting the light outward. Zelda and Nabooru adjusted the mirrors so that the light reflected downward, to the wall-mounted mirrors lower on the ramp. They descended the flight of stairs to just beneath where the Sand Goddess' throat would be.

They found a hallway with a single door on the south. Inside, they could make out a quadruped, green-hued demon with bat wings, cloven feet, and a grotesque, bearded face. He was armed with a double-bladed sword and wore armour over his torso. This creature was known as a pit lord, a heavy fighter for the Burning Legion. "That looks like one strong demon," remarked Zelda.

Through the space between his legs, Nabooru could make out a treasure chest. It was a white box with gold, airy details along its edges. "Oh great! He's guarding the treasure," said Nabooru.

"He's probably got the key to the leader's room too," said Link. "Well, here we go."

Zelda fired a light arrow at the demon's torso as the others rushed in. The pit lord recoiled in pain, shocked by Zelda's attack. He lobbed a green fireball at her. Zelda surrounded herself with Nayru's Love, a sapphire-like barrier of magical light, which blunted the fire harmlessly. The pit lord rushed up to stab her, but she darted away. The blade struck the ground with a clang. The pit lord noticed Nabooru in the corner of his eye and turned to stab her, but she rolled to safety.

In retaliation, Nabooru hurled throwing knives. The first hit the pit lord's cuirass and got deflected. The second sailed past the demon's left cheek without hitting. The third connected cleanly and became embedded in the cheek. The pit lord grunted in pain, then tried to chop her. Nabooru somersaulted away and drew a pair of scimitars. She swung twice at the pit lord's arm. He lost grip over his weapon and backhanded Nabooru. Despite a hard landing, she bounced back to her feet.

Link hurled a boomerang, which hit the demon's torso. The demon turned to face him and spit a fireball. Link blocked it. The pit lord retrieved his weapon and thrust it. Link leapt over and onto the blade. He lit a bomb and hurled it at the demon's face. The pit lord yelped in pain as it recoiled back from the explosive force. "Link, catch!" said Nabooru, throwing a shield to him.

When Link caught the shield, he saw that it had a smooth, reflective silver surface like that of a mirror. He readied the shield for the pit lord's counter attack. The pit lord scowled at Link and spit a fireball at him. Link blocked it with the shield. Instead of dissipating, the fireball turned the other way. It hit the pit lord and severely burned him. Zelda followed with a light arrow through the demon's chest. After the pit lord collapsed, Nabooru pounced on him and sliced up his face until he was dead.

"Great work everyone," said Nabooru.

"Was this shield in the chest?" asked Link.

"Yeah, I thought it might come in handy," said Nabooru.

"That's a mirror shield," said Zelda. "They are silver shields enchanted to reflect certain magic spells."

Link strapped the shield to his back. "This will come in useful. There are a lot of magical-using demons in the temple."

Zelda noticed a glimmer on the ground by the pit lord's body. It was a large key with the handle shaped like a demon's head. "This must be the key to the leader's room," said Zelda as she claimed it.

The trio continued deeper into the Spirit Temple. They came to a room with a deep chasm separating their side from the other, which held the stairs down to the next floor. There was a mummified being on the other side who wore a jackal mask over its head. The being was actually an Anubis monster and it spit a fireball at the group. Zelda and Nabooru dove to the side. Link blocked the fireball and redirected it back. The Anubis burst into flame and burned to ashes.

"One problem solved... How do we get across?" asked Zelda.

Link noticed a red crystal ball just next to the edge of the chasm. There was a similar one on the other side. Link recognized this thing and punched it. The crystal ball suddenly turned blue, as did its counterpart across the chasm. Gears started to grind beneath their platform. A retractable steel bridge extended and set itself into a slot across the chasm. The trio crossed the bridge and descended the next flight of stairs to the heart of the Goddess.

In this lobby-like room, there was a smaller statue of the Sand Goddess seated on a large cubic stone. The stone cube had gaps which suggested that there was a door on its side which slid open upwards. The statue had diamond eyes like its larger counterpart. Across the statue were two platforms with stairs leading up to them. On each one was a single adjustable mirror. Sunlight came down from openings above, but the mirrors were reflecting the light downward.

"Point the light at the eyes," said Link.

The ladies moved to each platform and began the necessary adjustments. When the lights were directly on the eyes, they started to glimmer brightly. The panel below slid into an open position, revealing a door. Zelda used the pit lord's key on its lock. The lock clicked open and the door to the leader's chamber opened. The trio entered and found themselves in a circular room. There didn't appear to be anyone else in the room.

Suddenly, a pair of magic sigils appeared on the ground. One was violet and the other green. The trio backed away and then the exit suddenly slammed shut. "So, these foolish children wish to offer themselves to the demons? What do you think, Kotake?" asked the voice of an elderly woman.

"They're either very brave, or very foolish, Koume," said Kotake, an equally elderly woman.

From the magic sigils arose a pair of Gerudo crones who carried brooms and wore robes of black. Although elderly with wrinkled skin, they appeared to have cracked skin which glowed a fiery red colour. It was as though they had magma within their bodies. Koume had hair of green flame, a consequence of heavy fel usage. Kotake, on the other hand, had hair which was surrounded by a cloud of dark miasma.

"Watch out, they Koume and Kotake!" said Nabooru. "They are powerful twin witches."

The witch twins boarded their brooms and circled overhead. Koume projected a stream of flame at Link, who raised the mirror shield to block. The shield reflected the stream back to Koume, who was unaffected by it. Kotake singled out Zelda and projected a beam of darkness at her. Zelda ran to avoid it, but Kotake moved the beam to follow her. Nabooru hurled knives at Kotake, but they simply deflected off of a barrier of darkness.

Kotake cut off the beam to recover her stamina. She then reactivated it against Link, who blocked it. Koume targeted Nabooru, who ran from the stream of green flame. Link noticed that Koume had moved in front of him and just to the right of Kotake. He turned the shield just a little, causing the dark beam to hit Koume. She hurtled through the air and crashed into a wall. Zelda charged a ready arrow with light and sent it at Kotake. She was knocked into the wall and crashed to the ground.

"Such impudent children!" said Koume, rising from the ground.

"Yes sister, we must pull out all the stops. Let's combine our powers into Felrova," said Kotake.

The witch sisters turned into a sphere of green and violet respectively and merged. A single young and attractive Gerudo woman appeared in place of the two crones. She wore robes of black and had hair of green fire which was surrounded by a ring of black miasma. "How's our new look?" asked Felrova, who winked flirtatiously at Link. Zelda growled. "Ooh! Is that jealousy I detect? Better be careful girl, or you'll get wrinkles!"

Felrova circled around overhead. Zelda launched a light arrow at her, but Felrova simply banked away. She gathered a mass of green flame in her palms and sprayed it out. Link blocked it with the mirror shield and attempted to redirect the stream back. It had no effect, as Felrova had the powers of both witches, as well as their immunities. Felrova moved to a new location and targeted Nabooru with a stream of dark miasma. Nabooru ran as fast as she could to avoid being hit.

"Reflecting the magic doesn't work," said Link.

"Try again," said Zelda. "I've got it covered."

Link hurled his boomerang at Felrova, which bounced off of a barrier of black miasma. She turned to Link and spewed green fire at him. Link blocked the flames and redirected it at Felrova. At that moment, Zelda released a light arrow which followed the stream back to Felrova. The arrow seared through her body painfully, causing her to land. Nabooru set upon her with a flurry of slashes. The dark barrier blocked them, then Felrova expanded it to hurl Nabooru away.

She righted herself midair and landed safely near the others. Felrova hurled green fireballs at each foe, relocating after each volley. Each of the three dodged their attacks. Zelda fired a light arrow at her, but Felrova easily dodged. "She's serious now, no more games," said Nabooru.

Link blocked his second fireball and reflected it back, but Felrova had already moved away. Zelda tried to shoot her again, but Felrova dodged as before. "There must be some way to slow her down," said Link.

Link suddenly got an idea. He lit a bomb and hurled it at Felrova. Although she saw it coming and dodged easily, It exploded in the air, leaving behind a cloud of smoke. Link threw two more bombs and the same happened as before. Link kept repeating this pattern until the entire upper area was covered by the smoke as a single grey cloud. Felrova was caught in the smoke and started to cough. Zelda spotted her flaming hair peeking through the smoke and fired.

The light arrow seared through Felrova's body and grounded her. Nabooru was already upon her and launched into a flurry of slashes. Felrova hurled her away with a burst of darkness. She suddenly felt a draft and looked up, just in time to see Link descending upon her. He chopped Felrova in half, causing her to split into her constituent orbs. Each orb reverted back to one of the witch twins. Both women were bleeding green-tinged blood from their wounds.

As they struggled to get up, they vomited more green blood from their mouths. Link rushed to Koume's side while Zelda went to Kotake. "Thank you..." said Koume, coughing green-tinged blood. "Thank you, for freeing us from the demons."

"You're wounded. Let me help you!" said Zelda, holding Kotake.

"No, it's too late for us," said Kotake, who then vomited more blood.

"You've already helped us, more than you can imagine," said Koume.

"The Gerudo need a Sage, now more than ever. Become the Sage, for all of us!" said Kotake.

"I will. Rest well, sisters," said Nabooru.

The witch sisters collapsed to the ground, dead, but free of demonic bloodlust. At that moment, a pedestal appeared behind them in the centre of the room. On it was a orange medallion with two spirits flying in a circle. It resembled the glyph for the astrological sign of Cancer. Nabooru claimed this item and felt a cool, unearthly power fill her being. An orange light washed over the room, spreading out throughout the Spirit Temple.

With but a touch, the light disintegrated each Legion demon it came into contact with. It expanded into the local desert where Bowser held a felguard by the throat. As Bowser delivered the final punch, the felguard disintegrated into nothingness, denying Bowser the satisfaction. "They did it!" said Kevin.

The light subsided. A white headdress appeared on Nabooru's head and the medallion appeared on the forehead. With her new garb, she more closely resembled the Sand Goddess as depicted outside. "You're the Sage now. Congratulations!" said Zelda. "How does it feel?"

"It feels... good... like something that's always been there and you rediscover it again," replied Nabooru. "First things first... We have to pay our respects to the fallen." Nabooru looked down at the deceased witch sisters.

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Pallbearers brought the mummified remains of Koume and Kotake before the assembled masses of friends and family members. On the shrouds were hand-painted portraits of the witch sisters, before they were corrupted by fel. Various friends and family of the sisters spoke heartfelt eulogies on behalf of the two. The last to speak was Nabooru herself, who as Ganon's former right-hand woman, turned to the witch sisters frequently for guidance.

When the funeral service was completed, the pallbearers placed their remains in golden sarcophagi and loaded them into horse-drawn carts. The procession travelled all the way into the Spirit Temple. Not only was it a temple to the Sand Goddess and a vault for the Spirit Medallion, it was also a tomb for important Gerudo like the witch sisters. The procession moved through to the central room in the heart of the Goddess, where Link, Zelda, and Nabooru had fought the twins.

There, Nabooru said a final prayer to consign the sisters' souls to the care of the Goddess. The attendees gave a collective moment of silence to reflect on the lives of the lost sisters before leaving to continue life. Link, Zelda, Daphnes, and the Explorers stayed behind to hear some final words from Nabooru. "Thank you everyone, for all that you've done," said Nabooru.

"You're welcome," said Lana. "What will you do now?"

"I'm going to tour our lands, help out where I can," said Nabooru. "Before that, please allow us entry into the Power Bloc. I see that our future will be best served with you. You have done so much to help us, even though we were enemies once."

"Let this be a new start for us," said Lana.

**END OF CHAPTER**


	22. Open 3 - Smuggling in the New World

Disclaimer:  
Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World was produced by Namco Bandai. This story uses reference material from them.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Open World 3: Smuggling in the New World**

The Explorers, Nabooru, and Daphnes emerged from the warp at Power Palace. Lana escorted the delegates of Hyrule and the Gerudo up to meet her father. Along the way, Morgal's delegates were preparing to leave and the two groups met each other. "Hello Lana, how have you been?" asked Volechek.

"Oh hi!" said Lana. "How did the talks go?"

"Quite well," replied Volechek. "Morgal is now officially a Power Bloc member."

"That's great!" said Lana. "We've got a new delegation arriving to request membership. Meet Nabooru of the Gerudo and King Daphnes of Hyrule."

Volechek shook hands with the two representatives of their nations. "Aye, it is good to meet our new allies. Our trade caravans will be visiting your lands soon," said Volechek.

"Aye, we'd be interested in what commodities your people could offer us," said Daphnes.

"Yes, the Gerudo have been hit hard by war with Hyrule and corruption by the Burning Legion," said Nabooru. "Expanding trade will make the deserts become vibrant again."

"My apologies, we must attend a meeting with King Charles," said Daphnes. "Let's speak of this at a later time."

Daphnes, Nabooru, and Volechek went their separate ways. Lana escorted Daphnes and Nabooru, while the Explorers remained behind with Sveta. "Everything is going really well," said Sveta.

"Yes, everything should get back to normal now that the Grave Eclipse has been stopped," said Kevin.

At that moment, a travelling merchant stumbled over a pebble. Sveta went to check on the black-haired man when she smelled an odd scent coming from his backpack. The merchant's backpack was filled to the brim and seemed quite boxy and heavy on the man's back. She then employed Spirit Sense Psynergy on him. Her eyes widened in horror. "He's carrying a bomb!" cried Sveta.

Kevin immediately trained a zapper on the man. "Place your backpack on the ground and slowly walk away," commanded Kevin. "Don't try anything funny."

Faced with no hope of escape, the man did as Kevin demanded. Sonia opened the backpack and found several pouches of candy which she tossed aside. Hidden beneath them were numerous bars of a white, clay-like substance. "Wow!" remarked Sonia.

"Modeling clay?" asked Zelda.

"No, plastic explosives!" Sonia corrected Zelda.

"His job was to sneak them past security," said Sveta.

Several royal guardsmen came on the scene to investigate. "Guards, please take this man into custody," commanded Kevin. "He was caught carrying explosives."

"Yes," replied the guards.

They cuffed the man and led him to a detainment cell. Another guard claimed the backpack of plastic explosives as evidence. When the bag's contents were analyzed, they were confirmed to be C-4 explosives. When the man was questioned, he revealed that he was carrying the C-4 to the Vanguard in Aselia. As a known terrorist organization, the Vanguard acquired weapons through the black market. However, they were purchasing cross world through the warps.

Further information from the Tethe'allans revealed that this C-4 was meant to be used against Tethe'allan cities from Sybak to the capital of Meltokio. The Vanguard intended these bombings to force concessions from Tethe'alla. The Vanguard had already tried such a plot in Altamira, the city governed by Duke Regal Bryant. The Vanguard's pretext for this attack was the return of Marta Lualdi to her father, Vanguard leader Brute Lualdi. Fortunately, this plot had been thwarted by Regal, Marta, and their friends.

In a meeting with King Charles and Prince Lyle, Lyle continued narrating the Royal Guard's report. "The captured mule also revealed that he had transported Howa Type 89 assault rifles and glove-mounted comps through the warp to the Vanguard."

"Comps?" asked Lana.

"Yes," replied Lyle.

"Demon summoning computers," said Abel.

"Oh boy..." said Kevin.

When Sonia heard this, she immediately turned to Lana. "It sounds very bad over there. We should intervene," said Sonia.

"I know," replied Lana.

"Indeed," said Charles. "Duke Bryant is one of our staunchest allies. Now that the Vanguard is involved in arms trafficking, we must take action against them."

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When the Explorers emerged at the Otherworldly Gate, they were greeted by the scent of sea water. Sea gulls chirped above and the surf splashed on the rocks below. The Explorers flew in Yog to a beach near Altamira, where Bowser once stayed to avoid scaring the townspeople. As they approached, they noticed a small group of people meeting on the beach. Some of them were former companions of Lloyd Irving and Colette Brunel when they made the Journey of Regeneration.

The first two were the Sage siblings, Genis and Raine. These half-elves primarily provided the magical support for the group. Raine acted primarily as a healer and force multiplier. In contrast, her brother Genis rained devastating elemental fury upon the enemy. The third was Presea Combatir, a lumberjack who had joined during the later stages of the journey. She fought alongside Lloyd and Colette with her trusty axe and superhuman strength.

There were three other individuals with them. The first was a young blond swordsman dressed in blue. The second was a teenaged girl who had flowers in her long, honey-coloured hair. The last was a panther-like creature who hovered in the air. "Someone is coming this way," said the panther.

The swordsman turned to see the Explorers. "Who are they?" asked the swordsman.

"They're dressed strangely. Are they from around here?" asked the girl.

"Oh, they're the ones who helped us fight the Burning Legion!" said Genis.

"Yes, I remember them too. They're Princess Lana's group," said Raine.

"Hey, how have you been?" asked Sonia.

"A lot of stuff has happened, a lot," replied Genis.

"Yeah, tell me about it. I'd say you're having Vanguard problems now," said Sonia.

"Yeah, they're crawling all over Altamira. Orochi is helping us sneak into the city at midnight tonight," replied Genis.

"Forgive me for asking, but why are you here?" asked Raine.

Lana told Raine and the others about how the Vanguard had been caught smuggling explosives through the warp zone. She also told Raine about the smuggled comps. "I've heard rumours of the Vanguard using demons, but nothing confirmed. I suppose we were fortunate to not have encountered any ourselves," said Raine.

"Hey, would you stop ignoring us and tell us what's going on?" asked the panther.

Presea introduced the panther and his friends to the Explorers. "Our three new friends are Emil Castagnier..."

"...Marta Lualdi, and Tenebrae the Centurion of Darkness, right?" asked Sonia, glancing at each person.

"You know who we are?" asked the swordsman, Emil.

"Of course," replied Sonia. "You are characters from a game I like."

"We're just characters in a game to you?" asked Marta.

"If you know that much about us, then you should know what we intend to do," said the panther, Tenebrae.

"Are you going to Altamira to rescue Regal and Sheena?" asked Sonia.

"Yeah," replied Marta.

"Zelos and Colette have gone ahead of you into Building Two to rescue Regal. Also, don't trust Alice, no matter how she tries to sweet talk you," said Sonia. "Everything's on track, except that the Vanguard acquired modern weaponry. They didn't have that in the game."

"Did those weapons come from your world?" asked Emil.

"Not sure," replied Sonia.

"The Howa Type 89 is the standard rifle for the JSDF. There are many Japans, so these weapons could have come from any one of them," replied Abel.

"Yeah, we're still investigating the smuggling ring," said Lana. "We don't know much so far."

"The last time we were in Altamira, the Vanguard used bombs to threaten Regal into giving me up," said Marta. "It was a good thing we got rid of the detonator."

"They planned to bomb other cities too, not just Altamira," said Lana.

"Which ones?" asked Emil.

"I heard Meltokio and Sybak from the Tethe'allan authorities," replied Lana.

Marta's jaw dropped. "At least you stopped them. Thank you," said Raine.

"You're welcome. We want to find more clues about this smuggling ring from the Vanguard," said Lana.

"Their comps are especially worrying to me," said Abel. "If they are overloaded, demons will start pouring into Aselia."

"That doesn't sound good," said Emil.

"Yeah, I'd rather not do the demon thing again," said Genis. Abel nodded.

"Everything centres on Building Two then," said Raine.

"We'll help you," said Lana. "We'll stir up trouble in town. That's your chance to slip in unnoticed."

"Orochi was going to cover us too," said Emil. "The extra help can't hurt at all."

The Explorers and Emil's group camped out at the beach until nightfall. When midnight arrived, they continued on towards Altamira. The city had suffered numerous blast marks from battles in the streets. Small booths and vendor stands had been smashed to pieces. Glass windows on stores had been shattered and safety railings were torn open and exposed the sea. With the city darkened by nightfall, it was easy to slip into Altamira unnoticed.

As the group approached the hotel, they spotted a pair of guards flanking its front door. One was armed with a katar, but the other was armed with a Type 89 assault rifle. "Wow, they've got this place wrapped up tight," remarked Emil.

"What should we do? If we get into a fight, we'll draw too much attention," said Genis.

"Allow me," said Tenebrae. "We only need to get them out of the way, correct?"

"Paw pad," said Presea.

"If you're going to call me something ridiculous, I'd prefer Tenebie," said Tenebrae.

"Chill out. What are you planning?" asked Marta.

"Watch!" said Tenebrae. In a puff of smoke, Tenebrae became a beautiful, black-haired woman with icy blue skin.

Sonia recognized his new form. "You turned into Celsius?" asked Sonia.

"But of course," replied Tenebrae. "She is a beautiful woman and no one can resist the sight of one. Now, watch a master at work."

Tenebrae walked ahead and passed by the front of the hotel, making sure the men noticed him. As he hoped, the guards abandoned their post to follow in an attempt to woo him. "This is where we split up," said Presea.

"Good luck to you all," said Genis.

"You too," said Sonia.

"Heh heh heh, it's showtime!" said Bowser, cracking his knuckles.

The Explorers travelled through the alleys to the heart of a commercial district of Altamira. Nearby were restaurants for varying tastes such as Japanese, Italian, and other ethnic styles. At the edges of the district was a grocery store, a drug store, and an arms dealer. There was also a small apartment building that was about six floors high. Making sure no Vanguard saw them, Kevin and Lana entered this building and set up on the roof to snipe.

Bowser descended from above and stomped the ground hard. A tremor fanned out from his landing which toppled a patrol of Vanguard. Those far enough from the tremor drew weapons and advanced. Bowser spewed fire from his mouth, searing those Vanguard. The Vanguard riflemen fired at Bowser, only to have their bullets ricochet off his scaly hide. He charged past the charred bodies and punched one of the riflemen across the block.

More Vanguard rushed over from Lezareno's Building Two. Kevin put the crosshairs over a fighter with katars. He fired, sending a beam through the man's chest. Before the others could react, Kevin felled a woman with an assault rifle. Kevin fired at a male katar fighter, but this time, the fighter parried the shot with his katar. The riflemen and women took refuge in the nearest building and peered out to return fire.

The bullets zinged through the air, some of which pitter-pattered against the apartment. "We have to move!" said Lana, from beside Kevin.

Below, Zelda arose from behind a chimney and rained arrows upon those fighters. One got impaled through the chest and collapsed. Zelda released a fire arrow into the chest of a swordsman. It exploded and flattened three others nearby. The riflemen manoeuvred to fire back at Zelda, while those with katars and other melee weapons tried to climb to the roof of her shop. Link emerged from hiding and shot one of the Vanguard with a sword beam.

A katar fighter saw him and dropped to the ground. Link caught him with the hook shot and dragged him over to be stabbed. A katar fighter pounced on Link, who parried. Link parried two more slashes then swung for the open left ribs. Link then kicked down the staggered man. A rifleman spotted him and fired. Link was a tad quicker and blanketed himself in Nayru's Love. The gem-like barrier blunted each shot.

Elsewhere, Yog rained orbs upon the Vanguard and three got crushed underneath. A katar fighter had climbed a roof and pounced on Yog. His blade struck a previously invisible barrier which hurled him back. Yog opened glowing white portals and from them emerged chains engulfed by heatless white fire. They wrapped around the katar fighter and a few of his allies. Even as they seared the enemy, the chains dragged them to their doom.

One swordsman leapt away from his chain and severed it with a slash. Mao flattened him with a swing to the head from behind. Abel appeared next to Mao, followed by Scarlet. "Abel darling, the Vanguard are retreating back to base," informed Scarlet.

"I see," said Abel. "They must have realized that Emil's group is inside. Everyone, let's push towards their base."

"Yes, Great One!" said Yog.

"Aye, let's purr-sue them back to base," said Mao.

Abel and his demons took point as they advanced down the streets. They found themselves across the water from the amusement park, having circled the lake during the fighting. They came upon a large, office building just off the edge of the water. On the lawn just before its door was a sign which read "Lezareno Company, Building Two." The rest of the Explorers followed behind Abel and entered the building.

The lobby had smashed chairs, desks, and office equipment all over the floor. Several of the items had been gathered together to form a crude barricade to defend the front door. Numerous red Vanguard pennants were hung across the milky brown walls. There were no men guarding the lobby. They were likely preoccupied with Emil and the other Companions of Regeneration storming their headquarters.

Sonia looked over a map of the building. "There is a security room on the lower floor. We can see where everything is," said Sonia.

The group passed through the lobby and entered a hallway with stairs down to the basement. Sonia took Bowser, as well as Kevin and Lana, to search for the security room on the west side of the basement. The others went east, in search of the Vanguard's armoury. They went from door to door, but all of the rooms contained office supplies or spare equipment. Abel opened the door to the last stockroom and found a guard trying to fetch a Type 89 assault rifle from a rack.

Abel blasted the man with ice, freezing him solid. Sveta knocked him out with a karate chop to the back of the head. Abel scanned the room thoroughly. There were racks filled with weapons along the walls. On the ground was a crate filled with ammunition clips and another with grenades. A third box had three indentations for glove-shaped objects. This box was the only one of its kind, which led Abel to conclude that the Vanguard had possession of three glove-type comps in this building. Abel reported this to the others.

Sonia's group found a tram parked on the west side. Near it was the door to the security room. Inside the room was the body of a Vanguard security guard, likely a victim of Emil's group. "Hmm..." said Sonia as she looked over the monitors.

In one of the monitors, she saw Emil and friends on the upper floors of Building Two, in the hallway near the president's office. Emil, Marta, and Tenebrae had reunited with Zelos, Colette, and Sheena. As they were leaving, Presea, Raine, and Genis emerged from the nearby elevator. The groups merged and entered the president's office, where they encountered a bald man who had a goatee. He was dressed in regal red robes and carried a golden staff. Sonia recognized this man as Brute, leader of the Vanguard.

The two groups exchanged words, but there was no audio on the security feed. Sonia couldn't read their lips either, due to the camera being out of position. A few seconds later a cutesy girl, Alice, emerged from a hidden elevator nearby with a battered Regal at her side. Brute turned to taunt his enemies, only to have Lloyd suddenly emerge from that same elevator and cut down Alice. Brute pressed some buttons on a glove-like device on his left hand.

A group of strange creatures magically appeared. The first was a Chinese general, a man with red skin which made him appear extremely angry. The second looked like a marble bust with a tree growing through it. The last looked like a small man in a fedora and trench coat. He had a skull-like face and brandished a shaving razor. Sonia realized that Brute had a comp and used it to summon demons. Emil drew his weapon and a quick fight broke out between the two sides.

Abel's team returned to check up on her. "Did you find anything?" asked Link.

"Yeah," she replied, watching the video feed. "Brute has a comp. Emil's team defeated him and now they're giving him medical attention. Decus and Alice ran off, so Lloyd, Sheena, Zelos, and Genis went after them."

Link watched as Lloyd's group emerged from the main elevator to be confronted by a single man. "Who's that?" asked Link, as both sides drew weapons. The man was a bespectacled red-head armed with an axe and a sword. The red-headed man unleashed a blast of dark magic which knocked out Zelos and Genis.

"That's Richter Abend!" said Sonia, seeing Richter flatten Sheena with a second blast. "We have to help them!"

"It's showtime!" said Bowser.

"I'm going to the top floor to seize that comp from Brute," said Abel.

"Okay Sonia, take Bowser, Link, and Zelda with you to help Emil," said Lana. "I'll stay here with Kevin and Sveta to guard the contraband."

Sonia's group returned to the lobby and passed another door to the elevator passage. After ascending to the elevator lobby, they saw Emil down on one knee as Marta tended to his wounds. Lloyd had broken from an exchange of blows with Richter. Lloyd appeared quite fatigued. Sonia and Zelda rushed to the side of the wounded Companions of Regeneration while Link and Bowser took Lloyd's side. Lloyd stepped back to allow them a chance at Richter.

Link parried a sword slash and blocked a chop from the axe. Link swung for Richter's shoulder, but got parried. Richter then unleashed a blast of dark magic, which Link blocked. The mirror shield reflected the spell, causing Richter to flatten himself. Bowser suddenly descended onto him, but Richter rolled away in the nick of time and stood up. Bowser suddenly dashed forward and snatched Richter by the collar. He then hurled Richter into the wall across the room.

Richter bounced off the wall and crashed through a coffee table, breaking it in half. As Bowser was about to deliver the deathblow, Alice descended between them. She rode on a balloon-like creature with purple fur on its top and short arms. Alice loaded Richter onto the saddle of a second such creature which had entered with her. Lloyd, Bowser, and Link took a defensive position, making sure to cover Marta, Sonia, and Zelda as they tended to the fallen.

Alice and Richter flew away through the shattered skylight. "They're gone," said Lloyd. "Emil, are you okay?"

Emil did not respond. He was not even conscious. Marta was forced to prop him up to keep him from collapsing. "We need to get him to a bed," said Marta.

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Meanwhile, Abel and his demon arrived at the top floor of Building Two. When he approached a corner, he saw a pair of men at the door to the president's office. On their left hands, he noticed that each man wore a white glove with a small keypad on the bracer. Those gloves were two of the comps the Vanguard had acquired through black market arms dealers. With Brute possessing the third, all of them had been accounted for.

While their backs were turned, Abel froze the right man solid. The other turned around and evaded Abel's second attack in the nick of time. The Vanguard demon tamer activated the comp and released three demons to assist him. The first was a creature made of water who had numerous curved black markings and eyes on it. The second was a skeletal donkey. The last was a floating hand mirror which displayed a woman's image in it. They were Apsu, Pales, and Purple Mirror respectively.

Abel created a rainfall of black water. Its corrosive touch sapped the strength of the enemy tamer and his demons. Apsu conjured an ice cloud which enveloped the whole area. When it hit Abel, he absorbed it completely, but Yog and Mao were forced back. Scarlet suddenly appeared behind Apsu and sprayed fire. Apsu collapsed and evaporated into nothingness. Pales quickly made a bucking kick at Scarlet, who quickly dodged.

Scarlet zipped behind Mao, who ran forward to attack. Mao sidestepped Pales' attempt to bite, then clubbed Pales in the face with his paddle. Yog opened a portal beneath Pales, from which white chains emerged. Pales was dazed and could not get away in time. The flaming white chains entwined him and pulled him to his doom. Abel turned his hand to vines and entwined them around Purple Mirror's handle. Mao descended upon Purple Mirror and shattered it to pieces which vanished.

The tamer arced electricity at Abel, who blocked it with a magical barrier. The tamer noticed Scarlet in the corner of his eye and turned the electricity onto her, hurling her back and into the air. Abel quickly blasted the tamer with ice and encased him in a shimmering icy shell. Scarlet swooped down and grabbed him. She ascended rapidly and slammed the tamer headfirst into the roof. He was knocked unconscious and dropped to the ground in a heap.

At that moment, the door to the president's office opened. Colette and Raine had come out to see what the commotion outside was about. They saw Abel in the hallway, among a pair of unconscious Vanguard fighters trapped in ice. "Oh, it's you! It's been a long time, how have you been?" asked Colette.

"I'm well. Excuse me for a moment," replied Abel. He went to the frozen tamer by the door to the president's office and removed the ice around the man's hand. He telekinetically snatched the man's comp and sent it into a dimensional rift. Abel went to the second fighter and removed his comp as well. "Sorry about that. How have you been?"

"We're fine," said Colette.

"Did you find their contraband?" asked Raine.

"Yep," replied Abel. "Lana, Kevin, and Sveta are guarding it. Is Brute still in the office?"

"Yeah," replied Raine. "I've been healing him, but he still needs rest for a full recovery."

"I'm taking his comp," said Abel. He entered the room and found Brute on the ground, still too weak to stand. Abel quickly removed Brute's comp and dumped it into the dimensional rift.

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Some time later, all involved in the assault on Building Two met at the top of the Lezareno Headquarters. Emil was the last to arrive, as he had just regained consciousness from the gruelling fight with Richter. "Hello Emil," said Lloyd. "We finally found him."

"Him? You mean Richter? Where is he?" asked Emil.

"He went to the Otherworldly Gate," replied Regal.

The Otherworldly Gate was Aselia's connection to worlds beyond its borders. It also contained all of Aselia's warps to other worlds, such as Power Palace. However, it was also the location of the Ginnungagap, the gate which led to Niflheim, the world of demons. Emil's other personality, Ratatosk, was the guardian of that gate. The demons of Niflheim wanted him gone, so they would be free to rampage through Aselia. They gave power to Richter on the condition that he eliminated Ratatosk, which meant killing Emil.

"Am I really Ratatosk?" asked Emil. "It's hard to believe."

"Lord Ratatosk created 'Emil' as a fabrication, while he kept his own memories in the personality you know as 'Ratatosk Mode,'" said Tenebrae.

"Don't call him a fabrication!" said Marta.

"I know it's hard to accept, Marta, but what Tenebrae's saying is likely true," said Raine.

"Well, Ratatosk used a man named Aster as the blueprint to create Emil," said Sonia. "If Emil was based on Aster, I wouldn't be surprised if Emil's personality was like his as well."

"Who's Aster?" asked Emil. "Now I'm getting very confused."

Sonia told Emil that Aster was a friend of Richter Abend. Both men were scientists who visited Ratatosk at the Ginnungagap with Aqua, the Centurion of Water. They asked Ratatosk to regulate mana and stop the disasters plaguing the newly formed Aselia. Ratatosk agreed, but ordered his Centurions to massacre all humans and half-elves as retribution for destroying the Mana Tree. Aster pleaded with Ratatosk to stop, only to be killed in response. In rage, Richter severely wounded Ratatosk, which led to the current situation.

"I... I don't know what to say," said Emil.

"I know someone who can give you some answers," said Lloyd.

"So, looks like this is where we part ways," said Lana.

"Yeah, looks like it," said Lloyd. "Thanks for your help, Lana and friends."

"Of course," said Lana. "We have to continue on the trail of the arms traffickers. Thank you for your help."

**END OF CHAPTER**


	23. Open 4 - Champion of Ferox

Disclaimer:

Captain N was produced by Nintendo and DIC Entertainment. Fire Emblem and Pokemon were created by Nintendo. This story uses reference material from them.

**New Captain N: Warp Zone  
By: RB3  
Open World 4: Champion of Ferox**

After work had been completed on the throne room, Charles had called in the Explorers for a briefing on their next operation. "We've just finished ratifying our alliance with the Gerudo. With their membership, Hyrule will become unified. I want to take this moment to thank you for all that you've done," said Charles.

"You're welcome your Majesty," said Kevin.

"We'll continue to expand the Power Bloc," said Charles. "To that end, I've started to research old alliances and contacts in the royal library. One of our allies from before the seal was Archanea. We had ratified a treaty with King Marth just after he ascended the throne. After so many centuries, I'm sure Marth has passed away. Still, I say it's time we revisit Archanea and set up new ties and alliances with the current rulers."

"Archanea, the world of Fire Emblem..." said Sonia.

"Yeah, I wonder how much it has changed," said Kevin.

"Of course, we'll get relations open with Archanea," said Lana.

Charles handed them a picture of the Power family posing for a photo with the old Archanean treaty. As the Explorers travelled downstairs to the warp, they saw Sheena coming from the other direction. "Hey guys!" said Sheena.

"Hey Sheena, you're back!" said Lana.

"Yeah, I just finished helping Emil with Ratatosk stuff. I'm free, so I've decided to come back," said Sheena.

"Oh, it's great to have you back," said Lana.

"Yeah, I was wondering when you'd return," said Abel.

"Well, I'm back. What are you up to?" asked Sheena.

"Father sent us to open relations with Archanea. They're one of our old allies from the time of Charles I," replied Lana. "Come along, we could use the extra hand."

"Ah, I see, sure!" replied Sheena.

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The Explorers found themselves in a hexagonal chamber which contained the warp. Moving further in, they found a second chamber of granite. It was very much like the interior of a temple, with pillars erected at key points to support its roof. Two of them flanked and marked the door into the room with the warp. All of the walls were covered with bricks, leaving no visible means of entering or leaving the room.

The Explorers spread out and began to search the walls. "Hmm, there's got to be a secret passageway. Look around," said Kevin.

As Sheena and Sveta approached the northern wall, Sheena felt a draft. "There's a draft coming through this crack in the wall," said Sheena, bending down to look through it, but seeing only darkness. As she stood up and examined the wall, she noticed that the section with the crack was lighter in colour compared to the rest. "This area looks different... like someone sealed it shut."

Sveta immediately activated the Track Psynergy power. She visualized wisps of smoke, which represented fresh air, filtering through that crack in the wall. A faint red trail mixed with the fresh air. "There's a woman on one of the floors above," said Sveta.

"We're getting close. Lana, can you can find a switch or button nearby?" asked Kevin.

"Forget that! Outta the way!" cried Bowser, get ready to charge forward.

"Oh crap!" said Kevin, who cleared Bowser's path moments before he hit the wall. It burst open, leaving him and the ground covered with rubble and dust. He had punched a gaping hole through the wall. "Whoa..."

The hole led to a second flight of stairs which in turn, led up to an empty chamber. This chamber also had no visible exits like the first. Sheena and Sveta located a draft and a section of wall lighter in colour from the rest. Bowser charged into and smashed the wall down as before. The next room was a massive granite chamber. The left side had an arch which contained another warp. The other end had a pair of double doors with sunlight slipping through the cracks.

There was also a red-headed woman dressed in matching clothes in the room. She was shocked and stunned from seeing the wall burst open so suddenly. "Who, who are you guys?" she asked.

"We are explorers," replied Lana. "We came from the room below."

"I see," said the girl. Lana introduced herself and her team to the girl. "I see... Pleased to meet you. I'm Anna. You seem like nice enough people. You said you wanted to meet our current leaders?"

"Yes, we're on a diplomatic mission to Archanea," replied Lana. "It's been a long time since we've had contact with them, so we're trying to re-open relations."

"Archanea?" asked Anna. "That was centuries ago. It doesn't exist anymore. Today, it's called the Halidom of Ylisse. You'll want to speak to the Exalt at the royal palace. The capital of Ylisstol is to the north of here, which is the Outrealm Gate."

"Of course, thanks for your help," said Lana.

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Yog-Sothoth ferried the Explorers through the blue skies of Ylisse, the land formerly known as Archanea. It was a clear, beautiful sunny day in the peaceful lands of the Halidom. It was a verdant, fertile land of abundance. Yog soared over a sprawling countryside of farms and ranches. Up ahead, the bustling capital of Ylisstol awaited. Yog searched for a secluded area and found a park where he could deposit his passengers.

The group travelled southward to the Exalt's palace, which had been constructed at the top of a fortified hill. The sole way to ascend the hill was a single paved path which wound its way up and around the hill. At key points along the road were small forts which acted as guard posts. Judging from the hill's layout, any ground-based army would have to traverse the long, winding path while being sniped by archers above.

At the base of the hill was a guard station. A portcullis controlled access to the path up the hill. Lana's group approached the guard at the cabin by the gate. "Halt! Who goes there?" asked the gate guard.

"At ease, we come as friends," replied Lana. "I'm Princess Lana of House Power and these men and women are my entourage. We wish to open relations with the Halidom of Ylisse and possibly pursue an alliance. Please show this picture to his Majesty."

Lana gave the guard a picture of the Archanean treaty with her family posing by it. The guard took a good look at it, as though remembering something from seeing it. "Please wait a moment," said the guard. The guard left to relay the message before returning with a reply moments later. "The Exalt will meet you. Please mind your manners in front of him."

An escort brought the Explorers directly into the Exalt's throne room. The Exalt himself was a blue-haired man who was in his mid-twenties. He was surprisingly young for one in such a position. He was a very toned man, his body honed by constant practice with the sword. Notably, he had a tattoo-like mark on his right shoulder. It resembled a tear drop surrounded by a U-shaped emblem which represented a dragon's wings.

The Explorers kneeled before the Exalt as a sign of respect. "Greetings, I am Chrom, Exalt of the Halidom of Ylisse. Please introduce yourselves."

The Explorers arose. "I am Princess Lana of the House of Power. We rule a land similar to the Outland Gate, but much larger in size. Centuries ago, my ancestor, Charles I, had formed an alliance with the Hero King Marth," said Lana.

"Indeed," said Chrom. "We have a similar treaty on display in the Halidom's museum. It is a national treasure of my people. Tell me, what has happened since the days of Charles I?"

"Charles I had ordered the warps sealed. He saw a threat to his kingdom that would spread to other worlds through the warps," replied Lana. "Today, the seal has fallen and Charles I's fears had come to pass when demons conquered my palace and used the warps to invade other worlds."

"So, I assume you wish to take precautions against this happening again?" asked Chrom.

"Yes," replied Lana. "If our palace should fall, many will be endangered, Ylisse among them. This is why my father, Charles XXI, would like to renew our alliances."

"I understand," replied Chrom. "King Marth signed the treaty for good reason. I'm open to renewing the treaty, but we have an alliance with Ferox."

"We could invite them into the alliance. Do you wish to do so?" asked Lana.

"Yes, we should unify our alliances as a courtesy to them," replied Chrom.

"Please tell me more about Ferox," requested Lana.

Chrom described them as a hardy people who dominated the northern part of the continent. The Feroxi were a people who had little care for discussion or diplomacy. To them, actions spoke much louder than words. They valued strength and skill above all else. When Chrom went to them for help against Plegia and an outbreak of the Risen dead, they met with Flavia the East Khan. She didn't have the power to grant an alliance as she wasn't the Great Khan at the moment.

The Feroxi selected their leader, the Great Khan, by tournament. These tournaments were fought between proxies to avoid igniting blood feuds. For a long time, Flavia was on the losing end of these tournaments. Her rival, Basilio the West Khan, won on the back of Lon'qu, a nearly unparalleled swordsman. When Chrom represented Flavia to earn an alliance, he broke her losing streak and put her into power. Thus, Ylisse got its alliance with the Feroxi against Plegia and the Risen.

"Flavia has sent me an invitation to compete in the next tournament, which is a week away," said Chrom. "I'm going to accept. I'll ask her to expand the alliance to include House Power as a condition of my participation."

"Thank you Chrom," said Lana.

"Lana, I believe we should propose a similar deal to the West Khan as well," said Abel.

"Oh, so you're covering both ends," said Kevin. "That way, it doesn't matter who wins. Charles gets what he wants."

"Exactly," said Abel.

"So, you'll be participating as well?" asked Chrom.

"Yes," replied Kevin.

"I see," said Chrom. "I'm curious myself as to what kind of warriors can be found beyond the Outrealm Gate. You'll face my men in battle."

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The Explorers travelled to the north, ferried by Yog across the verdant lands of Ylisse. As they travelled northward, the land grew colder. It was also covered by snow, which made the land blanketed in uniform whiteness. Separating Ylisse and Ferox was a massive wall, the Longfort, which ran horizontally from west to east. It was like the Great Wall of China, except built by the Mongolians. After just a minute of travel, the group could see a large settlement in the snow.

"That's the capital of Ferox," said Chrom. "Put us down gently."

Yog landed a short distance from the settlement and proceeded on foot to their destination. They were led into the throne room of Flavia the East Khan, who was now the current Great Khan who ruled all of Ferox. Flavia was a dark-skinned woman with blond hair and a toned body. She was dressed in a white breastplate that was painted red in the stomach area, as well as matching shoulder guards and bracers. She was a rugged woman like all Feroxi were and had a determined expression.

"Greetings your Grace," said Chrom.

"Am I glad to see you!" said Flavia. "I'm hoping you will give me a second term as Great Khan of Ferox."

"Of course," said Chrom. "I also have a request to make of you. This is Princess Lana and her followers, who come from beyond the Outrealm Gate. She wishes to form an alliance to protect her palace from invaders who would use the Outrealm Gate."

"If you can win, consider it done," said Flavia.

"Well, that was easy," said Kevin. "Now, we have to get the West Khan to agree too."

"Basilio won't just give you an alliance if you ask him. I know him well enough to say that," said Flavia. "He won't ally unless he sees that you are strong."

"In that case, it should be easy to convince him to see things my way," said Bowser.

"Yeah, by punching him in the face," muttered Sheena.

"Did someone call my name?" asked a man as he entered the throne room. He was a goateed, tanned man in golden, fur-lined armour. Notably, he wore an eye patch over a bad left eye.

"We were just talking about you," said Flavia.

"So, what's going on?" asked Basilio.

"These newcomers came from beyond the Outrealm Gate. They wish to form a new alliance between Ferox, Ylisse, and Power Palace," said Flavia.

"Do they?" asked Basilio.

"If we can win you a term as Great Khan, will you grant us this alliance?" asked Lana.

"If you can defeat my champion, Lon'qu, you're free to represent me. If you want to challenge him, you can find him in the training area," said Basilio. "If you can make me the Great Khan, your alliance is guaranteed."

"Let me at him!" said Bowser.

Basilio led the group out of the castle to a training area in the centre of the grounds. Ahead, several men and women with wooden swords sparred against each other. Other Feroxi warriors and tourney participants were shooting arrows at targets hung along the nearby right wall. The magically inclined participants were at the left, shooting fireballs and ball lightning at similar practice targets.

"Lon'qu!" cried Basilio. A young man in blue, fur-lined Mongolian garb with unkempt black hair stopped practice with a trainer. Lon'qu turned to Basilio to hear what he had to say. "There is someone who wants to challenge you for the position of my champion."

"That's me!" said Bowser, stepping forward to size up Lon'qu.

The other swordsmen reared back in apprehension when they sized up the hulking Bowser. Lon'qu sized up Bowser in return. "Very well, I'll be in the ring," said Lon'qu.

The two challengers were brought to the arena itself and positioned across from each other. The people who were training had followed them to watch from the stands. The air was thick with anticipation and anxiety. Bowser appeared to be a formidable opponent for Lon'qu. He was also an unusual opponent for Lon'qu, as he was a Koopa and not a human being. Lon'qu drew a katana and prepared for battle, while Bowser raised his fists as though to box.

"Begin!" cried Basilio.

Bowser opened by spitting several fireballs at Lon'qu. The swordsman dodged them as they hit the ground and exploded all around him. Lon'qu suddenly leapt upwards. He came down for a chop, but Bowser blocked the katana with his arm and pushed Lon'qu away. He dashed, but missed punching Lon'qu and hit a retaining wall instead. Bowser's fist shattered the wall and collapsed the part of the bleachers it supported. The spectators scrambled to escape going down with their seats.

Bowser turned, just in time to block another chop, shoving Lon'qu away again. This time, Bowser spit numerous fireballs to follow. One landed and exploded near Lon'qu, knocking him down. Lon'qu got up, but Bowser was already upon him. Bowser grabbed him and slammed him into the ground. He grabbed Lon'qu's leg, spun him around, then released him at the upper section of the bleachers. The audience fled the area moments before the swordsman crashed into the seats.

"The winner, by ring out, is Bowser! He will be my new champion in the tournament," said Basilio, who was elated to see such a powerful beast fall into his lap.

As Sonia and priests scrambled to tend to Lon'qu's wounds, Kevin and friends came down from the bleachers to celebrate with Bowser. "Alright!" said Kevin. "Looks like we're in the tournament."

"We taking this one all the way home!" said Lana.

"Is... Is that what we're up against in the tourney?" asked Chrom.

"You bet!" said Bowser, flexing his muscles. "I'm going for the gold."

"Ha ha ha!" chuckled Basilio as he approached. "Oh yes! If Bowser's partners are strong as he is, I'm going to start celebrating tonight."

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A few days later, several people filed into the arena. The Great Khan selection finals was the main event and one of the most hotly anticipated and competitive ones in Ferox's history. For the longest time, Basilio had a winning streak, thanks to his champion, Lon'qu. During the previous tourney, a stranger usurped that position, but ultimately lost to Chrom, who competed on behalf of Flavia. Now, Basilio seemed ready to regain his old position, if Bowser's raw power was any indication.

The teams for each Khan stood at opposite ends of the arena. On Flavia's side were the knights Frederick and Sully on horseback. They flanked their Exalt, Chrom, who was in the centre. Bringing up the rear were Maribelle the mounted troubadour, Miriel the mage, and Cordelia the pegasus knight. On Basilio's side were Bowser, Link, and Sveta forming the front line. The back line was made up of Sheena, Kevin, and Zelda. Both sides were anxious, but ready to fight.

In the stands was Lissa, the blonde princess of the Halidom. Nearby were the East and West Khans, who anxiously awaited the start of the match. Next to them were the remaining Explorers, which consisted of Lana, Sonia, and Abel. "Come on guys! You can do it!" cheered Lana.

When the buzzer sounded, Frederick and Sully immediately charged at Basilio's front line. At the same time, Bowser spit a fireball at Frederick, who moved his head away. Just before Frederick hit him, Bowser leapt into the air. Upon landing behind Frederick, the ensuing tremor spooked his horse, knocking Frederick off. Miriel hurled a fireball at Kevin, who darted away. In retaliation, he fired three shots, all of which struck a magical barrier of light.

Sully charged with lance held out and clanged against Link's shield. Sully stopped and attempted to thrust again, but Link blocked. Link backed away and swung with the Master Sword, which unleashed a bolt of iridescent energy. Sully tilted her body to avoid the sword beam. She moved closer and threw a thrust, which Link evaded with a roll. Link gained distance and hurled sword beams at her. Sully simply raised her shield and blocked them all.

Cordelia flew in range overhead and hurled javelins at Sonia. They harmlessly struck a bubble of protective gold light surrounding her. Kevin fired back in retaliation. Cordelia banked her pegasus to avoid the shots. Sonia slammed Smites at her, but Cordelia evaded those as well and ascended. She then hurled javelins at Kevin. Using Motion Control, Kevin caused them to veer off course and hit the ground harmlessly.

Miriel tagged Kevin with a fireball, knocking him down. He got back up and returned fire, hitting her barrier. He then projected a wave of force, nudging her back slightly. He followed by levitating and hurling her at the nearest wall. Miriel righted herself and touched the wall feet first. She lobbed more fireballs, which Kevin deflected with Motion Control. Becoming exhausted, a force wave slipped through her guard and knocked her down.

Zelda impaled an arrow into the side of Cordelia's pegasus. The winged horse lost altitude, but managed to reach land safely. Bowser suddenly dashed forward and grabbed Cordelia. He then tossed her into a side wall. Sully charged at him and Bowser prepared to block. Moments before striking, she suddenly turned her horse around. Bowser was perplexed and dropped his guard, only to get kicked in the face by her horse. He got knocked onto his back and trapped in that position by the spikes on his shell.

Maribelle waved her magic wand, casting a spell upon Miriel. The mage glowed white as her fatigue cleared and her wounds healed. Sheena hurled ofuda at Maribelle, unseating her from her horse. Sheena hurled more ofuda, which Maribelle could only dodge. Sheena eventually caught her in the face with a knockout blow. Miriel hurled a fireball at Sheena. It struck her, and she vanished in smoke, leaving behind a log.

Sveta evaded Chrom's slash, as well as his second. She hurled lightning, which Chrom deflected. She then hurled a blade of air, but Chrom leapt up and came down with an overhead chop. Sveta evaded it and the following slash. She darted in and chopped the Falchion out of his hands. She staggered him with a kick to the knee and darted in with a flurry of strikes to the chest. A bell started to ring, signifying the end of the match.

Since the match had taken too long, the judges were left to decide the winner. "The winner of this match, by decision, is Team Basilio! Give our new Great Khan a round of applause!" said the announcer.

Sheena helped Kevin get up from the ground. They then joined in assisting Bowser. Basilio stood up to bask in the adulation of the crowd. His face was beaming with joy at regaining his position as Great Khan after having Flavia break his streak with Chrom's help. "Now that you're the new Great Khan, please form the alliance with us and Ylisse," said Lana.

"Of course... Ferox, Ylisse, and Videoland will join together to protect the Outrealm Gate," said Basilio.

"Thank you," said Lana.

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The Explorers returned to the Outrealm Gate temple after taking part in the celebratory feast after the tournament. "Man, that was some party!" said Kevin as they approached the entrance of the temple. "Now that I think about it, I never got to try their ham."

"First come, first served," said Bowser. "Snooze, you lose."

"At least we got to the turkey," said Sonia. "It was delicious with the apple sauce."

A loud rumbling resounded from somewhere. "What was that?" asked Zelda.

"It came from inside the temple!" said Link.

The Explorers rushed inside to find Anna trying to maintain her footing. The temple was shaking from something causing tremors from below. Some loose rubble fell from the roof, descending straight for Anna's head. Kevin immediately lagged the rubble, forcing it to snap back to the roof just a few feet from hitting her head. Kevin kept the rubble cycling in a loop, never able to fall all the way before being returned to the roof.

Link quickly ran in and bundled Anna out of the way. Kevin allowed the chunk of roof to crash to the ground. "Were you hurt?" Link asked.

"No, I'm fine," said Anna.

Suddenly, a hole burst open in the ground and out popped the head of a serpent made entirely out of rocky segments. "Whoa!" said Kevin, upon seeing it burst out so suddenly. Two more burst out of the ground and the three glared at the Explorers.

The three stone serpents continued to glare at the Explorers. "What are those things?" asked Lana.

"Those are Onix," said Kevin. "They're Pokemon."

One of the Onix lunged at Sveta, who sidestepped the attack. The Onix crashed into the ground and punched a hole into it. Link felt tremors move under him and quickly darted away. An Onix burst through the ground just seconds after. It lunged at Link, who evaded by diving away. Zelda released an arrow at the Onix, but it merely deflected off of the Pokemon's stone body. The Onix turned its attention to her. Link hurled a boomerang at it, but it deflected off of the rock.

"That won't work," said Sonia.

Bowser blew a fireball at the third. It hit and exploded, but the Onix only got a little scorched and nudged back by the attack. "Fire won't work either," said Kevin. "It's too confining here. We have to lure them outside."

The Explorers vacated the temple with Link bundling Anna to safety out of the building. The first Onix burst out of the ground before the path of the group. Abel blasted that Onix with ice. The Onix roared in agony as a glistening coating immobilized its body. "Fire and physical attacks don't work, but ice certainly does!" said Abel.

"Yes, they are weak against ice and water," said Kevin.

"Water you say?" asked Abel. When the other two Onix resurfaced to attack, Abel immediately conjured tidal waves against them. They scooped the two Pokemon out of their holes and hurled them to the ground. The Onix lay motionless and sprawled on the ground. Abel immediately encased both Pokemon in ice to restrain them. "I have a feeling that these creatures don't originate from Ylisse."

"No, they don't. They're Pokemon, so they come from the Pokemon World," said Kevin.

"So, they came through the warp?" asked Sheena.

"Yes," replied Kevin.

"With the warps open, incidents like this are going to happen," said Lana. "Thank goodness we got here before they hurt someone."

"What will you do with those creatures?" asked Anna.

"We should bring them home," replied Sonia. "I don't think they meant to come here. They must have got here by wandering through a warp."

"Let's report back to father," said Lana. "After that, we'll drop the Onix off with the proper authorities and begin exploration in the Pokemon World."

**END OF CHAPTER**


End file.

Game X-overs, Adventure