The Duel
#12 of Freedom Figthers
Again a big thanks to Russ for use of his characters. Also thanks to those who emailed me wondering when the next chapter was coming out. Hope I don't disappoint on this one.
Thanos sat in his chambers, eyes focused on nothing. Time was running out and he still hasn't completed what he was supposed to do. He gripped the armrests tightly as his hands began to crush the stone armrests. An evil aura started to emit from him as he let out a growl. Zalbag looked at him confused and scared.
"What is wrong my lord?" Zalbag asked.
"My time is running out."
"I don't understand my lord."
Thanos got up and walked over to the corner of the room. He stepped on a large metal platform that started to descend lower.
"Where are you going my lord?"
"To negotiate my contract" Thanos said as he disappeared from view.
The platform stopped with a clank in the underground passageway. He got off and started walking through the dimly lit hallway. Cobwebs hung over the small candles casting its shadows on the wall. The hallway opened up to a small room with an altar in the middle. Thanos knelt in front of the altar causing everything to go dark. A ring of light went
around him as a yellow flame appeared.
"Have you brought Tyrant?" a voice said.
"Not yet."
"Why is it taking so long?"
"Forgive me. It appears the boy is causing more trouble then he's worth."
The flame went from yellow to red.
"I'm growing impatience with you Thanos. You've been on that planet far to long to not have results."
"We are trying everything possible, but the boy is a lot stronger then we anticipated."
"Stop with the fucking excuses" the voice said causing the flame to grow. "I grow tired of living in this void. Tyrant has the power I need to be set free but you are denying me."
The flame got smaller as the voice chuckled.
"You don't want to release me do you? You can see the full power Tyrant really possess and want it all to yourself?"
"Of course not my liege."
"I gave you the extra power you needed along with the power you were born with should've been enough to win the War of the Gods. But you let a little wolf beat you, and with Tyrant's power nonetheless."
Thanos balled his fists angrily and gritted his teeth.
"I will not make the same mistake twice."
"See that you don't. Don't make me regret my decision about you. Because dispite the power I gave you, I can strip from you at anytime, including your ability to use the Power stones too. That and you need me free to help the transformation into what you desire."
"Yes my liege. I will take matters into my own hands now.
"Good. Now get out of my sight and don't come back until you have both Tyrant and the Light stone."
The flame disappeared as the candles lit up again. Thanos got up and headed for the metal platform and returned to his chambers. Zalbag was pacing back and forth until he heard the metal clank of the platform.
"My lord, is everything all right?"
Thanos stood still before giving a wicked smile.
"Zalbag?"
"Yes my lord?"
"I think its time I had a little chat."
"Do you think that's wise?"
"Maybe I can show him the light."
"What if that doesn't work?"
He opened his hand as an image of me appeared.
"Then we'll see just how much of the Light stone he can use."
He started laughing as he closed his hand shattering the image.
My body felt weak as I opened my eyes. Jenna and Tiger were already gone as Tasha was grooming her fur. She looked over to see me looking at her as she smiled. Placing the comb down, she walked over and laid her head on my chest murring deeply.
"You were wonderful last night."
"I don't want to remember" I said groggily.
"Ah, poor baby. Did we hurt you?" she said licking my nipple making me shiver lightly.
"Hurt doesn't cut it. I felt abused."
"You know you love every bit of that abuse."
I chuckled at that as she was right. Giving and receiving anal was a new twist I didn't expect. I wrapped my arm around her and kissed her lightly.
"Can we get a quickie before breakfast?" she asked moving her crotch over mine rubbing lightly.
My stomach started to growl as Tasha chuckled.
"I take it your stomach just denied me?"
"In more ways then one."
"Dang" she said standing up. "Guess I can wait until later."
She finished combing her tail before heading to the door.
"I'll see you in the conference room."
"Okay."
I stood up and stretched, hearing a couple of joints crack making me groan.
"Damn, I guess I am getting old. When all this is over I'm gonna need one hell of a vacation."
Walking over to the window, I opened the curtains as the sunlight poured in. It was getting close to fall as the trees outside started turning various colors making the forest a vivid and beautiful painting. Getting dressed, I noticed that all my clothes were washed. I
have to thank whoever did it. As I got to the door, I stopped and shivered. Today's going to be one those days I wished I stayed asleep. Shrugging it off, I walked out and headed for the conference room.
"Hey that was my piece of bacon" Greywolf said.
"You snooze you lose bro" Tiger said munching down.
"So it's like that huh? Okay, I'll show you."
Greywolf grabbed Tiger's cup of orange juice and drank it down.
"That was the last bit of OJ" Tiger whined watching Greywolf drink it all.
"Too bad. It was good to" Greywolf said licking his lips.
Tiger growled and tackled Greywolf as the wrestled on the ground. I avoided the mass of black and white on the ground and sat down next to Jenna.
"Enjoy last night?" she said with a smile.
"Very much until I had no feeling down there."
"Can we do it again?" she asked moving her hand up my leg.
"Maybe when I'm more prepared" I said running my finger down the inside of her thigh making her shiver.
"Here you go" my mom said handing me a big plate of pancakes.
"Sweet" I said as my stomach growled again.
I started digging in when Chris rushed in.
"Arn, Arn, you got to help me."
"Mmgrmhbrgra" I said with my mouth full.
"Either finish eating or talk to me?"
I looked at him before going back to eating. Chris sighed and shook his head.
"I'm sorry, bad choice. Will you hear me out?"
I grabbed the glass of milk and swallowed it down letting out a sigh of relief.
"What do you want?"
"It's Nicole's birthday today and I don't know what to get her."
"What's that got to do with me?"
"This is my first true love man. I don't want to mess it up. Besides, you seem to know how to make the ladies love you."
"That he does" Tasha, Jenna, and Anna said at the same time making me blush a little.
"You see Arn, you're a ladies man" Chris said with a smile.
"Fine fine whatever. Can I please finish eating?"
"Thanks Arn. I'll wait for outside."
I resumed eating as my mom looked at me. She smiles at me as I blush as I can tell she knows about last night.
"You must've been really hungry."
"If you were involved in the strenuous activity I was in, you would be too."
"Don't tell me you didn't enjoy last night?" Tiger said with a grin.
"I didn't say I didn't. It was a very pleasant but....awkward experience" I said still remembering thrusting into Tiger.
I finished eating and headed outside where Chris was pacing back and forth next to his car. He looked up and saw me coming.
"Took long enough. Come on let's go."
He sled across the hood and opened the door. I got in and closed the door before he took off like a shot snapping my neck back from the whiplash.
"Dammit Chris, can I at least get my seatbelt on?"
"No time. We're already late."
"The mall closes at 9, its only 11:30."
"Doesn't matter. What ever you help me choose to get has to be right I don't want to screw this up."
The shopping mall was unusually packed today. People were carrying various bags to and from stores. Little kids were crying to their parents for that toy they'll get tired of after a few days. Chris didn't waste any time as he headed right for the jewelry store.
"Nothing says I love you and happy birthday then a big ass rock huh Arn?" Chris said looking at various rings.
"If you say so" I said leaning on the wall.
"Greetings sir. What can I do...Chris?"
Chris looked up to see a cute raccoon femme looking at him. He blinked a couple of times before his eyes went wide.
"Amber?"
"Oh my god. It is you" Amber said giving the still shocked Chris a hug.
"What...um are you...doing here?" Chris asked.
"I work here silly. Wow, you've gotten big and cute."
Chris smiled and blushed.
"Thanks. You've gotten healthy to I see" he said staring at her breasts.
"Still the little perv I see?" she said chuckling.
"That's what makes me, me."
"So I noticed. What are you doing here?"
"I need something that says I love you and happy birthday all in one."
"You got a girlfriend? Who's the lucky victim...I mean person?"
"Very funny" Chris said looking a tad hurt.
"Sorry, you left yourself wide open for that one. Come on, I'll show you some special stuff on sale" Amber said guiding Chris to the back.
Bah, I didn't want any part of it. I closed my eyes as the sounds of screaming children and corny music rocked my ears. After a couple of minutes, everything got strangely quiet. I opened my eyes to see everybody frozen in place.
"What the hell?"
I walked over to Chris and tapped him a couple of times. He wasn't turned to stone, even though that wouldn't be a bad thing.
"Suspended animation? Such a glorious thing, don't you think?" a voice said behind me.
I turned around to see the monster of all monsters.
"Thanos!!" I said balling my fists angrily charging my power for a defensive stance.
"Easy there tiger, I've come to talk" Thanos said holding his hands up.
"Why should I listen to anything you have to say?"
"Because I know a couple of things about you."
I looked at him awkwardly and relaxed somewhat but kept my guard up.
"All right, enlighten me" I said.
Thanos smiled as he put his hands behind his back
"Do you know why I'm doing what I'm doing?"
"Because you're a psychopath?"
"Close, but no. I'm trying to achieve my goal."
"What goal?"
"The goal of becoming a true god."
Okay, now I know somebody who's nuttier then Chris.
"A true god?"
"That's right."
Thanos disappeared and reappeared on the ceiling, walking upside down.
"Haven't you ever wondered why you can use the Light stone like you can?" Thanos said walking along the ceiling.
Now that he mentioned it, I never did know why I could use it or how.
"I'll tell you why" Thanos said disappearing again and appearing right behind me. "You and I are just alike."
"There's no way I'm like you" I said angrily.
"Oh but you are. We both have the blood of a god running through our veins. Soa tried to hide it from me but I found out, just like you would someday. He tried to deny me the power that was rightly mine by blood.
This caught me off guard as Thanos chuckled.
"That's why you are able to use the Light stone. The blood in your body grants you that power, just like me. It also protects you from the destructive effects for the most part, but you are still being aged by it" he said as I ran my fingers through hair remembering the grey I now had and the aches I had this morning.
Thanos disappeared again laughing.
"Think about it boy" he said standing next to a guy that looked about the same age as me. "Do you think a mere human like this can use the "Dragon Slave" and live through it?"
He was right about that. The wear and tear that attack does on you body is immense.
"As soon as he was finished, his body would be torn apart."
"Get to the point."
"Very well" Thanos said looking at me. "I want you to join me. Together we can rule the universe and beyond like the gods we are."
"Tempting offer, but I'll have to pass."
"What if I told you I could unlock the true power you have?"
"I'll find it myself."
I saw Thanos's eyes grow angry then an evil smile was shown.
"Okay then final offer. A duel."
"Duel?"
"Yes. You and me, one on one."
"Sounds interesting, what's the catch?"
"Simple really. If you win, I will hand over all the power stones no questions asked."
"And if you win?" I said raising an eyebrow.
Thanos's smile grew wider.
"If I win, then you will hand over the Light stone and become my retainer. I will teach the way a god is supposed to be."
I crossed my arms and thought about it.
"You don't have to answer right away. I will give you until the next full moon, which is in 2 days. If you accept, then meet me in Attowa Chasm. If you don't accept, then I will stop wasting time playing these games with you and personally see to it that you and your friends never see the sunrise."
Thanos snapped his finger as a black hole appeared behind him.
"Remember, 2 days."
He walked inside as the hole started to close before he poked his head back out.
"Oh yeah, don't tell anybody about this. Interference is not allowed."
"You should talk."
"I'll keep Zalbag from the area. If he does interfere in anyway shape or form, I will forfeit and hand over the stones. If your friends interfere, I will not hesitate in killing EVERY single one of you."
The hole closed as everything went back to normal.
"2 days huh? I better start getting ready" I said to myself when Chris tapped my shoulder.
"You okay dude?"
"Couldn't be better. You ready?"
"Yeah, I'm all set."
Thanos appeared in his chambers as Zalbag looked at him.
"Did everything go well my lord?" Zalbag asked.
"It went better then I hoped. Everything will be decided in 2 days."
"I don't understand. What will be decided?"
Thanos chuckled as he called over 2 slaves.
"Don't worry my friend. Things are going according to plan."
"Well well what a good surprise" my father said looking at Skorp and Luna.
"How are you?" Luna said with a smile.
"Everything is going well. So what brings you here?" my mom asked.
"Lord Soa is going to take Ultimus to the last part of the Claire Bible" Skorp said.
"Where is Lord Soa? I'm anxious to meet him" Greywolf said as his tail moved back and forth happily.
"We are here to take Ultimus to him" Luna said.
"Well Ultimus went with Chris to the mall" Jenna said.
"When will they be back?" Skorp asked.
"Knowing Chris, it could be hours" my mom said with a laugh.
I looked at the diamond covered dolphin attached to a 24 karat gold necklace. This thing had to cost at least 2 grand.
"Damn man, I wish I was this rich" I said.
"Love this deep doesn't need a price tag" Chris said pulling into the dirt road.
"Yeah sure. So how much did this cost you?"
"2 grand."
"Rich bastard" I said shaking my head.
He pulled the car to a stop as we got out and headed inside. We walked into the conference room where everybody was.
"Welcome back" Venom said looking at me.
"Thanks" I said looking at Skorp and Luna. "What brings you 2 here?"
"We've come to get you. Lord Soa is waiting for you" Skorp said.
"Where at?"
"Ru'Aun Gardens, in the sky" Luna said.
"In the sky? How do we get there?" I asked.
"You'll see. Are you ready?" Skorp asked.
"Ready whenever."
We headed for the door before Tasha stopped me.
"Ultimus wait. I need to tell you something."
"I'll talk to you when I get back cutey. It shouldn't take long."
"But..."
"Relax beautiful. I'll be back before you know it. Then I'll be all yours okay?" I said kissing her softly.
She watched us leave before sitting down. Tears started forming in her eyes as she thought about the outcome of what she was going to tell me.
"I finally get to meet the man of the hour" I said walking next to Skorp.
"Something like that" Skorp said with a smile.
We walked through the forest until we came to clearing.
"Here we are" Skorp said.
I looked around confused.
"I thought you said we were going in the sky?"
"We are" Luna said. "Just need to activate the gate."
Luna walked up and held her out as a light glow surrounded her. The ground started to shake as a stone platform rose up out of the opening in the ground. The pentagram in the middle started to glow white as Luna stepped on it.
"Let's go" she said with a smile before disappearing in a flash of light.
Skorp stepped on and disappeared leaving me. I was a little nervous at first but stepped on. A tingling sensation went up my spine as I felt light. My vision was blinded as I disappeared. When I opened my eyes, I was in a lush meadow. Butterflies floated from flower to flower as birds were singing in the trees. This place looked like paradise from a
child's story book.
"Welcome to Ru'Aun Gardens" Skorp said.
"Wow" I said looking around. "Am I in heaven or something?"
"Of course not silly" Luna said with a laugh. "This place is more then a couple of decades old. This is where Ramza and Kirin got officially mated."
"I can see why they choose this place."
"Come, lord Soa is waiting" Skorp said walking off.
We walked along a path that was covered in flower petals of various flowers. I couldn't help but notice that there were no clouds. Being curious, I walked over to the edge and looked down. It was a LONG way down covered by the clouds as my head started to spin.
"Scared of heights are we?" Skorp laughed looking at me.
"No, of course not" I said shivering.
"Don't worry, you can't fall. There's an invisible barrier all along the edges."
I stuck my hand out as I touched something solid as it let out a small hum. Well they were right about the falling part at least. We continued walking until we saw a lone figure sitting under a cherry blossom tree covered by shade. He was on the far side so I couldn't see him well.
"Greetings" the figure said.
That voice shocked me.
"Crystal?" I said confused.
The figure got up and walked towards us. As he got closer, Crystal emerged with a smile on his face.
"Welcome Ultimus" he said with a smile.
"Wait a minute?" I said holding my head. "What's going on here?" I asked confused.
Crystal laughed as I held my head which was still spinning from looking down.
"I can tell you have a lot of questions running through your head."
"You don't know the half."
"I will answer what I can. But first, let me change."
He waved his hand as a wall of cherry blossom leaves surrounded him as a bright light covered his body. They scattered soon after leaving a little kid with shorts and a shirt in its place. "Shall we?" Soa said gesturing his hands towards the moss covered castle.
We started walking towards the castle which was separated by a large gap.
"How do we get across?" I asked, still amazed that Soa had been with us all along disguised as Crystal.
"Simple: walk across" Soa said placing his foot on thin air.
The place where his foot landed rippled like a wave as they walked across leaving me behind on the other side.
"You won't fall" Soa said looking back at me. "Trust me."
I took a big breath and stepped forward as I met the invisible bridge. Looking down, I saw nothing but white clouds and no bottom. My head spun again as I got dizzy and stepped back.
"I can't do this" I said shaking lightly.
"Yes you can. Here, take my hand" Luna said walking up to me.
I took her hand as she led me across.
"There, you see that wasn't so bad" she said smiling at me.
"Come along. The last part is inside" Soa said walking in.
The inside was old as cracks were seen all along the wall. Pillars were broken and laid on the floor as light poured in from the holes in the ceilings. Further inside, the hallway opened up to a huge room with a path surrounded by water. 6 statues were inside, 3 on each side. One statue stood above a door on the other side. It was a statue of an
angel with 6 wings holding a sword over his shoulder. I looked at it as I felt the stone in my chest react to it.
"Who is that?" I asked.
"That is Modeen, god of light. He's the one that made this place" Skorp said.
"You're also the one who carries his divine gene in your blood" Soa added.
I stopped and looked at my hands.
"So that's what he meant by me having the blood of a god" I said out loud.
"What do you mean what he said?" Luna asked.
"It's nothing" I said shaking my head.
"Over here" Skorp said.
We walked over to the door as it had 6 colored jewels imbedded in it. Soa started to whistle a strange tune as the jewels reacted. When he was finished, the jewels shined brightly before the door slid open. Inside, an orb floated inside a column of red light. We walked up to it as the light died down.
"Go ahead Ultimus, finish the Light stone" Soa said.
I nodded my head and walked up to it. Touching it caused a bright light to flash. Once the light died down, a red dragon looked down at us.
"Is he the one?" it said in a very feminine voice.
"Correct. He is the shining light in the sea of darkness" Soa said.
"I see" the dragon said giving a smile. "Are you ready?"
"I am" I said.
The dragon glowed bright red as it dove for my chest blinding my vision.
"Kirin? Kirin where are you?"
My vision came back as I saw Ramza shifting through the wreckage of what appeared to be a castle. He had numerous cuts on his body as a trail of blood went from the top of his head down the left side of his face.
"Kirin, please answer me" he whined tossing a huge chunk of the building over his shoulder.
A small whine grabbed his attention as he rushed over. Underneath a huge piece of wreckage was Kirin. He lifted the broken wall quickly and held her gently.
"Kirin, love, can you hear me?"
He placed his hand over her heart as it glowed a soft yellow causing her body to glow as well. She opened her eyes and held his hand.
"Ramza?" she said weakly.
"Hold on Kirin. I'll save you. Just save your strength."
She pulled his hand away as he looked confused.
"Don't worry...about me."
"I don't want to lose you."
She lifted her hand weakly, touching the side of his face.
"You...have a...duty to...fulfill."
"But..."
"It's okay...Ramza. I...shall always...be with you."
A single tear went down Ramza's face which Kirin caught.
"Just...do me...one last favor?"
"Anything."
"Kiss me...one last time."
Ramza moved his head down and kissed her softly. She gave a soft whine closing her eyes. When he broke off, she had her eyes closed and had stopped breathing. A single tear came down her face.
"Took her long enough to die."
Ramza growled and turned his head to see Tyrant with his arms crossed. He was in bad shape too as he had a gash over his right eye causing blood to seep into it. His shirt was torn as blood was all over his body.
"I'm surprised she could even talk with the injuries she sustained. Humph, I guess she had more will power then the others I killed in the castle huh?"
"You bastard. I'll kill you" Ramza yelled glowing white with power.
Tyrant chuckled and took a stance, a crimson red aura started to glow around him.
"Shall we finish what we started now that the sentimental stuff is over?" Tyrant said with a smile.
Ramza took off like a shot towards Tyrant who laughed. They both connected on a swing which caused an explosion where they were as I covered my eyes. I opened my eyes to see Ramza on one knee with Thanos looking over him. Ramza was holding his chest breathing hard.
"I'm impressed you still have strength left after fighting Tyrant" Thanos said with a smile.
Ramza grimaced and held his chest harder as he felt the binds he placed on Tyrant using the "Dimension Change" weaken and Tyrant start to push his power onto him.
"I'm going to break free. And when I do, I promise you a slow and very painful death Tyrant growled struggling on the binds.
"Hahahaha, I can see Tyrant trying to see how his new host is. You've should've killed him instead of absorbing him. Maybe you want his power for your own hmmmm?" Thanos said.
"Shut up" Ramza growled standing up glowing with a red aura.
"It makes no difference. Once I kill you and get the Light stone, I will be one step closer to achieving my goal. It's a shame. I wanted to have some fun with you but you are in no shape to keep me entertained. So I guess I'll finish this quickly" Thanos said floating in the air.
Thanos laughed as the stones in his hands began to glow covering him in a black aura as he held up his hands. A purple ball began to form growing bigger every second.
"I've destroyed countless planets with this attack. So why not let you experience the same joy. See you in the after life, die Ramza."
The ball was 5 times the size of earth as he threw it at Ramza. It fell towards him slowly but with massive power behind it. Ramza stood up slowly and looked at it.
"It's over Ramza. You don't have the power left to defend against an attack of that magnitude" Tyrant said with a laugh.
"Maybe I don't, but you do" Ramza said with a smile.
"What are you talking about?"
Ramza closed his eyes and held his hands forward like he was holding a sword. The winds started to pick up around him as he concentrated.
"You bastard. How dare you use my own attack."
"What's good for the goose is good for the gander right?" Ramza said with a smile.
A black vortex surrounded him as lighting struck the ground. Thanos looked on with anger as a sword made of pure black lighting began to form in Ramza's hands.
"The "Ragna Blade"? That's impossible. Your body shouldn't be able to stand the stress of a high level attack like that."
"When you're using a different power source, anything is possible" Ramza said with a smile.
The "Ragna Blade" completed with a burst of power as Ramza held the handle. He leapt into the air and took a swing at Thanos's attack. It connected with a bang as Ramza struggled with it. Thanos laughed as he applied more power.
"Your power is fading every second you hold the "Ragna Blade" Thanos said with a laugh.
Ramza gritted his teeth as his body started to give out slowly. He closed his eyes, a single tear fell down his cheek.
"I can't do this" he said softly.
"Ramza..." a voice said softly.
"Kirin..?" Ramza said opening his eyes.
"Ramza, my love, don't give up. I will give you the rest of my spiritual power. Always remember my love, I will be with you."
She floated over and hugged Ramza as she got absorbed into his body causing him to glow.
"What's going on here?" Thanos said feeling his power level boost dramatically.
"This battle ends right now" Ramza yelled.
With the extra power he got, he reared back and with a powerful swing, cut Thanos's attack in two as it exploded. Thanos covered his eyes from the light. He opened his eyes in time to see Ramza plunge the blade into him. He let out a yell and held onto it.
"Wait...please...Ramza, don't do this."
"You're time for forgiveness is over, DIE" Ramza snarled pulling the blade up his body.
Thanos let out a yell before falling to the ground in flames. He hit the ground with an explosion as a dome of black fire covered the impact zone. Ramza let out a sigh as the "Ragna Blade" disappeared. Out of reserves, he fell to the ground. Before he hit the ground, my vision went white. When my vision came back, I was in the room holding the orb in my hand.
"Now you know everything that has happened" Soa said.
"All of this bullshit, just to achieve his goal" I said angrily.
"But enough dwelling on the past. I know you have many questions for me. Let me answer them over something to eat."
"Deal" I said dusting my hands off and following them out the room.
"Why have you returned?" the voice said.
"I have come to tell you it will be over in 2 days" Thanos said on one knee.
"You will have Tyrant and the Light stone in your possession?"
"And I will also have a new retainer to hold my power."
The voice laughed causing the flame to flicker.
"Now you are thinking like the person I want as my right hand man."
"Thank you my liege. It will be my honor."
They both started laughing as the stones on Thanos's hands glowed dimly.
"Wow, have you got enough food?" I said looking at the table full of food.
"You can never have enough" Soa said with a smile. "Please, eat."
"Don't mind if I do" I said sitting down.
I started eating as Soa, Skorp, and Luna looked on.
"All right, first question" I said with my mouth semi full. "Why are you disguised as Crystal?"
"I wanted to watch your growth and progress. I needed to see with my own eyes that you could use the Light stone and truly be one with it. That and do you really think I'll keep out of something that would decide the fate of all life on earth?"
"No, I guess not. Well, did I pass?"
"In more ways then one" Soa said drinking a cup of wine.
"All those battles I was in, you could've easily won. Why didn't you?"
"Because if I did, you wouldn't be the man I see today. Those battles, life threaten as they were, built a strong bond between you and the Light stone. This is why you can use it without even thinking about it."
He was right. It seems lately I could draw on the Light stone more often then thinking about it.
"Second question. Why do I have the blood of a god?"
Soa chuckled and rested his head in his hands.
"The gods of old, well before my time, came to earth disguised as humans or morphs to seduce females and mate. This resulted in children of unbelievable power and strength, such as the well known Hercules."
"Who hasn't heard the stories about him" I said drinking down some wine.
"But over the years, that divine blood became diluted as those children had other children. It wasn't long before the blood line worn out. But, once every 200 years, that divine gene is re-awakened. It produces people like Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Adolph Hitler, Me, Thanos, and you. Every one of your friends has that divine gene woken up, which is why I had your mother gather you all. Together, you've proven to be a force to be reckoned with."
"So why can I use the Light stone better then Ramza?"
"Because Ramza wasn't a descendant of Modeen."
I scratched my head trying to make sense of everything. Soa chuckled as he turned to Skorp. Skorp nodded his head and looked at me.
"Do you know what the Power stones really are?" he asked. I shook my head no.
"They are fragment of the gods. A piece of their body, so to speak. Istar, god of power, Gannon, god of time, Ginyu, god of space, Valz, god of reality, Ruben, god of chaos, Tenzen, god of soul, and Modeen, god of light."
"Each of your friends is a direct descendant of one of those gods. Which one, we don't know for sure" Luna added.
"So which one is Ramza?" I asked.
"He was a descendant of Valz. It took some time for him to adjust to the Light stone but he managed it" Soa said.
"So what can I do that he couldn't?" I asked.
"You can unlock the full power of the Light stone, which I put a block on."
"You put a block on it? Why?"
"Because you wouldn't be able to handle the stress of the power outage it would truly produce. It's like a muscle, the more you used it, the better your body was at handling its power."
"So how can I unlock it?"
"That, is a question, you already know the answer too" Soa said with a smile. "I will say this, Shadow-mane was right about the need to let go of that anger and hatred you have. Such dark emotions only serve to hold back its real power."
I sighed and held my head.
"So what about Thanos? What blood does he have in him?"
"He has the blood of Ruben in him. I thought I did a good thing taking him under my wing and training him. He had no clue that he had that blood in him. But when he found out, he became obsessed that he could become a true god like they were. I still have no idea how the hell he found out though."
"Which is why he took the power stones" Luna added. "He said that he would become the god he was meant to be and would not be denied. The power stones are not meant to be used the way he is using them. He is drunk with power."
"You can say that again" I said crossing my arms.
Soa sighed and leaned back in the chair.
"I could've prevented all of this from happening if I just ignored him. But he grabbed my curiosity. So I trained him with every stone, which is why he can use them so good."
"Okay, another question, why is he so interested in Tyrant?"
Soa shrugged his shoulders.
"You're guess is as good as mine. He is still a mystery to me. The only thing I can say is he is not one to be played with."
I sat back in the chair I was in and closed my eyes.
"So what did Thanos speak to you about?" Soa asked.
"How do you know I met him?"
"I haven't lived this long for nothing. I can use the Light stone to pick up on things you are doing."
I chuckled and poured some more wine.
"He's challenged me to a duel on the next full moon."
"When is that?" Luna asked.
I looked outside to see the sky turning orange meaning it was evening time.
"Tomorrow night."
"I see. Are you prepared?" Skorp asked.
"To be honest with you, I really don't know. When I met him face to face for the first time, I felt...powerless. The aura around him is unreal."
"Don't get discouraged. Thanos can be beaten" Soa said sternly. "I take it there's no interference from both parties?"
"Correct. He also said if I don't show up, then he'll kill all of us quickly."
"Smells like a trap" Skorp said crossing his hands.
"Trap or not, I have to go. Whether I win or lose, I have to try, for everybody's sake" I said balling my fists up.
"Well spoken. Very well, let us rest here for the night. Luna, show him to his room."
"One more thing, do you know anything about Shadow-mane and Faleen?" I watched him smile.
"Yes I know of them, and how powerful they are. I know of Canis their god, to whom they serve. When Faleen said her power matched that of Thanos, that was not idle boasting. She is over 1200 of our years old. Having lived that long and having learned many arcane secrets, she has become what Thanos desires, a Demi-Goddess.
"A what?" I asked not sure I was hearing this.
"In her realm, when mortals reach a certain level of power they are offered the chance of ascending to a level of Divinity, but requires the assistance of a god. Thanos is trying to bypass that when it's not possible, at least to my knowledge it isn't."
"And Shadow-mane?"
"He is the champion of Canis God of nature, the moon and all canines. Canis and Modeen are good friends, even though Canis is more or less unknown in our world. Canis sends Shadow-mane into battle rarely and only when he can't afford for a task to fail. He has blessed Shadow-mane with enhanced powers and abilities, and those twin swords of
his."
I began to have a much higher respect for him now as Soa continued.
"And with Canis being a friend of Modeen I suspect that is why he blessed you with Firestorm."
I watched Soa pull out the sword Tasha found and he tossed it to me. "Keep that blade on you. It will save you life when you need it most. Like the bracers Faleen gave you it can also channel the energy of the stones, and enhance it. But unlike the bracers it can't be burnt out."
I looked at the sword realizing it was a gift from a god not sure how to deal with it.
"To quote Clash of the Titans: A divine gift should never be questioned, merely accepted. Now you need to get some rest" Skorp said.
"Of course. Come along Ultimus."
I got up and followed her upstairs. She walked to the last room and opened the door. The room was huge with a king size bed with curtains surrounding it. A window was on the side as it gave a beautiful view of the sun setting. A dresser was in the corner on along with a mirror. On the floor, a huge rug with the symbol of a shield was laid out. I went
over and sat on the bed as it was soft.
"If you need anything, just ask. Have a good night" Luna said with a bow before closing the door.
I got up and walked to the window looking out. The fate of the world rested on my shoulders tomorrow. No pressure right?
"What the fuck" I said tiredly.
I took off my clothes save the boxers and slipped under the covers. So many things were running through my head that as soon as I closed my eyes I was fast asleep.
"Holy shit. Are you serious?" Chris said looking at Tasha.
"Yes. I did it."
"Oh my god" Chris said pacing back and forth but then stop. "Oh my god" he said again and started pacing.
"What do you think he will do to me when I tell him?" Tasha said sadly.
Chris stopped in his tracks and looked at her.
"I don't know. But know this, I will back you up 100%."
"Thank you Chris. I'm sorry to disturb you but I figured I tell you so I know what to expect from Ultimus tomorrow."
"Arn has never in his life hit a woman. I don't think he will hit you. Scream, yell, and break things are a must in this situation, but he'll never hit you."
"Okay, thank you again Chris" Tasha said walking away before Chris stopped her.
"Whatever happens, always remember that he loves you. Hearing what you tell him tomorrow WILL NOT change that."
She smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek before heading back to her bedroom.
I woke up feeling refreshed and new. Whatever was in that food gave me lots of energy. I sat up only to feel an arm around my chest. Looking to my left, I saw Luna fast asleep. I gave out a yell of surprise and fell out the bed waking her up.
"What's wrong? Did you have a nightmare?" she asked.
"No. But why are you in the same bed as me?"
She blushed heavily and turned away.
"I couldn't sleep so I came in here. You looked so peaceful in your sleep that I didn't want to bother you."
I noticed that she was topless with the blanket covering her lower half. My cheeks went red as she noticed what I was looking at.
"We didn't...you know...umm?"
"No we didn't. It wouldn't have been fair to Tasha. I already had my pleasure from you."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Remember that dream you had about me? Well that wasn't a dream really. I kind of slipped into your subconscious."
I looked at her dumbfounded as she blushed even more.
"So you mean, I made you cum for real?" I asked shocked.
"Yes, you did. I never felt that good in a long time. I really wanted you to cum in me, but Skorp caught on to me. Thus, the rude awakening."
"I only did that to wake you up."
I looked at the door as I saw Skorp standing there.
"You denied me a wet dream. You're a cock blocker."
"Say what you want. I did that because you would've never woken up."
"You goddamn right I wouldn't. I had her right in the palm of my hands and you screwed that up Skorp" I said a bit angry.
"Ultimus don't get mad please. I shouldn't have done what I did in the first place. But you were just too handsome to pass up."
I gave a grunt as I stood up and put on my clothes.
"What time is it?" I asked looking out the window.
"Around noon time" Skorp answered.
"NOON!!? Why didn't somebody wake me up? I have to get myself ready for tonight."
"We tried, but you kept saying 5 more minutes. Then wouldn't answer us at all" Soa said walking in.
"Oh my god. I have to get back and get myself mentally prepared."
"Relax yourself. Worrying about it won't help you" Soa said calmly.
He was right. I needed to calm down and relax. I still had plenty of time before the fight of my life. I took a deep breath and exhaled.
"Come, let's head back. I'll fill the others in on where we stand" Soa said snapping his fingers as a column of light appeared around him. I walked up to him with Luna as we disappeared. We reappeared in front of my home as I smiled.
"There you are" my mom said looking at me.
"What's up?" I asked.
"Tasha needs to speak to you. She's in the conference room along with everybody else."
"Okay, I'll head right over."
I headed over there with Skorp, Luna, and Soa by my side. Walking in, I saw everybody look my way.
"Hey fellas" I said raising my hand.
They didn't answer me. Instead they looked at Tasha who had her head down.
"Please, have a seat Ultimus" Tasha said motioning to a chair next to her.
Okay, something was wrong. She's never this gloomy. I sat down as she took a deep breath.
"Ultimus, what I'm about to tell you will hurt you more then you know."
"Come on, it can't be that bad, can it?" I said looking at her.
"I will understand if you hate me for what I'm about to tell you but I've kept this from you for far too long."
She grabbed my hand as I could feel her shiver slightly.
"What's going on?" I asked finally.
"Ultimus, do you remember 3 years ago, when Vikki died?" Tasha said looking me right in the eyes.
"Yeah, I do" I said sadly. "Her plane went down due to engine trouble."
"That's not entirely true."
"What?" I said shocked.
She took another deep breath and closed her eyes.
"Her plane did have engine trouble. But it was because of me."
"Come again?"
"I was the one that caused the engine failure."
Her ears went back as my mouth stood open in shock.
"I was in a fierce battle with one of Xellos's henchmen before he revived Thanos in the same area your fiancée was flying in. I threw an attack at him which he deflected and it struck the plane in the engine. I tried everything I could to stop the plane from crashing but I wasn't strong enough to stop it. I watched as it went down and exploded in flames. I hurried down to see if anybody survived. The only thing I found was this" she said lacing a crimson butterfly necklace on the table.
It was the same necklace I gave her for her 20th birthday. I can't believe this. 3 years of living in heartache and misery, all because of Tasha. I held the butterfly tightly in my right hand that it punctured the skin as blood dripped out.
"I never wanted to take her place Ultimus. I had to live with the fact that I caused you all this pain. I'm sorry."
Feelings were being tossed around inside my head as the room went quiet, then I got a sudden uncontrollable rush of pure rage. The next things happened so fast that I don't even remember what I did. I swung at Tasha and hit her so hard she slid on the floor. The back of her head hit the wall as she laid on the floor not moving. Chris was the first to react as he hit me with strength I never knew he had and knocked me out the chair. He placed his elbow in my throat and yelled at me.
"What the fuck is wrong with you Arn? Man that's a FEMALE. You never
raise your hand to a female."
I looked at her as I regained my senses as I struggled to control the anger I felt. She looked at me with sad eyes as blood from her busted lip fell on the ground. Looking at my hand, I saw her blood on my knuckles. What the hell did I just do? Who the hell am I to do that to somebody that I love more then anything? I tossed Chris off me like nothing and ran out the door, not even listening to the people who called my name. I made sure I took of the comm and took off in the air using the power of the light stone to speed up and get out of there as fast as I could, not even knowing where I was going, or really caring.
"Tasha, are you okay?" Anna asked rushing over.
"Please, leave me alone" she said softly.
"But Tasha..."
"I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE" she yelled out growling before she started crying.
"Let's give her the space she wants" Soa said walking to the door, looking up at the direction that I flew in.
Everybody hesitated but followed suit leaving the room. Chris walked over and bent down, touching her cheek softly which she whined to.
"I'm sorry" Chris said softly before leaving also.
Tasha laid there crying as the lights automatically went off leaving her in the dark.
"Please forgive me Ultimus" she said between sobs. "Please."
I landed under a tree crying my heart out for what just happened. I hit the only woman that was there for me through thick and thin after this bullshit with Thanos and what not started. What the hell did I do?
"She deserved it" Tyrant said with a grunt. "If that was me, I've would've killed her on the spot."
I didn't listen as I opened my hand with the butterfly which was coated in blood.
"You humans really are simple minded creatures. So quick in changing your emotions" Tyrant said with a chuckle.
Enough was enough, I've had it with him. I closed my eyes concentrating on where Tyrant was as I saw him look at me. I didn't waste any time as I struck him several times. Each hit caused him to laugh. I backed away breathing hard as tears fell from my face. He lifted his head and looked me straight in the eyes.
"You're emotions will be your downfall. Mark my words."
"If having emotions means I'm alive, then I'd rather have emotions then a cold-blooded killer."
"I killed for a reason."
"You killed for the hell of it. Now you listen to me. I swear after this battle is over and I finish Thanos once and for all, YOU will be the next to die."
Tyrant laughed madly and shook his head.
"You don't have the power to compete with me boy. You've only seen a percentage of my true power in that battle with Ramza. If he didn't use that "Dimension Change" and imprison me in here, I would've finished him off, just...like...Kirin."
I felt my rage boil up to a point where I didn't even want to wait to finish him off.
"You make me sick" I said with disgust before disappearing.
I sat under the tree balled up like a little kid crying.
"Why are you crying?" a voice said.
My head shot up quickly as I recognized that voice.
"Vikki?" I said looking around.
"Up here" she said.
I looked up to see her sitting on a branch. She giggled before jumping off and floating to the ground. I stared at her as she sat down in front of me.
"You have no need to cry. If anybody needs to cry it's your wife" Vikki said.
"But she..."
"I saw the whole thing from my seat. She did everything she could to try and save me Arny. Why can't you accept that?"
"But you were taking away from me. It's not fair" I said angrily.
"Remember when I first met you? You were the shyest person I had ever seen. You always kept to yourself and wouldn't let anybody help you."
I sighed and put my head down.
"If it wasn't for me, you would still be the person sitting in the corner all alone. My friends said you were trouble, but I knew you were a decent person."
"Decent people don't hit girls" I said sadly.
"What you did was wrong" Vikki said using her hands to lift my head up to look her in the eyes. "But deep down, you love that woman more then life itself."
My eyes started to water as she held my head in her chest. I tried to hold her but my arms went right through her as I started to cry again.
"That's why I fell in love with you. You would do anything for me, even if it meant putting yourself in harm's way. Your heart is filled with sadness and hurt, but you must let those feelings go. You are the only one to set things right."
"I don't know if I can do it Vikki. I'm scared."
"It's okay to be scared. I know you will never give up, no matter what the cost" she said running her hand through my head.
I felt calm whenever she did that as my whole body relaxed. Before I knew it, I was starting to feel tired as my eyes were getting heavy.
"Your destiny is almost at hand. Fight with all your heart, and you will succeed my Arny" she said kissing my forehead and placing me under the tree.
She stood up and disappeared with the wind that was blowing across the field, a single tear fell from her eye.
Thanos stood up and walked towards the door.
"Zalbag, it is time. You know what do."
"Of course my lord. I shall be waiting for your word" Zalbag said with a bow.
"Good. When all is said and done, a true god I will become" Thanos said clenching his fist in front of him.
Thanos looked behind him at Darkstar which was days away from the moon and still speeding its way towards Earth.
"With the Darkstar absorbing all life on this planet, all I need to do is absorb it. Then nothing, not even the gods themselves will be able to stop me."
He started laughing before he disappeared in a flash of black light.
I woke up with a jump looking around. Was it all just a dream? Was Vikki really here? I looked for the butterfly and found that it was gone and a note in its place. I looked at it as the only thing it said was "Believe." What the hell did that mean? Shaking my head, I stood as the full moon shone brightly in the sky.
"Its time" I said taking a deep breath before taking off towards Attowa Chasm. The place was like a mini Grand Canyon with lots of gaps and caves.
Thanos had his back turn when he felt my presence headed towards him. He smiled and turned around as he saw me land on the ground.
"I see you made it" Thanos said with a smile.
"I didn't have a choice really."
"You're a smart boy. Have you reconsidered my proposal?"
"Yes I have and my answer remains the same" I said angrily.
Thanos closed his eyes and chuckled.
"Very well. Then let us begin our duel. Just to make it so you have a fighting chance, I will not use any of the power stones."
"You flatter me" I said with disgust over his arrogance.
"Shall we begin?"
I clenched my fists tightly as I started to glow white. I took off like a shot towards him as he stood there unmoving. When I got close, a strong barrier prevented me from getting to him. It stunned me for a second which was more then enough time for him to strike as he swung with such force that I got sent flying towards a cliff making a hole it in.
"Come now Ultimus. Surely you can start better then this."
I sat up holding my head as I was seeing stars. A small blood trail went down my face from my head due to the impact. My legs felt weak as I stood up.
"Dammit, he's still too strong to take head on. I have to get behind him somehow."
I charged my power again and disappeared. I had to pretend I was going to strike him head on again then get him from behind. I reappeared in front of him again as he swung at me. Before he connected, I disappeared again making him hit thin air. Now was my chance as I appeared behind him. I took a swing throwing everything I had into it.
To my surprise, he turned around quicker then ever and caught my fist inches from his face.
"You insult me with such childish tricks. Show me your true power" he yelled.
He pulled me close kneeing me in the stomach taking the air out of me, following up with another punch that would've sent me flying in the air again but he caught me by my leg and slammed me down on the ground and kicked me causing me to slide on the ground a good 5 feet away from him. Firestorm was knocked out of its sheath and fell in front of
Thanos' feet.
"What a shame. I thought the blood of Modeen in your body will give you somewhat of a boost. But I guess I was wrong" Thanos said shaking his head.
I watched him reach down to pick up my sword as he touched it and he got a nasty zap as he recoiled in pain.
"Nasty toy, too bad I'm gonna break it."
I watched him grab the blade and take a hold of the ends as burning smoke rose from where he held it and grunted bringing his knee up at it and I was sure it would break as he only knocked his knee down.
"Damn so the Gods conspire against me" and he turned around and threw my sword hard and fast as it stuck lodged deeply in a stone. "Don't bother trying to reach that blade, I'll never let you get close to it" he smirked at me evilly.
I got to my hands and knees before coughing up blood. This wasn't fairing well so far. Even without the stones, he's more powerful then me and now I had lost my sword. I heard his footsteps coming towards me. I waited for a second till he close enough. Then using what quickness I had, tried to kick him in the head. He read it without worry as he grabbed my leg.
"Playing dirty to huh? I like that" Thanos chuckled.
He started to spin me like a top before tossing me in the air. When he did, he disappeared and appeared where I would be in a few seconds bringing his hands in a double axe before coming down with power right in my back smashing me back down to the ground. I flew like a rocket into the ground making a huge hole where I landed.
"Now do you see why I'm doing this? I'm showing you what a true god can do. Agree to be my heir and you too will have the power I possess and more" Thanos said holding his hand up as it glowed red.
"Where did Ultimus go?" Xellos asked.
Skorp, Luna, and Soa were quiet as they looked at each other.
"Well?" Tiger said getting impatient.
"He's doing something very important" Luna said.
"Like what?" Venom asked. "If it's so important, why didn't he ask us for help?"
"Because interference is not allowed" a voice said.
"Zalbag!!" Soa said angrily. "Why are you here?"
"I'm here on Lord Thanos's request" Zalbag said appearing from the wall.
"What does he want?"
"He requests all of your presence to bear witness to a new world order. He will not take no for an answer" Zalbag said with a smile as the ruby on his forehead shined brightly covering everybody in a red glow.
Zalbag counted the heads and saw somebody was missing.
"We're missing somebody. I can't very will bring you there without all of you."
He snapped his fingers as Tasha appeared in a clear bubble. She had a look of surprise on her as Zalbag smiled.
"There, that's better. Now then, shall we go?"
His ruby shined brightly as they got teleported out of the house.
I coughed up more blood as my body got tossed into another cliff. I didn't even have any energy left as I dropped to the ground.
"You have a very high threshold for pain. I'm impressed" Thanos said cracking his knuckles.
With one finger, he pointed it at me as my body floated up and went towards him. He looked at my face as it was covered in blood. Thanos laughed and ran a finger down the side of my face collecting my blood.
"Imagine, the blood of the god of light, Modeen, is in you. But you don't know how to unlock the power do you? I can show you young one. All you have to do is beg me for it."
Thanos felt another presence as he turned his head and saw Zalbag along with everybody else.
"ULTIMUS" everybody yelled.
"Welcome, my lord Soa. Behold, this is your so called chosen one" he said lifting me higher so everybody could see the bad shape I was in.
"Ultimus, wake up. You have to fight him" Soa yelled.
Skorp took a step forward before a shock of lighting forced him to one knee.
"Naughty naughty Skorp. I said no interference" Thanos said shaking his finger.
"You bastard" Skorp said angrily.
I managed to open one of my eyes and look at everybody. They all looked at me with fear in their eyes. I felt so powerless and weak as I closed my eye and went limp. It was then I heard Soa speak inside my head.
"Ultimus, fight back."
"I can't Soa. I don't have anything left in me."
"Ultimus, I know he's strong, but you are stronger if you believe."
Before I could answer, I felt lighting shoot through me causing me to yell.
"I said NO interference Soa" Thanos said with an evil smile.
Soa balled his fists up angrily and clenched his teeth together.
"I've brought you all here to witness a coming of a new era. With my goal so close I can taste it. The only thing left is to finish off the only obstacle in my way" he said looking at me.
The Power stone on his hand started to glow red as a red bubble enclosed around me.
"This duel...is over. "Implosion Strike"."
Thanos strike the bubble I was in as it streaked like a comet towards a nearby mountain. As soon as I hit it, I went right in the middle of it as the mountain exploded, covering me in rocks. Thanos and Zalbag started laughing as everybody looked terrified.
"I can't...sense him anymore" Luna said sadly.
"The Light has stopped responding to me. No, not like this. He has to be alive" Soa said.
My mom went into my father arms crying uncontrollable along with Tasha who dropped to her knees.
"He's not dead. Tell me he's not dead?" Greywolf said to Tiger who had tears in his eyes and held onto Jenna.
"Finally, my dream will become a reality. Now nothing will stand in my way, not even you "my lord" Thanos said still laughing.
With a wave of his hand I felt the rocks on top of me explode. I opened my eyes as he
gave another flick of his hand as I felt this terrible rush of pain as. My ribs exploded out wards causing me to scream out as the pain lessen some. I looked down to see my chest was gone exposing my heart, lungs and a stone nestled right below my heart faintly glowing white. Right before I blacked out I heard Thanos say, "Time to collect my prize."
"Come on Arny, don't be such a baby" Vikki said pulling my arm.
"But I don't want to."
"You promised you would come with me to the party."
"But all of the popular people will be there."
"So what?" she said ringing the bell.
Chris opened the door with a smile.
"Hey beautiful, welcome to wonderland. I see you brought a friend."
"Boyfriend Chris. This means, I'm no longer on the menu."
"Humph, that won't stop me. Welcome, what's your name?" Chris said extending his hand.
"Arngrim Ultimus" I said shaking it.
"Well Arn, come on in and meet the gang."
My vision went black as another flashback played.
"Do you have to leave?" I said looking at her.
"I told you how important this degree is to me. I'll be back before you know it."
"But..."
"No buts mister. Besides, when I came back, we'll make our wedding official" she said kissing me as she heard her flight announced.
She gave me a big hug before walking towards her gate. Looking back, she waved goodbye and disappeared. Fog soon covered my vision as it cleared with me standing over her grave with Chris at my side.
"I'm so sorry man" Chris said in tears.
"It wasn't your fault. I told her not to get on that plane but she wouldn't listen."
"Are you going to be okay Arn?"
"I don't know Chris, I really don't" I said softly.
"You know if you need anything, don't hesitate to call me bro" Chris said patting my shoulder.
"Thanks man."
My vision went black again as I could hear my heart beat very slowly.
"Looks like I'm going to be joining you Vikki" I said softly.
"Ultimus...Ultimus..."
Vikki's image appeared in my mind.
"Ultimus, please get up. You have to fight. Everybody's counting on you."
I saw images flash before me of everybody dead on the ground with each beat of my heart. The final image was of Tasha with a smile on her face. The image started to fade when she spoke to me.
"Believe in yourself, and nothing will stand in your way."
I let a tear trail down my cheek as I was filled with despair and anguish as I began to think about all the evil that would be done by Thanos if he became a god. I felt anger as the memories came back to all the pain I've endured from my childhood not having my parents, to Vikki's death. Thanos was the cause, and I could feel the anger building. Just when I thought I'd explode, I heard and saw Shadow-mane standing in front of me.
"Your anger is now correctly placed, but do not let that anger and rage control you or it will turn you into a monster like mine almost did to me. The first step in unlocking the true power of the Light Stone is letting go of all the pain and anger that holds you back."
That's when something inside me snapped as I felt this incredible power surge through me.
"Victory is mine Soa. Just like I envisioned it" Thanos said with a smile on his face.
"I won't let you have that stone. Not while I still breathe" Soa said angrily as a green aura surrounded him.
"Oh really? Well then, I can change that."
"Who's that by Ultimus?" Skorp cried out causing Thanos to spin around and every one watched a snow white anthro wolf dressed in simple white flowing robes standing beside Ultimus' prone body. Thanos yelled out in anger.
"Your interference has doomed you and the boy, "Reality Purge." He yelled out as the wolf just looked at him as Thanos fired a greenish globe at both him and Ultimus as the basketball-sized globe tore up the ground with its terrible power. Just before it hit him he tilted his head a bit as the globe stopped about a foot away as the Wolf exhaled sharply through his nose and the globe was dispersed and Thanos' eyes went wide as Soa gave words to the scene.
"It's Canis, God of nature, the moon, and canines" he spoke out as Thanos recoiled in pure fear, as the god spoke.
"You broke the terms of your own duel. You were lightly drawing on the power of the stones even as you battled. You had no intention of surrendering the stones in the event you lost" he spoke in a deep voice, as Thanos tried to teleport out but couldn't as Canis spoke once more.
"I'm preventing you from leaving. With a tiny bit of help from me, he's broke the final barrier on the Light Stone. Now I'll leave you two to settle things yourselves" and in a flash of light, Canis was gone as the Light Stone emitted a huge amount of power.
Thanos managed a couple of steps before everybody felt that surge of power I emitted.
"Wow, what the hell was that?" Skorp said with a shiver.
The ground started to shake as Thanos looked at me with fear in his eyes.
"No, he should be dead" Thanos said angrily, as his anger eclipsed his fear. "You will be the first I destroy when I become a true god Canis...."
Blue light shot out between the cracks before I exploded from the rubble, hovering in the air as I drew on the Light Stone to heal my injuries.
"No more pain. No more suffering. I'm going to finish you once and for all" I yelled as blue light shot from my chest covering my body. I felt the pain from my wounds vanish as they healed fully regeneration the damage of my rib cages healing and revitalizing me completely. Once I was recovered I glared at Thanos that sent a streak of fear through
him. I had seen Canis beside me and I had finally let go of all the pain and anger I hate. The only thought going through my mind was no longer revenge, but justice.
Streaks of blue lighting struck the ground splitting it in half. Heavy wind was blowing dust everywhere. The light subsided as my body glowed with blue light. My appearance changed as my hair went longer down my back. It turned from black to ocean blue as it swayed lightly from the breeze. I opened my eyes which turned from brown to the same ocean blue color and looked at Thanos which sent fear down his spine. I reached out and said, "Firestorm come to the hand of your master."
Firestorm responded to my call as it burst from the boulder and came to my hand as I started to charge power into the flaming blade changing the yellow fire, to a white flame as the lightning crackled a dark blue over it.
"No more" I said angrily and started walking towards him.
Small sparks of lighting jumped from the ground with each step I took.
"He did it. He unlocked the true power of the Light stone" Soa said somewhat shocked.
Thanos was still speechless until he raised his hand in Soa's direction.
"Take one more step, and I'll make sure they won't survive what I will do."
I stopped in my tracks as I balled my fists tightly emitting wave after wave of blue energy.
"What are you afraid of Thanos?" Skorp said with a smile.
"Shut up Skorp. I haven't planned this out perfectly to lose now!" Thanos said directing his eyes towards Skorp.
When he looked back towards me, I was right in front him. He let out a surprise gasp as I grabbed his hand roughly, and started to interfere with the power of his stones so he couldn't do anything to my friends. I had sheathed Firestorm, as much as I wanted to finish him off right now, and as much as I'd no doubt regret it later, I wanted to punish him, make him feel all the pain, despair, and anguish he'd caused every one else around him.
"You don't know when to quit do you? Enough is enough" I said angrily and began to crush his hand.
"Damn you" he yelled and punched me with his free hand.
My head rocked back but didn't faze me as I turned my head back and looked at him. Fear was seen in his eyes as he tried for another swing. I grabbed his fist with ease and struck him hard in the stomach, bringing him down to both knees as he took huge gasps of air. I reared back and kicked him as he bounced along the ground before he regained
his footing and looked at me with anger.
"Forget this shit" he said as the Chaos stone glowed brightly. "Let's see if you can get to them in time to block this "Chaos stone, "Destruction Beam"."
A high intensity laser beam shot from his hand as it streaked towards everybody.
"Defensive barrier quickly" Soa shouted.
"There isn't enough time to do it" Skorp said as the attack was meters away.
I appeared in front of them before they could even blink as I held my hand out. The beam struck the barrier I made with a bang before it cancelled itself out.
"Now I have you" Thanos said as he glowed yellow. "Time stone "Acceleration"."
Thanos flew at me like lightning. I could feel the energy of his stones and used them to track him as he struck at me and I ducked quickly and threw my sword out connecting with something as it let out a yell of pain before tumbling to the ground. Thanos became visible as he held his chest before his mouth started to leak blood. Thanos stood up slowly breathing hard as I began walking towards him again.
"You will not be the one to defeat me. I WILL BE THE TRUE GOD" he shouted before taking off in the sky.
He crossed his arms over his heart as he started chanting the "Dragon Slave". The ring appeared around him and grew brighter as that familiar ball of energy formed over his head. I stopped in my tracks and looked up at him, he was enhancing it with every ounce of power the Power stones could muster.
"Here boy, see if you can block this, "Dragon Slave"."
He shot his arms forward as I saw that wave of power come at me with hatred behind it. Everybody looked scared as it streaked towards me.
"There's no way he can block something of that magnitude" Luna said.
I smiled as it got closer before raising my hands.
"Reflection Force" I shouted, pouring every ounce of power I could muster into it from the Light Stone.
An invisible wall appeared as the attack struck it, sliding me back some before returning to Thanos at full force. I could feel it as the attack hit my shield. It had a hell of a lot of power, but hadn't unlocked their full power yet. But he was far more powerful then I was even having unlocked the light stone's real power.
"IMPOSSIBLE" he yelled.
He put up a barrier just in time as the impact from his own attack, sent him flying into a nearby cliff dislodging 2 of the power stones, Reality and Space, from his gloves. I held my hand out as they floated towards me and began to orbit around my body. The bracers on my hand started to glow as I prepared my attack.
"Time to finish you" I said, realizing he was more powerful then I was. I couldn't play around any more.
The stones started to resonate with the Light stone as they spun rapidly around my body. A pentagram appeared under my feet and began to glow. I closed my eyes and began the chant of an attack I knew nothing about but was in my head.
"Darkness beyond blackest pitch. Deeper then the deepest night. King of darkness of who shines like gold upon the sea of chaos. I call upon thee, I swear myself to thee."
"Oh my god, he wouldn't" Soa said wide eyes.
"What's he doing?" Tiger asked feeling the power around me triple almost quadruple.
"Let the fools who stand before me be destroyed, by the power you and I possess."
I held my hands to the side as a black and white orb formed in my hands.
"Giga Slave"."
I pushed my hands forward as a massive black and white beam shot towards Thanos. Thanos looked up to see it coming as his eyes went wide. Zalbag appeared in front of Thanos and put up a barrier with all of his power behind it. My attack hit his barrier and kept on going as it consumed him and continued towards Thanos.
"No, this cannot be. NOOOOOO!!!!"
The beam created a nuclear explosion as soon as it connected rocking the ground all around the world. A mushroom cloud shot up in the air covering the night sky. After about 10 minutes, the smoke clear only to see a huge hole in the ground for god knows how deep. The stones stopped spinning as the pentagram disappeared when Thanos's voice could be heard from somewhere.
"I don't know how you did it, but mark my words boy and mark them well. Nothing will stand in the way between me and my goal. Darkstar will soon be here and there's nothing you can do about. I will destroy you before that happens, I promise you. You have not heard the last of me" he yelled before his voice faded again.
Everybody was speechless for a minute of so as they looked at me.
"So that's the true power of the Light stone?" Xellos said still amazed.
"My god, it's unreal" Jenna said.
My body got covered in a blue light as I changed back to normal and fell to the ground.
Everybody ran over to me as I wasn't moving. Luna placed her finger to my neck as she felt my pulse.
"He's alive" she said with a sigh before I let out a loud snore. "And very tired."
They looked over to the burnt and blackened body of Zalbag as he lay dead having been burnt beyond recognition
"Come on, let's get him back" Soa said.
Thanos limped into his chambers holding his arm. He went into the back of the room as the wall opened up to reveal a tank with green water in it.
"I can't believe I was beaten" Thanos said angrily punching in a code on the panel as the top of the tank opened.
He walked up the stairs beside it cursing all the way.
"It's going to take a few days to recover from what he did to me" He said placing the breathing mask over his face before jumping in.
The cover closed as the water began to glow. He closed his eyes as he felt his body slowly recover.
"I will kill you with my bare hands boy" he said to himself as his eyes opened glowing dark red. "You will know the true power of Thanos when I ripe your soul from your
very body."
The wall closed causing the room to go dark expect the glowing of the tank. He closed his eyes again, rage building inside of him.
"Where is Tasha at?" Anna asked looking around the conference room.
"She's next to Ultimus so he sees her when he wakes up" my mom said.
Everybody looked at Soa as he took a deep breath.
"The final battle is at hand. Are you guys prepared?"
"More then ready" Greywolf said with a nod.
"I'm glad to hear that. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to head back to Ru'Aun Gardens and discuss some things with Luna and Skorp."
They got up and walked to the door before he stopped and looked at all of them.
"You guys are making me proud. I had my doubts at first, but now I can see that when you work together, you are unstoppable. Trust in one another and your powers will grow together as one. Farewell."
They walked out as the door closed leaving everybody thinking. Tiger's ear twitched as he looked around the room.
"Hey, has anybody seen Crystal?"
"Now that you mention it, he hasn't been around lately" my mom said.
The door opened as Crystal walked in.
"Where've you been? You disappeared all of a sudden" Venom said somewhat angry.
"My apologies. Something came up that needed my immediate attention. I hope I didn't miss too much."
"You don't know the half" Greywolf said shaking his head.
I stirred lightly and moaned as Tasha looked at me from the window. I sat up and held my head before speaking to her.
"Tasha, I..."
"You don't have to say anything Ultimus. I understand how you feel."
"Tasha listen..."
"No, I already know what you're going to say. If you want me out of your life, all you have to do is say so."
"Tasha..."
"What I did is unforgivable and..."
"TASHA!!" I said loudly causing her to yelp and back up against the wall.
I stood up slowly still feeling light headed and walked over to her. She whined sadly and folded her ears back. I raised my hand causing her to close her eyes as she waited to get hit again. She shivered when she felt me caress her cheek.
"Tasha, look at me."
She opened her eyes slowly as I stared deep into her.
"I love you. Nothing you do will ever change that. I was out of line when I hit you" I said softly.
"I deserved that."
"No you didn't Tasha. I know you didn't mean for it to happen and I understand. You tried your best to save her and for that I thank you, and so does she. It wasn't your fault she died, it was Thanos, everything has been his fault."
"But I made you suffer all those years" she said sadly.
"It's all in the past Tasha. What's done is done. Let it go."
Her eyes filled with tears as it trailed down her face. I leaned in and kissed her softly as her eyes went down slowly before she closed them and wrapped her arms around me. I held her close as I trailed my tongue along her teeth making her growl lightly. We inched our way to the bed where I laid her down. I looked into her eyes again as lust and love was shown.
"Tasha, you gave me the strength to continue living. If I never would've met you, I don't think..."
"Shush" she said softly placing her finger to my mouth. "Let your emotions do the talking.
She kissed me again, wrapping her legs around my waist. I managed to slide my boxers off between her tight embrace as I pushed into her slowly making us both moan and shiver. Her muscles massaged me lovingly and I began a slow thrusting into her.
"Oh god" she moaned digging her claws into my back.
I balanced myself on one arm as I leaned down and took her nipple into my mouth making her whine in passion. My other hand squeezed and pinched her right nipple making her back arch off the body.
"So good, Ultimus. Give me more, don't stop loving me. Never stop loving me."
I trailed my hand down her white furred belly rubbing it softly getting a growl of approval. I made small circles in her fur getting a gasp and tighten of her tunnel meaning she wasn't far from cumin. I wanted to make the first one was powerful so I moved my hand further down to her clit which became slick as I rubbed it slowly.
"Yes Ultimus, just like that. Your wolfie's going to cum."
Her body tensed as she let out a yelp as a river of cum flowed out of her. The intensity of that orgasm almost made me cum but I held on and continued to thrust into her. She trashed under me madly as she pushed me on my back never losing any of our motions as she rode me.
"I'm your wolfie Ultimus, now and forever" she said out of breath ramming herself down harder and harder onto my cock.
I held onto her thighs as I felt myself nearing my climax. She dug her claws into my shoulder and let out yips and yelps as I drove into her harder.
"Oh Tasha, I can't hold on" I moaned feeling her tighten around my cock again.
"Don't hold back. Give me your cum baby."
I buried my face in her neck going faster as I felt the need to cum raise quicker then ever. I couldn't hold on as I drove myself into her a let out a yell as I filled her womb. She let out a howl and kissed me hard, howling into it as she came again. We both shivered as we felt our juices slide down onto the bed. She rested her head under my chin listening to the rapid beating of my heart.
"You made your wolfie very happy" she murred deeply.
"I'm glad I could make my wolfie happy" I said kissing the tip of her nose.
She gave my penis another squeezed and sighed happily on top of me as I held her close. It wasn't long before she was fast asleep. I rubbed her back softly causing her tail to sway back and forth out of reflex.
"I owe everything to you and Vikki. Thank you both for believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself."
I let a big yawn as I carefully pulled the covers over both of us making her sigh and hug me harder. I placed her on her side and held her close. I closed my eyes and sighed lightly. Thanos will come after us with a vengeance. He won't be playing around like he was before. Next time, will be the final time. All the cards will be on the table, winner take all. I just hope we all will be ready for the toughest battle ever.